bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of lifetime death probability for major causes of death among residents in China
Authors: Yuan Ping , Xiang Jianjun , Borg Matthew , CHEN Tiehui , Lin Xiuquan , Peng Xiane , ZHENG Kuicheng
Published: May 2020

Background: Cumulative mortality rate and cumulative mortality risk are the two commonly used indicators to measure the impact and severity of diseases. However, they are calculated during a defined life span and assume the subject does not die from other causes. This study aims to use a new indicator, lifetime death probability (LDP), to estimate the lifetime death probabilities for the top five leading causes of death in China and explore the regional differences and trends over time. Methods: LDPs were calculated using a probability additive formula and abridged life tables. Results: In 2014, LDPs for heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, malignancy, respiratory disease, and injury and poisoning were 24.4%, 23.7%, 19.2%, 15.5%, and 5.3%, respectively. The LDPs for heart disease and malignancy increased by 7.3% and 0.5%, respectively, compared to those from 2004 to 2005. In contrast, the LDPs for cerebrovascular and respiratory disease decreased by 1.0% and 3.9%, respectively, compared to those in 2004-2005. Across the eastern, central and western regions, malignancy had the highest LDP in the eastern region, cerebrovascular and heart diseases in the central region, and respiratory diseases, and injury and poisoning in the western region. Conclusions: LDP is an effective indicator for comparing health outcomes and can be applied for future disease surveillance. Heart disease and malignancy were the two most common causes of death in China, but with regional differences. There is a need to implement targeted measures to prevent diseases in different regions.
NaCl improves reproduction by enhancing starch accumulation in the ovules of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Du Ming , Lu Chaoxia , Wang Baoshan
Published: May 2020

Background: Halophytes show optimal reproduction under high-salinity conditions. However, the role of NaCl in reproduction and its possible mechanisms in the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa remain to be elucidated. Results: We performed transcript profiling of S. salsa flowers and measured starch accumulation in ovules, sugar contents in flowers, and photosynthetic parameters in the leaves of plants supplied with 0 and 200 mM NaCl. Starch accumulation in ovules, sugar contents in flowers and ovules, and net photosynthetic rate and photochemical efficiency in leaves were significantly higher in NaCl-treated plants vs. the control. We identified 14,348 differentially expressed genes in flowers of NaCl-treated vs. control plants. Many of these genes were predicted to be associated with photosynthesis, carbon utilization, and sugar and starch metabolism. These genes are crucial for maintaining photosystem structure, regulating electron transport, and improving photosynthetic efficiency in NaCl-treated plants. In addition, genes encoding fructokinase and sucrose phosphate synthase were upregulated in flowers of NaCl-treated plants. Conclusions: The higher starch and sugar contents in the ovules and flowers of S. salsa in response to NaCl treatment are likely due to the upregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, which increase photosynthetic efficiency and accumulation of photosynthetic products under these conditions.
Inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 promoted starvation-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cells apoptosis by reducing HIF-1α/mTOR mediated autophagy
Authors: Hong Fenfen , Gao Yu , Li Yang , Zheng Linfeng , Xu Feng , Li Xianpeng
Published: May 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health burden in China considering its high incidence and mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found playing vital roles in tumor progression, suggesting a new way of diagnosis and prognosis prediction, or treatment of HCC. This study was designed to investigate the role of HIF1A-AS1 during the progression of HCC, and to explore its related mechanisms. Methods: The expression of HIF1A-AS1 was detected in 50 paired carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues by quantitative real-time PCR assay. HCC cells apoptosis was induced by nutrient-deficient culture medium, and detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and flow cytometer assays. HIF1A-AS1 inhibition in HCC cells was accomplished by small interfering RNA transfection. Results: HIF1A-AS1 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and was associated with tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Compared with low HIF1A-AS1 group, high HIF1A-AS1 group had a shorter overall survival and a worse disease-free survival. HIF1A-AS1 expression was significantly higher in HCC cell lines (7721 and Huh7) than that in normal hepatocyte cell line L02 under normal culture condition. However, under nutrient-deficient condition, HIF1A-AS1 expression was significantly increased in both HCC and normal hepatocyte cell lines, and was increased with the prolongation of nutrient-free culture. inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 promoted starvation-induced HCC cells apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of HIF1A-AS1 could also reduce starvation-induced HCC cells autophagy. The expression of HIF-1α and phosphorylated mTOR was significantly decreased in HCC cells after HIF1A-AS1 inhibition. Conclusions: HIF1A-AS1, overexpressed in HCC and associated with HCC prognosis, could regulate starvation-induced HCC cells apoptosis by reducing HIF-1α/mTOR mediated autophagy, promoting HCC cell progression. Trial registration: This research is retrospectively registered.
Optimized vs. Standard Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Regimens (OptiStAR): Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Bergling Karin , de Arteaga Javier , Ledesma Fabián , Öberg Carl Mikael
Published: May 2020

Background: It has been estimated that automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is currently the fastest growing renal replacement therapy in the world. However, in light of the growing number of diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), the unwanted glucose absorption during APD remains problematic. Recent results, using an extended 3-pore model of APD, indicated that large reductions in glucose absorption are possible by using optimized bi-modal treatment regimens, having “UF cycles” using a higher glucose concentration and “Clearance cycles” using a low concentration or, preferentially, no glucose. The present study is designed to test the theoretical prediction of a lower glucose absorption using these novel regimes.Methods: This study is a randomized single-center, open-label, prospective study. Prevalent PD patients between 18 to 75 years old without known catheter problems or recent peritonitis are eligible for inclusion. Patients are allocated to a first treatment session of either Standard APD (6 × 2 L 1.36% over 9 hours) or Optimized APD (7 × 2 L 2.27% + 5 × 2 L 0.1% over 8 hours). A second treatment session using the other treatment will be performed in a crossover fashion. Samples of the dialysis fluid will be taken before and after the treatment and the volume of the dialysate before and after the treatment will be carefully assessed. The primary endpoint is difference in glucose absorption between the Optimized and Standard treatment. Secondary endpoints are ultrafiltration, sodium removal, Kt/V urea and Kt/V Creatinine. The study will be closed when a total of 20 patients have successfully completed the interventions or terminated according to interim analysis. A Monte Carlo power analysis shows that the study has 80% power to detect a difference of 10 g (in line with that of theoretical results) in glucose absorption between the two treatments in 10 patients.Discussion: The present study is the first clinical investigation of optimized bi-modal treatments proposed by recent theoretical studies.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04017572. Registration date: 12/07/2019, retrospectively registered. URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04017572
The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors’ Quality of Life
Authors: Liska Tayah M. , Kolen Angie
Published: May 2020

Purpose As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors.Methods One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment.Results These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life.Conclusion These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.
Identification of ATP2C1 mutations in the patients of Hailey-Hailey disease
Authors: li xiaoli , zhang dingwei , ding jiahui , li li , wang zhenghui
Published: May 2020

Background: Familial benign chronic pemphigus, also known as Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), is a clinically rare bullous Dermatosis. However the mechanism has not been clarified. The study aim to detect novel mutations in exons of ATP2C1 gene in HHD patients; to explore the possible mechnism of HHD pathogenesis by examining the expression profile of hSPCA1, miR-203, p63, Notch1 and HKⅡ proteins in the skin lesions of HHD patients. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of HHD patients. All exons of ATP2C1 gene in HHD patients were amplified by PCR and the products were purified and sequenced. All related signaling proteins of interest were stained by using skin lesion tissues from HHD patients and miR-203 levels were also determined. Results: One synonymous mutation c.G2598A (in exon 26), one nonsense mutation c.C635A and two missense mutations c.C1286A (p.A429D) and c. A1931G (p. D644G) were identified. The nonsense mutation changed codon UCG to stop codon UAG, causing a premature polypeptide chain of the functional region A. The two missense mutations were located in the region P (phosphorylation region) and the Mn binding site of hSPCA1. The level of hSPCA1 was significantly decreased in HHD patients compared to the normal human controls, accompanied by an increase of miR-203 level and a decrease of p63 and HKⅡ levels. Conclusion: In our study, we found four mutations in HHD. Meanwhile we found increase of miR-203 level and a decrease of p63 and HKⅡ levels. In addition, Notch1, which was negatively regulated p63, is downregulated. These factors may be involved in the signaling pathways of HHD pathogenesis. Our data showed that both p63 and miR-203 may have significant regulatory effects on Notch1 in the skin.
Efficient production of myo-inositol in Escherichia coli through metabolic engineering
Authors: You Ran , Wang Lei , Shi Congrong , Chen Hao , Zhang Shasha , Hu Meirong , Tao Yong
Published: May 2020

Background: The biosynthesis of high value-added compounds using metabolically engineered strains has received wide attention in recent years. Myo-inositol (inositol), an important compound in the pharmaceutics, cosmetics and food industries, is usually produced from phytate via a harsh set of chemical reactions. Recombinant Escherichia coli strains have been constructed by metabolic engineering strategies to produce inositol, but with a low yield. The proper distribution of carbon flux between cell growth and inositol production is a major challenge for constructing an efficient inositol-synthesis pathway in bacteria. Construction of metabolically engineered E. coli strains with high stoichiometric yield of inositol is desirable.Results: In the present study, we designed an inositol-synthesis pathway from glucose with a theoretical stoichiometric yield of 1 mol inositol/mol glucose. Recombinant E. coli strains with high stoichiometric yield (>0.7 mol inositol/mol glucose) were obtained. Inositol was successfully biosynthesized after introducing two crucial enzymes: inositol-3-phosphate synthase (IPS) from Trypanosoma brucei, and inositol monophosphatase (IMP) from E. coli. Based on starting strains E. coli BW25113 (wild-type) and SG104 (ΔptsG::glk, ΔgalR::zglf, ΔpoxB::acs), a series of engineered strains for inositol production was constructed by deleting the key genes pgi, pfkA and pykF. Plasmid-based expression systems for IPS and IMP were optimized, and expression of the gene zwf was regulated to enhance the stoichiometric yield of inositol. The highest stoichiometric yield (0.96 mol inositol/mol glucose) was achieved from recombinant strain R15 (SG104, Δpgi, Δpgm, and RBSL5-zwf). Strain R04 (SG104 and Δpgi) reached high-density in a 1-L fermenter when using glucose and glycerol as a mixed carbon source. In scaled-up fed-batch bioconversion in situ using strain R04, 0.82 mol inositol/mol glucose was produced within 23 h, corresponding to a titer of 106.3 g/L (590.5 mM) inositol.Conclusions: The biosynthesis of inositol from glucose in recombinant E. coli was optimized by metabolic engineering strategies. The metabolically engineered E. coli strains represent a promising method for future inositol production. This study provides an essential reference to obtain a suitable distribution of carbon flux between glycolysis and inositol synthesis.
Ordinal outcome analysis improves the detection of between-hospital differences in outcome
Authors: Ceyisakar Iris E. , Leeuwen Nikki van , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Lingsma Hester F.
Published: May 2020

Background There is a growing interest in assessment of the quality of hospital care, based on outcome measures. Many quality of care comparisons rely on binary outcomes, for example mortality rates. Due to low numbers, the observed differences in outcome are partly subject to chance. Methods We aimed to quantify the gain in efficiency by ordinal instead of binary outcome analyses for hospital comparisons. We analyzed patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke as examples. We sampled patients from two trials. We simulated ordinal and dichotomous outcomes based on the modified Rankin Scale (stroke) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (TBI) in scenarios with and without true differences between hospitals in outcome. The potential efficiency gain of ordinal outcomes, analyzed with ordinal logistic regression, compared to dichotomous outcomes, analyzed with binary logistic regression was expressed as the possible reduction in sample size while keeping the same statistical power to detect outliers. Results In the IMPACT study (8,799 patients in 265 hospitals, mean number of patients per hospital = 36), the analysis of the ordinal scale rather than the dichotomized scale (‘unfavorable outcome’), allowed for up to 32% less patients in the analysis without a loss of power. In the PRACTISE trial (1,657 patients in 12 hospitals, mean number of patients per hospital = 138), ordinal analysis allowed for 13% less patients. Compared to mortality, ordinal outcome analyses allowed for up to 37% to 63% less patients.Conclusions Ordinal analyses provide the statistical power of substantially larger studies which have been analyzed with dichotomization of endpoints. We advise to exploit ordinal outcome measures for hospital comparisons, in order to increase efficiency in quality of care measurements.
Climate change induced vulnerability and adaption for dengue incidence in Colombo and Kandy Districts: The first detailed investigation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Udayanga N.W.B.A.L. , Gunathilaka Nayana , Iqbal M.C.M. , Abeyewickreme W.
Published: May 2020

Background: Assessing the vulnerability of an infectious disease such as dengue among endemic population is an important requirement to design proactive programmes in order to improve resilience capacity of vulnerable communities. Despite the significance in decision making process especially for rational resource allocation, the recognition of actual burden of dengue and the vulnerability towards dengue, has been limitedly addressed in many countries including Sri Lanka, due to deficiencies in a holistic methodology. Methods: A total of 42 variables (entomological, epidemiological, meteorological parameters, land-use practices and socio-demographic data) of all the 38 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the districts of Colombo and Kandy were considered as candidate variables for a composite index based vulnerability assessment. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used in selecting and setting the weight for each indicator. Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity and Vulnerability of all the MOH areas for dengue incidence were calculated. Results: Out of 42 candidate variables, only 23 parameters (Exposure Index: 6 variables; Sensitivity Index: 11 variables; Adaptive Capacity Index: 6 variables) were selected as indicators to assess climate change vulnerability to dengue. Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) MOH area denoted the highest values for exposure (0.89: exceptionally high exposure), sensitivity (0.86: exceptionally high sensitivity) in the district of Colombo, while Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) area reported the highest exposure (0.79: high exposure) and sensitivity (0.77: high sensitivity) in Kandy. Piliyandala MOH area denoted the highest level of adaptive capacity (0.66) in the district of Colombo followed by Menikhinna (0.68) in Kandy. The highest vulnerability (0.45: moderate vulnerability) to dengue was indicated from CMC and the lowest indicated from Galaha MOH (0.15; very low vulnerability) in Kandy. Interestingly the Kandy Municipal Council MOH area had a notable vulnerability of 0.41 (moderate vulnerability), which was the highest within Kandy. Conclusions: In general, vulnerability for dengue was relatively higher within the MOH areas of Colombo, than in Kandy, suggesting a higher degree of potential susceptibility to dengue within and among local communities of Colombo. The Vector Controlling Entities (VCE) are recommended to consider the spatial variations in vulnerability of local communities to dengue for decision making, especially in allocation of limited financial, human and mechanical resources for dengue epidemic management
Real-time Monitoring of Bacterial Biofilms Metabolic Activity by a Redox-Reactive Nanosensors Array
Authors: Patolsky Fernando , Krivitsky Vadim , Zverzhinetsky Marina , Davidi Ella Yeor
Published: May 2020

Background Bacterial biofilms are communities of surface-associated microorganisms living in cellular clusters or micro-colonies, encapsulated in a complex matrix composed of an extracellular polymeric substance, separated by open water channels that act as a circulatory system that enable better diffusion of nutrients and easier removal of metabolic waste products. The monitoring of biofilms can provide important information on fundamental biofilm-related processes. That information can shed light on the bacterial processes and enable scientists to find ways of preventing future bacterial infections. Various approaches in use for biofilm analysis are based on microscopic, spectrochemical, electrochemical, and piezoelectrical methods. All these methods provide significant progress in understanding the bio-process related to biofilm formation and eradication, nevertheless, the development of novel approaches for the real-time monitoring of biochemical, in particular metabolic activity, of bacterial species during the formation, life and eradication of biofilms is of great potential importance. Results Here, detection and monitoring of the metabolic activity of bacterial biofilms in high-ionic-strength solutions were enabled as a result of novel surface modification by an active redox system, composed of 9,10-dihydroxyanthracene/9,10-anthraquinone, on the oxide layer of the SiNW, yielding a chemically-gated FET array. With the use of enzymatic reactions of oxidases, metabolites can be converted to Common.EditSubmissionSteps.Transform.EquationText and monitored by the nanosensors. Here, the successful detection of glucose metabolites in high-ionic-strength solutions, such as bacterial media, without pre-processing of small volume samples under different conditions and treatments, has been demonstrated. The biofilms were treated with antibiotics differing in their mechanisms of action and were compared to untreated biofilms. Further examination of biofilms under antibiotic treatment with SiNW-FET devices could shed light on the bioprocess that occurs within the biofilm. Moreover, finding proper treatment that eliminates the biofilm could be examined by the novel nanosensor as a monitoring tool. Conclusions To summarize, the combination of redox-reactive SiNW-FET devices with micro-fluidic techniques enables the performance of rapid, automated, and real-time metabolite detection with the use of minimal sample size, noninvasively and label-free. This novel platform can be used as an extremely sensitive tool for detection and establishing medical solutions for bacterial-biofilm eradication and for finding a proper treatment to eliminate biofilm contaminations. Moreover, the sensing system can be used as a research tool for further understanding of the metabolic processes that occur within the bacterial biofilm population.
The Diagnostic Value of SPECT/CT in Predicting the Occurrence of Osteonecrosis following Femoral Neck Fracture : a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yoon Jae Youn , Lee Soong Joon , Yoon Kang Sup , Yoon Pil Whan
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds One of the most significant complications after a femoral neck fracture is osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). The concomitant use of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with computed tomography (CT) increases the sensitivity for detecting the anatomic location and severity of ONFH. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of SPECT/CT for the occurrence of ONFH by quantifying the perfusion status of the femoral head.Methods A total of 30 patients who had multiple pinnings for femur neck fractures were included in this study. We classified the perfusion status into three groups: normal perfusion, decreased perfusion, and avascular groups, and compared the occurrence of femoral head necrosis between them. For quantitative analysis, we evaluated the uptake ratio of both femur heads (head-to-head uptake ratio). If the patient’s contralateral hip was incomparable, we measured the uptake ratio from the superior dome of the ipsilateral acetabulum (head-to-acetabulum uptake ratio).Results Twenty-four patients out of 30 achieved bone union, whereas the others developed ONFH. When the population was divided into intact and defective perfusion groups on scintigraphy, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the test were 83.3%, 75.0%, and 76.7%, respectively. The mean head-to-head uptake ratio value with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.10 (95% CI: 0.85 – 1.36). In the osteonecrosis group, the mean value of the head-to-head uptake ratio was 0.33 (95% CI: 0.28 – 0.38). In contrast, the ratio was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.03 – 1.57) in the non-osteonecrosis group, demonstrating a significant difference in the uptake ratio (P < 0.001). When the cutoff value of the uptake ratio was set to 0.5, both the sensitivity and specificity were 100%. There was also a significant difference in the head-to-acetabulum uptake ratio between the two groups (P < 0.001).Conclusions SPECT/CT was useful in evaluating the perfusion status of the femoral head, showing high accuracy in predicting the occurrence of avascular necrosis. To demonstrate the reliability and validity of SPECT/CT, further prospective studies on a larger scale are warranted.
The formation of perifoveal cysts in idiopathic macular holes and their relationship with retinal blood flow
Authors: Yang Ye , Hao Yuhua , Zhou Nalei , Xi Ruijie , Dai Li
Published: May 2020

Background : To study the formation and distribution of perifoveal cysts in an idiopathic macular hole and their correlation with retinal blood flow. Method: There were 16 patients in the small hole group, and 23 patients in the large hole group. In the preoperative procedure, we measured the number, the total area and the average size of the cysts in the inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform and Henle fiber layer complex around the hole; and the vascular density of the retinal capillary plexuses of all cases. Postoperatively, we measured the retinal capillary plexuses vascular density in 17 eyes. Results: The number and the total area of the cysts in the inner nuclear layer of the large hole group were greater than those of the small hole group (t=-2.882, P =0.007, t= -3.412 P =0.002). And we came to the same conclusion in the outer plexiform and Henle fiber layer complex (t=-3.935 P =0.000, t=-4.335 P =0.000). The average cystic area of the inner nuclear layer and outer plexiform and Henle fiber layer complex had no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.178 P =0.860, t=-1.767 P =0.085). There was a significant correlation among the idiopathic macular hole diameter, the number and the total area of cysts in the outer plexiform and Henle fiber layer complex, the vascular density of the retinal superficial capillary plexuses and deep capillary plexuses; the respective coefficients were -0.725, -0.474, -0.314, -0.768, and +0.624. Conclusions: 1. The diameter of the idiopathic macular hole was related to the formation of cysts around the hole. 2. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the interaction between the cystic space around the idiopathic macular hole and the retinal capillary plexuses.
The Sensitivity of a Honeybee Colony to Worker Mortality Depends on Season and Resource Availability
Authors: Lemanski Natalie J , Bansal Siddhant , Fefferman Nina H
Published: May 2020

Background: Honeybees have extraordinary phenotypic plasticity in their senescence rate, making them a fascinating model system for the evolution of aging. Seasonal variation in senescence and extrinsic mortality results in a tenfold increase in worker life expectancy in winter as compared to summer. To understand the evolution of this remarkable pattern of aging, we must understand how individual longevity scales up to effects on the entire colony. We develop a matrix model of colony demographics to ask how worker age-dependent and age-independent mortality affect colony fitness and how these effects differ by seasonal conditions.Results: We find that there are seasonal differences in honeybee colony sensitivity to both senescent and extrinsic worker mortality. Colonies are most sensitive to extrinsic (age-independent) nurse and forager mortality during periods of higher extrinsic mortality and resource availability but most sensitive to age-dependent mortality during periods of lower extrinsic mortality and lower resource availability.Conclusions: These results suggest that seasonal changes in the strength of selection on worker senescence partly explain the observed pattern of seasonal differences in worker aging in honey bees. More broadly, these results extend our understanding of the role of extrinsic mortality in the evolution of senescence to social animals.
Control of Panama Disease of Banana by Intercropping with Chinese Chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler): Cultivar Differences
Authors: Li Zhen-Fang , Wang Tong , He Chenlin , Cheng Kelin , Zeng Rensen , Song Yuanyuan
Published: May 2020

Highlightsl Intercropping of banana with Chinese chive can effectively reduce Panama diseasel Selection of appropriate cultivars of Chinese chive for intercropping is criticall 2-Methyl-2-pentenal (MP) is the key compound for the pathogen inhibitionl MP content and antifungal activity are key indices for cultivar selectionBackground Panama disease (Fusarium wilt disease) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 4 (FOC) severely threatens banana (Musa spp.) production worldwide. Intercropping of banana with Allium plants has shown a potential to reduce Panama disease. In this study six cultivars of Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Rottler) were selected to compare their differences in antifungal activity and active compounds. Three cultivars Duokang Fujiu 11, Fujiuhuang 2, and Duokang Sijiqing with higher levels of antifungal compounds were further used for intercropping with banana in the pots and field to compare their effects on growth and disease incidence of banana. Methods and Results The six cultivars showed significant differences in antifungal activity against FOC mycelia growth in both leaf volatiles and aqueous leachates. The aqueous leachates displayed stronger antifungal activity than the volatiles. Contents of three main antifungal compounds dipropyl trisulfide (DPT), dimethyl trisulfide (DMT), and 2-methyl-2-pentenal (MP) in volatiles and aqueous leachates varied considerably among cultivars. Pot and field experiments showed that intercropping with three selected Chinese chive cultivars significantly improved banana vegetative growth, increased photosynthetic characteristics and yield but decreased disease incidence of Panama disease.Conclusions Our results indicate that intercropping with Chinese chive shows potential to reduce banana Panama disease and selection of appropriate cultivars is vital for effective disease control.
Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Postoperative Recovery of Gastrointestinal Function in Patients Undergoing Surgery with General Anaesthesia: A Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Wen Bei , Wang Yajie , Zhang Cong , Fu Zhijian
Published: May 2020

Background: The return of normal gastrointestinal function is an important signal of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia, especially for abdominal surgery. Current methods to resolve this problem are conservative, and the effects are sometimes limited. We aimed to summarize the effects of stellate ganglion block(SGB) on the recovery of gastrointestinal function to explore methods for anaesthesiologists to contribute to postoperative patient recovery. RuMethods: Selected databases were searched for relevant studies. Study quality was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Data extraction was performed independently. The time to peristaltic sound resumption, flatus, postoperative eating and the incidence and degree of abdominal bloating were compared between stellate ganglion and control groups. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software. Results: In total, 281 studies were identified after searching for relevant articles, and five articles with data for 274 patients were eligible for this analysis. Regarding postoperative flatus time, SGB caused a mean reduction of 15 hours for different surgeries; after excluding a study causing heterogeneity, the mean reduction was still more than 6 hours. For gastrointestinal surgery, the mean reduction was approximately an entire day. When evaluating the recovery of peristaltic sounds in different surgeries, SGB promoted the recovery of regular bowl sounds by an average of 14.67 hours earlier than the control. With regard to nutrients, SGB shortened the total parenteral nutrition time by more than 50 hours in gastrointestinal surgery. Finally, SGB prevented the occurrence of postoperative abdominal bloating without influencing its degree. No complications related to SGB were reported. Conclusion: SGB promotes postoperative gastrointestinal recovery in patients undergoing different surgeries with general anaesthesia.
A Case for Montelukast in COVID-19: "The use of Computational Docking to estimate the effects of Montelukast on potential viral main protease catalytic site"
Authors: Mansoor Salman , Saadat Shoab , Amin Aitzaz , Ali Imran , Ghaffar Muhammad Tauseef , Amin Usman , Mukhtar Mohsin
Published: May 2020

This article explores the possible role of Montelukast in management of SARS-CoV-2 infection after reviewing the available literature and further uses computational docking to estimate the effects of Montelukast on the main protease inhibitor site of SARS-CoV-2.Methodology: In this study, we used molecular docking to estimate the direct effects of Montelukast on the main protease (Mpro) inhibitor site of the SARS-CoV-2. While other studies have been performed on the homology models, we obtained the Mpro crystalized structure, A-chain (304 amino acid residues) from protein data bank (PDB code 5REK) for this analysisResults:The best docked Montelukast conformer had a mfscore of -71.68 and was seen to be making multiple hydrogen bonds with the neighbouring residues (T24, T24, T26, S46) with the closest bond with T24 (Distance= 1.71 angstrom). Important finding was its hydrogen bond with H41 and hydrophobic interactions with C145 as these residues for important members of the active catalytics site.Conclusion:The computational model which was used against the crystalized Mpro structure suggested a possible inhibitory role of Montelukast in binding to the Mpro catalytic site which may modulate and inhibit the viral replication.
Fluid expansion improve ventriculo-arterial coupling in preload patients: a prospective observational study
Authors: Huette Pierre , Arab Osama Abou , Longrois Dan , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire
Published: May 2020

Background
Given that the ventricular and arterial systems operate simultaneously, ventricular-arterial (V-A) coupling (i.e the EA/Ees ratio) determines the stroke volume and ejection pressure (i.e. arterial blood pressure).
Methods
30 patients admitted to cardio-thoracic ICU in whom the physician decided to perform FC were included. Arterial pressure, cardiac output (CO), EA, and ELV, were measured before and after FC with 500 ml of lactated Ringer's solution. Fluid responders were defined as patients with more than a 15% increase in SV after fluid challenge. V-A coupling was evaluated by the ratio EA/Ees.
Results
Twenty-three (77%) of the 30 patients included in the study were fluid responders. Before FC, responders had higher mean EA and EA/Ees ratio. FC significantly increased mean arterial pressure, LVEF, SV and CO, and significantly decreased SVRi, EA and consequently the EA/Ees ratio. A pre-challenge EA/Ees ratio greater than 1.4 was predictive of fluid responsiveness (area under the curve [95% confidence interval]: 0.84 [0.66‒1]; p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
In FC responders, V-A coupling was characterized by a higher pre-challenge EA/Ees ratio (due to a higher EA). FC improve V-A coupling ratio by decreasing EA but not Ees.
The feasibility and safety of complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preserving the ileocecal junction in right-transverse colon cancer
Authors: Su Hao , Wu Hongliang , Mu Bing , Bao Mandula , Luo Shou , Zhao Chuanduo , Liu Qian , Wang Xishan , Zhou Zhixiang , Zhou Haitao
Published: May 2020

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new surgical method, complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preserving the ileocecal junction in right-transverse colon cancer.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed and compared the data of consecutive patients with right-transverse colon cancer who underwent complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preserving the ileocecal junction (n=23) and conventional complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy (n=34) in our hospital between October 2017 to May 2019, respectively.Results: The overall operation time of the ileocecal junction-preserved group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (p=0.024). There was no difference in the number of harvested lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes and rate of metastatic lymph nodes (p＞0.05). The ileocecal junction-preserved group showed shorter time of first flatus, lower frequency of postoperative diarrhea and shorter duration of postoperative hospitalization. Furthermore, it also showed that the defecation frequency was lower in the ileocecal junction-preserved group than control group on the 1st, 3rd and 6th month (p＜0.05), and the number of patients who defecated at night or defecated four times or more a day were less in the ileocecal junction-preserved group than control group on the 1st month (p＜0.05).Conclusion: The complete laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with preserving the ileocecal junction promises as a safe and feasible surgical procedure for right-transverse colon cancer, associated with earlier recovery of bowel function, shorter operation time and similar pathological outcomes when compared to the conventional laparoscopic procedure.
Symptomatic Cholelithiasis Patients Have Increased Pancreatic Cancer Risk- A Population Based Study
Authors: Wang Chi- Chih , Tseng Ming-Hseng , Wu Sheng-Wen , Yang Tzu-Wei , Chen Hsuan-Yi , Sung Wen-Wei , Su Chang-Cheng , Wang Yao-Tung , Chen Wei-Liang , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Lin Chun-Che , Tsai Ming-Chang
Published: May 2020

Background :Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease, andthe current risk factor survey is not suitable for sporadic pancreatic cancerthat lacks obvious family history orgenetic analysis data.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the roles of cholelithiasis and cholelithiasis treatmentson pancreatic cancer risk.Methods: Symptomatic adult patients with an index admission ofcholelithiasis diagnosis were selectedfrom one million random samples of National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD)obtained between January 2005 andDecember 2009. Exclusion criteria included pancreatic cancer, benign neoplasm or anomalies of the pancreas, orendoscopic sphincterotomy/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (ES/EPBD), cholecystectomy (CCY) before 2004. The control group was matched in a 1:1 ratio for sex, age,chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cystic disease. The study group was divided into ES/EPBD, CCY, ES/EPBD&CCY, and no-intervention groupsfor subsequent pancreatic cancer evaluation.Results: Both the cholelithiasis group and the matched control group included 8,265 adult cases. The cholelithiasis group contained 86 (1.04%) cases of diagnosed pancreatic cancer and the control group contained8 (0.10%) cases (p<0.001). Exclusion of pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed in the first 6 months still resulted in asignificantly higher pancreatic cancer rate in the cholelithiasis group (0.22%) thanin the control group (0.05%)(p=0.003). The subsequent pancreatic cancer rates weresimilar,at0.17%, 0.11%, 0.26%, and 0.29%, in the ES/EPBD, CCY, ES/EPBD&CCY, and no-intervention groups, respectively.Conclusion:Symptomatic cholelithiasis is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and the risk is similar regardless of the intervention of cholelithiasis.Trial registration: This study was resisted on 23th August 2019 with registration number CS18136. The study design of this study is a retrospective database study.
COVID-19 in Teriflunomide-Treated Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Maghzi Amir-Hadi , Houtchens Maria K. , Preziosa Paolo , Ionete Carolina , Beretich Biljana D , Stankiewicz James M , Tauhid Shahamat , Cabot Ann , Berriosmorales Idanis , Schwartz Tamara HW , Sloane Jacob A , Freedman Mark S , Filippi Massimo , Weiner Howard L , Bakshi Rohit
Published: May 2020

The outbreak of a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19), has raised health concerns for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are commonly on long-term immunotherapies. Managing MS during the pandemic remains challenging with little published experience and no evidence-based guidelines. We present five teriflunomide-treated patients with MS who subsequently developed active COVID-19 infection. The patients continued teriflunomide therapy and had self-limiting infection, without relapse of their MS. These observations have implications for the management of MS in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An improved multivariate model that distinguishes COVID-19 from seasonal flu and other respiratory diseases
Authors: Guo Xing , Li Yanrong , Chang Xu , Li Junfeng , Li Kefeng
Published: May 2020

Background: In many countries, the COVID-19 pandemic is occurring in the middle of flu season. Since the responses to COVID-19 are dramatically different, it is critical to accurately discriminate COVID-19 from seasonal flu and pneumonia caused by other common respiratory pathogens. Methods: Fifty patients (eight patients with COVID-19, eight with influenza, and 34 with community-acquired pneumonia) were included in our study. Sixteen features, such as clinical symptoms, results of routine blood tests, first reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and chest CT, were collected. The importance of each feature in discriminating COVID-19 from others was ranked by the random forest algorithm. Models with single or multiple features were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the F1 score, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). Results: An integrated multi-feature model (RT-PCR, CT features and blood lymphocyte percentage) yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.86 – 1, P < 0.01), an F1 score of 0.81 and an MCC of 0.78 in the training cohort as well as an F1 score of 0.86 and an MCC of 0.85 in the validation set. Conclusion: The developed multivariate model showed better accuracy than the current nucleic acid-based method for the differentiation of COVID-19 from influenza and pneumonia caused by other common respiratory pathogens.
Using Short Read Sequencing to Characterise Balanced Reciprocal Translocations in Pigs
Authors: Bouwman Aniek Cornelia , Derks Martijn F.L. , Broekhuijse Marleen L.W.J. , Harlizius Barbara , Veerkamp Roel F.
Published: May 2020

Background A balanced constitutional reciprocal translocation (RT) is a mutual exchange of terminal segments of two non-homologous chromosomes without any loss or gain of DNA in germline cells. Carriers of balanced RTs are viable individuals with no apparent phenotypical consequences. These animals produce, however, unbalanced gametes and show therefore reduced fertility and offspring with congenital abnormalities. This cytogenetic abnormality is usually detected using chromosome staining techniques. The aim of this study was to test the possibilities of using paired end short read sequencing for detection of balanced RTs in boars and investigate their breakpoints and junctions.Results Balanced RTs were recovered in a blinded analysis, using structural variant calling software DELLY, in 6 of the 7 carriers with 30 fold short read paired end sequencing. In 15 non-carriers we did not detect any RTs. Reducing the coverage to 20 fold, 15 fold and 10 fold showed that at least 20 fold coverage is required to obtain good results. One RT was not detected using the blind screening, however, a highly likely RT was discovered after unblinding. This RT was located in a repetitive region, showing the limitations of short read sequence data. The detailed analysis of the breakpoints and junctions suggested three junctions showing microhomology, three junctions with blunt-end ligation, and three micro-insertions at the breakpoint junctions. The RTs detected also showed to disrupt genes.Conclusions We conclude that paired end short read sequence data can be used to detect and characterize balanced reciprocal translocations, if sequencing depth is at least 20 fold coverage. However, translocations in repetitive areas may require large fragments or even long read sequence data.
Community-based Intervention for Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake in a Semi-urban Area of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal (Cobin-c): Study Protocol for a Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shrestha Aamod Dhoj , Neupane Dinesh , Ghimire Sarita , Campbell Christine , Kallestrup Per
Published: May 2020

Background:Previous studies suggest that health intervention designed to increase cervical cancer screening has been effective to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality.The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a home-based health education intervention for increasing cervical cancer screening uptake delivered by trained Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), a category of community health worker in Nepal. Methods:A community-based, open-label, two-armed, cluster-randomized trial [seven clusters (geographical wards) randomized for the intervention, and seven for the control arm]. The participants are recruited from a population-basedsurvey with a sample size of 884. Based on population proportionsize, 277women will be recruited for the intervention group and 413 women recruited for the control group.A 12-month community-based health education intervention will be administered mobilizing the FCHVs, based on the Health Belief Model. The primary outcomemeasure of the study will be the difference in percentage of cervical cancer screening uptake between the two study arms.The primary outcomes will be modelled by using mixed-effect logistic regression analysis.Discussion: COBIN-C is the first study investigating the effect of a community-based health education intervention by FCHVs on increasing cervical cancer screening uptake among women in Nepal. The purposeof this study is to develop and implement a home-based, culturally sensitive program to increase cervical cancer screening coverage at the community level.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.govNCT03808064. Registered on January 14, 2019. (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03808064).
Effects of Variable Frequencies of Combined Proprioceptive and Kinesthesia, Balance and Agility Exercise Program in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: a Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Adhama Aysha I. , Akindele Mukadas O. , Ibrahim Aminu A.
Published: May 2020

Background:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common painful and disabling condition that affects older individuals. Proprioceptive (PR) and kinesthesia, balance and agility (KBA) exercises are two neuromuscular training reported to be beneficial for individuals with knee OA. However, their combined effects have not been systematically evaluated. Moreover, the most optimal dosage of knee OA exercise-based programremains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine the combined effects of PR and KBA exercise program with different frequency of treatment sessions(i.e. twice weekly or thrice weekly) in adults with knee OA.Methods:A single (assessor) blind, three-arm parallel, multi-centerrandomized controlled trial will be conducted. Eighty-four adults with knee OA will be recruited from four tertiary hospitals in Northwestern Nigeria and randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups; group 1 (control or conventional physiotherapy; n = 28), group 2 (two sessions per week of combined PR and KBA exercise; n = 28), and group 3 (three sessions per week of combined PR and KBA exercise, n = 28). Participants in the conventional therapy group will receive two sessions of brief patient education, and 16 sessions of ultrasound therapy, and stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercise for 8 weeks. Participants in the two experimental groups will be treated for 8 weeks and will also receive the same conventional therapy. All groups will be assessed pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and at 3-month, 4-month and 6-month post-randomization. The primary outcomes will be physical function and quality of life while the secondary outcomes will be pain intensity, knee stability and proprioception.Discussion:Findings of this study may provide evidence of effectiveness of combined PR and KBA exercise program for knee OA, which may serve as a basis for recommending the use of such multimodal exercise approachfor individuals with knee OA. The study may also provide evidence for the ideal number of sessions of knee OA exercise-based programsto achieve the highest effectiveness.Trial registration:Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, (PACTR201810713260138), Registered on 28 November 2017.