bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water, sanitation and hygiene practices associated with improved height-for-age, weight-for-height and weight-for-age z-scores in Nepal.
Authors: Shrestha Som Kumar , Vicendese Don , Erbas Bircan
Published: February 2020

Background: Evidence of the influence of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) behaviors on childhood nutritional status is inconsistent. Few studies have examined their interactive effects. This study aimed to examine associations and interactions between WASH variables and preschool child undernutrition. Methods: Data from a nationally representative sample of 2352 children assessed during the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed by multi-variable linear regression to understand the association between height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores and WASH variables. Interactions between WASH variables, sex and area of residence on childhood nutritional status were also examined. Results: The mean z-score [standard deviation] for children’s WAZ, HAZ and WHZ scores were -1.33 [1.1], -1.52 [1.3] and -0.65 [1.1], respectively. A unit increase in cluster sanitation coverage was associated with an increase of 0.30 (95%CI: 0.12 to 0.48) for WAZ and 0.28 (95%CI: 0.001 to 0.56) for HAZ scores. Household water purification practice was associated with an increase of 0.24 (95%CI: 0.07 to 0.41) in WHZ score. Handwashing practice with water and soap was associated with an increase of 0.15 (95%CI: 0.04 to 0.25) in WAZ and 0.13 (95%CI: 0.01 to 0.24) in WHZ scores. The effect of water purification practice was higher for rural areas compared to urban settings for HAZ scores (p-value for interaction=0.002). Conclusions: Consistent with findings from other countries in the South Asian region, findings of this study highlight the potential importance of good WASH practices, and therefore the potential of WASH interventions, to contribute to improved nutritional status in rural Nepal.
A genomic view of trophic and metabolic diversity in clade-specific Lamellodysidea sponge microbiomes
Authors: Podell Sheila , Blanton Jessica M. , Oliver Aaron , Schorn Michelle A. , Agarwal Vinayak , Biggs Jason S. , Moore Bradley S. , Allen Eric E.
Published: February 2020

Background: Marine sponges and their microbiomes contribute significantly to carbon and nutrient cycling in global reefs, processing and remineralizing dissolved and particulate organic matter. Lamellodysidea herbacea sponges obtain additional energy from abundant photosynthetic Hormoscilla cyanobacterial symbionts, which also produce polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) chemically similar to anthropogenic pollutants of environmental concern. Potential contributions of non-Hormoscilla bacteria to Lamellodysidea microbiome metabolism and the synthesis and degradation of additional secondary metabolites are currently unknown.Results: This study has determined relative abundance, taxonomic novelty, metabolic capacities, and secondary metabolite potential in 21 previously uncharacterized, uncultured Lamellodysidea-associated microbial populations by reconstructing near-complete metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to complement 16S rRNA gene amplicon studies. Microbial community compositions aligned with sponge host subgroup phylogeny in 16 samples from four host clades collected from multiple sites in Guam over a three year period, including representatives of Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Oligoflexia, and Bacteroidetes as well as Cyanobacteria (Hormoscilla). Unexpectedly, microbiomes from one host clade also included Cyanobacteria from the prolific secondary metabolite-producer genus Prochloron, a common tunicate symbiont. Two novel Alphaprotobacteria MAGs encoded pathways diagnostic for methylotrophic metabolism as well as Type III secretion systems, and have been provisionally assigned to a new order, designated Candidatus Methylospongiales. MAGs from other taxonomic groups encoded light-driven energy production pathways using not only chlorophyll, but also bacteriochlorophyll and proteorhodopsin. Diverse heterotrophic capabilities favoring aerobic versus anaerobic conditions included pathways for degrading chitin, eukaryotic extracellular matrix polymers, phosphonates, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, trimethylamine, and benzoate. Genetic evidence identified an aerobic catabolic pathway for halogenated aromatics that may enable endogenous PBDEs to be used as a carbon and energy source. Conclusions:The reconstruction of high quality MAGs from all microbial taxa comprising greater than 0.1% of the sponge microbiome enabled species-specific assignment of unique metabolic features that could not have been predicted from taxonomic data alone. This information will promote more representative models of marine invertebrate microbiome contributions to host bioenergetics, the identification of potential new sponge parasites and pathogens based on conserved metabolic and physiological markers, and a better understanding of biosynthetic and degradative pathways for secondary metabolites and halogenated compounds in sponge-associated microbiota.
The effect of a centralization procedure for extruded lateral meniscus on load distribution in porcine knee joints at different flexion angles
Authors: Kubota Rei , Koga Hideyuki , Ozeki Nobutake , Matsuda Junpei , Kohno Yuji , Mizuno Mitsuru , Katano Hisako , Sekiya Ichiro
Published: February 2020

Background: Meniscal extrusion results in loss of the ability to resist hoop strain and biomechanical overload on the joint articular surface. A centralization technique has been developed to overcome these problems. In this study, we analyzed the biomechanics of the extruded and centralized lateral meniscus (LM) in porcine knee joints at different flexion angles.Methods: Porcine knee joints (n=8) were set in the universal tester and each knee was tested under the following states: 1) intact; 2) extrusion—meniscal extrusion was created by resecting the posterior root of the LM and posterior synovial capsule; and 3) centralization—centralization was performed by two anchors inserted in the lateral tibial plateau. Deviation distance of the meniscus, contact pressure, and contact area in the anterior LM, middle LM, posterior LM, and the contact pressure of the tibial cartilage were evaluated with an axial compressive force of 200 N at knee flexion angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°.Results: The deviation distance of LM significantly increased in extrusion but was restored to the intact status after centralization at all angles. Both the contact pressure and area significantly decreased in extrusion and were restored after centralization close to the intact status in the anterior and middle LM; in the posterior LM, however, decreased contact pressure and area were not restored after centralization. The contact pressure of the tibial cartilage increased significantly in extrusion but decreased close to the intact status after centralization.Conclusions: This centralization procedure could reduce extrusion of the LM and restore the load-distributing function of the anterior-middle LM. However, the procedure itself could not restore hoop function in cases where the defect lies in the posterior LM.
The Effects of Dog Management on Echinococcus spp. Prevalence in Villages on the Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Xiaodong Weng , Mu Zhiqiang , Wang Xu , Zuo Qingqiu , Ma Shuo , Ding Youzhong , Wang Xiaoming , Wu Weiping , Craig Philip S , Wang Zhenghuan
Published: February 2020

Background The pastoral area of the eastern Tibetan plateau is a very important human echinococcosis endemic region. Domestic dogs are the main definitive host for the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.1.) and E. multilocularis to humans. To control the infection risks, a national-level canine echinococcosis prevention and control program has been implemented since 2015 in Shiqu County, Sichuan, China, The objective of this investigation was to evaluate its effect on Echinococcus spp. prevalence in dogs. Methods We surveyed 69 households with 84 owned dogs, for dog keeping information in the villages of Rizha and Eduoma. A total of 105 dog fecal samples, consisting of 75 from owned dogs and 30 unknown dog fecal samples were collected between 2015 and 2017 to determine Echinococcus spp. prevalence using copro-PCR. Eight variables based on household surveys were included into a logistic regression model for significantly relevant factors to canine echinococcosis prevalence in dogs. Results The overall Echinococcus spp. copro-DNA prevalence decreased significantly in dogs from 51.2% (2015) to 20.0% (2017) in Rizha, and insignificantly from 11.5% (2016) to 4.3% (2017) in Eduoma. Echinococcus multilocularis was the most prevalent species continually detected during the entire research period, while E. granulosus was rare and not detected in 2017. Echinococcus shiquicus prevalence was as high as E. multilocularis , although only detected in 2015 in Rizha. Unleashed dog feces were mainly collected in Rizha Village in 2015. Although 93.2% of owned dogs were leashed, and the monthly praziquantel dosing rate reached 97%, E. multilocularis infection could still be detected in 11.1% of owned dogs in 2017. Monthly deworming, leashing dogs 24h per day, and the avoidance of dogs feeding on livestock viscera are significant measures to prevent canine echinococcosis infection in owned dogs. Conclusion Carrying out a canine echinococcosis prevention and control program can significantly decrease the Echinococcus prevalence. The potential contact between leashed dogs and wild small mammals is still a risk to re-infect owned dogs. This study shows that the long term application of regular dog dosing in the vast remote echinococcosis endemic areas of west China is still challenging.
An immunoinformatic approach driven by experimental proteomics: in silico design of a subunit candidate vaccine targeting secretory proteins of Leishmania donovani amastigotes
Authors: Khan Md Anik Ashfaq , Ami Jenifar Quaiyum , Faisal Khaledul , Chowdhury Rajashree , Ghosh Prakash , Hossain Faria , Wahed Ahmed Abd El , Mondal Dinesh
Published: February 2020

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by dimorphic Leishmania species is a parasitic fatal disease with high socio-economic burden in endemic areas worldwide. Sustaining control of VL in terms of proper and prevailing immunity development is a global necessity amid unavailability of a prophylactic vaccine. Screening of experimental proteome of human disease propagating form of L. donovani (amastigote) can be more pragmatic for in silico mining of novel vaccine candidates.

Methods

By using an immunoinformatic approach, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell specific epitopes from experimentally reported L. donovani proteins having secretory potential and increased abundance in amastigotes were screened. A chimera linked with a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) peptide adjuvant was constructed and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, binding interaction with TLR4 in simulated physiological condition and the trend of immune response following hypothetical immunization.

Results

Selected epitopes from physiologically important L. donovani proteins were found mostly conserved in L. infantum - covering theoretically more than 98% of global population. The multi-epitope chimeric vaccine was predicted as stable, antigenic and non-allergenic. Structural analysis of vaccine-TLR4 receptor docked complex and its molecular dynamics simulation suggest sufficiently stable binding interface along with prospect of non-canonical receptor activation. Simulation dynamics of immune response following hypothetical immunization indicate active and memory B- as well as CD4+ T-cell generation potential, and likely chance of a more Th1 polarized response.

Conclusions

The methodological approach and results from this study could facilitate more informed screening and selection of candidate antigenic proteins for entry into vaccine production pipeline in future to control human VL.
Probe-based multiplex qPCR identifies blood-meal hosts in Anopheles mosquitoes from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Keven John B , Artzberger Georgia , Gillies Mary L. , Mbewe Rex B. , Walker Edward D.
Published: February 2020

Background: Determination of blood-meal hosts in blood-fed female Anopheles mosquitoes is important for evaluating vectorial capacity of vector populations and assessing effectiveness of vector control measures. Sensitive molecular methods are needed to detect traces of host blood in mosquito samples, to differentiate hosts, and to detect mixed host blood meals. This paper describes a molecular probe-based quantitative PCR for identifying blood-meal hosts in Anopheles malaria vectors from Papua New Guinea.
Methods: TaqMan oligonucleotide probes targeting specific regions of mitochondrial or nuclear DNA of the three primary Anopheles blood-meal hosts, humans, pigs and dogs, were incorporated into a multiplex, quantitative PCR which was optimized for sensitivity and specificity.
Results: Amplification of serially diluted DNA showed that the quantitative PCR detected as low as 10-5 ng/ml of host DNA. Application to field-collected, blood-fed Anopheles showed that the quantitative PCR identified the vertebrate hosts for 89% (335/375) of mosquitoes whereas only 55% (104/188) of blood-meal samples tested in a conventional PCR were identified. Of the 104 blood-fed Anopheles that were positive in both PCR methods, 16 (15.4%) were identified as mixed blood meals by the quantitative PCR whereas only 3 (2.9%) were mixed blood meals by the conventional PCR.
Conclusions: The multiplex quantitative PCR described here is sensitive at detecting low DNA concentration and mixed host DNA in samples and useful for blood-meal analysis of field mosquitoes, in particular mixed-host blood meals.
MRI Characteristics in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Preceding Direct Oral Anticoagulant Therapy as compared to Vitamin K Antagonists
Authors: Meinel Thomas , Kaesmacher Johannes , Gralla Jan , Seiffge David Julian , Auer Elias , Frey Sebastién , El-Koussy Marwan , Arnold Marcel , Fischer Urs , Göldlin Martina , Jung Simon , Hakim Arsany
Published: February 2020

Background : Despite the utility of neuroimaging in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), imaging characteristics in patients with preceding direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) have hardly been described. We aimed to determine presence of large vessel occlusion (LVO), thrombus length, infarction diameter, and occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation in AIS patients with preceding DOAC as compared to VKA therapy.
Methods : Using a prospectively collected cohort of AIS patients, we performed univariate and multivariable regression analyses regarding imaging outcomes. Additionally, we provide a sensitivity analysis for the subgroup of patients with confirmed therapeutic anticoagulation.
Results : We included AIS in patients with preceding DOAC (N=75) and VKA (N=61) therapy, median age 79 (IQR 70 – 83), 39% female. Presence of any LVO between DOAC and VKA patients (29.3% versus 37.7%, P=0.361), and target LVO for endovascular therapy (26.7% versus 27.9%, P=1.0) was equal with a similar occlusion pattern. DOAC as compared to VKA were associated with a similar rate of target LVO for EVT (aOR 0.835, 95% CI 0.368 – 1.898). The presence of multiple lesions and characteristics of the thrombus were similar in DOAC and VKA patients. Acute ischemic lesion diameter in real world patients was equal in patients taking DOAC as compared to VKA. Lesion diameter in VKA patients (median 13 mm, IQR 6 – 26 versus median 20 mm, IQR 7 – 36, P=0.001), but not DOAC patients was smaller in the setting of confirmed therapeutic VKA. The frequency of radiological hemorrhagic transformation and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in OAC patients was low. Sensitivity analysis considering only patients with confirmed therapeutic anticoagulation did not change any of the results.
Conclusion : Preceding DOAC treatment showed equal rates of LVO and infarct size as compared to VKA in AIS patients. This study adds to the knowledge of imaging findings in AIS patients with preceding anticoagulation.
Precise annotation of tick mitochondrial genomes reveals multiple copy number variation of short tandem repeats and one transposon-like element
Authors: Chen Ze , Xuan Yibo , Liang Guangcai , Yang Xiaolong , Yu Zhijun , Barker Stephen C. , Kelava Samuel , Bu Wenjun , Liu Jingze , Gao Shan
Published: February 2020

Background: In the present study, we used long-PCR amplification coupled with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to obtain complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of individual ticks and unprecedently performed precise annotation of these mt genomes. We aimed to: (1) to develop a simple, cost-effective and accurate method for the study of extremely high AT-content mt genomes within an individual animal containing miniscule DNA (e.g. Dermacentor silvarum); (2) to provide a high-quality reference genome for D. silvarum with precise annotation and also for future studies of other tick mt genomes; and (3) to detect and analyze mt DNA variation within an individual tick.Results: These annotations were confirmed by the PacBio full-length transcriptome data to cover both entire strands of the mitochondrial genomes without any gaps or overlaps. Moreover, two new and important findings were reported for the first time, contributing fundamental knowledge to mt biology. The first was the discovery of a transposon-like element that may eventually reveal much about mechanisms of gene rearrangements in mt genomes. Another finding was that Copy Number Variation (CNV) of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) account for mitochondrial sequence diversity (heterogeneity) within an individual tick, insect, mouse or human, whereas SNPs were not detected. The CNV of STRs in the protein-coding genes resulted in frameshift mutations in the proteins, which can cause deleterious effects. Mitochondria containing these deleterious STR mutations accumulate in cells and can produce deleterious proteins. Conclusions: We proposed that the accumulation of CNV of STRs in mitochondria may cause aging or diseases. Future tests of the CNV of STRs hypothesis help to ultimately reveal the genetic basis of mitochondrial DNA variation and its consequences (e.g., aging and diseases) in animals. Our study will lead to the reconsideration of the importance of STRs and a unified study of CNV of STRs with longer and shorter repeat units (particularly polynucleotides) in both nuclear and mt genomes.
Lifetime Patient Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) and Extreme Preterm Infants: A Microsimulation Study
Authors: Thavorn Kednapa , Katwyk Sasha van , Augustine Sajit , Thébaud Bernard
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is among the most severe chronic lung diseases and predominantly affects premature infants. There is a general understanding of BPD’s significant impact on the short-term outcomes however there is little evidence on long-term outcomes. Our study estimates the lifetime clinical outcomes, quality of life, and healthcare costs of BPD and associated complications.

Methods

We developed a microsimulation model to estimate lifetime clinical and economic burden of BPD among extreme preterm infants (≤28 weeks gestational age at birth) and validated it against the best available Canadian data. We further estimate the cumulative incidence of major complications associated with BPD, differentiated by BPD severity and gestational age category.

Results

We find, on average, patients with BPD and resulting complications will incur over CAD$700,000 in lifetime health systems costs. We also find the average life expectancy of BPD patients to be moderately less than that of the general population and significant reductions in quality-adjusted life year due to major complications. Healthcare utilization and quality of life measures vary dramatically according to BPD severity, suggesting significant therapeutic headroom for interventions that can prevent or mitigate the effects of BPD for patients.

Conclusions

Our study adds a significant expansion of existing evidence by presenting the lifetime burden of BPD based on key patient characteristics. Given the extreme cost burden at the earliest stage of life and lifetime negative impact on quality of life, there is larger headroom for investment in prevention and mitigation of severe BPD than is currently available.
Design, synthesis, in silico studies and biological evaluation of 5-((E)-4-((E)-(substituted aryl/alkyl)methyl)benzylidene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Deep Aakash , Marwaha Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2020

Background: Looking at the extensive biological potential of thiazolidine-2,4-dione (TZD) moiety, a new series of thiazolidine-2,4-dione analogues was synthesized. Different spectral techniques (1H-NMR, IR, MS etc.) were used to confirm the chemical structures of the synthesized analogues. These synthesized compounds were screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.
Results and discussion: The antimicrobial screening was carried out against selected strains of fungi and bacteria using serial tube dilution method. The antioxidant potential was assessed using stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. Further, the interaction between synthesized thiazolidine-2,4-dione compounds and DNA gyrase was explored using molecular docking studies. Various ADME parameters were also studied to evaluate the drug likeness of the synthesized compounds.
Conclusion: In antimicrobial evaluation, the compounds 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 displayed promising activity against selected strains of microbes. Antioxidant evaluation found compound 6 having IC50 = 9.18 μg/mL to be the most potent compound in the series. The molecular docking study revealed compounds 4 (dock score = -4.73) and 7 (dock score = -4.61) with decent docking score, possess good interaction inside the ATP binding pocket of DNA gyrase and therefore can be used as lead structure for further optimizing into potent antimicrobial molecule.
Infrared photovoltaic detector based on p-GeTe/n-Si heterojunction
Authors: Zhao Yiqun , Tang Libin , Yang Shengyi , Lau Shu Ping , Teng Kar Seng
Published: February 2020

GeTe is an important narrow bandgap semiconductor material and has found application in the fields of phase change storage as well as spintronics devices. However, it has not been studied for application in the field of infrared photovoltaic detectors working at room temperature. Herein, GeTe nanofilms were grown by magnetron sputtering technique and characterized to investigate its physical, electrical and optical properties. A high-performance infrared photovoltaic detector based on GeTe/Si heterojunction with the detectivity of 8×10 11 Jones at 850 nm light irradiation at room temperature was demonstrated.
A comparison of four different models of acute respiratory distress syndrome in sheep
Authors: Engel Monique , Nowacki Relana M.E. , Jonker Elly M. , Ophelders Daan , Nikiforou Maria , Kloosterboer Nico , Zimmermann Luc J.I. , Waardenburg Dick A. van , Kramer Boris W.
Published: February 2020

Background Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can have various causes. The study objective was to investigate whether different pathophysiologic models of ARDS would show different respiratory, cardiovascular and inflammatory outcomes. Methods We performed a prospective, randomized study in 27 ventilated ewes inducing ARDS using three different techniques to mimic the pulmonary causes of ARDS (ARDSp): warm saline lavage (n=6), intratracheal hydrochloric acid (HCl; n=6), intratracheal albumin (n=10), and one technique to mimic an extrapulmonary cause of ARDS (ARDSexp): intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS iv; n=5). ARDS was defined when PaO 2 was <15kPa when ventilated with PEEP 10cm H 2 O and FiO 2 =1.0. The effects on gas exchange were investigated by calculating the oxygenation index (OI) and the ventilation efficacy index (VEI) every 30 minutes for a period of 4 hours. Post mortem lung lavage was performed to obtain broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to assess lung injury and inflammation. Lung injury and inflammation were assessed by measuring the total number and differentiation of leukocytes, the concentration of protein and disaturated phospholipids, and interleukine-6 and -8 in the BALF. Histology of the lung was evaluated by measuring the mean alveolar size and alveolar wall thickness, as markers of lung injury. The concentration of interleukin-6 was determined in plasma, as a marker of systematic inflammation. Results The OI and VEI were most affected in the LPS iv group and thereafter the HCl group, after meeting the ARDS criteria. Diastolic blood pressure was lowest in the LPS iv group. There were no significant differences found in the total number and differentiation of leukocytes, the concentration of protein and disaturated phospholipids, or interleukin-8 in the BALF and histology of the lung. IL-6 in BALF and plasma was highest in the LPS iv group, but no significant differences were found between the other groups. It took a significantly longer period of time to meet the ARDS criteria in the LPS iv group. Conclusions The LPS model caused the most severe pulmonary and cardiovascular insufficiency. Surprisingly, there were limited significant differences in lung injury and inflammatory markers, despite the different pathophysiology, when the clinical definition of ARDS was applied.
Acquisition and bioactivity analysis of single-chain fragment variable antibody against CSFV
Authors: Li Benqiang , Tao Jie , Cheng Jinghua , Shi Ying , Liu Huili
Published: February 2020

Background Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious disease that threatens the pig industry. Passive immunization with neutralizing antibodies against classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is an effective prevention and therapeutic measure. Results In this study, to prepare a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody against CSFV, two weanling piglets were injected twice with a CSFV attenuated vaccine. After the second immunization, peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated from the blood of the piglets by lymphocyte separation medium. After FACS, B lymphocytes with FITC labelled-E2 and FITC goat anti-swine IgG were sorted, extracted and cultivated on 96-well plates for 72 h. Then, the culture supernatants of B lymphocytes were screened by indirect ELISA with the purified CSFV-E2 antigen,and the target scFv antibody was bound to CSFV and obtained. Then, the scFv gene was inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pCAGGS, and the constituted plasmid pCAGGS-scFv was transfected into ST cells. Western blot analysis showed that an approximately 31 kDa fusion protein was detected in the cell supernatant. Addition, the neutralizing capacity was measured in vitro. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) results showed that scFv-16 was able to neutralize CSFV. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that scFv-16 would be an effective diagnostic tool and potential therapeutic reagent for the CSFV infection in swine.
The association between SAα2,3Gal and avian influenza viral load in mallards (Anas Platyrhynchos) and blue-winged teals (Anas discors)
Authors: Dolinski Amanda C , Jankowski Mark D , Fair Jeanne M , Owen Jen C
Published: February 2020

Background Individual heterogeneity in pathogen load can impact disease transmission dynamics; therefore, identifying intrinsic factors responsible for variation in pathogen load is necessary for determining which individuals are prone to be most infectious. Since low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV) preferentially bind to alpha-2,3 sialic acid receptors (SAα2,3Gal) in the intestines and bursa of Fabricius in wild ducks ( Anas spp.), we investigated juvenile mallards ( Anas platyrhyncos ) and blue-winged teals ( Anas discors ) orally inoculated with A/northern pintail/California/44221-761/2006 (H5N9) and the virus titer relationship to percentage of SAα2,3Gal in the intestines and bursa. To evaluate the natural variation of free-ranging duck populations, birds were hatched and raised in captivity from eggs collected from nests of free-ranging birds in North Dakota, USA. Data generated from real time RT-PCR used to quantify virus titers in cloacal swabs, ileum tissue, and bursa of Fabricius tissue and lectin histochemistry used to quantify percentage of SAα2,3Gal was analyzed through a series of multiple linear regression and mixed models. Results In mallards, we found high individual variation in virus titers significantly related to high variation of SAα2,3Gal in the ileum, with sex being a significant factor. In contrast to mallards, individual variation in teals was minimal and significant relationships between virus titers and SAα2,3Gal were not determined. Collectively, teals had both higher virus titers and a higher percentage of SAα2,3Gal compared to mallards, which may indicate a positive association between viral load and SAα2,3Gal. Statistically significant differences were observed between infected and control birds indicating that LPAIV infection may influence the percentage of SAα2,3Gal, or vice versa, but only in specific tissues.Conclusions The results of this study provide quantitative evidence that SAα2,3Gal is related to LPAIV titers; thus, SAα2,3Gal should be considered a potential intrinsic factor of variation in LPAIV load.
Changes in Oral Health Indicators Due to Implementation of Health Insurance Coverage for First Molar Dental Sealant for Children and Adolescents in Korea
Authors: CHOI JINSUN , Ma Deuk-Sang
Published: February 2020

Background: The effectiveness of a dental sealant reimbursement policy for children and adolescents was verified by comparing changes in first molar oral health indicators before and after policy implementation. Methods: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed: the fourth period (2007–2009) provided data before, and sixth period (2013–2015) data after policy implementation. The proportion of individuals with first-molar sealant, decay-missing-filled first molar permanent teeth, and single crowns in the group aged 11-20 years were calculated. Data were analyzed using chi-square for complex samples and the complex samples general linear model. Results: Compared with non-beneficiaries, among policy beneficiaries, sealant ownership increased by 7.7%, and the number of permanent teeth with sealant per capita was about double; the proportion of individuals with decay-missing-filled permanent teeth decreased 9.1%, and the average decay-missing-filled permanent teeth index per person decreased by about a quarter; the rate of single-crown holders decreased by 2.7%, and the average single-crown index decreased by 0.03 per person. The number of sealants increased with age and household income. The caries rate was higher in females and older respondents. Conclusions: A system is needed to ensure sealant is supplied to vulnerable groups; a follow-up system is required for long-term sealant maintenance.
Correlates of bullying victimization among school adolescents in Nepal: Findings from 2015 Global School-Based Student Health Survey Nepal
Authors: Neupane Tamanna , Pandey Achyut Raj , Bista Bihungum , Chalise Binaya
Published: February 2020

Background : Bullying is an emerging risk factor for poor mental health outcomes adversely affecting children and adolescents. However, it has rarely caught the attention of the health and education sector due to lack of evidence in many countries including Nepal. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with bullying behavior among adolescent students in Nepal.Methods : We used nationally representative data from the Nepal Global School-Based Student Health Survey that involved two-stage cluster sampling design with the use of a standard set of self-administered questionnaires. Complex sample analysis was done to determine the prevalence and correlates of bullying among 6529 students of 68 schools studying in grade 7 to 11 using descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression.Results : The overall prevalence of bullying among Nepalese school adolescents was 51% (55.7% in male and 46.1% in female). Bullied adolescents more commonly reported mental health problems with higher risk of loneliness (aOR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.69), anxiety (aOR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.57, 2.47), suicide attempt (aOR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.67), school absenteeism due to fear (aOR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.19) and school truancy (aOR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.79). A significant association was seen between bullying victimization and negative health behaviors like involvement in physical fights (aOR 3.70, 95% CI: 3.00, 4.56) and tobacco use (aOR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.61).Conclusion: School bullying is significantly associated with mental health factors like loneliness, anxiety, suicide attempt, school absenteeism and risky behavioral factors like smokeless tobacco use and involvement in physical fight. The insights provided by these findings have important implications for planning anti-bullying strategies in school settings in the Nepalese context.
Effects of red and blue light on leaf anatomy, CO2 assimilation, and the photosynthetic electron transport capacity of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings
Authors: Li Yan , Xin Guofeng , Liu Chang , Shi Qinghua , Yang Fengjuan , Wei Min
Published: February 2020

Background: The red (R) and blue (B) light wavelengths are known to influence many plant physiological processes during growth and development, particularly photosynthesis. To understand how R and B light influences plant photomorphogenesis and photosynthesis, we investigated changes in leaf anatomy and stomatal traits, chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters, and ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and Calvin cycle-related enzymes expression and their activities in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings exposed to four light qualities: monochromatic white (W, control), R, B, and mixed R and B (RB) light with the same photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 300 μmol/m2·s. Results: The results revealed that seedlings grown under R light had lower biomass accumulation, CO2 assimilation, and photosystem II (PSII) electron transportation compared to plants grown under the other treatments. These changes are probably due to inactivation of the photosystem (PS). Biomass accumulation and CO2 assimilation were significantly enriched in B- and RB-grown plants, especially the latter treatment. Their leaves were also thicker, and stomatal conductance, photosynthetic electron transport capacity, and the photosynthetic rate were enhanced. The up-regulation of the expression and activities of Rubisco, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBPase), and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), which are involved in the Calvin cycle and are probably the main enzymatic factors contributing to RuBP (ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate) synthesis, also increased. Conclusions: Mixed R and B light altered plant photomorphogenesis and photosynthesis, mainly through its effects on leaf anatomy, photosynthetic electron transportation, and the expression and activities of key Calvin cycle enzymes.
Overall adjustment acupuncture for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP): A study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: ren ZQ , Wang YF , Ao GF , Chen HX , Huang M , Lai MX , Zhao HD , Zhao R
Published: February 2020

Background: Osteoporosis is becoming more prevalent in aging societies worldwide, and the economic burden attributable to osteoporotic fractures is substantial. The medications presently available to treat osteoporosis have side effects, acupuncture is widely used for the postmenopausal women because of it is non-invasive and has fewer side effects, but the powerful evidence for the clinic is still insufficient. Our study intends to explore the effect of Overall adjustment acupuncture (OA) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP).Methods: This study is a randomized, sham-controlled, patient-and assessor-blinded trial and aims to evaluate the effect of OA in women with PMOP. We will recruit 104 women aged 45-70 years with a diagnosis of PMOP. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the OA group and the sham acupuncture (SA) group. Both groups will receive real herbal medicine treatment as a basic treatment twice a day for three months, the OA group receive real acupuncture treatment and the SA group received placebo acupuncture treatment (non-penetrating,sham skin needle therapy, sham cupping). All patients will receive acupuncture treatment twice per week for three months. The primary outcome is bone mineral density(BMD) and secondary outcomes include estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), bone gla protein(BGP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), total antioxidant capacity(TAC), advanced oxidation protein products(AOPP) ,PPARγ, β-Catenin,FoxO3a, visual pain scale score(VAS) , Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and quality of daily life score(QOL). Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, middle of the treatment(1.5 months), the end of treatments(3month).The present protocol followed the SPIRIT guidelines and fulfilled the SPIRIT checklist.Conclusion: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of OA versus SA. This trial will help to evaluate whether OA can effectively prevent and treat postmenopausal osteoporosis by improving the estrogen level of postmenopausal women, the mechanism is to improve the imbalance of osteogenic differentiation and lipogenesis of bone marrow cells under oxidative stress.Trial registration: This trial was registed at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration date: 5 August 2018.URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn,registration number:ChiCTR1800017581.
Isoliquiritigenin attenuates LPS-induced acute kidney injury through suppression of HMGB1 pathway in renal tubular against ferritinophagy
Authors: Tang Yun , Wang Yanmei , Wang Chan , Yu Meidie , Li Li , Chen Sipei , Li Guisen , Wang Li , Xie Mengyi , Li Yi
Published: February 2020

Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) mainly results in life-threatening renal dysfunction involving renal tubular injury to bring heavy burden to patients in intensive care unit (ICU). However, there is still a lack of therapy to prevent septic AKI effectively and inexpensive. To observe the role and novel mechanism of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) which isolated from the roots of licorice in septic AKI, we used LPS to induce renal tubular injury upon septic AKI both in vitro and in vivo. 50mg/kg ISL and 5 mg/kg Ferrostatin-1 were once given to the male C57BL/6 mice one hour before 1 mg/kg LPS i.p injection. 50 μM and 100 μM ISL respectively pre-treat the human renal tubular cells 5 hrs before 2 μg/ml LPS stimulation. We found ISL pretreatment apparently reversed LPS-induced renal dysfunction and ameliorated murine renal tubular injury by suppression HMGB1 pathway. Furthermore, we observed that LPS induced autophagy and ferroptosis in renal tubular, whereas ISL pretreatment significantly suppress autophagy and ferroptosis of renal tubular both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, autophagy activated ferroptosis via NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. Moreover, HMGB1 is required for ferritinophagy in renal tubular. ISL treatment inhibited the expression of HMGB1. Taken together, these results suggest that ISL protects LPS-induced acute kidney injury through suppression of HMGB1 pathway in renal tubular against ferritinophagy.
The New American Joint Committee on Cancer T Staging System for Stomach: Increased Complexity without Clear Improvement in Predictive Accuracy for Endoscopic Ultrasound
Authors: Author) Chaoqun Han(Former Corresponding , Tao Xu , Zhang Qin , Liu Jun , Author) Zhen Ding(New Corresponding , Hou Xiaohua
Published: February 2020

Background: The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for determining T category is variable for gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the superiority of EUS by using the 6th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for stomach cancer compared to the new 7th/8th edition.Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical and EUS imaging features of 348 gastric carcinoma patients who underwent radical resection were collected. Differences between the 6th edition and 7th/8th edition T staging system for EUS preoperative evaluated were compared.Results: The accuracy of EUS T staging was 72.4% for 7th/8th edition and 78.4% for 6th edition; especially the T3 stage accuracy was significantly worse when T3 group status was changed. The tumor location, EUS type and histological type were associated with inaccuracy. We further analyzed the EUS image features for each tumor T stage and found muscularis propria (MP) visible indistinctly or obvious thickening were considered to be indicators that lesions involved to the MP with a sensitivity of 81.3%; MP disappeared completely and accompanied with serosal layer intact might be a marker that lesion invaded to the subserosa; We also found that irregularities in the outer edge of the gastric wall were markers of gastric serosal layer penetration with a positive predictive value of 92.2%.Conclusions: The increased complexity of the 7th/8th edition T staging system is accompanied by worsening in the predictive accuracy for EUS as compared to the 6th edition. Furthermore, the tumor location, EUS type, histological type and EUS image features for each tumor T stage should warrant attention.
Individualized Implant: A surgical advice for rotational stability and additional proximal locking of the Fassier-Duval telescoping nail
Authors: Schiedel Frank M
Published: February 2020

Background When stabilizing fractures and osteotomies in growing patients with special conditions of the long bones, the use of the Fassier-Duval nail as intended by the manufacturer (Pega Medical, Quebec, Canada) [1], shows that one problem with passive telescopic nails has not yet been solved. No stability in the rotation can be achieved. Postoperative to immobilize with plaster casts are obsolete in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, as additional osteopenia due to immobilization must be feared. Especially with fractures and osteotomies in proximal femur long leg spica casts are a torture to patients and caregivers.Methods By experience in different surgical procedures in usage of the Fassier-Duval nailing system a technical solution for rotational stability of the nail as well as for locking of the nail in the proximal and distal physis could be developed.Results A transverse slot can be cutted in all available diameters of the female parts to make the FD nail rotationally stable. A proximal locking hole can be drilled individually by the surgeon on the operating table. The technical solution to the problems is presented in two exemplary cases in this article.Conclusions Rotational stability and additional proximal locking options can be achieved by additionally individualization of the Fassier-Duval telescoping nail during surgery.
Metagenomic analysis of effects of oxytetracycline and copper on antibiotic resistance genes and associated pathogenic hosts in swine manure compost
Authors: Guo Honghong , gu jie , Wang Xiaojuan , Song Zilin , Qian Xun , Sun Wei , Yu Jing , Lei Liusheng
Published: February 2020

Background: The proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in compost and their horizontal transfer to human pathogenic bacteria (HPB) may lead to the failure of human antibiotics. However, the antibiotic resistome in compost has not been comprehensively characterized. This study used a metagenomic approach to obtain new insights into the effects of oxytetracycline (OTC) and copper (Cu) on the antibiotic resistome during swine manure composting and the risks posed to human health. Results: The results showed that composting reduced the abundances and diversity of ARGs and HPB in swine manure. In total, 289 ARG subtypes and 19 ARG types were detected in the samples with abundances ranging from 1.08 ´ 10 –1 to 9.39 ´ 10 –1 copies/16S rRNA, which mainly encoded tetracycline, aminoglycoside, and macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin (MLS) resistance genes. The application of OTC and Cu, especially the combined application, exacerbated the compost resistome risk scores and specific ARG subtypes responded differently. Tetracycline, multidrug, and MLS resistance genes mainly affected resistance profiles of HPB throughout the composting process. HPB and intI1 had significant positive effects on determining the ARG profiles during the composting process, and the co-selective effect of heavy metals may increase the abundances of ARGs via strong positive effects on intI1 . In addition, the effect of mobile genetic elements on the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs should not be ignored. Conclusions: This study of the antibiotic resistome in compost indicates the need for effective regulation of the misuse of livestock and poultry feed additives in order to minimize the spread of the antibiotic resistome in agro-ecosystems and decrease the potential risk to public health. Keywords: Antibiotic resistome; Composting; Metagenome; Pathogenic host; Swine manure
Postural control learning dynamics in Parkinson’s disease: early ‎improvement with plateau in stability, and continuous progression in ‎flexibility and mobility
Authors: Rahmati Zahra , Behzadipour Saeed , Schouten Alfred C. , Taghizadeh Ghorban , Firoozbakhsh Keikhosrow
Published: February 2020

Background: Balance training improves postural control in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, a systematic approach for the development of individualized, optimal training programs is still lacking, as the learning dynamics of the postural control in PD, over a training program are poorly understood. Methods: We explored the learning dynamics of the postural control in PD, during a balance-training program, in terms of the clinical, posturographic, and novel model-based measures. Twenty patients with PD participated in a balance-training program, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks. Clinical tests assessed functional balance and mobility pre-training, mid-training, and post-training. Center-of-pressure (COP) was recorded at four time-points during the training (pre-, week 2, week 4, and post-training). COP was used to calculate the sway measures and to identify the parameters of a patient-specific postural control model, at each time-point (stability and flexibility degree). The posturographic and model-based measures constituted the two sets of stability- and flexibility-related measures. Results: Mobility- and flexibility-related measures showed a continuous improvement during the balance-training program. In particular, mobility improved at mid-training and continued to improve to the end of the training, whereas flexibility-related measures reached significance only at the end. The progression in the balance- and stability-related measures was characterized by early improvements over the first three to four weeks of training, and reached a plateau (did not change) for the rest of the training. Conclusions: The progression in balance and postural stability is achieved earlier and susceptible to plateau out, while mobility and flexibility continues to improve during balance training.