bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes for Lipid Metabolism in Dedifferentiated Preadipocytes from Different Tissues of Chicken
Authors: ma zheng , Luo Na , Liu Lu , Cui Huanxian , Li Jing , Xiang Hai , Kang Huimin , Li Hua , Zhao Guiping
Published: September 2020

Background: The body distribution with high intramuscular fat and low abdominal fat is ideal goal for broiler breeding. Preadipocytes with different origins have differences in metabolism and gene expression. This transcriptome analysis of intramuscular preadipocytes (DIMPs) and adipose tissue-derived preadipocytes (DAFPs) is aim to explore the characteristics in lipid deposition of different chicken preadipocytes by dedifferentiation in vitro. Results: Compared to DIMFPs, the lipid content was increased (P <0.05) in DAFPs after two days with 100% confluence. Moreover, 66 DEGs of lipid metabolism were screened, which are involved in the adipocyte differentiation, fatty acid transport and fatty acid synthesis, lipid stabilization, and lipolysis. Among them, the representative CEBPA, DGKH, DGKQ, DGKD, FADS1L1, SCD, SCD5, and PPARG were down-regulated, but CIDEC, ELOVL1, ELOVL6, FABP3, FABP4, FADS6, LPL, MOGAT1, PLIN3, PLIN4, RBP7, and RXRG genes were up-regulated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the DAFPs, showing the same pattern with the lipid content. Based on the known DEGs, the well-known pathways affecting lipid metabolism (MAPK-, TGF beta-, Calcium-, PPAR signaling pathway) were enriched, which may also contribute to the regulation of lipid deposition. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the difference of lipid deposition between DIMPs and DAFPs of chicken in vitro. The lipid content was significantly increased in DAFPs by the up-regulation of genes on cellular uptake of fatty acids through medication of MAPK-, TGF beta-, Calcium-, and PPAR signaling pathways. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of tissue-specific fat deposition and optimizing body fat distribution in broilers.
New View on the Organization and Evolution of Palaeognathae Mitogenomes Poses The Question on the Ancestral Gene Rearrangement in Aves
Authors: Urantowka Adam Dawid , Kroczak Aleksandra , Mackiewicz Pawel
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBird mitogenomes differ from other vertebrates in gene rearrangement. The most common avian gene order, first identified in Gallus gallus, is considered ancestral for all Aves. However, other rearrangements including a duplicated control region and neighboring genes have been reported in many representatives of avian orders. The repeated regions can be easily omitted due to inappropriate DNA amplification or genome sequencing, and may thus be readily overlooked. This raises a question about the actual prevalence of mitogenomic duplications and the validity of the current view on the avian mitogenome evolution. In this context, Palaeognathae is especially interesting because is sister to all other living birds (Neognathae). So far, a unique duplicated region has been found in one palaeognath mitogenome, that of Eudromia elegans. ResultsTherefore, we applied an appropriate PCR strategy to look for omitted duplications in other palaeognaths. The analyses revealed the duplicated control regions with adjacent genes in Crypturellus, Rhea and Struthio as well as ND6 pseudogene in three moa. The copies are very similar and were subjected to concerted evolution. Mapping the presence and absence of duplication onto the Palaeognathae phylogeny indicates that the duplication was an ancestral state for this avian group. This feature was inherited by early diverged lineages and lost two times in others. Comparison of incongruent phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequences showed that two variants of mitogenomes could exist in the evolution of palaeognaths. Included data for other avian mitogenomes revealed that the last common ancestor of all birds and early diverging lineages of Neoaves may also possess the mitogenomic duplication.ConclusionsThe duplicated control regions with adjacent genes are more common in avian mitochondrial genomes than it was previously thought. These two regions could increase effectiveness of replication and transcription as well as the number of replicating mitogenomes per organelle. In consequence, energy production by mitochondria may be also more efficient. However, further physiological and molecular analyses are necessary to assesses the potential selective advantages of the mitogenome duplications.
Cardiac Strain as a Predictor of Adverse Events and Ventricular Remodeling: A Cohort Study
Authors: GONG yanjun , Lu Yuan , Huo Jessica C. , Wang Zhi , Yang Fan , Fang Shu , Qiu Lin , Qiu Jianxing , Huo Yong
Published: September 2020

Background: It remains controversial whether cardiac strain accurately predicts adverse events after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cardiac strain revealed on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging on cardiac events and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling.Methods: Between February 2015 and September 2016, we conducted a prospective two-center cohort study of patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention comprising stent implantation. All included patients underwent CMR imaging before discharge. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and LV remodeling were assessed during 6 months of follow-up.Results: Seventy-six patients were available for the final analysis. The MACE rate was 23.7%, using cardiac death, reinfarction, unplanned revascularization, and heart failure as combined events during 6 months of follow-up. The global longitudinal strain (GLS) was an independent predictor of MACE (OR=1.21 (1.07–1.36), P=0.002) and LV remodeling (OR=2.06 (1.14–3.73), P=0.017).Conclusion: In patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, the GLS determined on CMR imaging performed before discharge is a predictor of MACE and adverse LV remodeling during 6 months of follow-up.
Association of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Enzymes with the Risk and Mortality of Sepsis Among Chinese Children
Authors: He Danni , Li Ning , Lu Xiuxiu , Li Wei , Chen Yuanmei , Sun Zhongyuan , Zhang Lipeng , Guo Linying , Cui Xiaodai , Song Guowei , Niu Wenquan , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2020

Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to explore the association of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activities with the risk for pediatric sepsis, and interrogate their association with hospitalized mortality among affected children.Methods: A total of 50 incident cases with sepsis and 49 healthy controls participated in this study. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: The levels of CoQ10, complex II, complex I+III and FoF1-ATPase were significantly higher in controls than in cases. In children with sepsis, levels of CoQ10 and complex I+III were significantly higher in survived cases than in deceased cases. Per 0.05 μmol/L, 50 nmol/min.mg and 100 nmol/min.mg increment in CoQ10, complex I+III and FoF1-ATPase were associated with significantly lowered risk of having sepsis, even after adjusting for confounding factors (OR=0.85, 0.68 and 0.04, P: 0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Per 0.05 μmol/L and 50 nmol/min.mg increment in CoQ10 and complex I+III was associated with significantly lowered risk of dying from sepsis during hospitalization, and significance retained after adjustment (OR=0.73 and 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.90 and 0.64 to 0.89, P=0.004 and 0.001, respectively) in sepsis children.Conclusion: Our findings indicate the promising predictive contribution of serum CoQ10 and complex I+III to the risk of pediatric sepsis and its associated mortality during hospitalization among Chinese children.
Dynamic Clinical Features During the Para-Exacerbation Period of Critical COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Bao Aihua , Zhou Yan , Yunfei Lu , Qiao Lihua , Ding Fengming , Lu Hongzhou , Zhang Min
Published: September 2020

Background COVID-19 has been currently spread all over the world with high mortality reported in severe COVID-19 patients. Many severe COVID-19 patients exacerbated from mild illness several days after hospital admissions. Pathophysiological evolution within this para-exacerbation period remain unclear.Methods Twenty-two confirmed COVID-19 patients who underwent at least one exacerbation were included. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between the records of hospital admission day and the exacerbation day. Dynamic profiles of critical parameters were explored during the para-exacerbation period.Results Most of the patients were elder (67, IQR63-79), male (81.8%), coexisted with comorbidities (72.7%), multi-segments radiologically involved and exacerbated from mild to severe illness with anoxia at a median interval of 4 days (IQR, 2-7) from hospital admissions. On exacerbations, various clinical parameters were worsened, including respiratory rate, PaO2/FiO2 rate (PFR), alveolar-arterial PO2 difference (A-aDO2), hematological cellularities, biochemical parameters and radiological abnormalities. Dynamic profiles showed that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and serum level of lactic acid, lactate dehydrogenase and coagulation parameters started to increase even at four days before the exacerbation. Conclusions Anoxia due to impaired gas exchange progress pathophysiologically characterized the exacerbation of COVID-19 patients. Continuously monitoring crucial clinical parameters, such as NLR, serum albumin, LDH, lactic acid, and CT involvement scale will be helpful to improve the recognition of the disease progression in patients with COVID-19 at early stage.Trial registration This retrospective study has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000030580, www.chictr.org.cn)
Genome-Wide Epigenomic Stress Response in the European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax, L.)
Authors: KRICK Madoka V. , DESMARAIS Erick , SAMARAS Athanasios , GUERET Elise , DIMITROGLOU Arkadios , PAVLIDIS Michalis , TSIGENOPOULOS Costas S , GUINAND Bruno
Published: September 2020

Background: While the stress response inspired genome-wide epigenetic studies in vertebrate models, it remains mostly ignored in fish. We modified the epiGBS (epiGenotyping By sequencing) technique to explore changes in genome-wide cytosine methylation to a repeated acute stress challenge in the nucleated red blood cells (RBCs) of the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). This species is widely studied in both the natural and farmed environments, including issues regarding health and welfare.Results: We retrieved 501,108,033 sequencing reads after trimming, with a mean mapping efficiency of 73.0% (unique best hits). Fifty-seven differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) close to 51 distinct stress-related genes distributed on 17 of 24 linkage groups (LGs) were detected between RBCs of pre- and post-stress individuals. Literature surveys indicated that thirty-eight of these genes were previously reported as differentially expressed in the brain of zebrafish, most of them involved in stress coping differences. DMC-related genes associated to the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, a protein that favors stress adaptation and fear memory, are especially relevant.Conclusion: We provide an improved epiGBS protocol with increased multiplexing and sequencing capacities that offer new opportunities to improve data acquisition and to investigate important biological processes at a genome-wide level, such as the stress response. Minimally invasive RBCs deserve more attention to investigate the epigenetic response to stress without sacrificing fish.
Characteristics of Relief and Residual Low Back Pain After Discectomy in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: Analysis Using a Detailed Visual Analogue Scale
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi , Aoki Yasuchika , Inoue Masahiro , Saito Junya , Nakajima Arata , Sonobe Masato , Akatsu Yorikazu , Koyama Keita , Shiga Yasuhiro , Inage Kazuhide , Eguchi Yawara , Orita Sumihisa , Maki Satoshi , Furuya Takeo , Akazawa Tsutomu , Abe Tetsuya , Funayama Toru , Noguchi Hiroshi , Miura Kousei , Mataki Kentaro , Shibao Yosuke , Eto Fumihiko , Kono Mamoru , Koda Masao , Yamazaki Masashi , Ohtori Seiji , Nakagawa Koichi
Published: September 2020

Background: Recently, several authors have reported favorable results in low back pain (LBP) for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) treated with discectomy. However, detailed changes over time in the characteristics and location of LBP before and after discectomy for LDH remain unclear. To clarify these points, we conducted an observational study to evaluate the detailed characteristics and location of LBP before and after discectomy for LDH, using detailed and bilateral visual analog scales (VAS).Methods: Sixty-five patients with LDH treated with discectomy were included in this study. A detailed VAS for LBP was administered under 3 different postural conditions: in-motion, standing, and sitting. Bilateral VAS was also administered (affected versus opposite side) for LBP, lower extremity pain (LEP), and lower extremity numbness (LEN). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to quantify clinical status. Changes over time in these VAS and ODI were investigated. Pfirrmann classification and Modic change as seen by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed before and 1 year after discectomy to evaluate disc and endplate condition.Results: Before surgery, LBP on the affected side in motion were significantly higher than LBP while sitting. This heightened LBP on the affected side in motion was significantly improved after discectomy. On the other hand, the residual LBP while sitting at 1 year after surgery was significantly higher than the LBP in motion or while standing. At 1 year following discectomy, residual LBP while sitting was significantly greater in cases showing larger changes in Pfirrmann grade or Modic type.Conclusions: Improvement of LBP on the affected side while in motion following discectomy suggests that radicular LBP is improved by nerve root decompression. Furthermore, the finding that residual LBP while sitting is reflective of the load and pressure put on the disc and endplate.
The Effect Of Salinity On Enterocytozoon Hepatopenaei  Infection In Penaeus Vannamei Under Experimental Conditions
Authors: Aranguren Luis Fernando , Alghamdi Faris , De Belder Katrien , Lin J. , Mai Hung N. , Millabas Jasmine , Alrehaili Y. , Alazwari Anwer , Algetham Saif , Dhar Arun K.
Published: September 2020

Background: Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is an enteric pathogen that affects Penaeus vannamei and P. monodon shrimp in many SE Asian countries. In the western hemisphere, EHP was reported for the first time in 2016 in farmed P. vannamei in Venezuela. Anecdotal evidence suggests that EHP is more prevalent in grow-out ponds where the salinity is high (>15 parts per thousand (ppt) compared to grow-out ponds with low salinities (<5 ppt). Considering that P. vannamei is an euryhaline species, we were interested in knowing if EHP can propagate in P. vannamei in low salinities. Result: In this study, we described an experimental infection using fecal strings as a source inoculum. Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) P. vannamei were maintained at two different salinities including 2 ppt and 30 ppt, and continuously challenged using feces from known EHP-infected P. vannamei over a period of three weeks. The fecal strings, used as a source of EHP inocula in the challenges, was sufficient to elicit infection in shrimp maintained at both salinities. Infectivity of EHP in shrimp reared at 2 and 30 ppt salinities was confirmed by PCR and histopathology. The prevalence and the severity of EHP infection was higher at 30 ppt than 2 ppt. Conclusion: The data suggest that fecal strings is a reliable method to conduct EHP challenges via fecal-oral route. EHP infection can occur at a salinity as low as 2 ppt, although the prevalence and the severity of EHP infection is higher at a salinity of 30 ppt compared to 2 ppt.
Effect of Gender and Residual Feed Intake Phenotype on the Transcriptome of Liver and Skeletal Muscle Tissue in Purebred Simmental Beef Cattle
Authors: McKenna Clare , Keogh Kate , Porter Richard K. , Waters Sinead M. , Cormican Paul , Kenny David A.
Published: September 2020

Background: The selection of cattle with enhanced feed efficiency is of paramount importance with regard to reducing feed costs in the beef industry. However the role, if any, of gender to the underlying molecular control of feed efficiency in cattle is not currently known. Global transcriptome profiling was undertaken on liver and skeletal muscle biopsies from Simmental heifers and bulls divergent in residual feed intake (RFI) feed efficiency phenotype, in order to identify differentially expressed genes that may be associated with this trait. Results: We identified 5 genes (p<0.001; false discovery rate (FDR) <0.1) to be differentially expressed in skeletal muscle between high and low RFI heifers with all 5 transcripts being up-regulated in the low RFI phenotype. Among these differentially expressed genes, all transcripts were involved in oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial homeostasis. A total of 11 genes (p<0.001;FDR <0.1) were differentially expressed in hepatic tissue between high and low RFI bulls with 8 transcripts being up-regulated and 3 being down-regulated in the low RFI phenotype. These differentially expressed genes were related to oxidative response, protein mediation and cell signalling. No genes were identified as differentially expressed in both heifer liver and bull muscle analyses. Conclusions: Results from this study show a clear effect of gender to the underlying molecular control of RFI in cattle, which may be attributable to differences in the physiological age between heifers and bulls. Despite this we have highlighted a number of genes that may hold potential as molecular biomarkers for RFI cattle.
Initial Description of the Genome of Aeluropus Littoralis, a Halophile Grass
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Hamidreza , Arab Mojhdeh , Dolatabadi Behnaz , Kuo Yi-Tzu , Baez Mariana Alejandra , Himmelbach Axel , Nematzadeh Ghorbanali , Maibody Seyed Ali Mohammad Mirmohammady , Schmutzer Thomas , Mälzer Michael , Altmann Thomas , Kuhlmann Markus
Published: September 2020

Background: The use of wild plant species or their halophytic relatives has been considered in plant breeding programs to improve salt and drought tolerance in crop plants. Aeluropus littoralis serves as halophyte model for identification and isolation of novel stress adaptation genes. This species is described as perennial monocot grass. A. littoralis grows in damp or arid areas, often salt-impregnated places and waste land in cultivated areas. A. littoralis can survive where the water salinity is periodically high and tolerate high salt concentrations in the soil up to 1100 mM sodium chloride. Therefore, it serves as valuable genetic resource to understand molecular mechanisms of stress-responses in monocots. The knowledge can potentially be used for improving tolerance to abiotic stresses in economically important crops. Several morphological, anatomical, ecological, and physiological traits of A. littoralis have been investigated so far and also the transfer of stress related genes to other species resulted in enhanced stress resistance. After watering with salt water the grass is able to excrete salt via its salt glands. Meanwhile, a number of ESTs (expressed sequence tag), genes and promoters induced by the salt and drought stresses were isolated, sequenced and annotated at a molecular level. Results: Here we describe the genome sequence and structure of A. littoralis analyzed by whole genome sequencing and histological analysis. The chromosome number was determined to be 20 (2n = 2X = 20), absence of B chromsomes shown, and the genome size calculated to be 354 Megabasepairs.Conclusions: This genomic information provided here, will support the functional investigation and application of novel genes improving salt stress resistance in crop plants.
Prevalence of High-risk Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Prisoners in the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, Ghana
Authors: Acheampong Lawrence Kofi , Effah Kofi , Amuah Joseph Emmanuel , Tekpor Ethel , Wormenor Comfort Mawusi , Gedzah Isaac , Kemawor Seyram , Kachana Ateba Cynthia , Danso Peace Afi , Essel Nana Owusu Mensah , Asomaning Mabel , Agyiri Dominic , AKAKPO PATRICK KAFUI
Published: September 2020

Background: The Ghana Prisons Service has a Health Directorate that ensures delivery of healthcare to people in their custody under the Ghana Association of Quasi Health Institution (GAQHI) which is one of the agencies under the Ministry of Health. Across Ghana, females comprise 1.2% of the entire prison population (n=15,463). Cervical cancer screening services are however nonexistent and the prevalence of cervical precancer is undocumented. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of high-risk HPV infection and associated cervical abnormalities during a cervical cancer screening outreach. Methods: After informed consent and counselling, women underwent a structured questionnaire-based interview. Responses were recorded directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Inmates were co-tested for cervical pre-cancer by two trained nurses using dry brush cervical samples for 15 high risk HPV types using the AmpFire HPV test after which mobile colposcopy with the EVA system was performed. EVA images were reviewed by a gynecologist. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe categorical data while means and standard deviations or medians and interquartile ranges were used to describe continuous data. Results: The majority (75%) of the inmates were convicts with a median sentence of 5 years. Their mean age was 41.1 years (range, 19–97). Out of the 14% that had ever been screened for cervical cancer, 75% had only been screened once. The self-reported prevalence rate of HIV among the inmates was 13.1%, all of who were receiving treatment. The high-risk HPV prevalence rate was 47.6% in the general population of inmates and 63.6% among HIV positive inmates. Using the EVA system, 5(6%) had lesions on the cervix of which 3(3.6%) were treated with thermal coagulation and 2(2.4%) were treated with LEEP. The average age of high-risk HPV positive inmates was 37.8 years. These inmates were also more likely to have been in prison for a shorter duration. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of high-risk HPV infection among women in custody. These women will benefit from structured cervical cancer prevention services, including treatment for abnormalities that are picked up during such screening.
Silencing MASTL Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Migration of Gastric Cancer MGC-803 Cells Via Suprressing AKT, mTOR, p38 Signal Pathways
Authors: An caixia , li hailong , Niu Rong , liu xiaoguang , Hu Yonghua , Wang Zhuanxiong , Chen Xi , Zhou Yongning
Published: September 2020

Background: Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase (MASTL) functions to regulate chromosome condensation and mitotic progression. Emerging reports showed that aberrant MASTL expression is commonly implicated in various human cancers and act as an oncogene. This study aimed to discover the potential significance of MASTL in gastric cancer, and to uncover relevant mechanisms. Methods: Lentivirus MASTL-shRNA was constructed and infected into MGC-803 cells to analysis its influences on cell proliferation by Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based cellomics and colony formation assay, cell invasion and migration by transwell assay, apoptosis and cell cycle by flow cytometry detection, respectively. Nude mice and fluorescence imaging were used to characterize the regulation of tumor growth in vivo. Affymetrix mRNA microarray assay combined KEGG enrichment analysis were used to screen relevant molecules related to MASTL silencing. Finally，several aberrantly expressed genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR)and western blot detection. Results: Silencing MASTL significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, arrested cell cycle at G1 stage. Silencing MASTL reduced tumor growth in nude mice, and fluorescence imaging indicated that the total radiant efficiency of mice in the Lv-shMAST group was markedly reduced compared with in mice in the Lv-shCtrl group in vivo. Affymetrix mRNA microarray assay revealed that 124 genes upregulated, 167 genes downregulated. RT-qPCR and western blotting validation showed that cyclin dependent kinase 6(CDK6), bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), snail family transcriptional repressor 2(SNAI2), phosphorylation-mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (p-mTOR), phosphorylation-AKT serine/threonine kinase (p-AKT) and phosphorylation-p38 kinase (p-p38) are downregulated, and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) is upregulated. Conclusions: Silencing MASTL could significantly inhibit cell growth, migration ability, induce apoptosis, arrest cell cycle at G1 stage, and the mechanisms of which were mediated via inactivation of mTOR, AKT, p38 signal pathways.
The impact of procalcitonin to C-reactive protein ratio (PCR) kinetics as a predictor of mortality in nosocomial bloodstream infections
Authors: Hakyemez Ismail Necati , Aslan Turan , Durdu Bulent
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To investigate the combination of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) kinetics in predicting mortality in nosocomial blood stream infections (BSIs).Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients ≥ 18 years of age with nosocomial BSIs hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU). Clinical, microbiological and biochemical data were compared in patients who survivors and deaths. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors. The kinetic changes were defined the as difference between level on 5th day and level at 1st day of BSI.Results: Of the 84 included patients, 49 (58.4%) had survivors and 35 (41.6%) had deaths. In univariate analysis, renal disease (p=0.007), cardiac disease (p=0.042), septic shock (p=<0.001), SOFA (p=<0.001) and APACHE-II (p <0.001), ΔCRP (p=0.004), ΔPCT (p=<0.001), and ΔPCR (p=0.025) were significantly higher in non-survivors. In the logistic regression analysis, APACHE-II score (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.20-1.78, p <0.001), ΔCRP (OR=1.18, %95 CI =1.04-1.34, p=0.009), ΔPCT (OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.79-0.95, p=0.001), and ∆PCR (OR=36.78, 95%C = 4.52-299.01, p=0.001) were independent predictors of 28-day mortality.Conclusions: The ∆PCR kinetic was a strong independent predictor of mortality in nosocomial BSIs in ICUs.
Risk Factors of Secondary Infections in Severe and Critical Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Li Jie , Cao Jingchao , Cai Peishan , Shi Baoxia , Cao Jie , Zhang Yu , Wang Junwei
Published: September 2020

Background: Severe patients hospitalized with COVID-19 suffered secondary infections which greatly increased the length of hospital stay and the mortality. We aimed to explore risk factors of secondary infections that can help clinicians early implement preventive measures to dispose of severe and critical inpatients with COVID-19.Methods: A case-control study enrolled 238 severe and critical patients with COVID-19. Characteristics of cases and controls were compared.Results: Severity of illness on admission, ICU admission, ventilator, central venous catheterization were common in the cases, however almost none of these factors was observed in the controls. Multivariable regression showed risk factors of secondary infections included male (OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.58-10.50), age 65 or older (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.25-7.76), heart diseases (OR 3.96; 95% CI 1.40-11.27), hypoproteinemia on admission (OR 6.41; 95% CI 1.65-24.92) and corticosteroids (OR 19.83; 95% CI 7.3-53.55) and proton-pump inhibitors (OR 3.96; 95% CI 1.51-10.37).Conclusions: male, older age, heart diseases, hypoproteinemia, corticosteroid and proton-pump inhibitors were independent risk factors of secondary infections. Inpatients needing ICU admission and invasive devices still need to be given optimal cares and to be minimized the duration.
Covid-19 and low molecular weight heparin therapy: retrospective study of 257 patients.
Authors: Stabile Marco , Aschieri Daniela , Maestri Cristina , Rosato Luca , Novara Paola , Lanati Gianluca , Dio Mariateresa Di , Franco Cosimo , Bisceglie Giuseppina , Leddi Giuseppe , fabrizi Enrico , Rucci Paola , Taliani Gloria
Published: September 2020

A hypercoagulability state with fatal thrombosis events seems to characterize the clinical worsening of COVID-19 pneumonia. The benefit and safety of anticoagulant doses of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in COVID-19 are still unknown. We evaluated in a retrospective cohort study 257 COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to our COVID-Hospital from February 29, to April 7, 2020. We compared the in-hospital mortality between patients treated with prophylactic or therapeutic doses of LMWH. Of the 257 patients enrolled, 49 (19.1%) died during the hospitalization. Hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients treated with therapeutic doses of LMWH (enoxaparin 70-100 I.U./kg twice daily) (17/126, 13.5%), than in patients treated with prophylactic doses (60-90 I.U./kg once daily) (32/131, 24.4%; χ²=4.98, p = 0.02). In a stratified analysis by ventilation type, the only subgroup of patients who benefited from therapeutic LMWH was that requiring noninvasive mechanical ventilation (OR=0.099, 95% CI 0.028-0.354, p<0.001). No fatal bleedings were observed. In this retrospective study the treatment with therapeutic LMWH is safe and seems to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, especially among those who need noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Authors Daniela Aschieri and Marco Stabile contributed equally to this work.
Retropharyngeal Abscess in an adult with Pneumonia during COVID-19 Outbreak in China
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Liu Haibin , Liang Caiquan , Zhang Hang , Liao Jianchun , Liu Huanhai
Published: September 2020

Background: Retropharyngeal abscesses are rarely reported in adults and occur mostly in patients with immunocompromise or as a foreign body complication. Admittedly, the treatment of retropharyngeal abscesses frequently involves surgical drainage to achieve the best results. However, when retropharyngeal abscesses occurred in a highly suspected patient with COVID-19, the managements and treatments should be caution in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Case presentation: On Feb. 13, a 40-year-old male with retropharyngeal abscesses turned to our department complaining dyspnea and dysphagia. In addition, his chest CT scan shows a suspected COVID-19 infection, thus making out Multiple Disciplinary Team (MDT) determine to perform percutaneous drainage and catheterization through left anterior cervical approach under the guidance of B-ultrasound. Finally, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 27 after 14 days of isolation. There was no recurrence after half a year follow-up. Conclusions: By presenting this case, we aim at raising awareness of different surgical drainage methods and summarizing our experience in the management of retropharyngeal abscesses during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Clinical profiles, Outcomes and Risk Factors among Type 2 Diabetic Inpatients with Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State: A Hospital-Based Analysis over a 6-Year Period
Authors: Wu Xiao-yan , She Dun-min , Wang Fang , Guo Gang , Li Ran , Fang Ping , Li Ling , Zhou Yun , Zhang Ke-qin , Xue Ying
Published: September 2020

Objective：Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the two most common hyperglycemic emergencies (HEs) associated with diabetes mellitus. Individuals with HEs can present with combined features of DKA and HHS. The objective of this study is to assess the clinical characteristics, therapeutic outcomes, and associated predisposing factors of type 2 diabetic patients with isolated or combined HEs in China. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 158 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), complicated with DKA, HHS, or DKA combined with HHS (DKA-HHS) in Shanghai Tongji Hospital, China from 2010 to 2015. Admission clinical features, therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes of those patients were extracted and analyzed.Results: Of the 158 patients with T2DM, 65 (41.1%) patients were DKA, 74 (46.8%) were HHS, and 19 (12.0%) were DKA-HHS. The most common precipitants were infections (111, 70.3%), newly diagnosed diabetes (28,17.7%) and non-compliance to medications (9, 5.7%). DKA patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe group, based on arterial blood gas. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that C-reaction protein (CRP) was positively correlated with severity of DKA, whereas age and fasting C peptide were inversely correlated with severity of DKA (P<0.05). The mortality was 10.8% (17/158) in total and 21.6% (16/74) in the HHS group, 5.9% (1/17) in DKA-HHS. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that lethal outcome of HHS patients was positively correlated to effective plasma osmolality (EPO), renal function indicators and hepatic enzymes, while inversely associated with the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Logistic regression analysis suggested that elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) on admission was an independent predisposing factor of mortality in HHS, while CSII might be a protective factor for patients with HHS. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that BUN had the largest area under the ROC curves for predicting lethal outcome in patients with HHS.Conclusions: Our findings showed elevated CRP and decreased fasting C-peptide might serve as indicator for severe DKA. Elevated BUN might be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HHS, whereas CSII might be a protective factor against lethal outcome in HHS.
Comparison of Galdieria Growth and Photosynthetic Activity in Different Culture Systems
Authors: carbone dora allegra , Olivieri Giuseppe , Pollio Antonino , Melkonian Michael
Published: September 2020

In the last years, the acidothermophilic red microalga Galdieria sulphuraria has been increasingly studied for industrial applications such as wastewater treatment, recovery of rare earth elements, production of phycobilins. However, even now it is not possible an industrial cultivation of this organism because biotechnological research on G. sulphuraria and allied species is relatively recent and fragmented. Having in mind a possible scale-up for commercial applications, we have compared the growth and photosynthetic performance of G. sulphuraria in four suspended systems (Inclined bubble column, Decanter Laboratory Flask, Tubular Bioreactor, Ultra-flat plate bioreactor) and one immobilized system (Twin Layer Sytem). The results showed that G. sulphuraria had the highest growth, productivity and photosynthetic performance, when grown on the immobilized system, which also offers some economics advantages.
Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Associated Factors in Postoperative Pain Management at University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, A Cross Sectional study.
Authors: BELAY YOSEF BELAY , Lema Girmay Fitwi , Fentie Demeke Yilkal , Berhe Yophtahe Woldegerima , Ashagrie Henos Enyew
Published: September 2020

Background: The main aim of this study was to assess the level of patient’s satisfaction and associated factors in post-operative pain management. Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from April, 11-May 15, 2018. Data were collected by structured, pre-tested patient interview questionnaire and chart review. Level of patient satisfaction was measured by using five-point Likert scale and checklist. The coded data were entered to Epi-info software version 7 and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences software version 23.The strength of the association was presented using adjusted odd ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: A total of 418 patients were included in this study with a response rate of 98.58 %. The overall proportion of patients who were satisfied with pain management services was 72.2 % [95%CI:67.7-76.6].ASA1[AOR=3.55:95%CI=1.20-10.55]&ASA2 patients[AOR=3.72:95%CI=1.04-13.28],Patients with no post-operative pain [AOR=1.86:95%CI=1.02-3.39],post-operative nerve block [AOR=9.14:95%CI=3.93-20.86],analgesic before request[AOR=6.90:95%CI=3.72-12.83] and receiving postoperative analgesics [AOR=6.10:95%CI=1.17-33.91)] were significantly associated with level of satisfaction. Conclusion: Pain assessment during immediate postoperative period, providing regular based analgesia before patient request and to promote the practice of post-operative nerve block are important to increase the level of satisfaction.
Epidemiology and outcome of elderly patients requiring renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit: an observational study
Authors: Salathe Cecile , Poli Elettra , Altarelli Marco , Bianchi Nathan Axel , Schneider Antoine Guillaume
Published: September 2020

Background Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically-ill patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The adequacy of its initiation is sometimes questioned in elderly patients particularly those with comorbidities. We therefore sought to evaluate the long-term outcomes and quality of life (QOL) of elderly patients who survived critical illness requiring RRT. Methods We identified all patients > 55 yo who received RRT for acute kidney injury in our intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2015 and April 2018. We assessed their vital status by cross referencing our hospital database and the Swiss national death registry. Patients still alive at the time of the study underwent a phone interview. They were asked about their dialytic status and administered an EQ-5D survey with visual analog scale (VAS). Results were stratified according to patient's age groups (G1: "55-64 yo"; G2: "65-74 yo" and G3: "> 75 yo"). QOL in G3 patients were compared to G1 and G2 and to predicted values (calculated based on a local reference population). Results Among the 352 eligible patients, 171 died during the index hospital admission. After a median follow-up of 2.7 years (IQR 1.6), a further 62 had died (mean time to death for hospital survivors 149.4 days (IQR 450.4). Hence, 119 patients (33.6%) were still alive at the time of the study. We successfully contacted 96 (80.7%) of them and 83 (69.7%) were included in the study (G1: 24, G2: 44 and G3: 15). Only 6 (7.2%) were RRT dependent. Patients in G3 had lower EQ-5D and VAS scores than those in G1 and G2 (p <0.01). These scores were also significantly lower than predicted values (p <0.05). Conclusions Irrespective of age, the need for RRT identifies a population at very high risk of mortality. Among survivors, the rate of RRT dependence is low. Patients >75 yo who survived ICU had a lower quality of life than younger patients. This QOL was also lower than predicted according to age and sex. The adequacy of RRT initiation in elderly patients should be discussed according to their pre-existing QOL and frailty.
Associations Between I/ D polymorphism in the ACE gene and lung cancer: an updated systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Junjian , Sun Mao , Zhou Min , Lu Renfu
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThis study has evaluated the association between the I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and lung cancer risk by constructing a meta-analysis.MethodsThe heterogeneity in the study was tested by the Q-test and I2, and then the random ratio or fixed effect was utilized to merge the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), to estimate the strength of the association between ACE polymorphisms and susceptibility to lung cancer. We have performed Sensitivity analysis. Using funnel plot and Begger’s regression test investigated the publication bias. All data Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 12.0 and Revman 5.3.ResultsA total of 4307 participants (2181 patients; 2126 controls) were included in twelve case-control studies selected. No significant association was found between the ACE I/D polymorphism and lung cancer risks (II vs ID + DD: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.89–1.68; II + ID vs DD: OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.90–1.63; I vs D: OR =1.15, 95% CI = 0.95–1.39). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association between this polymorphism and lung cancer risks was also found among Asia and Caucasian populations for the comparison of II vs ID + DD, II + ID vs DD and I vs D genetic models.ConclusionOur study indicated that the ACE I/ D polymorphism was not associated with the risk of lung cancer.
A pelvic cavity malignant solitary fibrous tumor with dedifferentiation and multifocal cytokeratin expression
Authors: He Yan , Huang Guan , Lin Wensong , Zheng Zhaohui , Zhao Haiyan
Published: September 2020

Background: Solitary fibrous tumor is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm that originates from fibroblasts and occurs predominantly in the visceral pleura. Pelvic cavity small sized malignant solitary fibrous tumor is very rare; it is easily misjudged by surgeons as a benign lesion and resected by laparoscopic surgery. When accompanied by dedifferentiation, malignant solitary fibrous tumor is difficult to diagnose by pathologists. Here, we describe a challenging case.Case presentation: A 47-year-old man was accidentally found to have a pelvic mass for three months, with pain and distension for seven days. The mass was adhered and compressed to the ureter and bladder. The right side of the pelvic cavity had a palpable and substantial mass, with no obvious associated pain. With an assumed diagnosis of a benign tumor, the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery to resect the tumor. Histologically, spindle cell areas and dedifferentiated areas were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis of dedifferentiated regions revealed cytokeratin showed multifocal expression. Vimentin and CD34 were abnormal negative. This case was diagnosed as a MSFT with dedifferentiation. The patient was well after the operation, but, unfortunately, he had a recurrence one year later.Conclusion: Pelvic cavity malignant solitary fibrous tumor is a rare tumor that is in frequently dedifferentiated and exhibiting cytokeratin expression. The diagnosis of this type of tumor can be confusing, and it should be distinguished from Synovial Sarcoma, Liposarcoma, and other malignant tumors. The expression of cytokeratin and the absence of vimentin and CD34 are pitfalls to diagnosis. In this case, there was still a high degree of malignancy despite the small size of the tumor. Clinical-image-pathological multidisciplinary analysis has a great effect on diagnosis and therapy of diseases. This case is a cautionary tale for surgeons and pathologists.
Cephalosporin Antibiotics Specifically Enhance Conventional Chemotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: He Xiao-Qiong , Yao Qian , Song Zhong Yu , Fan Dan , You Yu Tong , Lian Wen Jing , Duan Ling , Zhou Zhang Ping
Published: September 2020

Background: Cephalosporin antibiotics can drastically upregulate the expression of HMOX1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. HMOX1 has dual role in cancer cells, and is involved in chemoresistance. Cephalosporin antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of bacteria infectious diseases in cancer patients. Whether they affect the efficacy of chemotherapy is unknown. Methods: Comparisons between cefotaxime and the combination of cefotaxime and cisplatin were carried out throughout the study. Cell viability was detected by MTT method. Influence on clone formation of cancer cells was investigated by plate clone formation assay. The in vivo anticancer effect was determined via cancer xenograft in mice. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the apoptosis. Microarray gene expression profiling was analyzed using Gene Ontology analysis, and the differential genes were validated by RT-qPCR. Results: Cefotaxime specifically, selectively and synergistically enhanced the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo without increasing the toxicity, but it inhibited the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin in other cancers. Combination of cefotaxime and cisplatin significantly regulated 5 genes in direction favoring the enhancement of anticancer efficacy; of which, THBS1 and LAPTM5 were upregulated; PPP3CB, STAG1 and NCOA5 were downregulated jointly. HMOX1 contributes to the anticancer efficacy in combination group. Upregulated genes significantly modulated 18 apoptotic pathways, downregulated genes mainly affected assembly of genetic materials. Conclusion: Cephalosporin antibiotics are excellent and safe sensitizers of conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but should be carefully used in other cancers.
Efficacy and Safety Aiming at the Combined-Modality Therapy of External Beam Radiotherapy (40Gy) and Iodine-125 Seed Implantation for Locally Advanced NSCLC in the Elderly
Authors: Tian LiJun , Liu HongZhi , Zhang Qiang , Geng Dian-Zhong , Huo Yu-Qing , Xu Shou-Jian , Hao YanZhang
Published: September 2020

Background

Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combined-modality therapy for tumor invading the chest wall of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the elderly.
Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 21 elderly patients (aged ≥ 60 years) with locally advanced NSCLC diagnosed as tumor invading the chest wall. The prescription dose of the primary tumor adopting external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was given 40 Gy which was supplemented with iodine-125 seed implantation, meanwhile the lymph nodes of mediastinum undergoing EBRT was given 60 Gy. Follow-up was conducted every 3 months postoperatively. The related analytic parameters were the change of tumor size, the objective response rate (ORR), the disease control rate (DCR), the degree of pain relief, the improvement of physical status and the toxicity.
Results

The combined-modality therapy could significantly inhibit the local growth of tumor (from 7.84 ± 1.20 to 4.69 ± 1.90 cm) (P < 0.0001), indicating a better validity with an ORR of 71.4% and DCR 90.5%, respectively at 1 year. The cancer-related pain was significantly relieved (P < 0.05) and the physical status were also significantly improved (P < 0.05). There was no procedure-associated death or grade > 2 irradiation-related adverse effect in our study.
Conclusions

The combined-modality therapy of EBRT with 40 Gy and permanent iodine-125 seed implantation is an efficacious and safe option and may be recommended as a treatment pattern for the elderly of locally advanced NSCLC with tumor invading the chest wall.