bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avian Leukosis Virus Subgroup J Infection Alters Viral Composition in the Chicken Gut
Authors: Chen Yuan , Li Hongwei , Cong Feng , Lian Yue-xiao
Published: May 2020

Background Chicken is one of the economically important poultry species. ALV-J has emerged as a serious cause of mortality and suboptimal performance of domestic chickens. The changes in the virome may contribute to pathogenesis. Thus, it is important to investigate the effects of ALV-J infection on the composition of virome in chicken.Results Our results indicated that the chicken gut virome contained a diverse range of viruses, and at the order, family, genus, and species levels, there was a significant difference in virome between the ALV-J-infected chickens and controls. The predominant order was Herpesvirales, accounting for more than 96% of the chicken gut virome. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Caudovirales in the controls was higher than that in the AVL-J-infected chickens. At the family level, the relative abundance of Herpesviridae, Myoviridae, Alloherpesviridae, and Genomoviridae was significantly altered in the AVL-J-infected chickens compared with the controls. Additionally, the relative abundance of 15 genera showed a significant difference between the AVL-J-infected chickens and controls. Interestingly, the relative abundance of 366 species showed significant differences between the AVL-J-infected chickens and controls.Conclusions Our results indicated that the chicken gut virome contained a diverse range of viruses from invertebrates, vertebrates, plants, and phages. Furthermore, at the order, family, and genus levels, AVL-J infection significantly altered the chicken gut virome composition. The results will increase our understanding of the viral diversity and the changes in chicken virome, with implications in chicken health.
Associations Between the NLRP3 and IL-1β Gene Polymorphisms and Gout Susceptibility
Authors: Rui Li , Chen Wujin , Ji Kun , Miao Lei , Zhang Bei , Kahaer Mayina , Shan Jiaoyu , Nuli Rebiya , Sun Yuping
Published: May 2020

Objective Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis which characteristics by joint and surrounding soft tissues pain with sudden onset,fever,redness and swelling,caused by the monosodium urate crystals deposited.Studies have demonstrated that genetic factors occupies a certain role in the pathogenesis of gout.Therefore,in our study we aimed to explore the associations between the NLRP3 and IL-1β gene polymorphisms and gout susceptibility,in order to provide experimental basis for the diagnosis and treatment of gout furtherly.Methods We selected 715 Han individuals as our research object which included 267 male gout patients and 448 male healthy controls.Recorded demographic informations and collected blood samples.Then measured biochemical indicators and extracted the genomic DNA.The genotypes of NLRP3 gene rs7525979,rs3806268 and rs10754558 loci and IL-1β gene rs16944,rs1143623 and rs1143634 loci were detected through polymerase chain reaction(PCR) amplification technique.All data were analysised used Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0(SPSS 23.0) software.Results The distribution of genotype and allele frequency were significant differences in gout patients and controls for rs3806268 of NLRP3 gene and rs1143634 of IL-1β gene(P༜0.05).NLRP3 gene rs3806268 loci AA genotype compared with GG genotype in additive model(OR = 0.58,95%CI:0.41–0.84) and AA genotype compared with GG + GA genotype in recessive model(OR = 0.61, 95%CI:0.44–0.85) and IL-1β gene rs1143634 loci AA + GA genotype compared with GG genotype in dominant model(OR = 0.45, 95%CI:0.24–0.84) could reduced the risk of gout.TC and LDL-C concentrations were significantly differences when gout patients were divided into AA + GA and GG genotype groups (P༜0.05).Conclusion There are some associations between rs3806268 of NLRP3 gene and rs1143634 of IL-1β gene and gout susceptibility.Rs3806268 and rs1143634 loci variants may be the protect factors of gout.
Assessment of the Learning Curve of Supercapsular Percutaneously-assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty in an Asian Population
Authors: Lei Pengfei , Liao Zhan , Peng Jiang , Li Guang , Zhou Qian , Xiao Xiao , Yang Chunhua
Published: May 2020

Background: The supercapsularpercutaneously-assisted total hip (SuperPATH) approach is a micro-invasive approach that was developed to minimize surgical disruption of soft-tissue during routine total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to assess early outcomes and learning curves of the SuperPATHapproachin one Chinese hospital’s experience.Methods: Early outcomes of the first consecutive 78SuperPATH cases (80 hips) performed by same surgeon were evaluated. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the surgical order. The incision, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, Harris hip score and complications occurrence in each group were evaluated. Learning curves were assessed using operative time and intraoperative blood loss as surrogates.Results:The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of group A and B was more than that of group C and D, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), however there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (group A vs. group B, P=0.426; group A vs. group B, P=0.426).There was no statistically significant difference in terms of incision length and hospital stay and Harris hip score at the last follow-up was increased with statistically significant difference when compared with that of preoperative among the 4 groups. One case of periprosthetic fracture occurred in group A. No other complication, such as joint dislocation, sciatic nerve injury, prosthesis loosening, periprosthetic infection and deep vein thromboembolism, occurred in 4 groups.Conclusion:In summary, for surgeons who familiar with the standard posterolateral approach, they could achieve more familiar with SuperPATH after 40 case of surgery.
CA9 is an important molecular marker for the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients
Authors: Chen Jiguang , Wang Jian , Wang An , Yu Jiangming
Published: May 2020

Background

As a common malignant bone tumor, osteosarcoma (OS) progresses rapidly and recurs easily. This study is aimed to build a risk score system for OS patients.
Methods

From The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases, the RNA-seq data of OS (the training set) and GSE39055 (the validation sets) separately were obtained. Combined with limma package, the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) between recurrence and non-recurrence groups were analyzed. After the RNAs correlated with independent prognosis were screened using survival package, risk score systems were constructed and the optimal one was selected. For the independent clinical prognostic factors identified by survival package, stratification analysis was conducted. Using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, pathways were enriched for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low risk groups.
Results

For recurrence and non-recurrence groups, 319 DE-mRNAs and 14 DE-lncRNAs were identified. Subsequently, 10 DE-mRNAs (including ALDH1A1, CA9, GMDS, LCMT2, LRRC75A, METTL1, RAB29, TADA2B, TDRD7, and TIGD2) and eight DE-lncRNAs were found to be correlated with independent prognosis. From the four risk score systems, the mRNA expression status-based risk score system was selected as the optimal one. Among the three independent clinical prognostic factors, age and recurrence were significantly related to overall survival in high risk group. Additionally, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were enriched for the DEGs between high and low risk groups.
Conclusion

The mRNA expression status-based risk score system might be devoted to predict the prognosis of OS patients.
Effectiveness of electroacupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence in patients with spinal cord injury: a protocol of systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Tian-shu , Wang Zeng-mian , Song Wei-dong , Tang Zhao-chen , Zhao Yu
Published: May 2020

Background The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods All potential studies will be retrieved from the electronic databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CBM, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from origin of each database up to January 31, 2020. Additionally, we will check other resources, such as Google scholar, dissertations, conference proceedings, and reference lists of included studies. No language and publication date limitations will be considered in the literature resources search. All randomized controlled trials using EA for the treatment of UI in patients with SCI will be included. Two independent investigators will perform study selection, data extraction and study quality assessment. If any conflicts occur, we will invite a third investigator to solve them. Cochrane risk of bias will be used for study quality assessment, and RevMan 5.3 software will be employed for statistical analysis. Discussion This study will summarize the most recent evidence to assess the effectiveness and safety of EA for the treatment of UI in patients with SCI. The results of this study will provide helpful evidence to determine whether EA is effective and safety for the treatment of UI in patients with SCI or not.
Brain Connectivity and Behaviour in Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Gumus Melisa , Santos Alexandra , Tartaglia Maria Carmela
Published: May 2020

Background

About 10-15% of patients experience persistent symptoms 3-months post-concussion, referred to as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). There are no biomarkers for detecting this condition, but advanced neuroimaging tools such as Diffusion Tensor/Weighted Imaging (DTI/DWI) or functional MRI (fMRI) can detect subtle changes in the integrity of white matter tracts or brain activity, respectively.

Methods

This study protocol presents search strategies for a scoping review that provides an overview of the studies that assessed both alterations of structural and/or functional connectivity and cognitive/neuropsychiatric outcomes in PCS.

Discussion

A better understanding of the brain-behaviour relationships in PCS can lead to improved diagnosis of this condition. Scoping Review Protocol Registration: osf.io/sqt7d
The benefits of smoking cessation on survival in cancer patients by integrative analysis of multi-omics data
Authors: Yang Sheng , Liu Tong , Liang Geyu
Published: May 2020

Background: Few studies have examined the association between smoking cessation at the time of diagnosis and overall survival among cancer patients. We aimed to assess the benefits of quitting smoking on prognosis.Methods: We obtained cohorts of smoking-related cancer patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate smoking behavior at cancer diagnosis (reformed smokers vs. current smokers) in association with overall survival using age and multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions analysis. Comprehensive analysis of multi-component data was carried out to determine the genetic and epigenetic landscape differences and their effects on the differential expression genes (DEGs) between reformed smokers and current smokers. The smoking signature was constructed using univariate Cox regression and LASSO-Cox regression model.Results: According to the multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions analysis, quitting smoking was the independent protective factor for overall survival in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) (HR=0.67, 95%CI=0.48-0.94). A total of 85 key DEGs were found to be affected by different modes of genetic and epigenetic regulation, which might represent key drivers in smokers. At last, we provided the smoking signature which could predict prognosis with high power (HR=1.70, 95% CI=1.19-2.43, AUC= 0.65, 0.67 and 0.70 for 2, 3 and 5-year survival, respectively). The smoking signature was also applicable in other smoking-related cancers, including bladder urothelial carcinoma (HR=1.70, 95% CI=1.01-2.88), cervical carcinoma (HR=5.69, 95% CI=1.37-23.69), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HR=1.97, 95% CI=1.41-2.76), lung adenocarcinoma (HR=1.73, 95% CI=1.16-2.57), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (HR=4.28, 95% CI=1.47-12.47).Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that quitting smoking at diagnosis decreased risk of death in cancer patients. We also provided the smoking signature to evaluate the true effect of smoking, suggesting that smoking cessation could be a part of cancer treatment to improve the survival rate of cancer patients.
Overexpression of sperm associated antigen 5 promotes cell growth, metastasis, and adriamycin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Yan , Zhang Fang bin , Yi Qiao li , Zhou Kun
Published: May 2020

Background: Esophageal cancer (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system. This study aims to explore the effects of sperm associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) on cell growth, metastasis, and azithromycin resistance in esophagus cancer and its molecular mechanism.Methods: The DEGs were obtained from GSE92396, GSE17351, and GSE9982 datasets about ESCC. The PPI network was constructed using the STRING database and was visualized using Cytoscape software. The cytohubba plug-in of Cytoscape software was used to identify the hub genes of the PPI network. The DEGs were used to perform GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis using the DAVID database. Statistical analysis was performed to test the clinical and prognostic significance of SPAG5. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected using CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, transwell and scratch-wound assays. The expression of related genes was detected by qRT-PCR, western blot and IHC assays. The oncogenicity of SPAG5 in ESCC cells was determined using the nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment.Results: Ninety-three overlapping genes from the DEGs were used to construct the PPI network, and mainly enriched in BP, CC, and MF terms. COX regression analysis of OS showed that SPAG5 expression and pN category were correlated with OS. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that SPAG5 was an independent prognostic factor for OS in ESCC. The ROC curve analysis showed the AUC of SPAG5 was 0.74. Multiple logistic regression showed that SPAG5 were subsequently identified as an independent risk factor associated with OS. SPAG5 overexpression was detected in ESCC tissues and cell lines, and improved cell proliferation. SPAG5 knockdown reduced cell growth and metastasis and promoted its apoptosis. The functions of SPAG5 overexpression promoting ESCC cell growth and affecting cleaved caspase-3, Ki67, VEGF, and MMP-2/-9 expression were reversed by PI3K/AKT inhibitor. SPAG5 overexpression enhanced resistance to ADM in EC9706 and Eca109 cells and it was closely related to the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Conclusion: The overexpression of SPAG5 was an independent good prognostic factor and promoted the proliferation, invasion, migration, and ADM resistance, and inhibited the apoptosis via activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ESCC.
Drug-drug interactions associated with adverse clinical outcomes and abnormal laboratory findings in patients with malaria
Authors: Noor Sidra , Ismail Mohammad , Khadim Faiza
Published: May 2020

Background: Hospitalized patients with malaria often present with comorbidities or associated complications for which a variety of drugs are prescribed. Multiple drug therapy often leads to drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Therefore, we investigated the prevalence, levels, risk factors, clinical relevance, and monitoring parameters/management guidelines of potential DDIs (pDDIs) among inpatients with malaria.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out at multiple hospital settings. A total of 398 patients’ profiles were evaluated for pDDIs using the Micromedex Drug-Reax ® . Odds ratios were calculated to identify the strength of association between presence of DDIs and potential risk factors via logistic regression analysis. Further, the clinical relevance of frequent pDDIs was investigated.
Results: Of 398 patients, pDDIs were observed in 37.2% patients, while major-pDDIs in 19.3% patients. Total 325 interaction were found, of which 45.5% were of major- and 34.5% moderate-severity. Patients with the most common pDDIs were found with signs/symptoms and abnormalities in laboratory findings representing nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, QT interval prolongation, and reduced therapeutic efficacy . The adverse events were more common in patients prescribed with the higher doses of interacting drugs. Multivariate regression analysis showed statistically significant association of pDDIs with 5-6 prescribed medicines (p=0.01), >6 prescribed medicines (p<0.001), >5 days of hospital stay (p=0.03), and diabetes mellitus (p=0.04).
Conclusions: PDDIs are commonly observed in patients with malaria. Healthcare professional’s knowledge about the most common pDDIs could help in preventing pDDIs and their associated negative effects. Pertinent clinical parameters, such as laboratory findings and signs/symptoms need to be checked, particularly in patients with polypharmacy, longer hospital stay, and diabetes mellitus.
Healthcare disparities in cardio oncology: patients receive same level of surveillance regardless of race at a safety net hospital
Authors: Chen Crystal , Dalsania Raj , Hamad Eman A
Published: May 2020

Background: Cardiotoxicity remains a dreaded complication for patients undergoing chemotherapy with human epidermal growth factor (HER)-2 receptor antagonists and anthracyclines. Though many studies have looked at racial disparities in heart failure patients, minimal data is present for the cardio-oncology population. Methods: We queried the echocardiogram database at a safety net hospital, defined by a high proportion of patients with Medicaid or no insurance, for patients who received HER2 receptor antagonists and/or anthracyclines from January 2016 to December 2018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes were collected. Based on US census data in 2019, home ZIP codes were used to group patients into quartiles based on median annual household income. The primary end point studied was referral rate to cardiology for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Results: We identified 151 patients who had echocardiograms and also underwent treatment with HER2 receptor antagonists and/or anthracyclines, of which 70 (46.4%) were referred to the cardio-oncology program at our institution. Basic demographics were similar, but white patients were more likely to live in ZIP codes with higher income quartiles (p<0.00001). Comparing between racial groups, there was no statistical difference in the percentage of patients that had a reduction in ejection fraction (EF) (p=0.78). There was no statistical difference between racial groups in the number of cardiology or oncology appointments attended, number of appointments cancelled, or average number of echocardiograms received. A logistic regression model was created using race, age, gender, insurance, income quartile by home ZIP code, cardiomyopathy risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, family history, age >65), cancer type, cancer stage, and chemotherapy. This model found that there was an increased referral rate among patients from higher income quartiles (p=0.004), patients with a history of hypertension (p=0.0001), and patients with breast cancer (p=0.04). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that patients of our cardio-oncology population at a safety net hospital receive the same level of surveillance and treatment, and develop drop in ejection fraction at similar rates regardless of their race. However, patients that reside in ZIP codes associated with higher income quartiles do trend towards increased referrals.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates pulmonary edema through epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) via the PI3K/Akt/Nedd4-2 pathway in LPS- induced acute lung injury
Authors: Jiang Yuanxu , Xu jing , Huang Qiang , Yang Wenjie , Xia Mingzhu , Zhang Xueping
Published: May 2020

Background: Pulmonary edema is a hallmark in acute lung injury(ALI). Researchers have also revealed that dexmedetomidine (Dex) alleviate pulmonary edema following ALI, but the mechanism is unclear.The alveolar epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) plays an important role in reducing pulmonary edema. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of Dex on ENaC in modulating AFC and its mechanism.
Methods: LipopolysacchAride (LPS) was used to induce ALI in rat and alveolar epithelial cell injury in A549 cell. The rats were randomly allotted into the following groups: control, LPS, LPS+Dex, LPS+Dex+LY294002 (n = 6 per group). In vitro, cells (1×10 6 cells/cm 2 ) were subcultured in six-well plates, then cells were allotted into the following groups: control, LPS, LPS+Dex, LPS+Dex+LY294002.
Results: In vivo, Dex markedly reduced pulmonary edema induced by LPS through promoting AFC.Moreover, Dex prevented LPS-induced downregulation of α-, β- and γ-ENaC expression. In A549 cells stimulated with LPS, Dex attanuated LPS-mediated cell injury and the downregulation of α-, β- and γ-ENaC expression. Howere, all of which was blocked by PI3K inhibitor LY294002,suggesting that the protective role of Dex is PI3K dependent. Additionaly, Dex increases the expression of phosphorylated Akt and reduces the expression of Need4-2 in vivo and vitro, while the LY294002 reverses the effect of Dex, indicating that Dex activates the PI3K/Akt/Nedd4-2 signaling pathway.
C onclusio ns: Dex alleviates pulmonary edema by promoting AFC, and the mechanism is partly related to up-regulation of ENaC expression via PI3K/Akt/Nedd4-2 signaling pathway.
Teladorsagia Circumcincta Beta Tubulin: The Presence of the E198L Polymorphism on Its Own is Associated with Benzimidazole Resistance
Authors: Valladares María Martínez , Valderas-García Elora , Gandasegui Javier , Skuce Philip , Morrison Alison , de Agüero Verónica Castilla Gómez , Cambra-Pellejà Maria , Balaña-Fouce Rafael , Vázquez Francisco A. Rojo
Published: May 2020

Background: Benzimidazole resistance is associated with isotype-1 β-tubulin gene F200Y, E198A and F167Y SNPs. In this study, the recently described polymorphism E198L was reported and analysed in Teladorsagia circumcincta.Methods: The benzimidazole phenotypic resistance was measured by the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) and the Egg Hatch Test (EHT) using a discriminating dose in 39 sheep flocks. Around 1,000 larvae collected before and after treatment were used for DNA extraction. The resistant species identified in all flocks was T. circumcincta . The resistance alleles frequencies were measured for F200Y and E198A. A 371 bp fragment of the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene was analysed, including the three codons of interest, and a new pyrosequencing assay was designed for testing E198L. Results: The percentage of resistant flocks was 32% by FECRT or 26% by EHT, however F200Y and E198A SNPs were absent in T. circumcincta . The amplification a 371 bp fragment confirmed the absence of F167Y and F200Y in 6 resistant flocks. Regarding codon 198, all samples after treatment carried a leucine (CTA). A pyrosequencing assay analysed the allele frequencies for the first two bases at codon 198 independently, G/C and A/T. The correlation between C and T frequencies was almost 1 (r = 0.929; p = 0.000) and the mean value of both was calculated to measure the leucine frequency; this value ranged between 10.4 and 80.7% before treatment, and from 82.3 to 92.8% after treatment. Very high and similar correlations were reported between the genotypic variables (C frequency, T frequency or mean of both frequencies) and phenotypic resistance (r > 0.720; p = 0.000), although negatively associated with the FECRT and positively with the EHT. According to multivariate linear regression analysis, the T frequency was the most significant variable influencing the phenotypic resistance (FECRT or EHT; p = 0.000). In the EHT, 67.1% of the phenotypic variability is associated with the T frequency but in the FECRT only 33.4%; therefore, the EHT using a DD seems to detect the genotypic resistance more accurately than the FECRT. Conclusions: The E198L polymorphism can confer BZ resistance on its own in T. circumcincta .
Integrated analysis of the functions of RNA binding proteins in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Hua Xiaoliang , Chen Juan , Ge Shengdong , Xiao Haibing , Zhang Li , Liang Chaozhao
Published: May 2020

Background: RNA binding proteins (RBPs) dysregulation is involved in the process es of various tumor. However, the roles of RBPs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain poorly understand. Systematic exploration of the roles of RBPs in ccRCC may provide new insights for the treatments of ccRCC. Methods: Expression data of RBPs was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The roles of RBPs in ccRCC were systematically investigated using consensus clustering methods. Differentially expressed RBPs between normal and tumor tissues were obtained. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using “STRING” software. The expression levels of hub genes were validated in The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate diagnostic value . Univariate and Lasso Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to screen the most useful prognostic genes. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to construct a risk score model. The efficiency of the model was evaluated using time-dependent ROC and Kaplan–Meier curves, and validated in E-MTAB-3267 set. Results: Two clusters were identified based on the expression similarity of RBPs, and the cluster 2 was closely correlated with the malignancy of ccRCC. Several oncogenic pathways, including epithelial mesenchymal transition, G2M checkpoint, KRAS signaling and IL6 JAK STAT3 signaling were enriched in cluster 2. In addition, we obtained 115 differently expressed RBPs in ccRCC, comprising 71 up-regulated and 44 down-regulated ones. Ten hub RBPs with good diagnostic value were obtained from PPI network and validated in HPA database. Ten RBPs were identified as survival-related genes and used to construct a risk score model. The model could be used to stratify patients with different prognosis. We found high-risk patients tended to be advanced stage, high grade, high pathological T staging and could be an independent risk factor for overall survival of ccRCC patients. Conclusions: We identified ten RBPs with diagnostic value, which might be the potential diagnostic biomarkers for ccRCC. A risk score model was established to stratify patients and could be used as a complementation for clinical factors to guide clinical practice in the future.
The Natural Course of Hereditary Angioedema in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Cao Yang , Liu Shuang , Zhi Yuxiang
Published: May 2020

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease with potential life-threatening risks. Until now, few studies have focused on the natural course of HAE, which is essential for practitioners and patients to predict disease progression and avoid possible risk factors. Objectives: Describe the natural course of HAE and explore possible risk factors, providing new clues for guiding clinical prevention and treatment. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted in 103 Chinese patients with type 1 HAE. Disease progression under therapy-free conditions was collected at different age stages. The demographic characteristics, lifestyles, disease severity and family history were also provided by each participant. Results: Among 103 patients, 14 (13.6%) had their first HAE attack before ten years old and 51 (49.5%) between 10 and 19. The disease worsened in 83.3% of the patients in their twenties. The proportion of patients with symptoms alleviated increased after the age of 30 years old, but the disease maintained relatively severe in most cases before 50. The participants also reported 233 members shared similar symptoms of angioedema in their family and 30 had died of laryngeal edema with the median death age of 46 years old. The disease severity was not observed to be affected significantly by gender, BMI, alcohol or smoking. Conclusions: We summarized HAE progression patterns in therapy-free conditions, showing the natural course of disease development along with aging. Long-term prophylaxis and symptomatic treatment are recommended for all HAE patients, especially young and middle-aged and might be adjusted depending on the disease progression.
Exploring the happiness and sense of purpose associated with older peoples' activities using ecological momentary analysis: an observational study
Authors: Hancock Karen Elizabeth , Downward Paul , Sherar Lauren
Published: May 2020

Background Older people have more leisure time, but many are physically inactive. Momentary feelings of pleasure or happiness and sense of purpose can be sources of intrinsic motivation. This study’s objective was to investigate how the type (sedentary, active) and context (social and environmental) of older peoples’ activities relate to momentary feelings of happiness and purpose. MethodsDetails of activities, contexts and feelings of retired or semi-retired adults (n=67, aged 50-78y) were captured over 7 days using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) via a smart phone app. Participants were prompted on their smart phone six times at random per day, resulting in 2,065 valid prompts. They wore an Actigraph accelerometer on the waist for 7 days to measure physical activity. Happiness and sense of purpose outcome variables were regressed on activities, context and potential confounding variables (e.g. age, gender, physical activity). Regression standard errors were clustered on participants to account for the hierarchically structured data. Interactions between activities and contexts were explored.ResultsParticipants were highly active: 98.5% met physical activity guidelines. Sedentary activities were negatively associated with sense of purpose, especially when indoors. Social sedentary activities (e.g. visiting friends and family) were, however, positively associated with feelings of happiness. Active, social outdoor activities were positively associated with both outcomes. Less sedentary participants experienced higher happiness and sense of purpose during all their activities: each 1 percentage point increase in percentage time sedentary was associated with a reduction of 2.78-points on the happiness scale and 3.34 on the purpose scale (p <0.05). Conclusions Context is important for happiness and purpose, with social and outdoor activities likely to have the widest appeal for older adults. The study needs to be replicated in larger and more representative samples of older adults.
Pathogenic Characteristics of Sputum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Samples from Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: peng zheng , zhou jin'an , tian lei
Published: May 2020

Background Lower respiratory tract infections(LRIs)were a very common disease, no matter in community acquired infection or hospital acquired infection. Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were the most important specimens of LRIs. The choice of antibiotics for the treatment of LRIs usually depended on the results of antimicrobial sensitivity of bacteria isolated from sputum and BALF. However, it was rarely reported to compare the pathogens isolated from sputum and BALF and the difference of antimicrobial sensitivity.Methods A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the differences between sputum and BALF samples in pathogen isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity in our hospital.Results In our hospital during 2013–2015 year, the quality evaluation of sputum samples was not conducted before sputum culture, but in 2016–2018 year, the quality evaluation of sputum samples was conducted firstly and only qualified sputum samples were cultured. The results of pathogen culture showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae were the top five pathogens isolated from sputum and BALF. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed for these five pathogens the susceptibility rates of BALF isolates to most antibiotics were higher than those isolated from sputum. The sensitivity of A. baumannii to common antibiotics was less than 50%. In particular, the detection rate of carbapenem resistant A. baumannii (CR-ABA) in sputum and BALF was higher than 80%. The sensitivity of P. aeruginosa to antibiotics other than ticarcillin/clavulanic acid and minocycline were higher than 50%. The detection rate of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KPN) was 10% − 20% in 2013–2015 and 30% − 50% in 2016–2018. The detection rate of MRSA in sputum was higher than 80%, while that in BALF was 65% − 70%. The separation rate of beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae (BLNAR) was between 0–6%.Conclusions The sensitivity of strains isolated from BALF to commonly used antibiotics was generally higher than that from sputum. MRSA, CR-KPN and A. baumannii were the focus of infection control for LRIs.
No evidence of Re-infection or Human-to-Human Transmission in Cured COVID-19 Patients, a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Gang , Liu Feng , Zhao Jun , Ye Min , Feng Congrui , Hu Yudong , Chen Yuluo , Wang Liuqian , Li Yueping , Shi Haiyan , Zhang Fuchun , Tong Yuwei , Ma Wei
Published: May 2020

Objective: To clarify the clinical features of cured patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the relevance of IgM and IgG testing.Methods: A total of 187 cured COVID-19 patients with antibody test were followed up every two weeks at Guangzhou Eighth People's hospital. Assessment for general condition, symptoms, epidemiological contact history, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and antibody tests were performed and recorded. Information from Guangzhou CDC was also screened.Results: There were 154 (82.4%) patients with positive results for IgG and 35 (18.7%) patients with positive results for IgM. PCR assay was positive in 10 (5.3%) patients. Neither IgG nor IgM results showed a relationship with PCR test results (all P > 0.05). No re-infection was found in the cured patients. Among people who were in close contact with the cured patients, no one was diagnosed with COVID-19 as reported both by the cured patients and the Guangzhou CDC. Factors associated with appearance of IgG comprised hospitalization days (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.13, P = 0.004) and antibiotics treatment (OR: 2.78, 95%CI: 1.10-7.01, P = 0.031) .Conclusion: In our study, neither re-infection nor human-to-human transmission was found in cured patients with COVID-19. Additionally, neither IgG nor IgM can be used to replace the PCR test in cured patients.
The epidemiological trends of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Iran: February 19 to March 22, 2020
Authors: Madadizadeh Farzan , Sefidkar Reyhane
Published: May 2020

Background The Coronavirus has crossed the geographical borders of various countries without any restrictions. This study was performed to identify the epidemiological trends of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Iran during February 19 to March 22, 2020.Methods This cross sectional study was carried out in 31 provinces by using the daily number of newly infected cases which was announced by the Iranian health authorities from February 19 to March 22, 2020, we explore the trend of outbreak of coronavirus disease in all provinces of Iran and determine some influential factors such as population size, area, population density, distance from original epicenter, altitude, and human development index (HDI) for each province on its spread by Spearman correlation coefficient. K-means cluster analysis (KMCA) also categorized the provinces into 10 separate groups based on CF and ACF of the infected cases at the end of the study period. (ACF).Results There were 21,638 infected, 7,913 recovered and 2,299 death cases with COVID-19 in Iran during the study period. By March 22, CF shows that, most cases are attributed to Tehran province, while ACF shows that most are attributed to Semnan province. There was a positive significant correlation between CF of the infected cases and province population sizes (r=0.45), HDI (r=0.58); province population density (r=0.47); a negative significant correlation between the CF of the infected cases and distance from original epicenter (r=-0.47). KMCA results based on CF showed very high level of outbreak was in Tehran while KMCA based on ACF showed very high level of outbreak were in Semnan and Qom provinces.Conclusions Special attention is needed for the provinces nearer to the original epicenter which are high risk spots in terms of the severe prevalence of COVID-19. In the absence of definite treatment for this infectious disease, the effective solutions to reduce the transmission of the disease are early isolation of the cases, quarantine for close contacts both in families and community and observing personal hygiene.
Prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and its association with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and blood type incompatibility in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aynalem Yared Asmare , Mulu1 Getaneh Baye , Akalu Tadesse Yirga , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw
Published: May 2020

Background: Severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia is a silent cause of newborn disease and death worldwide. However, studies of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa are highly variable with respect to its prevalence. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the overall magnitude of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and its association with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (GP6D) deficiency and blood type incompatibility in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Review were systematically searched online to retrieve hyperbilirubinemia-related articles. All observational studies reported the prevalence of hyperbilirubinemia in sub-Saharan Africa were included for analysis and excluded if the study failed to determine the desired outcome. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Heterogeneity across the included studies was evaluated using the inconsistency index (I2). Publication bias was examined by funnel plot and the Egger’s regression test. The random-effect model was fitted to estimate the pooled prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among patients in Sub Saharan Africa. The meta-analysis was performed using the STATA™ version 14 software.Results: A total of 30,486 studies were collected from the different databases and 10 articles were included for the final analysis. The overall magnitude of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was 28.08 % (95% CI: (20.23, 35.94)) in sub-Saharan Africa. Neonates with G6PD deficiency were 2.42 times (95% CI: 1.64, 3.56) more likely to develop hyperbilirubinemia as compared to infants with normal G6PD levels. Moreover, the risk of developing hyperbilirubinemia was 3.3 times (95% CI: 1.96, 5.72) higher among neonates that had a blood type that was incompatible with their mother’s.Conclusion: The failure to prevent and screen G6PD deficiency and blood type incompatibility with their mother’s results in high burden of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, early identification and care strategies should be developed to the affected neonates with G6PD deficiency and blood type incompatibility with their mother’s to address long-term medical and scholastic damages among those exposed to severe hyperbilirubinemia
Panagrolaimus superbus tolerates hypoxia within Gallium metal cage: implications for the understanding of the phenomenon of anhydrobiosis
Authors: Contiliani Danyel Fernandes , de Araújo Ribeiro Yasmin , de Moraes Vitor Nolasco , Pereira Tiago Campos
Published: May 2020

Panagrolaimus superbus nematodes are able to tolerate desiccation by entering into a peculiar state of suspended animation known as anhydrobiosis. When desiccated, anhydrobiotic organisms are also able to tolerate other physical stresses, as high and low levels of temperature and pressure. Here, we decided to investigate the tolerance of desiccated P. superbus to an unprecedented double stress – hypoxia within 99.99% Gallium (Ga) metal cage. The authors observed that regardless of the external relative humidity, desiccated P. superbus tolerated 7 d confined within the metal cage, displaying no negative effects on its survival and population growth rates over 40 d. The results evidence that anhydrobiosis also renders nematodes tolerant to otherwise lethal concentrations of Ga, in an oxygen-poor environment; thus, expanding its polyextremotolerance profile.
RELAÇÕES ENTRE DIRECIONADORES DE CUSTOS E A INTENSIDADE DO USO DE RECURSOS HUMANOS A PARTIR DO CUSTEIO ABC NO CONTEXTO DE UM HOSPITAL PÚBLICO UNIVERSITÁRIO
Authors: Sá Célio Beserra de , Callado Antônio André Cunha , Arruda Lorena de Souza , Callado Aldo Leonardo Cunha
Published: May 2020

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as relações entre os direcionadores de custos e a intensidade do uso de recursos humanos no setor de Nutrição de um hospital público universitário localizado no Estado de Pernambuco a partir da ótica do sistema de custeio ABC. Para atingir o objetivo proposto pelo artigo, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva e quantitativa. Foram coletadas informações acerca da intensidade de recursos humanos, bem como sobre atributos direcionadores das atividades (complexidade, frequência e importância) executadas. Foram identificados três grupos distintos de atividades (nutrição clínica, nutrição ambulatorial e de produção) executadas no âmbito do setor investigado. Para a coleta de dados foram consideradas três técnicas: entrevistas, pesquisa documental e observação. Os atributos direcionadores foram analisados por meio de análise de conteúdo e análise do discurso. Para testar a significância estatística das diferenças entre os grupos foi utilizado o teste de Kruskall-Wallis. Para analisar a significância estatística das relações entre os atributos e a intensidade do uso foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. Foram encontradas especificidades acerca do uso de recursos humanos, complexidade e frequência e nenhum dos atributos se mostrou relacionado à intensidade do uso de recursos humanos.
Impact of financial ratios on technology and telecommunication stock returns: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Ozturk Hakki , A. Karabulut Tolun
Published: May 2020

This study focuses on the relationship between financial ratios and the technology and telecommunication stock returns listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. Since technology and telecommunication sector has become an important part of the Turkish economy and is attractive for investors and shareholders, the results play a critical role for all stakeholders. This academic work aims to determine, through the application of panel data analysis, using both the Parks-Kmenta estimator and the Two-way Mixed Effects Model, whether the Price-to-Sales, Earnings per Share (EPS), Debt-to-Equity, and EBITDA Margin financial ratios affect the returns of technology and telecommunication stock returns listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. According to empirical findings, Earnings per Share (EPS), EBITDA Margin, and Price-to-Sales ratios have statistically significant effects on technology and telecommunication companies’ stock returns. Higher EPS and EBITDA Margin ratios generate higher returns for the next quarters, and lower Price-to-Sales ratios lead to higher returns for the following periods. Furthermore, the results obtained using the Two-way Mixed Effects Model show that the Debt-to-Equity ratio is negatively related to stock returns.
Analysis of chemical characteristics of lignite upgrading wastewater and its agricultural utilization
Authors: Zhang Huifen , Song Ji , Zhang Mi , Xiang Cheng , Li Baocai , Qin Yi
Published: May 2020

The lignite upgrading wastewater (LUW) produced in the drying and upgrading process of lignite cannot be discharged directly. Conventional wastewater treatment methods are usually costly and unable to achieve efficient utilization of water resources which are rich in activity components. In this study, the water quality analysis showed that LUW belonged to seriously polluted waters with low pH and very high total nitrogen content. Fifty-five compounds, mainly phenols and organic acids, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The study confirmed that the LUW, after being diluted to an appropriate concentration, could significantly promote the growth of wheat seedlings. The phenols and organic acids were the activity material basis of LUW, which promoted seed germination possibly through playing a role similar to plant hormones and simultaneously enhancing the utilization of nutrient elements. LUW had the natural advantages of directly developing high-end liquid fertilizers in terms of its physical form, chemical composition, biological activity, safety and economy. This study confirmed the feasibility of applying LUW to agricultural field as liquid fertilizer only through simple dilution without other treatments. Applying LUW as liquid fertilizer can not only supply a fertilizer product with low production cost and outstanding efficacy, but also provide an efficient and green way for the treatment of upgrading wastewater, which utilize the LUW as natural resources instead of purifying and discharging.
Cerebral Cystic Echinococcosis: A Child with a Giant Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Jabbar Mohammed Nooruldeen
Published: May 2020

Aim:

Raising awareness of healthcare providers about headache and early morning vomiting in children.

Background:

Intracranial cystic hydatid disease (Echinococcosis) is a rare worldwide disease caused by encysted larvae of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus
granulosa. Human is the intermediate host of this parasite and CNS involvement occurs in only 3%. Clinically, the cyst causes a seizure, increased
intracranial pressure and/or focal neurological deficit. Surgical removal of the intact cyst by the Dowling technique is the treatment. A 4-year-old
girl was referred to a neurosurgery clinic with a history of headache and early morning vomiting over the previous 2 months. Neurological
examination revealed right hemiparesis and bilateral papilloedema. Emergency brain CT-scan revealed a huge intracranial cystic lesion with
midline shift. Emergency craniotomy was done and the cyst was removed intact without complication and sent for histopathological examination.
The patient was discharged from the hospital with full recovery.