bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chloroplast Genome of Rambutan and Comparative Analyses in Sapindaceae
Authors: Dong Fei , Lin Zhicong , Lin Jing , Ming Ray , Zhang Wenping
Published: December 2020

Background: Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is an important fruit tree belongs to the family Sapindaceae and widely cultivated in Southeast Asia. The chloroplast of plants, as a photosynthetic organelle plays an important role in the photosynthesis and secondary metabolic activities. The chloroplast genome sequencing has become an integral part in understanding the genomic machinery and the phylogenetic histories of rambutan organelles.Results: We sequenced its chloroplast genome and assembled 161,321 bp circular DNA. It is characterized by a typical quadripartite structure composed of a large (86,068 bp) and small (18,153 bp) single-copy region interspersed by two identical inverted repeats (IRs) (28,550 bp). We identified 132 genes including 78 protein-coding, 29 tRNA and 4 rRNA genes, with 21 genes duplicated in the IRs. Sixty-three simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 98 repetitive sequences were detected. Twenty-nine codons showed biased usage and 49 potential RNA editing sites were predicted across 18 protein-coding genes in the rambutan chloroplast genome. In addition, coding gene sequence divergence analysis of N. lappaceum suggested that ccsA, clpP, rpoA, rps12, psbJ and rps19 were under positive selection, which might reflect specific adaptations of N. lappaceum to its particular living environment. Comparative chloroplast genome analyses from five species in Sapindaceae revealed that a higher similarity was conserved in the IR regions than in the LSC and SSC regions. The phylogenetic analysis showed that N. lappaceum chloroplast genome has the closest relationship with that of Pometia tomentosa. Conclusions: The understanding of the chloroplast genomics of rambutan and comparative analysis of Sapindaceae species would provide insight into future research on the breeding of rambutan and Sapindaceae evolutionary studies.
Effectiveness of a One-day Simulation-based Program in Psychiatry for Medical Students: A Controlled Study
Authors: YOUNES Nadia , Delaunay Anne Laure , Roger Matthieu , Serra Pierre , Hirot France , Urbain Frédéric , Godart Nathalie , Speranza Mario , Passerieux Christine , Roux Paul
Published: December 2020

Background: Training in psychiatry requires specific knowledge, attitudes, and skills that are obtainable by simulation, which needs further development for medical students. After an analysis of previous research with medical students, we evaluated the effectiveness of a one-day teaching program in psychiatry by simulation and validated a scale measuring Confidence in Psychiatric Clinical Skills (CPCQ). Methods: The population was recruited during the 2019-2020 academic year among the 131 fifth-year undergraduate students at the French University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines-Paris Saclay (the year of compulsory psychiatric training). A controlled study compared knowledge (university grades on the entire national program of psychiatry) and confidence (CPCQ scores) between a control group who received the usual psychiatric instruction and the simulation group who also participated in the simulation program. In the simulation group, satisfaction (including the quality of the debriefing) was investigated. The CPCQ scale was validated by assessing the factor structure, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.Results: All fifth-year undergraduate medical students were included: 24 in the simulation group (voluntarily recruited) and 76 in the control group. Their knowledge did not differ before the simulation. After the simulation, knowledge and confidence increased significantly in the simulation group. Two months after the simulation, knowledge and confidence were significantly higher in the simulation group. Satisfaction with the training and debriefing was very high. The CPCQ scale showed good psychometric properties: a single-factor structure, acceptable internal consistency (α=0.73 [0.65 - 0.85]), and good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.71 [0.35 - 0.88]).Several limits were discussed.Conclusions: Adding a one-day simulation program in psychiatry to the usual teaching improved the knowledge and confidence of medical students even 2 months after. The CPCQ scale could be used for the evaluation of educational programs.
Choosing a Distribution Center to Improve the Vietnamese Fruit and Vegetable Supply Chain by the Hybrid Applied Mathematical Optimization and SAW
Authors: Phan Kieu , Ho Phong
Published: December 2020

In the current market economic conditions, the distribution center plays an important role in the the supply chain’s operation, especially when the fruit and vegetable supply chains in Vietnam still do not have a suitable distribution center, leading to high arrival costs and slow shipping times. Therefore, researching and proposing a model to locate distribution centers, contributing to cost reduction of the fruit and vegetable supply chain is a crucial issue in Vietnam today. Therefore, using many survey methods such as in-depth interview, focus groups, face-to-face to collect a total of 439 samples in Vinh Long province, as well as secondary data from new articles, studies, research articles, other authentic sources directing the administration of provincial statistical management and yearbooks for analyzing the sweet potato supply chain in Vinh Long province of the Mekong Delta region. First, this study used mixed-integer linear programming and compromised programming based on IBM CPLEX Optimizer to choose a distribution center when trading-off between cost and transport time. Secondly, Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) for decision support based on excel software from the results of experts’ answering to increase the objectivity for determining the location of the Distribution Center as well as in accordance with both the actual situation and the comprehensive development of local socio-economy. The contribution of proposing the mathematical model is to choose a suitable place for saving costs and reducing transport times. In additon, this approach method could be applied to other Vietnamese agri-fresh products for upgrading the competitiveness, compared with other countries' agricultural products in terms of price and quality so far.
MiR-126 Suppresses Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer by Regulating Crosstalk Between Epithelium Cells and Macrophages via CXCL12
Authors: Wu Shuai , Yuan Wei , Luo Weiwei , Nie Kai , Shen Zhaohua , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in cancer initiation and progression. Previously, we demonstrated that miR-126 acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC), and negatively associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and prognosis of patients with colon cancer. However, the role and mechanism of miR-126 in the progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) remain elusive.MethodsMice were modeling CAC with Azoxymethane(AOM) and Dextran sulfate sodium(DSS). The expression of miR-126 throughout the progression of CAC was analyzed by in situ hybridization (ISH). The effects of miR-126 on CAC were investigated on intestinal epithelium cells (IECs) speciﬁc miR-126 deletion (miR-126ΔIEC, cKO) mice and wild type (WT) mice by flow cytometry assay, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The underlying mechanism was explored through mRNA Immunoprecipitation assay, establishing co-culture systems of IECs and macrophages, cell migration assays, IECs proliferation assays, and immunofluorescence staining.ResultsWe found that miR-126 expression decreased in the colon tissues during the development of CAC in the mouse model and patients’ tissue. Deletion of miR-126 exacerbated CAC in cKO mice. Then we identified CXCL12 as a direct and functional target of miR-126. By blocking the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis with AMD3100 in the CAC mouse model, the CAC tumorigenesis alleviated in mice from cKO+AMD3100 group compares to cKO mice. CXCL12, together with its receptor CXCR4 has been well studied in the effect on hematopoietic stem cells maintenance and homing, as well as being a potent chemokine attracting lymphocytes and macrophages. However, its function on CAC is still unclear. We found that miR-126 regulates the recruitment of macrophages via CXCL12, and down-regulated its IL-6 and IL-1β expression. Furthermore, we found that after co-cultured with miR-126 silenced cells, macrophages would promote colon cell migration, proliferation, and EMT activity, whereas anti-IL-6 antibodies dampened these phenotypes.Conclusions﻿Collectively, our studies indicate that miR-126 plays a protective role in the development and progression of CAC, and suggest that miR-126 may act as a novel molecular marker for early diagnosis of CAC in the future.
Association of DIO2 Thr92Ala Polymorphism With Pediatric Obesity In Japanese Children: A Case Control Study
Authors: Ota Takeshi , Mori Jun , Yasuda Hirotsugu , Yamaguchi Mihoko , Miyagaki Satoshi , Kawabe Yasuhiro , Tsuma Yusuke , Morimoto Hidechika , Shigehara Keiichi , Fukuhara Shota , Kodo Kazuki , Sugimoto Satoru , Kosaka Kitaro , Nakajima Hisakazu , Hosoi Hajime
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGenetic factors play a critical role in the onset and progression of obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity is also critical for adiposity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and effects of gene polymorphisms related to BAT in pediatric obesity.MethodsA case-control study with 270 non-obese and 86 obese children was performed. All participants underwent genotyping of type 2 deiodinase (DIO2) Thr92Ala (rs225014), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) -3826 A/G (rs1800592), and β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) Trp64Arg (rs4994).ResultsIn the case-control study, the prevalence of the homozygous Ala/Ala allele of the DIO2 gene in the obese group was 15.1 % versus 6.3 % in the non-obese group, resulting in an odds ratio (OR) of 3.393 (95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.498-7.687, P = 0.003). The genotype distribution of UCP1-3826 A/G and ß3AR Trp64Arg did not significantly differ between the obese and the non-obese groups, and the ORs were 1.831 (95% CI, 0.955-3.512, P = 0.069) and 0.819 (95% CI, 0.263-2.555, P = 0.731), respectively.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the homozygous Ala/Ala allele of the DIO2 gene is associated with an increased risk of obesity in children.
Association Between Dialysate Sodium Concentration And Interdialytic Weight Gain In Patients Undergoing Twice Weekly Haemodialysis
Authors: Manji Soraiya , Shah Jasmit , Twahir Ahmed , Sokwala Ahmed
Published: December 2020

BackgroundChronic kidney disease is highly prevalent across the globe with more than two million people worldwide requiring renal replacement therapy. Interdialytic weight gain is the change in body weight between two sessions of haemodialysis. Higher interdialytic weight gain has been associated with an increase in mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. It has long been questioned whether using a lower dialysate sodium concentration during dialysis would reduce the interdialytic weight gain and hence prevent these adverse outcomes.MethodsThis study was a single blinded cross-over study of patients undergoing twice weekly haemodialysis at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and Parklands Kidney Centre. It was conducted over a twelve-week period and patients were divided into two groups: dialysate sodium concentration of 137meq/l and 140meq/l. These groups switched over after a six-week period without a washout period. Univariate analysis was conducted using Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and Mann Whitney test for continuous data. Results41 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 61.37 years, and 73% were males. The mean duration for dialysis was 2.53 years. The interdialytic weight gain was not significantly different between the two groups (2.14 for the 137meq/l group and 2.35 for the 140meq/l group, p = 0.970). Mean blood pressures were as follows: pre-dialysis: DNa 137meq/l: systolic 152.14 ± 19.99, diastolic 78.99 ± 12.20, DNa 140meq/l: systolic 156.95 ± 26.45, diastolic 79.75 ± 11.25 (p = 0.379, 0.629 respectively). Post-dialysis: DNa 137meq/l: systolic 147.29 ± 22.22, diastolic 77.85 ± 12.82 DNa 140meq/l: systolic 151.48 ± 25.65, diastolic 79.66 ± 15.78 (p = 0.569, 0.621 respectively). ConclusionThere was no significant difference in the interdialytic weight gain as well as pre dialysis and post dialysis systolic and diastolic blood pressures between the two groups. Therefore, using a lower dialysate sodium concentration does not appear useful in altering the interdialytic weight gain although further studies with a larger sample size are warranted.
Time Course Analysis of Age-Gender Effect on Severity of COVID-19 Outbreak in Spain and Italy
Authors: Niedostatek Marta , Valsecchi Maria , Cannistraci Carlo
Published: December 2020

Several data science studies have analysed the gender effect on COVID19 with at least one of these limitations: 1) missing comparison across countries; 2) data not age-stratified; 3) analysis based on single date of epidemic period instead of time-course; 4) few variables analysed; 5) gender bias not adjusted by country’s population in that strata. Here, we address these limitations. A wide range of variables on the severity of COVID-19 in relation to gender and age, are analysed over an extended time course from March 2020 to when data are publicly available. Spanish and Italian data only are considered because they are the unique open access data to be comprehensive and harmonized according to a comparable format. Altogether our findings offer two key evidence-driven recommendations. First, since data collection is disharmonic across Europe, the creation of a European institute for standards in biomedical data collection could play a crucial role for fast open-source dissemination and analysis of harmonized data, which in turn could foster rapid and coordinated decision making in emergency periods. Second, since COVID-19 severity particularly impacts 60+ males, containing interventions might be more age/gender-adaptive and, to increase effectiveness and efficiency, focus to contrast contagion of these categories at risk.
High Security Optical Encryption based on Sweeping Computational Ghost Imaging
Authors: Rajabi-ghaleh Sajjad , Olyaeefar Babak , Kheradmand Reza , Ahmadi-kandjani Sohrab
Published: December 2020

A method for the optical data encryption and decryption based on the sweeping computational ghost imaging is proposed. This method is governed on reconstructing the ghost imaging by one-by-one sweeping of rows or columns of the random generated matrices. Proposed encryption in this paper is deﬁned by these sweeping row and column matrices and basic mathematical operators between them. Introduced encryption can be employed as symmetric and asymmetric encryptions. In the symmetric system, cross-operator and the row and column matrices were assumed as private keys, deﬁning the four basic operators as decryption keys. Whereas, in the asymmetric system, permutation of three possible cases was considered as private keys, leaving cross-operator and row and column selection sequence as public keys. The number of pixel changing Rate (NPCR) as a parameter that evaluates the strength of image encryption versus differential attacks was calculated for each case which show high security data transfer to the user. In the asymmetric systems, even with eavesdropping 50% of data, no useful information was obtained from the image or data. In the symmetric systems, with eavesdropping 100% of data, no useful information was obtained by multiple attacking the encrypted data. Offered high security along with achievable high speeds and compact data packages classify sweeping computational ghost imaging among the best applicable methods for optical data encryption.
BMP7 Ameliorated Viral Myocardial Fibrosis by Inhibiting Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Xie Yeqing , Liao Jianquan , Yu Yong , Chen Ruizhen , Ding Xiaoqiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) is associated with myocardial fibrosis in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT) is induced by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMVECs). Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) significantly inhibits Endo-MT and the progression of cardiac fibrosis. The study was aimed to investigate the effect and the underlying mechanism of BMP7 on Endo-MT in myocardial fibrosis induce by CVB3 infection in vivo. Methods: BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected by CVB3 to induce viral myocarditis (VMC). Mice were treated with BMP7 after CVB3 infection. Subsequently, all groups of mice were determined by echocardiography, histopathologic and molecular detection. Results: We found that the ratio of BMP7/TGF-β1 in mRNA levels was decreased obviously at different time points after CVB3 injection. BMP7 facilitated the recovery of cardiac function after CVB3 infection via inhibition of myocardial damage, collagen deposition. Double immunofluorescence staining indicated that Endo-MT was implicated in CVB3-induced myocardial fibrosis, which was attenuated by BMP7. The protein levels of pSmad3 and Smad4 were significantly upregulated in VMC group, as well as Wnt/β-catenin and the transcription factor snail. BMP7 treatment reversed the changes of these protein levels. Moreover, CO-IP demonstrated the crosstalk between β-catenin and Smad3 in VMC mice, which was downregulated by BMP7 treatment. Conclusions: These results indicated that BMP7 obviously ameliorated myocardial fibrosis in CVB3-infected mice via Endo-MT, which was involved in the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. β-Catenin/Smad3 interaction may be associated with Endo-MT in the development of viral myocardial fibrosis.
Comparison of Monoclonal Antibodies targeting CD38, SLAMF7 and PD-1/PD-L1 in combination with Bortezomib/Immunomodulators plus Dexamethasone/Prednisone for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma: An Indirect-Comparison Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ye Wu , Wu Xia , Liu Xiaoyan , Zheng Xue , Deng Jili , Gong Yuping
Published: December 2020

Background

In recent years, there were many clinical trials assessed the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in combination with proteasome inhibitors or immunomodulators plus dexamethasone/prednisoneare for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). The treatment outcomes of comparing different MAbs in combination with above-mentioned agents remain unknown. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare indirectly the efficacy and safety of MAbs targeting CD38, SLAMF7 and PD-1/PD-L1 in combination with bortezomib/immunomodulators plus dexamethasone/ prednisone in patients with MM.
Methods

We electronically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which at least one of the three MAbs was included among multiple arms. We included eleven eligible RCTs with 5367 patients in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis used StataMP14 and Indirect Treatment Comparisons software.
Results

We synthesized hazard ratios (HR) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), relative risk (RR) for overall response rate, complete response (CR) or better, very good partial response (VGPR) or better, VGPR, partial response, stable disease and grade 3 or higher adverse events among the three groups. The HR for PFS of the CD38 group vs SLAMF7 group, CD38 group vs PD-1/PD-L1 group and SLAMF7 group vs PD-1/PD-L1 group were 0.662(95CI0.543-0.806), 0.317(95CI 0.221–0.454) and 0.479(95CI0.328-0.699) respectively. The HR for OS of the CD38 group vs SLAMF7 group was 0.812(0.584–1.127). The RR for CR or better in the CD38 group versus SLAMF7 group was 2.253(95CI1.284-3.955). The RR for neutropenia of the CD38 group versus SLAMF7 group was 1.818(95CI1.41-2.344).
Conclusions

Treatment with the CD38 group resulted in longer PFS and better treatment response than the SLAMF7 and PD-1/PD-L1 group. In addition, the SLAMF7 group prolonged PFS compared with the PD-1/PD-L1 group, and had a lower incidence of grade 3 or higher neutropenia than the CD38 and PD-1/PD-L1 group. In
Immune Prognostic Implications of PSMD14 and its Associated Genes Signatures in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: chuan tian , Mubalake Abudoureyimu , xinrong Lin , hao Zhou , Xiaoyuan Chu , Rui Wang
Published: December 2020

Background: PSMD14 played a vital roles initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, PSMD14 and its-related genes for the immune prognostic implications of HCC patients have rarely been analyzed. Therefore, we aimed to explore gene signatures and immune prognostic values of PSMD14 and its-related genes in HCC.Methods: Analyzed the expression of PSMD14 in multiple databases, and clinicopathologic characteristics associated with PSMD14 overall survival using Wilcoxon signed-ranktest, logistic and Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier method. An immune prognostic signature (including RBM45, PSMD1, OLA1, CCT6A, LCAT and IVD) was constructed and validated using the co-expression and cox regression analyses in TCGA, ICGC and TIMER datasets and CIBERSORT computational methods. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed using TCGA data set. RT-PCR further validates the expression of seven immune genes in Hepatocellular carcinoma cells.Results: Increased PSMD14 expression in HCC was significantly associated with poor prognosis and clinicopathologic characteristics (grade, histologic stage, surgical approach and T stage, all p-values < 0.05 ). A total of six PSMD14-related genes were detected, which markedly related to overall survival and immune infiltrating levels in HCC patients. Using cox regression analysis, the PSMD14 and its-related genes were found to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC survival. Calibration curves confirmed good consistency between clinical nomogram prediction and actual observation. Immune prognostic model suggests that patients in the high‐risk group shown significantly poorer survival than patients in the low‐risk group.Conclusion: We screened potential immune prognostic genes and constructed and verified a novel PSMD14-based prognostic model of HCC, which provides new potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets and lays a theoretical foundation for immunotherapy of HCC.
Can Intersectionality Help with Understanding and Tackling Health Inequalities? Perspectives of Professional Stakeholders
Authors: Holman Daniel , Salway Sarah , Bell Andrew , Beach Brian , Adebajo Adewale , Ali Nuzhat , Butt Jabeer
Published: December 2020

Background: The concept of ‘intersectionality’ is increasingly employed within public health arenas, particularly in North America, and is often heralded as offering great potential to advance health inequalities research and action. Given persistently poor progress towards tackling health inequalities, and recent calls to reframe this agenda in the UK and Europe, the possible contribution of intersectionality deserves attention. Yet, no existing research has examined professional stakeholder understandings and perspectives on applying intersectionality to this field. In this paper we seek to address that gap. Methods: drawing upon a consultation survey and workshop undertaken in the UK. The survey included both researchers (n=53) and practitioners (n=20) with varied roles and levels of engagement in research and evaluation. Topics included: familiarity with the term and concept ‘intersectionality’, relevance to health inequalities work, and issues shaping its uptake. Respondents were also asked to comment on two specific policy suggestions; targeting and tailoring interventions to intersectional sub-groups, and evaluating the intersectional effects of policies. 23 people attended the face-to-face workshop. The aims of the workshop were to: share examples of applying intersectionality within health inequalities research and practice; understand the views of research and practice colleagues on potential contributions and challenges; and identify potential ways to promote intersectional approaches Results: Findings indicated a generally positive response to the concept and a cautiously optimistic assessment that intersectional approaches could be valuable. However, opinions were mixed and various challenges were raised, especially around whether intersectionality research is necessarily critical and transformative and, accordingly, how it should be operationalised methodologically. Nonetheless, there was general agreement that intersectionality is concerned with diverse inequalities and the systems of power that shape them. Conclusions: In the UK health inequalities policy and practice context there are a number of potential ways forward for intersectionality in helping to understand and tackle such inequalities.
Environmental Drivers of Algal Metacommunity Structure in in River-Connected Lakes
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Ahn Seok Hyun , Jung In Jae , Lee Tae Kwon
Published: December 2020

The metacommunity approach provide insights into how the biological communities are assembled along the environmental variations. The current study presents the importance of water quality on the metacommunity structure of algal communities in six, river-connected lakes using long-term (8 years) monitoring datasets. Elements of metacommunity structure were analyzed to evaluate whether water quality structured the metacommunity across biogeographic regions in the riverine ecosystem. The algal community in all lakes was found to exhibit Clementsian or quasi-Clementsian properties, indicating that the communities responded to the environmental gradient. Reciprocal averaging clearly classified the lakes into three clusters according to the geographical region in river flow (upstream, midstream, and downstream). The dispersal patterns of algal species, including Aulacoseira, Cyclotella, Stephanodiscus, and Chlamydomonas across the regions also supported the spatial-based classification results. Although conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, and biological oxygen demand were found to be important variables (loading > |0.5|) of the entire algal community assembly, temperature was a critical factor in water quality associated with community assembly in each geographical area. These results support the notion that the structure of algal communities is strongly associated with water quality, but the relative importance of variables in structuring algal communities differed by geological regions.
Biologically effective doses of 60-70Gy vs. >70Gy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) combined with chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer: protocol of a phase III study
Authors: Ye Yusheng , Zhu Xiaofei , Zhao Xianzhi , Jiang Lingong , Cao Yangsen , Zhang Huojun
Published: December 2020

Background: There is controversial on the correlation between biologically effective dose (BED, α/β=10) of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and clinical outcomes of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Therefore, the aim of the study is to compare the survival benefits of BED10 of 60-70Gy with those of BED10＞70Gy.Methods: This study is a multicenter study. Patients with LAPC are randomly allocated into two groups. Arm1: SBRT with BED10 of 60-70Gy in 5-6 fractions combined with gemcitabine plus albumin-bound paclitaxel; Arm2: SBRT with BED10＞70Gy in 5-6 fractions combined with gemcitabine plus albumin-bound paclitaxel. The primary outcome is progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcomes are radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, local control (LC) and overall survival (OS).Discussion: The pilot phase Ⅲ study could provide evidence for further decision making of prescription doses of SBRT for LAPC, which may improve survival outcomes without compromise of quality of life. The trial protocol has been approved by the Ethics committee of Shanghai Changhai hospital. The ethics number is CHEC2020-100.Trial registration: Clinical trials number: NCT04603586. Date of registration: 10/27/2020.
Effects of the Timing of Labour Induction on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Low-risk Nulliparous Chinese Women
Authors: WEI Qiang , CAO Qin-yan , ZHANG Li , XU Yi , DUAN Mei-fan
Published: December 2020

Backgroud: When labour induction should be offered to women at or beyond term is unclear. This work aimed to investigate the effects of the timing of labour induction on maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-risk pregnancies. Methods: This retrospective case-control study involved low-risk primigravid pregnant mothers in whom labour was induced at 40-41+6 weeks at our two hospitals between January and December 2017. According to the gestational age at labour induction, participants were categorized into the study group (40-40+6 weeks, n=284) or to the control group (41-41+6 weeks, n=172), and maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared.Results: The study group showed significantly shorter labour in the first stage (391.8±225.7 vs. 472.0±268.9 min, P=0.006), second stage (65.41±38.66 vs. 53.73±31.58 min, P= 0.008) and total stage (453.0±235.8 vs. 535.7±259.8 min, P=0.005). The two groups showed no significant differences in the methods of labour induction or in the rates of failure of labour induction, of caesarean delivery, of postpartum haemorrhage, or of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.Conclusions: Our retrospective study suggests that inducing labour at 40-40+6 weeks does not increase the risk of adverse maternal or foetal outcomes, and that it shortens labour. These results suggest that labor induction at 40-40+6 weeks was feasible for low-risk primiparas.Trial registration: The research has been approved by the Ethics Committee of West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University and Chengdu Women and Children's Central Hospital, China. Patients gave written informed consent for their anonymized medical data to be analyzed and published for research purposes.
Subacute Thyroiditis Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Khalil Abir Bou , Alam Walid , Bizri Abdul Rahman
Published: December 2020

Background: Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a rare but well-established cause of fever of unknown origin (FUO) and should be considered in the differential of patients presenting with fever of unknown origin. Few reports in the English literature where published about Subacute thyroiditis manifesting as fever of unknown origin. Subacute thyroiditis may be hard to detect by physicians based on history and physical exam if the systemic manifestations are absent. Methods: An observational retrospective review of 375 charts of patients presenting with thyroiditis to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between January 1995 and June 2015. Inclusion criteria included patients who have subacute thyroiditis based on the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines and fever of unknown origin based on Durak and Street’s definition. All patients that do not fit both inclusion criteria were excluded. The patients’ demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic findings, and treatments used were analyzed. Results: 375 charts were reviewed. 31 patients had SAT of which 13 patients had fever of unknown origin before diagnosing subacute thyroiditis. 13 charts were not available for screening. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism including palpitations, neck tenderness and weight loss were not present in all patients. Elevated markers of inflammation mainly ESR and CRP were raised when screened for.Conclusions: The diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis should be considered in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin and elevated inflammatory markers, even in the absence of suggestive clinical symptoms.
Methicillin and Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Associated Factors from Surgical Ward Inpatients at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Demsie Samrawit Tefera , Awoke Tewachew , Mekonnen Daniel
Published: December 2020

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading wound infections. It is considered as a super bug. The epidemiology of Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin Resistant S. aureus (VRSA) is not well studied in Ethiopia particularly in Debre Markos Referral Hospital (DMRH). The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA and VRSA and associated factors from wound cases admitted to surgical ward in DMRH, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February-April 2020 at DMRH. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics. Wound swabs were collected using sterile cotton swab followed by culturing on Blood agar and Mannitol Salt agar. Then isolates were characterized by gram stain and biochemical tests. The presence of MRSA and VRSA was determined using the cefoxitin (30μg) antibiotic disc diffusion and vancomycin E-test, respectively. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 software. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: A total of 242 wound cases were enrolled and a majority of them were males (172, 71.1%). Among the total wound cases, the isolation rate of S. aureus was 29.3%. The proportion of MRSA was 13.22% and that of VRSA was 4.1%. The proportion of vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA) was gauged at 4.5%. Hospital stay >72h (p=0.014), wound depth (p=0.043), antibiotic use (p=0.017) and previous history of wound infection (p=0.001) showed statistical significant association with MRSA. No variables showed significant association with VRSA.Conclusion: High proportions of S. aureus isolates are resistant to methicillin and vancomycin. Moreover, multiple variables demonstrated associations with drug resistance. Hence, hospital infection control and antibiotic stewardship program shall be strengthened.
α-Synuclein Responses: Implications for Early Appearance of Sleep Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Santos Altair B. Dos , Skanning Line K , Mikkelsen Eyd , Romero-Leguizamón Cesar R , Kristensen Morten P , Klein Anders Bue , Langkilde Annette , Kohlmeier Kristi A.
Published: December 2020

Sleep Disorders (SDs) precede motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), suggesting an early effect of disease processes on sleep control neurons. PD processes involve rises in the protein, α-synuclein, which presents early on in a simple, monomeric form, but later in disease progression, a more complex fibril form appears. We hypothesize that monomeric α-synuclein has deleterious cellular actions on sleep control nuclei. We monitored cellular responses to identified monomeric and fibril α-synuclein in two sleep controlling nuclei, the laterodorsal tegmentum, and the pedunculopontine tegmentum, as well as the substantia nigra, a motor control nucleus which degenerates as a hallmark PD feature. We monitored differential cell death using a fluorescent-based assay following exposure to the simpler form of α-synuclein. In sleep control nuclei, both forms of intrinsic α-synuclein induced excitation, and increased intracellular calcium and the monomeric form heightened putatively excitotoxic, neuronal death, whereas, in the substantia nigra we saw inhibition, decreased intracellular calcium and monomeric α-synuclein was not associated with heightened cell death. These nucleus-specific differential effects suggest previously unappreciated, mechanistic underpinnings of SDs’ prodromal PD appearance in PD, and we hypothesize that in the prodromal phase of PD, the early form of α-synuclein compromises sleep-control neurons.
Detection and Visualization of Manufacturing Errors of Internal Cavity Structural Parts
Authors: Duan Li-Ming , Si Lei , Luo Xue-Qing , Wu Jia-Hang , Fang Cheng
Published: December 2020

Aiming at the difficulty of manufacturing error detection of internal cavity structural parts, a detection method of common manufacturing error based on industrial CT images was proposed. Firstly, the image sequence of part scanned by an industrial CT machine is converted into a three-dimensional measurement model; Then, the registration of the three-dimensional measurement model with the original design model is completed; The surface information of the part is obtained by segmenting surfaces of the three-dimensional measurement model; Next, the datum surface is selected, the error value of the test surface is calculated after selecting datum surface; Finally, the detection result is obtained by comparing the error value with the tolerance value, analyzing the result and the areas that do not meet the tolerance requirements is visualized in the developed software system. The common manufacturing errors of complex inner cavity parts can be detected by the method, such as dimension error of length, planeness error, cylindricity error, parallelism and perpendicularity error of face-to-face, at the same time, it can intuitively show the area whose manufacturing errors in the cavity structure of the parts are not satisfied, which provides a basis for judging the quality of manufacturing and processing of parts.
Criteria prioritization for sustainable development of second-generation bioethanol in Thailand with an application of Delphi-AHP technique
Authors: Jusakulvijit Piradee , Bezama Alberto , Thrän Daniela
Published: December 2020

Background:

The availability of underexploited agricultural residues in Thailand opens up the opportunity to supply second-generation bioethanol production. The national implementation of residues-to-biofuel can potentially initiate the bioeconomy and greenhouse gas mitigation, requiring engagement from the multi-stakeholders to develop effective policy recommendations. Thus, the study aims to optimize the implementation of the national strategy from a multi-criteria approach to evaluate the concerned aspects and important indicators for second-generation bioethanol development through a participatory prioritization by the actual stakeholders
Methods:

To analyze the relevance of the different dimensions regarding important levels of criteria, a Delphi-AHP technique was applied. The evaluation process was conducted with different stakeholders and elaborated by using a pairwise comparison of 4 dimensions (main-criteria) and 12 indicators (sub-criteria). The evaluation was applied to the participants to share their preferences evaluating the most important factors from the aspect of technical feasibility, environmental impacts, economic feasibility and social impacts.
Results:

Bioethanol stakeholders in Thailand from 5 different branches (industry/ business sectors, NPO/NGO, governmental sectors, academic/research institute and financial institution/bank) participated in the Delphi survey. The 20 expert’s evaluation of four dimensions reveals the highest score from the economic feasibility (32.3%), followed by environmental impacts (25.6%), technical feasibility (24.0%) and social impacts (18.1%). From the sub-criteria assessment, the participants selected ‘final price per liter’, ‘added value of input materials’ and ‘net energy balance’ for the top three important indicators among 12 sub-criteria. From the identification of connection between preferable criteria and participants’ expertise, the results encouraged the process of employing different associated backgrounds into account at the step of policy planning in addition to the consideration of affiliations.
Conclusions:

The stakeholder’s participatory evaluation indicated the importance of economic aspects, highlighting the necessity of the governmental driven policy that needs to be considered. However, implementation scenarios have to be embedded in a broader range of aspects because all the dimension were rated with high impacts. For the future sustainable bioenergy, involvement from stakeholders’ opinions can imply multifaceted scenarios that may interconnect to the social acceptance and benefits for all relevant players when considering the development of advanced bioenergy as a policy recommendation.
Virtual Functional Mobility Test: A Potential Novel Tool for Assessing Mobility of Individuals With Parkinson´s Disease in a Multitask Condition.
Authors: Moura Júlia Araújo de , Leal Josevan Cerqueira , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Quarles John P. , Mendes Felipe Augusto Dos Santos
Published: December 2020

Background: There are few instruments available for evaluating functional mobility during multitasking in people with Parkinson´s Disease. Virtual Reality is a potentially tool capable of aiding in the evaluation of functional mobility. The purpose of this study is to verify the potential of the Virtual Functional Mobility Test (VFMT) as a clinical tool to assess functional mobility of people with PD during multitasking condition. Method: 25 people with PD and 25 people without PD, matched for age and sex, were recruited. Participants were evaluated through the Trail Making Test, Timed "UP and GO" test, Timed “UG and GO” in dual task and through the VFMT, composed of 1) a simple task, involving exclusively motor skills and 2) a complex task, involving multitasking. The groups’ performances on the clinical and VFMT tests were compared to verify the virtual test´s sensitivity. It was evaluated the correlations between VFMT tasks and existing clinical tests, the reliability intra-rater and the users’ perception. Results: The VFMT and clinical tests were sensitive to differentiate the groups, except the trail making test part B (p= 0.332) and complex task (p= 0.052). Strong correlations were observed between parts A and B of the trail making test (r=0.75) and complex task (r=0.72); Moderate correlations between Timed Up and Go test and Timed Up and Go in dual task test with simple task (r=0.47) and complex task (r=0.55), respectively, was found. The complex task and simple task showed excellent and moderate reliability intra-rater, respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that the novel VFMT is feasible, sensible, reliable and has potential as an instrument for the evaluation of functional mobility during multitasking in people with PD.
PCR-based Detection of Diarrheagenic Pathogens in Improved Water Sources: a Scoping Review Protocol of the Evidence in Low- and Middle-income Countries
Authors: Gemeda Shibabaw Tadesse , Soboksa Negasa Eshete , Tefera Yonatal Mesfin , Desta Adey Feleke , Gari Sirak Robele
Published: December 2020

Background: Occurrence of diverse human enteric bacterial, viral and protozoal pathogens in drinking water samples because of fecal contamination is of increasing public health concern, particularly in developing counties. Application of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based methods in detecting microbial quality of water provides more accurate, sensitive and rapid outcomes over conventional methods of microbial identification and quantification. Therefore, exploring water quality outcomes generated through PCR based methods is important to better understand the status and monitor progress towards internationally set goals for low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this scoping review is to map the existing evidence on the magnitude and characteristics of diarrheagenic pathogens as detected by PCR-based methods in improved water sources within the context of low- and middle-income countries. Methods: This scoping review will be undertaken in line with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will consider studies from 2003 onwards that included PCR-based microbial water quality assessment of improved drinking water sources in low- and middle-income countries. The searches will be undertaken in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, JBI, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. A gray literature search will be conducted in Google and ProQuest. Discussion: This review will systematically discover and integrate the evidence available on the detection of diarrheagenic pathogens through the application of PCR based methods for water quality determination. In this review, information about the applied PCR method, detected diarrheagenic pathogens, water sample size, effectiveness in terms of time and cost, will be gathered and summarized. Diagrammatic and/or tabular presentation supported with a narrative synthesis will be used. The review will be reported according to a reporting guideline for scoping reviews: PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA ScR).
Successful Transplantation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells Into the Seminiferous Tubules of Busulfan-treated Mice
Authors: Azizi Hossein , Tabar Amirreza Niazi , Skutella Thomas
Published: December 2020

Background: Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in the testis are crucial for transferring genetic information to the next generation. Successful transplantation of SSCs to infertile men is an advanced therapeutic application in reproductive biology research. Methods: In this experimental research, both in vitro and in vivo characterization of undifferentiated and differentiated SSCs were performed by morphology - immunocytochemistry (ICC), immunohistochemistry (IMH), Fluidigm Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry analysis. The isolated SSCs were finally microinjected into the rete testis of busulfan-treated mice. The compact undifferentiated and more loosely connected round differentiated SSCs were isolated during testicular cell expansion from their specific feeder layer.Results: ICC analysis indicated high and low expression levels of Zbtb16 in undifferentiated and differentiated germ cells. Also, IMH analysis showed different expression levels of Zbtb16 in the two different germ stem cell populations of the testicular tissue. While Fluidigm RT-PCR analysis indicated overexpression of the TAF4B germ cell gene, the expression of DAZL, VASA, and Zbtb16 were down-regulated during the differentiation of SSCs (P< 0.05). Also, flow cytometry analysis confirmed the significant downregulation of Itgb1 and Itga4 during differentiation. By transplantation of SSCs into busulfan-treated NOD/SCID mice, GFP-labeled sperm cells developed. Conclusions: In the current study, we performed a transplantation technique that could be useful for the future microinjection of SSCs during infertility treatment and for studying in vivo differentiation of SSCs into sperm.