bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative investigation of influencing factors for anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer after multiline treatment failure
Authors: Yang Xujing , Xie Qingqing , Sun Caixia , Fei Zhenghua
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate the anxiety and depression of patients with advanced cancer who received immunotherapy using programmed death-1 or programmed death-ligand 1 after multiline treatment failure, to explore the influencing factors, and to provide reference for clinical medical staff and psychological support for patients.Methods: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to calculate the anxiety and depression scores before and after 1, 2 and 3 courses of treatment, respectively. The patients with anxiety and depression were counted. Purposive sampling was used to conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 21 patients to find out the reasons. The obtained data were analyzed and collated using the Colaizzi's phenomenological method.Results: Before and after 1, 2 and 3 courses of treatment, 18.26%, 23.0%, 50% and 54% of patients suffered from anxiety and depression, respectively. Four related factors, i.e. low expectations for immunotherapy, lack of timely information after treatment, lack of awareness of treatment and drugs, and lack of family and social support, were extracted with the sampling survey. The proportion of patients with anxiety and depression during immunotherapy kept increasing.Conclusion: The anxiety and depression of patients with advanced cancer who receive immunotherapy after multiline treatment failure are aggravated along with treatment. Patients need to be given humane care and emotional support from their families, society and medical staff. Nursing staff should adopt personalized measures to meet the psychological needs of patients, and a targeted and complete nursing system should be established to extend the life span and to improve the quality of life.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800015942. Registered 1 May 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=26476
Transcriptome survey and expression analysis reveals effects and metabolic pathways of Yuluxiang Pear in response to drought stress
Authors: Yang Sheng , Bai Mudan , Hao Guowei , Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Yanping , Guo Huangping , Fu Baochun
Published: August 2020

Background: Pear is one of the most important economic fruits worldwide. The quality and productivity is frequently threatened by drought disaster, but the effects mechanism of drought stress on pear has not been well understood, especially in respond to drought stress at the gene transcription levels. Results: That showed that drought stress weakened antioxidant systematization and the synthesis of photosynthetic pigment of Yuluxiang Pear leaves, and the reduced light utilization and photosynthetic productivity finally resulted in the inhibited fruit development. The transcriptome from leaves were sequenced and analyzed using Illumina HiSeq 2500 to evaluate the effects of drought stress on the expression of genes in different biosynthetic pathways. Deferentially expressed genes analysis showed that the enzyme genes involved in lignin biosynthesis were up-regulated by drought stress, and the promoted lignification process may be beneficial to decrease the transpiration rate and increase water use efficiency of Yuluxiang Pear leaves. The up-regulated malate dehydrogenase and adenosylmethionine decarboxylase were also observed in drought stress groups, and the activated soluble sugar biosynthesis could be helpful to promote osmotic regulation and increase antioxidant capacity to enhance drought resistance of leaves. Drought stress increased the expression of enzyme genes related with hormones biosynthesis including ethylene, abscisic acid, and gibberellin, suggesting promoted cell proliferation and slowed young leaves growth. Conclusions: Present study reveals that drought stress severely decrease photosynthetic productivity to negatively affect fruit development, and the inhibited photosynthesis could be closely related with drought-induced lignification and hormones promoting leaf abscission.
Clinical profiles of subclinical disease among pulmonary tuberculosis patients: a prospective cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Min Jinsoo , Chung Chaeuk , Jung Sung Soo , Park Hye Kyeong , Lee Sung-Soon , Lee Ki Man
Published: August 2020

Background: Subclinical tuberculosis (TB) is a potential target for public health intervention because its early identification may reduce TB transmission. Here, we have described clinical and laboratory findings of subclinical disease among pulmonary TB patients.Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled adult patients with pulmonary TB between 2016 and 2018. Subclinical TB was defined as the presence of radiographic or microbiologic test results consistent with TB without clinical symptoms. We implemented two-stage symptom assessment using a predefined TB symptom checklist. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between subclinical and active disease using the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. We evaluated treatment outcomes in the drug-susceptible cohort. Results: Among 420 enrolled patients, 81 (19.3%) had subclinical TB. Multivariate analysis showed that age <65 years was the only significant variable associated with subclinical disease. Subclinical disease had a significantly lower proportion of acid-fast bacilli smear and culture positivity and multiple lobe involvement compared to active disease. Among 319 patients with treatment success in the drug-susceptible cohort, six (1.9%) recurrent cases were identified, and all were active disease. Patients with subclinical disease had a higher proportion of favorable outcomes; however, its odds ratio was insignificant.Conclusions: Nearly one-fifth of tuberculosis cases were subclinical under the universal health coverage in South Korea. Despite its milder clinical presentation, the treatment outcomes of subclinical TB were not significantly different from that of active disease.
Incidence and clinical impact of vertebral endplate changes after limited lumbar microdiscectomy and implantation of a bone-anchored annular closure device
Authors: Kienzler Jenny Christine , Rey Sofia , Wetzel Oliver , Atassi Hermien , Bäbler Sabrina , Burn Felice , Fandino Javier
Published: August 2020

Background: An annular closure device (ACD) could potentially prevent recurrent herniation by blocking larger annular defects after limited microdiscectomy (LMD). The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of endplate changes (EPC) and outcome after LMD with additional implantation of an ACD to prevent reherniation. Methods: This analysis includes data from a) RCT study-arm of patients undergoing LMD with ACD implantation and b) additional patients undergoing ACD implantation at our institution. Clinical findings (VAS,ODI), radiological outcome (reherniation, implant integrity, volume of (EPC) and risk factors for EPC were assessed. Results: Seventy-two patients (37men, 47±11.63yo) underwent LMD and ACD implantation between 2013-2016. A total of 71 (99%) patients presented with some degree of EPC during the follow-up period (14.67±4.77months). In the multivariate regression analysis, localization of the anchor was the only significant predictor of EPC (p=0.038). The largest EPC measured 4.2 cm3. Reherniation was documented in 17 (24%) patients (symptomatic: n=10; asymptomatic: n=7). Six (8.3%) patients with symptomatic reherniation underwent rediscectomy. Implant failure was documented in 19 (26.4%) patients including anchor head breakage (n=1, 1.3%), dislocation of the whole device (n=5, 6.9%), and mesh dislocation into the spinal canal (n=13, 18%). Mesh subsidence within the EPC was documented in 15 (20.8%) patients. Seven (9.7%) patients underwent explantation of the entire, or parts of the device.Conclusion: Clinical improvement after LMD and ACD implantation was proven in our study. High incidence and volume of EPC did not correlate with clinical outcome. Mechanical friction of the polymer mesh with the endplate is most likely the cause of EPC after ACD.
Putative Synergetic Genes Involved in the Syntheses of Carotenoids and Flavonoids in 'Cara cara' Navel Orange as Revealed by Integrated Transcriptome and Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Zhang Haipeng , Chen Jiajing , Peng Zhaoxin , Shi Neiyan , Liu Xiao , Wen Huan , Jiang Youwu , Cheng Yunjiang , Xu Juan , Zhang Hongyan
Published: August 2020

Background
Carotenoids and flavonoids are important secondary metabolites in plants, which exert multiple bioactivities and benefits to human health. Although the genes that encode carotenogenesis and flavonoids enzymes are well characterized, the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that are related to the pathway genes remain to be investigated. In this study, Cara cara navel orange fruit at four development stages were used to identify the key genes and TFs for carotenoids and flavonoids accumulation.
Results
In this study, Cara cara navel orange (CNO) was used to investigate the profiles of carotenoids and flavonoids by a combination of metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. The important stage for the accumulation of the major carotenoid, lycopene was found to be at 120 DAF (days after florescence). The transcripts of five carotenogenesis genes were highly correlated with lycopene contents, and 16, 40, 48, 24 and 18 transcription factors (TFs) were predicted to potentially bind their promoters, respectively. Narirutin was the most abundant flavonoid in the flesh at the early stages, 60 DAF was the most important stage for the accumulation of flavonoids, and 17, 22, 14, 25, 24 and 16 TFs could potentially bind their promoters, respectively. Furthermore, 15/15 candidate TFs might regulate at least three key genes and contribute to carotenoids/flavonoids accumulation in CNO fruit. Finally, a hierarchical model for the regulatory network among the pathway genes and TFs was proposed.
Conclusions
Collectively, our results suggest that DXS1, DXR, GGPPS2, PSY1 and LCYB genes were the most important genes for carotenoids accumulation, while PAL-1, PAL-4, 4CL-2, 4CL-5, CHS-1 and CHI for flavonoids biosynthesis. A total of 34 TFs were postulated as co-regulators in both pathways directly or indirectly, which might play important roles in carotenoids and flavonoids accumulation in CNO fruit.
Subtle Vertical Deviation in Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Hong Jie , Fu Jing , Ma Nan , Meng Zhaojun , Zhao Bowen , Chu Hang
Published: August 2020

Background：To detect the subtle vertical deviation in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) by using prism and alternate cover test, synoptophore and perceptual eye position (PEP) test. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted of 104 IXT patients and 128 controls. A detailed ophthalmic examination was conducted on each participant. Eye position was evaluated by prism and alternate cover test, synoptophore and PEP test. Stereoacuity was measured by the Randot stereoacuity test for both near and medium distances. Results: The abnormality ratio of subtle vertical deviation was significantly higher as measured by the PEP test than by synoptophore, prism and alternate cover test (PEP: 47.12%, synoptophore: 2.88%, prism and alternate cover test: 1.92%, 𝑃< 0.001). Furthermore, medium distance and near stereopsis were better in patients with normal vertical eye position than those with abnormal vertical eye position (P = 0.004 and P=0.017, respectively). No statistic differences were found between two groups both in near and far horizontal deviation measured by prism and alternate cover test (P=0.527, P=0.376). There were no significant differences in age, interocular difference in spherical equivalent (SE) between two groups (P=0.186 and P=0.117, respectively). Conclusions: An abnormal subtle vertical deviation is detected by PEP test in some patients with IXT, which is difficult to be measured by prism and alternate cover test, synoptophore. The stereoacuity is impaired by the abnormal subtle vertical deviation, rather than other factors such as age, horizontal deviation and anisometropia.
QTL Mapping for Growth-Related Traits by Constructing the First Genetic Linkage Map in Simao pine
Authors: Wang dawei , Shi chen , Li Siguang , Tang Hongyan , He Chenzhong , Cai Nianhui , Duan Anan , Gong Hede
Published: August 2020

Simao pine is one of primary economic tree species for resin and timber production in southwest China, the exploitation and utilization are constrained by relatively lacking the genetic information. Construction a fine genetic linkage map and detecting QTLs for growth-related traits is an important section in molecular breeding program for Simao Pine. In our study, a high-resolution Simao pine genetic map employing specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) with an F1 population has been constructed. There were 11,544 SNPs assigned to 12 linkage groups in the map, and the total length of the map was 2,062.85 cM with a mean distance of 0.37 cM between markers. According to the phenotypic variation analysis during three consecutive years, seventeen QTLs for four traits which including six for plant height (Dh.16.1, Dh16.2, Dh17.1, Dh18.1-3), five for basal diameter (Dbd.17.1-5), four for needle length (Dnl17.1-3, Dnl18.1) and two for needle diameter (Dnd17.1 and Dnd18.1) were identified. These QTLs individually explained phenotypic variance from 11.0-16.3 %, and the LOD value ranged from 2.52 to 3.87. The result in this study provide helpful information for genomic studies and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in Simao pine.
Cost-effectiveness of Out-of-Hospital Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Acute Respiratory Failure: Decision analytic modelling using data from a feasibility trial
Authors: Thokala Praveen , Fuller Gordon W , Keating Samuel , Herbert Esther , Rosser Andy , Gunson Imogen , Miller Joshua , Ward Matthew , Bradburn Mike , Marsh Maggie , Ren Kate
Published: August 2020

Background
Standard prehospital management for Acute respiratory failure (ARF) involves controlled oxygen therapy. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a potentially beneficial alternative treatment, however, it is uncertain whether this could improve outcomes and provide value for money. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of prehospital CPAP in ARF.
Methods
A cost-utility economic evaluation was performed using a probabilistic decision tree model synthesising available evidence. The model consisted of a hypothetical cohort of patients in a representative ambulance service with undifferentiated ARF, receiving standard oxygen therapy or prehospital CPAP. Costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated using methods recommended by NICE.
Results
In the base case analysis, using CPAP effectiveness estimates form the ACUTE trial, the mean expected costs of standard care and prehospital CPAP were £15,201 and £14,850 respectively and the corresponding mean expected QALYs were 1.190 and 1.128, respectively. The mean ICER estimated as standard oxygen therapy compared to prehospital CPAP was £5,685 per QALY which indicated that standard oxygen therapy strategy was likely to be cost-effective at a threshold of £20,000 per QALY (67% probability). The scenario analysis, using effectiveness estimates from an updated meta-analysis, suggested that prehospital CPAP was more effective (mean incremental QALYs of 0.157), but also more expensive (mean incremental costs of £1,522), than standard care. The mean ICER, estimated as prehospital CPAP compared to standard care, was £9,712 per QALY. At the £20,000 per QALY prehospital CPAP was highly likely to be the most cost-effective strategy (94%).
Conclusions
Cost-effectiveness of prehospital CPAP depends upon the estimate of effectiveness. When based on a small pragmatic feasibility trial, standard oxygen therapy is cost-effective. When based on meta-analysis of heterogeneous trials, CPAP is cost-effective. Value of information analyses support commissioning of a large pragmatic effectiveness trial, providing feasibility and plausibility conditions are met.
A Potential Role for Insulin Treatment During Pregnancy in Reducing Postpartum Psychological Distress in Maternal Obesity: An Administrative Population Health Study
Authors: Jarmasz Jessica Stawski , ANDERSON Alexandrea , Bock Margaret E. , Jin Yan , Cattini Peter A. , Ruth Chelsea
Published: August 2020

Background: Obesity in pregnancy carries significant risks on mother and child. Studies have found an association between obesity and increased risk for peripartum depression, which has also been linked to decreased placental lactogen levels. In addition, women with obesity treated for gestational diabetes with insulin were found to have increased levels of placental lactogen. Treatment options exist for perinatal and postpartum depression however, they pose a risk to the developing offspring. Thus, prevention as well as markers for early identification of peripartum depression are needed. Methods: Administrative health data (2002/03-2018/19) housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy were used to identify the association between insulin treatment in pregnancy and the risk of postpartum psychological distress (abbreviated here as PPD). This was effectuated in a cohort of women (age 15+ years) who gave birth (N=250,746) and had no pre-existing mood/anxiety disorders or diabetes (N=222,863 excluded). Women were then divided into two groups: lean (N=17,975) and with obesity (N=9,908), which was identified by a recorded maternal weight of >38 - <65.6 kg and ≥85 - <186 kg (respectively). The risk of PPD within one year after delivery with and without insulin treatment was assessed by Poisson regression analysis. Models were adjusted for maternal age group (at pregnancy start date) and area-level income (at delivery). Results: The unadjusted risk of PPD was higher in the obesity group (8.56%; 95% CI 8.00 - 9.15) than in the lean group (6.93%; 95% CI 6.56 - 7.33). When no insulin treatment was given during pregnancy, mothers with obesity had a significantly higher risk of PPD than the lean group (aRR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17-1.39; p<0.0001). However, when women with obesity and insulin treatment were compared to the lean group with no insulin treatment, no significant difference in the risk of PPD was observed between the groups (aRR 1.30; 95% CI 0.83-2.02; p=0.248). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate a positive association between insulin treatment in pregnancy among women with obesity and reduced PPD rates, suggesting insulin as a preventative measure, and further supporting placental lactogen levels as a potential marker for early identification.
A GPU Based Multidimensional Amplitude Analysis to Search for Tetraquark Candidates
Authors: Sur Nairit , Cristella Leonardo , Florio Adriano Di , Mastrapasqua Vincenzo
Published: August 2020

The demand for computational resources is steadily increasing in experimental high energy physics as the current collider experiments continue to accumulate huge amounts of data while physicists indulge in more complex and ambitious analysis strategies. This is especially true in the fields of hadron spectroscopy and flavour physics where the analyses often depend on complex multidimensional unbinned maximum-likelihood fits, with several dozens of free parameters, with the aim to study the quark structure of hadrons.
Graphics processing units (GPUs) represent one of the most sophisticated and versatile parallel computing architectures that are becoming popular toolkits for high energy physicists to meet their computational demands. GooFit is an upcoming open-source tool interfacing ROOT/RooFit to the CUDA platform on NVIDIA GPUs that acts as a bridge between the MINUIT minimization algorithm and a parallel processor, allowing probability density functions to be estimated on multiple cores simultaneously.
In this article, a full-fledged amplitude analysis framework developed using GooFit is tested for its speed and reliability. The four-dimensional fitter framework, one of the firsts of its kind to be built on GooFit, is geared towards the search for exotic tetraquark states in the [[EQUATION]] decays that can also be seamlessly adapted for other similar analyses. The GooFit fitter running on GPUs shows a remarkable speed-up in the computing performance when compared to a ROOT/RooFit implementation of the same, running on multicore CPU clusters. Furthermore, it shows sensitivity to components with small contributions to the overall fit. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for sensitive and computationally intensive physics analyses.
The role of Intermediate Respiratory Care Units in preventing ICU collapse during the COVID pandemic.
Authors: Heili Sarah , Miguel María del Pilar Carballosa de , Prieto Alba Naya , Ormaechea Itziar Fernández , blas Farah Ezzine de , Yeste Pablo López , Hierro Francisco Jos Laso del , Pérez Ainhoa Izquierdo , Choukri Marwan Mohamed , Mayoral Herminia Ortiz , Debek Abdulkader El Hachem , Velando Andrés Giménez , Guzmán Marcel José Rodriguez , Pastor Elena Cabezas , Minguez Pablo , Fernández Ignacio Mahillo , González Antonio Herrero , Fuente Lorena De La , Hiscock Luis Jiménez , Vizuete Sandra Pelícano , Fernández Rebeca Armenta , Venegas María José Checa , Romero Germán Peces-Barba
Published: August 2020

Introduction : There is limited information describing features and outcomes of patients requiring Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit (IRCU) hospitalization for COVID19 disease and as of yet, no mechanical or medical treatments have clearly demonstrated efficacy in IRCU. Methods : Demographics and clinical variables on admission, as well as medical and mechanical therapeutic interventions, were extracted from Electronic Clinical Records in 274 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients attending a third level hospital IRCU. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, variables that best discriminated mortality were obtained. Principal components analysis and a neural network (NN) algorithm were applied. Results : In relation to respiratory support, high-flow oxygen therapy and weaning procedures were associated with survival as were CPAP and non-invasive ventilation with low levels of support among the most severely affected. The IRCU achieved a survival rate of 87.6%, avoided 178 ICU admissions, successfully referred 35% to the ICU, and of these, 94% later survived the weaning phase. Higher mortality incidence was associated with cardiac and respiratory diseases and fever, heart rhythm and blood pressure disturbances. Following analysis of specific therapeutic options Corticoids and Anticoagulants were associated with better outcomes. Conclusions : The IRCU prevented the collapse of the ICU, allowed for recovered ICU patients to be quickly released from their unit, thus freeing up critical care beds and permitting them to function more effectively and in terms of mortality, achieved good results, that did not worsen due to a possible delay in intubation. In addition, we have generated an open-access NN capable of identifying severity predictors of SARS-CoV-2.
Evaluation of Drug Dose Calculation Ability of Nursing Students: An Interventional Study
Authors: Sarraf Deependra Prasad , Karn Basant Kumar , Shrestha Erina
Published: August 2020

Background: Incorrect drug dose calculations by nursing students can cause drug errors and harm patients. Their ability to calculate the correct dosage of drugs consistently need to be evaluated regularly. The objective of the study was to evaluate the drug dose calculation ability of nursing students.Methods: A pre-post interventional study was conducted among 99 undergraduate nursing students studying in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year. Pre-test was conducted using a 20-item self-administered questionnaire on drug dose calculation test followed by a 30 minute lecture on the methods of drug dose calculation. Post-test was conducted using the same questionnaire after a washout period of six weeks. Mean score, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were calculated. Student t test, one way ANOVA and McNemar Test were used for statistical analysis using SPSS version 11.5 at P-value of 0.05.Results: Pre-test and post-test mean score were 10.59 ± 3.00 and 15.36 ± 2.46 respectively. There was 45.04% increase in mean score in the post-test after the intervention and it was statistically significant (P-value < 0.05). None of students scored more than 90% of mastery level in the pretest and 42 students (42.4%) scored more than 90% of mastery level in the post-test. The mean score was highest for third year students in both pre-test and post-test; however, it was statistically not significant (P-value > 0.05).Conclusions: Drug dose calculation ability of the students was poor in the pre-test and it significantly improved after the intervention. The study findings highlight the need for regular continuing mathematical and drug dose calculation practice among the students.
Novel kind of decagonal ordering in Al74Cr15Fe11
Authors: Ma Haikun , He Zhanbing , Li Hua , Zhang Tiantian , Zhang Shuang , Dong Chuang , Steurer Walter
Published: August 2020

A high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) study of the intermetallic compound Al74Cr15Fe11 reveals a novel kind of aperiodic order. In contrast to the common quasi-unit-cells based on Gummelt decagons, the present structure is related to a covering formed by Andritz decagons, which can also be described by a Hexagon-Bowtie (HB) tiling. This is the first observation of a decagonal quasicrystal with a structure significantly differing from the ones known so far.
Analysis of Mitochondrial D-Loop Cloning Sequence Variations in Yak (Bos Grunniens)
Authors: Bo Liu , Lu Xingwang , Wang Haiqing , Tao Xiaoyan , Yang Qien , Dou Quanwen
Published: August 2020

Background: Yaks (Bos grunniens) are a livestock species that is highly adapted to the extremely conditions of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Heteroplasmy and nuclear-mitochondrial DNA have been reported in many species, but are still unknown in yaks. The diversity of D-loop sequences, derived from the sequencing of PCR products, provides widely-used maternal DNA markers for the study of yak population and biology. D-loop variations were examined by sequencing the mono clones of the PCR products from individuals, and a comparative analysis with other documented PCR-product based sequences was conducted.Results: Twenty-two and 27 variants were detected in 25 and 38 clones in two different yak individuals, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis in each demonstrated that variants could be grouped into two distinct major clades individual. Analysis of the D-loop sequences of domesticated yaks and wild yaks (Bos grunniens mutus) from the gene bank, which were originally obtained by sequencing of the PCR products, also revealed the two distinct clades. Integrative analysis of all the above variants indicated two major distinct clades, consistent with the respective analysis. One common variant was revealed to be shared by the differently sourced sequences. Furthermore, consensus comparison of all clone sequences revealed 13 differential sites between the two major clades, which are still strongly conserved in sequences from the gene bank. A few recombination events were detected between individual variants, and the supposed recombinants displayed distinct phylogenetic divergence from those in the same clade. Conclusion: Highly varied D-loop sequences were detected in the individual yaks. The detected variants were clustered into two deeply divergent clades as the haplotypes reported by other researchers employing PCR-product based D-loop sequences. This suggests either or both of heteroplasmy and nuclear-mitochondrial DNA in yaks, and also emphasizes the need for reconsidering D-loop sequences as haploid and matrilineal markers for phylogenetic analysis in yaks.
Epstein–Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Im Jae Hyoung , Lee Jin-Soo , Kwon Hea Yoon , Chung Moon-Hyun , Baek JiHyeon
Published: August 2020

BackgroundSince first report of COVID-19 in December 2019, it has spread to a pandemic, making many deaths. Dysfunction of immune function is considered as one of the reasons for high mortality. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in severe patients is thought to be related to immune dysfunction but is not yet known in COVID-19. MethodsWe conducted EBV and CMV real-time PCR confirmed patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospitals.ResultsOf the 61 COVID-19 patients, nine EBV and two CMV viremia were found. The group with EBV viremia had a higher probability of progressing to severe COVID-19 infection than the group without, but it was not statistically significant. One out of two people with CMV viremia died and one survived after Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation use. ConclusionsOur study suggests immune dysfunction in COVID-19, and further research is needed on the role of EBV/CMV in COVID-19.
KDM4 Orchestrates Epigenomic Remodeling of Senescent Cells and Potentiates the Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype
Authors: Zhang Boyi , Long Qilai , Wu Shanshan , Song Shuling , Xu Qixia , Han Liu , Qian Min , Ren Xiaohui , Jiang Jing , Fu Qiang , Guo Jianming , Zhang Xiaoling , Chang Xing , Lam Eric , Campisi Judith , Kirkland James , Sun Yu
Published: August 2020

Cellular senescence restrains the expansion of neoplastic cells through several layers of regulation, including epigenetic decoration of chromatin structure and functional modulation of bioactive components. Here we report that expression of the histone H3-specific demethylase KDM4 is upregulated in human stromal cells upon cellular senescence. In clinical oncology, upregulated KDM4 and diminished H3K9/H3K36 methylation are correlated with adverse survival of cancer patients post-chemotherapy. Global chromatin accessibility mapping via ATAC-seq and expression profiling through RNA-seq reveal extensive reorganization of chromosomes and spatiotemporal reprogramming of the transcriptomic landscape, events responsible for development of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Selectively targeting KDM4 dampens the SASP of senescent stromal cells and enhances the apoptotic index of cancer cells in the treatment-damaged tumor microenvironment (TME), together prolonging overall survival of experimental animals. Our study supports the dynamic change of H3K9/H3K36 methylation marks during cellular senescence, identifies an unusually permissive chromatin state, unmasks KDM4 as a key modulator of the SASP, and presents a novel therapeutic avenue to manipulate cellular senescence and curtail age-related pathologies.
Epidemiology of Injury Among School-Going Adolescents in Ghana: Evidence From the Global School-Based Students Health Survey
Authors: Essien Samuel Kwaku , Chireh Batholomew , Melese Kidest Getu
Published: August 2020

Background: Unintentional injuries are a serious global public health problem and the second leading cause of death among adolescents age between 10-19 years. It is also the least researched in most low-income countries and Ghana in particular. This study aims to provide estimates of the prevalence, causes, and associated risk factors of unintentional injuries among school-going adolescents in Ghana.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey conducted in 2012 (N=3632). A two-stage cluster probability sampling technique was employed to select a representative sample of Junior and Senior High School students in ten administrative regions of the country. Cross tabulations and chi-square tests were used to provide estimates of prevalence, frequency, and causes of injuries. In the multivariable stage, a multiple logistic regression based on SAS 9.4 survey logistic modeling procedure was conducted to examine the association between unintentional injuries with explanatory variables. The final adjusted model was assessed using a significant level of (p<0.05).Results: In this study, 40.96% (1488) of school-aged adolescents reported having experienced an unintentional injury. Of these injuries, 64.5% occurred at home, while the least occurred via traffic (15.0%). The frequency of injury did not differ between boys and girls (P=0.368), but significantly higher in adolescents aged ≤17 than in those ≥ 18 years (P<0.001). Also, injuries were significantly higher in junior high school than in senior high school adolescents. Age, physical activity, sleeping problems, and loneliness were found to be the significant risk factors associated with unintentional injury among adolescents.Conclusion: Prevalence of unintentional injuries were widespread among adolescents in Ghana. Prompt prevention of these injuries among adolescents should be a public health priority. Preventive strategies in schools and homes should be enhanced. Injury preventive measures should emphasize on adolescents. Treatment options should be made available to adolescents struggling with a sleeping problem, loneliness, and those with accidents in physical activity.
Possible associations between callers’ degree-of-worry and their socioeconomic status when contacting out-of-hours services: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gamst-Jensen Hejdi , Thilsted Sita LeBlanc , Folke Fredrik , Tolstrup Janne S. , Thygesen Lau Caspar
Published: August 2020

Background:Telephone triage within out-of-hours (OOH) services aims to ascertain the urgency of a caller’s medical condition in order to determine the correct type of health care needed, ensuring patient safety. To improve the triage process by increasing patient‐centred communication, a triage tool has been developed, whereby callers are asked to rate their degree-of-worry (DOW) as a measure of self-evaluated urgency. Studies show that low socioeconomic status (SES), being single and non-Western ethnicity are associated to low self-rated health and morbidity and these factors may also be associated with high DOW. The aim of this paper was to examine if low SES, being single and non-Western ethnicity were associated to high DOW of callers contacting OOH services. Methods: A prospective cohort study design, at the OOH services for the Capital Region of Denmark. Over two weeks, 6,869 of 38,787 callers met the inclusion criteria: ³18 years, patients themselves or close relative/friend, reported DOW, had a valid personal identification number and gave informed consent. Callers were asked to report their DOW (1=minimal worry to 5=maximal worry), which was dichotomized into low (1-3) and high (4-5) DOW and linked to data from electronical medical records and Statistics Denmark. Socioeconomic factors (education and annual household income), marital status and ethnicity were assessed in relation to DOW by logistic regression.Results: High DOW was reported by 38.2% of the participants. Low SES (low educational level; OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.7 and low annual household income; 1.5, 1.3-1.6) was associated with high DOW and so too was being single; 1.2, 1.1-1.3 and of non-Western ethnicity; 2.9, 2.5-3.4.Conclusions: Knowledge of the association of low SES, marital status as single and non-Western ethnicity with high DOW among callers to OOH services may give call handlers a better understanding of callers’ DOW. If this does not correspond to the call handler’s perception of urgency, this knowledge may further encourage patient-centred communication, aid the triage process and increase patient safety. A better understanding of socioeconomic variables and their relation to callers’ DOW gives direction for future research to improve telephone triage of OOH services.
Employment anxiety and its relationship with student nurse interns’ social support and job-seeking efficacy : a path analysis
Authors: feng Yi qi , Zhang Cuijiao , Yang Guoli , Qi Mengying , Kaminga Atipatsa , Huang Hui , Yan Jin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study was intended to explore the relationship of employment anxiety with student nurse interns’ social support and job-seeking efficacy.
Method:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from three tertiary hospitals in Hunan Province, China.Student nurse interns were recruited conveniently from March to May 2020, to complete a questionnaire, which included demographic information, occupation anxiety of college students, job-seeking efficacy of college students, and social support scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics, while Pearson's correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship specified in the purpose of this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine factors that influenced employment anxiety of student nurse interns, and then these factors were included in a path analysis model.
Results

A total of 560 student nurse interns were issued questionnaires but only 534 questionnaires were completed. Finally, 494 valid questionnaires were included for analysis. The average ± SD total score of employment anxiety was 71.49±17.28, where SD denotes standard deviation. Job-seeking efficacy, social support, priority factors for finding a job and having received employment training had both direct and indirect impact on employment anxiety. Social support and having received employment training imposed indirect influence on employment anxiety by the intermediate variable of job-seeking efficacy.
Conclusion

The results showed that student nurse interns had a higher level of employment anxiety, which was mostly influenced by job-seeking efficacy followed by social support, and then priority factors for finding a job. Therefore, these results may suggest that nurse educators and managers should consider in strengthening the provision of social and psychological support to student nurse interns, in order to improve their job-seeking efficacy so as to alleviate their employment anxiety.
Advantages and Disadvantages of His-Tagged Beta-Galactosidase
Authors: Flores Sandra S. , Clop Pedro D. , Barra José L. , Argaraña Carlos , Perillo María A. , Nolan Verónica , Sanchez Julieta M.
Published: August 2020

β-Galactosidase is one of the most important biotechnological enzyme used in the dairy industry, pharmacology and in molecular biology. In our laboratory we have overexpressed a recombinant β-galactosidase in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This enzyme differs from its native version (β-GalWT) in that 6 histidine residues have been added to the carboxyl terminus in the primary sequence (β-GalHis), which allows its purification by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). In this work we compared the functionality and structure of both proteins and evaluated their catalytic behavior on the kinetics of lactose hydrolysis. We observed a significant reduction in the enzymatic activity of β-GalHis with respect to β-GalWT. Although, both enzymes showed a similar catalytic profile as a function of temperature, β-GalHis presented a higher resistance to the thermal inactivation and evidenced greater half-life time compared to β-GalWT. At room temperature, β-GalHis showed a fluorescence spectrum compatible with a partially unstructured protein however, it exhibited a lower tendency to the thermal-induced unfolding with respect to β-GalWT. Analytical ultracentrifugation experiments demonstrated that the population of β-GalHis molecules exhibited a higher proportion of monomers and a lower proportion of tetrameric species with respect to the His-tag free protein. The impairment of tetramerization may would explain the negative effect of the presence of His-tag on the enzymatic activity. In addition, the present results, analyzed in the context of the available literature, suggest that the effect of the His-tag is protein-specific.
Blue LED causes cell death in human hepatoma by inducing DNA damage
Authors: He Mingyu , Li Guanghui , He Xiaoqi , Wang Yang , Lei Hong , Wang Quan , Yan Gege , Gong Rui , Liu Guoxin , Li Tao , Cai Benzhi , Li Linqiang , Yuan Ye
Published: August 2020

Phototherapies, including sunlight, infrared, ultraviolet, visible and laser, parts of which present high curative effect, small invasion, and negligible adverse reactions in cancer treatment. Here we aimed to explore the potential therapeutical effects of blue LED in hepatoma cell and decipher the underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms. We demonstrated that the irradiation of blue LED light in hepatoma cell could lead to cell proliferation reduction along with the cell apoptosis increase. Simultaneously, blue LED irradiation also markedly suppressed the migration and invasion ability of hepatoma cells. Sphere formation analysis further revealed the decreased stemness of hepatoma cell under the treatment of blue LED irradiation. In addition, blue LED irradiation significantly promoted the expression of γ-H2AX, a sensitive molecular marker of DNA damage. Collectively, we demonstrated that blue LED irradiation exhibited anti-tumor effects on liver cancer by inducing DNA damage, representing a potential approach for human hepatoma treatment.
Validation of a QTL for Grain Size and Weight Using an Introgression Line from a Cross Between Oryza Sativa and Oryza Minuta
Authors: Feng Yue , Yuan Xiaoping , Wang Yiping , Yang Yaolong , Zhang Mengchen , Yu Hanyong , Xu Qun , Wang Shan , Niu Xiaojun , Wei Xinghua
Published: August 2020

Background: Grain size and weight are important target traits determining grain yield and quality in rice. Wild rice species possess substantial elite genes that can be served as an important resource for genetic improvement of rice. In this study, we identify and validate a novel QTL on chromosome 7 affecting the grain size and weight using introgression lines from cross of Oryza sativa and Oryza minuta.Results: An introgression line ‘IL188’ has been achieved from a wild species Oryza minuta (2n = 48, BBCC, W303) into O. sativa japonica Nipponbare. The F2 and F2:3 populations derived from a cross between IL188 and Nipponbare were used to map QTLs for five grain size traits. A total of 12 QTLs for the five grain traits were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8. The QTL qGL7 on chromosome 7 was detected stably in the F2 and F2:3 populations, and explained 15.09-16.30% of the phenotypic variance. To validate the effect of qGL7, eight residual heterozygous line (RHL) populations were developed through selfing four F2:3 and four F2:4 plants with different heterozygous segments for the target region. By further developing SSR and Indel markers in the target interval, qGL7 was delimited to a ~261 kb region between Indel marker Y7-12 and SSR marker Y7-38, which also showed significant effects on grain width and thousand grain weight. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the glume's epidermal cells showed that the cell length and width of NIL-qGL7IL188 was higher than NIL-qGL7Nip, indicating that qGL7 increases grain size and weight by regulating cell expansion. Conclusions: In this study, we detected 12 QTLs regulating grain size and weight using an introgression line from a cross between an Oryza sativa and Oryza minuta. Of these loci, we confirmed and delimited the qGL7 to a ~261 kb region. These results provide a basis for map-based cloning of the qGL7 gene and useful information for marker assisted selection in rice grain quality improvement.
Grouping of Genomic Markers in Populations With Family Structure
Authors: Wittenburg Dörte , Doschoris Michael , Klosa Jan
Published: August 2020

Background : Linkage and linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genome regions cause dependencies among genomic markers. Due to family stratification in populations with non-random mating in livestock or crop, the standard measures of population LD such as $r^2$ may be biased. Grouping of markers according to their interdependence needs to account for the actual population structure in order to allow proper inference in genome-based evaluations. Methods : he derivation of the covariance between markers in a population consisting of half- or full-sib families is described: it requires a genetic map and haplotype information of the common parent(s). A strategy, available in the literature, for grouping of markers based on a measure of population LD has been adapted to account for the dependence between markers if family stratification is present. Groups are built depending on the strength of association between markers; largest groups are built at first. As an option, a representative marker is selected for each group. Results : We provide an implementation of the theoretical covariance between biallelic markers for half- or full-sib families and the calculation of representative markers. In case studies, we have shown that the number of groups comprising dependent markers was smaller and representative SNPs were spread more uniformly over the investigated chromosome region when the family stratification was respected compared to a population-LD approach. In a simulation study, we observed that sensitivity and specificity of a genome-based association study improved if selection of representative markers took family structure into account. Conclusions : We offer an R~package for calculating the pairwise dependence between markers when family stratification is present. Chromosome segments which frequently recombine in the underlying population can be identified from the matrix of pairwise dependence between markers. Furthermore, grouping of genomic markers according to their interdependence is available. Representative markers can be exploited, for instance, for dimension reduction prior to a genome-based association study or the grouping structure itself can be employed in a grouped penalization approach.
Effect of the Colombian Emergency Department Triage Policy on the timeliness of ED care and the mortality in patients with cerebrovascular attack: A controlled interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Vallejo Carlos Eduardo , Patiño-Lugo Daniel Felipe , Aguirre-Acevedo Daniel Camilo , Acosta Juan Pablo
Published: August 2020

Background: Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) is the second cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability in the world. In Colombia, there is a prevalence of 0.16% and a mortality rate of 16.82 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. This study assessed the Colombian Ministry of Health’s Emergency Department Triage Policy (TP) on the timeliness of hospital care, the mortality, and change in reperfusion therapy of patients with the first episode of an CVA in the Emergency Department (ED) of a hospital in the city of Medellín.Methods: A controlled interrupted time series analysis between January 2011 and November 2017 was performed in one emergency department using segmented regression analysis. The emergency department of other hospital was used as a control. Data were aggregated by month for both ED, including 60 pre-intervention and 23 intervention points.Results: No decrease in the timeliness of care in the ED was found in patients with a stroke after implementing the Colombian Ministry of Health’s TP (12.55 minutes, IC -17.07, 42.17; p: 0.4). The TP intervention produced a level change in the timeliness of care in Triage I and II subgroups, of 28.34 minutes (IC 95% 16.9, 39.79; p valor 0.00), there was no change in the trend. The classification of Triage I and II was more frequent in the post-intervention period. There was evidence of the increase in reperfusion therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) in 4% (95% CI – 0.08, - 0.01; p value 0.01). Mortality increased 4% in the post-intervention period without being statistically significant (0.04, IC 95% - 0.08 – 0; p valor 0.06). There were no significant changes in the same outcomes in the control group.Conclusions: The implementation of the triage policy allowed improving the timeliness of ED care only in patients with ischemic CVA classified as Triage I and II, in an Emergency Department in the city of Medellín, Colombia.