bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constant Load Exercise at Gas Exchange Threshold is Accompanied by a Distinct Elevation in Blood Lactate Level
Authors: kominami kazuyuki , Nishijima Hirotaka , Imahashi Keiko , Katsuragawa Toko , Murakami Mitsuyo , Akino Masatoshi
Published: November 2020

Background: The gas exchange threshold (GET) is determined during incremental exercise (Inc-Ex) testing. It is generally considered to be a safe training intensity, with little or no elevation in blood lactate (BLa). However, actual exercise training at GET is carried out primarily as a constant load exercise (CL-Ex). The dynamics of BLa during CL-Ex at GET have not been studied. This study was conducted particularly among the elderly population. Methods: We recruited 20 healthy elderly individuals (H: age 69.4±6.8 years) and 10 patients with cardiovascular diseases or under medication for cardiovascular risk factors (P: age 73.0±8.8 years). On day 1, we determined GET during symptomatic maximal Inc-Ex. On day 2, CL-Ex at GET intensity was performed for 20 min. Arterialized blood lactate levels were determined. Results: The mean BLa at GET during Inc-Ex was 1.51±0.29 mmol/L in H and 1.78±0.42 mmol/L in P (p < 0.05). During CL-Ex, BLa increased significantly more than that at GET, reaching a steady state level of 2.65±1.56 (H) and 2.53±0.95 (P) mmol/L (ns), with a mean respiratory exchange ratio (RER) of 0.94±0.05 (H) and 0.93±0.05 (P) (ns). Oxygen uptake (VO2) also reached a steady state in all participants. All participants were able to complete CL-Ex with mean perceived exertion ratings (Borg/20) of 11.8±1.3 (H) and 12.2±1.3 (P) (ns). Conclusions: CL-Ex at GET occurred at distinctly increased BLa levels; however, BLa reached a steady state, together with VO2 and RER, indicating that exercise intensity was metabolically moderate.
Incidence of Injury and Pain in Referees in German National Handball Leagues: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Heyn Jens , Fleckenstein Johannes
Published: November 2020

Background: Handball referees play an important role during a handball match. Surprisingly, not much is known about their sports-related injuries and resulting pain, therefore the purpose of our study was to focus on injuries and sports-related pain in referees in German handball leagues.Methods: During the 2018/19 national German handball season, referees of the German Federation of Handball were contacted and asked to complete an injury and pain questionnaire on the penultimate matchday of the first and the second round of the season.Results: 70 referees participated in the study. One in three referees reported an injury during the last year and perceived some form of pain. Of those suffering from pain, 16.7% referees reported chronic pain disorders. During the season, 31.4% of referees incurred an injury and the majority of the 70 referees officiated despite pain (n=43). Prospective data suggested an incidence of 11.6 (95% CI: 10.3 to 13.0) injuries per 1000 match hours, and 19.0 (95% CI: 16.8 to 21.3) sports-related pain events per 1000 match hours. The most common injuries were foot and knee injuries and a substantial number of the referees (n= 25) reported taking analgesics for the pain.Conclusion: German handball referees are at risk of sports-related injuries with subsequent pain. Considering the injury profile, the incidence of sports-related pain events, and the high physiological and psychological demands of refereeing, it appears that prevention programs should be developed and integrated into the routine of the referee.
MolFinder: An Evolutionary Algorithm for the Global Optimization of Molecular Properties and the Extensive Exploration of Chemical Space Using SMILES
Authors: Kwon Yongbeom , Lee Juyong
Published: November 2020

Here, we introduce a new molecule optimization method, MolFinder, based on an efficient global optimization algorithm, the conformational space annealing algorithm, and the SMILES representation. MolFinder finds diverse molecules with desired properties efficiently without any training and a large molecular database. Compared with recently proposed reinforcement-learning-based molecule optimization algorithms, MolFinder consistently outperforms in terms of both the optimization of a given target property and the generation of a set of diverse and novel molecules. The efficiency of MolFinder demonstrates that combinatorial optimization using the SMILES representation is a promising approach for molecule optimization, which has not been well investigated despite its simplicity. We believe that our results shed light on new possibilities for advances in molecule optimization methods.
Production of Virus-free Vitis Vinifera ‘koshu’ Plantlets From Shoot Tips or Axillary Buds 
Authors: Dosho Akira , Ando Sayuri , Tsutsumiuchi Kaname , Kojima Shoko , Miwa Johji , Machida Chiyoko , Matsumoto Shogo
Published: November 2020

Objective: Vitis vinifera ‘Koshu’ is the most important grape cultivar for producing white wine in Japan. Most Koshu vines are heavily infected with viruses of multiple types, such as grapevine leafroll-associated viruses, which severely interfere with normal development and physiology such as photosynthesis of grapes. The meristem culture method has been the most commonly and successfully employed to eliminate viruses from grapevines. Koshu is, however, known for its difficulty of regenerating plantlets from meristems. Results: We have established a robust method of regenerating plantlets with high frequency from shoot apical meristem tissues of ‘Koshu’ grapevines. The key points of this method are the use of (1) no or low concentrations of 6-benzyl-aminopurine (BAP) (0.22 µM) for shoot regeneration, and (2) a synthetic auxin, such as 10-5 M 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4-Cl-IAA), for rooting. This method should be very useful and important for producing ‘Koshu’ virus-free vines.
Early root development of Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell. seedlings from seed and stem cutting at nursery stage
Authors: Hassan Affendy , Balachandran Parveena , Khamis Khairiyyah Razanah
Published: November 2020

BackgroundEucalyptus is among the important fast-growing species, and is typically managed on short rotation to sustain the production of timber, pulpwood, charcoal, and fire-wood. Macro-propagation using cutting for larger multiplying seedlings is cheaper and efficient instead of clonal seeds for uniform plant material seedling production. However, information on root growth of Eucalyptus pellita at early development from seed and stem cutting of E. pellita seedlings is still lacking. This is probably due to the difficulty in investigation belowground, and also due to methodological problems. With such information, it is useful for forest plantation company management in enhancing the understanding on strategies to optimize yield production with the appropriate agronomic or silvicultural approach in the field planting. Therefore, the objectives of this study were; to compare the root development of two different propagation seedlings of E. pellita; and to study the effect of various nitrogen concentration levels on two types of propagation of E. pellita seedlings. ResultsThe study was conducted using E. pellita seedlings from two types of propagation, namely, seed and stem cuttings, along with three different nitrogen concentrations (0, 50, and 200 kg N ha-1). Shoot biomass, root intensity (RI), total root intensity (TRI), root biomass, root length density (RLD), and specific root length (SRL) were recorded. Dried shoot biomass, RLD and SRL of E. pellita seedlings using stem cutting were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to seed. Whereas, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) for root biomass, TRI and RI between the propagation types of E. pellita seedlings. Conclusions:E. pellita seedlings from stem cutting was greater in terms of root distribution compared to propagation by seeds at the nursery stage, and 50 kg N ha-1 was the optimal nitrogen concentration level from the considered levels to be applied to the E. pellita seedlings. The present study therefore provides more information and understanding on E. pellita for forest plantation companies in producing plant materials using stem cutting in a cost-effective and efficient manner. This would help the forest plantation companies in planning appropriate agronomic management in the future.
GABA and Its Shunt’s Contributions to Flavonoid Biosynthesis and Metabolism in the Tea Plat (Camellia Sinensis)
Authors: Liao Jieren , Cao Yu , Ren Taiyu , Shen Qiang , Wang Yuhua , Ma Yuanchun , Fang Wanping , zhu xujun
Published: November 2020

Background: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a signal molecule, is regarded as the intersection of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, but its contributions to flavonoid metabolism in tea plants during the whole growth cycle remain unclear, and the correlation between the GABA shunt and flavonoid metabolism in tea plants is worth exploring. Secondary metabolites and their correlations with the taste qualities of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) during different seasons have been investigated.Results: Related secondary metabolites and transcript profiles of genes encoding enzymes in the GABA shunt, flavonoid pathway and polyamine biosynthesis were measured throughout the whole tea plant growth season and after exogenous GABA applications. In addition, levels of differentially expressed proteins were measured after treatment with or without exogenous GABA. The tea leaves showed the highest metabolite concentrations in spring. CsGAD, CsGABAT, CsSPMS, CsODC, CsF3H and CsCHS were found to be important genes in the GABA and anthocyanin network. Conclusion: GABA and anthocyanin concentrations showed a positive correlation, to some extent, and CsF3H and CsCHS played important roles in the GABA and anthocyanin network. Further studies should focus on exploring GABA and flavonoid metabolism through the transgenic engineering of tea plants.
Special Behavior of Homo(eo)logous Chromosomes at Meiosis and the Mechanism of Partial Female Fertility of Allotriploid Lilium ‘triumphator’ (LLO)  
Authors: Cui Luomin , Sun Yanni , Xiao Kongzhong , Wan Lin , Zhong Ju , Liu Yanmei , Zhou Shujun
Published: November 2020

Background: The abnormal meiosis of triploid is paid little attention; however, triploid not only is an important trend of ornamental breeding but also is regarded as a bridge of plant polyploidy speciation. In the present research, an allotriploid lily ‘Triumphator’ (LLO, 2n = 3x = 36 ) was investigated. Results: The results showed that the homoeologous chromosomes of two L-genomes formed bivalents and then disjoined and their half-bivalents moved to opposite poles at anaphase I; The chromosomes of O-genome formed univalents, among which, some attached to spindle fibers on two sides, their sister chromtids moved to the opposite poles slower than half-bivalents; some attached to spindle fibers on one side, they move to one pole at similar speed to half-bivalents; some of which deattached to spindle fibers at kinechores on either side, they became micronuclei at anaphase I. Conclusions: Interploid hybridizaitons showed that the LLO lily, regarless of male sterile, could be female parents to crossed with appropriate males to produce aneuploids, supporting the hypothesis -- five same genomes is essential for its endosperm development in interploid hybridizations of Lilium. The discussion well not only explained why triploid lilies with Fritillaria embryo sacs, regardless of male sterile, are usually partial female fertile while other plants with polygonum embryo sacs are seedless; but also explained that why 3x × 2x/4x lilies and tulips produce predominantly aneuploids while 3x × 2x/4x and 2x/4x × 3x of other plants, including 2x/4x × 3x of lilies and tulips, produce euploids and near so.
Evaluating the Time Dependent Anti-plasmodium Activity of Andrographolide and Chloroquine on Different Stages of the Intraerythrocytic Cycle of Plasmodium Falciparum 3D7 in Vitro
Authors: alapid‬‏ ‪ashraf Ahmad Issa , Ibraheem Zaid O. , Bello Ramatu Omenesa , Ismail Intan Safinar , Unyah Ngah Zasmy , Alhassan Abdullahi Sharif , Nordin Norshariza , Wana Mohammed Nasiru , Rusliza Basir , Majid Roslaini Abd.
Published: November 2020

Background: The increasing incidence of drug resistance among various strains of Plasmodium falciparum has compelled researchers to search for new improved therapeutic alternatives to current antimalarials. Consequently, the study aimed to investigate the effect of varying the duration of andrographolide exposure on its anti-plasmodial effect against intra erythrocytic stages of the P. falciparum 3D7 parasite. Although andrographolide has demonstrated prior anti-plasmodial effect against P. falciparum 3D7, its time-dependent effect subsequent to different durations of drug exposure in addition to the impact of relevant pharmacologically active concentrations on the cellular morphology of various intraerythrocytic stages of the P. falciparum 3D7 parasite cycle are limited.Methods: P. falciparum 3D7 parasites cultivated in vitro in blood cultures were individually incubated with different concentrations of andrographolide, chloroquine and drug-free parasite culture which served as the representative control. Suppression of parasite growth was determined by parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) based drug sensitivity assay. The inhibition of parasite growth and changes in morphology of intraerythrocytic parasites subsequent to treatment initiation with andrographolide or chloroquine were assessed upon commencement of a synchronized cycle at 12, 24 and 48 h respectively. Results: Andrographolide showed satisfactory growth inhibitory effect however its inhibitory activity was substantially lower when compared to that of chloroquine. Unlike chloroquine which showed maximal inhibitory activity within the first 12 h of the cycle, suppression of parasite growth by andrographolide was most prominent during the development of early trophozoites (viz the second 12 hours). Andrographolide failed to produce any effect on the morphology of ring stage parasites, it however produced a noticeable change in the morphological appearance and sizes of mature trophozoites. Whereas, with chloroquine notable changes to ring and trophozoite stages of the parasites were evident. Conclusion: The data obtained indicates the potential role of andrographolide as an adjunctive treatment in malaria subject to further clinical evaluations.
The Crazy-paving Pattern in Chest CT of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients; an Alarming Sign for Hospitalization 
Authors: Baeis Mehdi Gholamzadeh , Mozafari Abolfazl , Movaseghi Fatemeh , Yadollahzadeh Mehdi , Sohrabi Ahmad , Afsharpad Mandana , Masjedi Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2020

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) becomes an enormous threat to all human beings. Via this retrospective study conducted on medical records of confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia patients on admission, we investigate the CT manifestation and clinical and laboratory risk factors associated with progression to severe COVID-19 pneumonia and assessed the association among clinical and laboratory records, CT findings, and epidemiological features. The medical records and radiological CT Features of 236 confirmed COVID-19 patients were reviewed at one public hospital and one respiratory clinic in Quom, from 1 August to 30 September 2020. Results: Among a total of 236 confirmed Covid-19 cases, 62 were infected with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease and required hospital admission, and 174 were followed up on outpatient bases. A significant difference was verified in the mean age between outpatients and hospitalized groups. The incidences of bilateral lung involvement, consolidation, linear opacities, crazy-paving pattern, air bronchogram sign, and the number of lobe involvement were significantly higher in hospitalized groups. However, only the crazy-paving pattern was significantly associated with an SpO2 level lower than 90%, with clinical sign of cough severity. Our data indicate that this pattern is also significantly associated with inflammatory levels and the presence of this pattern along with SpO2 level lower than 90%, older age, diabetes, on admission are independent risk factors for COVID-19 progression to severe level.Conclusions: The crazy-paving pattern can predict the severity of COVID-19, which is of great significance for the management and follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia patients. The clinical factors of aging, male gender, and diabetes, may be risk factors for the crazy-paving pattern, whereas severe coughing is considered to be the most important clinical symptom related to this pattern, and SpO2 level lower than 90%, which is a matter of more severity.
Maternal-fetal Complications in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Comparison Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Guarnotta Valentina , Mineo Mariagrazia Irene , Giacchetto Emanuela , Imbergamo Maria Pia , GIORDANO Carla
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of the study was a retrospective comparison of the differences in maternal-foetal outcomes between women with T1DM and T2DM Methods: A cohort of 135 patients with pre-gestational diabetes, 73 with T1DM (mean age 29 ± 5 years) and 62 with T2DM (mean age 33 ± 6 years), in intensive insulin treatment throughout pregnancy were evaluated. Clinical and metabolic parameters and the prevalence of maternal and foetal complications were assessed.Results: Women with T1DM showed lower pregestational BMI (p <0.001), pregestational weight (p<0.001), weight at delivery (p<0.001), ∆_total insulin requirement at the first, second and third trimesters (all p<0.001) and higher weight gain during pregnancy (p<0.001) pregestational HbA1c (p= 0.040), HbA1c in the first (p= 0.004), second (p= 0.020) and third (p= 0.010) trimesters than T2DM. Women with T1DM had a higher risk of large for gestational age (LGA) (p= 0.005) than T2DM, while women with T2DM showed higher prevalence of abortion (p= 0.037) than T1DM. At multivariate analysis, pregestational BMI and ∆_total insulin requirement of the first trimester were independently associated with abortion in T2DM, while weight gain during pregnancy was independently associated with LGA in T1DM.Conclusion: Women with T1DM have a higher risk of LGA than T2DM due to the weight gain throughout pregnancy. By contrast, women with T2DM have a higher risk of spontaneous abortion than T1DM, due to pregestational BMI and ∆_total insulin requirement in the first trimester.
Concurrent and Predictive Validity of the Infant Motor Profile in Infants at Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Rizzi Riccardo , Menici Valentina , Cioni Maria Luce , Cecchi Alessandra , Barzacchi Veronica , Beani Elena , Giampietri Matteo , Cioni Giovanni , Sgandurra Giuseppina
Published: November 2020

Background: Preterm infants and infants with perinatal brain injury show higher incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). The Infant Motor Profile (IMP) is a clinical assessment which evaluates the complexity of early motor behaviour. More data are needed to confirm its predictive ability and concurrent validity with other common and valid assessments such as the Alberta Infant Motor Profile (AIMS) and the Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment (GMA). The present study aims to evaluate the concurrent validity of IMP with AIMS, to assess its association with GMA, to evaluate how IMP reflects the severity of the brain injury and to compare the ability of IMP and AIMS to predict abnormal outcome in 5-months infants at risk of NDD.Methods: 86 infants at risk of NDD were retrospectively recruited among the participants of two clinical trials. Preterm infants with or without perinatal brain injury and term infants with brain injury were assessed at 3 months corrected age (CA) using GMA and at 5 months CA using IMP and AIMS. Neurodevelopmental outcome was established at 18 months.Results: Results confirm a solid concurrent validity between IMP and AIMS (Spearman’s ρ 0.76; p<.001) and significant association between IMP and GMA. Unlike AIMS, IMP Total score accurately reflects the severity of neonatal brain injury (p<.001) and results to be the strongest predictor of NDD (p<.001). Confrontation of areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) confirms that IMP Total score has the highest diagnostic accuracy at 5 months (AUC 0.92). For an optimal IMP cut-off value of 70, the assessment shows high sensitivity (93%) and specificity (81%) (PPV 84%; NPV 90%).Conclusions: Early motor behaviour assessed with IMP is strongly associated with middle-term neurodevelopmental outcome. The present study confirms the concurrent validity of IMP with AIMS, its association with GMA and its ability to reflect brain lesion load contributing to the construct validity of the assessment.Trial registration: NCT01990183 and NCT03234959 (clinicaltrials.gov)
The COL27A1 Gene Polymorphism in Children with Tic Disorder in Southern China and Its Clinical Association
Authors: Lin Hai-Sheng , Li Bing-Xiao , Chen Wen-Xiong , Zhang Zhan-Hui , Liu Guo-Sheng , Wen Jun-Jie , Yang Si-Yuan , Wang Ling , Tao Cong , Li Chun-Qing , Chen Rui-Qiong
Published: November 2020

Background: The three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) (rs4979356, rs4979357 and rs7868992) of COL27A1 has been reported to correlate with Tourette Syndrome (TS) patients in European countries as well as northern Chinese population, though there are lack of relevant studies in southern Chinese population. In this study we aimed to evaluate the distribution of COL27A1(rs4979356, rs4979357 and rs7868992) gene polymorphism and its clinical relationship in children with Tic disorder (TD) in southern China.Methods: The children with TD between November 2018 to August 2019 from Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center were recruited and followed up. The control children from normal primary school were also recruited. The SNP of COL27A1 (rs4979356, rs4979357 and rs7868992) was detected in child from each groups by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Sanger sequencing.Results: A total of 114 children with TD and 100 healthy control children were included. 111 out of 114 TD’s children were followed up more than one year, including 32 with transient tic disorder (TTD) (Age:7.58±2.402;), 45 with chronic tic disorder (CTD) (Age:: 8.72±2.312;) and 34 with Tourette Syndrome (TS)(Age:: 8.85±2.720) respectively. The genotype frequency and gene frequency of rs4979356, rs4979357 and rs7868992 from COL27A1 showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the both groups；The distribution of genotype CG of COL27A1 rs4979356 in TS group was significantly higher than that in TTD+CTD group( P=0.002) and in control group (P=0.001)；there was no significant difference in allele frequency among each groups (P＞0.05)；Genotype TC of COL27A1 rs4979357 was significantly more distributed in TS group than in TTD+CTD group (P=0.004) and control group (P=0.001)；There was no significant difference in allele frequency among three groups (P＞0.05);Genotype GA of COL27A1 rs7868992 was significantly more distributed in TS group than in TTD+CTD group (P=0.018) and control group (P=0.035). The distribution of G allele frequency in CTD group was significantly higher than that in TS group ( P=0.025), while the difference of other allele frequency between the groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion: The genotype CG of rs4979356, the genotype TC of rs4979357 and the genotype GA of rs7868992 might serve as the high risk factors in children with TS in southern China.
Exchange Rate, Terms of Trade and Employment Nexus: Evidence From Turkey
Authors: Uddin Muhammad Salah , Hasan Mahadi , Ahmed Zobayer
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the real exchange rate (RER) on employment, and real wage using quarterly disaggregated data (ISIC Rev 4 classification) composed of 19 industries in Turkey from 2010 to 2017. In our study, we employed the Fixed Effect Model, where industry-specific effects are used to control heterogeneity within the sectors. Moreover, robustness is applied to get rid of the heteroscedasticity in the error terms. Our results find that the currency appreciation has a negative, however insignificant effect on employment; whereas it has a significant positive impact on real wage. Generally, the terms of trade has no remarkable impact on employment and real wages; however, the larger industries have a substantial adverse impact on employment. Nevertheless, the interaction between currency appreciation and the top 25 per cent larger industries indicates a moderate increase in employment. The findings reflect that the appreciation of the domestic currency decreases employment at the industry level. The originality of this paper includes the effects of the terms of trade and interaction with currency appreciation in larger industries using Fixed Effect Model approach.
Impact of Child Development at Primary School Entry on Adolescent Health – Protocol for a Participatory Systematic Review.
Authors: Black Michelle , Barnes Amy , Strong Mark , Taylor-Robinson David
Published: November 2020

BackgroundReducing child health inequalities is a global health priority and evidence suggests that optimal development of knowledge, skills and attributes in early childhood could reduce health risks across the life course. Despite a strong policy rhetoric on giving children the ‘best start in life’, socioeconomic inequalities in children’s development when they start school persist. So too do inequalities in child and adolescent health. These in turn influence health inequalities in adulthood. Understanding how developmental processes affect health in the context of socioeconomic factors as children age could inform a holistic policy approach to health and development from childhood through to adolescence. However the relationship between child development and early adolescent health consequences is poorly understood. Therefore the aim of this review is to summarise evidence on the associations between child development at primary school starting age (3-7 years) and subsequent health in adolescence (8 -15 years) and the factors that mediate or moderate this relationship. MethodA participatory systematic review method will be used. The search strategy will include; searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ASSIA and ERIC), grey literature, reference searches and discussions with stakeholders. Articles will be screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria at title and abstract level, and at full article level. Studies reporting a measure of child development at the age of starting school and health outcomes in early adolescence, from a member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, will be included. Studies will be assessed for quality using appropriate tools. A conceptual model, produced with stakeholders at the outset of the study, will act as a framework for extracting and analysing evidence. The model will be refined through analysis of the included literature. Narrative synthesis will be used to generate findings and produce a diagram of the relationship between child development and adolescent health. DiscussionThe review will elucidate how children’s development at the age of starting school is related to subsequent health outcomes in contexts of socioeconomic inequality. This will inform ways to intervene to improve health and reduce health inequality in adolescents. The findings will generate knowledge of cross-sector relevance for health and education and promote inter-sectoral coherence in addressing health inequalities throughout childhood. Systematic Review RegistrationThis systematic review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO CRD42020210011.
HIV Incidence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mainland China: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Huang Wenting , Wang Liming , Mi Guodong , Zahn Ryan J. , Taussig Jennifer , Peterson Shenita R. , Baral Stefan , Moore Renee H. , Huang Xiaojie , Hou Jianhua , Sullivan Patrick S. , Siegler Aaron J.
Published: November 2020

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in China. Globally, younger MSM has been shown to be at higher risk for incident HIV infections, but there has been substantial variation in the estimates of age-stratified HIV incidence among MSM in mainland China, potentially due to regional differences in the nature of the epidemic. Given the need for quality epidemiological data to meet the global goal of ending new HIV infections by 2030, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine age-stratified HIV incidence in mainland China, including consideration by geographic region and time.Methods: This review will include longitudinal studies, cross-sectional surveys, and surveillance reports among MSM in mainland China that have reported HIV incidence. We will search studies and reports published from January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2020 in both English and Chinese language literature databases. For each study considered, two reviewers will independently screen, determine eligibility, and extract relevant data, with discrepancies resolved by consensus of a third reviewer. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed by the Quality Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies Score (QATSO). We will develop age-stratified estimates of HIV incidence with geographic variations and temporal trends. Heterogeneity will be examined using statistical techniques appropriate to the dataset. For subgroup analyses, we will conduct mixed-effects meta-analysis models. Discussion: This review will contribute to a better understanding of the HIV epidemic among MSM in mainland China by providing age-stratified estimates of HIV incidence with a portrayal of geographic and temporal variations. Findings will reflect epidemic dynamics, informing local and national intervention programs and policies for HIV prevention, and providing estimation data to inform future research among MSM in China. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: ID 154834.
Mitochondrial Activity Regulates Skin-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Into Brown Adipocyte Contributing to Hypertension
Authors: Xi Da Wen , Chen Dong Wen , Sun Hong Wei , Li Xiao Xiang , Suo Min Zhi , LI QUN , Gao Jin Ping
Published: November 2020

Background: Brown adipocytes (BAs) are the major component of brown adipose tissue (BAT) that is closely related to systemic hypertension. BAs are derived from multiple progenitors including PDGFRα+ adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). Skin-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (S-MSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into adipocytes. However, the differentiation of S-MSCs into BAs remains unexplored. We aim to study the ability and regulation mechanism of S-MSCs differentiation into BAs, and the direct role of BAT in blood pressure regulation. Methods: Protein expression was measured by Flow Cytometry or Western blotting, and gene mRNA levels were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). For the BA differentiation of S-MSCs, S-MSCs were stimulated with a brown adipogenic cocktail containing insulin, IBMX, dexamethasone, triiodothyronine (T3), and rosiglitazone for the indicated periods. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured with an XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Mitochondrial mass was checked by flow cytometry and fluorescence staining. Hypertensive mouse model was induced in WT mice by infusion with angiotensin II (Ang II) and measured SBP using tail-cuff. The interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT)-deficiency mice were gotten by surgically removing the iBAT depot and allowed to recover for 6 days. Aorta, iBAT or heart tissue sections were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Results: We found that S-MSCs isolated from the mouse dermis expressed the stem cell markers CD90/105 and PDGFRα, and readily differentiated into BAs. Mitochondrial biogenesis and oxygen consumption were markedly increased during BA differentiation of S-MSCs in vitro. Another, Ang II-induced hypertensive mice carried the change of iBAT to white adipose tissue (WAT), the enhanced Ang II-induced blood pressure and vascular remodeling were observed in BAT-deficient mice generated by surgically removing iBAT comparing with C57BL/6 (wild type-WT) mice. Conclusions: S-MSCs represent a useful in vitro model for differentiation of BAs regulated by mitochondrial activity, and are progenitors of BAs. This study indicates that PDGFRα+ S-MSCs could differentiate into BAs, and BAT plays a direct role in Ang II-induced hypertension and target organ remodeling.
Maximising uptake and utilization of molecular diagnostics: lessons from implementation evaluation of tuberculosis diagnostics
Authors: Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Orina Fred , Mwebaza Ivan , Liyoyo Alphonce , Miheso Barbara , Aturinde Augustus , Njeleka Fred , Njeleka Fred , Msoka Elizabeth F , Meme Helen , Sanga Erica , Sanga Erica , Kuchaka Davis , Mwanyonga Simeon , Olomi Willyhelmina , Minja Linda , Minja Linda , Joloba Moses , Mmbaga Blandina Theophil , Amukoye Evans , Gillespie Stephen H , Sabiiti Wilber
Published: November 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), a treatable disease claims over a million lives every year. Accurate rapid diagnosis is crucial for early treatment initiation and prevention of severe disease. Despite over 10 years approval of molecular diagnostics for routine use, an estimated 3 million TB cases go undetected per year. We investigated the barriers and opportunities to maximise uptake and utilization of molecular diagnostics in routine healthcare settings. Methods: We deployed surveys, healthcare facility audits, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and policymaker dialogues to unravel factors affecting the uptake and utilization of TB molecular diagnostics in three East African countries. The benchmark was the World Health Organization approved Xpert MTB/RIF and Line Probe Assay (LPA) implemetation at district and regional hospital level respectively. Results: 190 district and county health officers participated in the survey. The survey findings were corroborated by 145 healthcare facility (HCF) audits and 11 policymaker engagement workshops. At 66% coverage, Xpert MTB/RIF fell behind microscopy and clinical diagnosis by 33% and 1% respectively across 190 districts/counties. Stratified by HCF type, Xpert MTB/RIF implementation was 56%, 96% and 95% at district-, regional- and national referral- hospital level. LPA coverage was 4%, 3% below culture across the three countries. Out of 111 HCFs with Xpert MTB/RIF, 37 (33%) utilized it to full capacity, performing ≥8 tests per day of which 51% of these were level five (zonal consultant and national referral) HCFs. Likewise, 75% of LPA test performance was at level five HCFs. Underutilization of Xpert MTB/RIF and LPA was mainly attributed to inadequate- human resource, 22% and utilities, 26% respectively. Absence of the diagnostic services was attributed to under financing. Lack of awareness was second to underfinancing as reason underlying absence of LPA service. Creation of a health tax and decentralising collection and management of this tax to district/county level was proposed by policymakers as means to boost domestic financing for uptake of health technologies. Conclusion Our findings show higher uptake and utilization of molecular and other diagnostics at tertiary- than primary-secondary- level HCFs. Innovative implementation models to ensure quality access at lower level HCFs are urgently needed.
Screening and molecular characterization of cholesterol-lowering lactic acid bacteria isolated from African oil palm wine (Elaeis guineensis) and corn beer.
Authors: Fossi Betrand Tatsinkou , Ekabe Dickson Ebwelle , Toukam Laure , Tatsilong Henri Olivier , Gagneux-Brunon Anandine , Nkenfou Celine , Bongue Bienvenu
Published: November 2020

Background: High serum cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to many fatalities. Probiotic supplementation improves health benefits by lowering serum cholesterol. African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) wine and corn beer have been described as potential sources of probiotic bacteria, but their cholesterol lowering activity has not been extensively investigated. Therefore in this study, we isolated and characterized lactic acid bacteria with probiotic and cholesterol lowering properties from these sources.Methods: A total of fifty lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from palm wine and corn beer using de Man Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar by pour plate method. Catalase negative and Gram positive colonies were considered as presumptive LAB. For probiotic properties and selection, acid and bile salt tolerance were evaluated based on viable colony count on MRS agar and cholesterol assimilation from culture media was performed by spectrophotometry. The data analysis was performed by One Way Analysis of Variance and p value< 0.05 was considered significant. The isolates with excellent cholesterol assimilation properties were selected and identified with species of morphology and biochemical analysis using API 50 CHL kit and genotypic identification by sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene.Results: Fifty isolates had morphological features similar to LAB. They were catalase negative and Gram positive colonies. Among the fifty isolates, five were considered as acid and bile tolerant (viable count exceeded 6logCFU/ml), with two isolates having excellent cholesterol assimilation property (>80%). The result obtained using API 50 CHL kit did not agree with the genotypic identification which was used to confirm the identity of the isolates as most closely related to Lactobacillus brevis ATCC (Accession No.NR116238) and Enterococcus faeccium NBRC (Accession No. NR113904).Conclusions: The two strains isolated from traditionally fermented drinks in Buea can be considered as potential probiotics. They can therefore be used to formulate food supplement needed to lower cholesterol in hypercholesterolemia patients.
Transcriptome-based screening of ion channels and transporters in a migratory chondroprogenitor cell line isolated from late-stage osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Matta Csaba , Lewis Rebecca , Fellows Christopher , Diszhazi Gyula , Almassy Janos , Miosge Nicolai , Dixon James E. , Uribe Marcos C. , May Sean , Poliska Szilard , Barrett-Jolley Richard , Henslee Erin , Labeed Fatima H. , Hughes Michael P. , Mobasheri Ali
Published: November 2020

Chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) may be used as an alternative source of cells with potentially superior chondrogenic potential compared to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and could be exploited for future regenerative therapies targeting articular cartilage in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we hypothesised that CPCs derived from OA cartilage may be characterised by a distinct channelome. First, a global transcriptomic analysis using Affymetrix microarrays was performed. We studied the profiles of those ion channel and transporter families that may be relevant to chondroprogenitor cell physiology. Following validation of the microarray data, we examined the role of calcium-dependent potassium channels in CPCs and observed functional large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BK) involved in the maintenance of chondroprogenitor phenotype. In line with our very recent results, we found that the KCNMA1 gene was upregulated in CPCs and observed currents that could be attributed to the BK channel in both cell types. Through characterisation of their channelome we demonstrate that CPCs are a distinct cell population but are highly similar to MSCs in many respects. This work adds key mechanistic data to the in-depth characterisation of CPCs and their phenotype in the context of cartilage regeneration.
Development and clinical empirical validation of the Prognosis Prediction Model of Chronic Critical Illness
Authors: Zhao Li , Xu Wen-Kui , Wang Ying , Lu Wei-Yan , Wu Yong , Hu Rong
Published: November 2020

Background A vast number of patients with chronic critical illness (CCI) have died of delayed organ failure in the intensive care unit (ICU). The weak organ function of patients needed appropriate tool to evaluate, which could provide reference for clinical decisions and communication with family members. The objective of this study was to develope and validate a prediction model for accurate, timely, simple, and objective identification of the critical degree of the patients' condition. Methods This study used a retrospective case–control and a prospective cohort study, with no interventions. Patients identified as CCI from a comprehensive ICU of a large metropolitan public hospital were selected. A total of 344 (case 172; control 172) patients were included to develop the Prognosis Prediction Model of Chronic Critical Illness (PPCCI Model) in this case-control study; 88 (case, 44; control 44) patients were included for the validation cohort in a prospective cohort study. The discrimination of the model was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results The model comprised 9 predictors: age, prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV), sepsis/other serious infections, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), mean artery pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), oxygenation index (OI), and active bleeding.In both cohorts, the PPCCI Model could better identify the dead CCI patients (development cohort: AUC, 0.934; 95% CI, 0.908–0.960; validation cohort: AUC, 0.965; 95% CI, 0.931–0.999), and showed better discrimination than the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). Conclusions The PPCCI Model can provide a standardized measurement tool for ICU medical staff to evaluate the condition of CCI patients, to facilitate rational allocation of ward-monitoring resources or communicate with family members.
How many prehospital defibrillation attempts should be performed in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with shockable rhythm?
Authors: Ko Byuk Sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Han Kap Su , Jo You Hwan , Shin Jonghwan , Park Incheol , Kang Hyunggoo , Lim Tae Ho , Hwang Sung Oh , Kim Won Young
Published: November 2020

Background: Early defibrillation is vital to improve outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with shockable rhythm. Currently, there is no agreed consensus on the number of defibrillation attempts before transfer to a hospital. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the number of defibrillations on the prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).Methods: A multicenter, prospective, observational registry-based study was conducted for OHCA in patients with presumed cardiac etiology that underwent prehospital defibrillation between October 2015 and June 2017. The primary outcome was prehospital ROSC, and the secondary outcome was a good neurologic outcome at hospital discharge, defined as Cerebral Performance Category score 1 or 2. Results: Among 2,155 OHCA patients’ data, 178 patients with missing data were excluded, a total of 1,983 OHCA patients who received prehospital defibrillation were included. The median age was 61 years and prehospital ROSC was observed in 738 patients (37.2%). The median time from arrest to first defibrillation was 10 (interquartile range: 7-15) minutes. The cumulative ROSC rates and good neurologic outcome from the initial defibrillation to the sixth defibrillation were 43%, 68%, 81%, 90%, 95%, 98% and 42%, 66%, 81%, 90%, 95%, 98%, respectively. After clinical characteristics adjustment and time to defibrillation, the number of defibrillations were independently associated with ROSC (odds ratio 0.81 95% CI 0.76-0.86) and good neurologic outcome (odds ratio 0.86 95% CI 0.80-0.91). Moreover, subgroup analysis results with patients that underwent the initial defibrillation within 10 minutes from arrest were consistent (95% up to five times).Conclusion: More than 95% of prehospital ROSC was achieved within five times of defibrillation in OHCA patients. This result provides a basis for the ideal number of defibrillation attempts before transfer to hospital with the possibility of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in these refractory ventricular fibrillation patients.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Water Quality of the Public Swimming Pools in Klang Valley Malaysia
Authors: Rosli Muhammad Naim
Published: November 2020

Background: Water is essential for life and it been used for various activities such as drinking, bathing, and recreational purposes and also one of the modes of the transmission of the disease.Objective: The objective of this study to assess the presence of bacteriological and physicochemical quality of swimming pools’ water in Lembah Klang, Malaysia.Methodology: Seven water samples collected from outdoor and indoor swimming pools (hotel, apartment, and public swimming pool) in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. Water samples were collected in sterile bottles (30 ml). Physicochemical parameters were determined using water quality testing kit pH & chlorine apparatuses. The water sample was cultured and incubated. The presence of bacteria was counted by the total bacterial count method.Result: The ranges of mean values of the various chlorine level parameters of the selected water samples investigated for the apartment, hotel, and municipal were, 0.56±1.01, 0.77±0.95, and 1.19±0.91. All the physicochemical parameters except conductivity values were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) standards 2006 and American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas (ANSI/APSP) 2015. The mean, standard plate count of water samples from the selected apartment, hotel, and municipal’s swimming pools were, 28407.14±28469.05, 8192.86±10556.36, and 3257.14±6250.17which above the WHO Guideline limit, thus signifying contamination.Conclusion: The study recommends improvement in the personal hygiene of swimmers, adequate cleansing of the pools, and enforcement of standards by the government.
Differences in fracture healing between female and male C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Haffner-Luntzer Melanie , Fischer Verena , Ignatius Anita
Published: November 2020

Background: Mice are increasingly used in fracture healing research because of the opportunity to use transgenic animals. While both, male and female mice are employed, there is no consensus in the literature whether fracture healing differs between both sexes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse diaphyseal fracture healing in female and male C57BL/6J mice, a commonly used mouse strain in bone research. Methods: For that purpose, 12-week-old female (17–20 g) and male mice (22–26 g) received a standardised femur midshaft osteotomy stabilised by an external fixator. Mice were euthanized 10 and 21 days after fracture and bone healing was analysed by biomechanical testing, µCT, histology, immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Results: Ten days after fracture, male mice displayed significantly more cartilage but less fibrous tissue in the fracture callus compared to female mice, whereas the amount of bone did not differ. At day 21, male mice showed a significantly larger fracture callus compared to female mice. The relative amount of bone in the fracture callus did not significantly differ between both sexes, whereas its tissue mineral density was significantly higher in male mice on day 21, indicating more mature bone and slightly more rapid fracture healing. These results were confirmed by a significantly greater absolute bending stiffness of the fractured femurs of male mice on day 21. On the molecular level, male mice displayed increased active β-catenin expression in the fracture callus, whereas oestrogen receptor α (ERα) expression was lower. Conclusions: These results suggest that male mice display more rapid fracture healing with more prominent cartilaginous callus formation. This might be due to the higher weight of male mice, resulting in increased mechanical loading of the fracture. Furthermore, male mice displayed significantly greater activation of osteoanabolic Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which might also contribute to more rapid bone regeneration.