bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in domestic cats (Felis catus) in Romania
Authors: Imre Mirela , Văduva Cristina , Dărăbuș Gheorghe , Morariu Sorin , Herman Viorel , Plutzer Judit , Suici Tijana , Lait Philippa , Imre Kálmán
Published: June 2020

Background: The hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) of the genus Mycoplasma are recognized as important bacteria that parasitize red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia in many mammalian species, including cats. No information is available concerning the presence of feline hemoplasma infections in cats in Romania. Thus, the objective of the present study was to provide data on the occurrence and molecular characterization of hemotropic mycoplasmas in client-owned cats in Romania.Methods: Blood samples from 51 unhealthy cats, originating from Timişoara Municipality, Romania, were screened for the presence of hemoplasmas using conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing assays. PCR-positive samples were subsequently analyzed by phylogenetic and population genetic analysis.Results: Molecular analysis revealed 11 (21.6%) positive samples, consisting of 8 (72.7%) Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 3 (27.3%) Mycoplasma haemofelis confirmed positives. Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis was not detected, and no co-infections were registered. No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between the hemoplasma infection status and age, gender, breed, presence of ectoparasites, feline leukemia virus/feline immunodeficiency virus (FeLV/FIV) positivity of cats, or the sampling season. However, outdoor access was positively associated (p=0.049) with infection and could be considered a risk factor (OR=4.1) in acquiring feline hemotropic mycoplasmas. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our sequences clustered with those selected from the GenBank database in two distinct clades. The registered population genetic indices were strongly supportive of the great variance in sequences between the recorded Mycoplasma species.Conclusions: The findings support the occurrence of feline hemoplasma infections in previously uninvestigated territories of Europe, providing useful information for small animal practitioners. To our knowledge, the present survey is the first reported molecular evidence of feline hemoplasma infections in Romania.
Frequency of kdr mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) gene in Aedes aegypti from Yogyakarta and implications for Wolbachia-infected mosquito trials
Authors: Wuliandari Juli R. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Tantowijoyo Warsito , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M.
Published: June 2020

Background: In the inner city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, insecticide resistance is expected in the main dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, because of the intensive local application of pyrethroid insecticides. However, detailed information about the nature of resistance in this species is required to assist the release of Wolbachia mosquitoes in a dengue control program so that we can ensure that insecticide resistance in the strain of A. aegypti being released matches that of the background population.Methods: High-resolution melt genotyping was used to screen for kdr mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) gene in A. aegypti of some areas in the inner city of Yogyakarta.Results: The results show that the V1016G mutation predominated, with individuals homozygous for the 1016G allele at a frequency of 82.1% and the mutant allele G at a frequency of 92%. Two patterns of co-occurrence of mutations were detected in this study, homozygous individuals V1016G/S989P; and heterozygous individuals V1016G/F1534C/S989P. We found the simultaneous occurrence of kdr mutations V1016G and F1534C at all collection sites, but not within individual mosquitoes. Homozygous mutants at locus 1016 were homozygous wildtype at locus 1534 and vice versa, and heterozygous V1016G were also heterozygous for F1534C. The most common tri-locus genotype co-occurrences were homozygous mutant 1016GG and homozygous wild-type FF1534, combined with homozygous mutant 989PP (GG/FF/PP) at a frequency of 38.28%.Conclusions: Given the relatively small differences in frequency of resistance alleles across the city area, locality variations in resistance should have minor implications for the success of Wolbachia mosquito trials being undertaken in the Yogyakarta area.
A Design Process for a 3D Printed Patient-Specific Applicator for HDR Brachytherapy of the Orbit
Authors: Subashi Ergys David , Jacobs Corbin , Hood Rodney , Kirsch David , Craciunescu Oana
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: This report describes a process for designing a 3D printed patient-specific applicator for HDR brachytherapy of the orbit. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old man with recurrent melanoma of the orbit was referred for consideration of re-irradiation. An applicator for HDR brachytherapy was designed based on the computed tomography (CT) of patient anatomy. The body contour was used to generate an applicator with a flush fit against the patient’s skin while the planning target volume (PTV) was used to devise channels that allow for access and coverage of the tumor bed. An end-to-end dosimetric test was devised to determine feasibility for clinical use. The applicator was designed to conform to the volume and contours inside the orbital cavity. Support wings placed flush with the patient skin provided stability and reproducibility, while 16 source channels of varying length were needed for sufficient access to the target. A solid sheath, printed as an outer support-wall for each channel, prevented bending or accidental puncturing of the surface of the applicator. CONCLUSIONS: Quality assurance tests demonstrated feasibility for clinical use. Our experience with available 3D printing technology used to generate an applicator for the orbit may provide guidance for how materials of suitable biomechanical and radiation properties can be used in brachytherapy.
Detection of gastrointestinal parasitism at recreational canine sites in the USA: the DOGPARCS study
Authors: Stafford Kristina , Kollasch Todd M , Duncan Kathryn T , Horr Stephanie , Goddu Troy , Heinz-Loomer Christine , Rumschlag Anthony J , Ryan William G , Sweet Sarah , Little Susan E
Published: June 2020

Background: The rapid growth in off-leash dog parks provides opportunity for canine socialization activities but carries risk of exposure to intestinal parasites. This study assessed the prevalence of these infections in dogs visiting off-leash dog parks.Methods: Fresh defecations were collected from dogs visiting parks in 30 metropolitan areas across the USA. Samples were analyzed by coproantigen immunoassay (CAI) (Fecal Dx® and Giardia Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.) and zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation (CF). Owners responded to a questionnaire on their dog’s signalment and use of heartworm/intestinal parasite control medications (HWCM).Results: Samples were examined from 3006 dogs, 87.9% aged at least 12 months, visiting 288 parks. At least one intestinal parasite was detected in 622 (20.7%) samples, nematodes in 263 (8.8%), with hookworms, whipworms and ascarids in 7.1, 1.9 and 0.6% of samples, respectively. A sample positive for one or more intestinal parasites was found in 245 (85.1%) parks, with nematodes found in 143 (49.7%). Combined, CAI and CF detected 78.4% more intestinal nematode infections than CF alone. Hookworm and whipworm infections were detected in all age groups, but ascarids were only detected in dogs less than 4 years-old. Approximately 42% of dogs aged less than 1 year were positive for nematodes or Giardia. Based on owner reports, HWCM was current for 68.8% of dogs, dogs previously diagnosed with intestinal parasitism were more likely to be receiving a HWCM than those without such history, and a significantly lower (P = 0.0003) proportion of dogs receiving a HWCM were positive for intestinal nematodes compared with those not on such medication.Conclusions: Intestinal parasites, the most common of which were Giardia, Ancylostoma caninum and Trichuris vulpis, were found in 20% of dogs and 85% of dog parks across the USA. Enhanced detection of canine intestinal parasitism was achieved by combining CF and CAI. Canine intestinal parasites are common across the USA and dog health can be improved by regular testing of fecal samples and routine administration of medications effective against the most common infections.
Using Osmotic Stress to Stabilize Mannitol Production in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Wu Wenyang , Du Wei , Gallego Ruth Perez , Hellingwerf Klaas J. , Woude Aniek D. van der , Santos Filipe Branco dos
Published: June 2020

Background Mannitol is a C(6) polyol that is used in the food and medical sector as a sweetener and antioxidant, respectively. The sustainable production of mannitol, especially via the direct conversion of CO 2 by photosynthetic cyanobacteria, has become increasingly appealing. However, previous work aiming to achieve mannitol production in the marine Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 via heterologous expression of mannitol-1-phosphate-5-dehydrogenase ( mtlD ) and mannitol-1-phosphatase ( m1p , in short: a ‘mannitol cassette’), proved to be genetically unstable. Results Here, we explore the stabilizing effect that mannitol production may have on cells faced with osmotic stress, in the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We first validated that mannitol can function as a compatible solute in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, and in derivative strains in which the ability to produce one or both of the native compatible solutes was impaired. Wild type Synechocystis , complemented with a mannitol cassette, indeed showed increased salt tolerance, which was even more evident in Synechocystis strains in which the ability to synthesize the endogenous compatible solutes was impaired. Next we tested the genetic stability of all these strains with respect to their mannitol productivity, with and without salt stress, during prolonged turbidostat cultivations. The obtained results show that mannitol production under salt stress conditions in the Synechocystis strain that cannot synthesize its endogenous compatible solutes is remarkably stable, while the control strain completely loses this ability in only 6 days. DNA sequencing results of the control groups that lost the ability to synthesize mannitol revealed that multiple types of mutation occurred in the mtlD gene that can explain the disruption of mannitol production. Conclusions Mannitol production in freshwater Synechocsytis sp. PCC6803 confers it with increased salt tolerance. Under this strategy, genetically instability which was the major challenge for mannitol production in cyanobacteria is tackled. This paper marks the first report of utilization of the response to salt stress as a factor that can increase the stability of mannitol production in a cyanobacterial cell factory.
Research on Human Performance Evaluation Model Based on Neural Network and Data Mining Algorithm
Authors: Liang Wei , Li Tingyi
Published: June 2020

In order to effectively evaluate personnel performance, a distributed data mining algorithm for spatial networks based on BP neural wireless network is proposed. In the cloud computing environment, an excavator is used to construct multiple input multiple output spatial network data, analyze the data structure, and perform redundant data compression of massive data through time-frequency feature extraction. Combined with adaptive matching filtering method, the characteristics of the data are matched. The spatial frequency feature extraction method is used to locate the features of the multiple-input multiple-output spatial network data. In order to improve the accuracy of data mining, the BP neural network is used to classify and identify the extracted data features to achieve the optimization of data mining. A wireless sensor network is a wireless network composed of a large number of stationary or moving sensors in a self-organizing and multi-hop manner. It cooperatively senses, collects, processes, and transmits the information of the perceived objects in the geographical area covered by the network, and finally puts these The information is sent to the owner of the network. This algorithm improves the accuracy of personnel performance evaluation, and simultaneously establishes a hierarchical analysis and quantitative evaluation model for the performance of government managers, and adjusts the results of hierarchical statistical analysis on government administrators as needed. The performance evaluation and optimization of government administrators were introduced. The empirical analysis results show that the method has higher accuracy for government managers' performance evaluation, higher efficiency of big data processing and better integration.
Orange Peel As Low-Cost Adsorbent In The Elimination Of Cd(Ii) Ions: Kinetics, Isotherm, Thermodynamic And Optimization Evaluations
Authors: Akinhanmi Fola Temilade , Ofudje Edwin Andrew , Adeogun Idowu Abideen , Peter Aina , Ilo Joseph Mayowa
Published: June 2020

The presence of heavy metals in polluted water is known not only to cause stern harm to marine organisms but also to terrestrial plants and animals including human beings. This research applied low-cost and environmental benign adsorbent primed from waste orange peel (OP) for the removal of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution via batch adsorption process. The surface properties of the orange peel powder were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray spectroscopy (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Operational conditions like temperature, contact time, sorbent dosage, solution pH and initial adsorbate concentration were investigated. The utmost uptake of Cd(II) ion was obtained at a contact time of 120 mins, initial metal concentration of 240 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 0.04 g/L, temperature of 45 °C and solution pH of 5.5. Equilibrium results showed that the orange peel adsorbent has an adsorption capacity of 128.23 mg/g as obtained from the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption kinetics data followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with correlation coefficient (R2) >0.9 and low standard % error values. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic in nature with enthalpy of 0.0046 kJ mol−1 and entropy of-636.865 Jmol-1K-1 respectively. Results from the optimization study indicated that higher adsorbent dosage and lower Cd(II) ion concentration increased the percentage of Cd (II) ion removal. Thus, orange peel could be used in the removal of Cd(II) ion from aqueous solutions.
106Ruthenium eye plaque brachytherapy in the management of medium sized uveal melanoma
Authors: Jiang Ping , Purtskhvanidze Konstantine , Kandzia Gerit , Neumann Dirk , Luetzen Ulf , Siebert Frank-André , Roider Johann , Dunst Juergen
Published: June 2020

Background: To evaluate 106 Ruthenium Brachytherapy in management of medium sized uveal melanoma, with emphasis on 5-year outcome and toxicity. Methods: From 2007 to 2015, 39 patients were treated with 106 Ru eye plaques brachytherapy. At the time of diagnosis, the mean tumor depth was 3.7 mm (±SD:1.6). Mean dose at the apex of the tumor was 141.4 Gy (± SD: 12.1 Gy). The mean sclera dose was 557.7 Gy (± SD: 257.3 Gy). Results: Mean follow-up was 69.5 months (± SD: 53.8 months). 34 patients (87.1%) remained free of recurrence. In 26 (66.7%) patients a total regression was achieved after a median period of 12 months (Range: 3-60 mon.). By the final examination, the visual acuity of 26 (66.7%) patients was better than 20/200. 12 (30.7%) patients had a visual acuity better than 20/40. Retinopathy was detected in 11 (28.2%) patients. After treatments only 1 (5.1%) patients had active vascular changes by the last examination. Moderate optic neuropathy was observed in 4 (10.3%) patients. Cataract development was diagnosed in 21 (53.8%) patients, although 16 (41%) of them had bilateral cataract development. Special emphasis was made on patients with larger tumors. Twelve out of the 39 patients had a tumor with a depth of 5mm or more. There was no significant difference neither in local control (75 % in tumors ≥5mm versus 92.6 % in tumors <5mm) nor in side effects between both groups. Conclusions: Our study proved 106 Ru -brachytherapy to be an excellent treatment option with regard to tumor control and preservation of the visual acuity in well-selected patients. The data suggest that this treatment is also suitable for tumors with a depth of more than 5mm.
The 2019 novel coronavirus disease with secondary ischemic stroke: two cases report
Authors: Fu Bin , Chen Yun , Li Ping
Published: June 2020

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease is an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in the end of Dec, 2019. The older patients complicated with underlying diseases are reported more likely to have clinical symptoms. But its secondary lesion is rarely reported. Case presentation: We reported two cases of coronavirus infected pneumonia with acute ischemic stroke in patients at their middle-age. In both 2019 coronavirus diseases cases, neurological physical examination are normal before infection. Lymphocytopenia and high expression of cytokines and D-dimer were found from serum clinical laboratory test at admission. The dysarthria and limb muscle weakness are initial manifestations in one week after 2019 novel coronavirus infection. The head CT and head/neck arterial CTA showed small-vessel occlusion. The patients were diagnosed with coronavirus diseases with secondary acute ischemic stroke. They were treated with tirofiban and followed up with daily aspirin and atorvastatin. Conclusion: The present cases suggested that secondary ischemic stroke, which mainly manifested as small-vessel occlusion, should be considered for coronavirus disease patients with prompt diagnosis and treatment.
eRegCom – Quality Improvement Dashboard for healthcare providers and Targeted Client Communication to pregnant women using data from an electronic health registry to improve attendance and quality of antenatal care: study protocol for a multi-arm cluster randomized trial
Authors: Mørkrid Kjersti , Bogale Binyam , Abbas Eatimad , Khader Khadija Abu , Ward Itimad Abu , Attalh Amjad , Awwad Tamara , Baniode Mohammad , Frost Kimberly , Frost Michael J. , Ghanem Buthaina , Hijaz Taghreed , Isbeih Mervett , Issawi Sally , Nazzal Zaher A. S. , O’Donnell Brian , Qaddomi Sharif , Rabah Yousef , Venkateswaran Mahima , Froen J. Frederik
Published: June 2020

Background
This trial evaluates interventions that utilize data entered at point-of-care in the Palestinian maternal and child eRegistry to generate Quality Improvement Dashboards (QID) for healthcare providers and Targeted Client Communication (TCC) via short message service (SMS) to clients. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of the automated communication strategies from the eRegistry on improving attendance and quality of care for pregnant women.
Methods
This four-arm cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and includes 138 clusters (primary healthcare clinics) enrolling from 45 to 3000 pregnancies per year. The intervention tools are the QID and the TCC via SMS, automated from the eRegistry built on the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) Tracker. The primary outcomes are appropriate screening and management of anemia, hypertension, and diabetes during pregnancy; and timely attendance to antenatal care. Primary analysis, at the individual-level taking the design effect of the clustering into account, will be done as intention-to-treat.
Discussion
This trial, embedded in the implementation of the eRegistry in Palestine, will inform the use of digital health interventions as a health systems strengthening approach.
Trial registration:
ISRCTN, trial registration number: 10520687, registered 18 October 2018, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10520687
PPAI: a web server for predicting protein-aptamer interactions
Authors: Li Jianwei , Ma Xiaoyu , Li Xichuan , Gu Junhua
Published: June 2020

Background: The interactions between proteins and aptamers are prevalent in organisms and play an important role in various life activities. Thanks to the rapid accumulation of protein-aptamer interaction data, it is necessary and feasible to construct an accurate and effective computational model to predict aptamers binding to certain interested proteins and protein-aptamer interactions, which is beneficial for understanding mechanisms of protein-aptamer interactions and improving aptamer-based therapies.
Results: In this study, a novel web server named PPAI is developed to predict aptamers and protein-aptamer interactions with key sequence features of proteins/aptamers and a machine learning framework integrated adaboost and random forest. A new method for extracting several key sequence features of both proteins and aptamers is presented, where the features for proteins are extracted from amino acid composition, pseudo-amino acid composition, grouped amino acid composition, C/T/D composition and sequence-order-coupling number, while the features for aptamers are extracted from nucleotide composition, pseudo-nucleotide composition (PseKNC) and Moreau-Broto autocorrelation coefficient. On the basis of these feature sets and balanced the samples with SMOTE algorithm, we validate the performance of PPAI by the independent test set. The results demonstrate that the Area Under Curve (AUC) is 0.907 for prediction of aptamer, while the AUC reaches 0.871 for prediction of protein-aptamer interactions.
Conclusion: These results indicate that PPAI can query aptamers, predict aptamers and predict protein-aptamer interactions in batch mode precisely and efficiently, which would be a novel bioinformatics tool for the research of protein-aptamer interactions. PPAI web-server is freely available at http://39.96.85.9/PPAI.
Determinants of Macular Ganglion Cell–Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness in Normal Chinese Adults
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Xiao Hui , Lai Kunbei , Guo Xinxing , Luo Jingyi , Liu Xing
Published: June 2020

Background
To determine the influences of multiple demographic and ocular factors on the measurements of macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in normal Chinese adults.
Methods
This was a retrospective study conducted on 225 normal eyes from 225 healthy Chinese adults. GCIPL thickness were obtained using Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography (OCT). The age, gender, laterality, spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error, intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), central cornea thickness (CCT), circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness and OCT signal strength were recorded and their respective effect on GCIPL thickness parameters were evaluated.
Results
The mean (± SD) average, minimum, superotemporal, superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, and inferotemporal GCIPL thickness was (84.56 ± 5.36), (81.32 ± 5.58), (83.08 ± 5.37), (85.70 ± 5.95), (87.15 ± 6.26), (85.07 ± 6.11), (82.46 ± 5.76), and (83.88 ± 5.59) µm, respectively. Determinants of thinner GCIPL thickness were older age (P = 0.001–0.117; effects enhanced if age over 40 years), thinner pRNFL (all P < 0.001), and weaker signal strength (all P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between males and females (P = 0.069–0.842), and between right eyes and the left eyes (P = 0.160–0.875) except that of superonasal GCIPL thickness (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between GCIPL thickness and SE, IOP, CCT, and AL (P = 0.135–0.968).
Conclusions
Individual determinants associated with thinner GCIPL thickness were older age (particularly over 40 years of age), thinner pRNFL, and weaker OCT signal strength. This is relevant in comprehensively understanding the normative data and differentiating normal aging from abnormalities.
The Association between Depressive Symptoms and Self-Rated Health among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in France and Japan
Authors: Ishida Mami , Montagni Ilaria , Matsuzaki Keiichi , Shimamoto Tomonari , Cariou Tanguy , Kawamura Takashi , Tzourio Christophe , Iwami Taku
Published: June 2020

Background: Depressive disorders in University students have risen dramatically in the past few decades to the extent that students’ mental health has become a current global public health priority. Obtaining information from University students about their mental health is challenging because of potential embarrassment of disclosing one’s concerns and fear of stigmatization. Self-rated health might be a good solution to evaluate mental health state by a simple and neutral indicator. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between depressive symptoms and self-rated health by sex among University students in France and Japan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using two large cohorts of students aged ≥18 years (n=5,655 in Bordeaux, France and n=17,148 in Kyoto, Japan). Depressive symptoms (PHQ-2 scale), Likert scale of self-rated health, socio-demographic characteristics and health habits were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to describe the association between depressive symptoms and other variables including self-rated health, stratified by sex. Results: A high score of PHQ-2 (high depressive symptoms) was associated with poor self-rated health in both cohorts independently of all other variables (OR 2.82, 95%CI 1.99-4.01 in France, OR 7.10, 95%CI 5.76-8.74 in Japan). Although the prevalence of depressive symptoms between sexes was different in French students (males 15.4%, females 25.0%, p<0.001), it was similar in Japanese students (males 3.5%, females 3.3%, p=0.466), who reported less depressive symptoms than French students. The association between depressive symptoms and poor self-rated health was greater in Japanese females (OR 12.40, 95%CI 7.74-20.00) than in males (OR 6.30, 95%CI 4.99-7.95), whereas the strength of the association was almost similar in French students (OR 2.17, 95%CI 0.86-5.47 in males, OR 2.98, 95%CI 2.03-4.38 in females). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were associated with self-rated health among University students in both countries with slightly differences in sex. Self-rated health would be a simple, reliable and universal indicator for healthcare professionals and University staff to identify students at risk of depression.
Gut Microbiota Characterization in Patients with HCC Post Chronic HCV Infection
Authors: Montasser karim , osman heba Ahmed , Abozaid Hanan , sabry Abeer M. M.
Published: June 2020

Aim: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota favors chronic hepatic inflammation with subsequent hepatic carcinogenesis. The current study aimed to evaluate the role of gut dysbiosis in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic HCV infection.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional cohort study carried out on 400 subjects recruited from the Internal Medicine Department and Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology Department of Helwan and South Valley University Hospitals in Egypt. The study period was from January 2017 till January 2020. The subjects were divided clinically into three groups. Group I: One hundred patients with HCC, evaluated by Child Pugh, TNM and BCLC scoring systems. Group II: 200 chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients. All patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 4. Group III: One hundred healthy control subjects with negative hepatitis marker and normal abdominal ultrasound. PCR of stool Microbiota, complete blood counts, complete liver function tests, INR, HCV antibodies and HBsAg were done for all included subjects. HCV PCR assessment and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were done for all patients.Results: No statistically significant difference was detected between HCC patients and control (p-value > 0.05) as regard Bacteroides fragilis & Akkermansia muciniphila. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was less detected in HCC patients (51%), opposite to 70% of healthy control. With Statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.05). Bifidobacterium was less detected in HCC patients (43%), opposite to (76%) of healthy control. With highly statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001). Lactobacillus & Enterobacteriaceae was more detected in HCC patients (80%) and (81%), in. Opposite to (36%) and (58%) in healthy control, respectively. With highly statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.001). no significant difference was detected between gut-microbiota and HCC progression with respect to Child or TNM systems. However, a significant difference was detected between number of positive stool isolate of Bacteroid Fragilis and BCLC staging system; where it was isolated from 66.7% of patients with BCLC stage IV opposite to 10.7% of patients with BCLC stage I.Conclusion: A characteristic pattern of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Enterobacteriaceae species in patients with chronic HCV and HCC was detected. Alteration of gut microbiota may be accused as a predisposing factor for liver disease progression.
Results of postoperative anti-rotation on the intracapsular femoral neck fracture fixed with cannulated screws
Authors: Ren Bufang , Ma Quan-ping , Lv Xin , Yin Yun-sheng , Gao Yao-zhu
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate effect of postoperative anti-rotation on the union of intracapsular displaced femoral neck fracture treated with three cannulated screws.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all the intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated in the department of orthopedics of the second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from July 2015 to December 2018. Fractures of femoral neck were reduced and fixed with three cannulated screws. The patients who wore anti-rotation shoes in the affected side were kept at bed rest for 10-12 weeks after surgery. The results were analyzed.Results: A total of 135 patients were included in the analysis. Six patients (4.4%) were not united. There were 12 cases of avascular necrosis (9.3%). No wound infections, screw breakages was found.Conclusion: Anti-rotation after surgery can significantly reduce the rate of femoral neck fracture nonunion, but not significantly improve the femoral head necrosis
Clinical research and factors associated with prolonged duration of viral shedding in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Tian Di , Wang Lin , Wang Xiankun , Ge Ziruo , Cui Shuping , Xu Yanli , Song Rui , Song Meihua , Han Bing , Zhang Wei , Tan Dawei , Li Xingang , Zhou Yang , Zhang Sujuan , Yang Li , Meng Peipei , Sun Le , Li Xingwang , Chen Zhihai
Published: June 2020

Background

Towards the end of December 2019, the Wuhan health commission declared an outbreak of clusters of pneumonia in patients. Sequencing indicated that this disease (COVID-19) was caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The outbreak of COVID-19 is currently still underway.
Methods

We recruited 75 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients admitted to the Center of Infectious Disease division 2 of Beijing Ditan Hospital from Jan 20 to Mar 20, 2020. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, radiological features, laboratory data were analyzed.
Results

Of the 75 patients, 42(56%) patients were male and 33(44%) patients were female. The mean age of all patients was 41.5 ± 19.4 years. Male patients were more likely to become severe. There were 9 family clusters accounted for 44 patients. Patients classified as being severe had a higher frequency of fever upon admission than patients classified as moderate cases. For moderate patients, the median duration of viral shedding was 25(9.5, 42) days (range 1–63 days) from the first positive nucleic acid test compared to 14(9, 21.25) days (range 2–62 days) for severe cases. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.041). Cox regression analyses indicated that disease status and CRP were the factors that affect the duration of viral shedding. Virus clearance was significantly faster in severe patients compared to moderate patients(p = 0.011), and patients with CRP range in 2–10 times higher than upper limit of normal value had longer duration of viral shedding(p = 0.012). CRP and CD4 + T lymphocyte was negative correlated, and the relationship between CRP and CD4 + T lymphocyte was statistically significant (P = 0.003), with a correlation coefficient of -0.564. During the second week following the onset of illness, severe cases had higher WBC, NEU and CRP, but lower LYM, MON and EOS as compared with moderate cases (all P < 0.05). Severe cases still had lower lymphocyte counts and higher CRP than moderate cases in the third week.
Conclusions

Viral clearance was significantly prolonged in moderate patients, and those CRP in 2–10 times higher than upper limit of normal value. Immune response may affect the duration of viral shedding. Severe cases had a persistence lower lymphocyte count and higher CRP than moderate cases.
A 15 Month Experience with a Primary Care-based Telemedicine Screening Program for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Benjamin James , Sun Justin , Cohen Devon , Matz Joseph , Barbera Angela , Henderer Jeffrey , Cheng Lorrie , Grachevskaya Julia , Shah Rajnikant , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2020

Background Using telemedicine for diabetic retinal screening is becoming popular especially amongst at-risk urban communities with poor access to care. The goal of the diabetic telemedicine project at Temple University Hospital is to improve cost-effective access to appropriate retinal care to those in need of close monitoring and/or treatment.Methods This will be a retrospective review of 15 months of data from March 2016 to May 2017. We will investigate how many patients were screened, how interpretable the photographs were, how often the photographs generated a diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) based on the screening photo, and how many patients followed-up for an exam in the office, if indicated.Results Six-hundred eighty-nine (689) digital retinal screening exams on 1377 eyes of diabetic patients were conducted in Temple’s primary care clinic. The majority of the photographs were read to have no retinopathy (755, 54.8%). Among all of the screening exams, 357 (51.8%) triggered a request for a referral to ophthalmology. Four-hundred forty-nine (449, 32.6%) of the photos were felt to be uninterpretable by the clinician. Referrals were meant to be requested for DR found in one or both eyes, inability to assess presence of retinopathy in one or both eyes, or for suspicion of a different ophthalmic diagnosis. Sixty-seven patients (9.7%) were suspected to have another ophthalmic condition based on other findings in the retinal photographs. Among the 34 patients that successfully completed a referral visit to Temple ophthalmology, there was good concordance between the level of DR detected by their screening fundus photographs and visit diagnosis.Conclusions Although a little more than half of the patients did not have diabetic eye disease, about half needed a referral to ophthalmology. However, only 9.5% of the referral-warranted screenings actually received an eye exam. Mere identification of referral-warranted diabetic retinopathy or other eye disease is not enough. A successful telemedicine screening program must close the communication gap between screening and diagnosis by reviewer to provide timely follow-up by eye care specialists.
Analysis of low-dose estrogen on fracture healing measured by pQCT in postmenopausal women
Authors: Jäckle Katharina Blanka Dr. , Kolb Jan Philipp , Schilling Arndt F , Schlickewei Carsten , Amling Michael , Rueger Johannes M , Lehmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2020

Background
The skeletal disease osteoporosis affects primarily postmenopausal women. It is characterized by increased fracture risk due to defective remodeling of bone tissue and a pathological bone microarchitecture in response to the decreased levels of estrogen. Osteoporosis is clinically silent up until a first fracture occurs. Therefore, the diagnosis of the disease is usually late. Recent preclinical studies with mice, rats and rabbits suggested that estrogen treatment enhances the healing effect after bone fractures. Here we asked whether transdermally applied estrogen, which restores the systemic premenopausal level of estrogen, has a beneficial effect on fracture healing of postmenopausal women as observed in preclinical models.
Methods
To investigate whether estrogen has a beneficial effect on bone fracture healing of postmenopausal patients, we performed a prospective double-blinded randomized study with 76 patients suffering from distal radius fractures. A total of 31 patients (71.13 years ± 11.99) were treated with estrogen and 45 patients (75.62 years ± 10.47) served as untreated controls. Calculated bone density as well as cortical bone density were determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) prior to and six weeks after the surgery.
Results
We found that unlike with preclinical models, bone fracture healing of human patients was not improved in response to estrogen treatment. Furthermore, we observed no dependence between age-dependent bone tissue loss and constant callus formation in the patients.
Conclusions
Transdermally applied estrogen to postmenopausal women, which results in estrogen levels similar to the systemic level of premenopausal women, has no significant beneficial effect on bone fracture healing.
Association between Omentin-1 and Major Cardiovascular Events After Lower Extremity Endovascular Revascularization in Diabetic Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Biscetti Federico , Nardella Elisabetta , Rando Maria Margherita , Cecchini Andrea Leonardo , Angelini Flavia , Cina Alessandro , Iezzi Roberto , Santoliquido Angelo , Pitocco Dario , Landolfi Raffaele , Flex Andrea
Published: June 2020

Background: Cardiovascular complications represent the major cause of morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In particular, peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a frequent T2DM vascular complication and a risk factor for the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Among adipokines, Omentin-1 serum levels are reduced in T2DM patients with PAD and are inversely related to disease severity.Objective: To study the relationship between Omentin-1 levels, at baseline, with outcomes after endovascular procedures in T2DM patients with PAD and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).Research Design and Methods: We enrolled for our prospective non-randomized study, 207 T2DM patients with PAD and CLTI, requiring revascularization. Omentin-1 serum levels were collected before revascularization and patients incidence outcomes were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.Results: Omentin-1 was reduced in patients with more severe disease (27.24 ± 4.83 ng/mL vs 30.82 ± 5.48 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Overall, 84 MACE and 96 major adverse limb events (MALE) occurred during the 12-month follow-up. We observed that Omentin-1 levels were lower in patients with MACE (26.02 ± 4.05 ng/mL vs 31.33 ± 5.29 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and MALE (26.67 ± 4.21 ng/mL vs 31.34 ± 5.54 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The association between Omentin-1, MACE and MALE remained significant after adjusting for major risk factors in a multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve using Omentin-1 levels predicted incidence events (area under the curve = 0.80).Conclusions: We demonstrated that reduced Omentin-1 levels, at baseline, are related with worse vascular outcomes in T2DM patients with PAD and CLTI undergoing an endovascular procedure.
The Influence of Illness Perception, Anxiety and Depression Disorders on Students Mental Health during COVID-19 Outbreak in Pakistan: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Shuja Kanwar Hamza , Abbas Jaffar , Rehna Tasnim , Ziapour Arash
Published: June 2020

Background: Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at homes and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study focuses on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety, and depression disorders.Method: The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different public and private universities from twin cities, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception, and mental health disorders.Results: The findings indicated normal (43.2%) mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%), and severe (22.7%) level of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%), and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence, and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than the depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.Conclusion: The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals' mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders, and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental healthcare facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.
Examining the influence of the communication frame and gender identification in the intention to screen for Hepatitis C
Authors: Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Falese Lavinia , Mancone Stefania , Bellizzi Fernando , Valente Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Background: Hepatitis C is present all over the world with a high prevalence in European Regions, and Italy appears to be one of the European countries with an estimated prevalence of the chronic disease in about 3% of the population (1.5 million people). The scientific evidence shows that risky behaviours are widespread among young people and require particular attention and adequate measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different narrative communicative scenarios regarding the intention of students to carry out diagnostic testing for Hepatitis C and if gender identification, and the increase in information about the infection risk could influence the students’ propensity to undergo a medical test.Methods: The study was voluntarily attended by 850 university students. Participants were administered three narrative scenarios with different frames (positive, negative, ambivalent) and including two gender options (male and female) for the main character of the story.Results: Results showed that in order to stimulate the propensity for a diagnostic check in the juvenile population, the use of a negative scenario with a same gender character was always more effective than the use of a positive framed scenario, even if the level of knowledge about the disease was remarkable.Conclusion: The findings of this study can ultimately help the policy makers develop communication campaigns to raise awareness of the risk and encourage medical screening that needs to be adapted to target populations.
Accuracy of 3D-Printed Dental Models of Different Tooth Surfaces
Authors: Dong Ting , Wang Xiaoting , Xia Lunguo , Ye Niansong , Yuan Lingjun , Fang Bing
Published: June 2020

Background: Few studies have been reported regarding the accuracy of 3D-printed models for orthodontic applications. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of 3D-printed dental models of different tooth surfaces.Methods：Thirty maxillary dental models were produced by means of a stereolithography-based 3D printer. Each printed model was digitally scanned and compared with the oral-scanned STL file via superimposition analysis, with a colour map used to assess the accuracy of different surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the average deviations of different tooth surfaces. The mean average absolute deviations of the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth were greater than those of other surfaces. Percentages of points beyond the upper and lower limits of different tooth surfaces displayed the same results.Conclusions: The occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth on 3D-printed dental models show greater deviations than those of other regions, especially in pits and fissures.
Endoscopic findings in patients with uninvestigated dyspepsia: A retrospective study from Qatar
Authors: Badi Ahmad , NAUSHAD VAMANJORE ABOOBAKER , Purayil Nishan Kunnummal , Chandra Prem , Zaid Hassan Abu , Paramba Firjeet Chirakkal , Qaid Abdo , Milad Mohammad , Elzouki Abdel-Naser
Published: June 2020

Background/Aim:

Dyspepsia is a common complaint in general clinical practice. The prevalence of clinically significant findings in endoscopy in dyspeptic subjects of various age groups and ethnicities in Qatar is not well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of endoscopic findings in previously uninvestigated patients with dyspepsia.
Methods

we retrospectively studied subjects older than 18 years of age who underwent endoscopy for dyspeptic complaints from January 2011 to December 2017. Subjects who already had peptic ulcer disease, who underwent endoscopy for reasons other than dyspepsia and those with incomplete data were excluded.
Results

A total of 824 subjects were reviewed for eligibility and 733 were included for analysis. The mean ± SD age of the study subjects was 42.7 ± 13.5 years and 59.5% were males. Epigastric pain was the predominant symptom (79.2%) followed by heartburn (26.1%). Abnormal endoscopic findings were noted in 91.8% of subjects. Gastritis (65.5%) and esophagitis (33.1%) were the most common findings observed. The overall prevalence of gastric ulcer was 4.6% and it was higher in the subjects above 60 years of age (14.1%, p = 0.001). Gastric carcinoma was seen only in 4 (0.54%) subjects.
Conclusion

Gastritis was the most common endoscopic finding observed followed by esophagitis. The most common presenting symptoms were epigastric pain and heartburn. The prevalence of gastric ulcer was significantly high in patients above 60 years and gastric carcinoma was low in the study population.