bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of FOLFIRI (Folinic Acid, Fluorouracil and Irinotecan) Plus Bevacizumab and FLOLFIRI Plus Aflibercept as Second-Line Treatment for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lee Min-Sang , Lee Yong-Pyo , Kim Hongsik , Hong Jung Yong , Lee Jeeyun , Park Se Hoon , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Lim Ho Yeong , Kang Won Ki , Kim Seung Tae
Published: December 2020

Background: To date, there are few clinical studies comparing the efficacy and safety of FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan) plus bevacizumab or aflibercept in metastatic colorectal cancer patients (mCRC) pretreated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Methods: We analyzed the treatment outcomes of patients receiving FOLFIRI in combination with bevacizumab or aflibercept as second-line treatment for mCRC between October 2017 and March 2020. This analysis included 67 patients receiving FOLFIRI plus aflibercept and 83 receiving FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab. Results: The overall response rate (ORR) was 13.6% (95% CI: 4.85-22.34) in the FOLFIRI-aflibercept group and 14.7% (95% CI: 6.68-22.71) in the FOLFIRI-bevacizumab group. This difference in ORR was not statistically significant. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 8.6 months in the FOLFIRI-bevacizumab group and 8.5 months in the FOLFIRI-aflibercept group (P = 0.752) (Fig. 1). Patients in the FOLFIRI-bevacizumab group showed a median overall survival (OS) of 12.4 months, while patients in the FOLFIRI-aflibercept group had a median OS of 13.7 months (P = 0.276). There were no significant differences in survival between the two treatment groups. The adverse events were also largely similar between the two groups. However, hypertension of grade 3 or more was more frequent in the FOLFIRI-aflibercept group. Conclusion: FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab and FOLFIRI plus aflibercept had similar anti-tumor activities and toxicity profiles when used as second-line therapy in mCRC patients. Based on these data, both aflibercept and bevacizumab are suitable anti-angiogenic agents when used in combination with FOLFIRI for mCRC.
Archaea Are the Major Responsive Ammonia Oxidizers in a Paddy Soil Following Fertilization and Irrigation
Authors: Wang Limin , Huang Dongfeng
Published: December 2020

Because ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are ubiquitous and highly abundant in almost all terrestrial soils, they play an important role in soil nitrification. However, the changes in the structure and function of AOA communities and their specific environmental drivers in paddy soils under different fertilization and irrigation regimes remains unclear. In this study, we investigated archaeal abundance, activity and community composition in acid paddy soils by a 10-year field experiment. Results indicated that the highest potential ammonia oxidation (PAO) (0.011 µg NO2−-N g− 1 d.w.day− 1) was found in T2 (optimal irrigation and fertilization) - treated soils, whereas the lowest PAO (0.004 µg NO2−-N g− 1 d.w.day− 1) in T0 (traditional irrigation)- treated soils. Compared with the T0 - treated soil, the T2 treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased AOA abundances. Furthermore, the abundance of AOA was significantly (P < 0.01) positively correlated with pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and PAO. Meanwhile, pH and SOC content were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the T2 - treated soil than those in the T1 (traditional irrigation and fertilization)- treated soil. In addition, these two edaphic factors further influenced the AOA community composition. The archaeal phylum Crenarchaeota and genus Candidatus Nitrosotalea were mainly found in the T2-treated soils. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the identified OTUs of AOA were mainly affiliated with Crenarchaeota. Together, our findings confirmed that T2 might ameliorate soil chemical properties, regulate the AOA community structure, increase the AOA abundance, enhance PAO and consequently maintain optimum rice yields in a subtropical paddy field.
Association Between AST To ALT Ratio And Peripheral Artery Disease In Chinese Adults With Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Zha Xiaoyuan , Ding Congcong , Hu Lihua , Li Minghui , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies had shown that aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT ratio) plays a role in cardiovascular disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, there are a little research on the association between the AST/ALT ratio and Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: A total of 10, 900 hypertensive patients from the Chinese Hypertension Registry Study were included in the final analysis. The association between AST / ALT and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which was defined as ABI ≤ 0.9 in either leg, was estimated by a multivariate logistic regression model.Results: Overall, the prevalence of PAD was 3.21%. After adjusting for potential confounders, AST / ALT ratio was independently and positively associated with the risk of PAD (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.59), and a statistically significant increased risk of PAD for the third tertile (T3) of AST / ALT ratio compared to the first tertile (T1) (OR:1.49, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.04, P-trend= 0.005) was found. Moreover, when the T1-T2 group was combined into one group and used it as a reference group, the risk of PAD increased with the increase of AST/ALT and the risk ratio was 1.52 (95% CI :1.20 to 1.95). Conclusion: A higher AST/ALT ratio (≥1.65) was associated with PAD risk in Chinese adults with hypertension. The presented results suggested that AST / ALT may help us highlight patients who are at high risk of vascular endpoints.Trial registration: CHICTR, CHiCTR1800017274. Registered 20 July 2018.
Muscular Function: An alternative way to identify cognitive impairment, Secondary Analysis From SABE-Colombia
Authors: Garcia-Cifuentes Elkin , Botero-Rodríguez Felipe , Velandia Felipe Ramirez , Iragorri Angela , Marquez Isabel , Gelvis Geronimo , Acosta Maria-Fernanda , Jaramillo-Jimenez Alberto , Lopera Francisco , Cano-Gutierrez Carlos
Published: December 2020

Background
Traditionally, the identification of cognitive impairment is based on neuropsychological tests and supported with not widely available biomarkers. This study aimed to establish the association between motor function (Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength) and the performance in a global cognitive performance and various cognitive domains. Our secondary objective was to determine a cut-off point for Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength to classify older adults as cognitively impaired.
Methods
This is a secondary analysis from the SABE Colombia study (Health, Well-Being, and Aging) conducted in 2015. We performed linear regression models, to establish association with motor function, clinical, and sociodemographic variables, and predict the scores of the Mini-mental State Examination and its domains (i.e. orientation, recall, counting, and language). The evaluation of the motor function variables as an instrument to separate cognitively impaired older adults was evaluated by developing a receiving operating characteristic curve (ROC).
Results
Gait speed was associated with orientation (r2 = 0.16), language (r2 = 0.15), recall memory (r2 = 0.14) and counting (r2 = 0.08). Similarly, handgrip strength was associated with orientation (r2 = 0.175), language (r2 = 0.164), recall memory (r2 = 0.137), and counting (r2 = 0.08). Slow gait had a cut-off point of 0,59 m/s, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.629 (0.613–0.646), whereas a weak handgrip strength had an AUC of 0.653 (0.645–0.661), with a cut-off point of 17.50 Kg for separating those older adults with cognitive impairment.
Conclusions
Gait Speed or Handgrip Strength are similarly associated with cognitive performance, exhibiting the larger associations with orientation and language domains. Gait Speed and Handgrip Strength can be easily performed by any clinician and seems to be useful screening tools to detect cognitive impairment.
A Study on the Association Between Accessory Maxillary Ostium and Maxillary Sinus Mucosal Thickening Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Shetty Shishir , Bayatti Saad Wahby Al , Al-Rawi Natheer Hashim , Samsudin Rani , Marei Hesham , Shetty Raghavendra , Abdelmagyd Hossam Abdelatty , Reddy Sesha
Published: December 2020

Background- Accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) has a major role to play in the aetiology of maxillary sinusitis. Mucosal thickening is one of the key radiographic features of chronic maxillary sinusitis. The aim of this study was to establish the relation between maxillary sinus mucosal thickening (MT) and occurrence of AMO using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods- CBCT scans of 400 maxillary sinuses from the records of 200 patients who seeked various dental treatments at the University Dental Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates were evaluated. The incidence, anatomical position and maximal length of accessory maxillary ostia (AMO) in the maxillary antrum were reviewed using CBCT by two examiners. The association between MTs and AMOs were also analysed. Results- AMOs were found in 142 maxillary antra (35.5%). The inter-observer reliability for using CBCT to detect AMO was (k=0.83). There was no significant difference in the frequency of AMOs when the age (P=0.19) and gender (P=0.54) distribution were considered. Sinuses with AMOs, showed significantly greater frequency of MTs (p=0.001). AMOs with maximal length of less than 1mm were most commonly observed (51.40 %). AMOs with larger greater maximal length were associated with higher degrees of MT. The location of the AMOs, were not affected by the degree of MT. Conclusion- The study demonstrates a clear association between degree of MT and occurrence of AMO in the maxillary sinus. There is a greater probability of finding an AMO in the maxillary sinus if the MT in the sinus is more than 3 mm.
Characterization of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Among Flo App Users Around the World
Authors: Jain Tarun , Negris Olivia , Brown Dannielle , Galic Isabel , Salimgariev Rodion , Zhaunova Liudmila
Published: December 2020

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and multi-faceted endocrine disorder that affects 5-20% of women. Literature is limited regarding potentially differing PCOS phenotypes among women around the world. Therefore, we used Flo app technology to understand the multifaceted characteristics of PCOS across several countries and identify contributing risk factors to the development of this condition.Methods: Flo is a widely used female health and wellbeing app with period tracking functionality that provides a globally representative and medically unbiased perspective on PCOS symptomatology. A chatbot dialog on PCOS was subsequently administered on the Flo application (app) to users from 142 countries (with at least 100 respondents) who have the app running in English during September-October 2019.Results: For analyses, we selected the five countries with the greatest number of respondents: US (n=243,238), UK (n=68,325), India (n=40,092), Philippines (n=35,131), and Australia (n=29,926). Bloating was the most frequently reported symptom among PCOS-positive women and appeared to be the main predictor of PCOS in our model (odds ratio 3·76 [95% CI 3·60-3·94]; p<0·0001). Additional top predictors of PCOS are high blood cholesterol and glucose levels. As BMI increased, the percentage of women who reported a physician-confirmed PCOS diagnosis also increased. However, women in India did not follow this trend.Conclusions: Our findings are based on the largest known PCOS dataset and indicate that symptoms are more complex than previously understood. The most frequently reported symptoms (bloating, facial hirsutism, irregular cycles, hyperpigmentation, and baldness) are broader than those included in the Rotterdam criteria. Future work should reevaluate and refine the criteria utilized in PCOS diagnosis.
A novel long non-coding RNA GK-IT1 promotes the carcinogenesis and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via mediating the phosphorylation of MAPK1
Authors: Yang Xin , Zeng Tian Yang , Liu Zi Yang , He Wan Lun , Hu Meng Ting , Tang Ti , Xing Lei , Chen Li
Published: December 2020

Background: Recent studies have shown that Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in the invasion, angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the biological functions and potential molecular mechanism of LncRNA GK-IT1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma has not been reported.Methods: We analysed the expression of GK-IT1 in ESCC and their adjacent normal tissues in the TCGA database. The quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of GK-IT1 in Clinical specimens. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to draw the survival curve and then the statistical significance was calculated using the logarithmic rank test. a range of functional experiments in vivo and in vitro were used to explore the role of GK-IT1 in the carcinogenesis and development of ESCC. RNA pull down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofluorescence were all employed to explore the interaction mechanism between GK-IT1 and MAPK1 (mitogen activated protein kinase 1).Results: The expression of GK-IT1 was higher in ESCC than adjacent normal tissues, which was positively correlated with the clinical stage and shorter survival time. The knockout of the GK-IT1 gene significantly attenuated the abilities of ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, induced apoptosis and autophagy in ESCC cells and inhibited tumour growth and tumour metastasis in vivo. on the contrary, the upregulation of GK-IT1 had the opposite effect. Further studies have shown that GK-IT1 can regulate the biological process of ESCC by regulating the phosphorylation of MAPK1.Conclusion: Our study reveals that GK-IT1 mediated the phosphorylation of MAPK1 improve the carcinogenesis and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through ERK/MAPK pathway which indicates that GK-IT1 possesses substantial potential as a novel biomarker for ESCC prognosis and therapy.
Protective Effects of Total Flavonoids from Lysimachia Christinae on Calcium Oxalate-Induced Oxidative Stress in a Renal Cell Line and Renal Tissue
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Jiajian , Huang Jiahao , Lv Bodong , Huang Xiaojun , Hu Qing , Fu Jun , Huang Wenjie , Tao Tingting
Published: December 2020

Background: Flavonoids are compounds with 2-phenylchromone as the basic mother nucleus and are natural antioxidant components of Lysimachia christinae. We previously demonstrated that total flavonoids from L. christinae (TFL) reduce calcium and oxalic acid concentrations in urine and can reduce oxidative stress (OS) in renal tissue, thus, inhibiting calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TFL reduced OS in renal tissue, thereby inhibiting CaOx stone formation through the nuclear factor-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.Methods: The rat model of CaOx stone was established by providing rats with drinking water containing 0.5% glycol and 2% ammonium chloride. After 4 weeks of treatment with different doses of TFL (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/d), body and kidney weights of the rats were measured. CaOx crystal formation was observed under the microscope and the renal tissue contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. HK-2 cells were divided into two groups: treatment with CaOx crystals or CaOx crystals + TFL. Other HK-2 cells were treated with small interfering RNA targeting nuclear factor-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and divided into the same two groups. The activities of SOD and content of MDA were measured. The expression of Nrf2, heme oxygenase (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) were detected using western blot.Results: In the in vitro study, TFL significantly increased nuclear Nrf2 and expression of the downstream antioxidant genes, HO-1 and NQO-1. Furthermore, TFL increased superoxide dismutase activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content, thereby alleviating OS in renal tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, silencing the expression of Nrf2 blocked the protective effect of TFL on CaOx-induced OS. In the in vivo study TFL protected the renal cell line and renal tissue against injury, reduced CaOx-induced OS in renal tissue, and reduced CaOx crystal formation.Conclusions: TFL reduces CaOx-induced OS in renal tissue by activating the nuclear Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway.
Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Eczema Among Preschool Children in Urumqi City: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Shi Haonan , Wan Guangsheng , Wang Tingting , Zhu Jia , Jiang Lan , Ma Shaowei , Yao Jian , Yin Zhe , Maimaiti Murizhati , Dong Huijuan
Published: December 2020

Background: We explored the prevalence of eczema and indoor environmental factors in preschool children in Urumqi, Xinjiang, to provide a strong basis for the prevention and control of preschool eczema. Methods: Using stratified random cluster sampling, we conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey among 8153 parents of children aged 2–8 years in 60 kindergartens in six districts of Urumqi City during August 2019. Results: For the 8153 preschool children with valid data, the parent-reported prevalence of eczema was 12.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that cesarean section (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.36), being an only child (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.57), mold or moisture in the mother’s residence before pregnancy (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17–2.00), flies or mosquitoes in the dwelling currently (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10–1.55), pets kept in the child’s current residence (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51), presence of pets when the child is 0–1 year old (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.85), and family history of eczema (OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.98–4.19) are risk factors, whereas ethnicity other than Han Chinese (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96) is a protective factor, for eczema. Conclusion: Preschool children in Urumqi are at a high risk of eczema, especially those of Han Chinese ethnicity. Parents should pay close attention to the indoor living environment of children and must reduce indoor humidity, pay attention to pest control and elimination, and avoid raising pets to reduce the risk of children developing eczema.
Long Non-coding RNAs act as Prognostic Biomarkers in Breast and Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Zhao Fan , Chen Huiqi , Chen Kelie , Wang Shengchao , Yang Dexin , Zhang Honghe , Lu Weiguo , Xia Dajing , Wu Yihua
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIt is well-known that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in cancer development and progression. This study aimed to assess the potential prognostic value of specific lncRNAs in breast and gynecologic cancers. MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and TCGA databases were systematically searched from inception to January, 2019, and identified according to eligibility criteria. A random-effects model was adopted to calculate combined hazard ratios to explore the association between specific lncRNA expression level and survival in breast and gynecologic cancers. Subgroup and publication bias analyses were also conducted.Results111 studies encompassing nearly 20000 participants and 25 lncRNAs were included in the current study. Of the listed lncRNAs, we identified 3 lncRNAs significantly associated with both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in breast and gynecologic cancers, indicating that they might act as promising prognostic biomarkers in clinical applications. Specifically, HOTAIR and PVT1 had a negative impact on survival outcome, while GAS5 was associated with better prognosis. Further subgroup analyses identified HOTAIR as a biomarker for the poor survival whether in an Asian population or in European and American populations and GAS5 as a biomarker for the relatively good prognosis of both breast and gynecologic cancers.ConclusionsWe here highlight that abnormal expression of 3 lncRNAs, including HOTAIR, GAS5, PVT1 might significantly affect the survival of breast and gynecologic cancer patients and serve as novel prognostic biomarkers for breast and gynecologic cancers.
Whole Exome Sequencing of Six Chinese Families With Hereditary Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss: A Genetic Etiology Study
Authors: Liang Pengfei , Chen Fengping , Wang Shujuan , Li Qiong , Li Wei , Wang Jian , Chen Jun , Zha Dingjun
Published: December 2020

Background: Hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) has a high genetic heterogeneity with >152 genes identified as associated molecular causes. The present study aimed to detect the possible damaging variants of the deaf probands from six unrelated Chinese families.Methods: After excluding the mutations in the most common genes, GJB2 and SLC26A4, 12 probands with prelingual deafness and autosomal recessive inheritance were evaluated by whole-exome sequencing (WES). All the candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing in all patients and their parents.Results: Biallelic mutations were identified in all deaf patients. Among these six families, 10 potentially causative mutations, including 3 reported and 7 novel mutations, in 3 different deafness-associated autosomal recessive (DFNB) genes (MYO15A, COL11A2, and CDH23) were identified. The mutations in MYO15A were frequent with 7/10 candidate variants. Sanger sequencing confirmed that these mutations segregated with the hearing loss of each family.Conclusions: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach becomes more cost-effective and efficient when analyzing large-scale genes compared to the conventional polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing, which is often used to screen common deafness-related genes. The current findings further extend the mutation spectrum of hearing loss in the Chinese population, which has a positive significance for genetic counseling.
Colombia-United States Free Trade Agreement. An observation to the Colombian agricultural microeconomy projected towards development
Authors: Franky Melissa Stephanni Vargas , Núñez José Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

Through this article, the results of the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the United States were addressed, based on its effects on the exports of the Colombian agricultural sector and its repercussions on the rural microeconomy, using the following methods: a) Descriptive b) Comparative Method c) Revealed Comparative Advantages (RCA) and d) Prospective Approach, being the main variables, competition, rural poverty in Colombia, concentration of rural property and the investment budget destined for the vulnerable agricultural sector, observing that Colombia's agricultural products do not have significant comparative advantages to compete with the North American market, which is evidenced in the deficit trade balance. Colombia is the most unequal country in the distribution of land in Latin America where the largest extensions are destined to the production of agrofuels and it is the small farmers who generate the largest number of crops for internal consumption, persisting despite the hostile conditions in the Colombian countryside, and the high rates of monetary and multidimensional poverty. These circumstances pose a risk to the country's food sovereignty by becoming dependent on imports, which is why a legal-economic proposal was made for Colombia based on the United Nations Declaration of the Right to Development.
Tunnel Engineering for Modulating The Substrate Preference in Decarbonylase P450BsβHI
Authors: Meng Shuaiqi , An Ruipeng , Li Zhongyu , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Ji Yu , Davari Mehdi D. , Fang Wang , Wang Meng , Qin Meng , Nie Kaili , Liu Luo
Published: December 2020

An active site normally locates inside of enzymes, substrates should go through the tunnel to access the active site. Tunnel engineering is a powerful strategy for refining the catalytic properties of enzymes. Here, P450BsβHI (Q85H/ V170I) derived from hydroxylase P450Bsβ from Bacillus subtilis was chosen as study model, which is reported as a potential decarbonylase. However, this enzyme showed low decarboxylase activity towards long-chain fatty acids. Here, a tunnel engineering campaign was performed for modulating the substrate preference and improving the decarbonylase activity of P450BsβHI. The finally obtained BsβHI-F79A variant had a 15.2-fold improved conversion for palmitic acid; BsβHI-F173V variant had a 3.9-fold improved conversion for pentadecanoic acid. The study demonstrates how the substrate preference can be modulated by tunnel engineering strategy.
The Use of Nocturnal Flights for Barrier Crossing in a Diurnally Migrating Songbird: Implications for Our Understanding of Fly-and-Forage Migration Strategies
Authors: Lavallée Christie D. , Assadi Saeedeh Bani , Korpach Alicia M. , Ray James D. , Fischer Jason D , Siegrist Joseph , Fraser Kevin Charles
Published: December 2020

Background: The migration patterns of land birds can generally be divided into those species that migrate principally during the day and those that migrate during the night. Some species may show individual plasticity in the use of day or night flight, particularly when crossing large, open-water or desert barriers. However, individual plasticity in circadian patterns of migratory flights in diurnal songbirds that use a fly-and-forage migration strategy has never been investigated. Methods: We used high precision GPS tracking of a diurnal, migratory swallow Purple martin, (Progne subis), to determine whether individuals were flexible in their spring migration strategies to include some night flight, particularly at barrier crossing.Results: We found that individuals made large (sometimes >1000 km), open-water crossings of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico that included the use of night flight. Some birds-initiated barrier crossing flights at night, demonstrating that night flight is not only used to complete barrier crossings but may confer other advantages for diurnal birds. All birds also used some, shorter night flights when making overland flights not associated with barrier crossing. Birds were more likely to initiate water crossings with supportive northward winds, and preliminary data suggest that moonlight may influence nighttime migratory movements.Conclusions: Overall, our results demonstrate an unexpected high degree of individual plasticity in migration strategies on a circadian scale in a ‘diurnal’ songbird and suggest that barrier crossing at night may complement fly-and-forage migration strategies.
Preferences and health utilities related to disease and treatment features for patients with hemophilia A in Canada
Authors: Johnston Karissa , Stoffman Jayson , Mickle Alexis , Klaassen Robert , Diles Demitri , Olatunde Shade , Eliasson Lina , Bahar Roxana
Published: December 2020

Background: Hemophilia A is caused by a mutation of clotting factor genes resulting in a deficiency of factor VIII (FVIII). Current treatments for hemophilia A in Canada include on-demand treatment as bleeds occur and regular intravenous prophylactic FVIII infusions. The subcutaneous therapy emicizumab was recently approved for the treatment of hemophilia A. The objective of this study was to estimate utility values associated with hemophilia A health and treatment states from a Canadian societal perspective, including preferences related to treatment efficacy as well as frequency and route of administration.Methods: A vignette-based time trade-off (TTO) utilities elicitation was undertaken to compare population preferences for 6 hemophilia health states describing prophylactic and on-demand treatment, with varying bleed rates and frequency of treatment administration. Health state definitions were informed by clinical experience, HAVEN3 results regarding bleed frequency, and supplemented with qualitative interviews of hemophilia patients and caregivers (n=10). Results: TTO interviews were conducted with 82 general population respondents. Mean utilities [95% CI] were highest for subcutaneous prophylaxis (0.90 [0.87-0.93]), followed by intravenous prophylaxis (0.81 [0.78-0.85]), with on-demand having the lowest utility (0.70 [0.65-0.76]). In regression analysis, subcutaneous treatment health states were associated with a utility increment of +0.1112. Additional bleeds and more frequent infusions were associated with lower utility values (-0.0027 per bleed and -0.0003 per infusion, respectively). Conclusion: Subcutaneous prophylaxis is associated with higher utility values compared to intravenous prophylactic and on-demand treatment, while increased bleeds and infusions are associated with reduced utility.
Effects of high-flow oxygen therapy on patients with hypoxemia after extubation and predictors of reintubation: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Liu Taotao , Zhao Qinyu , Du Bin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To investigate the indications for high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) therapy in patients with hypoxemia during ventilator weaning and to explore the predictors of reintubation when treatment fails.
Methods

Adult patients with hypoxemia weaning from mechanical ventilation were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The patients were assigned to the treatment group or control group according to whether they were receiving HFNC or non-invasive ventilation (NIV) after extubation. The 28-day mortality and 28-day reintubation rates were compared between the two groups after Propensity score matching (PSM). The predictor for reintubation was formulated according to the risk factors with the XGBoost algorithm. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for reintubation prediction according to values at 4 hours after extubation, which was compared with the ratio of SpO2/FiO2 to respiratory rate (ROX index).
Results

A total of 524520 medical records were screened, and 801 patients with moderate or severe hypoxemia when undergoing mechanical ventilation weaning were included (100 < PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mmHg), including 358 patients who received HFNC therapy after extubation in the treatment group. There were 315 patients with severe hypoxemia (100 < PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 mmHg) before extubation, and 190 patients remained in the treatment group with median oxygenation index 166[157,180] mmHg after PSM. There were no significant differences in the 28-day reintubation rate or 28-day mortality between the two groups with moderate or severe hypoxemia (all P > 0.05). Then HR/SpO2 was formulated as a predictor for 48-hour reintubation according to the important features predicting weaning failure. According to values at 4 hours after extubation, the AUC of HR/SpO2 was 0.657, which was larger than that of ROX index (0.583). When the HR/SpO2 reached 1.2 at 4 hours after extubation, the specificity for 48-hour reintubation prediction was 93%.
Conclusions

The treatment effect of HFNC therapy is not inferior to that of NIV, even on patients with oxygenation index from 160 to 180 mmHg when weaning from ventilator. HR/SpO2 is more early and accurate in predicting HFNC failure than ROX index.
Nutritional status of school children living in Northern part of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sathiadas Gitanjali , Annieston A , Arunath V , Kasthuri T , Wickramasinghe V P
Published: December 2020

Background Nutritional status is an important indicator for measuring quality of life in children. A region that is recovering from war will face many problems related to nutrition. Very few studies have addressed the nutritional problems in school-going children. This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of wasting, stunting and obesity of school children from Northern Sri Lanka and associated socio-demographic factorsMethods A community based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage stratified proportionate cluster among healthy children attending schools in the Northern part of the country. Height and weight were measured and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated [weight (kg)/Height (m) ²]. BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) and Height for age Z (HAZ) scores were determined and WHO growth references were used to categorise the nutritional status of the children. Correlation between various nutritional problems with Maternal education, household income, number of family members and the residential area was assessed. Results A total of 1012 children were recruited, and the mean age and standard deviation were 11.12±1.77yrs. Girls in the age ranges of 9-14 were heavier and taller when compared to the boys compatible to the pubertal growth spurt. Stunting based on the height for age was seen in 10.9% of boys and 11.8% of girls. Wasting based on BMI for age WHO standard (WHO 2007) was seen in 30.6% of boys and 29.1% of the girls. The prevalence of overweight was 11% and Obesity was 6.3% of the population. Obesity was predominantly seen in boys (4.2%) and it was significantly higher when compared to the girls (2.1%) (p <0.001). Older boys (>10 years) were significantly affected more than the younger ones (p <0.01). The prevalence of wasting, stunting, overweight and obesity had significant variations in different educational zones comparable with the geographical areas. Maternal Education and Family income had a significant impact on the prevalence of stunting and obesity. (p<0.001) whereas the family size significantly contributed to the wasting and obesity. Conclusion Findings suggest that stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity are prevalent among 6-16-year-old leading to concerns in public health. The nutritional status significantly vary according to the geographical location maternal education and the household income.
Gene expression patterns of red sea urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus) exposed to different combinations of temperature and pCO2 during early development
Authors: Wong Juliet M. , Hofmann Gretchen E.
Published: December 2020

Background: The red sea urchin Mesocentrotus franciscanus is an ecologically important kelp forest herbivore and an economically valuable wild fishery species. To examine how M. franciscanus responds to its environment on a molecular level, differences in gene expression patterns were observed in embryos raised under combinations of two temperatures (13 °C or 17 °C) and two pCO2 levels (475 matm or 1050 matm). These combinations mimic various present-day conditions measured during and between upwelling events in the highly dynamic California Current System with the exception of the 17 °C and 1050 matm combination, which does not currently occur. However, as ocean warming and acidification continues, warmer temperatures and higher pCO2 conditions are expected to increase in frequency and to occur simultaneously. The transcriptomic responses of the embryos were assessed at two developmental stages (gastrula and prism) in light of previously described plasticity in body size and thermotolerance under these temperature and pCO2 treatments.Results: Although transcriptomic patterns primarily varied by developmental stage, there were pronounced differences in gene expression as a result of the treatment conditions. Temperature and pCO2 treatments led to the differential expression of genes related to the cellular stress response, transmembrane transport, metabolic processes, and the regulation of gene expression. At each developmental stage, temperature contributed significantly to the observed variance in gene expression, which was also correlated to the phenotypic attributes of the embryos. On the other hand, the transcriptomic response to pCO2 was relatively muted, particularly at the prism stage.Conclusions: M. franciscanus exhibited transcriptomic plasticity under different temperatures, indicating their capacity for a molecular-level response that may facilitate red sea urchins facing ocean warming as climate change continues. In contrast, the lack of a robust transcriptomic response, in combination with observations of decreased body size, under elevated pCO2 levels suggest that this species may be negatively affected by ocean acidification. High present-day pCO2 conditions that occur due to coastal upwelling may already be influencing populations of M. franciscanus.
Characteristics and clinical outcomes of culture-negative and culture-positive septic shock: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Kim Won Young
Published: December 2020

Background: We evaluated the characteristics and outcomes of culture-negative versus culture-positive septic shock.Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of data from a prospective registry from 2014 to 2018. A total of 2,499 adult patients with septic shock were enrolled. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay, a requirement for mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy, and in-hospital mortality.Results: Of 1,718 patients with septic shock, 1,012 (58.9%) patients were culture-positive (blood 803, urine 302, sputum 102, others 204) and the median pathogen detection time was 9.5 hours (aerobic 10.2 hours and anaerobic 9.0 hours). The most common site of culture-positive infection was the hepatobiliary tract (39.5%), while for the culture-negative it was the lower respiratory tract (38.2%). The culture-negative group had a lower mean body temperature (37.3 vs 37.7 ℃), lactate (2.5 vs. 3.2 mmol/L), C-reactive protein (11.1 vs 11.9 mg/dL), and sequential organ failure assessment score (7.0 vs. 8.0) than that of the culture-positive group. However, 90-day mortality between the groups was not significantly different (32.7 vs 32.2%, p=0.83), and the other clinical outcomes also did not differ significantly. Moreover, a shorter culture detection time was correlated with a higher sequential organ failure assessment score but not with mortality.Conclusion: Patients with septic shock are frequently culture-negative, especially in cases where the infection focus is in the lower respiratory tract. Although culture-negative was associated with a degree of organ dysfunction, it was not an independent predictor of death.
Telomere length de novo assembly of all 7 chromosomes and mitogenome sequencing of the model entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium brunneum, by means of a novel assembly pipeline
Authors: Saud Zack , Kortsinoglou Alexandra M. , Kouvelis Vassili N. , Butt Tariq M.
Published: December 2020

Background More accurate and complete reference genomes have improved understanding of gene function, biology, and evolutionary mechanisms. Hybrid genome assembly approaches leverage benefits of both long, relatively error-prone reads from third-generation sequencing technologies and short, accurate reads from second-generation sequencing technologies, to produce more accurate and contiguous de novo genome assemblies in comparison to using either technology independently. In this study, we present a novel hybrid assembly pipeline that allowed for both mitogenome de novo assembly and telomere length de novo assembly of all 7 chromosomes of the model entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium brunneum . Results The improved assembly allowed for better ab initio gene prediction and a more BUSCO complete proteome set has been generated in comparison to the eight current NCBI reference Metarhizium spp. genomes. Remarkably, we note that including the mitogenome in ab initio gene prediction training improved overall gene prediction. The assembly was further validated by comparing contig assembly agreement across various assemblers, assessing the assembly performance of each tool. Genomic synteny and orthologous protein clusters were compared between Metarhizium brunneum and three other Hypocreales species with complete genomes, identifying core proteins, and listing orthologous protein clusters shared uniquely between the two entomopathogenic fungal species, so as to further facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanisms underpinning fungal-insect pathogenesis. Conclusions The novel assembly pipeline may be used for other haploid fungal species, facilitating the need to produce high-quality reference fungal genomes, leading to better understanding of fungal genomic evolution, chromosome structuring and gene regulation.
Taxonomische Studien zur Hydrophiliden-Gattung Enochrus Thomson, 1859. 5. Teil: Die afrikanischen Arten der Untergattung Methydrus Rey, 1885. D: Die Enochrus picinus-Gruppe (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae).
Authors: Hebauer Franz
Published: December 2020

Im vorliegenden 5. Teil der taxonomischen Studien zur Hydrophiliden-Gattung Enochrus Thomson (Hebauer, 1998, 2001, 2002) wird die E. picinus-Gruppe vorgestellt und um drei neue Arten (Enochrus fosteri sp. n., E. frieseri sp. n. und E. lucens sp. n.) aus Afrika erweitert. E. nitidulus (Kuwert) wurde als jüngeres Synonym von E. hesperidum (Sharp), und Enochrus (Methydrus) asperanus Hebauer, 1999 als jüngeres Synonym von E. (Hydatotrephis) hartmanni Hebauer, 1998 erkannt. Eine Bestimmungstabelle und die Abbildungen der Aedoeagi aller bisher bekannten afrikanischen Arten der Gruppe sollen die Zuordnung erleichtern.StichwörterInsecta, Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae, Enochrus, systematics, taxonomy, Africa, key, new species.Nomenklatorische Handlungenfosteri Hebauer, 2003 (Enochrus (Methydrus)), spec. n.frieseri Hebauer, 2003 (Enochrus (Methydrus)), spec. n.lucens Hebauer, 2003 (Enochrus (Methydrus)), spec. n.nitidulus Kuwert, 1888 (Philydrus), syn. n. of Enochrus (Methydrus) hesperidum (Sharp, 1870)
New species and records of Staphylinidae from Turkey II (Insecta: Coleoptera: Staphylinidae).
Authors: Assing Volker
Published: December 2020

Sieben bisher nur aus der Türkei bekannte Staphylinidenarten werden beschrieben: Notothecta pisidica sp. n., Liogluta akiana sp. n., Acrotona concamerata sp. n., Chaetosogonocephus adventicius sp. n., Derocala brachati sp. n., Cousya crocea sp. n. und Oxypoda (Deropoda) schminkei sp. n. Habitus und Differentialmerkmale werden abgebildet; die zurzeit bekannten Verbreitungsgebiete werden anhand einer Karte dargestellt. Eine Synonymisierung wird vorgenommen: Deropoda Bernhauer, 1902 = Baptopoda Bernhauer, 1902, syn. n. Für eine Reihe seltener und wenig bekannter Arten werden Nachweise gemeldet, darunter sieben Erstnachweise für die Türkei sowie ein Zweit- und ein Erstnachweis von Megaloscapa punctipennis (Kraatz) aus der Türkei bzw. aus Griechenland.StichwörterColeoptera, Staphylinidae, Turkey, taxonomy, new species, new synonymy, new records.Nomenklatorische Handlungenconcamerata Assing, 2004 (Acrotona), spec. n.adventicius Assing, 2004 (Chaetosogonocephus), spec. n.crocea Assing, 2004 (Cousya), spec. n.brachati Assing, 2004 (Derocala), spec. n.akiana Assing, 2004 (Liogluta), spec. n.pisidica Assing, 2004 (Notothecta), spec. n.Baptopoda Bernhauer, 1902 (Oxypoda), syn. n. of Oxypoda (Deropoda) Bernhauer, 1902schminkei Assing, 2004 (Oxypoda (Deropoda)), spec. n.
Katalog der in den Sammlungen des Senckenberg Deutschen Entomologischen Instituts aufbewahrten Typen – Coleoptera: Cerambycidae.
Authors: Behne Lutz
Published: December 2020

Die Typen der Familie Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) in den Sammlungen des Senckenberg Deutschen Entomogischen Instituts werden aufgelistet. Mitgeteilt werden jeweils das Zitat der Erstbeschreibung und Angaben über das vorhandene Typenmaterial. Die Sammlungen enthalten 445 Primärtypen, davon 78 Holotypen, 29 Lectotypen und Syntypen von 338 Arten. Von 57 weiteren Arten existieren Paratypen oder Paralectotypen. Von 25 Arten sind als Typen etikettierte Tiere wahrscheinlich nicht beschrieben.
Braconidae (Hymenoptera) in the collection of the Institute of Zoology, NAS of Azerbaijan Republic Part V. Subfamilies Chardichilinae, Microgasterinae and Miracinae
Authors: Abdinbekova Arifa , Huseynova Ellada , Kerimova Ilhama
Published: December 2020

We present some faunistic records of braconids of the subfamilies Chardichilinae (genus Cardiochiles), Microgasterinae (genera Microplitis, Microgaster, Choeras, Cotesia, Protapanteles, Apanteles), and Miracinae (Mirax) deposited in the collection of the Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Baku. Localities in Azerbaijan, general distribution, and remarks on hosts are given for each taxon. Specimens of 28 species originally represented in the collection are now held by ZIN (Zoological Institute of the RAS) and are not covered further in this paper. They are the following: Apanteles albipennis (Nees, 1834), Apanteles lateralis (Haliday, 1834), Apanteles sublateralis Tobias, 1976, Apanteles rufulus Tobias, 1964, Apanteles subfirmus Abdinbekova 1969, Apanteles znoikoi Tobias 1976, Apanteles albinervis Tobias, 1964, Apanteles girkanus Tobias 1976, Apanteles negativus Tobias 1976, Apanteles subemarginatus Abdinbekova, 1969, Apanteles varifemur Abdinbekova, 1969, Apanteles brunnistigma Abdinbekova, 1969, Apanteles masallensis Abdinbekova, 1969, Apanteles kubensis Abdinbekova, 1969, Apanteles samedovi Abdinbekova, 1969, Apanteles carpatus (Say, 1836), Apanteles anarsiae Faure & Alabouvette, 1924, Cotesia subordinaria (Tobias, 1976), Cotesia rubripes (Haliday, 1834), Cotesia rufiventris (Bingham, 1906), Cotesia shemachaensis (Tobias, 1976), Protapanteles pallipes (Reinhard 1880), Protapanteles compressiventris (Muesebeck 1921), Microplitis ochraceus Szépligeti, 1896, Microplitis erythrogaster Abdinbekova, 1969, Deuterixys rimulosa (Niezabitowski, 1910), Glyptapanteles inclusus (Ratzeburg, 1844), Iconella subcamilla (Tobias, 1976).
Rezension zu: Alan Bowman/Andrew Wilson (Hg.), Quantifying the Roman Economy. Methods and Problems
Authors: Krocker Nicolas
Published: December 2020

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Rezension zu: Christian Josef Bayer, Teje: Die den Herrn Beider Länder mit ihrer Schönheit erfreut. Eine ikonographische Studie
Authors: Koepp-Jung Heidi
Published: December 2020

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Rezension zu: Gesine Manuwald, Nero in Opera. Librettos as Transformations of Ancient Sources
Authors: Droß-Krüpe Kerstin
Published: December 2020

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Rekonstruktion einer fragmentarischen Weihinschrift aus Nettersheim/Marcomagus in der Germania inferior
Authors: Kakoschke Andreas
Published: December 2020

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Gli olympieia in età adrianea. Architettura e funzione
Authors: Giudice Alberto
Published: December 2020

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Diversité et structure des groupements ligneux du parc national d’Arly (Est du Burkina Faso)
Authors: Ouedraogo Oumarou , Thiombiano Adjima , Hahn-Hadjali Karen , Guinko Sita
Published: December 2020

La présente étude menée sur la végétation ligneuse du parc national d’Arly a pour objectif de caractériser la diversité et la structure des différents groupements végétaux en relation avec les conditions écologiques. 243 relevés phytosociologiques ont été réalisés. Ces relevés font ressortir 109 espèces ligneuses et 10 groupements par la méthode d’analyse DCA. La diversité des groupements végétaux a été caractérisée par le calcul des indices de diversité. Pour chaque groupement ligneux, 10 relevés ont été choisis de manière aléatoire pour des mesures dendrométriques. Les individus dont le diamètre à 1,3 m du sol est supérieur à 5 cm ont été mesurés. La structure des groupements a été décrite à travers la répartition des individus en classe de diamètre, le calcul de la densité et de la surface terrière. La relation entre la diversité et la structure des groupements a été établie sur la base d’analyse de corrélation. Les groupements ligneux distingués sont répartis suivant le gradient topographique. L’analyse de la structure démographique en classe de diamètre montre que les peuplements des différents groupements végétaux sont stables, ce qui traduit leur adaptation aux facteurs écologiques stationnelles telles que le feu et les conditions de sol. Les forêts claires à Tamarindus indica et Combretum paniculatum et les forêts galeries à Vitex chrysocarpa et Garcinia livingstonei sont les formations les plus denses et les groupements ligneux les plus diversifiés. A l’opposé, les savanes arbustives clairsemées à Euphorbia sudanica et Combretum niorense et celles à Acacia sieberiana sont moins denses et constituent les groupements les plus pauvres en espèces. Ainsi, il existe une relation entre la diversité et la structure des groupements des formations ligneuses. Les conditions édaphiques et topographiques occupées par ces groupements expliquent à la fois leur diversité et leur structure.