bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern of Thyroid Cancer and Its Associated Factors Among Thyroid Patients Underwent Thyroidectomy at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia; A Four Years Retrospective Review
Authors: Mulatu Bilisuma , Michael Yadene , Alemu Seifu , Demissie Wondu Reta
Published: September 2020

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant disease of endocrine system and its incidence is rapidly increasing globally (about three to four times higher among females and accounts the sixth most common malignancy diagnosed in women). Among the four major types of thyroid cancer, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounts 85-90% from all thyroid cases, followed by follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) which accounts for 5-10% of cases.Materials and Methods: A retrospective data of 260 patients who underwent thyroid surgery from 2015 to 2019 were included in the study and the status of the disease (clinical manifestations, laboratory/pathology findings (thyroid function tests (TFTs) and biopsy) were reviewed from patient cards. The pattern of thyroid cancer was discriminated based on histo-pathological biopsy result. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied to express the finding and reported by tables, figures and narration. Cross tabulation and logistic regression was applied to determine the association between thyroid CA and predictors. A p-value of <0.05 was declared as statistically significant. Results: From the total sample of 260 patients underwent thyroid surgery, majority of them were females 219(84.2%), belong to age interval of 31-40 years (34.6%), dwellers of Oromia region (91.2%) and Jimma zone (83.8%). Colloid goiter was the most prevalent (74.6%) pattern of thyroid disease followed by follicular CA (4.2%), papillary CA (1.9%) and medullary CA (0.77%) while biopsy results of 48(18.46%) patients were not known. In general, about the 194(91.5%) of the thyroid lesion was identified as benign type and malignancy accounts for 18(8.5%) from the total conducted biopsy results of 212 patients. About six variables (duration of the disease, marital status, family history of the disease, nodularity, surface and border of the thyroid mass) were the candidate variables in binary logistic regression (p-value <0.25) and finally, three variables (duration of the disease (>10 years), surface (rough) and border (irregular) of the thyroid mass) were identified as the predictors of thyroid malignancy with AOR 0.05(0.004-0.60, P-v=0.016; 1.9(1.17-5.8), P-v=0.012 and 2.5(1.13-16.16), P-v<0.001 respectively.Conclusion and recommendation: The burden of malignancy was higher and alarming among thyroid diseases and warrants early screening and management.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Jin Meng , Yue Xinying , Zhang Shanshan , Wang Yanan , Lu Zequn , Yao Zhi , Wang Jing , Xiao Jun , Li Qinglin , Liu Cai , Cui Hongyuan , Hu Ke , Wu Xiaofan , Tian Jianbo , Xiao Yi
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally. However, the association between COVID-19 and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been scarcely addressed. We aimed to systematically characterize the clinical features and examine risk factors for DIC development in COVID-19 patients.Methods: In this single-centered, retrospective, and observational study, all patients with DIC (N=59) and 270 patients without DIC were matched by propensity score matching based on age, sex, and comorbidities. Demographic data, symptoms, radiological, laboratory examinations, and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without DIC. Furthermore, univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to explore the risk factors associated with DIC development in COVID-19 patients.Results: Higher proportion of patients with DIC and COVID-19 (54 of 59 [91·53%]) developed into death than non DIC patients (58 of 270 [21·48%]). Patients with DIC presented aggravated inflammation responses, liver damage, and especially coagulation dysfunction. Moreover, in addition to previously reported coagulation-related markers, such as FDP, D-dimer, and platelet, we also identified several novel risk factors associated with DIC development, including decreased fibrinogen (OR=0·476, 95%CI=0·380-0·596, P<0·0001) and ALB (0·901, 0·845- 0·961, P=0·0015), and elevated IL-6 (1·010, 1·005-1·015, P=0·00017) and TNF-α (1·053, 1·016-1·091, P=0·0045).Conclusions: Patients with DIC and COVID-19 were predisposed to poor clinical outcomes. These risk factors identified may be helpful for early surveillance of disease progression and making standardized treatment strategies.
Comprehensive Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes and Key Pathways in Neuropathic Pain by Spinal Nerve Ligation
Authors: Xu Chao , Li HuiFang , Zhang YunPeng , Liu TianYu , Feng Yi
Published: September 2020

Background: Neuropathic pain can cause significant physical and economic burden to people, and there are no effective long-term treatment methods for this condition. We conducted a bioinformatics analysis of microarray data to identify related mechanisms to determine strategies for more effective treatments of neuropathic pain.Methods: GSE24982 and GSE63442 microarray datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze transcriptome differences of neuropathic pain in the dorsal root ganglions caused by spinal nerve ligation. We filtered the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two datasets and Webgestalt was applied to conduct GeneOntology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the shared DEGs. String Database and Cytoscape software were used to construct the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network to determine the hub genes, which were subsequently verified in the GSE30691 dataset. Finally, miRDB and miRWalk Databases were used to predict potential miRNA of the selected DEGs.Results: A total of 182 overlapped DEGs were found between GSE24982 and GSE63442 datasets. The GO functional analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the selected DEGs were mainly enriched in infection, transmembrane transport of ion channels, and synaptic transmission. Combining the results of PPI analysis and the verification of the GSE30691 dataset, we identified seven hub genes related to neuropathic pain (Atf3, Aif1, Ctss, Gfap, Scg2, Jun, and Vgf). Predicted miRNA targeting each selected hub genes were identified.Conclusion: Seven hub genes related to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and potential targeting miRNA were identified, expanding understanding of the mechanism of neuropathic pain and facilitating treatment development.
Internet-based Cognitive-behavioral Writing Therapy for Reducing Posttraumatic Stress After Severe Sepsis in Patients and Their Spouses (REPAIR): Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial 
Authors: Gawlytta Romina , Kesselmeier Miriam , Scherag André , Niemeyer Helen , Böttche Maria , Knaevelsrud Christine , Rosendahl Jenny
Published: September 2020

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequent long-term consequence of intensive care in both, patients and spouses, and there is a specific need of respective tailored intervention approaches. Aim of this trial was to investigate the efficacy, safety and applicability of internet-based cognitive-behavioral writing therapy (iCBT) for posttraumatic stress after intensive care for sepsis in patients and their spouses compared to a waitlist (WL) control group.Methods: In a randomized-controlled, parallel group, superiority trial we included patients after intensive care (>5 days) for sepsis and their spouses, if at least one of them had a presumptive PTSD diagnosis (PTSD Checklist [PCL-5] ≥ 33). Dyads were randomized 1:1 either to the iCBT (including two internet-based writing assignments per week over a 5-week period) or to the WL control group. Primary outcome was pre-post change in PTSD symptom severity score (measured via the PCL-5) in participants with a presumptive PTSD diagnosis from randomization to ~5 weeks later. Results: Twenty-five dyads were included representing 34 participants with presumptive PTSD diagnosis (patient and spouse: 9 dyads, patient only: 12, spouse only: 4). We did not observe evidence for a difference in the primary outcome for iCBT compared to WL in the confirmatory analysis according to the intention-to-treat principle. The mean difference in score point reductions between iCBT and WL was -0.96 (95% confidence interval, -5.88 to 3.97; p = 0.703), which was adjusted for pre-values of the PCL-5 in the generalized estimating equations model. No adverse events were reported. Participants confirmed the applicability of iCBT.Conclusions: We applied an iCBT to reduce PTSD symptoms after sepsis and intensive care, for the first time addressing both patients and their spouses. ICBT was applicable in the given population. We did not observe evidence for the efficacy of iCBT for the primary outcome of pre-post changes in PCL-5 PTSD symptom severity score. Due to the small sample size our trial should be regarded as a pilot study and findings remain preliminary. Nevertheless, our results can guide further research, which is needed to determine if modified approaches to post-intensive care PTSD may be more effective.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00010676). Registered 14 June 2016, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010676
Fabrication of 3D-Printed Hygromorphs Based on Different Cellulosic Fillers
Authors: Langhansl Matthias , Dörrstein Jörg , Hornberger Peter , Zollfrank Cordt
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work is to characterize the moisture-dependent actuation behavior of bioinspired and additively manufactured hygromorphs based by following deductive and inductive design approaches. Fused Filament Fabrication is employed to print bilayered structures consisting of swellable active layers and rigid passive layers. The active layer is composed of a polylactic acid matrix filled with different hygroscopic cellulosic materials up to a filler content of 50 m%. Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrol-Copolymer is used for the passive layer. The Fused Filament Fabrication process allows the generation of desired differential swelling properties in the composites upon moisture absorption. The moisture dependent actuation strain of the printed bilayers was determined by video analyses. Some influencing geometrical factors that contribute to the actuation were deduced from x-ray diffraction and micro computed tomography. The investigation of the mean cellulose microfibril orientation on the surface of the active layer suggested a preferential orientation with respect to printing direction. Furthermore, a gradient of cellulosic material within a single printed layer was observed, which indicates fiber sedimentation. Comparison with a thermomechanical model shows that the computational prediction of the moisture dependent actuation is considerably accurate for most selected cellulosic materials and filler contents.
Path Analysis of Hospitalization Expenses of 2,164 Appendicitis Patients at County-Level Public Hospitals in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Xue Junjun , Wang Heng , Li Niannian , Ling Yuhuan , Qian Chen , Shen Chunhan , Gu Xinlong , Zhang Xue , Jiang Ping
Published: September 2020

Background and objectiveAppendicitis resection is one of the most common surgical procedures in China. Hospitalization expenses are a major determinant of appendicitis treatment. This study explored the factors influencing hospitalization expenses of appendicitis surgery patients in Anhui province and provided a scientific basis for reasonably controlling medical expenses.MethodsA multi-stage random cluster sampling method was used to collect case information on 2,164 patients who underwent appendicitis surgery at 6 county-level public hospitals in Anhui province, China. Path analysis was used to study the factors influencing hospitalization expenses of appendicitis surgery patients.ResultsThe average length of stay (LOS) was 5.62 ± 2.64 days, with a median of 5 days; the average hospitalization expenses were 6,109.60 ± 2,109.44 CNY, with a median of 5,511.93 CNY. The direct effect of LOS was 0.535, which was the most important direct factor affecting hospitalization expenses, and the remaining path coefficient was 0.699. surgical grades, surgical methods, and chronic appendicitis directly affected hospitalization expenses, with direct effects of 0.149, 0.081, and -0.037; surgical costs, anesthesia costs, disease outcomes, age, acute simple appendicitis, and operative duration (OD) not only directly affected hospitalization expenses, but also indirectly affected hospitalization expenses through the LOS, and the total effects were 0.283, 0.045, 0.200, 0.202, -0.162, and 0.062, respectively. The total number of surgeons and assistants only indirectly affected the hospitalization expenses through the LOS, and the indirect effect was 0.020.ConclusionsThe LOS is the most important factor affecting hospitalization expenses. Controlling hospitalization expenses is an effective method of reducing the economic burden of patients undergoing appendicitis surgery and decreasing hospital medical expenditures. Based on controlling the average LOS, combined with other comprehensive measures such as decreasing the OD and health education, strengthening controllable factors, and effectively managing the unreasonable increase in hospitalization expenses.
Factors Affecting the health literacy Status of Patients with type 2 Diabetes through Demographic Variables: A Case Study from Iran
Authors: ziapour arash , Azar Farbod Ebadi Fard , Mahaki Behzad , Mansourian Morteza
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHealth literacy is the ability of a person to acquire the process, understand the necessary health information, and make the health services needed for conscious health decisions. Low levels of health literacy can impair the healthcare and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Besides, diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder that affects patients' quantity and quality of life. Health literacy means cognitive and social skills, with the motivation and ability to understand and use health information, helping individuals maintain and promote their good health. This study focused on determining the factors that affect the health literacy status of type 2 diabetes patients through the role of the demographic variables.MethodologyThis descriptive-analytical research survey recruited a sample based on 280 diabetic patients at the Diabetes Research Center of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Kermanshah in 2020 through a cross-sectional study design. This study selected the diabetes patients using the technique of a simple random sampling and study applied the tools of demographic information questionnaire and the functional, communicative and critical health literacy scale (FCCHL) to collect data of diabetes patients. This study used the SPSS version-23 on the received data sets to perform statistical analysis, including t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression, to predict the factors affecting health literacy among diabetes patients.ResultsThe results showed the mean age of the participants 55.80±13.04 of diabetes patients. The mean and standard deviation of the health literacy score in diabetic patients indicated 2.70±0.44, respectively. The findings specify that there is a statistically significant relationship between health literacy, gender, education, occupation, income, and place of residence. The most robust predictors of health literacy are income variables (β=0.170), age (β=0.176), and employment (β=0.157).ConclusionThe results of this research study specified that the health literacy rate of individuals with diabetic type 2 is an average level. The potential communicative and critical health literacy influence essential for communication and education for diabetes patients in the settings of the primary health care system. The findings indicate that communicative and critical health literacy related to patients’ management and patients with functional health literacy looks passable in this study. The health information specialists need to recognize diabetes patients’ demographic variables according to their needs. Health professionals’ abilities to deliver health education resources seems critical, as it would improve health-related behavior by increasing literacy level.
Inhibition of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1-3 deteriorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing oxidative stress
Authors: Choi Jong Hee , Oh Jinhee , Lee Min Jung , Cho Ik-Hyun
Published: September 2020

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs) are G-protein-coupled receptors involved in many physiological functions in the central nervous system. However, the role of the LPARs in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been clearly defined yet.
Methods

Here, we investigated the roles of LPARs in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptides-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS.
Results

Pre-inhibition with antagonists ameliorated behavioral symptoms of EAElo. Specifically, LPAR1-3 antagonist Ki16425 (intraperitoneal) deteriorated symptoms of EAElow associated with increased demyelination, chemokine expression, cellular infiltration, and immune cell activation (microglia and macrophage) in spinal cords of mice compared to the sham group. This LPAR1-3 antagonist also increased the infiltration of CD4+/IFN-γ+ (Th1) and CD4+/IL-17+ (Th17) cells into spinal cords of EAElow mice along with upregulated mRNA expression of IFN-γ and IL-17 and impaired BBB in the spinal cord. The underlying mechanism for negative effects of LPAR1-3 antagonist was associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (NOX) 2 and NOX3. Interestingly, LPAR1/2 agonist 1-oleoyl-LPA (LPA 18:1) (intraperitoneal) ameliorated symptoms of EAEhigh and improved representative pathological features of spinal cords of EAEhigh mice.
Conclusions

Our findings strongly suggest that some agents that can stimulate LPARs might have potential therapeutic implications for autoimmune demyelinating diseases such as MS.
Complement 3 is A Potential Biomarker for Assessing Disease Activity in Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Chen Rongyi , Ma Lingying , Lv Peng , Lin Jiang , Li Chaolun , Yan Yan , Jin Xuejuan , Dai Xiaomin , Ji Zongfei , Chen Huiyong , Ma Lili , Sun Ying , Jiang Lindi
Published: September 2020

Background. Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare disease, lacking convenient and feasible biomarkers to identify disease activity. We aimed to evaluate the value of complements in distinguishing active TA. Methods. Consecutive patients were enrolled from the prospective East China TA cohort from April 2008 to June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to their baseline Kerr score. The value of complements and other biomarkers in identifying disease activity were analysed. An independent group of patients from July 2019 to December 2019 were employed to validate the results.Results. Of the enrolled 519 patients, 406 (72.2%) cases were identified as active disease. Higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and complement 3 (C3) levels were observed in the active group. Elevated C3 (≥1.085 g/L) had a high value to identify active TA with a sensitivity of 69.9%, specificity of 66.7% and AUC of 0.715. Combining the CRP (≥10.65 g/L; sensitivity, 50.7%; specificity, 82.4%) and C3, the sensitivity could be improved to 85.1% in parallel test and the specificity could be improved to 94.1% in serial test. Validation was further performed to confirm the value of C3 for disease activity assessment. The accuracy of the parallel test of CRP and C3 in external validation with independent 53 TA cases was 72.73% with the AUC of 0.721. Conclusion. Elevated C3 could effectively monitor the disease activity of TA, and C3 combining with CRP could further improve the disease activity evaluation.
Transcriptome-Wide Analyses Provide Insights into Development of the Hedychium Coronarium Flower, Revealing Potential Roles of PTL
Authors: Zhao Tong , Piñeyro-Nelson Alma , Yu Qianxia , Hu Xiaoying , Liu Huanfang , Liao Jingping
Published: September 2020

Background:The flower of Hedychium coronarium possesses highly specialized floral organs: a synsepalous calyx, petaloid staminodes and a labellum. The formation of these organs is controlled by two gene categories: floral organ identity genes and organ boundary genes, which may function individually or jointly during flower development. Although the floral organogenesis of H. coronarium has been studied at the morphological level, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in its floral development still remain poorly understood. In addition, previous works analyzing the role of MADS-box genes in controlling floral organ specification in some Zingiberaceae did not address the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of particular organ morphologies that emerge later in flower development, such as the synsepalous calyx formed through intercalary growth of adjacent sepals. Results:Here, we used comparative transcriptomics combined with Real-time quantitative PCR and mRNA in situ hybridization to investigate gene expression patterns of ABC-class genes in H. coronarium flowers, as well as the homolog of the organ boundary gene PETAL LOSS (HcPTL). qRT-PCR detection showed that HcAP3 and HcAG were expressed in both the petaloid staminode and the fertile stamen. mRNA in situ hybridization showed that HcPTL was expressed in developing meristems, including cincinnus primordia, floral primordia, common primordia and almost all new initiating floral organ primordia.Conclusions:Our studies found that stamen/petal identity or stamen fertility in H. coronarium was not necessarily correlated with the differential expression of HcAP3 and HcAG. We also found a novel spatio-temporal expression pattern for HcPTL mRNA, suggesting it may have evolved a lineage-specific role in the morphogenesis of the Hedychium flower. Our study provides a new transcriptome reference and a functional hypothesis regarding the role of a boundary gene in organ fusion that should be further addressed through phylogenetic analyzes of this gene, as well as functional studies.
Pathological Features of Reinnervated Skeletal Muscles Following Crush Injury of the Sciatic Nerve in Ob/ob Mice
Authors: Asano Takahiro , Tsujii Masaya , Iino Takahiro , Odake Kazuya , Sudo Akihiro
Published: September 2020

Background: Obesity is a factor for insufficient improvement of motor function for peripheral nerve disorders. The aims of this study were to evaluate the skeletal muscles during denervation and re-innervation following nerve crush injury in ob/ob mice. Methods: Experiments were performed on the skeletal muscles of the hindlimbs in 20 male leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice and control mice. Firstly, the characteristics of the gastrocnemius muscles in the mice were evaluated by histological analysis, immunohistological analysis, and Sircol-collagen assay after measurement of body weight and wet weight of the skeletal muscles and by walking tracking analysis. In the histological analysis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) staining, oil red O staining, and Picro-sirius red staining were performed to assess the type of myofibers, lipid accumulation, and collagen deposition, respectively. Then, the models for denervation and re-innervation were made by crushing the sciatic nerves with smooth forceps. The same assessments were performed on the skeletal muscles of nerve crush models.Results: The wet weight of the gastrocnemius muscles was significantly less in the ob/ob mice than the control mice, whereas body weight was significantly more. Histological analyses demonstrated a smaller cross-sectional area of type II fibers and increase of type I fiber grouping of the skeletal muscles in the ob/ob mice. In addition, there was excessive deposition of lipids and collagens between the myofibers. Following the nerve injury, the recovery of motor function was equal between both groups, while the cross-sectional area of type II fibers was significantly smaller in the ob/ob mice than the control mice at 4 weeks. Furthermore, the denervated muscles showed an increase in collagen deposition to the area of intermyofibers, which were predominant in the ob/ob mice after the nerve injury.Conclusions: The present study showed an increase of collagen deposition, delayed recovery of type II myofibers, and type I fiber grouping during denervation and re-innervation in the skeletal muscles of ob/ob mice. We suggest through these findings that the reduction of contractile force could be one of causes of insufficient improvement in peripheral nerve disorders of obese individuals.
Operationalizing Mobile Computer-assisted TB Screening and Diagnosis With Wellness on Wheels (WoW)) in Nigeria: Balancing Feasibility and Iterative Efficiency
Authors: Eneogu Rupert Amanze , Mitchell Ellen M.H , Ogbudebe Chidubem , Aboki Danjuma , Anyebe Victor , Dimkpa Chimezie B. , Egbule Daniel , Nsa Bassey , Grinten Emmy van der , Soyinka Festus , Abdur-Razzaq Hussein , Useni Sani , Lawanson Adebola , Onyemaechi Simeon , Ubochioma Emperor , Scholten Jerod , Verhoef Johan , Nwadike Peter , Nkem Chukwueme , Mustapha Gidado , Nongo Debby
Published: September 2020

Wellness on Wheels (WoW) provided mobile systematic TB screening of high-risk populations combining digital chest radiography with computer-aided automated interpretation and chronic cough screening to identify beneficiaries of GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing in communities and prisons. We piloted and refined approaches in phased evaluations, recalibrating CAD4TB thresholds adjusting to balance TB yield and feasibility. Iterative data monitoring of screening volumes, risk mix, number needed to screen (NNS), number needed to test (NNT), sample loss, TB treatment initiation and HIV testing are required. Given pre-selection of highest risk individuals via an accurate screening test, inability to collect or test samples impacts yield and cost-per-case. Linkage to care and treatment outcomes improved overtime. Short conclusion: Mobile computer-assisted digital chest x-ray and chronic cough screening with GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing is feasible, acceptable, efficient and high-yield when highest risk groups are engaged, and operations evolve in response to monitoring data.
An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in Kelala District, South Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldearegay Mesfin , Assen Yimer , Haile Abeba
Published: September 2020

Background: Plants have a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, and a large proportion of people in the developing world still rely on traditional medicines to meet their primary health care requirements. Medicinal plants are the major components of the traditional health care system. The objective of this study was to record and document the medicinal plants and associated indigenous plant use knowledge of the local people in Kelala District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected by conducting pre-prepared semi-structured interview items with 60 informants. Focus group discussion and guided field walk were also used. Data were analyzed using basic analytical tools and descriptive statistics. Determination of Informant Consensus Factor, Fidelity level, and ranking was performed. Results: A total of 82 medicinal plants distributed in 79 genera and 45 families were collected. Of these plants, 43 species were used to treat human ailments, and 33 species were used to treat livestock ailments and the remaining 6 species were used to treat both human and livestock ailments. The majority of medicinal plants were harvested from the wild environments. The family Solanaceae occupied the first rank with seven species followed by Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Apiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae with four species each. The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (42.2 %) followed by seeds (15.2 %), roots (8.1 %), and fruits (7.6%). Freshly harvested plant parts (72.68 %) were mostly used for remedy preparation than dried forms (24.74 %) whereas crushing, which accounted for (41.12%), and powdering (24.37%) were the most widely used methods of remedy preparation in the study area. Conclusion: Higher number of medicinal plants recorded in the study area indicates the depth of medicinal plant resources and associated indigenous knowledge of the local people. However, the expansion of farmlands by cutting trees heavily threatens medicinal plants and therefore, needs due attention. High ranking medicinal plants are good candidates for further research in drug discovery and development.
Carboxypeptidase B Inhibits Over-activation of Anaphylatoxin-neutrophil Extracellular Trap Axis in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Zhang Yue , Han Kai , Du Chunjing , Li Rui , Liu Jingyuan , Zeng Hui , Zhu Liuluan , Li Ang
Published: September 2020

Background: Thrombosis and coagulopathy are highly prevalent in severe patients with COVID-19 and increase the risk of death. Immunothrombosis has recently been demonstrated to contribute to the thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients with coagulopathy. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are primary components of immunothrombosis, whereas the mechanism of NET formation remains unclear. We aim to explore the clinical roles of NETs and the regulation of complement on the NET formation in COVID-19.Methods: We recruited 135 COVID-19 patients and measured plasma levels of C5, C3, cell-free DNA and myeloperoxidase-DNA. We detected complement-induced NET formation by immunofluorescent staining and evaluated the cytotoxicity to vascular endothelial HUVEC cells by CCK-8 assay.Results: We found that the plasma levels of complements (C3 and C5) and NETs were closely related to coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction in patients with COVID-19. By using anti-C3a and anti-C5a antibodies, we revealed that the complement component anaphylatoxins in the plasma of COVID-19 patients strongly induced NET formation. The pathological effect of the anaphylatoxin-NET axis on the damage of vascular endothelial cells could be relieved by recombinant carboxypeptidase B (CPB), a stable homolog of enzyme CPB2 which can degrade anaphylatoxins to inactive products.Conclusions: Over-activation in anaphylatoxin-NET axis plays a pathological role in COVID-19. Early intervention in anaphylatoxins might help prevent thrombosis and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.
18F-5-FPN: A Specific Probe for Monitoring Photothermal Therapy Response in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Wang Yichun , Li Mengting , Wang Wenxia , Ji Hao , Jia Chaoyi , Han Na , Li Huiling , Xu Xiaodong , Jin Honglin , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli
Published: September 2020

Background

The increasing global burden and the significant breakthroughs in malignant melanoma therapy make urgent demands on efficient response evaluation and surveillance of adverse events. Though there have been a few probes explored for early diagnosis or staging of malignant melanoma, but rare for response assessment investigations except for common 18F-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Thus, this research would further explore the feasibility and ability of 18F-5-fluoro-N-(2-(diethylamino)ethyl)picolinamide (18F-5-FPN)PET imaging to evaluate photothermal therapy (PTT) response of malignant melanoma, simultaneously comparing with 18F-FDG.
Methods

B16F10 and MDA-MB-231subcutaneous tumor models were irradiated with an 808 nm laser for PTT. 18F-5-FPN and 18F-FDG PET imaging were adopted to estimate the therapy response. B16F10, inflammatory, and MDA-MB-231 models were subjected to 18F-FDG and 18F-5-FPN PET static acquisitions and compared by quantitative data for assessing the specificity of different agents to different diseases. Furthermore, B16F10 and 231 models were exploited for survival analysis to observe the efficacy and response feature of PTT.
Results

Melanin in B16F10 tumors successfully transformed the optical energy into heat for PTT. H&E staining at 24 h discovered framework destruction of tumor tissue and extensive necrosis. The mean tumor uptakes of 18F-5-FPN on Day 2 (7.52 ± 3.65%ID/g) and Day 6 (10.22 ± 6.00%ID/g) were much lower than before treatment (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference of the 18F-FDG uptakes was found between Day 1 after PTT and before treatment. 18F-5-FPN PET scanning only manifested B16F10 tumor strikingly, while they all accumulated 18F-FDG highly. PTT contributed to suppressing B16F10 tumors’ growth rapidly in a short time and prolonged the median survival of B16F10 models to some extent. Whereas, both of the temperature and growth of 231 tumors were not distinctly influenced.
Conclusions

Compared with 18F-FDG PET scanning, 18F-5-FPN PET imaging was capable of estimating PTT efficacy in malignant melanoma, successfully monitored the occult recurrence after therapy, and distinguished malignant melanoma from inflammation and other carcinomas well by high affinity to melanin. This potential probe may provide a new approach for precise and useful response evaluation, timely therapeutic regimen management, and sensitive follow-up.
Hypoxic Tumour Cell-derived Exosomal miR-340-5p Promotes Radioresistance of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via KLF10
Authors: Chen Fangyu , Xu Bing , Li Jie , Yang Xi , Gu Junjie , Yao Xijuan , Sun Xinchen
Published: September 2020

Background: Radiotherapy resistance is a major obstacle in the treatment of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Hypoxia is a critical cause of radioresistance. However, the communications between hypoxic cells and aerobic cells via exosomes during radiation resistance remain unclear. Methods: We previously detected miR-340-5p is highly expressed in hypoxic OSCC exosomes by RNA-seq. The effects and mechanisms of hypoxic EVs and miR-340-5p on radiosensitivity were evaluated by qPCR, western blot IHC, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, etc. Tumour xenografts and clinical samples were used for evaluating radiosensitivity and dissecting underlying mechanisms. Results: Hypoxic exosomes can alleviate radiation induced apoptosis and accelerate DNA damage repair. miR-340-5p is highly expressed in hypoxic exosomes and causes radioresistance. Knockdown miR-340-5p in hypoxic EVs reversed whose radioresistant effect, indicating miR-340-5p is critical for hypoxic EV-induced radioresistance. KLF10 is the direct target of miR-340-5p. Moreover, metformin was found to increase the expression of KLF10 and enhance radiosensitivity of OSCC. And higher levels of miR-340-5p in the plasma exosomes of OSCC patients are related to poor radiotherapy response and prognosis. Conclusions: Hypoxic tumour cell-derived exosomal miR-340-5p confers radioresistance in OSCC by targeting KLF10/UVRAG, suggesting that miR-340-5p could be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the enhancement of radiosensitivity in OSCC. Combined use of metformin and radiotherapy might benefit OSCC patients.
Tracheal tube obstruction due to hemoptysis associated with pulmonary infarction in a patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report.
Authors: Maruhashi Takaaki , Kurihara Yutaro , Wada Tatsuhiko , Osada Mayuko , Oi Marina , Masuda Tomonari , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Asari Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Background: The incidence of thrombotic complications is extremely high among severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) patients in the intensive care unit. Various factors such as a cytokine storm due to an excessive immune response to inflammation, hypoxemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are considered predisposing factors for thrombotic complications.Case presentation: A 55-year-old Japanese man intubated 8 days previously was referred to our hospital because of a severe COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis after his pharyngeal swab tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The patient continued to remain hypoxic (PaO2/FiO2 ratio <100 mmHg) at the referring hospital. On admission, we initiated veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Unfractionated heparin and nafamostat mesylate were used as anticoagulants during VV-ECMO. Despite the adequate anticoagulant therapy, he developed pulmonary infarction due to pulmonary embolism followed by hemoptysis. On day 10 following admission, his oxygen saturation dropped from 95% to 88%, with a marked decrease in his ventilator tidal volume, accompanied by an inability to ventilate the patient. Thereafter, we increased the VV-ECMO flow and exchanged his endotracheal tube. The lumen of the removed tracheal tube was found to be occluded by a large-sized blood coagulum. There was no further episode of tube occlusion. The patient was discharged in a walkable state on day 39 following admission. Conclusions: Endotracheal tube obstruction secondary to hemoptysis should be suggested in patients with COVID-19 requiring ventilator support, as they are not able to perform frequent endotracheal tube suctions owing to the risk of infection.
Does the environment matter?; Effect of environmental factors on COVID-19 transmission in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Kweon Oh Joo , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Lee Mi-Kyung
Published: September 2020

Background: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a global pandemic and is a major concern of public health worldwide. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of environmental factors such as climate and air pollutants in the transmission of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea.Methods: We collected epidemiological and environmental data from two regions of the Republic of Korea, namely Seoul metropolitan region (SMR) and Daegu-Gyeongbuk region (DGR) from February, 2020 to July, 2020. Further, we analyzed the data to identify the correlation of each environmental factor with the confirmed cases of COVID-19 on a daily basis.Results: Among the various environmental parameters, duration of sunshine and ozone level were found to be positively correlated with COVID-19 in both regions. However, the association of temperature variables with COVID-19 transmission showed contradictory results upon comparing the data from SMR and DGR.Conclusions: In conclusion, our results suggest that the environmental factors could play a crucial role in the transmission of COVID-19. However, it should be noted that statistical bias could arise due to the disease outbreak being confined to a specific area and extensive epidemiological investigation.
Recruitment, Training and Supervision of Nurses and Nurse Assistants for a taskshifting depression intervention in two RCTs in Brazil and Peru
Authors: Rocha Thais Izabel Ugeda , Aschar Suzana Crismanis de Almeida Lopes , Hidalgo Liliana , Daley Kate , Claro Heloisa Garcia , Martins Hellen Carolina dos Santos , Santos Daniela Vera Cruz dos , Miranda J. Jaime , Araya Ricardo , Menezes Paulo Rossi
Published: September 2020

Background: Task-shifting and technology in psychological interventions are two solutions to increasing access to mental health intervention and overcoming the treatment gap in low and middle-income countries. The CONEMO intervention combines a smartphone app with support from non-specialized professionals, aiming to treat depression in patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. The aim of this paper is to describe the process of recruitment, training and supervision of the non-specialized professionals who participated in the CONEMO task-shifting intervention in Brazil and Peru. Methods: We described and analyzed data related to the recruitment, training and supervision of 62 Nurse Assistants from the health system in Sao Paulo, Brazil and three hired Nurses in Lima, Peru. The data was collected from information provided by Nurses and Nurse Assistants, supervisor records from supervision meetings and the CONEMO platform database. Results: We found that task-shifting was feasible using existing resources in Sao Paulo and additional human resources in Lima. Training and supervision were found to be crucial and well received by the staff; however, time was a limitation when using existing human resources. Ensuring technological competence prior to the start of the intervention was essential. Group supervision meetings allowed non-specialized professionals to learn from each other’s experiences. Conclusion: Carefully considering recruitment, training and supervision of non-specialized professionals is important for effective task-shifting when delivering an mHealth intervention for depression. Opportunities and challenges of working in different health systems are described, which should be considered in future implementation, either for research or real settings
Implementation and Evaluation of Obstetric Early Warning Systems in tertiary care hospitals in Nigeria
Authors: Umar Aminu , Ibrahim Saidu , Liman Idris , Chama Calvin , Ijaiya Munirdeen , Mathai Matthews , Ameh Charles
Published: September 2020

Background Obstetric Early Warning Systems (EWS) use combined clinical observations to predict increased risk of deterioration and alert health workers to institute actions likely to improve outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a validated obstetric EWS in improving health outcomes and explore the experience of health workers/managers regarding its use. Methods This mixed-method study included 2400 obstetric admissions to inpatient wards between 1 August 2018 and 31 March 2019 at three tertiary Nigerian hospitals (1 intervention and 2 control). The quality of patient monitoring and prevalence of outcomes were assessed through retrospective review of case notes before and 4 months after EWS was introduced. Outcomes were maternal death, direct obstetric complications, length of hospital stay, speed of clinical review, caesarean section (CS) and instrumental birth rates. Qualitative data was collected to explore the views of healthcare workers on EWS’ acceptability and usability.Results EWS correctly used in 51% (n=307) of cases. Of these, 58.6% (180) predicted to have increased risk of deterioration, and 38.9% (n=70) were reviewed within 1 hour. There was a significant improvement in the frequency of vital signs recording in the intervention site: observed/expected frequency improved to 0.91 from 0.57, p<0.005, but not in the control sites. CS rate reduced from 39.9% to 31.5% (chi-square p=0.002). No statistically significant effect was observed in the other outcomes.Health workers reported that the EWS helped cope with work demands while making it easier to detect and manage deteriorating patients. Nurses and doctors reported that the EWS was easy to use, and that scores consistently correlated with the clinical picture of patients.Identified challenges included rotation of clinical staff, low staffing numbers and monitoring equipment.Conclusion The implementation of EWS improved the quality of patient monitoring, but a larger study will be required to explore the effect on health outcomes. With modifications to suit the setting, coupled with regular training, the EWS is a feasible and acceptable tool to cope with the unique demands faced in low-resource settings. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN15568048. Registration date; 9/09/2020- Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15568048
ASPECTOS PRODUTIVOS DO CAPIM MARANDU SUBMETIDO A ADUBAÇÃO FOSFATADA EM NÍVEIS DE SATURAÇÃO POR BASES
Authors: Moreira Rodrigues Hugo Valério , Costa Leite Rubson , Araújo de Freitas Gilson , Moreira de Oliveira Igo , Oliveira Lima Saulo
Published: September 2020

Um dos principais problemas para a degradação das pastagens brasileiras é a não correção e reposição de nutrientes do solo, uma vez que essas práticas são comuns na agricultura, no entanto negligenciadas em pastagens. Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho da forrageira Marandu em doses de adubação fosfatada nos diferentes níveis de saturação por bases recomendados para pastagens. O experimento foi conduzido em uma fazenda no município de Gurupi–TO. O delineamento utilizado foi blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 3x5, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas plantas em doses de adubação fosfatada (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 kg/ha de P2O5) nos níveis de saturação por bases (V%) para pastagens (baixo = 35%, adequado = 45% e alto = 65%). As variáveis analisadas foram altura de plantas, número de perfilhos e massa de forragem. Plantas de capim Marandu apresentaram melhor resposta a adubação fosfatada em maiores níveis de saturação por bases.
EFEITO DE PREBIÓTICO SOBRE O DESEMPENHO E MORFOMETRIA INTESTINAL DE FRANGOS DE CORTE
Authors: Azevedo Kedima Swyelle Pontes , Cavalcante Danilo Teixeira , Campos Paulo Henrique Reis Furtado , Rocha Gabriel Cipriano , Borges Samuel Oliveira , Vale Beatriz Garcia do , Miranda João Victor de Souza , Calderano Arele Arlindo
Published: September 2020

O experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito aditivo de um prebiótico a base de mananoligossacarídeos e β-glucanos sobre desempenho e morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 180 pintos de corte machos distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos, seis repetições e dez aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram em: T1 – dieta controle (DC) sem adição de prebiótico, T2 – DC + 0,1% de prebiótico e T3 – DC + 0,15% de prebiótico. Aos 42 dias de idade, a suplementação de 0,1% de prebiótico na dieta melhorou o peso final, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar das aves, bem como promoveu maior relação vilo:cripta, maior largura dos vilos, menor distância entre os vilos e maior área de absorção (P = 0,0016) no duodeno das aves, em comparação as aves que receberam a dieta controle. Conclui-se que a suplementação de 0,1% do prebiótico a base de mananoligossacarídeos e β-glucanos melhora o desempenho e a qualidade intestinal de frangos de corte.
DIAGNÓSTICO DO USO DE AGROTÓXICOS POR TOMATICULTORES DO MUNICIPIO DE SÃO JOSÉ DE UBÁ, RJ
Authors: Da Silva Jaomara Nascimento , Araujo Tainá Costa , Ponciano Niraldo José , Souza Claudio Luiz Melo
Published: September 2020

O município de São José de Ubá é o maior produtor de tomate do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A horticultura, no geral, é responsável por grande parte da utilização de agrotóxico, devido a grande susceptibilidade à pragas e doenças.   O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar o manejo de pragas e doenças realizado pelos produtores de São José de Ubá. Foram entrevistados 55 tomaticultores, utilizando-se um questionário para identificar o perfil do produtor e da produção, assim como aspectos relacionados ao manejo de pragas e doenças e as formas de aplicações agrotóxicos.  Apesar da cidade ser responsável pela metade da produção do estado, a tomaticultura da São José de Ubá se característica como uma pequena atividade rural familiar, com atividade realizadas por familiares e vizinhos.  Cerca de 24 produtores diferentes (75% inseticidas e 25% fungicidas) são usados de forma indiscriminada: sem necessidade, sem respeitar período de carência, sem assistência técnica durante todo o ciclo da cultura e em o uso do EPI de forma completa e correta. O uso dos agrotóxicos representa grande parte dos custos, e a maioria dos entrevistados acreditam que uma produção sem agrotóxicos é uma produção sem proteção.  Esses relatos refletem a necessidade de difusão de conhecimentos desses produtos que além de diminuir os custos de produção trará menos impacto aos agricultores, consumidores e ao meio ambiente.