bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent alcohol use in Estonia compared to that in Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden: results from cross-sectional surveys, 2003–2015
Authors: Kudre Daisy , Vorobjov Sigrid , Pärna Kersti
Published: April 2020

Background: Patterns of alcohol use often start developing during adolescence and are associated with alcohol use and dependence during adulthood. The aims of the study were to describe trends in the prevalence of monthly alcohol use from 2003 to 2015 and to analyze the associations between alcohol use and family-related and school-related factors, risk behavioral factors and perceived alcohol availability in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden.Methods: The study used nationally representative data of 15–16-year-old adolescents from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). Data from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden collected in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015 were utilized (n=57,779). The prevalence of monthly alcohol use and light and strong alcohol use was calculated for each study year in all countries. A chi-square test for trend was used to evaluate statistically significant changes in alcohol use over the study period. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between alcohol use and different factors. Fully adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Results: Monthly alcohol use decreased significantly among 15–16-year-old boys and girls in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden from 2003 to 2015. In 2015, the prevalence of monthly alcohol use among boys was 36.1% in Estonia, 44.3% in Latvia, 32.4% in Lithuania, 32.3% in Finland, and 22.4% in Sweden, and among girls, it was 39.1%, 45.9%, 35.6%, 31.8%, and 29.1%, respectively. In Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden, girls had higher odds of monthly alcohol use than boys. In all countries, higher odds of monthly alcohol use were observed among adolescents who skipped school, smoked cigarettes, used cannabis, perceived alcohol to be easy to access and had parents who did not know always/often about their child’s whereabouts on Saturday nights.Conclusion: From 2003 to 2015, monthly alcohol use decreased in Estonia as well as in neighboring countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden. The factors related to alcohol use in all five countries were generally similar. Based on the study results, health promotion and alcohol policy interventions could be improved to decrease and prevent alcohol use among adolescents.
Co-infected with trichomonas vaginitis increases the risk of CIN2-3 among HPV16 positive female: a large population-based study
Authors: Yang Mei , Li Lin , Jiang Chunfan , Qin Xiaomin , Zhou Min , Mao Xiaogang , Xing Hui
Published: April 2020

Background: Evidences suggested that the vaginal microbiome played a functional role in the progression of cervical lesions in female infected by HPV. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of common vaginal infection on the carcinogenicity of hr-HPV.Methods: From January 15, 2017 to December 31, 2017, 310,545 female aged at least 30 years old had been recruited for cervical cancer screening from 9 clinical research centers in Central China. All the recruited participants received cervical cancer screening and vaginal microenvironment test by a high vaginal swab. Colposcopy-directed biopsy was recommended for female who were infected with HPV 16 and HPV 18 and other positive hr-HPV types through test had undertaken triage using liquid-based cytology, cases with the results ≥ ASCUS among them were referred to colposcopy directly.Results: Among 310,545 female, 6,067 (1.95%) were tested with positive HPV 16 and HPV 18, 18,297 (5.89%) were tested with other positive hr-HPV genotypes, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN 2, CIN 3 and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) were detected in 861 cases, 377 cases, 423 cases and 77 cases, respectively. Candida albicans and Gardnerella were not associated with the progression of cervical lesions. Positive trichomonas vaginitis (TV) was correlated with hr-HPV infection (p<0.0001). Co-infection with TV increased the risk of CIN 1 among female infected with hr-HPV (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.42-2.31). Coinfection with TV increased the risk of CIN 2-3 among female infected with HPV 16 (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.16-2.53).Conclusions: Co-infection of TV and HPV 16 is an important risk factor for the progression of cervical lesions.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and Associated Risk Factors among Military Health Workers of COVID-19 Specialized Hospitals in Wuhan, China: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Pan Xiao , Xiao Ying , Ren Ding , Xu Zhengmei , Zhang Qian , Yang Liying , Liu Fen , Hao Yushi , Bai Yonghai , Zhao Feng
Published: April 2020

Background China has been severely affected by COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) since December 2019.In the combat against COVID-19, military health workers in China suffered from many pressures. This study aimed to investigate the current psychological status and risk factors of the military health workers.Methods Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 194 military health workers from three inpatient wards in two COVID-19 specialized hospitals. The survey questions consisted of demographic information, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). Hierarchical regression analysis was used to explore potential risk factors for mental health problem.Results The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety and somatic symptoms were37.6%, 32.5% and 50%, respectively. Severe depression, generalized anxiety and somatic symptoms was 5.2%, 3.6% and 15.5%. In 22.7% of cases, comorbidities existed between depression, generalized anxiety and somatization. Junior-grade professional title was associated with depression, older age was associated with generalized anxiety and somatization, and less sleep duration and poor sleep quality were associated with all three symptoms.Conclusion The prevalence of depression, generalized anxiety and somatic symptoms were high in military health workers of COVID-19 specialized hospitals during the COVID-19 outbreak. Junior-grade professional title, older age, less sleep duration, and poor sleep quality have significant effects on the mental health of military health workers. Continuous surveillance and monitoring of the psychological consequences of the COVID-19outbreak should become routine to promote the mental health of military health workers.
Taohong Siwu (TSW) decoction enhances angiogenesis by regulation of VHL/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway
Authors: Tang Zhi , Li Wangyang , Xie Hongzan , Jiang Shengping , Pu Yunqing , Xiong Hui
Published: April 2020

Background: The incidence of bone fracture and bone-related diseases is increasing year by year. Angiogenesis plays vital role in fracture healing and bone repair. In this study, we assessed the effect of Taohong Siwu (TSW) decoction on angiogenesis by treatment of isolated rat aortic endothelial cell with TSW-containing serum. Method: First, TSW-containing serum was prepared from male Sprague-Dawley by intragastrically administration of TSW decoction. Then, isolated aortic endothelial cells were treated with different dose of TSW-containing serum. The effect of TSW-containing serum on the viability/proliferation of aortic endothelial cells were examined by MTT assay. The effects of TSW-containing serum on endothelial cell invasion, migration/spreading were detected by trans-well assay and scratch/wound-healing assay respectively. In addition, the effect of HIF-1α inhibitor on TSW-induced cell invasion and migration was also assessed. Moreover, the effect of TSW-containing serum on the expression of HIF-1α signaling pathway related protein, including HIF-1α, VHL and VEGF was detected by qRT-PCR and western-blot. Results: Our results showed that TSW decoction significantly increased the endothelial viability, invasion and wound-healing in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, these enhanced effects induced by TSW were attenuated by HIF-1α inhibitor. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that TSW-containing serum increased the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in a dose-dependent manner, while decreased the expression of VHL slightly. These effects induced by TSW were reversed by HIF-1α inhibitor. Conclusion: In summary these results for the first time suggested that TSW decoction enhances the angiogenesis by regulating of VHL/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway.
Tanshinone IIA Attenuates Inflammatory Responses by Downregulating MicroRNA-23b, Upregulating TRIB1 and Inactivation of the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in THP-1 Macrophages
Authors: Ji Wei , Li Gengyao , Liu Yuqian , Yan Xiaofeng
Published: April 2020

Background: Atherosclerosis is a kind of chronic cardiovascular disease, and Tanshinone IIA (Tan) is a naturally derived anti-inflammatory compound. In this study, we aim to explore the biological role of Tan and regulatory mechanism in atherosclerosis.Methods: Firstly, the model of atherosclerosis mice was constructed. The area of atherosclerosis, the level of blood lipid and the content of inflammatory factors were measured in mice treated with Tan. After that, the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) were obtained by microarray analysis of mice plasma. The effect of miR-23b on cell migration ability, adhesion ability and inflammatory factor level of macrophages treated with Tan. After that, we determined the target mRNA of miR-23b through the bioinformatics analysis and the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. THP-1 macrophages were treated with miR-23b mimic or si-TRIB1 to detect the activity of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway via immunohistochemistry.Results: Tan injection significantly improved atherosclerosis inflammation in mice, especially in mice treated with 90 mg/kg dose. miR-23b was obtained by differential screening, which can significantly inhibit the drug effect of Tan, and aggravate the occurrence of atherosclerosis. miR-23b targeted TRIB1, the decrease of TRIB1 also inhibited the drug effect of Tan. The up regulation of miR-23b enhanced the activity of TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibited the drug effect of Tan on the inflammatory response.Conclusion: Overall, Tan could protect macrophage against inflammation via inactivating TLR4/NF-κB pathway by down-regulating miR-23b and upregulating TRIB1, providing a novel theoretical foundation for treatment of atherosclerosis.
Management of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections diagnosed in primary care using a centralised nurse-led telephone-based service: mixed methods evaluation
Authors: Brangan Emer , Horwood Jeremy , Manley Petra , Horner Paddy , Muir Peter , North Paul , MacLeod John
Published: April 2020

Background
Up to 18% of genital Chlamydia infections and 9% of Gonorrhoea infections in England are diagnosed in Primary Care. Evidence suggests that a substantial proportion of these cases are not managed appropriately in line with national guidelines. With the increase in sexually transmitted infections and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, their timely and appropriate treatment is a priority. We investigated feasibility and acceptability of extending the National Chlamydia Screening Programme’s centralised, nurse-led, telephone management (NLTM) as an option for management of all cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in Primary Care.
Methods
Randomised feasibility trial in 11 practices in Bristol with nested qualitative study. In intervention practices patients and health care providers (HCPs) had the option of choosing NLTM or usual care for all patients tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. In control practices patients received usual care.
Results
1154 Chlamydia/gonorrhoea tests took place during the 6-month study, with a chlamydia positivity rate of 2.6% and gonorrhoea positivity rate of 0.8%. The NLTM managed 335 patients. Interviews were conducted with sixteen HCPs (11 GPs, 5 nurses) and 12 patients (8 female). HCPs were positive about the NLTM, welcomed the partner notification service, though requested more timely feedback on the management of their patients. Explaining the NLTM to patients didn’t negatively impact on consultations. Patients found the NLTM acceptable, more convenient and provided greater anonymity than usual care. Patients appreciated getting a text message regarding a negative result and valued talking to a sexual health specialist about positive results.
Conclusion
Extension of this established NLTM intervention to a greater proportion of patients was both feasible and acceptable to both patients and HCP, could provide a better service for patients, whilst decreasing primacy care workload. The study provides evidence to support the wider implementation of this NLTM approach to managing chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosed in primary care.
Cataract risk had a positive association with metabolic syndrome and negative with a traditional balanced diet in middle-aged adults
Authors: Jee Dong Hyun , Park Sunmin
Published: April 2020

Background

The prevalence of cataracts is steadily increasing among middle-aged and elderly Asians. We hypothesized that adults aged 40–77 years with cataracts would show an association with metabolic syndrome and its components and have different dietary patterns and lifestyles.
Methods

The study was performed using the Korean genome and epidemiology study (KoGES; a large-scale hospital-based cohort study) data collected during 2004–2013. Subjects were classified as cases(945 cataract patients) and controls(27,454 healthy controls) based on responses to the question "have you ever been diagnosed to have a cataract?”.
Results

The presence of metabolic syndrome had a significant positive association with cataract risk after adjusting for age, sex, resistance area, BMI and energy intake(model 1; by 1.23-fold) and socioeconomic parameters(model 2; 1.15-fold). Plasma glucose and HbA1c concentrations also exhibited a higher cataract risk by 1.92- and 2.07-fold, respectively. For the analysis we used four dietary patterns to represent Korean food intake, that is, a traditional balanced diet, a meat and fish diet, a bread and cookie diet, and a grain-based diet. High traditional balanced diet consumption had a negative association with cataract risk(OR = 0.84), but high grain-based diet consumption exhibited a positive association with cataract risk(OR = 1.41). Systolic blood pressure and high carbohydrate intake(OR = 1.42) were also associated with cataract risk in model 1, but high fat and protein intake showed negative associations(OR = 0.74 and 0.74, respectively).
Conclusions

The risk of cataract development was found to be positively associated with metabolic syndrome, high systolic blood pressure, and hyperglycemia and negatively associated with a traditional balanced diet.
Is Lutikizumab, an Anti–Interleukin-1α/β Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin, efficacious for Osteoarthritis? Results from a bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Ziqin , Hu Xutao , Zhou Jian , Wu Tong , Aili Dilihumaer , Long Zeling , Li Yihan , Sun Jingjing , Wang Wanchun , Wu Ren
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVEOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease which usually affects load-bearing joints such as hip and knee joints. Most guidelines recommend the use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), duloxetine and tramadol for the non-operative treatment of OA, the use of them is limited by the tolerability and safety concerns. Lutikizumab is a novel anti–IL-1α/β dual variable domain immunoglobulin that can simultaneously binds and inhibits IL-1α and IL-1β to relieve the pain and dysfunction symptoms. We conducted this network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the clinical efficacy and safety of lutikizumab with other drugs recommended by guidelines.DESIGNSystematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.DATA SOURCESAll eligible studies in PubMed, CKNI, EMBASE and Web of Science databases, from January 2000 to January 2020.METHODSBayesian network and conventional meta-analyses were conducted. Pain relief, function improvement and risk of adverse effects (AEs) were assessed.RESULTS24 articles with 11858 patients were included. Lutikizumab showed no benifit compared with placebo for both pain relief (SMD 1.11, 95% CI [-2.29 to 4.52]) and function improvement (SMD 0.992, 95% CI [-0.433 to 4.25]). Lutikizumab and all other drugs are of favorable tolerance for patients in treatment of OA compared with placebo.CONCLUSIONSThe results show that lutikizumab, the new anti–Interleukin-1α/β dual variable domain immunoglobulin, did not improve pain or function in the comparison with placebo. Selective cox-2 inhibitors remain the most effective and safest treatment for osteoarthritis. More high-quality trials are still needed to reconfirm the findings of this study.
The implementation of the nationwide out of hours phone number 1733. Analysis of efficiency and safety.
Authors: Delmeiren Lukas , Pietermans Sjors , Janssens Marco , Mullen Crhis Van Der , Sabbe Marc , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: April 2020

Background In Belgium there is a problem with improper use of emergency services. The government installed an emergency number 1733 for out of hours care. Through a dry run test we learned that 10% of all calls were allocated to the protocol ‘unclear problem’. In only 10% of all cases, there was indeed an unclear problem.Methods This study aimed to determine whether the adjusted protocol ‘unwell for no clear reason’ led to a safer and more efficient referral and to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the specific primary care protocols. The study was performed in a retrospective and prospective design and involved the community, patients, General Practitioner Cooperatives, emergency departments and telephone operators.Results During 6 months in 2018, 11622 calls to 1733 were registered. 756 of these calls were allocated to ‘unwell for no clear reason’. A random sample of 180 calls was re-listened. The efficiency and safety of the protocol ‘unwell for no clear reason’ improved. The safety levels for under- and over-triage were not exceeded. The GP’s on duty judged that 9/10 of all patient encounters were correctly allocated. In less than 1% of all referrals, there was an under-triage.Conclusion This study demonstrated that the implementation of a 1733-operating system to triage patients to an adequate care level is successful if protocols, flow charts and care levels are well defined and operators well trained.
Factors related to COVID-19 severity and mortality based on comparison between Henan and Zhejiang: an observational study
Authors: Ji Wangquan , Liang Ruonan , Zhu Peiyu , Yang Haiyan , Chen Shuaiyin , Zhang Weiguo , Jin Yuefei , Duan Guangcai
Published: April 2020

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across China and the world, since outbreak at the end of 2019. Although COVID-19 is generally considered as self-limiting, some of cases develop in to fatal respiratory restress, multiple organ failure and even sudden death. According to the data released by the provincial health commissions, there are obvious regional differences in COVID-19 mortality. To explore possible factors of COVID-19 related severity and mortality in laboratory-confirmed cases from Henan and Zhejiang.Methods: We collected the public data released by the government. We analyzed and compared the possible factors, including initial symptoms, gender, age, place of residence, time interval from onset to diagnosis, epidemiological history and the grade of hospital for patient’s treatment in laboratory-confirmed cases. Student’s t-test, Chi-square (c2) test, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test and Mann-Whitney U rank sum test were used complied with the applicable conditions. Statistical test was performed with a level of significance α=0.05.Results: Death cases in Henan were mainly from male, elderly infected persons and those who had a history of contact with patients and underlying basic diseases. Henan had the higher proportion of cases with fever and the lower proportion of asymptomatic infection, and had higher proportions of imported male cases with a contact history, and elderly cases living in rural areas, relative to Zhejiang. The time interval of confirmed cases in rural areas of Henan was 0.8 day longer than that in Zhejiang. Hospitals grade for patients’ treatment in Henan was lower than Zhejiang.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that initial symptoms, age, place of residence, gender, the time interval from onset to diagnosis and the grade of designated hospital for patient’s treatment are possible factors behind COVID-19 related severity or mortality. This study will provide useful information for public health authorities to develop disease prevention strategies.
The prognostic factors in sepsis patients after operation of gastrointestinal tumors in ICU
Authors: Chen Ren-Xiong , Wu Zhou-Qiao , Li Zi-Yu , Wang Hong-Zhi , Ji Jia-Fu
Published: April 2020

Background: We studied the clinical profiles and the prognostic factors in patients with sepsis after the gastrointestinal tumor surgery in ICU.Methods: We retrospectively screened patients who underwent the gastrointestinal tumor surgery at the Peking University Cancer Hospital from January, 2015 to December, 2019. Among them, 181 patients who were diagnosed with sepsis in ICU were enrolled in our study. Cox regression was performed for multivariate adjusted factor analyses.Results: The 90-day all-cause mortality rate was 11.1% in our study. The univariate analysis showed that BMI, shock within 48 h after entering ICU, number of blood leukocytes, ratio of lymphocytes to neutrophils, INR, creatinine, procalcitonin, lactic acid, oxygenation index, SOFA score within 24 h after entering ICU, APACHE II score within 24 h after entering ICU were statistically significant. In multiple analysis, we found that BMI༞20 kg/m2 was a protective factor, while lactic acid༞3 mmol/L after entering ICU and APACHE II score༞20 within 24 h after entering ICU were independent risk factors for the prognosis of sepsis after the gastrointestinal tumor surgery in ICU.Conclusions: BMI༞20 kg/m2 was a protective factor, while lactic acid༞3 mmol/L after entering ICU and APACHE II score༞20 within 24 h after entering ICU were independent risk factors for the prognosis of sepsis after the gastrointestinal tumor surgery in ICU.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Uncovers Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide for Alleviating Cadmium Toxicity in Tetrahymena Thermophila
Authors: Lv Hongrui , Xu Jing , Bo Tao , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

BackgroundCadmium (Cd) is a nonessential heavy metal with potentially deleterious effects on different organisms. The organisms have evolved sophisticated defense system to alleviate heavy metal toxicity. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) effectively alleviates heavy metal toxicity in plants. However, the function of H2S for alleviating heavy metal toxicity in aquatic organisms remains less clear. Tetrahymena thermophila is an important model organism to evaluate toxic contaminants in an aquatic environment. In this study, the molecular roles of exogenously H2S application were explored by RNA sequencing under Cd stress in T. thermophila.ResultsThe exposure of 30 µM Cd resulted in T. thermophila growth inhibition, cell nigrescence, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content considerably increase. However, exogenous H2S (70 µM) significantly alleviated the Cd-induced toxicity and improved antioxidant system. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the expression levels of 9152 genes changed under Cd stress (4658 upregulated and 4494 downregulated). However, only 1359 genes were differentially expressed with H2S treatment under Cd stress (1087 upregulated and 272 downregulated). The functional categories of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by gene ontology (GO) revealed that the transcripts involved in the oxidation–reduction process, oxidoreductase activity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and cell redox homeostasis were the considerable enrichments between Cd stress and H2S treatment under Cd stress. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated that the carbon metabolism, glutathione metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, and ABC transporters were significantly differentially expressed components between Cd stress and H2S treatment under Cd stress in T. thermophila. The relative expression levels of six DEGs were further confirmed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).ConclusionH2S alleviated Cd stress mainly through increasing oxidation resistance, enhancing detoxification, and regulation of transport in free-living unicellular T. thermophila. These findings will expand our understanding for H2S functions in the freshwater protozoa.
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to Identify Salt-Tolerance QTLs Carrying Novel Candidate Genes in Rice During Early Vegetative Stage
Authors: Nayyeripasand Leila , Garoosi Ghasem Ali , Ahmadikhah Asadollah
Published: April 2020

Background Rice is considered as a salt-sensitive plant, particularly at early vegetative stage, and its production is suffered from salinity due to expansion of salt affected land in areas under cultivation. Hence, significant increase of rice productivity on salinized lands is really necessary. Today genome-wide association study (GWAS) is a method of choice for fine mapping of QTLs involved in plant responses to abiotic stresses including salinity stress at early vegetative stage. In this study using > 33,000 SNP markers we identified rice genomic regions associated to early stage salinity tolerance. Eight salinity-related traits including SL, RL, RDW, RFW, SFW, SDW, RWC and TW in a diverse panel of rice consisted of 202 varieties were evaluated under salinity (100 mM NaCl) and normal conditions in growth chamber. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was applied based on MLM(+ Q + K) model.Results Under stress conditions 151 trait-marker associations were identified that were scattered on 10 chromosomes of rice that arranged in 29 genomic regions. A genomic region on chromosome 1 (11.26 Mbp) was identified which co-located with a known QTL region SalTol1 for salinity tolerance at vegetative stage. A candidate gene (Os01g0304100) was identified in this region which encodes a cation chloride cotransporter. Furthermore, on this chromosome two other candidate genes, Os01g0624700 (24.95 Mbp) and Os01g0812000 (34.51 Mbp), were identified that encode a WRKY transcription factor (WRKY 12) and a transcriptional activator of gibberellin-dependent alpha-amylase expression (GAMyb), respectively. Also, a narrow interval on the same chromosome (40.79–42.98 Mbp) carries 12 candidate genes, some of them were not so far reported for salinity tolerance at seedling stage. Two of more interesting genes are Os01g0966000 and Os01g0963000, encoding a plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase and a peroxidase BP1 protein. On chromosome 6 a DnaJ-encoding gene and pseudouridine synthase gene were identified. Two novel genes on chromosome 8 including the ABI/VP1 transcription factor and retinoblastoma-related protein (RBR), and 3 novel genes on chromosome 11 including a Lox, F-box and Na+/H+ antiporter, were also identified.Conclusion The results for RDW and RFW were found more important than other traits, and known or novel candidate genes in this research can be used for improvement of salinity tolerance in molecular breeding programmes. Further study and identification of effective genes on salinity tolerance by the use of candidate gene-association analysis can help to precisely uncover the mechanisms of salinity tolerance at molecular level.
The utility of simultaneous CT-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules using microcoil before Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Xu Yanyan , Ma Lingchuan , Sun Hongliang , Huang Zhenguo , Zhang Zhenrong , Xiao Fei , Ma Qianli , Lin Jie , Xie Sheng
Published: April 2020

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of microcoil in simultaneous localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients (26 two-nodule, 2 three-nodule; totally 58 nodules; Group A) underwent simultaneous CT-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before VATS using microcoil. Successful targeting, localization, and VATS were defined as implantation of microcoil at the target site on CT image obtained immediately after the marking procedure, visualization of nodule location, and complete resection of the target nodule with adequate margin, respectively. Meanwhile, the clinical characteristics, localization procedure-related variables of the nodules and procedure-related complication in group A were also assessed and compared with those in a control group (221 single-localization procedures in 221 patients; Group B). Results: The similar rates of success targeting, localization and VATS were observed in group A and B (96.6% vs 98.2%; 91.4% vs 91.0%; 100% vs 99.1%). Although the rate of overall complications (including localized pneumothorax and intrapulmonary hemorrhage) was a bit higher in group A than that in group B (32.8% vs 30.8%, p=0.771), only minor complications were observed in the subjects of the two groups with no need for further treatment. In addition, the duration of simultaneous localization procedures was significantly longer than that of single localization ones (24±7.5 vs 13±6 min, p<0.001).Conclusions: CT-guided simultaneous microcoil localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before VATS was clinical feasible and safe with acceptable increasing the procedure time. Compared with localization for a single pulmonary nodule, simultaneous microcoil localizations for multiple nodules were prone to the occurrence of pneumothorax and hemorrhage. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups.
Breastfeeding and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: potential leukemogenesis in children in developing countries
Authors: Kakaje Ameer , Alhalabi Mohammad Marwan , Ghareeb Ayham , Karam Bahjat , Hamid Aya , Mansour Bassam , Zahra Bayan , Hamdan Othman
Published: April 2020

Background: Breastfeeding (BF) is known to decrease acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) incidence. However, most of these studies were conducted in developed countries and mothers in developing countries may be exposed to different substances which could be transferred via breastmilk which emphasise on the importance of conducting studies in developing countries to assess the effect of these different factors.Methods: Our case-control study was conducted in the major paediatric cancer centre in Syria. Information was obtained from the hospital’s records of patients who did not have a hereditary or chromosomal syndrome and aged 4 years and less. The cases were ALL patients and controls were hospital inpatients. The patients were divided into 3 groups depending on their feeding habits before the age of 6 months.Results: Our sample had 70 cases of ALL with 42 males (60%) and 60 controls with 36 males (60%) aging four years and younger. Sixty cases and 41 controls were exclusively breastfed, 8 cases and 6 controls used extra infant formula with BF and two cases and 13 controls relied on only infant formula. We found statistical significant difference when comparing cases and controls and BF (P<0.05) with cases being exclusively breastfed more. In case group, being born with no complication, and having low educational parents educational level were correlated with BF (P<0.05). However, gender, consanguinity, CD10, FAB classification, ALL-subtypes, risk and family history were not significant.Conclusion: There are certain practices among the Syrian people, especially among low educational level parents that makes their children more vulnerable to ALL when BF. We speculate certain substances and behaviours being responsible. Even in the higher educational level parents, the protection factor that BF had was insignificant as they also practice these harmful behaviours but less often. BF had minor effects on the prognosis and subtype of ALL.
Inhibition of COVID-19 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase by Natural Bioactive Compounds: Molecular Docking Analysis
Authors: El-Aziz Nourhan M. Abd , Shehata Mohamed G. , Awad Olfat M. Eldin , El-Sohaimy Sobhy A.
Published: April 2020

Till now there is no approved treatment for COVID-19. Phenolic compounds are known to have antiviral activity against many viruses such as HCV and HIV, through their phenol rings interaction with viral proteins and/or RNA, or via its regulating MAP kinase signaling in host cell defense. The present study aimed to assess polyphenolic compounds (gallic acid, quercetin, caffeine, resveratrol, naringenin, benzoic acid, oleuropein and ellagic acid) as COVID-19 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (PDB ID 6M71) inhibitors, using a molecular docking. Molecular docking of these polyphenols were performed using Autodock 4.0 and Chimera 1.8.1 programs. Drug likeness and polyphenols pharmacokinetic properties were calculated using SWISSADME prediction website (http://www.swissadme.ch/). Remdesivir and ribavirin were used as standard antiviral drugs for comparison. Docking analysis results, ranked by binding energy value (ΔG) of several tested ligands toward COVID-19 polymerase were; remdesivir > gallic acid > quercetin > caffeine > ribavirin > resveratrol > naringenin > benzoic acid > oleuropein > ellagic acid. The binding energies were -8.51, - 7.55, - 7.17, -6.10, - 6.01, - 5.79, - 5.69, - 5.54, - 4.94 and -4.59 kcal/mol, respectively. All tested polyphenols performed hydrogen bonds with one or two of the nucleotide triphosphate entry channel (NTP) amino acids in COVID-19 polymerase (ARG 555, ARG 555, LYS 545), except caffeine and oleuropein. Binding of polyphenols to NTP of COVID-19 polymerase may influence in the entry of the substrate and divalent cations into the central active site cavity, inhibiting the enzyme activity. It appears promising that, gallic acid and quercetin exhibited high binding affinity than ribavirin toward COVID-19 polymerase and expressed good drug likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, gallic acid and quercetin may represent a potential treatment option for COVID-19. Further researches are urgently required to investigate the potential uses of these polyphenols in COVID-19 treatment. Additionally, resveratrol, naringenin, benzoic and ellagic acid seem to have the best potential to act as COVID-19 polymerase inhibitors.
Targeting furin activity through in silico and in vitro drug repurposing strategy for SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein cleavage repression
Authors: Villoutreix Bruno O. , Creemers John , Léger Yannick , Siegfried Geraldine , Decroly Etienne , Evrard Serge , Khatib Abdel-Majid
Published: April 2020

In December 2019, a new coronavirus was identified in the Hubei province of central china and named SRAS-CoV-2. This new virus induces COVID-19, a severe respiratory disease with high death rate. The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 contains furin-like cleavage sites absent the other SARS-like viruses. The viral infection requires the priming or cleavage of the S protein and such processing seems essential for virus entry into the host cells. Furin is highly expressed in the lung tissue and the expression is further increased in lung cancer, suggesting the exploitation of this mechanism by the virus to mediate enhanced virulence as shown by the higher risk of COVID-19 in these patients. In this study, we used structure- based virtual screening and a collection of about 8,000 unique approved and investigational drugs suitable for docking to search for molecules that could inhibits furin activity. Sulconazole, a broad-spectrum anti-fungal agent, was found to be of potential interest. Using Western blot analysis, Sulconazole was found to inhibit the cleavage of the cell surface furin substrate MT1-MMP that contains two furin cleavage sites similar to those of the SARS- CoV-2 spike protein. Sulconazole and analogs could be interesting for repurposing studies and to probe the yet not fully understood molecular mechanisms involved in cell entry.
Design and in silico validation of polymerase chain reaction primers to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Lanza Daniel C. F. , Lima João P. M. S. , Jerônimo Selma M. B.
Published: April 2020

Accurate designing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers targeting conserved segments in viral genomes is desirable for preventing false negative results and decreasing the need for standardization across different PCR protocols. In this work, we designed and described a set of primers and probes targeting conserved regions identified from a multiple sequence alignment of 2341 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Those primers and probes were subsequently validated in 3067 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences. From these analyses, we obtained nine systems (forward primer + reverse primer + probe) that potentially anneal to highly conserved regions of the virus genome. In silico predictions also demonstrated that those primers do not bind to nonspecific targets for human, bacterial, fungal, or apicomplexan sequences. The availability of these primer and probe sequences will make it possible to accelerate the beginning of in vitro tests in order to validate more efficient protocols for the identification of SARS-CoV-2.
Response of Common Garden Annuals to Sublethal Rates of 2,4-D and Dicamba with or without Glyphosate
Authors: Dintelmann Brian , Trinklein David , Bradley Kevin
Published: April 2020

An experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to determine the sensitivity of common garden annuals to sublethal rates of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and dicamba with or without glyphosate. Sublethal rates corresponding to 1/10×, 1/100×, and 1/300× of the full labeled rate (1×) of 2,4-D (1.0 lb/acre), 2,4-D plus glyphosate (1.0 lb/acre plus 1.0 lb/acre), dicamba (0.5 lb/acre), and dicamba plus glyphosate (0.5 lb/acre plus 1.0 lb/acre) were applied to ‘Prelude’ wax begonia (Begonia ×semperflorens-cultorum), ‘Wizard’ coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides), ‘Pinto’ zonal geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum), ‘Dazzler’ impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), ‘Bonanza’ french marigold (Tagetes patula), ‘Hurrah’ petunia (Petunia hybrida), ‘Titan’ madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), and ‘Double Zahara’ zinnia (Zinnia marylandica). Visible injury, plant height, number of flowers, and dry weight were recorded at specific time intervals after treatment. When averaged across all annual plant species, the 1/10× rate of 2,4-D plus glyphosate resulted in 51% injury 28 days after treatment, whereas the 1/10× rate of dicamba plus glyphosate resulted in 43% injury. Treatments causing the greatest injury also resulted in the greatest reduction of dry weight, height, and flower production. Coleus was the most sensitive species in the study; dry weight was reduced by 16% and 18% compared with the nontreated controls from 1/300× rates of 2,4-D plus glyphosate and dicamba plus glyphosate, respectively. French marigold and zonal geranium had greater sensitivity to treatments containing 2,4-D, but coleus and zinnia had greater sensitivity to treatments containing dicamba. Petunia exhibited a high tolerance to 2,4-D or dicamba applied alone (>6% injury) but was highly sensitive when glyphosate was added to 2,4-D and dicamba (<65% injury). The 1/100× and 1/300× rates that are likely to equate to sublethal rates in field settings, resulted in less than 15% injury across all flower species except coleus and petunia.
Quantifying student satisfaction with technology-enhanced textbooks in the Japanese university context
Authors: Mills Daniel James , Olsson Daniel
Published: April 2020

Thirty-three students used their personal mobile devices to access digital media in a paper-based textbook containing Quick Response (QR) codes. The students worked in small groups with minimal intervention from the course instructor to participate in activities and complete assignments. Information regarding student satisfaction with the course, as well as their perceptions of the benefits and disadvantages of the instructional method employed, were gathered through a questionnaire and a reflective writing activity. The results indicated that overall satisfaction was high (M = 3.38), especially regarding the role of the instructor (M = 3.35) and interaction (M = 3.35). However, participants indicated a lower level of satisfaction with the materials (M = 2.89). Further inquiry revealed that dissatisfaction with the course materials was due to the lack of a stable Wi-Fi connection at the university rather than the design or content of the textbooks.
Multifractality and its role in anomalous transport in the disordered XXZ spin-chain
Authors: Luitz David J. , Khaymovich Ivan , Bar Lev Yevgeny
Published: April 2020

The disordered XXZ model is a prototype model of the many-body localization (MBL)
transition. Despite numerous studies of this model, the available
numerical evidence of multifractality of its eigenstates is not very
conclusive due to severe finite size effects. Moreover it is not clear
if similarly to the case of single-particle physics, multifractal
properties of the many-body eigenstates are related to anomalous transport,
which is observed in this model. In this work, using a state-of-the-art,
massively parallel, numerically exact method, we study systems of
up to 24 spins and show that a large fraction of the delocalized phase
flows towards ergodicity in the thermodynamic limit, while a region
immediately preceding the MBL transition appears to be multifractal
in this limit. We discuss the implication of our finding on the mechanism
of subdiffusive transport.
Estimating the malaria transmission over the Indian subcontinent in a warming environment using a dynamical malaria model
Authors: Chaturvedi Shweta , Dwivedi Suneet
Published: April 2020

Malaria is a major public health problem in India. The malaria transmission is sensitive to climatic parameters. The regional population-related factors also influence malaria transmission. To take into account temperature and rainfall variability and associated population-related effects (in a changing climate) on the malaria transmission over India, a regional dynamical malaria model, namely VECTRI (vector-borne disease community model) is used. The daily temperature and rainfall data derived from the historical (years 1961–2005) and representative concentration pathway (years 2006–2050) runs of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models have been used for the analysis. The model results of the historical run are compared with the observational data. The spatio-temporal changes (region-specific as well as seasonal changes) in the malaria transmission as a result of climate change are quantified over the India. The parameters related to the breeding cycle of malaria as well as those which estimate the malaria cases are analyzed in the global warming scenario.
A risk-based evaluation of onsite, non-potable reuse systems developed in compliance with conventional water quality measures
Authors: Schoen Mary E. , Jahne Michael A. , Garland Jay
Published: April 2020

Water quality standards (WQSs) based on water quality measures (e.g., fecal indicator bacteria (FIB)) have been used by regulatory agencies to assess onsite, non-potable water reuse systems. A risk-based approach, based on quantitative microbial risk assessment, was developed to define treatment requirements that achieve benchmark levels of risk. This work compared these approaches using the predicted annual infection risks for non-potable reuse systems that comply with WQSs along with the benchmark risk levels achieved by the risk-based systems. The systems include a recirculating synthetic sand filter or an aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) combined with disinfection. The greywater MBR system had predicted risks in the range of the selected benchmark levels. However, wastewater reuse with systems that comply with WQSs had uncertain and potentially high predicted risks (i.e., >10−2 infections per person per year) in residential applications, due to exposures to viruses and protozoa. The predicted risks illustrate that WQSs based on FIB treatment performance do not ensure adequate treatment removal of viruses and protozoa. We present risk-based log10 pathogen reduction targets for intermediate-sized non-potable systems, which are 0.5 log10 less than those previously proposed for district-sized systems. Still, pathogen treatment performance data are required to better manage non-potable reuse risk.
Pressure loss reduction of pipe elements
Authors: Gönczi Gábor
Published: April 2020

A theoretical research was conducted from 2016 to 2018 which aimed to reduce the head loss of pipe networks in the pump stations. The results were promising and predicted an average head loss reduction by 30%. Afterwards, physical experiments were carried out to test the effectiveness of the new pipe designs. Two new prototype pipe sections were installed into one of our pump stations. The experiment was successful as two unique pipe sections installed in the discharge pipe reduced the head loss of the pump station by 25–26%. According to these results, we can set a target value of 30% head loss reduction at full pump station pipe reconstruction.
Ordenamiento ecológico del valle de Mexicali
Authors: Pérez Bastidas Daniel , Sánchez Navarro José Antonio
Published: April 2020

La delimitación del área de estudio se fundamenta en que es en el valle de Mexicali en donde se realizan además de las actividades sociales, el 95% de las actividades económicas del municipio, siendo una de las principales el aprovechamiento del suelo. En este documento se presenta una descripción general de los aspectos que componen el medio físico-natural de la región. Para lograr esto, se determinaron y graficaron áreas de comportamiento homogéneo en función de los factores bióticos y abióticos. Se concluye realizando recomendaciones para cada una de las variables que componen el medio.
La frontera norte de México y la crisis de 1982: algunos comentarios preliminares
Authors: Tamayo Jesús
Published: April 2020

Este documento intenta, en una primera parte, a partir de la secuencia cronológica de los hechos del segundo semestre de 1982, analizar los condicionamientos externos al sistema mexicano y algunas de las respuestas mexicanas a ello, materializadas en decisiones de política económica. Enseguida se revisan los efectos o repercusiones propiamente fronterizos, así como algunas respuestas e iniciativas regionales. La segunda parte de este documento resalta algunas tendencias económicas globales que permiten prever un escenario regional en el corto plazo. Finalmente, se cuestiona la posibilidad de que los sectores privados y algunos grupos de la clase política fronteriza apoyen y favorezcan la actual política económica orientada a la sustitución de importaciones.
Migración y fuerza de trabajo en la frontera norte de México
Authors: Acuña de Peña Guadalupe Beatriz
Published: April 2020

Este estudio nos revela un aspecto de las relaciones internacionales entre México y Estados Unidos en el ámbito fronterizo, lo cual nos permite entender la dinámica de dichas relaciones. El centro de esta investigación son los transmigrantes residentes de Mexicali que realizan labores agrícolas en el Valle Imperial, California, ya que la agricultura es la actividad económica fundamental de la región y, coincidentemente, de todos los transmigrantes a lo largo de la frontera. Este tema, poco abordado en las investigaciones de la frontera, nos parece indispensable conocerlo para comprender la vida fronteriza del norte de México, pues más del 85% de la mano de obra agrícola empleada en este valle proviene de la ciudad de Mexicali (Baja California, México). Del estudio de la transmigración (commuting) se derivan prácticas inherentes a cada zona fronteriza que afectan y actúan de manera diferente a ambos lados de la frontera. Finalmente, la transmigración nos descubre una nueva fuerza de trabajo importante no sólo para los Estados Unidos, sino también para México, especialmente en los momentos de crisis que atraviesa el país.