bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Utility of a Multi-orifice Epidural Catheter when Using the “Spray-as-You-Go” Technique for Topical Airway Anesthesia during Flexible Bronchoscop, a randomised trial
Authors: Cai Yaoyao , Dong Dongmei , Ye Min , Jin Xiuling , Liu Fuli , Chen Limei
Published: July 2020

BackgroundLidocaine administered through the working channel of a flexible bronchoscope can provide effective local anesthesia but cannot achieve good distribution in the airway. This study was undertaken to determine whether lidocaine delivered via a multi-orifice epidural catheter (three orifices/openings) is superior to conventional method and if a better distribution and decreased the cough reflex can be achieved.MethodsThe patients (N=100; 50 in each group) were randomized to receive either topical airway anesthesia by the “spray-as-you-go” technique via conventional application (group C) through the working channel of the bronchoscope or via a triple-orifice epidural catheter (group E). The primary outcome measurement was the cough severity, which was documented using a 4-point scale. Bronchoscopists and nurses assessed the coughing.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the median cough severity scores between the two groups (group C: 3 vs group E: 2, P =0.004). The median visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for the cough, were significantly higher in group C than those in group E (bronchoscopist: 3 vs 2 P =0.002; nurse: 3 vs 2, P <0.001). The incidence of cough was significantly higher in group C in the trachea, left and right bronchi. The highest respiratory rate was higher in group C than in group E ( P <0.01). Eight patients in group C and two patients in group E had an oxygen saturation below 90% during flexible bronchoscopy(FB) ( P =0.046). More patients in group C required extra topical anesthesia than in group E ( P <0.001). The total lidocaine consumption was also higher in group C than that in group E ( P <0.001).ConclusionsEndotracheal topical anesthesia via the multi-orifice epidural catheter (three holes/openings) during flexible bronchoscopy using the “spray-as-you-go” technique was appeared to be superior to the conventional method.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register(Registration number #ChiCTR1800014690;Date of Registration on January 29th,2018)http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=24835
Olfactory Disorder is The Specific Symptom to Distinguish Eosinophilic From Non-Eosinophilic Nasal Polyps
Authors: Pan Xiaodan , Zhang Yuan , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) have poorer outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery and a higher recurrence rate. This study aimed to investigate the profile of clinical symptoms of eCRSwNP and the related risk factors.Methods: We prospectively enrolled 298 CRSwNP inpatients from February 2019 to December 2019. Patients were divided into eCRSwNP and non-eCRSwNP groups based on the percentage of blood eosinophils. Clinical data on questionnaires, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and laboratory tests were collected. The differences in clinical symptoms, including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, olfactory disorders, and head/facial pain, between the two groups were analyzed to identify the influential factors. Logistic analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the diagnostic benefit for the specific symptom in eCRSwNP patients.Results: Of the four major clinical symptoms, nasal congestion and olfactory disorders were significantly different between eCRSwNP and non-eCRSwNP groups. Patients with eCRSwNP more frequently complained about olfactory disorders (P = 0.002), while patients with non-eCRSwNP mostly had nasal congestion (P = 0.001). The logistic analysis showed that the primary risk factors for olfactory disorders of eCRSwNP were disease duration (P = 0.014) and alcohol intake (P = 0.012). Olfactory disorders were not associated with the disease course of eCRSwNP but were correlated with the disease duration of non-eCRSwNP (P = 0.008). When the clinical duration was less than 10 years, there was a significant difference in olfactory disorders between eCRSwNP and non-eCRSwNP groups (P < 0.01). However, when the clinical duration was over 10 years, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.264). The VAS score of olfactory disorders of over 5.75 could be used to predict the diagnosis of eCRSwNP (area under the curve ＝0.674, 95% confidence intervals: 0.559–0.689, P = 0.000). Conclusions: Olfactory disorder was the major nasal symptom that could be used to distinguish eCRSwNP and non-eCRSwNP. ECRSwNP patients were more prone to have olfactory dysfunction. Our findings suggest that evaluation of nasal symptoms will help diagnose eCRSwNP and determine subsequent clinical treatment strategies.
Long-term Outcome of a Patient With Transcobalamin Deficiency Caused by Tcn2 Mutation: A Case Report
Authors: Martino Francesco , Magenta Alessandra , Troccoli Maria Letizia , Martino Eliana , Torromeo Concetta , Versacci Paolo , Barillà Francesco
Published: July 2020

Background:Transcobalamin deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of cobalamin transport (prevalence: <1/1000000)whichclinically manifests in early infancy. Case presentation:We describe the case of a 30 year old woman who at the age of 30 days presented with the classical clinical and laboratory signs of an inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism. Family history revealed a sister who died at the age of 3 months with a similar clinical syndrome and with pancytopenia.Shewas started on empirical intramuscular (IM) cobalamin supplements (injections of hydroxocobalamin 1 mg/day for 1 week and then 1 mg twice a week) and several transfusions of washed and concentrated red blood cells.With thesetreatments a clear improvement in symptoms was observed, with the disappearance of vomiting, diarrhea and normalization of the full blood count.At 8 years of age injections were stopped for 3 monthscausing the reappearance of megaloblastic anemia.IM hydroxocobalamin was then restartedsine die.The definitive diagnosis could only be established at 29 years of age when a genetic evaluation revealed homozygous nonsense variation in exon 8 of the TCN2 gene.Currently she is a 30-year old healthy lady taking 1 mg of IM hydroxocobalamin once a week.Conclusions: Our case report highlights that early detection of TC deficiency and early initiation of aggressive IM treatment is likely associated with disease control and an overall favorable outcome.
Population Stratification in the Gut Microbiota of Bali is Associated with Transitional Lifestyle
Authors: Febinia Clarissa Asha , Malik Safarina G. , Djuwita Ratna , Weta I Wayan , Wihandani Desak Made , Maulida Rizka , Sudoyo Herawati , Holmes Andrew J.
Published: July 2020

Background: Human living conditions, such as food availability and the built environment, contribute to environmental forces that influence gut microbiota composition. Understanding the impact of the environment on microbiota assembly and its association with human health has multiple potential applications. Indonesia is a densely populated country that has been undergoing a dramatic societal change for the past two decades. It is distinctive in that it occupies an archipelago that imposes diverse geographic and cultural boundaries. The relationship between diet, microbiota, and health is poorly known in Indonesians and represents a natural study for the interaction between ethnogeographic factors and nutrition in microbiota assembly. Results: Here we show the first comprehensive report of the gut microbiota in adults from Bali, Indonesia (n=41). Their microbiotas clustered into two distinct community types: a Prevotella-rich (Type-P) and a Bacteroides-rich (Type-B) community. The Type-P individuals had lower alpha diversity (p <0.001, Shannon) and more incidence of obesity. The two community types are significantly different in their inter-genus co-abundance pattern (p <0.001, ANOSIM, Wilcoxon test). Further analyses with diet and obesity data showed that the presence of two distinct community types in Bali is a significant confounder for identifying health markers. In a multi-country dataset (n=257), the Bali microbiota indicates a transitional state from a subsistent (Prevotella-dominant) to industrial (Bacteroides-dominant) society. The two largest axes in a Principal Coordinate Analysis of weighted UniFrac distance explained the majority of variance between samples across countries (49.1%). Microbial dissimilarity across populations is significantly associated with Prevotella and Bacteriodes abundance (p <0.001, Generalized Additive Model). Conclusion: Our data showed that lifestyle transitions have a strong influence on the frequency of microbiota community types in a population. The Bali microbiota is undergoing a shift towards a Bacteroides-dominant community which reflects the ongoing transition of nutrition, socio-economy, and lifestyle the society. Although enterotypes obscured the detection of health markers, our findings collectively suggest that enterotypes may be useful in future studies for informing population-level stratification in large heterogenetic datasets.
Genomic Analysis of Sugar Transporter Gene Family in Cultivated Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea): Evolution, Expression Profiles and Gene Variation
Authors: Xu zhijun , Zhao Sheng , Hu Xiaowen , Wu Xiaoli , Liu Yang
Published: July 2020

BackgroundSugar transporter (STP) gene family, belonging to the major facilitator superfamily, plays significant roles in monosaccharide distribution and many aspects of physiological processes. However, little information was available about the STP genes in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea), an important edible and oil crop. The recent release of the whole-genome sequence of cultivated peanut allowed us to perform a genome-wide investigation into the phylogeny and expression profiling of peanut STP genes.ResultsA total of thirty-six STP genes containing the Sugar_tr conserved motifs were identified from the A. hypogaea genome and all the genes were renamed on the basis of their respective chromosome distribution. According to their phylogenetic features, the STPs were classified into four groups. The structure of the STP genes and their encoded proteins were examined. Synteny analysis and phylogenetic comparison of the STP genes provided deep insight into the evolutionary characteristics of peanut STP genes. The segmental duplication events played a major role in the expansion of the peanut STP gene family and homeologous chromosomes rearrangement may lead to the exchange of STP genes between the A and B sub-genome. Expression profiles derived from transcriptome data exhibited distinct expression patterns of AhSTP genes in various tissues. Among them, four AhSTP genes, AhSTP3, AhSTP9, AhSTP19, AhSTP28, exhibited high expression in early stage of pod formulate in subsp. hypogaea, and in developing phase of seed in subsp. fastigiate, suggesting these genes may be involved in the development of pod and seed. Gene variation analysis of the four genes utilizing the subspecies genome sequences indicated multiple variations occurred in gene sequence or promoter region, and provided valuable clues for the different expression profiles of the four genes during seed development in subsp. hypogaea and subsp. fastigiate.ConclusionThirty-six STP genes were identified in cultivated peanut and their protein character,structure,evolution characteristics, expression patterns and gene variation were analyzed.This study provided a foundation for further functional characterization of STP genes with an aim of cultivated peanut crop improvement.
Thermodynamically Favorable Reactions Shape the Archaeal Community Affecting Bacterial Community Assembly in Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Wu Xiao-Lei , Zhao Jie-Yu , Hu Bing , Li Yan , Tang Yue-Qin , Jiang Yiming , Chi Chang-Qiao , Nie Yong
Published: July 2020

Background: Microbial communities exist everywhere on the earth, and play essential roles in biogeochemical cycling in all ecosystems. Understanding microbial community assembly mechanisms could improve our ability to manage microbial ecosystems for industrial, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Previous studies have shown that microbial communities are shaped by deterministic or stochastic processes, but how these two processes influence the microbial community together is rarely investigated, especially in deep terrestrial ecology. Methods: Here, the microbial compositions in the production waters collected from water injection wells and oil production wells across eight oil reservoirs throughout northern China were determined using high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes, and analyzed by proportional distribution analysis and null model analysis. Results: In the study, a ‘core’ microbiota consisting of three bacterial genera and eight archaeal genera were found to be existent in all production water samples. Canonical correlation analysis reflected that these core archaea were significantly influenced by the abiotic factors of temperature and reservoir depth, while the core bacteria were affected by the combined impact of the core archaea and environmental factors. Considering that two of the core archaeal genera, acetoclastic methanogens and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, were enriched in low- and high-temperature oil reservoirs, respectively, it was proposed that the archaeal communities in oil reservoirs were characterized by thermodynamic constraints. Conclusions: Together, our study indicates that microbial community structures in wells of oil reservoirs are originally determined by the thermodynamic conditions, through which the core archaeal communities are shaped directly followed by the deterministic recruiting of core bacterial genera, and then the stochastically selection of some other microbial members from local environments.
Diversity Scaling of Human Digestive Tract (DT) Microbiomes: The Intra-DT and Inter-Individual Patterns
Authors: Chen Hongju , Yi Bin , xu Xia , Liu Qiang , Dai Lin , Ma ZS (Sam)
Published: July 2020

The human gut microbiome has been extensively studied, but its diversity scaling (changes) along the DT (digestive tract) as well as their inter-individual heterogeneities have not been adequately addressed in our opinion. Here we fill the gap by applying the diversity-area relationship (DAR), a recent extension to the classic species-area relationship (SAR) in biogeography, by reanalyzing the dataset of over 2000 16s-rRNA microbiome samples obtained from 10 DT sites of over 200 individuals. We sketched out the biogeography “maps” for each of the 10 DT sites by cross-individual DAR analysis, and the intra-DT distribution pattern by cross-DT site DAR analysis. Regarding the inter-individual biogeography, it was found that all DT sites have the invariant scaling parameter—all sites possessing the same diversity change rate across individuals, but most sites have different potential diversities. In terms of the genus richness, an average individual hosts approximately 20% of the population-level genus richness (total bacterial genus of a human population). In contrast, in terms of community biodiversity, the percentages of individual vs. population may exceed 90%. This suggests that the differences between individuals in their DT microbiomes are predominantly in the composition of bacterial species, rather than how their abundances are distributed (i.e., biodiversity). Regarding the intra-DT patterns, the scaling parameter is larger—suggesting that the intra-DT biodiversity changes are more dramatic than inter-individual changes. On average, each site contains 21%-36% of genus diversity of the whole DT, and the percentages are even higher at the higher taxon levels.
The prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Haemophilus influenzae in prepubertal girls with vulvovaginitis
Authors: Zhou Mingming , Sun Liying , Chen Xuejun , Fang Chao , Li Jianping , Hua Chunzhen
Published: July 2020

Background: To determine the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls and the antimicrobial resistance of H.influenzae strains isolated from vulval specimens.Methods: Isolates of H.influenzae from vulval swabs of prepubertal girls with vulvovaginitis received at The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during 2016-2019 were studied. Vulval specimens were inoculated on Haemophilus selective chocolate agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using the disk diffusion method. A cefinase disk was used to detect β-lactamase. Results: A total of 4142 vulval specimens were received during the 4 years, 649 isolates of H. influenzae were isolated from 642 girls aged 6 months to 13 years, with a median of 5y. There were peaks of isolates from April to July seen in the vulval isolates. In total, the ampicillin resistance rate was 39.1% (250/640); 33.2% strains (211/636) were for β-lactamase-positive isolates, 6.6% strains (42/635) were β-lactamase-negative and ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) isolates. The resistance rates of H. influenzae isolates to amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin-sulbactam, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, meropenem, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, azithromycin, and chloramphenicol were 26.4%, 21.8%, 24.8%, 1.7%, 1.0%, 0.2%, 0%, 47.7%, 10.2%, and 1.1%, respectively. MDR was present in 41 (6.4%) of the 642 H. influenzae isolates, with the most prevalent MDR phenotype of ampicillin-sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-azithromycin resistance. Conclusions: H. influenzae is a common cause of vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls. Laboratories should ensure that they include media appropriate for the isolation of H. influenzae. It’s worth noting of ampicillin resistance of H. influenzae in clinical management.
Women’s satisfaction and its’ associated factors on institutional delivery services provided by public health facilities of Tanahun district, Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Amritraj , Yadav Dipendra , Sharma Prabin
Published: July 2020

Background Institutional delivery is one of the important strategies to reduce the maternal related risk at the time of delivery. Satisfaction of women on labor and delivery care services has good influence on their health and results in subsequent utilization of health services. This study was focused to assess women’s satisfaction and its’ associated factors with institution delivery services in public health institutions.Methods Cross- sectional study was conducted among 169 participants from June 2018 to November 2018 among women (having under one year children) residing in Tanahun district. Simple random sampling, face to face interview and semi structured interview schedule was used for the collection of data. Data were entered in Epi-Data and analyzed by SPSS. Ethical approval was obtained from Institutional Review Committee at Pokhara University and maintained during the process of research.Results The age of the participants were between 16 to 40 years with median age 25 years (IQR = 7 Years). Most (93.5%) of the participants were Hindu. Majority of the participants (57.4%) and their husbands (60.4%) had secondary level education. Almost all pregnancies (99.4%) are planned and normal delivery was most common (77.5%). The study shows that 55% of the women performed delivery in public health facilities. The study states high satisfaction score in health status of women after delivery (4.8) and lowest in availability of visitor's bed (2.99). Women's satisfaction and religion was seen to be significantly associated.Conclusion Majority of the participants were satisfied with the services provided by public health facilities. Although, number of birthing centers were increasing, facilities in the health institution is not sufficient as required. Different factors such as cleanliness of delivery room, availability of staffs, medicine, visitor's bed and behavior of staff are some issues to be improved.
Cisplatin induces acute kidney injury and pyroptosis in mice through the exosome miR-122/ELAVL1 regulatory axis
Authors: Zhu Bei , Ye Xiaoshuang , Gao Fei , Bai Yun , Chan Zhouyi , Guo Lulu , Pei Xiaohua , Yong Zhenzhu , Zhao Weihong
Published: July 2020

Background

Although cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of various cancers, its clinical application is limited due to its side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. Unfortunately, Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by cisplatin remains one of the main obstacles to cancer treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that renal inflammation and pyroptotic inflammatory cell death of tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) mainly determine the progression and outcome of cisplatin-induced AKI. However, it is not clear how cisplatin regulates the pyroptosis of RTECs cells in AKI. The current study aimed to determine the regulation mechanism of AKI induced by cisplatin. In vivo, cisplatin was used to induce AKI. H&E staining of mouse kidney tissue sections and serological indicators of kidney injury (including BUN, serum creatinine and TNF-α) were detected. The important substrate protein GSDMD and key target caspase-1 of pyroptosis were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot, respectively. In vitro, cisplatin significantly induces HK-2 cells pyroptosis. Furthermore, Cisplatin transmits HK2 cells pyroptosis signals to surrounding cells in the form of exosomes. Previous studies have shown that exosomes are involved in kidney physiology and the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases/disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the main functional components of exosomes.
Results

Further research shows that exosome miR-122 negatively regulates the pyrolysis of HK2 cells. Finally, we elucidated that exosome miR-122 participates in cisplatin induced AKI regulation by regulating ELAVL1 expression.
Conclusions

In conclusion, these results suggest that exosome miR-122 inhibits pyroptosis and AKI by targeting ELAVL1 under cisplatin treatment, which will provide a potential target for the treatment of AKI.
Induction of liver transplant immune tolerance in an outbred rat strain model using tacrolimus Subtitle: Therapeutic effect of tacrolimus in rat orthotopic liver transplantation models
Authors: Park Min-Jung , Na Hyun Sik , Joo Young-Shin , Cho Keun-Hyung , Kim Se-Young , Choi Jeong Won , Baek Jin-Ah , Choi Jong Young , You Young-Kyoung , Cho Mi-La
Published: July 2020

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation is the only option for patients with end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute rejection occurs in 25–50% of all recipients after liver transplantation. Thus, post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy is important to prevent graft failure. Tacrolimus (FK506) is a main immunosuppressive drug used after liver transplantation. Methods: FK506 and postoperative therapy were administered subcutaneously once or twice daily to transplanted rats. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted for all groups. The regulation of inflammatory cytokine signaling in the spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: FK506 attenuated allograft rejection and increased survival in rat orthotopic liver transplantation models. The FK506-treated group had reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP. Furthermore, FK506 decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the activation of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells in the liver. Conclusions: These results indicate that the FK506 has potential as a therapeutic drug following liver transplantation.
Are HE4 and CA 125 suitable to detect a Paget disease of the vulva?
Authors: Dellino Miriam , Gargano Giulio , Carriero Carmine , Minoia Carla , Skrypets Tetania , Silvestris Erica , Loizzi Vera , Paradiso Angelo , Casamassima Porzia , Tufaro Antonio , Cormio Gennaro , Garrisi Vito Michele
Published: July 2020

Background: Paget disease is a rare neoplasia, most commonly diagnosed in postmenopausal women and which can be identified in the breast (mammary Paget disease) or in other locations (extramammary Paget’s disease) such as ano-genital skin (Paget disease of the vulva -PVD). This condition is associated with low mortality, but a late diagnosis and recurrence can negatively impact the prognosis. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate if the human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and cancer antigen125 (CA125) can promote recognition of PVD in early stages and during the relapses.Materials and Methods: we have conducted a prospective, observational and laboratory-based study, that included 50 patients, whose 25 healthy women represented the control group and 25 PVD patients, which have been operated in our Oncology Institute, from May 2017 to September 2019. Both in control group and in PVD patients, the CA-125 and HE4 were evaluated before surgery and after 6 months. Finally, a comparison of markers serum level, both between before/after surgery and with control group, and a ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve were performed.Results: Dosing the markers in PVD patients, 3/25 (12%) showed a higher value of CA125 and 11/25 (44%) an increased HE4. In addition, after surgical treatment there were no statistically significant difference between levels of CA-125 (p= 0.3) and HE4 (p=0.19). On the other hand, comparing HE4 in PVD patients with the control group, a statistically significant difference was found (p-value= 0.0036). Contrary, comparing CA-125 in PVD patients with the control group (p-value= 0.1969), no statistically significant difference was evidenced. Moreover, ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve showed low sensitivity and specificity for CA125 with area under curve (AUC) =0.5608. Instead, the ROC curve of HE4 revealed a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 88% respectively (AUC= 0.7408) using a cut-off at 90 pmol/L.Conclusions: Despite the limited cases, our data showed that CA125 is not a sensitive marker for PVD. On the other hand, in 44% of PVD we’ve seen an increase in HE4. So, this could be a starting point for further research that could confirm the possibility to use this marker in order to support PVD early identification.
Targeting the eCIRP/TREM-1 Interaction with a Small Molecule Inhibitor Improves Cardiac Dysfunction in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Denning Naomi-Liza , Aziz Monowar , Diao Li , Prince Jose M , Wang Ping
Published: July 2020

Background: Neonatal sepsis and the associated myocardial dysfunction remain a leading cause of infant mortality. Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) acts as a ligand of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1). M3 is a small CIRP-derived peptide that inhibits the eCIRP/TREM-1 interaction. We hypothesize that the eCIRP/TREM-1 interaction in cardiomyocytes contributes to sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction in neonatal sepsis, while M3 is cardioprotective. Methods: Serum was collected from neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 5-7-day old C57BL/6 mouse pups were used in this study. Primary murine neonatal cardiomyocytes were stimulated with recombinant murine (rm) CIRP with M3. TREM-1 mRNA and supernatant cytokine levels were assayed. Mitochondrial oxidative stress, ROS, and membrane potential were assayed. Neonatal mice were injected with rmCIRP and speckle-tracking echocardiography was conducted to measure cardiac strain. Sepsis was induced by i.p. cecal slurry. Mouse pups were treated with M3 or vehicle. After 16 h, echocardiography was performed followed by euthanasia for tissue analysis. A 7-day survival study was conducted. Results: Serum CIRP levels were elevated in septic human neonates. rmCIRP stimulation of cardiomyocytes increased TREM-1 gene expression. Stimulation of cardiomyocytes with rmCIRP upregulated TNF-α and IL-6 in the supernatants, while this upregulation was inhibited by M3. Stimulation of cardiomyocytes with rmCIRP resulted in a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) while M3 treatment returned MMP to near baseline. rmCIRP caused mitochondrial calcium overload; this was inhibited by M3. rmCIRP injection impaired longitudinal and radial cardiac strain. Sepsis resulted in cardiac dysfunction with a reduction in cardiac output and left ventricular end diastolic diameter. Both were improved by M3 treatment. Treatment with M3 attenuated serum, cardiac, and pulmonary levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to vehicle-treated septic neonates. M3 dramatically increased sepsis survival. Conclusions: Inhibition of eCIRP/TREM-1 interaction with M3 is cardioprotective, decreases inflammation, and improves survival in neonatal sepsis. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Ultrasound image patterns right after birth can predict healthy neonates – a nested case-control study
Authors: Xi Guannan , Dai Jiale , Wang Xuefeng , Luo Fei , Lu Chenggqiu , Yang Yun , Wang Jimei
Published: July 2020

Background Lungultarsound(LUS) is widely used to diagnose neonatal lung diseases, yet image patterns on intrauterine to extrauterine stage(right after birth), of which impairment is well related to lung disease, remains unclear. Objectives To identify these image patterns that can distinguish healthy infants from infants with lung disease.Methods This is a nested case-control study in a top-ranking obstetrics hospital in China, between 1 January 2020 to 1 April 2020. Infants transferred to the NICU after birth who had LUS obtained at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 hours time intervals were enrolled. Confirmed by 3-day follow-up, case and control groups contains 22 patients and 473 healthy infants. Their GA ranges from 33.5 to 41.0 weeks. A newly designed protocol was used to capture the LUS image. The image patterns and their variations were shown and categorized as high and low-risk groups. The predictive value for healthy infants and patients were calculated. Rsults Low-risk patterns, accompanied with no high-risk ones, typically appeared in healthy infants (specificity=86.4%, PPV=99.0%), whereas four high-risk patterns could be seen in both healthy infants and patients (specificity=62.4%, PPV=9.6%). High-risk patterns were more likely to be pathological signs when appearing at the oxter and lower back and to be physiological signs when appearing at the prothorax. Conclusions LUS is valid to differentiate healthy infants from potential patients shortly after birth. Infants with low-risk patterns only are highly likely to be healthy, whereas infants with high-risk patterns have a risk for respiratory issues but need prolonged monitoring to confirm.
Cumulative oxygen deficit is a novel biomarker for the timing of invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress: a time-dependent propensity score analysis
Authors: Ge Huiqing , Zhou Jiancang , Lv Fangfang , Zhang Junli , Yi Jun , Yang Changming , Zhang Lingwei , Zhou Yuhan , Pan Qing , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives: The timing of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is controversial in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory hypoxemia. The study aimed to develop a novel biomarker called cumulative oxygen deficit (COD) for the initiation of IMV.Methods: The study was conducted in four designated hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients in Jingmen, Wuhan, from January to March 2020. COD was defined to account for both the magnitude and duration of hypoxemia. A higher value of COD indicated more oxygen deficit. The predictive performance of COD was calculated in multivariable Cox regression models. Time-dependent propensity score matching was performed to explore the effectiveness of IMV versus other non-invasive respiratory supports on survival outcome.Results: A number of 111 patients including 80 in the non-IMV group and 31 in the IMV group were included. Patients with IMV had significantly lower PaO2 (62 (49, 89) vs. 90.5 (68, 125.25) mmHg; p < 0.001), and higher COD (-6.87 (-29.36, 52.38) vs. -231.68 (-1040.78, 119.83)) than patients without IMV. As compared to patients with COD < 0, patients with COD > 30 had higher risk of fatality (HR: 3.79, 95% CI: 2.57 to 16.93; p = 0.037) , and those with COD > 50 were 10 times more likely to die (HR: 10.45, 95% CI: 1.28 to 85.37; p = 0.029). The Cox regression model performed in the time-dependent propensity score matched cohort showed that IMV was associated with half of the hazard of death than those without IMV (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.16 to 1.93; p = 0.358).Conclusions: The study developed a novel biomarker COD which considered both magnitude and duration of hypoxemia, to assist the timing of IMV in patients with COVID-19. We suggest IMV should be the preferred ventilatory support once the COD reaches 30.
Lesions of the Lumbar Region in Asymptomatic Young Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Júnior Charbel Jacob , Amorim Gabriel Donato , Vidal Pâmela Reis Reis , Lourenço Rafael Burgomeister , Junior Marcos Rosa , Hochhegger Bruno , Mattiello Rita
Published: July 2020

Background: Athletes generally exceed the limits of the body, which can result in various lesions. The pediatric musculoskeletal system is particularly susceptible to lesions through overuse for various reasons including an immature growth plate. While spinal column lesions are relatively rare, they can lead to permanent disability. Studies on spinal lesions in young athletes are rare. To assess abnormalities frequency of the lumbar region in asymptomatic young soccer players.Methods: Cross-sectional study. Male adolescents from schools of grassroots soccer clubs and non-practicing activity controls were included by convenience. The abnormalities frequency. of the lumbar region was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed using 1.5T devices with multi-channel coils in model equipment models. The types of lesions evaluated were general, warning signs, instituted, anterior and posterior, and of the column. Comparisons between groups and the relative percentage of each lesion type were compared by Pearson’s chi-squared test and Fischer’s exact test. The inter and intra-observer analyses were compared by the Kappa test.Results: Forty-five adolescents were included, of whom 25 (56%) were soccer-practicing teenagers. No significant differences were identified between the variables age (P=0.960) and the body mass index (BMI) Z-score (P=0.540) between the group of soccer players and the controls. However, the percentages of lesions (general, instituted, anterior and posterior, and in the spinal column) were significantly higher in the practicing football group than in the control group (P=0.002, P<0.001, P= 0.012, and P=0.006, respectively).Conclusion: Young adolescent asymptomatic soccer players have more lumbar spine lesions than less active controls who do not practice sports regularly.
AIDS and COVID-19 are two diseases separated by a common lymphocytopenia
Authors: Sciacchitano Salvatore , Giovagnoli Simonetta , Amodeo Rachele , Santino Iolanda , Simmaco Maurizio , Anibaldi Paolo , French Deborah , Mancini Rita , Vitis Claudia De , D'Ascanio Michela , Ricci Alberto , Pennica Alfredo , Aceti Antonio
Published: July 2020

HIV and SARS-CoV-2 are responsible for two of the most dangerous and life-threatening infectious diseases of our times. To better analyze the difference in the immunological response elicited by the two infections, we compare the alterations in the lymphocyte subpopulations, measured by flow cytometry analysis (FCA) in both AIDS and COVID-19 patients, referred to our University Hospital. A total of 184 HIV infected patients were retrospectively examined and the results of FCA collected and compared to those obtained in 110 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, examined during the actual outbreak. We observe a comparable reduction in B cells in both diseases and a more severe reduction in the total amount of T cells in COVID-19 as compared to AIDS patients. The analysis of the T cells subpopulations indicates that there is a comparable reduction in the CD4+ cells count. Conversely, a remarkable difference between them is observed in the CD8+ counts. In AIDS patients the CD8+ cells are slightly higher than normal, while in COVID-19 patients the CD8+ cell count is markedly reduced. As a result, the CD4+/CD8+ ratios, is very low in AIDS and higher than normal in COVID-19 patients. The NK cells are reduced in both diseases, but SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a more severe reduction compared to HIV infection. In conclusion, both HIV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses induce major changes in the lymphocytes count, with remarkable similarities and differences between them. The total absolute numbers of T cells and, in particular of the CD8+ subpopulation, are lower in COVID-19 patients compared to AIDS ones, while the CD4+ are reduced in both at similar levels. These results indicate that the host immune system reacts differently to the two infection, but they are responsible of a comparable dropping effect on the serum levels of CD4+ T cell population. The meaning of the similarities and of the differences in terms of T cells activation and serum depletion are discussed. The knowledge on how the immune system reacts to these two infections will be useful to better define their mechanism of action and to design specific preventive and therapeutic approaches.
Changes in lipid metabolism in patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Yan , Dai Minhui , Shen Minxue , Zhang Jianchu , Cui Yanhui , Liu Ben , Lin Fengyu , Chen Lingli , Han Duoduo , Fan Yifei , Zeng Yanjun , Li Wen , Li Sha , Chen Xiang , Pan Pinhua
Published: July 2020

Background: Dyslipidemia plays an important role in the pathogenesis and evolution of critical illness, but limited information exists regarding the lipid metabolism of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate role of dyslipidemia in patients with severe COVID-19Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 216 severe COVID-19 patients with clarified outcomes (discharged or deceased), admitted to the West Court of Union Hospital in Wuhan, China, between February 1 and March 31, 2020. The dynamic changes of lipid profiles and their relationships with disease severity and clinical outcomes were analyzed.Results: A total of 216 severe COVID-19 patients, including 24 non-survivors and 192 survivors, were included in the final analyses. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein AI (Apo-AI) on admission were significantly lower in non-survivors compared to survivors. During hospitalization, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol(TC), HDL-C and Apo-AI were shown an increasing trend in survivors, but maintained lower levels or shown downward trend in non-survivors. The serum levels of HDL-C and Apo-AI were inversely correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), length of hospital stay of survivors and disease severity. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified a CRP/ HDL-C ratio cut-off value of 62.54 as the predictor for in-hospital mortality (AUC=0.823, Sensitivity=83.3%, Specificity=70.8%). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hypertension, neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio(NLR), platelet count and high CRP/ HDL-C ratio (>62.54) were independent factors to predict in-hospital mortality.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that dyslipidemia was associated with the inflammatory response, disease severity and poor prognosis of COVID-19. High CRP/ HDL-C ratio may serve as an independently potential predictor for hospital mortality among patients with severe COVID-19.
Procalcitonin and COVID-19: A Reliable Clinical Tool
Authors: Bass Jessica , Singh Anshika , Williams Robin , Lindner David H.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: A procalcitonin (PCT) level is commonly ordered to distinguish between bacterial and viral etiologies of lower respiratory tract infections as it is typically negative in the absence of inflammatory conditions and bacterial infections. With COVID-19 causing an influx of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, clinicians are in need of useful tools to guide management of these patients. Given the inflammation that is caused by COVID-19, it is currently unknown whether PCT continues to be a reliable or useful test in suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 pneumonia. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether PCT remains a clinically useful test in patients who present with lower respiratory tract symptoms in the era of COVID-19. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort studyPARTICIPANTS: 243 adults with lower respiratory tract symptoms who presented to the hospital through the emergency department between April 11, 2020 and May 18, 2020 who received both a COVID-19 test as well as a PCT level. MAIN MEASURES: COVID-19 positivity/negative, PCT level KEY RESULTS: It was found that patients with COVID-19 consistently had negative procalcitonin levels (<0.25ng/mL). Based on the odds ratio, a patient with a positive PCT level was 3.4 times more likely to test negative for COVID than a patient with a PCT level <0.25ng/mL. (1)=13.895, p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: There is a highly significant association between a negative procalcitonin and positive COVID-19 infection, thus supporting the continued use of PCT in the COVID-19 era.
Chorionic villus-derived mesenchymal stem cell-mediated autophagy promotes proliferation and invasiveness of trophoblasts under hypoxia by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Chu Yijing , Yue Chongyu , Peng Wei , Chen Weiping , Zhang Yan , He Guifang , Liu Changchang , Zhang Ning , Li Jing , Liu Ling , Gao Guoqiang , Yao Ke , Li Yan , Hu Xiaoyu , Wang Xiaofei , Han Rendong , Huang Yuxiang , Ye Yuanhua
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Trophoblast dysfunction during pregnancy is fundamentally involved in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to understand how human chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells (CV-MSCs) operate in regulation of trophoblast function.

Materials and Methods

We treated trophoblasts with CV-MSC supernatant under hypoxic conditions, and transcriptome and pathway analyses of trophoblasts were performed. Western blotting and PCR analysis were used to examine the JAK2, STAT3 and autophagy associated protein expression levels in trophoblasts.

Results

The CV-MSC supernatant treatment markedly enhanced proliferation, invasion and autophagy. The RNA-seq revealed JAK2/STAT3 signalling as an upstream regulator, and STAT3 mRNA and protein levels increased during CV-MSC treatment. Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling reduced autophagy, survival and invasion of trophoblasts even in the presence of CV-MSCs, and blocking autophagy did not affect STAT3 activation in trophoblasts treated with CV-MSCs. Importantly, overexpression of STAT3 increased the levels of autophagy in trophoblasts; thus, it regulated positively autophagy in hypoxic trophoblasts. Human placental explants also proved our finding, in which STAT3 was activated and LC3B-II levels were increased by CV-MSC treatment.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that CV-MSC-dependent activation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling is a prerequisite for upregulation of autophagy in trophoblasts.
Vitamin C as an Anticancer Agent: Regulation of Signaling Pathways
Authors: Butt Ghazala , Farooqi Ammad A. , Adylova Aima , Attar Rukset , Yilmaz Seher , Konysbayevna Konysbayeva K. , Sabitaliyevich Uteuliyev Y. , Gasparri Maria L. , Xu Baojun
Published: July 2020

Treatment options for effective treatment of cancer with minimum off-target effects and maximum clinical outcomes have remained overarching goals in the clinical oncology. Vitamin C has remained in the shadows of controversy since the past few decades; burgeoning evidence has started to shed light on wide-ranging anticancer effects exerted by Vitamin C to induce apoptosis in drug-resistant cancer cells, inhibit uncontrolled proliferation of the cancer cells and metastatic spread. Landmark achievements in molecular oncology have ushered in a new era, and researchers have focused on the identification of oncogenic pathways regulated by Vitamin C in different cancers. However, there are visible knowledge gaps in our understanding related to the ability of Vitamin C to modulate a myriad of transduction cascades. There are scattered pieces of scientific evidence about promising potential of Vitamin C to regulate JAK-STAT, TGF/SMAD, TRAIL and microRNAs in different cancers. However, published data is insufficient and needs to be investigated comprehensively to enable basic and clinical researchers to reap full benefits and promote result-oriented transition of Vitamin C into various phases of clinical trials. In this review, we will emphasize on available evidence related to the regulation of oncogenic cell signaling pathways by Vitamin C in different cancers. We will also highlight the conceptual gaps, which need detailed and cutting-edge research.
Quantum Computation Based Grover’s Search Algorithm and its Variations
Authors: Soni Kapil Kumar , Rasool Akhtar
Published: July 2020

Background:

The future computations need parallelism, and a way to achieve the same is
through quantum-based specific properties. Quantum computation supports exponential operation to
be performed in parallel over a single execution step and hence achieves computational speedup.

Objective:

One of the quantum-based algorithms allows to search the key element over an index
based unstructured database and succeeds to obtain the speedup. In the whole context of article writing,
our approach reviews the significance of quantum computing, the basics required for quantum
computation and their quantum logic-based circuit operations.

Method:

The article focuses on Grover’s search algorithm and its variations, and then illustrates the
relevant amplitude amplification & phase matching techniques in accordance with the advantages
and limitation to the specific perspective.

Results:

We made the comparative analysis between the amplitude amplification-based static &
dynamic Grover’s searching and phase estimation technique. Along with this, we justified the possibilities
of the empirical results and observed facts over Grover’s variant approaches.

Conclusion:

Finally, we conclude the analytical comparison between quantum-based searching
techniques along with the applicability of Grover’s algorithm in practical computational science.
A Comparative Antimicrobial Activity Study of Moringa oleifera Extracts Encapsulated within ALg Nanoparticles
Authors: El-Houssiny Asmaa S. , Fouad Ehab A. , Hegazi Ahmed G.
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

The encapsulations of phytochemical compounds within nanoparticles
are attracting interest as a novel effective strategy to induce bacterial damage regardless of antibiotic
sensitivity.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activities of different extracts
of Moringa oleifera combined with alginate nanoparticles (ALg NPs) against different pathogenic
bacteria.

Methods :

The Moringa-ALg NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential,
and FTIR. In addition to that, the antimicrobial activities were assessed by using the agar well diffusion
method. Moreover, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to examine the
ultrastructural changes induced in bacteria by Moringa-ALg NPs.

Results:

In this study, the Moringa-ALg NPs have a hydrodynamic diameter of 12 nm and zeta potential
of -56 mV. The FTIR results indicatde the successful encapsulation of Moringa within ALg
NPs. On the other hand, the Moringa-ALg NPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against
all examined pathogens as compared to pure Moringa extracts. Furthermore, the SEM images
revealed that the bacterial cells exposed to Moringa-ALg NPs had an irregular and wrinkled appearance.

Conclusion:

In summary, these results suggested that the Moringa-ALg NPs could be used as a
powerful antibacterial agent against a wide range of microbes.