bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundance of Noncircular Intrahepatic Hepatitis B Virus DNA May Reflect Frequent Integration Into Human DNA in Chronically Infected Patients
Authors: Rydell Gustaf E , Larsson Simon B , Prakash Kasthuri , Andersson Maria , Norder Heléne , Hellstrand Kristoffer , Norkrans Gunnar , Lindh Magnus
Published: September 2020

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration has implications for cancer development and surface antigen (HBsAg) production, but methods to quantify integrations are lacking. The aim of this study was to develop a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay discriminating between circular and integrated HBV DNA, and to relate the distribution between the two forms to other HBV markers.

Methods

ddPCR with primers spanning the typical linearization breakpoint in the HBV genome allowed for quantification of the absolute copy numbers of total and circular HBV DNA, and calculation of linear HBV DNA.

Results

Analysis of 70 liver biopsies from patients with chronic HBV infection revealed that the fraction of linear HBV DNA, which includes integrations, was higher in HBeAg-negative patients than HBeAg-positive. The ratio between HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in serum correlated with the intrahepatic proportion of linear HBV DNA. Furthermore, ddPCR experiments on serum samples and experiments with nuclease indicated the contribution of encapsidated double-stranded linear DNA and replication intermediates to be limited.

Conclusions

The degree of integration of intrahepatic HBV DNA in the HBeAg-negative stage may be higher than previously anticipated, and integrated DNA may explain the persistence of high HBsAg serum levels in patients with low HBV DNA levels.
Temporal Dysbiosis of Infant Nasal Microbiota Relative to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Grier Alex , Gill Ann L , Kessler Haeja A , Corbett Anthony , Bandyopadhyay Sanjukta , Java James , Holden-Wiltse Jeanne , Falsey Ann R , Topham David J , Mariani Thomas J , Caserta Mary T , Walsh Edward E , Gill Steven R
Published: September 2020

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant respiratory disease. Infant airway microbiota has been associated with respiratory disease risk and severity. The extent to which interactions between RSV and microbiota occur in the airway, and their impact on respiratory disease susceptibility and severity, are unknown.

Methods

We carried out 16S rRNA microbiota profiling of infants in the first year of life from (1) a cross-sectional cohort of 89 RSV-infected infants sampled during illness and 102 matched healthy controls, and (2) a matched longitudinal cohort of 12 infants who developed RSV infection and 12 who did not, sampled before, during, and after infection.

Results

We identified 12 taxa significantly associated with RSV infection. All 12 taxa were differentially abundant during infection, with 8 associated with disease severity. Nasal microbiota composition was more discriminative of healthy vs infected than of disease severity.

Conclusions

Our findings elucidate the chronology of nasal microbiota dysbiosis and suggest an altered developmental trajectory associated with RSV infection. Microbial temporal dynamics reveal indicators of disease risk, correlates of illness and severity, and impact of RSV infection on microbiota composition.
Postmortem Findings in Italian Patients With COVID-19: A Descriptive Full Autopsy Study of Cases With and Without Comorbidities
Authors: Falasca Laura , Nardacci Roberta , Colombo Daniele , Lalle Eleonora , Di Caro Antonino , Nicastri Emanuele , Antinori Andrea , Petrosillo Nicola , Marchioni Luisa , Biava Gianluigi , D’Offizi Gianpiero , Palmieri Fabrizio , Goletti Delia , Zumla Alimuddin , Ippolito Giuseppe , Piacentini Mauro , Del Nonno Franca
Published: September 2020

Background

Descriptions of the pathological features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel zoonotic pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emanate from tissue biopsies, case reports, and small postmortem studies restricted to the lung and specific organs. Whole-body autopsy studies of COVID-19 patients have been sparse.

Methods

To further define the pathology caused by SARS-CoV-2 across all body organs, we performed autopsies on 22 patients with COVID-19 (18 with comorbidities and 4 without comorbidities) who died at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS Hospital, Rome, Italy. Tissues from the lung, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, and bone marrow (but not the brain) were examined. Only lung tissues were subject to transmission electron microscopy.

Results

COVID-19 caused multisystem pathology. Pulmonary and cardiovascular involvement were dominant pathological features. Extrapulmonary manifestations included hepatic, kidney, splenic, and bone marrow involvement, and microvascular injury and thrombosis were also detected. These findings were similar in patients with or without preexisting medical comorbidities.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes multisystem disease and significant pathology in most organs in patients with and without comorbidities.
The molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Tkadlec Jan , Capek Vaclav , Brajerova Marie , Smelikova Eva , Melter Oto , Bergerova Tamara , Polivkova Sylvia , Balejova Magda , Hanslianova Marketa , Fackova Daniela , Neradova Katerina , Tejkalova Renata , Vagnerova Iva , Bartonikova Natasa , Chmelarova Eva , Drevinek Pavel , Krutova Marcela
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To gain data on the current molecular epidemiology and resistance of MRSA in the Czech Republic.

Methods

Between September 2017 and January 2018, a total of 441 single-patient MRSA isolates were collected from 11 Czech hospitals and analysed by spa typing, SCCmec typing, antibiotic susceptibility testing, detection of the PVL toxin and the arcA gene.

Results

Of all MRSA isolates, 81.41% (n = 359) belonged to the CC5-MRSA clone represented by the spa types t003 (n = 136), t586 (n = 92), t014 (n = 81), t002 (n = 20) and other spa types (n = 30); a majority of the CC5 isolates (n = 348, 96.94%) carried SCCmec type II. The occurrence of CC5-MRSA was more likely in older inpatients and associated with a healthcare origin (P < 0.001). The CC5-MRSA isolates were resistant to more antimicrobial drugs compared with the other MRSAs (P < 0.001). Interestingly, t586 was detected in blood samples more often than the other spa types and, contrary to other spa types belonging to CC5-MRSA, t586 was not associated with patients of advanced age. Other frequently found lineages were CC8 (n = 17), CC398 (n = 11) and CC59 (n = 10). The presence of the PVL was detected in 8.62% (n = 38) of the MRSA isolates.

Conclusions

The healthcare-associated CC5-MRSA-II lineage (t003, t586, t014) was found to be predominant in the Czech Republic. t586 is a newly emerging spa type in the Czech Republic, yet reported rarely in other countries. Our observations stress the need for MRSA surveillance in the Czech Republic in order to monitor changes in MRSA epidemiology.
Simultaneous Quantification of Betulinic Acid, Lupeol, and β-Sitosterol in Madhuca longifolia Methanolic Extract of Bark by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometric Method
Authors: Patel Veena S , Chhalotiya Usmangani K , Patel Sandip B , Nuruddin Jivani
Published: September 2020

Background

Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry is used widely used for the quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents present in medicinal plants to assess the quality of extract used for different investigations.

Objective

A sensitive, precise, and accurate liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection was developed for simultaneous quantification of lupeol, betulinic acid, and β-sitosterol in the methanolic extract of Madhuca longifolia bark.

Method

The three compounds were eluted with a stationary phase Gemini C18 column (50 × 2.0 mm, 3 μm id) and the temperature of the column was maintained by a column oven at 40 ± 0.3°C; mobile phase A (water and 0.1% formic acid) and mobile phase B [acetonitrile–methanol (50+50, v/v) and 0.1% formic acid] were used in a gradient mode and the flow rate was 0.4 mL/min.

Results

With these conditions, the retention time for betulinic acid, lupeol, and β-sitosterol was found to be 1.25, 3.08, and 3.53 minutes, respectively. The total run time was 5.0 min. Detection and quantitation of all three phytoconstituents were carried out by the mass spectrometer, a triple quadrupole equipped with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization, and multiple reaction monitoring using the predominantly positive ion mode and obtained much higher and more stable response nebulizer gas flow at 3.0 L/min. Linear responses were exhibited for all three phytoconstituents with a dynamic linear range of 10–100 μg/mL with the values of the regression coefficient more than 0.995 for betulinic acid, lupeol, and β-sitosterol. The values of percentage RSD for intraday and interday precision were found to be within the accepted limits for analytical methods (<15%). Selectivity, linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, and precision were evaluated for all three phytoconstituents as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines.

Conclusions

The proposed method is accurate and sensitive and can be used for the routine quantification of betulinic acid, lupeol, and β-sitosterol from the herbal extract and its poly-herbal formulations.
Everything Is Bigger in Texas: Alcohol Impaired Driving in Houston (2014–2018)
Authors: Rodgers Corissa , Lloyd Melissa , Stout Peter , Lee Dayong
Published: September 2020

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) poses a continued public safety risk in Texas, which has one of the highest alcohol impaired traffic fatality rates. This study aimed to identify alcohol and drug use trends seen in DWI/DUID cases in the city of Houston from 2014 to 2018 to better understand the populations at risk. Blood samples submitted to the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) were evaluated for blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug concentrations and demographics. During the 5-year period, 12,682 Houston driver blood samples had a mean (median) BAC of 0.151 g/dL (0.167 g/dL) and age of 36.3 (34) years. Fifty percent of samples were white males. Seventy-five percent of samples were individuals aged 21 to 44 years. Between 2014 and 2018, the number of cases submitted nearly doubled, from approximately 2,000 cases per year to over 3,700. In 2014, 23% of cases submitted required further analysis per HFSC testing policy (drug screen and confirmation for DWI/DUID cases when BAC < 0.100 g/dL), which rose to 27% by 2018. Of those, 36% were polydrug cases, requiring two or more confirmation tests. Cannabinoids was the most common drug class detected (34% of cases analyzed for drugs), followed by benzodiazepines (25%), phencyclidine (20%), cocaine/metabolites (15%) and opioids (12%). Phencyclidine rose from the fifth-most commonly detected drug in 2014 to the second-most drug in 2018. Only 3% of all cases (n = 408) were negative for both alcohol and drugs. Communication between law enforcement and laboratory management is recommended to address growing caseload more effectively. The study limitations (e.g., limited scope of analysis) suggest the present data underestimated the full extent of impaired driving in Houston, indicating even more urgent needs for increasing resources and efforts to reduce this serious threat to public safety.
Using Visual and Digital Imagery to Quantify Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Densities
Authors: Smythe Brandon , Boxler David , Brewer Gary , Psota Eric , Watson D Wes
Published: September 2020

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a persistent pest of cattle globally. A threshold of 200 flies per animal is considered the standard management goal; however, determining when that threshold has been exceeded is difficult using visual estimates that tend to overestimate the actual fly densities and are, at best, subjective. As a result, a more reliable and durable method of determining horn fly densities is needed. Here, we describe the methods commonly used to quantify horn fly densities including visual estimates and digital photography, and provide examples of quantification software and the prospect for computer automation methods.
Acceptability and Feasibility of Perioperative Music Listening: A Rapid Qualitative Inquiry Approach
Authors: Polascik Breanna A , Tan Daryl Jian An , Raghunathan Karthik , Kee Hwei Min , Lee Amanda , Sng Ban Leong , Belden Charles M
Published: September 2020

Perioperative music decreases pain, anxiety, and analgesia requirements while increasing patient satisfaction. We investigated the acceptability of perioperative music at a women’s and children’s hospital in Singapore, seeking to uncover barriers and facilitators to implementation in routine practice over a 12-week period. We used an undergraduate-led Rapid Qualitative Inquiry approach that includes data collection from multiple sources, iterative analysis, and additional data collection when necessary. Participants consisted of anesthesiologists and nurses working in the preoperative area, operating room, and postoperative recovery areas. In Stage 1, nurses and anesthesiologists answered a survey assessing attitudes and knowledge about perioperative music and attended a presentation introducing the intervention. In Stage 2, the results of the Stage 1 survey were disclosed, and nurses and anesthesiologists completed a second survey (Stage 1 survey questions with an additional query about implementation). Twenty-nine nurses were interviewed with semi-structured questions on barriers and facilitators to implementation. In Stage 3, nurses retook the Stage 2 survey after one month of implementation. The implementation of perioperative music was both acceptable and feasible in Singapore. The nurses’ and anesthesiologists’ acceptability increased over time with mostly positive qualitative feedback. Implementation barriers, including patient interest, timing of patient turnover, and added staff workload, appeared minor and could potentially be overcome by utilizing the intervention in the preoperative instead of postoperative area, deploying music in operating rooms with slower turnover, and evenly distributing staff workload. Local implementation stakeholders may make additional recommendations for scaling-up perioperative music interventions to fit other workflows while improving the patient experience.
Unligated vertical vein presenting as a large atrio-portal shunt in adulthood: a case report
Authors: Layton Georgia R , Koulouroudias Marinos , Issa Eyad , Jepson Steve , Corno Antonio F , Dennison Ashley R
Published: September 2020

A 28-year-old male with infra-cardiac totally anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repaired as new-born presented in adulthood with right heart strain and very large left atrium to portal vein vessel. Residual connections from pulmonary veins to systemic circulation are believed to represent persistent ‘vertical veins’ (VV) not ligated at the time of the initial surgery. In our patient, since endovascular occlusion was not judged suitable, the anomalous vessel was surgically ligated and resected. A review of the literature failed to find such a procedure reported in an adult patient and analyzed the intra-operative ligation of VV during repair of TAPVC.
The auroral radio emission of the magnetic B-type star ρ OphC
Authors: Leto P , Trigilio C , Buemi C S , Leone F , Pillitteri I , Fossati L , Cavallaro F , Oskinova L M , Ignace R , Krtička J , Umana G , Catanzaro G , Ingallinera A , Bufano F , Riggi S , Cerrigone L , Loru S , Schilliró F , Agliozzo C , Phillips N M , Giarrusso M , Robrade J
Published: September 2020

The non-thermal radio emission of main-sequence early-type stars is a signature of stellar magnetism. We present multiwavelength (1.6–16.7 GHz) ATCA measurements of the early-type magnetic star ρ OphC, which is a flat-spectrum non-thermal radio source. The ρ OphC radio emission is partially circularly polarized with a steep spectral dependence: the fraction of polarized emission is about $60{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at the lowest frequency sub-band (1.6 GHz) while is undetected at 16.7 GHz. This is clear evidence of coherent Auroral Radio Emission (ARE) from the ρ OphC magnetosphere. Interestingly, the detection of the ρ OphC’s ARE is not related to a peculiar rotational phase. This is a consequence of the stellar geometry, which makes the strongly anisotropic radiation beam of the amplified radiation always pointed towards Earth. The circular polarization sign evidences mainly amplification of the ordinary mode of the electromagnetic wave, consistent with a maser amplification occurring within dense regions. This is indirect evidence of the plasma evaporation from the polar caps, a phenomenon responsible for the thermal X-ray aurorae. ρ OphC is not the first early-type magnetic star showing the O-mode dominated ARE but is the first star with the ARE always on view.
The discovery of the most UV–Ly α luminous star-forming galaxy: a young, dust- and metal-poor starburst with QSO-like luminosities
Authors: Marques-Chaves R , Álvarez-Márquez J , Colina L , Pérez-Fournon I , Schaerer D , Dalla Vecchia C , Hashimoto T , Jiménez-Ángel C , Shu Y
Published: September 2020

We report the discovery of BOSS-EUVLG1 at z = 2.469, by far the most luminous, almost un-obscured star-forming galaxy known at any redshift. First classified as a QSO within the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey, follow-up observations with the Gran Telescopio Canarias reveal that its large luminosity, MUV ≃ −24.40 and log(LLyα/erg s–1) ≃ 44.0, is due to an intense burst of star formation, and not to an active galactic nucleus or gravitational lensing. BOSS-EUVLG1 is a compact (reff ≃ 1.2 kpc), young (4–5 Myr) starburst with a stellar mass log(M*/M⊙) = 10.0 ± 0.1 and a prodigious star formation rate of ≃1000 M⊙ yr−1. However, it is metal- and dust-poor [12 + log(O/H) = 8.13 ± 0.19, E(B – V) ≃ 0.07, log(LIR/LUV) < −1.2], indicating that we are witnessing the very early phase of an intense starburst that has had no time to enrich the ISM. BOSS-EUVLG1 might represent a short-lived (<100 Myr), yet important phase of star-forming galaxies at high redshift that has been missed in previous surveys. Within a galaxy evolutionary scheme, BOSS-EUVLG1 could likely represent the very initial phases in the evolution of massive quiescent galaxies, even before the dusty star-forming phase.
Impact of Q-fever fatigue syndrome on patients’ work status
Authors: Reukers D F M , van Loenhout J A F , Roof I , Senden T F , Keijmel S P , Bleeker-Rovers C P , van Jaarsveld C H M , Hautvast J L A , van der Velden K
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic illnesses can increase the risk of unemployment, but evidence on the specific impact of Q-fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) on work is lacking.

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe and quantify the impact of QFS on work.

Methods

Changes in work status from 1 year prior to 4 years after acute Q-fever infection of QFS patients were retrospectively collected with a self-report questionnaire measuring employment status and hours of paid work per week. In addition, information on work ability, job satisfaction and need for recovery after work was collected in 2016. Data were compared to participants from the general population.

Results

The proportion of employed QFS patients from 1 year prior to 4 years after acute infection decreased from 78 to 41%, while remaining relatively constant in the general population (82 to 78%). Working QFS patients showed a decrease in mean hours of paid work from 35 to 22 h per week, which is significantly steeper compared to the general population (31–28 h per week) (P < 0.001). QFS patients showed a significantly lower work ability (P < 0.001), lower job satisfaction (P = 0.006) and greater need for recovery (P < 0.001) compared to the general population.

Conclusions

The number of QFS patients with paid work decreased over the years, while patients who continue to work experience lower work ability, job satisfaction and increased need for recovery. Occupational physicians should be aware of the occurrence and severity of the impact of QFS on work, even after many years.
Expansion of a Subset Within the C2 Subclade of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 (ST131) Is Driving the Increasing Rates of Aminoglycoside Resistance
Authors: Hojabri Zoya , Darabi Narges , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Rahimi Hamzeh , Hemmati Romina , Saeedi Zahra , Roustaee Kiarash , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Pajand Omid , Aarestrup Frank M
Published: September 2020

Background

Sequence type 131 (ST131) of Escherichia coli is a pandemic clone that drives the increasing rates of antibiotic resistance. While the pervasiveness of ST131 clade C, especially subclades C2 and C1-M27, has been demonstrated in numerous global surveys, no report about the ST131 clades and their virotypes has been published from Iran so far.

Methods

A collection of 73 consecutive ST131 isolates from extraintestinal specimens was investigated for determination of virotypes, antibiotic susceptibility patterns, resistance/virulence determinants, and clade subsets.

Results

Most of the isolates belonged to subclade C2 (33/73; 45.2%), which had the highest virulence factor (VF) scores and resistance rates, followed by C1-M27 (18; 24.6%), C1-non-M27 (14; 19.1%), and A (8; 10.9%). The distinctive profiles of subclade C2 virulence genes were revealed by principle coordinates analysis testing. The distribution of the hlyA virulence gene among subclade C2 was not uniform, so that positive strains (21; 63.6%) showed significantly higher rates of resistance (blaCTX-M-15, blaOXA-1, aac(6’)-Ib-cr, aac(6’)-Ib, aac(3)-IIa) and virulence (hra, tia/hek, K5, cnf, papGII, papC) markers and gentamicin/tobramycin resistance. Virotype C as the most common virotype (34; 46.5%) was predominant among the subclade C1 population, while virotypes E and F (21; 28.7%) were detected among subclade C2, which had the highest VF scores and aminoglycoside resistance rates.

Conclusions

The appearance of virotypes E and F among subclade C2 strains with higher rates of aminoglycoside resistance/virulence gene content shows the shifting dynamics of this pandemic clone in response to antibiotic selection pressure by establishing subsets with higher survival potential.
Deep Brain Electrode Externalization and Risk of Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kashanian Alon , Rohatgi Pratik , Chivukula Srinivas , Sheth Sameer A , Pouratian Nader
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

When evaluating deep brain stimulation (DBS) for newer indications, patients may benefit from trial stimulation prior to permanent implantation or for investigatory purposes. Although several case series have evaluated infectious complications among DBS patients who underwent trials with external hardware, outcomes have been inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a period of lead externalization is associated with an increased risk of infection.

METHODS

We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses compliant systematic review of all studies that included rates of infection for patients who were externalized prior to DBS implantation. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to estimate the pooled proportion of infection across studies, and a meta-analysis of relative risks was conducted on those studies that included a control group of nonexternalized patients. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed via I2 index.

RESULTS

Our search retrieved 23 articles, comprising 1354 patients who underwent lead externalization. The pooled proportion of infection was 6.9% (95% CI: 4.7%-9.5%), with a moderate to high level of heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 62.2%; 95% CI: 40.7-75.9; P < .0001). A total of 3 studies, comprising 212 externalized patients, included a control group. Rate of infection in externalized patients was 5.2% as compared to 6.0% in nonexternalized patients. However, meta-analysis was inadequately powered to determine whether there was indeed no difference in infection rate between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The rate of infection in patients with electrode externalization is comparable to that reported in the literature for DBS implantation without a trial period. Future studies are needed before this information can be confidently used in the clinical setting.
Midfrontal-occipital θ-tACS modulates cognitive conflicts related to bodily stimuli
Authors: Fusco Gabriele , Fusaro Martina , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: September 2020

Neurophysiological studies show that during tasks tapping cognitive control (like the flanker task), midfrontal theta (MFθ) oscillations are associated with conflict and error processing and neural top-down modulation of perceptual processing. What remains unknown is whether perceptual encoding of category-specific stimuli (e.g. body vs letters) used in flanker-like tasks is modulated by theta oscillations. To explore this issue, we delivered transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) in the theta frequency band (6 Hz) over the medial frontal cortex (MFC) and the extra-striate body area (EBA), whereas healthy participants performed two variants of the classical flanker task, one with stimuli representing human hands (i.e. hand-flanker) and the other with stimuli representing coloured letters (i.e. letter-flanker). More specifically, we aimed at investigating whether θ-tACS involving a body-related area may modulate the long-range communication between neuronal populations underlying conflict monitoring and visuo-perceptual encoding of hand stimuli without affecting the conflict driven by letter stimuli. Results showed faster correct response times during θ-tACS in the hand-flanker compared with γ-tACS (40 Hz) and sham. Importantly, such an effect did not emerge in the letter-flanker. Our findings show that theta oscillations over midfrontal-occipital areas modulate bodily specific, stimulus content-driven aspects of cognitive control.
Mechanism of the action of bioactive proteins of vegetables in diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Medeiros Amanda Fernandes de , Costa Izael de Sousa , Piuvezam Grasiela , Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva de , Maciel Bruna Leal Lima , Morais Ana Heloneida de Araújo
Published: September 2020

Background:

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is a chronic disease of significant prevalence causing hyperglycemia and several comorbidities. Evidences highlight the performance of non - protein bioactive compounds found in vegetables in the control of hyperglycemia. This study describes a protocol of a systematic review, which analyzes the action of proteins and bioactive peptides of plants in DM2.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting Items guide this protocol for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes Protocols (PRISMA-P) was used. The databases that will be used for searching will be PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Virtual Health Library, Brazil (VHL). Studies that use bioactive proteins and peptides of vegetal origin in DM2 will be included in the systematic review. The studies will be identified using clinical parameters and the effect on insulin resistance. The characteristics of the studies as control groups, test substance, dosage, intervention time, and the main results will be described. Selection of studies, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment will be performed independently by two experienced reviewers.

Results:

This protocol will be the basis for a systematic review identifying the mechanism of action of plant proteins and peptides in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

Systematic reviews from this protocol will provide support for the construction of researches that analyze the effect of plant bioactive proteins and peptides on the control of hyperglycemia and how these molecules act in the control of DM2.

Prospero Registration Number:

CRD42019110956.
DAISY
Authors: Sweeney Cynthia Divens
Published: September 2020

DAISY stories express gratitude from patients and families for extraordinary and compassionate nursing care. These stories share what extraordinary care looks like to the nominator as they describe their relationship with their nurse and communicate a profound sense of gratitude that goes beyond the moment of care. This sense of gratitude can have a transcending impact on others, including healthcare organizations, as demonstrated by one family’s experience.
Interprofessional Collaboration
Authors: Zidek Stephanie , Medland Jacqueline
Published: September 2020

This case study reveals how 1 organization moved beyond traditional professional boundaries to achieve Magnet® recognition.
Utilizing Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to Identify Pediatric Trauma Patients Needing Lifesaving Interventions (LSIs): A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ashby David W. , Gourlay David M. , Balakrishnan Binod , Meyer Michael T. , Drendel Amy L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in identifying pediatric trauma patients who required lifesaving interventions (LSIs).

Methods

Retrospective chart review of children age 0 to 18 years who activated the trauma team response between January 1, 2015 and August 14, 2017, at a large, urban pediatric emergency department. The lowest somatic NIRS saturation and the need for LSIs (based on published consensus definition) were abstracted from the chart. χ2 and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results

The charts of 84 pediatric trauma patients were reviewed. Overall, 80% were boys with a mean age of 10.4 years (SD, 6.2 years). Injuries included 56% blunt trauma and 36% penetrating trauma with mortality of 10.7% (n = 9). Overall, the median lowest NIRS value was 67% (interquartile range, 51–80%; range, 15%–95%) and 54.8% of the patients had a NIRS value less than 70%. The median somatic NIRS duration recorded was 12 minutes (interquartile range, 6–17 minutes; range, 1–59 minutes). Overall, 50% of patients required a LSI, including 39 who required a lifesaving procedure, 11 required blood products, and 14 required vasopressors. Pediatric trauma patients with NIRS less than 70% had a significantly increased odds of requiring a LSI (odds ratio, 2.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–6.47). NIRS less than 70% had a sensitivity and specificity of 67% and 57% respectively.

Conclusions

Pediatric trauma patients with somatic NIRS less than 70% within 30 minutes of emergency department arrival are associated with the need for LSIs. Continuous NIRS monitoring in the pediatric trauma population should be evaluated prospectively.
Extreme and variable torpor among high-elevation Andean hummingbird species
Authors: Wolf Blair O. , McKechnie Andrew E. , Schmitt C. Jonathan , Czenze Zenon J. , Johnson Andrew B. , Witt Christopher C.
Published: September 2020

Torpor is thought to be particularly important for small endotherms occupying cold environments and with limited fat reserves to fuel metabolism, yet among birds deep torpor is both rare and variable in extent. We investigated torpor in hummingbirds at approximately 3800 m.a.s.l. in the tropical Andes by monitoring body temperature (Tb) in 26 individuals of six species held captive overnight and experiencing natural air temperature (Ta) patterns. All species used pronounced torpor, with oneMetallura phoebereaching a minimumTbof 3.26°C, the lowest yet reported for any bird or non-hibernating mammal. The extent and duration of torpor varied among species, with overnight body mass (Mb) loss negatively correlated with both minimumTband bout duration. We found a significant phylogenetic signal for minimumTband overnightMbloss, consistent with evolutionarily conserved thermoregulatory traits. Our findings suggest deep torpor is routine for high Andean hummingbirds, but evolved species differences affect its depth.
Insight into m
6
A methylation from occurrence to functions
Authors: Ru Wenxiu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yue Binglin , Qi Ao , Shen Xuemei , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong
Published: September 2020

RNA m
6
A methylation is a post-transcriptional modification that occurs at the nitrogen-6 position of adenine. This dynamically reversible modification is installed, removed and recognized by methyltransferases, demethylases and readers, respectively. This modification has been found in most eukaryotic mRNA, tRNA, rRNA and other non-coding RNA. Recent studies have revealed important regulatory functions of the m
6
A including effects on gene expression regulation, organism development and cancer development. In this review, we summarize the discovery and features of m
6
A, and briefly introduce the mammalian m
6
A writers, erasers and readers. Finally, we discuss progress in identifying additional functions of m
6
A and the outstanding questions about the regulatory effect of this widespread modification.
Nocardia aurantiaca sp. nov., isolated from soil in Thailand
Authors: Kanchanasin Pawina , Yuki Masahiro , Kudo Takuji , Ohkuma Moriya , Phongsopitanun Wongsakorn , Tanasupawat Somboon
Published: September 2020

A novel actinomycete strain, CT2-14T, belonging to the genus

Nocardia

, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Phichit Province, Thailand. The taxonomic position of the strain was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain grew at 15–40 °C (optimum, 28–37 °C), pH 6–11 (optimum, pH 6–8) and on an International

Streptomyces

Project 2 with 4 % (w/v) NaCl agar plate. Meso-diaminopimelic acid was detected in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. Ribose, arabinose and galactose were detected in its whole-cell hydrolysates. Mycolic acids were present. The strain contained C16 : 0, summed feature 3, C17 : 0 10-methyl and C18 : 1
ω9c as the major fatty acids and MK-8(H4ω-cycl) as the major menaquinone. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol mannosides. Strain CT2-14T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity to

Nocardia veterana

JCM 11307T (98.4 %),

Nocardia africana

JCM 11438T (98.2 %) and

Nocardia kruczakiae

JCM 13032T (98.0 %). The draft genome of strain CT2-14T was 7.37 Mb with 6685 coding sequences with an average G+C content of 67.9 mol %. Based on the phylogenomic tree analysis, the strain was closely related to

Nocardia niigatensis

NBRC 100131T. On the basis of polyphasic and genome analyses, strain CT2-14T represented a novel species of the genus

Nocardia

for which the name Nocardia aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CT2-14T (=JCM 33775T=TISTR 2838T).
Automatic Production of Synthetic Labeled OCT Images Using Active Shape Model
Authors: Danesh Hajar , Maghooli Keivan , Kafieh Rahele , Dehghani Alireza
Published: September 2020

The challenge of limited labeled data in the field of medical imaging and the need for large number of labeled data for training machine learning algorithms, and to measure the performance of image processing algorithms increases the demand to use synthetic images. The purpose of this paper is to construct synthetic and labeled Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) data to solve the problems like having access to the accurate labeled data and evaluating the processing algorithms. In this study, a modified active shape model is used which considers the anatomical features of available images such as number and thickness of the layers and their associated brightness, the retinal blood vessels, and shadow information with wise consideration of speckle noise. The algorithm is also able to provide different datasets with varying noise level. The validity of our method for synthesis of retinal images is measured by two methods (qualitative assessment and quantitative analysis).
CLINICAL PROFILES OF GLAUCOMATOUS PATIENTS WITH HIGH- AND LOW-TENSION OPTIC DISC HEMORRHAGES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Almeida Izabela , Dias Diego Torres , Alhadeff Paula Azevedo , Lopes Flavio Siqueira Santos , Gracitelli Carolina P B , Paranhos Augusto , Ritch Robert , Prata Tiago Santos
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims

Optic disc hemorrhage (DH) is an important glaucoma risk factor, and occurs in a wide intraocular pressure (IOP) range. We sought to characterize distinct clinical subtypes of patients with high- (HTDH) and low-tension DHs (LTDH).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, treated glaucomatous patients with DHs from two Glaucoma Services were consecutively enrolled. Disc photographs were evaluated for the presence of DH by two glaucoma specialists. After inclusion, patients were classified on HTDH (IOP ≥ 16mmHg) and LTDH (IOP< 16mmHg; median split). Clinical and ocular data from the time of DH detection were compared between groups.

Results

One hundred thirty-three DH patients were included (LTDH = 66 eyes; HTDH = 67 eyes). Patients with LTDH were more often women than those with HTDH (77% vs 42%; p = 0.030). There was also a trend for a higher prevalence of Asian descendants (24% vs 9%; p = 0.058) and symptoms suggestive of vascular dysregulation (34% vs 14%; p = 0.057) in LTDH patients. Eyes with LTDH also had worse visual field (VF) mean deviation index (p = 0.037), higher prevalence of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) diagnosis (46% vs 17%; p< 0.001) and tended to have thinner central corneas (p = 0.066).

Conclusion

Patients developing DHs with treated IOPs in the low teens seem to more frequently fit in a profile represented by women, NTG diagnosis and greater VF loss. The presence of symptoms suggestive of vascular dysregulation and race also seem to differ between these two clinical subtypes. A closer optic disc surveillance is recommended for patients with the LTDH subtype, as they may develop DHs despite seemingly well-controlled IOP.
Covid 19 and orthopaedic surgery in a large trauma centre in India
Authors: Kumar Kannan Karuppiah , Kumar M N , Ravishankar Muniramaiah , Chandy Thomas , Rai Chetan , Chetan A , Girish Vijay , Kumar Krishna , Battepati Praveen S , Shivarathre Deepak G , Puranik Harish , Kumar Noel Naleen , Prasad Krishan , Harshvardhan Dr , Deepu N K , Shetty Mayur
Published: September 2020

Background

We are in the midst of a pandemic caused by the novel SARS-Cov-2 virus. A large percentage of the patients are asymptomatic and hospitals around the world are struggling to restart routine services. We report the results of a universal testing protocol of all patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery in the month of July 2020 in a large orthopaedic speciality hospital in Bangalore, India.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery in the month of July 2020 at a tertiary care orthopaedic speciality hospital in Bangalore, India. All patients underwent nasopharyngeal swab test before surgery. A questionnaire was used to assess the patient before the RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab test. Data regarding imaging, investigations and follow up was recorded.

Results

In the month of July 2020, 168 patients underwent routine nasopharyngeal RT-PCR swab test for COVID-19 prior to planned orthopaedic surgical procedure (Both trauma and elective cases). 16 of the RT-PCR tests were positive. However vascular cases and absolute emergencies were done without a RT - PCR test with PPE and all universal precautions. 11 patients underwent emergency surgery without a RT-PCR test. All 16 cases who were positive were asymptomatic. The asymptomatic positive rate was 9.52%. Of the 11 patients who underwent emergency surgery without a RT-PCR test, only one patient had a positive test post-operatively.

Conclusions

Routine nasopharyngeal RT-PCR testing revealed a high rate of asymptomatic cases. If the RT-PCR test is positive, it is best to defer the case till the test returns negative. All precautions must be taken while performing emergency surgeries. Our algorithm in managing patients has proven to be effective and can be replicated with ease to continue operating and taking care of orthopaedic patients during this pandemic.
Characteristics of COVID-19 recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoang Tung
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous studies reported the recurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among discharge patients. This study aimed to examine the characteristic of repositive COVID-19 cases by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase and gray literature up to August 17, 2020. A random-effects model was applied to obtain the pooled prevalence of RNA repositive among recovered patients and the prevalence of subjects underlying comorbidity among recurrence cases. The other characteristics were calculated based on the summary data of individual studies.

Results

A total of 37 studies were included in the final analysis, we have described the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 recurrence cases. Of 2,436 patients recovering from COVID-19 and being discharged, an estimate of 16% (95% CI, 12% to 20%) patients was repositive with SARS-CoV-2 during the follow-up. This proportion was 15% (95% CI, 11% to 18%) for China and 31% (95% CI, 26% to 37%) for Korea. Among recurrence cases, it was estimated 43% (95% CI, 31% to 55%) subjects underlying at least one comorbidity. The estimates for times from disease onset to admission, from admission to discharge, and from discharge to RNA positive conversion were 17.3, 16.7, and 10.5 days, respectively. Conclusions: This study summarized up-to-date evidence from case reports, case series, and observational studies for the characteristic of COVID-19 recurrence cases after discharge. It is recommended to pay attention to follow-up patients after discharge, even if they have been in quarantine.
Multiscale statistical physics of the Human–SARS-CoV-2 interactome
Authors: Ghavasieh Arsham , Bontorin Sebastiano , Artime Oriol , Domenico Manlio De
Published: September 2020

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks have been used to investigate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins on the function of human cells, laying out a deeper understanding of COVID–19 and providing ground for drug repurposing strategies. However, our knowledge of (dis)similarities between this one and other viral agents is still very limited. Here we compare the novel coronavirus PPI network against 45 known viruses, from the perspective of statistical physics. Our results show that classic analysis such as percolation is not sensitive to the distinguishing features of viruses, whereas the analysis of biochemical spreading patterns allows us to meaningfully categorize the viruses and quantitatively compare their impact on human proteins. Remarkably, when Gibbsian-like density matrices are used to represent each system’s state, the corresponding macroscopic statistical properties measured by the spectral entropy reveals the existence of clusters of viruses at multiple scales. Overall, our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 exhibits similarities to viruses like SARS-CoV and Influenza A at small scales, while at larger scales it exhibits more similarities to viruses such as HIV1 and HTLV1.
Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Coronavirus Diseases 2019 Patients with Different Severity
Authors: Kowitdamrong Ekasit , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Prompetchara Eakachai , Suchartlikitwong Pintip , Putcharoen Opass , Hirankarn Nattiya
Published: September 2020

Background

More understanding of antibody responses in the SARS-CoV-2 infected population is useful for vaccine development.

Aim

To investigate SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG among COVID-19 Thai patients with different severity.

Methods

We used plasma from 118 adult patients who have confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and 49 patients under investigation without infection, 20 patients with other respiratory infections, and 102 healthy controls. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from Euroimmun. The optical density ratio cut off for positive test was 1.1 for IgA and 0.8 for IgG. The association of antibody response with the severity of diseases and the day of symptoms was performed.

Results

From Mar 10 to May 31, 2020, 289 participants were enrolled, and 384 samples were analyzed. Patients were categorized by clinical manifestations to mild (n = 59), moderate (n = 27) and severe (n = 32). The overall sensitivity of IgA and IgG from samples collected after day 7 is 87.9% (95% CI 79.8-93.6) and 84.8% (95% CI 76.2-91.3), respectively. The severe group had a significantly higher level of specific IgA and IgG to S1 antigen compared to the mild group. All moderate to severe patients have specific IgG while 20% of the mild group did not have any IgG detected after two weeks. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 IgG level was significantly higher in males compared to females among the severe group (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The serologic test for SARS-CoV-2 has high sensitivity after the second week after onset of illness. Serological response differs among patients with different severity and different sex.
Pilot Suppression trial ofAedes albopictusmosquitoes through an Integrated Vector Management strategy including the Sterile Insect Technique in Mauritius
Authors: Iyaloo Diana P. , Bouyer Jeremy , Facknath Sunita , Bheecarry Ambicadutt
Published: September 2020

It is often difficult to control the vector mosquitoAedes albopictususing conventional chemical control methods alone at an operational level mainly because of (1) the ability of the species to lay eggs in a variety of places which are often difficult to detect or access by larviciding operators, (2) the inherent tendency of adults to live and feed outdoor which makes them unlikely targets of Insecticide Residual Spraying and (3) the development of resistance to insecticides by the species. It is therefore necessary for countries to investigate alternative control methods (such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)) that can be integrated in their national vector control programme in order to address those limitations.

In this field trial, mass-produced, radio-sterilizedAe. albopictusmales could successfully compete with wild males in a small village in Mauritius. Our study also demonstrated that within specific eco-climatic conditions, SIT can be used as a suppression tool againstAe. albopictusand, unlike numerous chemical control methods, effectively maintain the suppression level when the latter is found at low densities. Finally, the need for mosquito SIT programmes to develop contingency plans against increasingly frequent extreme weather occurrences was also highlighted.