bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinson's disease: Current assessment methods and wearable devices for evaluation of movement disorder motor symptoms - A patient and healthcare professional perspective
Authors: AlMahadin Ghayth , Lotfi Ahmad , Zysk Eva , Siena Francesco Luke , Carthy Marie Mc , Breedon Philip
Published: August 2020

Background Parkinson's disease is the second most common long-term chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. There has been a rising interest in wearable devices for evaluation of movement disorder diseases such as Parkinson's disease due to the limitations in current clinic assessment methods such as Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. However, there are only a few commercial wearable devices available, which, in addition, have had very limited adoption and implementation. This inconsistency may be due to a lack of users’ perspectives in terms of device design and implementation.Objectives This study aims to identify the perspectives of healthcare professionals and patients linked to current assessment methods and to identify preferences, needs, and requirements of wearable devices. Methods This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews followed by focus groups. Transcripts from sessions were analysed using a thematic approach. Results It was noted that the well-known assessment and monitoring process such as Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was not used routinely in clinics since it is time consuming, subjective, inaccurate, infrequent and dependent on patients’ memories. Participants suggested that objective diagnosis and assessment methods are needed to increase the chance of effective treatment. The participants’ perspectives were positive toward using wearable devices, particularly if they were involved in early design stages. Patients emphasized that the devices should be comfortable, but they did not have any concerns regarding device visibility or data privacy transmitted over the internet when it comes to their health. In terms of wearing a monitor, the preferable part of the body for all participants was the wrist. Healthcare professionals stated a need for an economical solution that is easy to interpret. Some design aspects identified by patients included clasps, material choice, and form factor. Conclusion The study concluded that current diagnosis and assessment methods are limited. Patients’ and healthcare professionals’ involvement in wearable devices design process has a pivotal role in terms of ultimate user acceptance. This includes the provision of additional functions to the wearable device, such as fall detection and medication reminders, which could be attractive features for patients.
The influence of comorbidity on the severity of COVID-19 disease: A scoping review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zaki Nazar , Mohamed Elfadil Abdalla , Ibrahim Sahar , Khan Gulfaraz
Published: August 2020

Background: A novel form of coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly across the world. What risk factors influence the severity of the disease is of considerable importance.
Objectives: This research offers a systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between common clinical conditions and comorbidities and the severity of COVID-19.
Methodology: Two independent researchers searched Europe PMC, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases for articles related to influence comorbidities have on the progress of the disease. A search engine was also created to screen a further 59,000 articles in COVID-19 Open Research Dataset (CORD-19). Random-effects modeling was used to pool 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and odds ratios (ORs). The significance of all comorbidities and clinical conditions to the severity of the disease was evaluated by employing machine-learning techniques. Publication bias was assessed by using funnel-plots and Egger’s-test. Heterogeneity was tested using I2.
Results: The meta-analysis incorporated 12 studies spanning 4,101 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Chinese hospitals. The prevalence of the most commonly associated co-morbidities and their corresponding odds ratio for disease severity were as follows: coronary heart disease (OR 2.97 [CI: 1.99-4.45], p < 0.0001), cancer (OR 2.65 [CI: 1.12-6.29], p < 0.03), cardiovascular disease (OR 2.89 [CI: 1.90-4.40], p < 0.0001), COPD (OR 3.24 [CI: 1.66-6.32], p = 0.0), and kidney disease (OR 2.2.4 [CI: 1.01-4.99], p = 0.05) with low or moderate level of heterogeneity. The most frequently exhibited clinical symptoms recorded during the course of admission were fever (OR 1.37 [CI: 1.01-1.86], p = 0.04), myalgia/fatigue (OR 1.31 [CI: 1.11-1.55], p = 0.0018), and dyspnea (OR 3.61, [CI: 2.57-5.06], p = <0.0001). No significant associations between disease severity and liver disease, smoking habits, and other clinical conditions, such as a cough, respiratory/ARDS, diarrhea or chest tightness/pain were found. The meta-analysis also revealed that the incubation period was positively associated with disease severity.
Conclusion: Existing comorbidities, including COPD, cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease, increase the severity of COVID-19. Some studies found a statistically significant association between comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension and disease severity. However, these studies may be biased due to substantial heterogeneity.
Resveratrol Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Cell Growth and Invasion Through Upregulation of microRNA-34a
Authors: Wei Bing , Yao Shangli , Gao Ming , Wang Zujun , Wang Wenyan , Zhan Lei
Published: August 2020

Resveratrol (RES), a natural compound found in red wine, has previously reported to suppress ovarian cancer (OC) cell growth in vitro and in vivo; however, its potential molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate the suppressive potential of RES in OC cell growth and invasion and reveal the underlying mechanisms. Herein, we found that RES treatment obviously suppressed the proliferative and invasive capacities of OC cells, and elevated cell apoptosis in vitro. Subsequent microarray and qRT-PCR analysis further showed that microRNA-34a (miR-34a) was significantly increased by RES treatment. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of RES on OC cells were enhanced by miR-34a overexpression, whereas weakened by miR-34a inhibition in OC cells. Of note, Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, was identified as a direct target of miR-34a. Then, we revealed that RES decreased the expression of Bcl-2 in OC cells in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-tumor effects of RES were abolished by overexpression of Bcl-2 in OC cells. Overall, these results demonstrated that RES exerts the anti-cancer effects on OC cells through the miR-34a/Bcl-2 axis.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of a precede-proceed model-based intervention for oral and dental health among primary school students of Rafsanjan city: a mixed method study
Authors: Ghaffari Mohtasham , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Nasirzadeh Mostafa , Mazar Leili
Published: August 2020

Background

Oral and dental health has a significant impact on public health as well as the quality of life among individuals and families. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate an intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for oral and dental health among primary school students in Rafsanjan city, Southern Iran.
Methods

In this exploratory sequential study, predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors related to oral and dental health were identified using 39 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. In the quantitative section, the training program consisted of six sessions for students (250 students) with a brushing session, three sessions for parents, and two sessions for teachers of the target group with lectures, questions and answers, role playing, practical demonstration, and the explaining of related experiences. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18.0 using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and chi-squared tests at the significance level of 0.05.
Results

In the qualitative section, seven predisposing factors, five enabling factors, and two reinforcing factors were identified. A training program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model was found to be effective in increasing the mean scores of the above constructs and the students' brushing behavior (P < 0.001).
Conclusion

Based on the results, the use of a PRECEDE-PROCEDE-based planning and participation model is suggested for identifying the factors related to oral and dental health behavior and also for designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based interventions.
Facilitating participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives among people with diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Dahl Marie , Soendergaard Susanne Friis , Diederichsen Axel , Pouwer Frans , Pedersen Susanne , Søndergaard Jens , Lindholt Jes
Published: August 2020

Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a significant increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The DIAabetic CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DIACAVAS) was designed to clarify whether advanced imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis combined with medical treatment is an effective strategy to develop individualised treatment algorithms for Danish men and women with T2D aged 40–60. But in the DIACAVAS pilot study, the uptake was only 41%. Consequently, we explored how people experienced living with T2D to understand how to improve the uptake in initiatives targeting prevention of CVD.
Methods
We used semi-structured interviews to obtain information on how the respondents experienced having T2D. For supplementary information, we used structured interviews on e.g. socioeconomic factors. From April to October 2019, 17 participants aged 40–60 years were recruited from general practices and diabetes outpatient clinics in Denmark. Several levels of analysis were involved consistent with inductive content analysis.
Results
The participants’ experiences of living with T2D fell along two continuums, from an emotional to a cognitive expression and from proactive to reactive disease management. This led to identification of four archetypal characteristics: (I) powerlessness, (II) empowerment, (III) health literacy, and (IV) self-efficacy. These characteristics indicated the importance of using different approaches to facilitate participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives. Additionally, findings inspired us to develop a model for facilitating participation in forthcoming preventive initiatives.
Conclusion
Encouraging people with T2D to participate in cardiovascular preventive initiatives might necessitate a tailored invitation strategy. We propose a model for an invitational process that takes into consideration invitees’ characteristics, including powerlessness, empowerment, health literacy and self-efficacy. This model may enhance participation in such initiatives. However, participation is a general concern, not only in relation to cardiovascular disease prevention. Our proposed model may be applicable in preventive services for people with T2D in general.
Scientometrics analysis of recent trends in Global Corona virus Research
Authors: M Krishnamurthy , Deshpande Bhalachandra S , C Sajana
Published: August 2020

Background: The worldwide pandemic COVID-19 has produced a wealth of research more rapidly after the outbreak. In just a couple of months, there is a rise in several studies on Coronavirus, adding up to the scholarly literature.Method: The current study attempts to Scientometric analyze very recent literature on Coronaviruses just before and after the outbreak. Besides, the objective of this exploration was to assess the global research progress on Coronavirus in recent times. The current research is an analytical descriptive study using Scientometrics. The study sample includes research papers about the Coronavirus indexed in Web of Science (WoS) database from January 1, 2019 to May 14, 2020. The records with topic search (includes Title, Abstract, Keywords and Keywords Plus) “coronavirus” were extracted. These data were analyzed by MS Excel and the visualizations were created using TableauResult: The results showed that 2551 scientific literature about the Coronavirus was indexed in WoS. A considerable number of these articles were published in journals such as the Journal of Medical Virology, Viruses, Nature, and Lancet. Authors from China, USA and Italy were the most prolific authors. About 47.51% articles received total of 11435 citations with an average of 9 citations, which indicates that nearly half articles were cited in another publication. The highest and lowest citations for these articles were 737 and 1, respectively.Conclusion: These results show a high rate of research on Coronavirus.
Interrater Agreement of The Copenhagen Triage Algorithm
Authors: Borchsenius Julie Inge-Marie Helene , Hasselbalch Rasmus , Lind Morten , Ravn Lisbet , Kallemose Thomas , Schultz Martin , Rasmussen Lars Simon , Iversen Kasper
Published: August 2020

Introduction Systematic triage is performed in the Emergency Department (ED) to assess the urgency of care for each patient. The Copenhagen Triage Algorithm (CTA) is a newly developed, evidence-based triage system, however the interrater agreement remains unknown. Method This was a prospective cohort study. The collection of data was conducted in the three sections (Acute/Cardiology, Medicine and Surgery) of the ED of Herlev Hospital. Patients were assessed independently by two different nurses using CTA. The interrater variability of CTA was calculated using Fleiss kappa. The analysis was stratified according to less or more than 2 years of ED experience. Results A total of 110 patients were included of which 10 were excluded due to incomplete data. The raters agreed on triage category 80 % of the time corresponding to a kappa value of 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.57-0.83). Stratified on ED sections, the agreement was 83 % in the Acute/Cardiology section corresponding to a kappa value of 0.73 (0.55-0.91), 79 % in the Medicine section corresponding to a kappa value of 0.64 (0.39-0.89) and 0.56 % in the Surgery section corresponding to a kappa value of 0.56 (0.21-0.90). The experienced raters had an interrater agreement of 0.73 (0.56-0.90), while the less experienced raters had an agreement of 0.76, (0.28-1.24). Conclusion A substantial interrater agreement was found for the Copenhagen triage algorithm.
Urinary Tract Infection Caused by Bacteria in Pregnant women from Kassala State, Sudan
Authors: Musa Suhndh Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Background Urinary tract infection is a common disease prevailing in pregnancy: microorganisms, mostly bacteria, cause it. Result The prevalence of urinary tract infection was very high (70.9%). The most common isolate were Listeria spp. (38.85%) and Streptococcus spp. (28.06%), less common isolates were Vibrio cholera, Neisseria sp. and E. coli with percentages (16.55%,10.07% and 6.47%), respectively. Conclusion five bacteria species associated with urinary tract infection in pregnant women recorded in this study. Vibrio cholera and Neisseria sp.it was first time recorded in Sudan.
Glycated hemoglobin variability, mean HbA1c and heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lin You-Ting , Huang Wei-Lun , Wu Hung-Pin , Chang Man-Ping , Chen Ching-Chu
Published: August 2020

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a common presentation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous studies revealed that HbA1c level is significantly associated with HF. However, little is known about the association between HbA1c variability and HF. We aimed to evaluate the association of HbA1c variability and mean HbA1c with HF in patients with T2DM. Methods: Using Diabetes Share Care Program data, patients with T2DM had mean HbA1c (HbA1c-Mean), HbA1c variability (tertiles of HbA1c-SD and HbA1c-adjSD) within 12-24 months during 2001-2008 were included. The cutoffs of HbA1c-Mean were set at <7%, 7-7.9%, and ≥8%. Hazard ratios (HRs) for HF during 2008-2018 were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: A total of 3824 patients were included, of whom 315 patients developed HF during the 11.72 years observation period. The associated risk of HF increased with tertiles of HbA1c variability and cutoffs of HbA1c-Mean. In mutually adjusted models, HbA1c-Mean showed a consistent dose-response association with HF, while the association of HbA1c variability with HF disappeared. Among patients with HbA1c-Mean < 7%, the associated risk of HF in patients with HbA1c variability in tertile 3 was comparable to patients with HbA1c-Mean ≥8%. Conclusions: Mean HbA1c was an independent predictor of HF and not explained by HbA1c variability. In addition to absolute HbA1c level, targeting on stability of HbA1c in patients with well glycemic control was also important for the development of HF in patients with T2DM.
Assessment of the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for DSM-5 for Somatic Symptom Disorder in General Hospital Outpatient Clinics in China
Authors: Jiang Yinan , Wei Jing , Fritzsche Kurt , Toussaint Anne Christin , Li Tao , Cao Jinya , Zhang Lan , Zhang Yaoyin , Chen Hua , Wu Heng , Ma Xiquan , Li Wentian , Ren Jie , Lu Wei , Leonhart Rainer
Published: August 2020

Background: It is still unknown whether the “Somatic symptom disorders (SSD) and related disorders” module of Structured clinical interview for DSM-5, research version (SCID-5-RV) is valid in China. This study aimed to assess the SCID-5-RV for SSD in general hospital outpatient clinics in China.Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinics of nine tertiary hospitals in Beijing, Jincheng, Shanghai, Wuhan, and Chengdu, between May 2016 and March 2017. The “SSD and related disorders” module of SCID-5-RV was translated, reversed-translated, revised, and used by trained clinical researchers to make a diagnosis of SSD. Several standardized questionnaires measuring somatic symptom severity, emotional distress, and quality of life were used to compare with SCID-5-RV.Results: A total of 699 patients were recruited, and 236 were diagnosed with SSD. Of these, 46 had mild SSD, 78 had moderate SSD, 100 had severe SSD, and 12 were excluded due to incomplete data. SCID-5-RV for SSD correlated high with somatic symptom severity, emotional distress, and quality of life (all P<0.001), and could distinguish non-severe forms of SSD from severe ones. Conclusions: This study suggests that SCID-5-RV for SSD can distinguish SSD from non-SSD patients, and severe patients from non-severe patients. It has good discriminative validity with other tools and reflects the DSM-5 diagnostic approach that emphasizes excessive emotional, thinking, and behavioral responses related to symptoms.
Primary Thymus Tumors: Retrospective Case Analysis at a Reference Center in Latin America, 2011 – 2019
Authors: Scarpetta-Gonzalez Diego F. , Morales Eliana Isabel , Sua Luz Fernanda , Velásquez Mauricio , Sanguiovanni Saveria , Fernández-Trujillo Liliana
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThymic tumors are unusual neoplasms, representing 0.2% to 1.5% of tumors in humans, but correspond to 20% of mediastinal tumors and 50% of those that occur in the anterior mediastinum. They tend to appear around the fourth and fifth decades of life without gender predilection. Up to 30% of patients are asymptomatic, therefore many are incidentally diagnosed. Radical thymectomy is the treatment of choice with high survival rates when detected in the early stages. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive study, including 18 adult patients’ diagnosis of thymic neoplasm, who were managed with surgical resection from 2011 to 2019. Information about demographics, clinical characteristics, imaging findings, surgical and medical management, plus histological findings was obtained and reported. Results18 patients with thymic tumors were included, of which specific histologic studies reveled thymomas, carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, thymolipoma and thymic cyst. Mean age was 52.7 years, with a predominance of male population. The main symptom was dyspnea, followed by cough and chest pain. Paraneoplastic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis, aplastic anemia and Cushing syndrome were reported. 89% of cases were treated by radical thymectomy alone, while only 2 cases required chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There were no surgical complications. Mean hospital stay length was 11. 9 days, with only 1 mortality during hospital admission. 5-year survival rate was 81%. Conclusions The treatment of choice is radical thymectomy, which has been shown to positively impact patient mortality. Early detection is key to improve patient outcomes.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Metabolism‑Related Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Embaye Kidane Siele , Yang Qing , Qin Lingzhi , Zhang Chao , Liu Liwei , Zhan Xiaoqian , Zhang Fengdi , Wang Xi , Qin Shenghui
Published: August 2020

Background: Given that metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as an essential hallmark of cancer cells, this study sought to investigate the potential prognostic values of metabolism-related genes(MRGs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The metabolism-related genes sequencing data of HCC samples with clinical information were obtained from the International Cancer Genome Consortium(ICGC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The differentially expressed MRGs were identified by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Then, univariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify metabolism-related DEGs that related to overall survival(OS). A novel metabolism-related prognostic signature was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and multivariate Cox regression analyses . Furthermore, the signature was validated in the TCGA dataset. Finally, cox regression analysis was applied to identify the prognostic value and clinical relationship of the signature in HCC. Results: A total of 178 differentially expressed MRGs were detected between the ICGA dataset and the TCGA dataset. We found that 17 MRGs were most significantly associated with OS by using the univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis in HCC. Then, the Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to construct the novel metabolism-relevant prognostic signature, which consisted of six MRGs. The prognostic value of this prognostic model was further successfully validated in the TCGA dataset. Further analysis indicated that this signature could be an independent prognostic indicator after adjusting to other clinical factors. Six MRGs (FLVCR1, MOGAT2, SLC5A11, RRM2, COX7B2, and SCN4A) showed high prognostic performance in predicting HCC outcomes, and were further associated with tumor TNM stage, gender, age, and pathological stage. Finally, the signature was found to be associated with various clinicopathological features. Conclusions: In summary, our data provided evidence that the metabolism-based signature could serve as a reliable prognostic and predictive tool for overall survival in patients with HCC.
Demand and Supply Side Factors Associated with the Use of Contraceptive Methods in Pakistan: A Contemplative Study of Demographic and Health Surveys, 1990-2018
Authors: Jabeen Sadia , Rathor Adnan , Riaz Maria , Zakar Rubeena , Fischer Florian
Published: August 2020

Background
A remarkable decline in fertility rates has been observed in many countries, with a primary determinant being an increase in the use of contraceptives. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of demand and supply-side factors associated with the use of contraceptive measures in Pakistan.
Method:
Secondary data analysis of four data series of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS 1990–91, 2006–07, 2012–13, and 2017–18) were used. The data includes ever-married women aged 15–49 years who had given birth in the previous five years and participated in the family-planning module of the PDHS. A total number of 25,318 women were included in the analysis. Data was analysed by investigating the associations between independent variables (demand and supply-side factors) and the use of contraceptive measures through unadjusted Odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR).
Results
A majority of the women were illiterate and not in employment. There was an increase in the number of women who did not use contraceptive methods in rural areas over time. Among demand-side factors, the results indicated that, in 2012–13, women without media exposure were less likely to use contraceptives (OR 0.396, 95% CI 0.353–0.442), and the trend remains almost constant for 2017–18 (OR 0.432, 95% CI 0.391–0.477). These findings change slightly in the adjusted analysis (AOR 0.664, 95% CI 0.562–0.784) in 2012–13 and (AOR 0.654, 95% CI 0.483–0.885) in 2017–18; however, they still show a lower likelihood of using contraceptives without media exposure. Among supply-side factors, the results indicated that absence of transport (2012–13) and limited visits by family-planning workers over the previous 12 months (2006–07, 2012–13, and 2017–18) remained significant factors for not using contraceptive methods.
Conclusion
The results of the study indicate that certain demand and supply-side factors are associated with the use of contraceptive measures in Pakistan. It highlights the need for the provision of family-planning resources and further structural factors, particularly in remote areas.
Diagnostic accuracy of two commercially available rapid assays for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 compared to ELISA in a low-prevalence population
Authors: Hackner Klaus , Errhalt Peter , Willheim Martin , Grasl Maria-Anna , Lagumdzija Jasmina , Riegler Waltraud , Ecker Michael , Wechdorn Matthias , Thalhammer Florian , Assadian Ojan
Published: August 2020

Background: New commercially available point-of-care (POC) immunodiagnostic tests are appearing, which may yield rapid results for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of rapid antibody detection tests compared to a validated laboratory-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to investigate infections amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) after unprotected close contact to COVID-19 patients. Methods: Blood serum and whole blood of 130 participants were tested with NADAL® COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test and mö-screen 2019-NCOV Corona Virus Test against a validated ELISA test. Infection status was evaluated using real-time polymerase-chain-reaction.Results: Acute COVID-19 infection was detected in 2.4% of exposed HCWs. Antibody tests showed an overall frequency of IgG and IgM in 5.3%, with 1.6% asymptomatic infections. The NADAL® test showed a sensitivity (IgM/ IgG) of 100% (100%/ 100%), a specificity (IgM/ IgG) of 98.8% (97.6%/ 100 %), a PPV of 76.9% (57.1%/ 100%), an NPV of 100% (100%/ 100%), and a diagnostic accuracy of 98.8% (97.7%/ 100%). The mö-screen test had a sensitivity (IgM/IgG) of 90.9% (80%/ 100%), a specificity (IgM/IgG) of 98.8% (97.6%/ 100%), a PPV of 76.9% (57.1%/ 100%), an NPV of 99.6% (99.2%/ 100%), and a diagnostic accuracy of 98.5% (96.9%/ 100%). Conclusions: The frequency of COVID-19 infections in HCWs after unprotected close contact is higher than in the general population of a low-prevalence country. Both POC tests were useful for detecting IgG, but did not perform well for IgM, mainly due to false positive results.
Coexisting illness and COVID-19
Authors: Hu Rui , Han Zhiyang , Zhang Chunling , Ren Huajing , Chen Xiang , Yin Mingzhu
Published: August 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread throughout worldwide. Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease were the most common coexisting illness among patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aim to analyze the effect of them on the result of laboratory finding in patients with severe or critical SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: The date of a total of 49 patients who met the inclusion criteria from January 12 to March 20, 2020, from the first affiliated hospital of Harbin medical university were analyzed in our study.Results: Compared with patients without any coexisting illness, we found that PT levels were decreased in patients with cerebrovascular disease, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, and D-Dimer levels were decreased in patients with cerebrovascular disease, hypertension or diabetes. Similarly, LDH and ALT levels were lower in patients with cerebrovascular disease than that without any coexisting illness.Conclusions: Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease are associated with an increased disease severity and risk of death in patients with COVID-19. Recently study also reported that the levels of PT, D-dimer, and LDH were increased and predicted the deterioration of disease in severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, our results demonstrate that the levels of laboratory indicators such as PT, D-dimer, LDH and ALT were decreased in patients with coexisting illness than without any coexisting illness. It may give us the inaccurate result when we use those laboratory indicators to predict the deterioration of the patients and we need to pay more attention to it.
Genetic analysis of rice seedling traits related to machine transplanting under different seeding densities
Authors: Zhu Dan , Zhang Yuping , Xiang Jing , Wang Yaliang , Zhu Defeng , Zhang Yikai , Chen Huizhe
Published: August 2020

Background: Due to the diversity of rice varieties and cropping systems in China, the limitation of seeding density and seedling quality makes it hard to improve machine-transplanted efficiency. Previous studies have shown that indica and japonica varieties varied in machine transplanting efficiency and optimal seeding density. In this study, a RIL population derived from ‘9311’ and ‘Nipponbare’ were performed to explore the seedling traits variations and the genetic mechanism under three seeding densities. Results: The parents and RIL population exhibited similar trends as the seeding density increased, including seedling height and first leaf sheath length increases, shoot dry weight and root dry weight decreases. Among the 37 QTLs for six traits detected under the three seeding densities, 12 QTLs were detected in both three seeding densities. Five QTL hotspots identified clustered within genomic regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 11. Specific QTLs such as qRDW1.1 and qFLSL5.1 were detected under low and high seeding densities, respectively. Detailed analysis the QTL regions identified under specific seeding densities revealed several candidate genes involved in phytohormones signals and abiotic stress responses. Whole-genome additive effects showed that ‘9311’ contributed more loci enhancing trait performances than ‘Nipponbare’, indicating ‘9311’ was more sensitive to the seeding density than ‘Nipponbare’. The prevalence of negative epistasis effects indicated that the complementary two-locus homozygotes may not have marginal advantages over the means of the two parental genotypes. Conclusions: Our results revealed the differences between indica rice and japonica rice seedling traits in response to seeding density. Several QTL hotspots involved in different traits and specific QTLs (such as qRDW1.1 and qFLSL5.1) in diverse seeding densities had been detected. Genome-wide additive and two-locus epistasis suggested a dynamic of the genetic control underlying different seeding densities. It was concluded that novel QTLs, additive and epistasis effects under specific seeding density would provide adequate information for rice seedling improvement during machine transplanting.
Diabetes and correlates of cardiovascular diseases among women aged 15-49 years in Benin: evidence from a Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Nzoputam Chimezie Igwegbe , Barrow Amadou
Published: August 2020

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries are facing an epidemiological shift from infectious diseases to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The burden of CVDs in a population results from the prevalence of several factors. This study was to determine the association of diabetes and correlates with heart and lung diseases.Methods: We used Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) population-based cross-sectional data. BDHS 2017-18 is the fifth of its kind. A total of 7712 women of reproductive age were included in this study. Heart and lung diseases were the outcome variables. Percentage and logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%.Results: The prevalence of heart disease was 1.3% (95%CI: 1.0%-1.7%) and lung disease was approximately 1.5% (95%CI: 1.2%-1.9%). Women who had diabetes were also found to be 3.57 times significantly more likely to have heart disease when compared with those who do not have diabetes (AOR= 3.57; 95%CI: 1.51 – 8.45). Furthermore, women with diabetes were 4.55 times significantly more likely to also have lung diseases when compared with those who do not have diabetes (AOR= 4.55; 95%CI: 2.06 – 10.06). Women who had hypertension were found to be 3.18 times significantly more likely to have heart disease when compared with those who had no hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.18; 95%CI: 2.02 – 4.98).Conclusion: Diabetes was a key determinant of heart disease. Health policymakers and government need to focus on widespread prevention and control interventions of heart disease through improved screening for risk factors and early detection of CVDs especially among high-risk women. The government should also create nationwide awareness and educate people about CVDs and its fatality rate.
Pan-Genome-Wide Analysis of Pantoea Ananatis Identified Genes Linked to Pathogenicity in Onion
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Choudhary Divya , Stice Shaun , Myers Brendon , Gitaitis Ronald , Venter Stephanus , Kvitko Brian , Dutta Bhabesh
Published: August 2020

Background: Pantoea ananatis is a member of a Pantoea spp. complex that causes center rot of onion, which significantly affects onion yield and quality. This pathogen does not have typical virulence factors like type II or type III secretion systems but appears to require a biosynthetic gene-cluster, HiVir/PASVIL (located chromosomally), for a phosphonate secondary metabolite, and the onion-virulence regions, OVR (localized on a megaplasmid), for onion pathogenicity and virulence, respectively. Results: We conducted a deep pan-genome-wide association study (pan-GWAS) to predict additional genes associated with pathogenicity in P. ananatis using a panel of diverse strains (n = 81). We utilized a red-onion scale necrosis assay as an indicator of pathogenicity. Based on this assay, we differentiated pathogenic (n = 51) - vs. non-pathogenic (n = 30)-strains phenotypically. Pan-GWAS revealed a large core genome of 3,153 genes and a flexible accessory genome of ≤5,065 genes. Phylogenomic analysis using pan-GWAS and presence and absence variants (PAVs) distinguished red-scale necrosis inducing (pathogenic) strains from non-scale necrosis inducing (non-pathogenic) strains of P. ananatis. The pan-GWAS also predicted 42 genes, including 14 from the previously identified HiVir/PASVIL cluster associated with pathogenicity, and 28 novel genes that were not previously associated with pathogenicity in onion. Of the 28 novel genes identified, eight have annotated functions of site-specific tyrosine kinase, N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase, TraR/DksA family transcriptional regulator, and HTH-type transcriptional regulator. The remaining 20 genes are currently hypothetical. Conclusions: This is the first report of using pan-GWAS on P. ananatis for the prediction of novel genes contributing to pathogenicity in onion, which will be utilized for further functional analyses. Pan-genomic differences (using PAVs) differentiated onion pathogenic from non-pathogenic strains of P. ananatis, which has been difficult to achieve using single or multiple gene-based phylogenetic analyses. The pan-genome analysis also allowed us to evaluate the presence and absence of HiVir/PASVIL genes and 11 megaplasmid-borne OVR-A genes regarded as the ‘alt’ cluster that aid in P. ananatis colonization in onion bulbs. We concluded that HiVir/PASVIL genes are associated with pathogenic P. ananatis strains and the alt gene cluster alone is not responsible for pathogenicity on onion. The pan-genome also provides clear evidence of constantly evolving accessory genes in P. ananatis that may contribute to host-range expansion and niche-adaptation.
Detailed observation of axis ring fractures using computed tomography: a retrospective analysis of 202 cases
Authors: Li Guangzhou , He Siyu , Wang Qing , Tan Mingsheng , Hu Yong , Tian Jiwei , Liu Peng , Wu Chao , Han Yujian
Published: August 2020

Background: There is a dearth of research observing the precise anatomical location, pattern, and frequency of the fracture lines in axis ring fractures based on large size sample database and deducing the possible injury mechanism for such fractures. The study aimed to observe the anatomical features of axis ring fractures and evaluate the probable mechanism of injury.Methods: 202 patients with axis ring fractures were identified. According to the involvement of anatomical structures, the axis ring injuries were classified into facet joint injury and pure bony injury. The axis ring was also divided into: anterior, middle, and posterior elements. The anatomical structures involvement and fracture patterns of such fractures were observed using CT. Result: 501 anatomical structures of the axis ring were involved in 202 patients, including 288 facet joints injuries and 213 bony injuries. For facet joints injuries, the most common injuries were superior articular facet injuries, and for pure bony injuries, the most common injuries were pediculoisthmic component fractures. In regard to different element of the axis ring, the injuries of anterior element were more common than that of middle or posterior element. Most of (76.2%) axis ring fractures were asymmetrical, with different elements of the axis ring damaged on different side. Conclusion: In axis ring fractures, fracture lines could occur in any part of the ring. Facet joints injuries were more common than pure bony injuries, and the injuries of anterior element were more common than that of middle or posterior element. The probable mechanism of such injuries might be hyperextension and axial load, with an additional rotational load.
Psychometric Properties of the 37-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) scale in Cancer Patients.
Authors: Hajj Aline , Salameh Pascale , Khoury Rita , Hachem Roula , Sacre Hala , Chahine Georges , Kattan Joseph , Khabbaz Lydia
Published: August 2020

Background: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) scale is a self-assessment scale validated in routine clinical practice to assess cognitive function in cancer patients. This study aimed to validate the 37-item version of FACT-Cog exploring particularly the psychometric properties of four items related to multitasking that were not previously included in the scoring algorithm and assess its correlates in Lebanese cancer patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out including 261 patients with breast, colorectal and lung cancers undergoing chemotherapy (Ethics: CEHDF1016). Validity was confirmed using a factor analyses using the principal component analysis technique with a varimax rotation. Analyses of internal consistency, “test-retest" reliability, and convergent validity were also performed. Finally, a multiple linear regression was conducted, using the total cognition scale as a dependent variable.Results: The scale had an appropriate construct validity, and items loaded on subscales with adequate sample adequacy to factor analyses outcomes. The test-retest reliability was appropriate for the total cognition score/all sub-scores except for the FACT-Cog QOL. Moreover, a weak but significant and inverse correlation between the FACT-Cog scores and patient’s pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Finally, better cognition functioning was noted with age and in working patients, whereas lower functioning was observed in previous smokers and in patients with ovary/brain metastasis. Conclusions: The 37-item tool is valid and reliable. Questions related to multitasking could be included in the scoring system.
Tailored Liposomal Nanotraps for the Treatment of Streptococcal Infections
Authors: Besançon Hervé , Babiychuk Viktoriia , Larpin Yu , Köffel René , Schittny Dominik , Brockhus Lara , Hathaway Lucy J. , Sendi Parham , Draeger Annette , Babiychuk Eduard
Published: August 2020

Background: Streptococcal infections are associated with life-threatening pneumonia and sepsis. The rise in antibiotic resistance calls for novel approaches to treat bacterial diseases. Anti-virulence strategies promote a natural way of pathogen clearance by eliminating the advantage provided to bacteria by their virulence factors. In contrast to antibiotics, anti-virulence agents are less likely to exert selective evolutionary pressure, which is a prerequisite for the development of drug resistance. As part of their virulence mechanism, many bacterial pathogens secrete cytolytic exotoxins that destroy the host cell by destabilizing their plasma membrane. Liposomal nanotraps, mimicking plasmalemmal structures of host cells that are specifically targeted by bacterial toxins are being developed in order to neutralize - by competitive sequestration - numerous exotoxins. Results: In this study, the liposomal nanotrap technology is further developed to simultaneously neutralize the whole palette of cytolysins produced by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis - pathogens that can cause life-threatening streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. We show that the mixture of liposomes containing high amounts of cholesterol and liposomes composed exclusively of choline-containing phospholipids is fully protective against the combined action of exotoxins secreted by these pathogens. Conclusions: Unravelling the universal mechanisms that define targeting of host cells by streptococcal cytolysins paves the way for a broad-spectrum anti-toxin therapy that can be applied without a diagnostic delay for the treatment of bacterial infections including those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Artificial Pneumothorax Improves Radiofrequency Ablation of Pulmonary Metastases close to Mediastinum
Authors: Zuo Taiyang , Lin Wenli , Liu Fengyong , Xu Jinshun
Published: August 2020

Background

To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of pulmonary metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contiguous with the mediastinum using the artificial pneumothorax technique.
Method:

A total of 40 lesions in 32 patients with pulmonary metastases from HCC contiguous with the mediastinum accepted RFA treatment from August 2014 to May 2018 via the artificial pneumothorax technique. After ablation, clinical outcomes were followed up by contrast enhanced CT. Technical success, local tumor progression (LTP), intrapulmonary distant recurrence (IDR), and adverse events were evaluated. Overall survival (OS) and local tumor progression free survival (LTPFS) were recorded for each patient.
Results

The tumor size was 1.4 ± 0.6 cm in diameter. RFA procedures were all successfully performed without intra-ablative complications. Technical success was noted in 100% of the patients. 5 cases of LTP and 8 cases of IDR occurred following the secondary RFA for treatment. Slight pain was reported in all patients. No major complications were observed. The 1, 2, and 3-year LTPFS rates were 90.6%, 81.2%, and 71.8%, and the 1, 2, and 3-year OS rates were 100%, 100% and 87.5%, respectively.
Conclusion

Artificial pneumothorax adjuvant RFA is a feasible, safe, and efficient method for treatment of pulmonary metastases from HCC contiguous with the mediastinum.
Tumor LAG-3 and NY-ESO-1 expression predict durable clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jung Eun Hee , Jang Hee Ryung , Kim Se Hyun , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Yu Jung , Lee Ju-Hyun , Chung Jin-Haeng , Kim Miso , Keam Bhumsuk , Kim Tae Min , Kim Dong-Wan , Heo Dae Seog , Lee Jong Seok
Published: August 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an established treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have demonstrated durable clinical benefits (DCBs). Previous studies have suggested that NY-ESO-1 and LAG-3 could be surrogate markers of ICI responses in NSCLC; therefore, we explored the predictive value of NY-ESO-1 and LAG-3 expression in NSCLC.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 38 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies from 2013 to 2016 at Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital after failed platinum-based chemotherapy. Tumor tissues from each patient were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis to determine NY-ESO-1, LAG-3, and PD-L1 expression, whose ability to predict progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was then analyzed alongside their positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values.
Results

NY-ESO-1 or LAG-3 expression was detected in all tumor samples from patients with high PD-L1 expression and was significantly associated with favorable patient outcomes, unlike PD-L1 expression. Patients whose tumors expressed both NY-ESO-1 and LAG-3 had a high DCB rate and those with triple-positive PD-L1, LAG-3, and NY-ESO expression had a superior median OS and PFS compared to those in patients with triple-negative expression. Furthermore, LAG-3 and NY-ESO-1 co-expression was an independent predictor of both PFS and OS, while LAG-3 displayed a good NPV.
Conclusion

Therefore, patients with NSCLC who co-express NY-ESO-1 or LAG-3 with PD-L1 exhibit greater DCBs and improved long-term survival following anti-PD-1 therapy. Moreover, NY-ESO-1 and LAG-3 could be novel predictive biomarkers of survival and should be considered in the future use of ICIs.
Comparison of bispectral index and patient state index during sevoflurane anesthesia in children: a prospective observational study
Authors: Ji Sang-Hwan , Jang Young-Eun , Kim Eun-Hee , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Hee-Soo
Published: August 2020

Background: Cortical electroencephalography (EEG)-based devices are used to monitor the depth of anesthesia. In this study, we compared the values of bispectral index (BIS) and patient state index (PSI) during sevoflurane anesthesia in children. The ability/accuracy of BIS and PSI to predict the steady and recovery state of anesthesia was evaluated based on prediction probability (Pk) values and the secondary outcomes were agreement and correlation of two monitors. Methods: Fifty children (3-12 years old) were enrolled and the patients received sevoflurane anesthesia with remifentanil. Before the induction of anesthesia, BIS and PSI sensors were simultaneously placed on the forehead, and data were collected until the end of anesthesia. Steady state was defined as the period following intubation until the cessation of sevoflurane, while recovery state was defined as the period following the cessation of sevoflurane until awake. The prediction probability (Pk), agreement or correlation of BIS and PSI in different anesthesia state were calculated. Results: Anesthesia reduced mean BIS and PSI values. Pk of BIS (95% confidential interval (CI) [0.78-0.91])) and PSI (95% CI [0.82-0.91]) for anesthesia were 0.85 and 0.87, respectively. Agreement was 0.79 for recovery state and 0.73 for steady state. Conclusions: Pk values were comparable for BIS and PSI. Agreement between BIS and PSI measurements in the same state was relatively good. Therefore, these monitors are appropriate for monitoring for different state of anesthesia in pediatric population. Trial Registry Number: Clinical Trials.gov NCT03792334.