bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjunctive air-polishing with erythritol in nonsurgical periodontal therapy – a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jentsch Holger F.R. , Flechsig Christian , Kette Benjamin , Eick Sigrun
Published: October 2020

Background: This study was aimed to investigate if the adjunctive use of erythritol air-polishing powder applied with the nozzle-system during subgingival instrumentation (SI) has an effect on the outcome of non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis. Methods:Forty-two individuals with periodontitis received nonsurgical periodontal therapy by SI without (controls, n=21) and with adjunctive air-polishing using nozzle + erythritol powder (test, n=21). They were analyzed for the clinical variables BOP (primary outcome at six month), probing depth (PD), attachment level (AL), four selected microorganisms and two biomarkers at baseline, before SI as well as three and six months after SI. Statistical analysis included nonparametric tests for intra- and intergroup comparisons. Results: In both groups, the clinical variables probing depth (PD), attachment level and BOP significantly improved three and six months after SI. The number of sites with PD ≥ 5mm was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group after six months. At six months vs. baseline, there were significant reductions of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola counts as well as lower levels of MMP-8 in the test group. Conclusions:Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive erythritol air-polishing powder does not reduce BOP. But it may add beneficial effects like reducing the probing depth measured as number of residual periodontal pocket with PD ≥ 5mm when compared with subgingival instrumentation only. Clinical relevanceThe adjunctive use of erythritol air-polishing powder applied with the nozzle-system during SI may improve the clinical outcome of SI and may reduce the need for periodontal surgery.
Process data of allogeneic ex vivo-expanded ABCB5+ mesenchymal stromal cells for human use: Off-the-shelf GMP-manufactured donor-independent ATMP
Authors: Ballikaya Seda , Sadeghi Samar , Niebergall-Roth Elke , Nimtz Laura , Frindert Jens , Norrick Alexandra , Stemler Nicole , Bauer Nicole , Rosche Yvonne , Kratzenberg Vanessa , Pieper Julia , Ficek Tina , Frank Markus H , Ganss Christoph , Esterlechner Jasmina , Kluth Mark Andreas
Published: October 2020

Background: Human dermal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) expressing the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporter ABCB5 represent an easily accessible MSC population that, based on preclinical and first-in-human data, holds significant promise to treat a broad spectrum of conditions associated not only with skin-related but also systemic inflammatory and/or degenerative processes.Methods: We have developed a validated Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant expansion and manufacturing process by which ABCB5+ MSCs derived from surgical discard skin tissues are processed to an advanced-therapy medicinal product (ATMP) for clinical use. Enrichment for ABCB5+ MSCs is achieved in a three-step process involving plastic adherence selection, expansion in a highly efficient MSC-selecting medium and immunomagnetic isolation of the ABCB5+ cells from the mixed culture.Results: Product Quality Review data covering 324 cell expansions, 728 ABCB5+ MSC isolations, 66 ABCB5+ MSC batches and 85 final drug products reveal high process robustness and reproducible, reliable quality of the manufactured cell therapy product.Conclusion: We have successfully established an expansion and manufacturing process that enables the generation of homogenous ABCB5+ MSC populations of proven biological activity manufactured as a standardized, donor-independent, highly pure and highly functional off-the-shelf available ATMP, which is currently tested in multiple clinical trials.
Safety and efficacy of a novel cephalomedullary nail in femoral shaft fractures: a retrospective observational cohort in 33 patients
Authors: De Leon Jorge Clint , Dang Khang H , Tye Cooper Benjamin , Breinholt Connor Scott , Karia Ravi A.
Published: October 2020

Background: There is limited data on the efficacy and failure rate ofspecific implants for femoral fracture fixation. A novel cephalomedullary nail that provides various options for proximal and distal fixation is available on the market. However, limited information is available on the safety and efficacy of the specific implant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative complication rates related to the use of the novel cephalomedullary nail for femoral fracture fixation.Methods: Patients over 18 years of age, with traumatic femur shaft fractures, treated with this novel cephalomedullary nail and available for a minimum of 3-month follow-up were included for analysis. Retrospective chart review for this retrospective observational cohort study was performed. Demographic data, injury details, AO/OTA fracture classification, and implant details were recorded for each patient. Primary outcome measured was implant failures (screw or nail breakage). Secondary outcomes measured included malunion, nonunion, deep infection, post-operative complications, and need for reoperation. We hypothesize that the union and failure rate will be similar to that reported in the literature for femur shaft fractures.Results: Of the 33 patients included for analysis, 1 patient went on to non-union. There were no cases of implant failure. The single nonunion was a high-energy mechanism, open fracture, and higher level AO/OTA classification. The remaining 32 reached radiographic union at 3 months. Conclusion: The nonunion rate of this novel cephalomedullary nail is comparable to what is reported in the literature. This nail is a safe and effective implant to treat femoral shaft fractures with a variety of ipsilateral femoral shaft injuries and reliably leads fracture union. Further studies are needed analyzing implant failure and comparing specific implants.
Expression patterns of ciliopathy genes ARL3 and CEP120 reveal roles in multisystem development
Authors: Powell L , Barroso-Gil M , Clowry Gavin J , Devlin Laura A , Molinari Elisa , Ramsbottom Simon A , Miles Colin G , Sayer John
Published: October 2020

Background: Joubert syndrome and related disorders (JSRD) and Jeune syndrome are multisystem ciliopathy disorders with overlapping phenotypes. There are a growing number of genetic causes for these rare syndromes, including the recently described genes ARL3 and CEP120.Methods: We sought to explore the developmental expression patterns of ARL3 and CEP120 in humans to gain additional understanding of these genetic conditions. We used an RNA in situ detection technique called RNAscope to characterise ARL3 and CEP120 expression patterns in human embryos and foetuses in collaboration with the MRC-Wellcome Trust Human Developmental Biology Resource.Results: Both ARL3 and CEP120 are expressed in early human brain development, including the cerebellum and in the developing retina and kidney, consistent with the clinical phenotypes seen with pathogenic variants in these genes.Conclusions: This study provides insights into the potential pathogenesis of JSRD by uncovering the spatial expression of two JSRD-causative genes during normal human development.
Predicting in-silico electron ionization mass spectra using quantum chemistry
Authors: Wang Shunyang , Kind Tobias , Tantillo Dean J. , Fiehn Oliver
Published: October 2020

Compound identification by mass spectrometry needs reference mass spectra. While there are over 102 million compounds in PubChem, less than 300,000 curated electron ionization (EI) mass spectra are available from NIST or MoNA mass spectral databases. Here, we test quantum chemistry methods (QCEIMS) to generate in-silico EI mass spectra (MS) by combining molecular dynamics (MD) with statistical methods. To test the accuracy of predictions, in-silico mass spectra of 451 small molecules were generated and compared to experimental spectra from the NIST 17 mass spectral library. The compounds covered 43 chemical classes, ranging up to 358 Da. Organic oxygen compounds had a lower matching accuracy, while computation time exponentially increased with molecular size. The parameter space was probed to increase prediction accuracy including initial temperatures, the number of MD trajectories and impact excess energy (IEE). Conformational flexibility was not correlated to the accuracy of predictions. Overall, QCEIMS can predict 70 eV electron ionization spectra of chemicals from first principles. Improved methods to calculate potential energy surfaces (PES) are still needed before QCEIMS mass spectra of novel molecules can be generated at large scale.
Recurrent and Concurrent Patterns of Regional BOLD Dynamics and Functional Connectivity Dynamics in Cognitive Decline
Authors: Liang Lingyan , Yuan Yueming , Wei Yichen , Yu Bihan , Mai Wei , Duan Gaoxiong , Nong Xiucheng , Li Chong , Su Jiahui , Zhao Lihua , Zhang Zhiguo , Deng Demao
Published: October 2020

Background : The brain’s dynamic spontaneous neural activity and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) are both important in supporting cognition, but how these two types of brain dynamics evolve and co-evolve in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate recurrent and concurrent patterns of two types of dynamic brain states correlated with cognitive decline.Methods : The present study analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 62 SCD patients, 75 MCI patients, and 70 healthy controls (HCs). We used the sliding-window and clustering method to identify two types of recurrent brain states from both dFC and dynamic regional spontaneous activity, as measured by dynamic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (dfALFF). Then, the occurrence frequency of a dFC or dfALFF state and the co-occurrence frequency of a pair of dFC and dfALFF states among all time points are extracted for each participant to describe their dynamics brain patterns.Results : We identified a few recurrent states of dfALFF and dFC, and further ascertained the co-occurrent patterns of these two types of dynamic brain states (i.e., dfALFF and dFC states). Importantly, the occurrence frequency of a default-mode network (DMN)-dominated dFC state was significantly different between HCs and SCD patients, and the co-occurrence frequencies of a DMN-dominated dFC state and a DMN-dominated dfALFF state were also significantly different between SCD and MCI patients. These two dynamic features were both significantly positively correlated with Mini Mental State Examination scores.Conclusion : Our findings revealed novel fMRI-based neural signatures of cognitive decline from recurrent and concurrent patterns of dfALFF and dFC, providing strong evidence supporting SCD as the transition phase between normal aging and MCI. This finding holds potential to differentiate SCD patients from HCs via both dFC and dfALFF as objective neuroimaging biomarkers, which may aid in the early diagnosis and intervention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Ketogenic diet-mediated steroid metabolism reprogramming improves the immune microenvironment and myelin growth of spinal cord injury rats through gene analysis and co-expression network analysis
Authors: Zeng Hong , Lu Yao , Huang Meng jie , Yang Yan yan , Xing Hua yi , Liu Xiao xie , Zhou Mouwang
Published: October 2020

Background The ketogenic diet has been widely used in the treatment of various nervous system and metabolic-related diseases. Our previous research found that a ketogenic diet exerts a protective effect and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury. However, the mechanism of treatment is still unclear. In this study, different dietary feeding methods were used to detect myelin expression and gene level changes between different groups.Result We established 15 RNA-Seq cDNA libraries and divided them into 4 groups (SCI_KD, SCI_SD, Sham_KD and Sham_SD), and a total of 32,883 genes were detected by RNA-seq. First, KEGG pathway enrichment of upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SCI_KD and SCI_SD groups and GSEA analysis of the two groups found that a ketogenic diet significantly improved the steroid anabolic pathway in rats with spinal cord injury. Through cluster analysis, PPI analysis and visualization of iPath metabolic pathways, Sqle, Sc5d, Cyp51, Dhcr24, Msmo1, Hsd17b7, and Fdft1 changed significantly in the pathway. Second, through WGCNA analysis, all samples are placed in a gene network to analyse the correlation between gene modules and phenotypes. After module analysis, GO function and KEGG analysis showed that rats fed a ketogenic diet showed significantly reduced immune-related pathways, including those associated with immune and infectious diseases.Conclusion A ketogenic diet may improve the immune microenvironment and myelin growth in rats with spinal cord injury through reprogramming of steroid metabolism.
Post-operative pain management modalities employed in clinical trials for adult patients in LMIC; a systematic review
Authors: Afshan Gauhar , Khan Robyna Irshad , Ahmed Aliya , Siddiqui Ali Sarfraz , Rehman Azhar , Raza Syed Amir , Kerai Rozina , Mustafa Khawaja
Published: October 2020

Background: Unrelieved postoperative pain afflicts millions each year in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Despite substantial advances in the study of pain, this area remains neglected. Current systematic review was designed to ascertain the types of clinical trials conducted in LMIC on postoperative pain management modalities over the last decade. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in June 2019 on PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant trials on the management of postoperative pain in LMIC. Out of 1450 RCTs, 108 studies were reviewed for quality evidence using structured form of critical appraisal skill program. Total of 51 clinical trials were included after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results:Results are charted according to the type of surgery. Eleven trials on laparoscopic cholecystectomy used multimodal analgesia including some form of regional analgesia. Different analgesic modalities were studied in 4 trials on thoracotomy, but none used multimodal approach. In 11 trials on laparotomy, multimodal analgesia was employed along with the studied modalities. In 2 trials on hysterectomy, preemptive pregabalin or gabapentin were used for reduction in rescue analgesia. In 13 trials on breast surgical procedures and 10 on orthopaedic surgery, multimodal analgesia was used with some form of regional analgesia. Conclusion: We found that over the past 10 years, clinical trials for postoperative pain modalities have evolved in LMIC according to the current postoperative pain management guidelines i.e. multi-modal approach with some form of regional analgesia. The current review shows that clinical trials were conducted using multimodal analgesia including but not limited to some form of regional analgesia for postoperative pain in LMIC however this research snapshot (of only three countries) may not exactly reflect the clinical practices in all 47 countries. Post Operative Pain Management Modalities Employed in Clinical Trials for Adult Patients in LMIC; A Systematic Review
Evaluating performance of health care facilities at meeting HIV-indicator reporting requirements in Kenya: An application of K-means clustering algorithm
Authors: Gesicho Milka , Babic Ankica , Were Martin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe ability to report complete, accurate and timely data by HIV care providers and other entities is a key aspect in monitoring trends in HIV prevention, treatment and care, hence contributing to its eradication. In many low-middle-income-countries (LMICs), aggregate HIV data reporting is done through the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2). Nevertheless, despite a long-standing requirement to report HIV indicator data to DHIS2 in LMICs, few rigorous evaluations exist to evaluate adequacy of health facility reporting at meeting completeness and timeliness requirements over time. The aim of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reporting status for HIV indicators, from the time of DHIS2 implementation, using Kenya as a case study.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted to assess reporting performance of health facilities providing any of the HIV services in all 47 counties in Kenya between 2011 to 2018. Using data extracted from DHIS2, K-means clustering algorithm was used to identify homogeneous groups of health facilities based on their performance in meeting timeliness and completeness facility reporting requirements for each of the six programmatic areas. Average silhouette coefficient was used in measuring the quality of the selected clusters.ResultsBased on percentage average facility reporting completeness and timeliness, four homogeneous groups of facilities were identified namely: best performers, average performers, poor performers and outlier performers. Apart from blood safety reports, a distinct pattern was observed in five of the remaining reports, with the proportion of best performing facilities increasing and the proportion of poor performing facilities decreasing over time. However, between 2016 and 2018, the proportion of best performers declined in some of the programmatic areas. Over the study period, no distinct pattern or trend in proportion changes was observed among facilities in the average and outlier groups.ConclusionsThe identified clusters revealed general improvements in reporting performance in the various reporting areas over time, but with noticeable decrease in some areas between 2016 and 2018. This signifies the need for continuous performance monitoring with possible integration of machine learning and visualization approaches into national HIV reporting systems.
Attitudes and precaution practices towards COVID-19 among pregnant women in Singapore : A cross-sectional survey
Authors: LEE RYAN WAI KHEONG , LING LOY SEE , LIYING YANG , YEN JERRY CHAN KOK , KOK TAN LAY
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCOVID-19 may predispose pregnant women to higher risks of severe disease and poorer neonatal outcome. Psychological sequalae of this pandemic may pose a greater conundrum than its clinical aspects. It is currently unknown that how pregnant women cope with this global pandemic and its ramifications. The aims of the study are to understand the attitudes and precaution practices of non-infected pregnant women towards the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore.Methods An online cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Singapore was conducted. An internet link was provided to complete an online electronic survey on Google platform using a quick response (QR) code on mobile devices. The online survey consists of 34 questions that were categorized into 4 main sections, namely 1) social demographics 2) attitude on safe distancing measures 3) precaution practices and 4) perceptions of COVID-19. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine women’s precaution practices among six independent socio-demographic variables, including age, ethnicity , education , front-line jobs, history of miscarriage and type of antenatal clinic (general , high risk).ResultsA total of 167 survey responses were obtained over eight weeks from April to June 2020. The majority of women were aged ≤35 years (76%, n=127), were of Chinese ethnicity (55%, n=91), attained tertiary education (62%, n=104) and were not working as frontline staff (70%). Using multiple linear regression models, Malay ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) was associated with higher frequency of practicing social distancing. Malay women (β 0.48; 95% CI 0.16, 0.80) and those who worked as frontline staff (β 0.28; 95% CI 0.01, 0.56) sanitized their hands at higher frequencies. Age of ≥36 years (vs. ≤30 years, β 0.24; 95% CI 0.01, 0.46), Malay (vs. Chinese, β 0.27; 95% CI 0.06, 0.48) and Indian ethnicity (vs. Chinese, β 0.41; 95% CI 0.02, 0.80), and attendance at high-risk clinic (vs. general clinic, β 0.20; 95% CI 0.01, 0.39) were associated with higher frequency of staying-at-home.ConclusionSocial demographical factors including age > 36 years old, Malay ethnicity, employment in front line jobs and attendance at high-risk clinics are likely to influence the attitudes and precaution practices among pregnant women towards COVID-19 in Singapore. Knowledge gained from our cross-sectional online survey can better guide clinicians to communicate better with pregnant women. Hence, it is important for clinicians to render appropriate counselling and focused clarification on the effect of COVID-19 among pregnant women for psychological support and mental wellbeing.
Autologous peripheral blood-derived stem cells transplantation for treatment of no-option angiitis-induced critical limb ischemia: 10-year management experience
Authors: Fang Gang , Jiang Xiaolang , Fang Yuan , Pan Tianyue , Liu Hao , Ren Bichen , Wei Zheng , Gu Shiyang , Chen Bin , Jiang Junhao , Shi Yun , Guo Daqiao , Liu Peng , Fu Weiguo , Dong Zhihui
Published: October 2020

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that no-option angiitis-induced critical limb ischemia (NO-AICLI) could be significantly improved by transplantation of peripheral blood-derived stem cells (PBDSCs). Additionally, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) recently conducted by us suggested that peripheral blood-derived purified CD34+ cells (PCCs) were not inferior to non-purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) at limb salvage in treatment of NO-AICLI. However, most of these clinical trials whether RCT or single-arm studies were characterized with a small sample size and absence of long-term outcomes. Methods: To analyze long-term clinical outcomes of PBDSCs transplantation for NO-AICLI, we reviewed clinical data of patients with NO-AICLI receiving PBDSCs transplantation at our center during the past decade. Meanwhile, we first compared the long-term safety and efficacy of intramuscular transplantation of PCCs versus PBMNCs in a sizable number of patients with NO-AICLI.Results: From May 2009 to December 2019, a total of 160 patients with NO-AICLI patients were treated by PBDSCs transplantation (82 with PCCs, 78 with PBMNCs) at our center. Baseline characteristics between two groups were similar. Up to June 2020, the mean follow-up period was 46.6±35.3 months. No critical adverse events were observed in either group. There was one death during the follow-up period. A total of eight major amputations occurred. The cumulative major amputation-free survival (MAFS) rate at 5 years after PBDSCs transplantation was 94.4%, without difference between two groups (P=.855). Wound healing, rest pain, pain-free walking time, ankle-brachial index, transcutaneous oxygen pressure, and quality of life (QoL) also significantly improved after PBDSCs transplantation. Conclusions: Autologous PBDSCs intramuscular transplantation could significantly decrease the major amputation rates and improve the QoL in patients with NO-AICLI. Long-term observation of a large sample of patients confirmed that the clinical benefits of PBDSCs transplantation were durable, without difference between the PCCs and PBMNCs groups.
Anthraquinone laxative-altered gut microbiota induces colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction for colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Wei Zhonghong , Wu Jiawei , Yang Yu , Shen peiliang , Cheng Peng , Tao Li , Shan Yunlong , Sun zhiguang , Lu Yin
Published: October 2020

Background: The safety of anthraquinone laxatives has been debated. Previously, a few isolated studies have revealed that anthraquinones can cause damage to the structure of colonic epithelial tissue, and long-term intake of anthraquinone laxatives increases colorectal cancer risks. In this study, we focused on sennoside A, a primary purgative component in anthraquinone laxatives, and investigated the effects of sennoside A on intestinal inflammation and host metabolism, and we assessed whether it could exacerbate colitis-associated colon cancer in the AOM/DSS mouse model. Results: Initially, sennoside A disrupted the mucus layer and mechanical barrier of the colon. The dynamic effects of sennoside A on the community structure of gut microbiota were further analysed. We found that sennoside A significantly promoted the dominant growth of Akkermansia muciniphila after 56 days of continuous treatment, which was independent of the prototype of sennoside A and its metabolites, including the main host metabolite rhein and bacterial metabolites. Interestingly, sennoside A suppressed the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria, thereby decreasing butyrate levels. In addition, sennoside A directly inhibited the growth of Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Clostridium butyricum, which was not caused by the prototype of sennoside A but by the direct bacteriostatic effect produced from its metabolite rhein. Last, supplementation with butyrate prevented sennoside A-induced gut dysbiosis and mucus barrier impairment. Conclusions: Our work reveals that sennoside A can impair the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, which is closely related to the disruption of the structural balance between mucus-degrading bacteria and exogenous fibro-degrading bacteria; this impaired imbalance can induce long-term low-grade inflammation and metabolic disorders associated with tumorigenesis, and it can consequently promote the progression of colonic carcinogenesis in the AOM/DSS mouse model.
Low Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Rhode Island Blood Donors Determined Using Multiple Serological Assay Formats
Authors: Nesbitt Daniel J. , Jin Daniel P. , Hogan Joseph W. , Chan Philip A , Simon Melissa J , Vargas Matthew , King Ewa , Huard Richard C , Bandy Utpala , Hillyer Christopher , Luchsinger Larry
Published: October 2020

Background: Epidemic projections and public health policies addressing Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 have been implemented without data reporting on the seroconversion of the population since scalable antibody testing has only recently become available. Methods: We measured the percentage of severe acute respiratory syndrome- Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) seropositive individuals from 2,008 blood donors drawn in the state of Rhode Island (RI). We utilized multiple antibody testing platforms, including lateral flow immunoassays (LFAs), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and high throughput serological assays (HTSAs). To estimate seroprevalence, we utilized the Bayesian statistical method to adjust for sensitivity and specificity of the commercial tests used.Results: We report than an estimated seropositive rate of RI blood donors of approximately 0.6% existed in April-May of 2020. Daily new case rates peaked in RI in late April 2020. We found HTSAs and LFAs were positively correlated with ELISA assays to detect antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 in blood donors. Conclusions: These data imply that seroconversion, and thus infection, is likely not widespread within this population. We conclude that IgG LFAs and HTSAs are suitable to conduct seroprevalence assays in random populations. More studies will be needed using validated serological tests to improve the precision and report the kinetic progression of seroprevalence estimates.
Evaluation of protection against desiccation with different artificial tears containing 0.1%-0.3% hyaluronic acid in experimental dry eye model
Authors: Ahmed Fatma , Tost Frank , Großjohann Rico , Wolke Carmen , Lendeckel Uwe
Published: October 2020

Background: Tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation, apoptosis and neuro-sensory abnormalities are causes of dry eye. Lubricant target tear film instability, the most effective agent for tear film stabilization being Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1 -0.3%. Sodium Hyaluronate is suggested to be protective for epithelium in dry eye. To test this hypothesis, this study was performed in vitro with commercially available solutions containing hyaluronic acid (HA) in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.3%. To evaluate the desiccation protection capability of different Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1 to 0.3%, we employed a reproducible in vitro cell culture system. Methods: Conjunctival (Chang 1-5c-4) and corneal cells (pRSV-T 2.040) were cultivated under standard conditions. Under confluent cell growth cells, conjunctival epithelial cell line Chang 1-5c-4 and the corneal cell line 2.040 pRSV-T were wetted for 20 min with five commercial ophthalmic solutions and one agent in trial phase (sample 1: 0.1% HA; sample 2: 0.3% HA; sample 3: 0.15% HA, 2% dexpanthenol, sodium chloride; sample 4: 0.1% HA; sample 5: 0.2% HA; sample 6: unknown, PBS as negative control, unsupplemented medium as positive control). After 20 minutes cells were exposed to continuous air flow for 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes. Assessment of viable cells was performed by alamarBlue® assay and LIVE/DEAD® Viability/ Cytotoxicity Kit. Results: It has been shown that both cell lines showed different response to protection by the tested solutions. Greatest protection was observed at 15 minutes with most agents. Best results in protection from desiccation was assessed with sample 2 even at maximum exposure time at 45 minutes. Sample 2 showed an average survival rate of 91% at 45 minutes exposure time, whereas no significant amount of vital cells were detected after application with sample 6. Sample 6 was the only substance that presented with early significant cell loss at 0 and 15 minutes by 35%. Conclusions: Higher concentration of Hyaluronate acid with 0.3% and an ionic composition close to the normal tearfluid seem to provide the best protective effect against desiccation in experimental dry eye.
A fusion of Taq DNA polymerase with the CL7 protein from Escherichia coli remarkably improves DNA amplification
Authors: Fei Wang , Ben Rao , Jing Ni , Lixin Ma , Yaping Wang
Published: October 2020

Background

DNA polymerases are important enzymes that synthesize DNA molecules and therefore are critical to various scientific fields as essential components of in vitro DNA synthesis reactions, including PCR. Modern diagnostics, molecular biology, and genetic engineering require DNA polymerases with improved performance. This study aimed to obtain and characterize a new CL7-Taq fusion DNA polymerase, in which the DNA coding sequence of Taq DNA polymerase was fused with that of CL7, a double-stranded DNA binding-like protein from Escherichia coli.
Results

The resulting novel recombinant gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli. The recombinant CL7-Taq protein exhibited excellent thermostability, extension rate, sensitivity, and resistance to PCR inhibitors. Our results showed that the sensitivity of CL7-Taq DNA polymerase was 100-fold higher than that of wild-type Taq, which required a template concentration of at least 1.8 × 105 aM. Moreover, the extension rate of CL7-Taq was 4 kb/min, which remarkably exceeded the rate of Taq DNA polymerase (2 kb/min). Furthermore, the CL7 fusion protein showed increased resistance to inhibitors of DNA amplification, including lactoferrin, heparin, and blood. Single-cope human genomic targets were readily available from whole blood, and pretreatment to purify the template DNA was not required.
Conclusions

Thus, this is a novel enzyme that improved the properties of Taq DNA polymerase, and thus may have wide application in molecular biology and diagnostics.
Comparison of Bias and Resolvability in Single-Cell and Single-Transcript Methods
Authors: Rammohan Jayan , Lund Steven , Alperovich Nina , Paralanov Vanya , Strychalski Elizabeth , Ross David
Published: October 2020

Single-cell and single-transcript measurement methods have elevated our ability to understand and engineer biological systems. However, defining and comparing performance between methods remains a challenge, in part due to the confounding effects of experimental variability. Here, we propose a generalizable framework for performing multiple methods in parallel using split samples, so that experimental variability is shared between methods. We demonstrate the utility of this framework by performing 12 different methods in parallel to measure the same underlying reference system for cellular response. We compare method performance using quantitative evaluations of bias and resolvability. We attribute differences in method performance to steps along the measurement process such as sample preparation, signal detection, and choice of measurand. Finally, we demonstrate how this framework can be used to benchmark a new method for single-transcript detection. The framework we present here provides a practical way to compare performance of any methods.
COVID19 - A Correlation Study of Infection Fatality Rate vs Age
Authors: DATTA JAYDIP
Published: October 2020

In this review one of the most important epidemiological parameter ie Infection fatality rate ( 1 ) is correlated with age of the population through a sigmoid statistics of Logistic model. The IFR is a special case of case fatality rate ( CFR ) . The CFR ( 1 ) is termed as the number of deaths due to symptomatic Covid infection within entire population per unit time . The IFR is a special case of CFR where number of deaths to be considered as total number of deaths due to symptomatic as well as asymptomatic infection within the same population per unit time .The sigmoid fit can also be approximated to modified quadratic fit [ 4,5 ].
A Self-Sustainable Wearable Multi-Modular E-Textile Bioenergy Microgrid System
Authors: Yin Lu , Kim Kyeong Nam , Lyu Jian , Tehrani Farshad , Lin Muyang , Lin Zuzeng , Ma Jessica , Moon Jong-Min , Yu Jialu , Xu Sheng , Wang Joseph
Published: October 2020

Despite the fast development of various energy harvesting and storage devices, their judicious integration into efficient, autonomous, and sustainable wearable systems has not been widely explored. Here, we introduce the concept and design principles of e-textile microgrids to the world of wearable electronics by demonstrating the operation of a multi-module bioenergy microgrid system. Unlike earlier hybrid wearable energy systems, the presented e-textile microgrid relies solely on human movements to work synergistically, harvesting biochemical and biomechanical energy using sweat-based biofuel cells and triboelectric generators, and regulating the harvested energy via supercapacitor modules for high-power output. Through careful energy budgeting, the versatile e-textile system offers fast-booting and extended-harvesting to efficiently power liquid crystal displays continuously or a sweat sensor-electrochromic display system in pulsed sessions. Implementing the “compatible form factors, commensurate performance and complementary functionality” design principles, the flexible, textile-based bioenergy microgrid offers attractive prospects for the design and operation of efficient, sustainable, and autonomous wearable systems.
Imperceptible Energy Harvesting Device and Biomedical Sensor based on Ultraflexible Ferroelectric Transducers and Organic Diodes
Authors: Petritz Andreas , Karner-Petritz Esther , Uemura T. , Schäffner Philipp , Araki Teppei , Stadlober Barbara , Sekitani Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2020

Energy autonomy and conformability are essential elements in the next generation of wearable and flexible electronics for healthcare, robotics and cyber-physical systems. This study presents ferroelectric polymer transducers and organic diodes for imperceptible sensing and energy harvesting systems, which, for the first time, are integrated on ultrathin (1-µm) substrates, thus imparting them with unprecedented flexibility. Simulations show that the sensitivity of ultraflexible ferroelectric polymer transducers (UFPTs) is enhanced dramatically using an ultrathin substrate, which allows the mounting on 3D-shaped objects and the stacking in multiple layers. Indeed, UFPTs have superior sensitivity to strain and pressure, fast response and excellent mechanical stability, thus forming imperceptible wireless e-health patches for precise pulse and blood pressure monitoring. For harvesting biomechanical energy, UFPTs are combined with rectifiers based on the world’s first ultraflexible organic diodes thus comprising an imperceptible, 2.5 µm thin, energy harvesting device with an excellent peak power density of 3 mW⋅cm− 3.
Challenges Of Virtual Education During COVID 19 Among Graduate Students in Ethiopia
Authors: Yonas Mikiyas
Published: October 2020

Due to COVID 19 pandemic, school over the world has been closed. Globally 1.2 billion students are out of the classroom. Virtual learning is usually associated with online courses or online environments, but it has much broader dimensions. The objective of this study was to explore the challenges of virtual teaching and learning among graduate students at the SPH, CHS, Addis Ababa University. Methods: the phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at Addis Ababa University, on graduate students. Participant was selected by Purposive sampling and data collection was in-depth interview and analyzed by using open-code 4.03.Results In this study two participants participated: one student and one teacher. As the student explain the virtual learning and education was new mode to delivery education in Ethiopia and he told that he did not have any experience before. Despite, teacher states that he has an experience on the online learning and teaching. The participants states that virtual learning have an advantage. However, there are many challenges they list, from these: inadequate internet, costly ineffective, inflexible are the majors. Conclusion: based on the finding from the participants, student hasn’t experience of virtual learning. The factor influence to follow virtual learning is that student was beginner for online learning, and teacher was also beginner in giving virtual teaching, connection problem in our country and teacher behavior are the main problem explored by this study. Even though student and teacher feel it is difficult, they suggest the virtual learning have to be trained in Ethiopia for the future.
Revealing Cropland Abandonment and Food Insecurity in War-ravaged South Sudan
Authors: Olsen Victor , Fensholt Rasmus , Bonifacio Rogerio , Butsic Van , Ray Deepak , Prishchepov Alexander
Published: October 2020

Armed conflicts often result in cropland abandonment with significant impacts on food security. Moreover, conflicts restrict the collection of on-the-ground information required for organizing targeted relief distribution. Satellite remote sensing provides a way of observationally gathering information about disruptions during armed conflicts and food-security status in conflict zones. Using ~7500 multisource satellite images, we implemented a data-driven approach that showed a reduction in cultivated croplands in war-ravaged South Sudan by 23% from 2016 to 2018. Propensity score matching revealed a close relationship between cropland abandonment and armed conflicts that lead to drastic decreases in the available food supply. If war-induced abandonment had not occurred, our analysis shows that the abandoned croplands could have supported at least a quarter of the population in the southern states of South Sudan. Here, we demonstrate that remote-sensing technology can play a crucial role in rapid assessments of cropland abandonment in food-insecure regions, thus improving the basis for timely aid provision.
Bacterial Species-Specific Modulatory Effects on Phenotype and Function of Camel Blood Leukocytes
Authors: Hussen Jamal
Published: October 2020

Background: Recent studies have reported pathogen-species-specific modulating effects on the innate immune system. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae are important pathogenic bacteria responsible for different infectious diseases in several animal species. In the present study, a whole blood culture and flow cytometry were used to investigate, whether stimulation with different bacterial species induces different immunomodulation patterns in camel leukocytes. Results: Stimulation with either of the bacterial species resulted in the expansion of the camel CD14highMHCIIhigh monocyte subset with a reduced fraction of CD14highMHCIIlow monocytes. For the CD14highMHCIIlow monocytes, however, only stimulation with S. aureus or S. agalactiae increased their fractions in blood. Although all bacterial species elicited the upregulation of cell surface MHC-II molecules on granulocytes, the increase was, however, highest on cells stimulated with S. aureus. The expression levels of the two adhesion molecules, CD11a and CD18, on neutrophils and monocytes were differently affected by bacterial stimulation. Functionally, E. coli failed to stimulate ROS production in monocytes, while induced a strong ROS production response in granulocytes. S. agalactiae elicited a week ROS production in granulocytes when compared to the other two pathogens. Conclusions: The different responsiveness of monocytes and granulocytes toward different bacterial species indicates different host-pathogen interaction mechanisms for the two cell populations. In addition, the phenotypic and functional differences between cells stimulated with E. coli, S. aureus, or S. agalactiae suggests pathogen-species-specific modulating effects of the bacterial pathogens on the camel innate myeloid cells.
The cost-effectiveness of government actions to reduce sodium intake through salt substitutes in Vietnam
Authors: Taylor Colman , Hoek Annet C , Deltetto Irene , Peacock Adrian , Ha Do Thi Phuong , Sieburg Michael , Hoang Dolly , Trieu Kathy , Cobb Laura K , Jan Stephen , Webster Jacqui
Published: October 2020

BackgroundDietary sodium reduction is recommended to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. In Vietnam food products including salt, fish sauce and bot canh contribute to ~70% of dietary sodium intake. Reduced sodium versions of these products can be produced by replacing some of the sodium chloride with potassium chloride. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of three alternative approaches to introducing reduced sodium products onto the market with a view to lowering population sodium intake in Vietnam.MethodsThe three salt substitution strategies included voluntary, subsidised and regulatory approaches targeting salt, fish sauce and bot canh products. Costs were modelled using the WHO-CHOICE methodology. A Markov cohort model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each strategy versus no intervention from the government perspective. The model linked each intervention strategy to assumed changes in levels of sodium intake and then to systolic blood pressure. Changes in SBP were linked to a probability of ischaemic heart disease or stroke. The model followed people over their lifetime to assess average costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained for each strategy. Results The voluntary salt substitution strategy was assumed to require no investment by government. Following ramp up (years 6+), the average annual costs for the subsidised and regulatory strategies were 21,808,968,902 ₫ (US$ 977,354) and 12,949,953,247 ₫ (US$ 580,410) respectively. Relative to no intervention, all three salt substitution strategies were found to be cost-effective. Cost savings were driven by reductions in strokes (32,595; 768,384; 2,366,480) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) events (22,830; 537,157; 1,648,590) for the voluntary, subsidised & regulatory strategies, respectively. The voluntary strategy was least cost-effective (-3,445 ₫ US$ -0.15; 0.009 QALYs gained) followed by the subsidised strategy (-43,189 ₫ US$ -1.86; 0.022 QALYs gained) and the regulatory strategy delivered the highest cost savings and health gains (-243,530 ₫ US$ -10.49; 0.074 QALYs gained). ConclusionThis research shows that all three modelled salt substitution strategies would be good value for money relative to no intervention in Vietnam. The subsidised alternative would require the highest level of government investment, however the implementation costs will be exceeded by healthcare savings assuming a reasonable time horizon is considered.
Determining Planting Window for Growing Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.) During Dry Season in Bandarban, Bangladesh
Authors: Hamid Abdul , Neogi Mrinmoy Guha , Biswas Jatish Chandra , Marma Aung Swiy Shing , Mollah Md Abdul Mannan , Uddin Md Farid , Islam Md Mahabubul
Published: October 2020

BackgroundFarmers in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh have been growing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in their traditional system of jhum cultivation which is undergoing transformation. Growing rainfed cotton as a mono crop in the uplands is constrained by farmers’ socio-economic conditions and erratic rainfall. Shifting growing season to post-monsoon dry months could be an option to sustain cotton production in hilly areas. We conducted an exploratory single variate type experiment for two seasons to explore the possibility of growing cotton in valley lands in Bandarban during dry season. Growth and yield potentials of dry season cotton were evaluated in terms of prevailing environmental conditions.ResultsNight temperature dropped to 9oC on several occasions in 2018-19 season; but it remained higher than 11oC throughout the season in 2019-20 season. In 2018-19, day temperatures surged higher past March 15 occasionally exceeding 38oC. Variability in temperatures was more in 2018-19 while average temperatures were higher in2019-20 season. Rainfall distribution was almost similar in both the growing seasons receiving total rainfall of 757 mm and 579 mm in two seasons, respectively. Higher seed cotton yield (2,047 kg per ha) was recorded for 15 November planted crop compared with 1 December planted crop (1,186 kg per ha). December 1 planted crop was affected more by low temperatures at seedling stage resulting in poor growth and fewer bolls per plant. Late planted crop was more vulnerable to rain damage at boll opening stage. Crops of both the seasons encountered high temperatures (>32oC) during boll development. ConclusionChanging climate, shorter winter season and rising temperatures may allow cotton production in valley lands shifting growing season from rainy season to post-monsoon dry months. However, the window of dry season cotton growing in Bandarban, Bangladesh seems narrow. Rainfall pattern restricts planting seeds prior to mid-November. Again, high temperatures stress in March and April synchronizing boll development, and rainfall toward late April and May during boll opening may cause rain-damage leading to yield loss. Development and adoption of short duration, low temperature tolerant upland cotton varieties might be of advantage for adapting to climate change vulnerabilities.