bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome analysis of two contrasting genotypes of pearl millet to gain insight into heat stress responses
Authors: Maibam Albert , Nigombam Sunil , Vishwakarma Harinder , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Gaikwad Kishor , Mithra S. V. Amitha , Singh Madan Pal , Singh Sumer Pal , Dalal Monika , Padaria Jasdeep Chatrath
Published: May 2020

Background

Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. is mainly grown in arid and semi-arid regions. Being naturally tolerant to various adverse condtitions, it is a good biological resource for deciphering the molecular basis of abiotic stresses such as heat stress in plants but limited studies have been carried out till date to this effect. Here, we performed RNA-sequencing from the leaf of two contrasting genotypes of pearl millet (841-B and PPMI-69) subjected to heat stress (42 °C for 6 h).
Results

Over 274 million high quality reads with an average length of 150 nt were generated. Assembly was carried out using trinity, obtaining 47,310 unigenes having an average length of 1254 nucleotides, N50 length of 1853 nucleotides and GC content of 53.11%. Blastx resulted in annotation of 35,628 unigenes and functional classification showed 15,950 unigenes designated to 51 Gene Ontology terms, 13,786 unigenes allocated to 23 Clusters of Orthologous Groups and 4,255 unigenes distributed into 132 functional KEGG pathways. 12,976 simple sequence repeats were identified from 10,294 unigenes for the development of functional markers. A total of 3,05,759 SNPs were observed in the transcriptome data. Out of 2,301 differentially expressed genes, 10 potential candidates genes were selected based on log2 fold change and adjusted p-value parameters for their differential gene expression by qRT-PCR.
Conclusions

The dynamic expression changes in two genotypes of P. glaucum reflect transcriptome regulation of signaling pathways in heat stress response. In order to develop genetic markers, 12,976 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified. The sequencing data generated in this study shall serve as an important resource for further research in the area of crop biotechnology.
Central Osteophytes in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip Joint Compared to Healthy Subjects: A Histological study
Authors: Klose-Jensen Rasmus , Nielsen Andreas Wiggers , Hartlev Louise Brøndt , Thomasen Jesper Skovhus , Boel Lene Warner Thorup , Laursen Mogens , Keller Kresten Krarup , Hauge Ellen-Margrethe
Published: May 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and size of marginal and central osteophytes in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare these to that of healthy subjects. Design: We investigated femoral heads from 25 patients with OA following hip replacement surgery, and 25 femoral heads from healthy subjects obtained post-mortem. The area and boundary length of the femoral head, marginalosteophytes, and central osteophytes were determined with histomorphometry. Marginal osteophytes were defined as bony projections at the peripheral margin of the femoral head, while central osteophytes were defined as areas of bone that expanded from the normal curvature of the femoral head up into the articular cartilage.Results: The median[25th−75th percentile] number of marginal osteophytes was 5[5−6] for patients with OA compared to 0[0−1] for the healthy subjects (P<0.001). The median number of central osteophytes was 3[2−4] for patients with OA, which was significantly higher thanthat of 1[0−2]for the healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The marginal and central osteophytes were significantly larger in patients with OA than in healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, the central osteophytes were more frequent than the marginal osteophytes (P = 0.045).Conclusion: At the hip, bothmarginal- and central osteophytes were more frequent and larger in patients with OA than in healthy subjects. The higher number of central osteophytes compared to marginal osteophytes in the healthy subjects may suggest that central osteophytes arean early phenomenon of osteoarthritis.
3D Co-Culture model of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFCs) Reverses Late Passage Adipose-derived Stem Cell Senescence for Wound Healing
Authors: Hu Wansheng , Zhu Shengqian , Fanai Mimi Lalrimawii , Wang Jing , Cai Junrong , Feng Jingwei
Published: May 2020

BackgroundExtensive passage of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in vitro leads to loss of function. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) can be isolated from adult peripheral blood. A 3D co-culture system may rescue in vitro ASC senescence.MethodsA 3D co-culture model was successfully established using hyaluronic acid (HA) gel and a 10:1 ratio of late-passage ASCs and ECFCs. Cell density and culture conditions were optimized. Stem cell phenotype was characterized by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to measure the trophic effect of angiogenic growth factors and compare the effects of these factors between the 3-D co-culture and single cell culture. Therapeutic potential of ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures was evaluated in a mouse chronic injury model.ResultsFollowing incubation in a HA substrate 3D co-culture system, ASC morphology, phenotype, secretory profile and differentiation capacity was restored. The ASC/ECFC co-culture increased the secretion of cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor, compared with single cell 3D culture or monolayer culture. Mice radiation-ulcer wounds treated with ASC/ECFC 3-D co-cultures (spheroids) showed epithelialization and improved healing compared with wounds treated with ASCs or ECFCs alone. Further, transplanted ASC/ECFC spheroids exhibited superior angiogenic potential due to the ability of the ASCs to transdifferentiate into pericytes.Conclusion3D co-culture of ECFCs and ASCs in vitro restored native ASC properties by reversing cellular senescence and loss of trophic function. Transplant of ASC/ECFC 3D spheroids in vivo demonstrated pro-angiogenic capacity with improved therapeutic potential.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with severe COVID-19 in Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Liu Songqiao , Luo Huanyuan , Wang Yuancheng , Cuevas Luis E. , Wang Duolao , Ju Shenghong , Yang Yi
Published: May 2020

BackgroundTo describe the characteristics of patients with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and factors associated with severe or critically ill presentation.MethodsMulticentre retrospective cohort study of all individuals with confirmed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) infections diagnosed at 24 COVID-19-designated hospitals in Jiangsu province between the 10th January and 15th March 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected at hospital admission and data on disease severity were collected at from admission. Patients were categorised as asymptomatic/mild/moderate, and severe/critically ill according to the worst level of COVID-19 recorded during hospitalisation.ResultsA total of 625 patients, 64 (10.2%) were severe/critically ill and 561 (89.8%) were asymptomatic/mild/moderate. All patients were discharged and no patients died. Multivariable regression showed that odds of being a severe/critically ill case were associated with age (year) (OR, 95%CI 1.06, 1.03–1.09), lymphocyte count (109/L) (OR 0.25, 0.08–0.74), and pulmonary opacity in CT (per 5%) on admission (OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.15–1.51).ConclusionsSevere or critically ill patients with COVID-19 is about one-tenths of patients in Jiangsu. Age, lymphocyte count, and pulmonary opacity in CT on admission were associated with risk of severe or critically ill COVID-19.# Songqiao Liu, Huanyuan Luo, Yuancheng Wang contributed equally to this manuscript
The Prevalence of depression in outpatients attending a chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction clinic in a tertiary academic centre in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Tsabedze Nqoba , Kinsey Jamie-Leigh , Mpanya Dineo , Mogashoa Vanessa , Klug Eric , Manga Pravin
Published: May 2020

Background: In high income countries depression is reported to affect at least one-fifth of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Mental health problems have been associated with frequent rehospitalisation and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Despite the reported high prevalence of depression in CHF, there is a paucity of data on this subject from the developing world. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety in patients attending a dedicated chronic heart failure clinic. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at an outpatient heart failure clinic, in a tertiary academic centre over a nine month period in 2016. The study participants completed a Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) questionnaire to screen for the presence and severity of depression, anxiety and stress. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression.Results: The study population comprised of 103 patients, predominantly female (62.1%) with a median age of 53 (interquartile range 38 – 61). Hypertension was the most common co-morbidity, reported in 35.9% of patients. Depression was reported by 54 (52.4%) with 12(11.7%) reporting extremely severe depression. Anxiety was diagnosed in 55 (53.4%) patients with extremely severe anxiety reported by 19 (18.4%) patients. Fifty patients (48.5%) were classified as stressed and only 8 (7.7%) had extremely severe stress. More than half of the patients (54.4%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I with a mean (SD) left ventricular ejection (LVEF) of 30.5 (11.1) %. The six-minute walk test (odds ratio (OR) -0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.01 – 0.00, p=0.012) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure score (OR 0.04, CI 0.02 – 0.01, p=0.001) were identified as independent predictors of depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety was found in over half of our patients attending the chronic heart failure clinic. In view of the high prevalence of psychosocial stressors in CHF, we recommend that mental health screening should be considered. Prospective, adequately powered, multicentre studies from developing countries investigating the impact of depression on heart failure hospitalisation and mortality are still required.
Economic Burden of Moderate to Severe Burns and its Association with Health-related Quality of Life of Nigerian Women
Authors: Chinweuba Anthonia U , Chinweuba Ifunanya S. , Diorgu Faith C. , Ubochi Nneka E. , Ezeruigbo Chinwe S. , Wasini Kenneth B. , Nnabuenyi Anthonia I.
Published: May 2020

Background
Burns cases are frequent in Nigeria hospitals, however, literature on its economic burden and the association with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of women in Nigeria is scarce. This study determined the weight of cost of hospitalization on women’s economic status and its associated HRQOL.
Methods
This was a three-month cross-sectional study of seventy-three female patients ≥ 25 years, treated of mixed or full thickness burns in four teaching hospitals in south-east Nigeria, discharged between September-November, 2018. Study instruments were participants’ case notes for socio-demographic and disease history, interviewer-administered questionnaires, namely-economic-burden-of-burns questionnaire and English version of the EuroQol Five-Dimensions-Three-Level Health Questionnaire for Nigeria. Data were collected on second- or third-day post-discharge through home visits or phone calls. This lasted for thirteen weeks.
Results
Most participants were married, fairly educated, mainly traders or housewives. Thirty-four (46.6%) had subjective estimated family monthly income below NGN 50,000 (low economic status). Participants’ average monthly income reduced drastically after hospitalization. Their average family monthly income was NGN110,439 (USD307), while their average total expenses incurred during hospitalization was NGN691,093 (USD1,920). Almost all (93.2%) had at least one surgical intervention during management. Their average length of hospital stay was 35.4 days; eleven consequently lost their job. Many had moderate to severe economic burden of treatment; only eleven could bear all the treatment expenses independently. Women in the low economic class were more inclined to extreme anxiety/depression (p = .001) and pain/discomfort (p = .002) dimensions of HRQOL. Low and middle-class women had poorer health state on the EQ VAS scale than the high class.
Conclusion
Burns places high level of economic burden on women and unfortunately, Nigerian government’s commitment to healthcare of burns patients is low. The long course of hospitalization and economic depletion impact negatively on the women’s HRQOL. Based on these findings, we recommend that government parastatals create special trust fund for burns treatment and the National Health Insurance Scheme be restructured for more accessibility.
A method for identifying and predicting the geometric errors of a rotating axis
Authors: Fan Jinwei , Wang Peitong , Tao Haohao , Li Zhongsheng , Yin Jian
Published: May 2020

To improve the machine tool accuracy, an integrated geometric error identification and prediction method is proposed to eliminate the positioning inaccuracy of tool ball for a double ball bar (DBB) caused by the rotary axis’ geometric errors in a multi-axis machine tool. In traditional geometric errors identification model based on homogenous transformation matrices (HTM), the elements of position-dependent geometric errors(PDGEs) are defifined in the local frames attached to the axial displacement, which is inconvenient to do redundance analysis. Thus, this paper proposed an integrated geometric error identification and prediction method to solve the uncertainty problem of the PDGEs of rotary axis. First, based on homogeneous transform matrix (HTM) and multi-body system (MBS) theory, The transfer matrix only considering the rotary axes is derived to determine the tool point position error model. Then a geometric errors identification of rotary axis is introduced by measuring the error increment in three directions. Meanwhile the geometric errors of C-axis are described as position-dependent truncated Fourier polynomials caused by fitting discrete values. Thus, The geometric error identification is converted to the function coefficient. Finally, the proposed new prediction and identification model of PDGEs in the global frame are verified through simulation and experiments with double ball-bar tests.
Closure of Petersen's defect in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an interrupted time-series analysis from a high-volume institution in China
Authors: Pan Tao , Wang Hui , Liu Kai , Chen Xin-zu , Zhang Wei-han , Chen Xiao-long , Yang Kun , Zhang Bo , Zhou Zong-guang , Hu Jian-Kun
Published: May 2020

Background
Internal hernia (IH) and small bowel obstruction (SBO) are serious complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Whether closure of Petersen's defect (PD) might reduce the rates is unknown.
Methods
Patients underwent gastrectomy with PD were enrolled. From January 2014 to January 2017, we performed gastrectomy without closure of PD (non-closure group). From February 2017 to June 2018, we closed PD (closure group). The rates of IH, suspected internal hernia (SIH), and SBO were compared between the two groups.
Results
Among a total of 1213 patients, 151 patients (12.4%) developed SBO after gastrectomy, 10 patients (0.8%) developed IH and 20 patients (1.6%) developed SIH. The rate of SBO and SIH were 15.0% (124/828) and 2.3% (19/828) respectively in the non-closure group, compared with 7.0% (27/385) and 0.3% (1/385) in the closure group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.015 respectively). The rate of IH in the closure group (1/385, 0.3%) was lower than the non-closure group (9/828, 1.1%). Non-closure of PD was a risk factor for IH and SIH [odds ratio (OR) 6.58, 95%CI 1.56–27.85, p = 0.011].
Conclusions
Closure of PD is recommended after gastrectomy, as we noticed a significantly lower rate of SBO and SIH, and a tendency for lower rate of IH.
Prognostic Factors of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Patients After Surgical Resection
Authors: Liu Gangshan , Wu Shuodong , Zhao Jiannan , Li Xuecheng , Fan Ying
Published: May 2020

Background

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is one of the most common malignancies in China with poor prognosis and its incidence rate is increasing. Surgical resection is the most possible curative treatment option. However, comprehensive knowledge of prognostic markers is less or not accurate. So, the aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors in the surgical resection of HC patients.
Methods

A retrospective analysis of 85 cases of HC patients attending our hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were included in the study. The patients diagnosed as HC and treated with radical surgery were included.Excluded the patients undergoing non-radical surgery, with tumors in other organs, with perioperative death,with death not caused by this disease and with lost follow-up.The clinical data were collected from the Hospital Information System.The patients was follow-up history at July 2019.The end point was that the patient died of recurrence of HC. Cox proportional hazards model analysis was performed to identify indexes of prognosis. All indicators were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results

The significantly related prognostic factors are imaging staging,blood loss during surgery, lymphatic metastasis, tumor size, Tumor Node Metastasis(TNM) stage, surgical margin and level of carbohydrate antigen 19–9(CA19-9) in blood. Among them, TNM stage, surgical margin and level of CA19-9 in blood are independent prognostic factors.
Conclusions

Good prognosis in HC patients is indicated by early stages of TNM staging, no resection margin invaded and low level of CA19-9.
Stem cell application in rotator cuff repair: Interposition stem cell sheet versus overlaid stem cell sheet
Authors: Choi Jae hee , Kang Michael Seungcheol , Shin Myung Jin , Kim Dong Min , Lee Yu Na , Shim In Kyoung , Koh Kyoung Hwan
Published: May 2020

Background

Stem cells are an effective method of biologic healing and can be used to enhance the natural enthesis of the tendon-to-bone junction in rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the application of engineered stem cell sheets using adipose-derived cells (ADSCs) was effective in regeneration of natural enthesis and if there was a difference in the result of repair depending on the applied location
Methods

A chronic rotator cuff tear model was induced for 2 weeks, and cell sheets made using ADSCs isolated from rats were transplanted into the tendon-to-bone junction during surgical repair. Depending on the transplant location of the cell sheet, the difference in rotator cuff healing level between the overlaid group and the interposition group was compared to the surgical repair only group. The samples were obtained based on the tendon-to-bone junction and analysis of gross morphology, histology staining, and biomechanical analysis were performed.
Results

The differentiation potentials of ADSCs as stem cells were confirmed, as was the potential for tenogenic differentiation by growth factors. ADSCs were prepared as a sheet form to maintain the shape at the target site and to be easily attached. GFP-expressing ADSCs were proliferated in vivo and observed at the transplantation site. The overall healing level was better in the cell sheet transplanted group than in the control group that surgical repair only. Additionally, differences in healing level were shown depending on the cell sheet location by morphological, histological, and biomechanical perspectives. Histological results showed that the interposition transplantation group (1.75 ± 0.43, P = 0.004) showed better fibrocartilage formation and collagen orientation at the junction than the overlaid transplantation group (0.86 ± 0.83).
Conclusion

In the chronic rotator cuff repair model, the engineered stem cell sheets enhanced the regeneration of the tendon-to-bone junction. This regeneration was more effective when the stem cell sheet was interpositioned at the tendon-to-bone interface.
Trial registration:
Not applicable
The clinical significance of left inferior phrenic vein in retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy
Authors: Wang Fang-Ming , Zhang Gui-Ming , Liu Yong
Published: May 2020

Background

The clinical significance of left inferior phrenic vein (IPV) during left retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) for adrenal tumors is unclear. We aimed to investigate the surgical feasibility and value of IPV as a landmark during RLA.
Methods

Between September 2016 and November 2018, 92 consecutive left RLAs were performed by the same surgeon. All the operations were performed through the approach of three relative avascular planes༎Then we searched for IPV between superior margin of renal artery and anterior aspect of psoas major muscle. The left IPV was used as an anatomical landmark to identify and ligate the central adrenal vein (CAV).
Results

All 92 operations were performed successfully with one conversion to open surgery. We identified the CAV following left IPV in all cases. The left IPV drained into the CAV in 100% of cases, and variant venous anatomy (2 CAVs) was encountered in 2 pheochromocytoma cases (2.17%). Peritoneum perforation occurred in one case in operation (1.09%). Postoperative complications (fever) occurred in 3 patients (3.26%). The mean operative time was 75.82 ± 21.55 minutes༎The average postoperative hospital stay was 3.57 ± 0.76 days༎Pathological examination revealed: cortical adenoma in 72 cases (78.26%), adrenal cyst in 11 cases (11.96%), pheochromocytoma in 6 cases (6.52%), cortical hyperplasia in 1 case (1.09%), medullary hyperplasia in 1 case (1.09%), and hemangioma in 1 case (1.09%).
Conclusions

Using left IPV as a landmark to search for and handle CAV has important clinical significance in left RLA.
Reliability assessment of cutting tools based on zero-failure data
Authors: Yang Bin , Guo Kai , Feng Bin , Zhou Chang'an , Sun Chao , Sun Jie
Published: May 2020

Titanium alloys are widely utilized in aeronautical monolithic components due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the low machinability of titanium alloys results in an uncertain lifetime of cutting tools. Reliability assessment on cutting tools has become more and more significant to the effectiveness and stability of machining systems. Considering that cutting tools are often replaced well before the end of their useful lifetime to avoid failures and thus few tools failure data can be obtained during the machining process of titanium alloys, a reliability assessment model based on zero-failure data is developed to evaluate the reliability of cutting tools. A Weibull distribution model is chosen to describe the life distribution of cutting tools for reliability evaluation. Matching distribution curve method and weighted least squares method are used to estimate the distribution parameters. A novel approach using hierarchical Bayesian method for estimating the prior distribution of failure probability with zero-failure data is proposed by combining the characteristics of Weibull distribution and Incomplete Beta distribution. Reliability analysis for cutting tools with zero-failure data is performed using the proposed method. By comparing with the experience of experts and adopting stochastic simulation, the results of point estimation show plausibility of the proposed approach.
Comparison of topical breast milk versus dry cord care on umbilical cord separation, complications and cord colonization
Authors: Armanian Amir-Mohammad , Barekatain Behzad , Salehimehr Nima , Sharifian Atefeh , Shirani Zahra , Javid Asma
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Neonatal death due to infections is still a great concern worldwide. Umbilical cord related infections play significant role in the neonatal mortality specially in very low birth weight infants, mother chorioamnionitis and premature rupture of membranes. It is associated with umbilical colonization, delayed separation and poor hygiene. In the current study, effect of topical breast milk usage with dry cord care on separation time, complications and colonization were compared.
Methods

This is a randomized clinical-trial on 150 very low birth weight neonates in 2016-18. Patients' were divided in two groups; Group-M (N = 73) (3–4 drops of maternal breast milk were dropped on the umbilical cord stump within eight hours of birth and went on every eight hours until 48-hours after cord separation) and Group-D (N = 77) (the umbilical cord was drought gradually in open air). Umbilical cord culturing was performed from cord stump within 2–4 hours after delivery, three days after birth and at the day of separation. Cords were assessed considering omphalitis, bad smell, exudates formation and granulation tissue.
Results

Neonates of two groups were not statistically different regarding separation time (P = 0.09), incidence of omphalitis (P = 0.16), bad odor (P > 0.99), exudative secretions (P = 0.97), granulation tissue (P = 0.96) and sepsis (P = 0.13). In addition, hospitalization duration (P = 0.71), time to reach full enteral feeding (P = 0.31) and death (P > 0.99) were not statistically different. Three times cultures derived from two groups presented no significant difference (P > 0.05).
Conclusion

Based on findings of the current study, neither topical breast milk nor dry cord care was superior considering separation, associated complications and colonization. As neonatal death is still a serious concern worldwide and lacking of unanimous approach for prevention of cord related complications, further studies are strongly recommended.
Overexpressed lncRNA AC068039.4 contributes to proliferation and cell cycle progression of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells via sponging miR-26a-5p/TRPC6 in hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Qin Yuhan , Zhu Boqian , Li Linqing , Yan Gaoliang , Wang Dong , Qiao Yong , Liu Bo , Luo Erfei , Hou Jiantong , Tang Chengchun
Published: May 2020

Background: Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a devastating and incurable disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, resulting to right heart failure and even death. Accumulated evidence has confirmed long coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in hypoxia induced pulmonary vascular remodeling in HPH. The exact mechanism of lncRNA in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension remains unclear. Methods：Microarray analysis was applied to investigate the profiles of lncRNA expression in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) cultured under hypoxia and normoxia condition. qRT-PCR was performed for the expression of lncRNAs, miRNA and mRNAs, western blot analysis was employed for detection the expression of proteins. CCK-8 and transwell chamber assay were applied for assessment of PASMC proliferation and migration, respectively. Besides, flow cytometry was performed for assessments of cell cycle progression. The binding between AC068039.4 and miR-26a-5p, miR-26a-5p and TRPC6 3’UTR were detected by dual luciferase reporter assay.Results：A total of 1211 lncRNAs (698 up-regulated and 513 down-regulated) were differently expressed in hypoxia induced PASMCs. Consistent with microarray analysis, quantitative PCR verified that AC068039.4 was obviously up-regulated in hypoxia induced PASMCs. Knocking down AC068039.4 alleviated proliferation and migration of PASMCs and regulated cell cycle progression through inhibiting cells entering the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Further experiment indicated AC068039.4 promoted hypoxic PASMCs proliferation via sponging miR-26-5p. In addition, transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-26a-5p. Conclusion: In conclusion, downregulation of lncRNA AC068039.4 inhibited pulmonary vascular remodeling through AC068039.4/miR-26a-5p/TRPC6 axis, providing new therapeutic insights for the treatment of HPH.
Functional Compensation Dominates Plant Rhizosphere Microbiota Assembly
Authors: Ren Yi , Xun Weibing , Yan He , Ma Aiyuan , Xiong Wu , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: May 2020

Background: Rhizospheremicrobiota plays a key role in plant-soil feedbacks, yet the intrinsic principles governing rhizospheremicrobiota assembly remain unclear. To understand the principles, we studied taxonomical and functional characteristics of re-assembled maize rhizospheremicrobiota during transplanting between soils. The composition of rhizospheremicrobiota were measured by High-throughput amplicon-based IlluminaMiSeq sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene V4-region. The rhizosphere functional profiles were assessed using 16S rRNA data through PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved State) software. Results: The re-assembled rhizospheremicrobiota was recruited from both soil and endosphere communities. Soil nutrient availability dominatedmicrobiota assembly and functional profile in rhizosphere. The most important rhizospheric functions were stress tolerance, while the related taxa were in low abundance and derived primarily from bulk soil. Nutrient excessive soil marginalized rhizosphere nutrient cycling functions, while nutrient deficient soil sacrificed stress tolerance functions and enhanced compensatory colonization of nutrient cycling related endophytes in rhizosphere. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate soil condition mediates rhizospheremicrobiota assembly to satisfy plant required functions. This assembly principle is helpful for manipulating plant root microbiota to improve agricultural sustainability.
Effectiveness of A 24-h Access Outpatient Clinic for Patients with Chronic Conditions in Hospital Outpatient Follow-Up: A Registry-Based Controlled Cohort Study of Healthcare Utilisation and Mortality
Authors: Schlünsen Anders Damgaard Møller , Christiansen David Høyrup , Fredberg Ulrich , Vedsted Peter
Published: May 2020

Background: In 2015, Regional Hospital Silkeborg in Denmark introduced a 24-h telephone access hospital outpatient clinic (24-h access clinic). The 24-h access clinic allowed patients to call the hospital outpatient clinic in case of an exacerbation of symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 24-h access clinic in terms of healthcare utilisation and mortality in patients with chronic conditions.Methods: This study was designed as a registry-based controlled cohort study. The 24-h access clinic was established at Silkeborg Regional Hospital in Central Denmark Region, and the five other regional hospitals served as comparison hospitals. We included patients in hospital outpatient follow-up with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation/flutter, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic liver disease. Outcomes were hospital admissions, length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit assistance and outpatient visits, contacts to general practice, municipal home nursing and all-cause mortality. Follow-up was 18 months.Results: The study included 992 24-h access patients and 3,878 usual care patients. For the five conditions combined, the 24-h access patients had fewer all-cause admissions (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = .81, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = .71 to .92), general practice out-of-hours contacts (IRR = .81, CI = .71 to .92) and shorter LOS (IRR = .71, CI = .57 to .88), but the rate of all-cause outpatient visits was higher (IRR = 1.07, CI = .99 to 1.15). General practice daytime contacts were similar between the groups, and there was no significant difference in mortality.Conclusions: A 24-h access clinic reduced acute admissions and LOS compared to usual outpatient care. Planned outpatient visits increased and substituted unplanned acute care, thus enhancing integration of care by allowing for access to the correct level of care and ensuring continuity of care.
Molecular Characterization of Some Equine Vector-Borne Pathogens and Identification of Their Vectors in Egypt
Authors: Abdullah Hend H.A.M. , Aboelsoued Dina , Farag Tarek K , Megeed Kadria N Abdel , Abdel-Shafy Sobhy , Parola Philippe , Raoult Didier , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: May 2020

Background Equine vector borne diseases (EVBD) have been considered emerging and reemerging diseases transmitted by arthropods and most of these diseases have zoonotic concern. This study was designed to screen EVBD in equines and their vectors using molecular analyses and identify vectors by MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques.Methods A total of 335 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy equines (320 from horses and 15 from donkeys) from Cairo and Beni-Suef provinces in Egypt. A total of 166 arthropods (105 sucking flies and 61 ticks) were collected from the same animals. MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques were used to confirm the findings of morphological identification of vector. Quantitative PCR and Standard PCR coupled with sequencing were performed in equines and vectors DNA for screening multiple pathogens.Results MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques confirmed that Hippoposca equina (louse fly), Rhipicephalus annulatus (Rh. annulatus) and Rh. microplus ixodid ticks were found. In vectors, we identified Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale; 1.6%), A. platys-like (1.6%) and a new Ehrlichia sp. (4.9%) in Rh. microplus, while Ehrlichia rustica (E. rustica) was found in Rh. microplus and Rh. annulatus. Likewise, Borrelia theileri was identified in Rh. microplus (3.3%). For H. equina, Anaplasma and Borrelia sp. DNA were detected by qPCR only. In equines, A. marginale (0.6%), A. ovis (0.6%) and Theileria ovis (T. ovis; 0.6%) were found in donkeys. In horses, T. equi (1.2%) and a new Theileria sp. Africa (2.7%) were identified.Conclusions For the first time, we reported here the presence of Rh. microplus as a competent tick for Rh. annulatus in Egypt using MALDI-TOF and molecular identification. To the best of our knowledge, we provided the first detection of different pathogens as A. marginale, A. platys-like, E. rustica, new Ehrlichia sp., B. theileri in Rh. microplus, A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis in donkeys and a new Theileria sp. Africa in horses in Egypt.
Effect of gut microbiota modulation on feeding tolerance of enterally-fed critically ill adult patients: a systematic review
Authors: Seifi Najmeh , Esfahani Ali Jafarzadeh , Sedaghat Alireza , Rezvani Reza , Khadem-Rezaiyan Majid , Nematy Mohsen , Safarian Mohammad
Published: May 2020

Purpose The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics on feeding tolerance of enterally-fed critically ill adult patients. Methods Medline, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to November 2019. English language randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of pre, pro or synbiotics on the feeding tolerance of enterally-fed critically ill adult patients were included. Results Among six studies reporting the energy intake, only two studies showed significantly higher energy intake in the prebiotic-receiving groups. Among four RCTs reporting frequency or time to achieve the target calorie, only one found a significant effect of probiotics to reduce the time to achieve a target dose of calorie. About the prevalence or duration of diarrhea, 7 out of 12 RCTs reported a beneficial effect. All but one study found no beneficial effects for gut microbiota manipulation on clinical endpoints including LOS in hospital and ICU. Conclusion It should be noticed that the heterogeneity in study designs, product format, and ICU patient populations makes it difficult to draw any general conclusion. Overall, it seems that pre, pro or synbiotics have not significant beneficial effect on feeding tolerance and clinical endpoints in critically ill adults, but they may reduce the prevalence or duration of diarrhea.
ZNF280A Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Development through Regulating the Expression of EIF3C
Authors: Liu Hongsheng , Qin Yingzhi , Zhou Na , Ma Dongjie , Wang Yingyi
Published: May 2020

Background: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor worldwide. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological subtype in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The relationship between ZNF280A and LUAD has not been demonstrated and remains unclear. Methods: In this study, it was demonstrated that ZNF280A was upregulated in LUAD tissues compared with the normal tissues. Further investigations indicated that the overexpression/knockdown of ZNF280A could promote/inhibit proliferation, colony formation and migration of LUAD cells, while inhibiting/promoting cell apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of ZNF280A could also suppress tumorigenicity of LUAD cells in vivo. RNA-sequencing followed by Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was performed for exploring downstream of ZNF280A and identified EIF3C as the potential target. Results: Furthermore, our study revealed that knockdown of EIF3C could inhibit development of LUAD in vitro, and alleviate the ZNF280A overexpression induced promotion of LUAD. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study showed, as the first time, ZNF280A as a tumor promotor for LUAD, whose function was carried out probably through the regulation of EIF3C.
Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Associated Factors Among Diabetic Patients at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North-west Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: Tilahun Melkamu , Gobena Teshome , Dereje Diriba , Wolde Mengistu , Yideg Getachew
Published: May 2020

Background

Diabetic retinopathy is a well-known sight–threatening microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Currently 93 million people live with diabetic retinopathy worldwide. There are insufficient studies addressing on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and underlying risk factors in Ethiopia.
Objective

To assess prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors among diabetic patients on follow up at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North-West Ethiopia, 2019.
Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 participants at Debre Markos Referral Hospital. They were selected through systematic sampling technique and those with mature cataract and critically ill were excluded. The necessary data were extracted from medical records by using pre-tested checklist. Blood pressure, weight, height and visual acuity tests were assessed. Retinal examination was performed through slit lamp biomicroscope and binocular indirect ophthalmoscope. Data were entered to epi-data 3.1 version. The data were exported into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 20) program for analyses. Binary logistic regression with 95%CI was used for analyses. A variable had p-value < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression was entered to multivariate logistic regression. Finally, variables with p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant.
Result

There were 302 participants included in this study, out of which 57(18.9%) had diabetic retinopathy. Among DR patients, three-fourth (75.4%) had pre-proliferative type of diabetic retinopathy. Four in ten (37.7%) of diabetic patients had visual acuity problem. Poor glycaemic control (AOR(95% CI: 4.58(1.86,11.31), having more than 10 years diabetic duration (AOR(95% CI: 3.91(1.86,8.23), body mass index > 25 kg/m2(AOR(95% CI: 3.74(1.83,7.66), and hypertension (AOR(95% CI: 3.39(1.64,7.02) were significantly associated factors with diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusion

About one fifth of DM patients had diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with glycaemic control, hypertension, body mass index and duration of illness. Routine assessment and early control of those associated factors may be important to reduce both the prevalence and impact of diabetic retinopathy as evidenced in the current study.
The first 2019-nCoV infection case report from Iran
Authors: Mansoori Maryam , Vafaei Somayeh , Madjd Zahra , Mesgarian Masoume
Published: May 2020

Background: The total mortality rate of COVID-19 is estimated almost at 2 % based on a wide range of publications. To avoid negative global impact of this new emergency, the entailment of control measures for prevention is highly recommended. Unfortunately, Iran has been the manifestation of attention as one of the countries is struggling with this pandemic. Here we intend to report a unique case of 2019-nCoV infected patient with underlying diseases and one of the rare pulmonary manifestations of 2019-nCoV infection (pleural effusion) who has recovered and discharged. Case presentation: The current case report from Iran showed a positive COVID-19 case accompanied by pleural effusion and severe pneumonia and even underlying diseases. She received twelve days of treatment and recovered with good oxygen saturation and without associated factors including fever and cough. In this report, presentations, diagnoses and management of novel 2019 coronavirus patient has been described in details. Conclusions: The pleural effusion in 2019-nCoV is not a dominant feature and can be considered as one of the diagnostic features in the disease. Even with underlying diseases, 2019-nCoV symptoms are not supposed to be severed.
Potential of natural astaxanthin in alleviating the risk of cytokine storm and improve health in COVID-19: A scoping review
Authors: Talukdar Jayanta , Bhadra Bhaskar , Dasgupta Santanu , Nagle Vinod
Published: May 2020

Background: Natural astaxanthin as a potent anti-oxidant and broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory bioactive molecule plays important role in modulating the immune response, speculated to be a potential supplement to alleviate cytokine release storm in COVID-19. Objective: Review of published literature to summarize the rationale for possible benefits of natural astaxanthin to support COVID-19 patients. Methods: Retrieved relevant literature from electronic databases including Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, etc. and reviewed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement. We adapted the article as scoping review. Results: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is reported as a common feature in COVID-19, which can lead to potentially fatal, hyper-inflammatory acute respiratory distress condition, diagnosed with elevated serum level of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, CRP, etc. that positively correlated with disease severity. Anti-inflammatory drug, like tocilizumab, etc. are under clinical trials as anti-CRS therapy. Astaxanthin can potentially alleviate CRS by regulating inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the activities of NF-kB, TNF-α, JAK/STAT-3, etc. Available pre-clinical and clinical trials data support its excellent safety, and potential therapeutic and health benefits. Conclusions: Natural astaxanthin has tremendous potential as co-adjunctive supplement, desiring necessary clinical supports on its efficacy and beneficial against COVID-19.
Accurate Classification of COVID-19 Based on Incomplete Heterogeneous Data using a KNN Variant Algorithm
Authors: Hamed Ahmed , Sobhy Ahmed , Nassar Hamed
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is wreaking havoc around the world, and great efforts are underway to control it. Millions of people are now being tested and their data keeps accumulating in large volumes. This data can be used to classify newly tested persons as whether they have the disease or not. However, normal classification techniques are hampered by the fact that the data is typically both incomplete and heterogeneous. To address this two-fold obstacle, we propose a KNN variant (KNNV) algorithm which accurately and efficiently classifies COVID-19. The main two ideas behind the proposed algorithm are that for each instance to be classified it chooses the parameter K adaptively and calculates the distances to other instances in a novel way. The KNNV was implemented and tested on a COVID-19 dataset from the Italian society of medical and intervention radiology society. It was also compared to three algorithms of its category. The test results show that the KNNV can efficiently and accurately classify COVID-19 patients. The comparison results show that the algorithm greatly outperforms all its competitors in terms of four metrics: precision, recall, accuracy, and F-Score.
Atmospheric factors and the incidence of novel coronavirus pneumonia
Authors: Ma Zhixiang , Meng Xiangwei , Li Xiyuan , Chen Cai , Dong LeiLei , Li Wei
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP) was first recognized in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and then spread successively around the world. The epidemic has spread rapidly and aroused widespread concern and panic in China with more than 80 thousand recorded infections and over 3 thousand deaths by March 2020. We have examined the effects of atmospheric conditions on the incidence of NCIP in Wuhan, Hubei province. Our results indicate a significant correlation between the new confirmed NCIP case and maximum wind velocity (r2=0.713). Both mean temperature (r2=-0.691) and air pressure (r2=-0.503) have negative associations with daily new cases. The regression equation y = 4590.899 − 1.239𝑥𝑡 − 0.442𝑥𝑝 + 0.579𝑥𝑤 was derived to define the optimal climatic conditions for the NCIP epidemic. To verify these results, further investigations in other regions are necessary.
A EVOLUÇÃO DA JURISPRUDÊNCIA TRABALHISTA QUANTO AO TRATAMENTO DADO AO TRABALHO ESCRAVO E A REALIDADE NO BRASIL
Authors: ZANATTA Ana Rita Patrezi , OLIVEIRA Maria Cláudia Santana Lima de
Published: May 2020

O combate constante às práticas de trabalho escravo contemporâneo é necessário na medida em que o crime sempre foi um problema presente na realidade nacional. Quanto à órbita jurídica, o mesmo encontra-se tipificado no artigo 149 do Código Penal Brasileiro, alterado pela lei 10. 803/2003, definindo-o como “submeter a trabalhos forçados ou a jornada exaustiva, sujeitar a condições degradantes de trabalho e restringir, por qualquer meio, sua locomoção em razão de dívida contraída com o empregador ou preposto”. Destarte, o objetivo principal da pesquisa é, por meio da avaliação do comportamento da lei e da jurisprudência trabalhista a respeito, buscar os motivos da realidade não encontrar-se em concomitância com a letra da lei, visto que apresenta melhoras seguidas rapidamente de pioras quanto ao número de escravizados.
A LEGITIMIDADE DO ABORTO NO PRIMEIRO TRIMESTRE GESTACIONAL SOB A ÉGIDE DA TEORIA TRANSCONSTITUCIONALISTA
Authors: LUPACHINI Giulia De Paula , GOMES Fábio Cantizani
Published: May 2020

O tema proposto para pesquisa aborda a temática do aborto frente à teoria transconstitucionalista e, além disso, busca compreender os prejuízos relacionados à criminalização da prática no Brasil. A referência científica alicerça-se justamente na mudança de consciência da sociedade como um todo e, principalmente daqueles que compõem o sistema judiciário pátrio, tendo em vista que uma das formas de se instaurar um saudável debate de natureza transconstitucional, sobretudo no que diz respeito aos direitos humanos e fundamentais, ocorre a partir da instauração das pontes de conversação transversais por meio de Juízes e Tribunais, os quais são, segundo o autor Marcelo Neves, o centro de um sistema jurídico multicêntrico. Nesse sentido, a análise das últimas decisões do Supremo Tribunal Federal sobre o assunto, norteiam a investigação sobre a tendência de resolução dos problemas que envolvem a questão do aborto, de forma justa e equilibrada, com fundamento na Teoria Transconstitucionalista.