bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Embryo Characteristics and Genes Expression Analysis Involved in Apomixis of Wild Germplasm Materials of Kentucky Bluegrass in Gansu Province of China
Authors: Zhang Jinqing , Ma Huiling
Published: January 2021

Background: Apomixis is mainly used to maintain the heterosis, stability, and consistency of crops. Its main advantage is to reduce the costs of seed production and shorten the breeding process. In the field of hybrid breeding, apomixis has been referred to as the "asexual revolution" and has realized a new green revolution.Apomixis is mainly used to maintain the heterosis, stability, and consistency of crops. Its main advantage is to reduce the costs of seed production and shorten the breeding process. In the field of hybrid breeding, apomixis has been referred to as the "asexual revolution" and has realized a new green revolution. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a natural apomictic species that mainly exhibits facultative apospory. Its main feature is that the somatic nucellar cells bypass meiosis and double fertilization to form unreduced embryos, and the development of the endosperm requires pseudogamy. Although apomixis is of great significance in breeding, the genetic control of apomixis remains unclear. Therefore, we report the results of a global gene expression analysis of wild germplasm materials of Kentucky bluegrass spikelets in Gansu province of China, exhibiting significant differences in apomictic rates to identify the genes, biological processes, and molecular functions related to apomixis.Result: At four reproductive periods, there were 5400 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two genotypes, including 2476 downregulated and 2823 upregulated genes. Further analysis of the gene functions, pathways, expression patterns, networks, and transcription factors (TFs) showed that the occurrence of apomixis in Kentucky bluegrass was related to changes in the time- and space-related expression of genes associated with sexual reproduction, which led to disordered sexual reproduction and thus the production of offspring by apomixis. Conclusion: At the transcriptional level, the genesis and development of apomixis was regulated by TFs. It also involved the coexpression of many genes associated with disordered meiosis, hormone signal transduction, embryonic development, stress response pathways, and epigenetics. We also verified these 16 DEGs by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression results were basically consistent with the transcriptome expression profile, indicating that the transcriptome data were reliable. The results of this study may provide a theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism of occurrence and development of apomixis in Kentucky bluegrass.
Transcriptome Analysis of The Whole Body Provides Novel Insights Into The Molecular Mechanisms of Growth, Immunity, and Metabolism During The Molting Cycle of The Juvenile Mud Crab Scylla Paramamosain
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Xiao , Fu Yuanyuan , Fang Wei , Wang Chunlin
Published: January 2021

Background: Molting is an inherent cyclic process that occurs in all crustaceans and is essential for growth, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Recent studies have shown that many organs and systems are involved in molting regulation, including the hepatopancreas, the immune system, and production of ecdysteroids by Y-organs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the dynamic process of crab molting remain poorly understood at the whole-individual level. Therefore, we investigated global expression changes in the transcriptomes of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, the most cultured crab species worldwide. We revealed a cascade of sequential expression events of molting-related genes involved in various aspects of the molting process by using whole-body sequencing of juvenile crabs. Results: RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) produced 139.49 Gb of clean reads and 20,436 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different molting stages. The expression patterns for genes involved in several molecular events critical for molting, such as cuticle reconstruction, cytoskeletal structure remodeling, hormone regulation, immune responses, and metabolism, were characterized and considered as mechanisms underlying molting in S. paramamosain. Among these genes, we identified 10,695 DEGs in adjacent molting stages. In further GO and KEGG analyses, the significantly enriched pathways included structural constituents of cuticle, binding and chitin metabolic processes, steroid hormone biosynthesis, insulin resistance, and amino sugar metabolic processes. The expression profiles of 12 functional genes detected via RNA-Seq were corroborated via real-time RT-PCR assays. The results indicated gene expression profiles across the molting cycle and identified possible activation pathways for future investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Conclusions: This study establishes a comprehensive transcriptomic repertoire for the molting process in S. paramamosain. The data generated in this study will serve as an important transcriptomic resource for the crab research community to facilitate gene and genome annotation and provide fundamental support for future research on molecular mechanisms in this species. Furthermore, the comprehensive analysis results will improve our understanding of morphological variation in the molting cycle and serve as a potential blueprint for future research on molting in crustaceans and other animals.
Identification of acute spinal cord injury and autophagy-related potential key genes，pathways, and targeting drugs through bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xu Wei-long , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) is considered a form of severe central nervous system damage. At present, research in the fields of spinal surgery and neurology has highlighted the complex mechanisms underlying ASCI, among which autophagy is considered to play a crucial role.Objectives: We aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways associated with ASCI and autophagy using computational tools and publicly available data, and to identify drugs targeting the relevant genes associated with ASCI and autophagy.Materials and Methods: We used text mining to detect the ASCI and autophagy-associated genes, and the intersection of the two gene sets was selected for gene ontology analysis using the DAVID program. We then constructed protein–protein interaction networks, followed by a functional enrichment analysis, from which we obtained two significant gene modules. Finally, the final list of genes was queried against the Drug Gene Interaction database to find drug candidates targeting the relevant ASCI and autophagy genes.Results: Our analysis identified 156 genes common to both the “ASCI” and “Autophagy” text mining concepts. Gene enrichment analysis yielded two significant gene modules (20 genes), which represent six significant signal pathways and could be targeted by 28 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug molecules, and identified the drug–gene interactions. Conclusion: In conclusion, we presented a method to explore the potential key genes, molecular pathways and candidate drugs associated with ASCI and autophagy. As a result, in this method, we identified a total of 20 potential genes, six significant pathways and 28 candidate drugs, which could provides a basis for new trials and the development of novel targeted therapies as potential treatments for ASCI.
Simplified Chinese Version of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score in Evaluating Patients with Spinal Metastatic Tumor: A Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Yin Mengchen , Li Ningdao , Wang Xiangyu , Xu Guanhua , Bao Guofeng , Xu Chongqing , Ye Jie , Ma Junming , Mo Wen , Wang Dan , Cui Zhiming
Published: January 2021

Background: The Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in simplified Chinese has not been developed so far. This study aimed to translate the SINS into simplified Chinese, adapt it cross-culturally and to validate its psychometric properties in measuring spinal instability in patients with spinal metastatic tumors in the Chinese mainland. Methods: The original version of SINS (in English) was translated and cross-culturally adapted into simplified Chinese according to the internationally recognized guidelines. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. Test-retest reliability was examined among the patients with a 4-week interval. The validity of the Chinese version of SINS (SC-SINS) was assessed by examining its relationship with Kostuik classification. In addition, floor and ceiling effects were considered present if more than 15% of respondents achieved the lowest or highest possible total score. Principal component analysis was conducted to confirm the factor structure of each subscale.Results: No major problems occurred in the forward and back translations of SINS. The internal consistency of SC-SINS was excellent (Cronbach’s a =0.857, ranging from 0.68 to 0.85). Test-retest reliability was also excellent with a value of 0.89, ranging from 0.86 to 0.95. Validity analyses indicated that the SC-SINS was positively and significantly correlated with Kostuik classification. All items showed principal component coefficients of over 0.4. No floor or ceiling effects was found in the SC-SINS.Conclusion: The results indicate that the SC-SINS is reliable and valid in measuring the spinal stability in patients with spinal metastatic tumor.
Long-term Outcome of a Patient With Transcobalamin Deficiency Caused by the Homozygous c.1115_1116delCA Mutation in TCN2 Gene: a Case Report
Authors: Martino Francesco , Magenta Alessandra , Troccoli Maria Letizia , Martino Eliana , Torromeo Concetta , Putotto Carolina , Barillà Francesco
Published: January 2021

Background: Transcobalamin deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of cobalamin transport (prevalence: <1/1000000) which clinically manifests in early infancy.Case presentation: We describe the case of a 31 years old woman who at the age of 30 days presented with the classical clinical and laboratory signs of an inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism. Family history revealed a sister who died at the age of 3 months with a similar clinical syndrome and with pancytopenia. She was started on empirical intramuscular (IM) cobalamin supplements (injections of hydroxocobalamin 1 mg/day for 1 week and then 1 mg twice a week) and several transfusions of washed and concentrated red blood cells. With these treatments a clear improvement in symptoms was observed, with the disappearance of vomiting, diarrhea and normalization of the full blood count. At 8 years of age injections were stopped for about two and a half months causing the appearance of pancytopenia. IM hydroxocobalamin was then restarted sine die. The definitive diagnosis could only be established at 29 years of age when a genetic evaluation revealed the homozygous c.1115_1116delCA mutation of TCN2 gene (p.Q373GfsX38).Currently she is healthy and she is taking 1 mg of IM hydroxocobalamin once a week.Conclusions: Our case report highlights that early detection of TC deficiency and early initiation of aggressive IM treatment is likely associated with disease control and an overall favorable outcome.
Atopic Dermatitis: a Case Report of a 3-year-old Food Allergy Child Sensitive to Multiple Allergens
Authors: Wang Meiyi , Liang Xueqing , Sun Baoqing , Huang Huimin
Published: January 2021

Background: It was estimated that about 10% of the population suffer from food allergy. Atopic dermatitis is often associated with food allergy. In this case report, we presented a child with atopic dermatitis who was sensitive to multiple food and inhaled allergens.Case report: A 3-year-old boy was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University due to skin allergy caused by drinking semi-hydrolyzed infant formula milk powder. Allergen test results showed that the boy was sensitive to multiple food and inhaled allergens. we conducted the follow-up interview by phone to completed the questionnaire.Conclusion: Atopic dermatitis children with multiple food allergies must pay attention to diet adjustment to prevent or delay the development of the disease.
A Rapid Assessment of the Existence (or Survival) of Macro Fauna in Different Land Uses in Kween District of Mount Elgon
Authors: Aggrey Siya , Kato Arthur Martin , Egeru Anthony , Luswata Kizza Charles
Published: January 2021

Objective We explored the effect of different land uses on soil macro fauna species richness, abundance and diversity in Mount Elgon areas of Kween District, Uganda. ResultsSpecies richness was higher on the subsurface of the different land uses than belowground. A total of 647 individuals of both subsurface and belowground macro fauna were identified from the different land uses. Macro fauna abundance significantly varied across the five different land uses (H=10.1, d.f.=4, p=0.04). The average diversity of the subsurface was higher (0.71) than that belowground (0.20). The highest diversity of macro fauna was found in the intercrop of maize-beans followed by natural vegetation. Maize monocrop had the least abundance and diversity of both surface crawling and belowground macro fauna. This could be due the diversity of food and living environments as mixed cropping introduces landscape heterogeneity that accommodates diverse organisms across different land use systems. This study recommends extended studies on taxonomy, ecology and management of soil macro fauna with detailed inventories on the functional groups across land use/cover types and evaluations of varied agricultural intensification regimes on abundance and diversity of soil above and below ground macro fauna.
Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve the Healing of Tracheoesophageal Fistula in a Beagle Model 
Authors: Wang Yuchao , Yang Shifang , Chen Pingping , Xu Hanyi , Cui Jinghua , Li Jing
Published: January 2021

Background Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is still a devastating clinical problem with high mortality. New clinical strategies were developed to sustain survival time. Mesenchymal stem cells were applied in many clinical wound healing fields. This study aims to investigate the main effect of stem cell to TEF.Material and Method We established a beagle model with TEF by punching the trachea and esophagus membrane and suturing. The beagles were divided into three groups (group 1 = 1, group 2 = 6, group 3 = 6). Group 2 and 3 received a TEF building operation. Group 3 were injected 2 ml stem cells (106 per animal), and group 2 injected saline water with same volume. Group 1 did not receive any intervention. All animals receipted total parental nutrition. The closure degree of fistula tissue was observed by bronchoscope and post-mortem after 35 d.Result Morphologic and histopathologic changes of fistulas were assessed by gross and endoscopic observation. The fistulas diameter was measured. In 35 d postoperatively, group 2 showed that 3 animals died for acute smother, 2 animal died for severe chronic pneumonia and 1 animal with consistent fistula. Group 3 showed that 2 animals fully closed, 3 animals fistula diameter significantly decreased, and 1 animal died for acute smother. In autopsy result, group 2 animals showed severer pneumonia degree than group 3 animals in 35 d.Conclusion The transplantation of stem cells can promote healing degree of TEF without any complications and relieve pneumonia at the same time.
Aberrant FGF15/FGFR4 Signaling Worsens Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Severity in FGF21KO Mice
Authors: Yu Youxi , Shi Xiaoju , Zheng Qianqian , Wang Xingtong , Liu Xingkai , Tan Min , Lv Guoyue , Zhang Ping , Martin Robert C. , Li Yan
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPharmacological application of the endocrine fibroblast growth factor15/19 (FGF15/19) and FGF21 holds great promise to be effective therapeutic agents for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is the most severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and accepted as a potential precursor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In our previous studies, we found that FGF21 played a key role in preventing the development of NASH, however, the FGF15/19 mediated-FGFR4 signaling worsened NASH and even contributed to the NASH-HCC transition. MethodsNASH models were established in FGF21KO mice fed with high fat methionine-choline deficient (HFMCD) diet to investigate FGF15/FGFR4 signaling during NASH development. We sought to determine whether FGF15/FGFR4 signaling could alleviate or aggravate NASH in the FGF21KO mice challenged with HFMCD. ResultsSignificant increase of FGF15 production was found in the liver of the NASH-FGF21KO mice, however the increased FGF15 protein was unable to alleviate hepatic lipid accumulation. In contrast, the up-regulated hepatic FGFR4–β‑klotho was found during NASH progression, as evident by hepatocyte injury/repair, fibrosis and potential malignant events, in the NASH-FGF21KO mice. ConclusionThe increased FGF15 production in NASH-FGF21KO mice could not substitute for FGF21 to compensate its lipid metabolic benefits thereby to prevent NASH development. The up-regulated FGFR4/β-klotho was coupled to cellular and molecular events which might associate to carcinogenic transformation.
Asymmetry in Paraspinal Muscles as a Predictor of the Development of Pregnancy-Related Low Back and Pelvic Pain: A Prospective Study.
Authors: Long Gong , Haoning Ma , Ping Yi , Mingsheng Tan
Published: January 2021

Background: The etiology of pregnancy-associated lumbopelvic pain (LPP) is not clear at present. This condition is highly heterogeneous with different development and subtypes, including low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Paraspinal muscles are of importance to maintain the spine's functional stability, and their weakness participates in the occurrence of LPP. Therefore, this study aims to determine the asymmetry in the paraspinal muscle before pregnancy and evaluating its association with pregnancy-associated LPP.Methods: This was a prospective case-control study conducted from January 2017 and December 2018. 171 subjects (mean age ± SD, 27.4±5.8 years) were finally divided into the LBP group, PGP group, and no LPP group. The mean value of F-CSA's ratio to T-CSA (F/T CSA) was used to determine whether the bilateral paraspinal muscle was asymmetrical. Total muscle CSA (T-CSA), functional CSA (F-CSA), and F/T CSA were measured unilaterally and compared between groups. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors for pregnancy-associated LPP. The Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to test the relationship between asymmetry in F/T-CSA and pain rating.Results: 124 subjects (72.5%) (28.5±5.2 years) had the LPP during the pregnancy. 48 (38.7%) individuals had LBP, and 76 (61.3%) had PGP. A total of 39 (31.5%) women unrecovered from LPP. F/T-CSA was significantly decreased in LBP than those in the PGP group and control group (0.03±0.02 vs. 0.05±0.03 vs. 0.12±0.05, P <0.001). Meanwhile, significant differences were detected in any two groups (all P <0.001). Asymmetry in the paraspinal muscle (adjusted OR=1.5), LBP (adjusted OR=1.6), LPP in a previous pregnancy (adjusted OR=1.4), sick leave≥90 days (adjusted OR=1.2), and heavy labor (adjusted OR=1.2) were risk factors for the unrecovered LPP during pregnancy.Conclusions: Asymmetrical muscular compositions could lead to abnormal biomechanics for the segmental motions. One-lateral-directed physical training and stretching may help decrease the occurrence and severity of this condition.
Comparison of Clinical Staging and Secondary Staging of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Huang Lisheng , Liu Guobing , Zheng Beihong , Li Guang , Wang Hui
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the coincidence rate, lymph node metastasis rate, recurrence or uncontrolled rate between the FIGO clinical staging of cervical cancer and the second postoperative staging.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 999 cervical cancer patients diagnosed and treated in Nanfang Hospital from January 2003 to December 2016 to compare two staging methods through SPSS. Results: There is a significant statistical difference between the results of two stages (P＜0.01). Meanwhile the consistency is poor (Kappa value = 0.248 ). There is a significant statistical difference between the number of lymphatic metastases in the two stages (P＜0.01). Meanwhile the number of lymphatic metastases in the two stages are related (P＜0.01), but the consistency is poor ( Kappa value = 0.102). Lymph node metastasis rate with different FIGO staging are different (P<0.01). Lymph node metastasis rate with different postoperative secondary staging are different (P<0.01). There is a significant statistical difference in the number of recurrences or uncontrolled between the two stages (P＜0.01). There is a correlation in the recurrences or uncontrolled number between the two stages (P＜0.01), consistent poor (Kappa value = 0.252). Different FIGO stagings have different recurrence or uncontrolled rates (P<0.01), and different postoperative secondary stagings have different recurrence or uncontrolled rates (P<0.01).ConclusionThere are differences in the coincidence rate, lymph node metastasis rate, recurrence or uncontrolled rate between the two stages. The FIGO staging of cervical cancer needs further improvement.
Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Improving Long-Term Survival of Patients With Resectable Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xinlong , Li Xiangyuan , Fu Rongrong , Ng Derry Minyao , Yang Tong , Zhang Yu , Zhang Mengting , Shi Yetan , Gu Yixuan , Lv Chenhui , Chen Gang
Published: January 2021

Background: The impact of neoadjuvant therapy on the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable rectal cancer is controversial. This study aimed to explore the effect of neoadjuvant therapy on the long-term prognosis of patients with resectable rectal cancer. Methods: Four major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library) were searched to find relevant articles published between January 2000 and July 2020. The main outcome indicators were the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Compared with upfront surgery, our meta-analysis showed that 5-year OS (HR: 0.84, 95% Cl: 0.78-0.91) and DFS (HR: 0.91, 95% Cl: 0.87-0.95) were prolonged for patients with resectable rectal cancer after receiving neoadjuvant therapy. The results of subgroup analysis suggested that both neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) could improve the 5-year OS and DFS. The 5-year OS and DFS of patients with stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ rectal cancer increased significantly and the improvement of 5-year OS and DFS could also be observed in mid/low rectal cancer.Conclusion: Neoadjuvant therapy could improve the long-term survival of patients with mid/low rectal cancer in stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ. For the treatment, neoadjuvant SCRT and neoadjuvant CRT were recommended.
Health Personnel Improvement in the Implementation of Shariah’s Ethical Code of Conduct in Tangerang Hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Sulistiadi Wahyu , Rahayu Sri , Veruswati Meita , Asyary Al
Published: January 2021

Background: The Shariah hospital aims to provide health services inclusive of the appropriate code of ethics of Sharia, which exceeds the standard of service expected of conservative hospitals. Hospital care depends on the performance of health professionals. The study aimed to assess the relationship between the implementation of the ethical code of Shariah hospitals and the performance of health personnel.Methods: The study is a quantitative analysis that collects cross-sectional data from 119 health personnel respondents in one Shariah hospital in Indonesia. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM).Results: The implementation of the ethical code of Shariah hospitals, whether explicit or implicit, has a significantly positive influence on the performance and well-being of health personnel, which is evident from the t-value of 4.31 (more substantial than the t-value of 1.960). This implementation should run consistently and with the commitment of all parties.Conclusion: Such insight, in turn, can be counted as an input to an approach to health services, particularly in increasing the performance rates, such as hospital. This study is the first to provide new insight into discussion about shariah hospital’s code of conduct by presenting its beneficiary to not only improve health personnels’ performance but also providing the inclusive health service for all religions and cultures.
Metformin Sensitizes Osteosarcoma Cells to Chemotherapy Through IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 Pathway
Authors: Dong Suwei , Xiao Yanbin , Zhu Ziqiang , Ma Xiang , Peng Zhuohui , Kang Jianping , Xie Biao , Wang Jianqiang , Li Zhen , Wang Yunqing
Published: January 2021

Background: Due to constitutive or acquired non-sensitive to cytotoxic agents, the prognosis of osteosarcoma remains unfavorable. It’s has been proved that metformin could enhance the chemosensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs. A novel finding states that IGF-1R involves in cancer chemoresistance, However, whether IGF-1R play a role in metformin-induced osteosarcoma chemosensitivity is incompletely understood. Hence, the current study aimed to elucidate the role of metformin in OS cell chemosensitivity modulation to identify the underlying mechanism of metformin regulating the IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 signaling.Methods: Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the expression pattern of IGF-1R, miR-610 and FEN1 in osteosarcoma and paired normal tissues. Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to determine changes in expression of key molecules in the IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 signaling pathway after various treatments. The direct modulation between miR-610 and FEN1 was monitored by luciferase reporter assay. Osteosarcoma cell sensitivity to chemotherapy was detected by MTS assay. In vivo experiments were conducted to further verify the role of the metformin in the chemosensitivity modulation of OS cells to ADM.Results: We found that IGF-1R, miR-610 and FEN1 were abberently expressed in osteosarcoma, and participated in apoptosis modulation (p < 0.05). We found that this effect was abated by metformin treatment. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that FEN1 is a direct target of miR-610. Moreover, we observed that metformin treatment decreased IGF-1R and FEN1, but elevated miR-610 expression. Metformin sensitized OS cells to cytotoxic agents, while overexpression of FEN1 compromised the sensitizing effects of metformin partly. Furthermore, metformin was observed to enforce the ADM treatment effect in nude mice xenograft models.Conclusions: Overall, metformin enhanced the sensitivity of OS cells to cytotoxic agents via the IGF-1R/miR-610/FEN1 signaling axis, highlighting the capacity of metformin as an adjunct to the chemotherapy of OS.
Preoperative Beta-Blocker in Ventricular Dysfunction Patients: Need a More Granular Quality Metric.
Authors: Tang Hanwei , Chen Kai , Hou Jianfeng , Huang Xiaohong , Liu Sheng , Hu Shengshou
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe use of preoperative beta-blockers has been accepted as a quality standard for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. However, conflicting results from recent studies have raised questions concerning the effectiveness of this quality metric. We sought to determine the influence of preoperative beta-blocker administration before CABG in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.MethodsThe authors analyzed all cases of isolated CABGs in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50%, performed between 2012 January and 2017 June, at 94 centres recorded in the China Heart Failure Surgery Registry database. In addition to the use of multivariate regression models, a 1 to 1 propensity scores matched analysis was performed.ResultsOf 6,116 eligible patients, 61.7% received a preoperative beta-blocker. No difference in operative mortality was found between two cohorts (3.7% for the non-beta-blockers group vs 3.0% for the beta-blocker group; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.82 [95% CI, 0.58-1.15]). Few differences in the incidence of other postoperative clinical end points were observed as a function of preoperative beta-blockers except in stroke (0.7% for the non-beta-blocker group vs 0.3 for the beta-blocker group; adjusted OR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.16-0.96]). Results of propensity-matched analyses were broadly consistent.ConclusionsIn this study, the administration of beta-blockers before CABG was not associated with improved operative mortality and complications except the incidence of postoperative stroke in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. A more granular quality metric which would guide the use of beta-blockers should be developed.
Tooth Loss and Its Association With Frequency of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Yemeni Women
Authors: Shamala Anas , Al-Maimooni Ebtesam , Al-Matari Salsbeel , Hiyat Ryhana , Al-wesabi Mohammed , Al-Maweri Sadeq , Nassani Mohammad , Halboub Esam
Published: January 2021

Backgrounds: The present study sought to assess tooth loss and oral hygiene practices among a sample of Yemeni women in association with giving births (parity).Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a sample of 644 Yemeni women. They were interviewed to gather socio-demographic (age, education, number of children) and behavioral data (oral hygiene practices, khat chewing and smoking). Additionally, they were examined clinically to assess number of tooth loss. Data were analyzed using SPSS with a P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The participating women aged between 16 and 51 years. Only one fifth of the sample reported brushing their teeth regularly (i.e, at least once a day), and around 36.8% reported using dental aids occasionally. Additionally, 52% and 21% of the sample reported they were khat chewers and smokers, respectively. The mean number of tooth loss was 4.7. The mean number of children was 4.15, with approximately 54% of the participating women had more than 3 children. The results of the logistic regression revealed a significant association between number of children and tooth loss. Conclusion: Yemeni women had poor oral hygiene practices and high prevalence of tooth loss increased proportionally with the increased number of children. This emphasizes the importance of an effective oral hygiene motivation and health education among female patients during pregnancy periods.
Assessment of Safety and Efficacy of Ultra-micro Transconjunctival Lower Eyelid Bags Removal Combined with Orbital Fat Transfer
Authors: Wang Ke-xue , Xiang Xiong , Zhang Jian-feng , Ma Man-cang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe elaboration of a precise operation is essential during lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of ultra-micro transconjunctival lower eyelid bags removal combined with orbital fat transfer in the correction of lower eyelid bags. MethodsA total of 226 patients underwent lower eyelid blepharoplasty in our department during the past 3 years (2018-2020). Excluded were patients with previous eyelid surgery, diplopia, strabismus and associated procedures. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing traditional transconjunctival blepharoplasty (n=104) and ultra-micro transconjunctival lower eyelid bags removal combined with orbital fat transfer (n=122) was performed. The length of follow-up ranged between 24 hours and 3 months after operation. ResultsThe control group (conventional conjunctival blepharoplasty) included 45 males and 59 females with an average age of (44.5±3.5) years, while the observation group (subconjunctival blepharoplasty with orbital fat transfer) included 49 males and 73 females with an average age of (43.1±4.2) years. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in gender (p = 0.27) and age (p = 0.44) (p > 0.05). The Clinical improvement of the observation group is significantly higher than the control group, after 5 days has significant statistical differences between two groups (P < 0.05). It was found that the clinical efficiency of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Next, we compared the complications between the two groups and found that there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The satisfaction of the two groups at different follow-up times was compared: 1 day after the operation, the satisfaction of the observation group was 52.5%, and that of the control group was 32.5%, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group at 3d and 1 month after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe application of ultra-micro transconjunctival lower eyelid bags removal combined with orbital fat transfer can correct the lower eyelid bag safely and effectively with short postoperative recovery time, high patient satisfaction and low complication rate. This advanced technical skill may significantly improve the treatment of lower eyelid bags.
Primary Splenic Histiocytic Sarcoma Associated with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (Hemophagocytic Syndrome): A Case Report of Next-Generation Sequency Involving FLT3, NOTCH2, and KMT2A Mutations
Authors: Montalvo Nelson , Lara Jorge , Redrobán Ligia , Leiva María , Armijos Christian , Russo Leonardo
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHistiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a very rare monocyte/macrophage-derived hematopoietic system tumor with a poor prognosis whose diagnosis is pathologically challenging due to its extreme rarity and histological overlap with various mimicking entities in which histiocytes also predominate.Case PresentationWe report the case of a 33-year-old male patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), purpuric syndrome, and significant splenomegaly. The patient underwent splenectomy; subsequent macroscopic examination revealed a spleen weighing 2,065 grams with hyperemic red pulp and multiple infarcts at the periphery. The histological and immunohistochemical study established a diagnosis of primary splenic histiocytic sarcoma (PSHS) with frequent hemophagocytosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) demonstrated mutations in FLT3, NOTCH2, and KMT2A, microsatellite stability (MSS), and a tumor mutational burden (TMB) of 2 mut/Mb. The patient's condition deteriorated clinically from the appearance of the first symptoms and he died six months later from multi-organ failure.ConclusionPrimary splenic histiocytic sarcoma (PSHS) is one of the rarest tumors of the hematopoietic system. We report the first case with mutations in FLT3, NOTCH2, and KMT2A, and associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
The Vaccine Coverage and Vaccine Immunity Status and Risk Factors of Non-Protective Levels of Antibodies Against Vaccines in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Russian Tertiary Centre Study.
Authors: Kostik Mikhail , Lubimova Natalia A. , Fridman Irina V. , Goleva Olga V. , Kharit Susanna M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Immunosuppressive drugs, decreased vaccine coverage, aberrant immunity might be factors of low anti-vaccine antibodies in JIA patients. The study aimed to evaluate vaccine coverage, post-vaccine immunity and risk factors of non-protective levels of antibodies against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and diphtheria in JIA patients. Methods: A prospective study included 170 children diagnosed with JIA aged 2 to 17 years, who received routine vaccinations against measles, rubella, mumps (MMR) diphtheria and hepatitis B. In all patients, the levels of post-vaccination antibodies (IgG) for measles, rubella, mumps, hepatitis B and diphtheria measured with ELISA.Results: Protective level of antibodies were 50% against hepatitis B, 52% - diphtheria, 58% - measles, 80% - mumps, 98% rubella. The best coverage for MMR had patients with enthesytis-related arthritis-85%, compare to oligoarthritis-70%, polyarthritis-69%, systemic arthritis-63%. Diphtheria coverage was 50%, 51%, 46%, 63%, respectively. Incomplete MMR vaccination had 39% patients, treated with biologics, 22% with methotrexate and 14% with NSAID (p=0.025), and 61%, 46%, 36% for diphtheria (p=0.021). Incomplete vaccination was a risk factor of non-protective level of antibodies against measles (HR=2.03 [95%CI: 1.02; 4.0], p=0.042), parotitis (HR=6.25 [95%CI: 2.13; 17.9], p=0.0008) and diphtheria (HR=2.39 [95%CI: 1.18; 4.85], p=0.016) vaccines, as well as JIA category, biologics, corticosteroids and long-term methotrexate treatment for distinct vaccines.Conclusion: Children with JIA may have lower anti-vaccine antibodies levels and required routine check, especially in children with incomplete vaccination, biologics, systemic arthritis and long-term methotrexate treatment.
Attitude and Self Care Practice on Hypertension among Antihypertensive Medication Users in a Tertiary Care Hospital Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Jyoti , Sanhi Sabina , lamichhane Rajendra , Marasini Nabin Raj , Marasine Nirmal Raj
Published: January 2021

Background:Hypertension a “silent killer” is a serious global health problem, whose prevalence is increasing in Nepal. This study aimed to determine the attitude and practice of hypertension among antihypertensive medication users in a tertiary care teaching hospital in western Nepal.Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 hypertensive patients under medication, aged ≥30 years, and visiting medical outpatient department, medical ward, and geriatric ward, using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Semistructured questionnaires were used for data collection through interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The maximum number of patients (36; 26.5%) was in the age range of 50-60 years with a mean (SD) of 56.74 (12.58). Most of 77(56.6%) were male, Hindu, 95(69.9%), upper caste people (40; 29.4%), illiterate (30; 22.1%), house maker (37; 27.2), and monthly family income of 21,000 and above (66; 48.5).Almost half of the patients (69; 50.7%) had a positive attitude and more than half (71; 52.2%) had performed adequate self-care practice. Selected variables such as educational status and dietary pattern and attitude were significantly associated, whereas no association was found between sociodemographic variables and self-care practice. Attitude and self-care practices were found strongly associated with one another (p=0.002).Conclusion: Hypertensive patients were found with better level of attitude and adequate self-care practice. Educational interventions and awareness programs on dietary aspects should be focused for improving the attitude and practice of all the patient groups.
Use of a novel integrated port closure system - A multi-center study
Authors: Milad Qarawany , Mizrahi Hagar , Ugale Surendra , Pascal Guy , Hazzan David
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe incidence of port site hernia (PSH) after laparoscopic surgery can reach up to 4 %. The fascial closure at the port site can be challenging in some cases.MethodsA multi-center, prospective, open label study to evaluate a new integrated port closure system (Gordian TroClose™ 1200 by Gordian Surgical™), is presented.ResultsFifty patients were enrolled in the study. All enrolled patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, during which at least one TroClose1200 device was used per patient. Patients were followed for two and six weeks and for one year. No port PSH related to TroClose 1200 device was diagnosed at one year of follow-up. One PSH was diagnosed at a non-TroClose1200 trocar site. The surgeons were very satisfied with the new device’s performance, with an average range of 4.8-5.0 out of 5.0 usability question being above 4.80 out of 5. No severe adverse events or device related adverse events were observed.ConclusionsThe TroClose 1200 is a simple, safe and friendly device that may reduce the incidence of port site hernia.
A Qualitative Study of Ghanaian Pediatric Oncology Nurses’ Care Practice Challenges.
Authors: Nukpezah Ruth Nimota , Fomani Fatemeh Khoshnavay , Hasanpour Marzieh , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht
Published: January 2021

Background: Pediatric cancer is a global problem, and some studies have emphasized that nurses caring for these children experience work-related challenges. This has caused many children diagnosed with cancer to have a prolonged hospital stay and suffer unnecessary pain. However, there is insufficient documentary evidence on this issue. This study aims to explore and understand the challenges faced by pediatric oncology nurses in caring for children in Ghana.Methods: An exploratory qualitative research design study was conducted from August 2019 to April 2020. The study was conducted at the pediatric oncology unit which is located at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Ghana. The study was conducted among 14 Ghanaian pediatric oncology nurses who were purposively sampled. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively using Elo and Kyngas content analysis approach. The criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln were used to ensure the validity of the study.Results: From the analysis of participants transcripts, eight subcategories emerged from two major categories. The subcategories were; time-consuming care, low job motivations, inadequate logistics, work stress, reduced labour force, low knowledge level, lack of teamwork and the perception of contracting cancer.Conclusions: The results point to several organizational and personal constraints experienced by the nurses who work at the pediatric oncology ward. It is hoped that by addressing these challenges, it would lead to further improvement in the care that is provided to children with cancer. There is the need for the administrative managers of hospitals, government and other stakeholders to invest in human, material and financial resources for delivering childhood cancer care services.
Modelling an unconventional closed-loop deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE): Sensitivity Analysis on the Newberry Volcanic Setting
Authors: Doran Hannah Rose , Renaud Theo , Falcone Gioia , Pan Lehua , Verdin Patrick
Published: January 2021

Alternative (unconventional) deep geothermal designs are needed to provide a secure and efficient geothermal energy supply. An in-depth sensitivity analysis was investigated considering a deep borehole closed-loop heat exchanger (DBHE) to overcome the current limitations of deep EGS. A T2Well/EOS1 model previously calibrated on an experimental DBHE in Hawaii was adapted to the current NWG 55-29 well at the Newberry volcano site in Central Oregon. A sensitivity analysis was carried out, including parameters such as: the working fluid mass flow rate, the casing and cement thermal properties and the wellbore radii dimensions. The results conclude the highest energy flow rate to be 1.5MW, after an annulus radii increase and an imposed mass flow rate of 5kg/. At 3kg/s, the DBHE yielded an energy flow rate a factor of 3.5 lower than the NWG 55-29 conventional design. Despite this loss, the sensitivity analysis allows an assessment of the key thermodynamics within the wellbore and provide a valuable insight into how heat is lost/gained throughout the system. This analysis was performed under the assumption of subcritical conditions, and could aid the development of unconventional designs within future EGS work like the Newberry Deep Drilling Project (NDDP). Requirements for further software development are briefly discussed, which would facilitate the modelling of unconventional geothermal wells in supercritical systems to support EGS projects that could extend to deeper depths.
Maintaining proper health records improves machine learning predictions for novel 2019-nCoV
Authors: KHAN KOFFKA , Ramsahai Emilie
Published: January 2021

Background: An ongoing outbreak of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia continues to affect the whole world including major countries such as China, USA, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. We present outcome (’recovered’, ’isolated’ or ’death’) risk estimates of 2019-nCoV over ’early’ datasets. A major consideration is the likelihood of death for patients with 2019-nCoV.Method: Accounting for the impact of the variations in the reporting rate of 2019-nCoV, we used machine learning techniques (AdaBoost, bagging, extra-trees, decision trees and k-nearest Neighbour classifiers) on two 2019-nCoV datasets obtained from Kaggle on March 30, 2020. We used ’country’, ’age’ and ’gender’ as features to predict outcome for both datasets. We included the patient’s ’disease’ history (only present in the second dataset) to predict the outcome for the second dataset.Results: The use of a patient’s ’disease’ history improves the prediction of ’death’ by more than 7-fold. The models ignoring a patent’s ’disease’ history performed poorly in test predictions.Conclusion: Our findings indicate the potential of using a patient’s ’disease’ history as part of the feature set in machine learning techniques to improve 2019-nCoV predictions. This development can have a positive effect on predictive patient treatment and can result in easing currently overburdened healthcare systems worldwide, especially with the increasing prevalence of second and third wave re-infections in some countries.
Microbial fuel cell assisted utilization of glycerol for succinate production by mutant of Actinobacillus succinogenes
Authors: Zheng Tianwen , Xu Bin , Ji Yaliang , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Dong Weiliang , Wei Ping , Ma Jiangfeng , Jiang Min
Published: January 2021

Background: The global production of glycerol is increasing year by year since the demands of biodiesel is rising. It is benefit for high-yield succinate synthesis due to its high reducing property. A. succinogenes, a succinate-producing candidate, cannot grow on glycerol anaerobically, as it needs a terminal electron acceptor to maintain the balance of intracellular NADH and NAD+. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) has been widely used to release extra intracellular electrons. However, A. succinogenes is a non-electroactive strain which need the support of electron shuttle in MFC, and pervious research showed that acid tolerant A. succinogenes has higher content of unsaturated fatty acids, which may be beneficial for the transmembrane transport of lipophilic electron shuttle.Results: MFC assisted succinate production was evaluated using neutral red as an electron shuttle to recover the glycerol utilization. Firstly, an acid tolerant mutant JF1315 was selected by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis aiming to improve transmembrane transport of neutral red (NR). Additionally, MFC was established to increase the ratio of oxidized NR to reduced NR. By combining these two strategies, ability of JF1315 for glycerol utilization was significantly enhanced, and 23.92 g/L succinate was accumulated with a yield of 0.88 g/g from around 30 g/L initial glycerol, along with an output voltage above 300 mV.Conclusions: A novel MFC-assisted system was established to improve glycerol utilization by A. succinogenes for succinate and electricity production, making this system as a platform for chemicals production and electrical supply simultaneously.