bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early contraceptive implants removal and its associated factors among women using implants at National Referral hospital, Kampala Uganda.
Authors: Ssebatta Gerald , Kaye Dan , Mbalinda Scovia
Published: November 2020

Background. Early discontinuation of implant contraceptive methods and reasons for discontinuation remains a major concern for family planning programs and is generally higher in developing countries. Discontinuation is closely related to higher rates of the overall fertility rate, unwanted pregnancies leading to possibly induced abortion. The proportion and factors associated with early contraceptive implant removal are not well known in Uganda. The objective of the study was to determine the magnitude of early implants discontinuation among women receiving implants services in the study area and the factors associated with it. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2nd January to 3rd March 2020 through a face-to-face interview. A total of 207 Implant user women were selected by systematic random sampling technique. SPSS version 20 was used for both data entry and analysis. Factors associated with early Implant discontinuation were analyzed using a binary and multivariable logistic regression model. Variables with a p-value of <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval were considered as statistically significant. Results. The proportion of early implant discontinuation was 42%. Factors associated with early implant discontinuation included; experience of side effects (OR= 2.629; 95%CI: 1.095-6.314; P= 0.031), not having received pre-insertion counseling about the benefits and side effects of contraceptive implants (OR= 2.565; 95%CI: 1.190-5.532; P= 0.016) and staying in rural areas (OR= 2.390; 95%CI: 1.229-4.648; P= 0.010). Conclusion. Nearly one in every two mothers have early discontinuation of contraceptive implants. Factors associated with early implant removal were the experience of side effects, lack of effective counseling before insertion, and staying in rural areas. Hence, health workers should provide adequate counseling services before insertion of the implant with emphasis on possible side effects and their immediate management. Spouses, where possible, should be involved during the counselling to increase implant retention. Also proper screening of women for pregnancy before insertion of an implant should be routine.
The Association Between Age at Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes and Albuminuria in Chinese Adults
Authors: Wu Shujing , Liu Shanshan , Zhao Zhiyun , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Wang Shuangyuan , Xu Min , Chen Yuhong , Dai Meng , Zhang Di , Yu Xuefeng , Tang Xulei , Hu Ruying , Ye Zhen , Shi Lixin , Su Qing , Yan Li , Qin Guijun , Wan Qin , Chen Gang , Gao Zhengnan , Wang Guixia , Shen Feixia , Luo Zuojie , Qin Yingfen , Chen Li , Huo Yanan , Li Qiang , Zhang Yinfei , Liu Chao , Wang Youmin , Wu Shengli , Yang Tao , Deng Huacong , Chen Lulu , Zhao Jiajun , Mu Yiming , Xu Yiping , Bi Yufang , Lu Jieli , Xu Yu , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang
Published: November 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed at a younger age worldwide and in China. Limited data are available regarding the association between age at diabetes diagnosis and risks of albuminuria, which is a common microvascular complication in diabetes patients. In addition, few studies on age at diagnosis and outcomes have fully accounted for the complex interplay between age at diagnosis and the actual age or diabetes duration, all of which are independently associated with vascular risks.Methods: We used data from a nationwide multicenter study with 207,961 participants recruited from 25 communities across mainland China during 2010-2012. Age, sex, and study sites were matched for 31,366 screen-detected type 2 diabetes and 31,366 normal controls. Age, sex, study sites, and diabetes duration were matched for 7,490 self-reported type 2 diabetes and 7,490 normal controls. Risks of having albuminuria in matched type 2 diabetes vs. normal controls were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis in strata of age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis (<50, 50-59, 60-69, or ≥70 years). Albuminuria was defined as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g.Results: Percentages of albuminuria were significantly higher among type 2 diabetes patients compared with normal controls in each stratum of age at diagnosis. Although the absolute rate of albuminuria is higher in older adults, the odds ratio of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes vs. matched controls decreased with increasing age at diagnosis. For participants with diabetes diagnosed at an age of <50, 50-59, 60-69, or ≥70 years, the multivariable adjusted risk of albuminuria increased by 81%, 60%, 45%, and 33% for screen-detected diabetes, and 135%, 121%, 90%, and 58% for self-reported diabetes compared with their normal controls, respectively. Conclusions: A younger age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is associated with a more significantly elevated risk of albuminuria than an older age at diagnosis in Chinese adults.
Identification of the Genetic Basis for the Large-tailed Phenotypic Trait in Han Sheep Through Integrated mRNA and miRNA Analysis of Tail Fat Tissue Samples
Authors: Guangli Yang , Huan Zhang , Shuhong Zhang , Zhiqiang Li , Fengyi Gao , Guan Wang , Qiankun Wang , Xiangyu Li , Yongfeng Yan , Ming Li
Published: November 2020

Background: While evolution has led certain breeds of sheep to exhibit large tails composed of fatty tissue, the genetic basis for this fatty large-tailed phenotypic trait remains to be defined in breeds of Han sheep. Here, we employed a high-throughput sequencing approach to identify mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) that were differentially expressed in tail fat tissue samples from large-tailed Han (LTH) and small-tailed Han (STH) sheep in order to identify key genetic determinants of the large-tailed phenotype.Results: In total, we identified 521 mRNAs (237 upregulated, 284 downregulated) and 14 miRNAs (6 upregulated, 8 downregulated) that were differentially expressed between these two sheep breeds. Predictive analytical database tools were subsequently utilized to identify 2,409 putative targets of these differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), including 65 which were among the list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the present study. By specifically focusing on predicted DEM/DEG pairs with appropriate regulatory directionality, we identified DIRF, HSD17B12, LPL, APOBR, INSIGI, THRSP, ACSL5, FAAH, ACSS2, APOA1, ACLY, and ACSM3 through mRNA analyses and ACSL4, FTO, FGF8, IGF2, GNPDA2, LIPG, PRKAA2, ELOVL7, SOAT2, and SIRT1 through miRNA analyses as candidate genes which may regulate fat deposition and fatty acid metabolism in the adipose tissue from the tails of Han sheep. Conclusion: Together, our data provide insight into the potential genetic basis for the large-tailed phenotype of LTH sheep, suggesting that it may be attributable to specific DEMs and DEGs that regulate one another and thereby control lipid metabolism. These data provide a basis for future research regarding the role of these genes in ovine tail fat deposition, and offer preliminary perspectives on the molecular mechanisms governing the fatty large-tailed phenotype in LTH sheep.
Exploring the Effects of Changping Decoction on Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Pathway and Pharmacology Network Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Hu Guo-Jie , Li Ding , Li Shi-Fang , Li Xiao-Yuan , Sun Xiao-Wei , Sun Tian-Yue
Published: November 2020

Background An increasing body of research has confirmed the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Methods We explored the potential mechanism of Changping decoction (CPD) in the treatment of IBS through pathway analysis based on a network pharmacology approach. Public databases, including the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, Gene Expression Omnibus, and STRING, were used to screen the active ingredients and targets of CPD. Enrichment analysis was performed using the R-3.6.0 software to expound the biological functions and related pathways of CPD targets. The Cytoscape software was used to construct a “disease-CPD-target” network and identify hub genes of CPD relevant for the treatment of IBS. Employing rat models, pathological observation and abdominal withdrawal reflex tests were used to verify the effectiveness of CPD in the treatment of IBS. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the relationship between the CPD treatment and hub genes.Results Network pharmacological analysis of CPD for the treatment of IBS identified 159 active ingredients. A total of 118 key targets were identified, including MAPK8, VEGFA, PTGS2, and others. A series of signaling pathways, such as MAPK, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, and IL-17 signaling pathway were found to play an important role in the therapeutic mechanism of CPD in the treatment of IBS. Pathological observation and abdominal withdrawal reflex tests confirmed that the symptoms of IBS in rats were relieved by CPD. Moreover, immunohistochemistry confirmed that CPD could inhibit the expression of inflammation-associated factors, such as VEGFA, MAPK8, and PTGS2.Conclusions Based on network pharmacology analysis, the present study provides insights into the potential mechanism of CPD in the treatment of IBS after successfully screening for associated key target genes and signaling pathways. These findings establish a theoretical basis for the development of CPD-derived therapeutics.
WITHDRAWN: Network Pharmacology-based to Investigate Pharmacological Mechanisms of Active Ingredients in Gegen Qinlian Pill to Ameliorate Irinotecan-induced Diarrhea
Authors: Wu Yihan , Cheng Yanfen , Yang Yuhan , Wang Di , Yang Xiaoqin , Fu Chaomei , Zhang Jinming , Hu Yichen
Published: November 2020

Background: The application of natural extracts or compounds derived from Chinese medicine is deemed to a promising strategy to prevent irinotecan (CPT-11)-induced gut toxicity. Based on the protective activity of Gegen Qinlian decoction in our previous study, we speculated that Gegen Qinlian Pill (GQP) would exhibit similar therapeutic effects. However, the effective material basis and the potential mechanisms underlying the effect of GQP in the treatment of diarrhea induced by CPT-11 have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we primarily investigated amelioration effect of GQP on the CPT-11 induced gut toxicity, and further explore its anti-diarrhea mechanism.Methods: Firstly, the protective effect of GQP towards alleviating diarrhea in mice following CPT-11 administration was investigated. Furthermore, the effective ingredients of GQP in serum sample of mice by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was obtained. Next, based on these active components, an interaction network linking “compound-target-pathway” was established. Finally, a predicted mechanism within vivo validation of GQP based on Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were obtained. Results: A total of 19 chemical compounds derived from the GQP were identified in its serum sample. Then, an interaction network linking “compound-target-pathway” was established to illuminate the interaction between these components absorbed into serum and their targets for diarrhea. GQP exerted a curative effect on diarrhea and diarrhea-related diseases by targeting different targets, regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and proliferation processes. Conclusion: Taken together, this study provides a novel and scientific strategy to discover the potential effective constituents of herbs or herbal formula, and elucidated basic pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of GQP in the treatment of CPT-11 induced gut toxicity.
Development of A Novel Anti-Liver Fibrosis Formula with luteolin, licochalcone A, aloe-emodin and acacetin by network pharmacology and transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Wu Rong , Cai Fei-Fei , Zhou Wen-Jun , Lu Yi-Yu , Zhang Hui , Chen Qi-Long , Sun Mingyu , Shi-Bing Su
Published: November 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis leads to loss of liver function. Xiaoyaosan decoction (XYS) as a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula is used to treatment liver fibrosis in clinical and alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in our previous study.Xiaoyaosan decoction was composed of many ingredients, and the active ingredients is not clear. The Aim of this study is to explore the clarified compounds or compound combinations to treat liver fibrosis.Methods: Network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics analysis were used to analyze the Xiaoyaosan decoction (XYS) and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome liver fibrosis. This consisted constructed XYS-Syndrome-liver fibrosis network, the predict formula named LLAAF was develop from the network by topological analysis according to network stability. The anti-fibrosis effect was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo study.Results: According to the network XYS-Syndrome-liver fibrosis network, luteolin, licochalcone A, aloe-emodin, and acacetin formula (LLAAF) was predicted from 8 key compounds and 255 combinations in XYS, and LLAAF had a synergistic effect on the proliferation inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) compared to each individual compound alone. The treatment of XYS and LLAAF showed a similar anti-liver fibrotic effect that reduced histopathological changes of liver fibrosis, Hyp content and levels of α-SMA and collagen I in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rat. Transcriptomics analysis revealed LLAAF regulated PI3K-Akt, AMPK, FoxO, Jak-STAT3, P53, cell cycle, focal adhesion, and PPAR signaling. Furthermore, LLAAF was confirmed to regulate Jak-STAT and PI3K-Akt-FoxO signaling in vitro and in vivo.Conclusions: This study developed a novel anti-liver formula, LLAAF from XYS demonstrated the anti-liver fibrotic activity may be involved in the regulation of Jak-STAT and PI3K-Akt-FoxO signaling.
Class Center-Based Firefly Algorithm for Handling Missing Data
Authors: Nugroho Heru , Utama Nugraha Priya , Surendro Kridanto
Published: November 2020

Estimating missing data in a dataset is a significant advance during the data cleaning stage. Improper data handling can make inaccurate results when conducting data analysis. Most of the research about missing data estimation is irrespective of the correlation between attributes. However, an adaptive search procedure helps find the estimates of the missing data when correlations between attributes are considered in the process. Firefly Algorithm (FA) implements an adaptive search procedure in the imputation of the missing data by finding the estimated value that is closest to the value in other data known. Therefore, this study proposes a class center-based adaptive approach model for missing data by considering the attribute correlation in the imputation process (C3-FA). Based on the experiment, the general result find that the class center-based firefly algorithm is an efficient technique for getting the actual value in handling the missing data. This can be seen on the value of Pearson correlation coefficient (r) that close to 1 and the root mean squared error (RMSE) value is generally closer to 0. In addition, the proposed method can maintain the true distribution of data values. This is indicated by the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test that value of DKS for most of the attributes in the dataset is generally closer to 0. Also, the results of the accuracy evaluation using three classifiers, showed that the proposed method produces good accuracy.
User Profile Correlation-Based Similarity Algorithm in Movie Recommendation System
Authors: Widiyaningtyas Triyanna , Hidayah Indriana , Adji Teguh Bharata
Published: November 2020

A recommendation system is a software used in the e-commerce field that provides recommendations for customers to choose the items they like. Several recommendation systems have been proposed; however, collaborative filtering is the most widely used approach. The main issue in collaborative filtering is how to implement a similarity algorithm that can improve performance in the recommendation system. Several similarity algorithms based on user rating value have been developed, and recently a similarity algorithm has been developed that combines the user rating value and the user behavior value. However, the existing research is still based only on a single user behavior value, which is the genre data. Therefore, we propose a new similarity algorithm that considers not only the genre data but also the user profile data (namely age, gender, occupation, and location). The new similarity we are proposing is called User Profile Correlation-based Similarity (UPCSim). The user profile correlation similarity was obtained by calculating the correlation coefficient between the user profile data and the user rating or behavior values. An experiment was done to compare the accuracy of the UPCSim algorithm with that of the previous algorithm. The experiment results show that the UPCSim algorithm can improve the recommendation performance MAE by 1.64% and RMSE by 1.4% compared to the previous algorithm.
The Holistic Health Status of Chinese Homosexual and Bisexual Adults: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Wu Chanchan , Choi Edmond Pui Hang , Chau Pui Hing , Choi Kitty Wai Ying
Published: November 2020

Background: There is a considerable number of homosexual and bisexual people in the Chinese population, while their health conditions have not received sufficient attention compared with general Chinese. Referring to World Health Organization (WHO)’s definition, holistic health is a comprehensive concept incorporating physical, mental, and social well-being. However, existing research seems inadequate and unbalanced on the holistic health of this population, especially many studies only focus on sexually transmitted infections (STI) and relating preventions. Apart from these, the health status of these sexual minorities from a holistic perspective remains unclear. Therefore, this scoping review aims to comprehensively examine all available literature and will be the first to map the existing evidence on the holistic health of homosexual and bisexual Chinese.Methods: This proposed scoping review has been structured according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) recommended framework, which was proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and further enhanced by Levac, et al. Pilot searches of PubMed in English and SinoMed in Chinese were completed to identify all relevant search terms or keywords, then a comprehensive search strategy has been carried out across all relevant databases centering on health care, psychology, nursing and social science, including both English and traditional as well as simplified Chinese electronic databases. Screening and study selection will be independently conducted by two reviewers, and consulting a third senior reviewer based on consensus needs. Data will be extracted using a structured data form referring to the Cochrane template, and a narrative synthesis of the findings will be used.Discussion: There is no systematically reviewed evidence available or underway review on the holistic health of either homosexual or bisexual Chinese, so this scoping review will serve as a most comprehensive way to map the existing evidence and draw a big picture of their health conditions. Results of this review can be used to inform scholars of existing health issues and other major needs, then to provide scientific references for the development of person-centered culturally sensitive programs with Chinese characteristics.Systematic review registration: This protocol has been registered within Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/82r7z) on April 27, 2020.
A Randomized, Controlled Study on the Safety and Efficacy of Maraviroc and/or Favipiravir vs Currently Used Therapy in Severe COVID-19 Adults. “COMVIVIR” Trial.
Authors: Pérez-García Adolfo , Villalobos-Osnaya Alma , Hernández-Medel Maria Luisa , Perez-Navarro Lucia Monserrat , Medina-Hernandez Elba O. , Cabrera-Orejuela Diana Sofia , Espinoza-Garcia Ana Maria , Solleiro-Villavicencio Helena , Leon-Hernandez Mireya , Mayor Arianna Rodriguez-Cal Y , Servin-Murillo Manli M. , Carrillo-Ruiz Jose Damian , Serrano-Loyola Raul , Guerrero-Avendaño Guadalupe Mercedes Lucia , Reyes-Teran Gustavo , Sierra-Madero Juan , de Oca Gonzalo Salgado-Montes , Avila-Rios Santiago , Lopez-Alvarenga Juan Carlos , Hernandez-Ruiz Joselin , Mummidi Srinivas
Published: November 2020

Multiple studies have established that hyperinflammatory response induced by SARS CoV-2 is a main cause of complications and death in infected subjects. Such dysfunctional immune response has been described as a dysregulated and exacerbated production of cytokines and chemokines that attracts and activates inflammatory cells, which start and sustain pulmonary and systemic damage, thus causing complications that lead to multi organ failure and death. Therefore, we suggest that blocking key inflammation receptors could help to reduce migration and activation of T cells, monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils, thus mitigating the cytokine dysregulation and averting severe complications and death. Importantly, the optimum treatment for COVID-19 severe patients should combine a modulator of the immune response plus a direct antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2, in order to address both the hyperinflammatory effects of the immune dysregulation and the viral load. Methods: Maraviroc (MVC), a CCR5 antagonist, and Favipiravir (FPV), an antiviral, will be evaluated single and combined, added to the treatment currently used at the Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga for severe COVID-19 patients. One hundred patients will be allocated in four arms [Current treatment only (CT), CT+MVC, CT+FPV, CT+MVC+FPV]. Percentage of patients free of mechanical ventilation or death at day 28, immunophenotyping and viral load will be compared between groups. Discussion: New immune focused therapies are targeting strong inflammation mediators such as IL-6 and IL1-β; nevertheless, to our best knowledge, only one study explores chemotaxis control. The use of a drug therapy that addresses both the regulation of the immune response and the inhibition of viral replication could at the same time, help to alleviate the hyperinflammatory condition and reduce the time of the viral clearance process, therefore improving treatment outcomes.
Flame: An Open Source Framework for Model Development, Hosting, and Usage in Production Environments
Authors: Pastor Manuel , Gómez-Tamayo José Carlos , Sanz Ferran
Published: November 2020

This article describes Flame, an open source software for building predictive models and supporting their use in production environments. Flame is a web application, with a Python backend and a web-based graphic interface, which can be used as a desktop application or installed in a server receiving requests from multiple users. Models can be built starting from any collection of biologically annotated chemical structures, since the software supports structural normalization, molecular descriptor generation and machine learning building, using predefined workflows. The model building workflow can be customized from the graphic interface, selecting the type of normalization, molecular descriptors, and machine learning algorithm to be used from a panel of state-of-the-art methods implemented natively. Moreover, Flame implements a mechanism allowing to extend its source code adding unlimited model customization. Models generated with Flame can be easily exported facilitating collaborative model development. All models are stored in a persistent model repository supporting model versioning. Models are identified by unique model IDs and include detailed documentation formatted using widely accepted standards. The current version is the result of nearly three years of development in collaboration with users from pharmaceutical industry within the IMI eTRANSAFE project, which aims, among other objectives, to develop high quality predictive models based on shared legacy data for assessing the safety of drug candidates.
Reliable and valid robot-assisted assessments of hand proprioceptive, motor and sensorimotor impairments after stroke
Authors: Zbytniewska Monika , Kanzler Christoph M. , Jordan Lisa , Salzmann Christian , Liepert Joachim , Lambercy Olivier , Gassert Roger
Published: November 2020

Background: Neurological injuries such as stroke often differentially impair hand motor and somatosensory function, as well as the interplay between the two, which leads to limitations in performing activities of daily living. However, it is challenging to identify which specific aspects of sensorimotor function are impaired based on conventional clinical assessments that are often insensitive and subjective. In this work we propose and validate a set of robot-assisted assessments aiming at disentangling hand proprioceptive from motor impairments, and capturing their interrelation (sensorimotor impairments). Methods: For this purpose, a battery of five complementary assessment tasks was implemented on a one degree-of-freedom end-effector robotic platform acting on the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. Specifically, proprioceptive impairments were assessed using a position matching paradigm. Fast target reaching, range of motion and maximum fingertip force tasks characterized motor function deficits. Finally, sensorimotor impairments were assessed using a dexterous trajectory following task. Clinical feasibility (duration), reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient ICC, smallest real difference SRD) and validity (Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlations rho) of these tasks were evaluated with 36 sub-acute stroke subjects and 31 age-matched neurologically intact controls. Results: Eighty-three percent of stroke survivors with varied impairment severity (mild to severe) could complete all robotic tasks (duration: <15 min per tested hand). Further, the study demonstrated good to excellent reliability of the robotic tasks in the stroke population (ICC>0.7, SRD<30%), as well as discriminant validity, as indicated by significant differences (p-value<0.001) between stroke and control subjects on all metrics extracted from the robotic tasks. Concurrent validity was shown through moderate to strong correlations (rho=0.4-0.8) between the robotic outcome measures and clinical scales. Finally, robotic tasks targeting different deficits were not strongly correlated, thereby presenting complementary information about a patient’s impairment profile. Conclusions: The proposed robot-assisted assessments provide a clinically feasible, reliable, and valid approach to distinctly characterize impairments in hand proprioceptive and motor function, along with the interaction between the two. This opens new avenues to help unravel the contributions of unique aspects of sensorimotor function in post-stroke recovery, as well as to contribute to future developments towards personalized, assessment-driven therapies.
Chlortetracycline promotes differentiation of intestinal bacterial community in broiler chicken
Authors: Zhao Ruonan , Chen Siyuan , Xu TianTian , Hao Jie , Si Hongbin , Zeng Zhenling , xiong wenguang
Published: November 2020

Background Chlortetracycline is widely used for disease treatment and prevention in animal production system. However, the impact of chlortetracycline on gastrointestinal tract microbial communities of growing chickens has not been fully explored. Results Chickens received 5-day-course of chlortetracycline at actual therapeutic dose/low doses. By using 16S-rRNA sequencing-based approach, We found the predominant Firmicutes and Oscillospira significantly increased, while Shigella significantly decreased in the therapeutic-dose group. The main responders at phylum level to the chlortetracycline were Proteobacteria in the therapeutic-dose group and Firmicutes in the low-dose group. The therapeutic-dose of chlortetracycline significantly increased the α-diversity index including Shannon diversity index, Chao1 index and PD whole tree index. Both therapeutic and low dose increased the Weighted Unifrac distance. Conclusions The significantly changed bacterial community diversity indicated chlortetracycline promoted differentiation of bacterial community in broiler chicken gut. We provided a comprehensive understanding on chlortetracycline-induced changes of gastrointestinal tract microbial communities of growing chickens to optimize the use of antibiotics in health management programs in broiler industry.
Immunoregulatory Therapy in Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycle Improved Reproductive Outcomes of Women with Elevated Peripheral Blood Th1/Th2 Ratios
Authors: Meng Shihui , Shen Huan
Published: November 2020

Backgrounds: Little observational data exist describing prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine+cyclosporine (PDN+HCQ+CsA), prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine (PDN+HCQ), prednisone (PDN) therapy for improving IVF-ET outcomes in patients with elevated peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio.Methods: Retrospectively collected patients who was failed in IVF-ET and had elevated Th1/Th2 ratio between 1/2019 and 3/2020. Based on researches, elevated Th1/Th2 ratio was defined as equal to 10.3 or above. Patients were assigned into treatment group and control group based on whether received immunoregulatory treatment (PDN+HCQ+CsA/PDN+HCQ/PDN) during frozen transfer cycle. Results: Forty-one patients (PDN+HCQ+CsA/PDN+HCQ/PDN=21/9/11) in treated group and 30 patients in control group were enrolled in the study. No differences were found of baseline characteristics between treated group and untreated group. Rate of live birth was higher in treated group compared with untreated patients (41.5% vs. 16.7%, P=0.026). Rate of biochemical pregnancy (56.1% vs. 40%, P=0.18), implantation (36.5% vs. 23.9%, P=0.15), clinical pregnancy (51.2% vs. 30%, P=0.0743) were higher than control group but there were no statistical significances. Conclusions: Use of prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine+ cyclosporine or prednisone+ hydroxychloroquine, or prednisone during frozen embryo transfer cycle for patients with past implantation failure and elevated peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio improved live birth rate compared to those untreated.
Mental health, coping, and social support among people living with HIV in the Americas: A comparative study between Argentina and the USA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Jones Deborah L. , Ballivian Jamile , Rodriguez Violeta J. , Uribe Claudia , Cecchini Diego , Salazar Ana S. , Cassetti Isabel , Alcaide Maria L.
Published: November 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic pose significant risk to mental health and may disproportionately affect people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined the interaction of social support and resilient coping in predicting depressive symptoms among PLWH.Methods: PLWH residing in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in Miami, Florida (US) were asked to complete an anonymous survey on the impact of COVID-19. Statistical analysis included ordinary least squares regression.Results: A total of 1,554 participants were included. Mean age was 47.30 years; 63.7 % were men. A test of three-way interaction of social support resilient coping study site indicated differences by site (b = -0.63.862, p = .043010, 95% CI [-1.24, -0.02.205, 1.52]). In Argentina, at higher social support and resilient coping, depressive symptoms were lowest. At lower social support and resilient coping, depressive symptoms were highest.Discussion: The impact of COVID-19 on mental health illustrates the need to develop innovative strategies to support resilience and to enhance coping with stress and adversity among PLWH.
Targetable Alterations in Invasive Pleomorphic Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Riedlinger Gregory , Joshi Sonali , Hirshfield Kim M , Barnard Nicola , Ganesan Shridar
Published: November 2020

Background Invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) of the breast is a subtype of invasive lobular cancer which compromises approximately 1% of all epithelial breast malignancies and is characterized by higher nuclear pleomorphism and poorer prognosis than classic invasive lobular cancer (ILC). Since PLC is more aggressive than classical ILC, we examined the underlying molecular alterations in this subtype of breast cancer to understand the possible benefit from targeted therapies. Methods In this study, we investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular alterations in 16 PLC from our institution. Additionally, we examined the clinical and genomic features in 31 PLC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Results Overall, our analysis of PLC found that 27% had activating ERBB2 mutations, 20% had ERBB2 amplification, and 47% activating PIK3CA mutations. Among cases from our institution, we found 19% with activating ERBB2 mutations, 25% had ERBB2 amplification, and 38% with activating PIK3CA mutations. In data from TCGA, 32% had activating ERBB2 mutations, 19% had ERBB2 amplification, and 55% had activating PIK3CA mutations. While classic ILC in TCGA had similar percentages of PIK3CA alterations compared to PLC, activating ERBB2 alterations were exceedingly rare, with no activating ERBB2 mutations and only one case with ERBB2 amplification. Interestingly, in further examining TCGA data which included FGFR1 and PTEN, 94% of PLC had alterations in ERBB2, FGFR1, or the PI3K pathway. Conclusions Our results show a high frequency of ERBB2 and PIK3CA alterations in PLC and suggest all PLC should be tested for potential therapeutic targeting.
Socioeconomic Burden of Bloodstream Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Zhu Yunying , Xiao Tingting , Wang Yuan , Yang Kai , Zhou Yanzi , Luo Qixiao , Shen Ping , Xiao Yonghong
Published: November 2020

Background: Although infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has become an urgent public health threat worldwide, the socioeconomic burden of CRE bloodstream infection (BSI) remains to be clarified.Methods: This retrospective study included all patients infected with Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae who were hospitalized for BSI from 2013 to 2015. Socioeconomic burden, including direct and indirect economic burden, was compared in patients infected with carbapenem-sensitive Enterobacteriaceae (CSE) and CRE following 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to control for confounding variables. Results: Data from 879 patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSI were evaluated, including 152 (17.3%) patients infected with CRE and 727 (82.7%) infected with CSE. PSM yielded 112 pairs of 224 patients. Median hospital length of stay did not differ significantly in the CRE and CSE groups (35 vs. 29 days, P=0.089), but in-hospital 28-day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients infected with CRE than with CSE (45.5% vs. 32.1%, P =0.040). Median direct economic burden was significantly greater in patients with CRE-BSI than with CSE-BSI during hospitalization ($24940.1 vs. 16864.0, P=0.017) but not during the period after infection ($10403.4 vs. 8498.0, P=0.178). Drug expenditure accounted for the largest proportion of costs in both groups. The median disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was higher in CRE-BSI than in CSE-BSI patients, but the difference was not statistically significant (7.9 vs.6.7 years, P=0.190). Median indirect economic burden did not differ significantly in these two groups ($3848.5 vs.1139.9, P=0.304), although indirect economic burden increased significantly from 2013 to 2015 in patients with CRE-BSI.Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance had a major impact on the clinical and socioeconomic burden of patients with Enterobacteriaceae BSI. The higher mortality rate in patients with CRE-BSI was associated with increased direct healthcare burden and indirect socioeconomic loss.
Taxonomy, virulence determinants and antimicrobial susceptibility of Aeromonas spp. isolated from bacteremia in southeastern China
Authors: Sun Yao , Zhao Yajie , Xu Wenya , Fang Renchi , Wu Qing , He Haokuang , Xu Chunquan , Zhou Cui , Cao Jianming , Chen Lijiang , Zhou Tieli
Published: November 2020

Background: The study was aimed to elucidate the species taxonomy, clinical manifestations, virulence gene profiles and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Aeromonas strains isolated from life-threatening bacteremia in southeastern China. Methods: Clinical samples of Aeromonas causing bacteremia were isolated from a teaching hospital in Wenzhou during 2013 to 2018 and retrospective cohort study was performed. Aeromonas strains were identified to species level by housekeeping gene gyrB. Six virulence-associated genes (aer, lip, hlyA, alt, ast, and act) were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and antibiotics susceptibility testing (AST) was performed by VITEK 2 Compact system.Results: A total of 58 patients with bacteremia caused by Aeromonas species were collected during 6 years (2013-2018). 58 isolates were identified to five different species, where Aeromonas dhakensis appeared to be predominant (26/58), followed by Aeromonas veronii (13/58), Aeromonas caviae (10/58), Aeromonas hydrophila (7/58) and Aeromonas jandaei (2/58). 16 of 58 patients had poor prognosis. Poor prognosis was significantly associated with community-acquired infections and liver cirrhosis. The progression of bacteremia caused by Aeromonas was extremely fast, especially in A. dhakensis infections. Virulence genes aer, lip, hlyA, alt, ast, and act, were detected at ratios of 24.1% (14/58), 62.1% (36/58), 65.5% (38/58), 58.6% (34/58), 15.5% (9/58) and 65.5% (38/58), respectively. Antimicrobials susceptibility exhibited that 9 out of 58 isolates were identified as multi-drug resistant (MDR) organism. The majority of Aeromonas strains maintained susceptible to 3rd generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and furantoin. Conclusions: The prevalence and dangerousness of Aeromonas infections, especially A. dhakensis, are underestimated in clinic. Continuous monitoring is essential to keep track of MDR Aeromonas due to the increasing prevalence recently and more effective measure is required to control the spread of resistance determinants.
Genetic factor increased identification efficiency of predictive models for dyslipidemia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Niu Miaomiao , Zhang Liying , Wang Yikang , Tu Runqi , Liu Xiaotian , Hou Jian , Huo Wenqian , Mao Zhenxing , Wang Zhenfei , Wang Chongjian
Published: November 2020

Background: Few studies have developed risk models for dyslipidemia, especially for rural population. Further, the performance of genetic factors in predicting dyslipidemia was not explored. The purpose is to develop and evaluate the prediction models with and without genetic factor for dyslipidemia in Chinese rural population.Methods: A total of 3596 individuals from the Henan Rural Cohort study were included in this study. All subjects were divided into training set and testing set in a ratio of 7:3. The conventional models and conventional+GRS models were developed with COX regression, artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM) classifiers in training set. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination index (IDI) were used to assess the discrimination ability of models and the calibration curve was used to show calibration ability in testing set.Results: Compared to the lowest GRS quartile, HR (95%CI) of individuals in the highest GRS quartile was 1.23(1.07, 1.41) in total population. Age, family history of diabetes, physical activity, BMI, TG, HDL-C, and LDLC-C were included and developed the conventional models, and the AUC of COX, ANN, RF, and GBM classifiers were 0.702(0.673, 0.729), 0.736(0.708, 0.762), 0.787 (0.762, 0.811), and 0.816(0.792, 0.839), respectively. After adding GRS, the AUC increased by 0.005, 0.018, 0.023, and 0.015 with COX, ANN, RF, and GBM classifiers, respectively. The corresponding NRI and IDI were 25.6%, 7.8%, 14.1%, 18.1% and 2.3%, 1.0%, 2.5%, 1.8%, respectively.Conclusion: Genetic factors could improve the predictive ability for dyslipidemia risk model, suggesting genetic information could be provided as a potential predictor to screen clinical dyslipidemia.Trial RegistrationThe Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register. (Trial registration: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699. Registered 6 July 2015 - Retrospectively registered) http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375
Weak Faults at Megathrust Plate Boundary Respond to Tidal Stress
Authors: Tonegawa Takashi , Kimura Toshinori , Shiraishi Kazuya , Yabe Suguru , Fukao Yoshio , Araki Eiichiro , Kinoshita Masataka , Sanada Toshinori , Miura Seiichi , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Kodaira Shuichi
Published: November 2020

Lateral spatial variations of weak portions at the plate boundary in subduction zones have been estimated primarily by the distribution of slow earthquakes mainly occurring around seismogenic zones. However, the detailed depth profile of weak faults remains elusive. Here, we deployed 6 ocean bottom seismometers in the Nankai subduction zone, Japan, to observe reflections originated from drilling vessel Chikyu ship noise (hydroacoustic P wave) that was persistently radiated from a fixed position at the sea surface, and retrieved P-to-s(Ps) reflections from multiple dipping faults near the plate boundary. The Ps amplitudes were stacked and compared according to the degrees of tidal stresses, and they were large at high tide (compression). A migration technique shows that the locations where velocity contrasts fluctuate were estimated at both the megasplay fault and another fault between the megasplay fault and the top of the oceanic crust. This indicates that the physical properties of those faults are changed by tidal stress. The physical-property changes are attributed to fluid connections and isolations within the faults due to tidal stress fluctuations, inducing the variation of seismic anisotropy. Such a variation was confirmed by a three-dimensional numerical simulation for wave propagation with anisotropic medium. Our observation suggests that multiple weak faults are present around the plate boundary, and the obtained changes of fault physical properties may have implications for our understanding of tidal triggering of earthquakes.
The effect of cow longevity on dynamic productivity growth of dairy farming
Authors: Ali Beshir Melkaw
Published: November 2020

Cow longevity is recognized as an important trait to improve farm economic performance while concurrently reducing environmental and societal impacts. However, there is an economic trade-off between longevity and herd genetic improvement, which may influence the evolution of dairy farms’ efficiency and productivity over time. This study used a panel data of 723 Dutch specialized dairy farms over 2007-2013 to empirically measure the effect of longevity on dynamic productivity change and its components. First, the productivity growth estimates were obtained using the Luenberger dynamic productivity indicator. Then, the estimates were regressed on longevity and other explanatory variables using dynamic panel data model. Results show that the average dynamic productivity growth was 1.1% per year, comprising of technical change (0.5%), scale inefficiency change (0.4%) and technical inefficiency change (0.2%). Longevity is found to have a statistically significant positive association with productivity growth and technical change, implying that farms with more matured cows were also those farms that recorded increased productivity through technical progress. However, it has a negative association with technical inefficiency change, which might follow from the reduced milk productivity of old cows. Dutch dairy farms have a potential to raise productivity growth by reducing technical inefficiency.
HIV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Geosocial Networking Smartphone Application in Beijing, China: an Open Cohort Study
Authors: Mi Guodong , Zhang Binbin , Yu Fei , Ren Xianlong , Ong Jason , Fan Yaqi , Guo Fenghua , Li Chunjun , Zhang Mianzhi , Zhang Minying
Published: November 2020

Background Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) have dramatically changed the patterns of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and changed risk behaviors of GSN app using MSM are limited.Methods We constructed an open cohort which was constructed and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire of their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those testing negative were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence were calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence.Results A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years (95%CI 2.37–4.57). HIV seroconversion was associated with the following factors in the preceding six months: more than five sexual partners (HR = 2.65 95%CI 1.04–6.67), and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82 95%CI 1.16–12.64). Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27 95%CI 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23 95%CI 0.08–0.62) were protective factors for HIV seroconversion.Conclusions Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app-based interventions could play an important role in HIV control among MSM using combinations of biomedical and behavioral interventions.