bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОСОБЕННОСТИ РОСТА ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТИ COVID-19, ОРВИ, ГРИППОМ И ПНЕВМОНИЕЙ В РОССИИ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ КЛИМАТО-ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК И ПЛОТНОСТИ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ
Authors: Пшеничная Наталья , Лизинфельд Ирина , Журавлев Григорий , Морозова Надежда
Published: September 2020

Введение: в разных регионах Российской Федерации (РФ) отмечены различия в интенсивности эпидемического процесса COVID-19, что, возможно связано с географическим расположением, климатом и плотностью населения

Цель исследования: изучить рост заболеваемости респираторными инфекциями в 2020 г. в сравнении с 2016-2019 гг. в РФ в зависимости от географического расположения субъектов РФ, климата и плотности населения.

Материалы и методы: сравнительный анализ суммарной заболеваемости COVID-19, ОРВИ, гриппом и пневмонией за первое полугодие 2020 г. в сравнении с заболеваемостью теми же респираторными инфекциями (за исключением COVID-19) в аналогичном периоде 2016-2019 гг. в РФ на основании данных мониторинга Роспотребнадзора. Дополнительно оценивалась взаимосвязь респираторных заболеваний в первом полугодии 2020 года с географическими и климатическими параметрами с применением методов регрессионного анализа.

Выводы:

Географическое расположение субъектов РФ, пограничных с КНР, странами ЕС, и Ближнего Востока влияло на прирост заболеваемости и составило от 33,78% до 1445,00%. Плотность населения в регионах, в свою очередь, слабо взаимосвязана приростом заболеваемости респираторными инфекциями. В первую очередь на рост заболеваемости влияли не климатогеографические характеристики региона, и не плотность его населения, а, вероятнее всего, жесткие ограничительные меры и контроль за их соблюдением. Например, принятые в Москве меры привели к тому, что, несмотря на наибольшую плотность населения, прирост заболеваемости уступает многим другим регионам. А в субъектах с высоким уровнем прироста заболеваемости плотность населения не отличается высокими значениями.
Mezcla de harinas para ratas. Informe nutricional y bioeficacia de acha (D. iburua & D. exilis) y harina de soja (Glycine max)
Authors: Sudik S.D. , Ijarotimi O.S. , Agbede J.O. , Igbasan F.A.
Published: September 2020

Los potenciales nutricionales de la acha como fuente de energía alternativa al maíz en alimentos complementarios se evaluaron con miras a aumentar la accesibilidad y la asequibilidad de los alimentos complementarios por parte de las madres con pobres recursos. Los alimentos complementarios formulados a base de acha (D. iburua (DIF); D. exilis (DEF)), alimentos complementarios a base de maíz (MCF) y fórmula comercial (CFF) fueron evaluados para composiciones químicas y cualidades nutricionales. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente. Los valores de proteína bruta (g/100g) y energía (kcal.) de DEF y DIF fueron 15,28 - 15,69 y 409,6 - 405,3 respectivamente, y fueron comparables a MCF (15,40; 407,9) y a la fórmula comercial (CFF) (15,50; 415,0). Los aminoácidos esenciales de DEF y DIF fueron 35,64 y 38,76 g/16N respectivamente. Las relaciones molares Na/K y Ca/P de DEF y DIF oscilaron entre 0,59 y 0,60 y 1,67 a 1,71 respectivamente. Las concentraciones de phytato, oxalato y tanino estaban dentro de niveles tolerables. Los valores biológicos y las proporciones de eficiencia proteica de los alimentos experimentales fueron de 87,21 a 87,81% y 2,94 - 3,12 respectivamente, y fueron superiores a la fórmula a base de maíz (84,32%; 2,02) y a la fórmula comercial (86,53%; 2,52). Los resultados de crecimiento de las ratas alimentadas con CF experimental fueron comparables a los alimentados con fórmula comercial, pero menores en costos de producción (USD 0,24) que CFF (USD a 0,90 USD). Los alimentos complementarios a base de acha se caracterizaron por nutrientes esenciales, capacidad para apoyar el crecimiento y el desarrollo, asequibles y accesibles para las madres con bajos recursos; por lo tanto, las muestras de alimentos pueden ser adecuadas como alimentos complementarios.
Aplicação de marcadores SNP em estudos de diversidade genética em Capra hircus: tendencias, vieses e progressos
Authors: Sobrinho F.A.D. , Moura J.O. , Silva G.R. , Diniz F.M. , Araújo A.M.
Published: September 2020

Os caprinos (Capra hircus) estão distribuídos mundialmente favorecidos por sua capacidade de se adaptar a condições ambientais adversas. A sua importância socioeconômica, têm recebido atenção em pesquisas com o uso de marcadores genéticos (SNP), que possibilitam esclarecer questões envolvendo mudanças evolutivas e auxiliam na conservação da biodiversidade populacional. Com esta revisão, objetivou-se analisar a contribuição de marcadores SNP em estudos com caprinos, com foco na produção e na conservação genética. Utilizou-se o software de pesquisa bibliométrica Bibexcel para análise das publicações da Web of Science TM, até agosto de 2018, rastreando artigos com marcador genético SNP. Das 53.000 produções científicas registradas para a espécie C. hircus, 390 publicações empregaram os marcadores SNPs. Um total de 59 países apresentou publicações envolvendo o uso de SNPs nessa espécie, sendo a maioria das publicações de países asiáticos e europeus. Os cinco países de maior produtividade em publicações no tópico foram a China, a Índia, a Itália, a Espanha e os EUA. O Brasil apresentou-se na décima primeira posição, com registro de 05 publicações. Várias das palavras-chave foram agrupadas por serem de forma semântica equivalentes e associadas a um tema específico; assim, foi possível identificar 23% das produções científicas associadas ao tema polimorfismo de proteínas lácteas, 23% com aspectos da reprodução, 13% ligadas ao crescimento e ganho de peso; e diversidade genética com percentual de 34%. Estudos de GWAS foram citados em 7% das produções e menos de 1% dos estudos foi associado a características de adaptação.
Efecto del pastoreo de llamas y vacunos en la función hidrológica de pastizales altoandinos
Authors: Yalli T.B. , Ñaupari J.A. , Castillo E.R.
Published: September 2020

Se evaluó el impacto del pastoreo de vacunos versus llamas en la función hidrológica del suelo en sitios ecológicos altoandinos de condición pobre y regular, pastoreados bajo un esquema diferido. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 2x2 con covariancia, donde los factores fueron especie animal y condición del pastizal, con medidas repetidas. Los parámetros hidrológicos fueron biomasa, mantillo, densidad del suelo, tasa de infiltración, y humedad del suelo. Los resultados mostraron que luego del pastoreo diferido, hubo mayor acumulación de biomasa y mantillo en potreros de condición regular, donde la respuesta hídrica fue mejor. Potreros pastoreados con llamas tuvieron mayor biomasa y mantillo y menor compactación del suelo resultando en una mayor tasa de infiltración. Se recomienda evaluar el rol pastoreo diferido y pastoreo con camélidos para mantener y mejorar de la función hidrológica del pastizal.
Integration of Palliative Care in Services for Children with Life Limiting Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Delphi Study
Authors: Guerin Suzanne , Kiernan Gemma , Courtney Eileen , McQuillan Regina , Ryan Karen
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to explore expert professionals’ opinions on service provision to children under six with life-limiting neurodevelopmental disabilities (LLNDD), including the goals of care and the integration and coordination of palliative care in general and specialist services. Methods: A Delphi design was used with three questionnaire rounds, one open-ended and two closed response rounds. Primary data collected over a six-month period from expert professionals with five years’ (or more) experience in pediatric, intellectual disability and/or palliative care settings. Ratings of agreement and prioritization were provided with agreement expressed as a median (threshold = 80%) and consensus reported as interquartile ranges. Stability was measured using non-parametric tests. Results: Primary goals of care were achievement of best possible quality of life, effective communication and symptom management. Service integration and coordination were considered inadequate, and respondents agreed that areas of deficiency included palliative care. Improvement strategies included a single care plan, improved communication and key worker appointments. Conclusions: The findings suggest that services do not serve this group well with deficiencies in care compounded by a lack of information on available services and sub-optimal communication between settings. Further research is needed to develop an expert-based consensus regarding the care of children with LLNDD.
Adoption Rates of Electronic Health Records in Turkish Hospitals and the Relation with Hospital Sizes
Authors: Kose Ilker , Rayner John , Birinci Suayip , Ulgu Mustafa Mahir , Yilmaz Ismayil , Guner Seyma
Published: September 2020

Background: Nation-wide adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) in hospitals has become a Turkish policy priority in recognition of their benefits in maintaining the overall quality of clinical care. The electronic medical record maturity model (EMRAM) is a widely used survey tool developed by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) to measure the rate of adoption of EHR functions in a hospital or a secondary care setting. Turkey completed many standardizations and infrastructural improvement initiatives in the health information technology (IT) domain during the first phase of the Health Transformation Program between 2003 and 2017. Like the United States of America (USA), the Turkish Ministry of Health (MoH) applied a bottom-up approach to adopting EHRs in state hospitals. This study aims to measure adoption rates and levels of EHR use in state hospitals in Turkey and investigate any relationship between adoption and use and hospital size. Methods: EMRAM surveys were completed by 600 (68.9%) state hospitals in Turkey between 2014 and 2017. The availability and prevalence of medical information systems and EHR functions and their use were measured. The association between hospital size and the availability/prevalence of EHR functions was also calculated. Results: We found that 63.1% of all hospitals in Turkey have at least basic EHR functions, and 36% have comprehensive EHR functions, which compares favourably to the results of Korean hospitals in 2017, but unfavorably to the results of US hospitals in 2015 and 2017. Our findings suggest that smaller hospitals are better at adopting certain EHR functions than larger hospitals. Conclusion: Measuring the overall adoption rates of EHR functions is an emerging approach and a beneficial tool for the strategic management of countries. This study is the first one covering all state hospitals in a country using EMRAM. The bottom-up approach to adopting EHR in state hospitals that was successful in the USA has also been found to be successful in Turkey. The results are used by the Turkish MoH to disseminate the nation-wide benefits of EHR functions.
Impact of low skeletal muscle mass index and perioperative blood transfusion on the prognosis for HCC following curative resection
Authors: Bekki Tomoaki , Abe Tomoyuki , Amano Hironobu , Hattori Minoru , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Nakahara Masahiro , Ohdan Hideki , Noriyuki Toshio
Published: September 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the prognostic factors including low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and perioperative blood transfusion for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative surgery.

Methods

This study included 139 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2005 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

Low SMI was significantly related with poor OS, while blood transfusion had a strong impact on RFS. The male ratio and body mass index in the low SMI group were significantly higher than those in the high SMI group. There were no significant differences in age, virus etiology, laboratory data, liver function, tumour makers, and operative variables between the groups. Tumour factors such as tumour diameter, tumour number, poor differentiation, and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss volume, and recurrence ratio were significantly higher in the blood transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group. IM was associated with poor OS and RFS.

Conclusions

Low SMI and blood transfusion were independently related with long-term prognosis in patients with HCC following curative surgery.
Tunicamycin promotes metastasis through upregulating endoplasmic reticulum stress indu​ced GRP78 expression in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Guohong , Kang Jianqin , Xun Guanghui , Wei Jing , Wang Xiaoguang , Jing Xiaorui , Zhang Lan , Yang Aili , Wang Kai , Wang Jue , Wang Li , Hou Junfeng , Liu Qingquan , Jiao Kai , Gao Bin
Published: September 2020

Background: Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common type of endocrine malignancy and its incidence is increasing over years. Conventional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are difficult to improve the significant effects of it due to aggression and metastasis of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), and these are regarded as the most malignant types of TC. Glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) is the key molecule of tumor growth, apoptosis and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms of GRP78 in TC still require discussion. This study aimed to explore the role of GRP78 and its potential mechanism in TC.Results: GRP78 expression was increased in TC tissues when compared with adjacent normal tissues. Besides, down-regulation of GRP78 significantly inhibited the metastatic and proliferative ability of ATC cells in in vitro studies. In addition, tunicamycin-induced ER stress up-regulated the expression of GRP78, PERK and XBP1 as well as reversed the metastatic ability of GRP78 in ATC cells. Bioinformatics and statistical analysis of gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways for RNA-sequencing data with regard to si-GRP78 and si-control showed that GRP78 might regulate the ability of metastasis through extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in ATC cells, as well as the expression of ECM components such as COL1A1 and MMP13, which were highly relevant to ATC cells. The analysis of GEPIA database confirmed that high genomic amplification of MMP13 and COL1A1 in TC tissues showed correlation with TNM stage. Further western blotting analysis showed that MMP13 might be the target of GRP78 in ATC cells and ER stress could activate the expression of MMP13 that is suppressed by GRP78 depletion.Conclusions: GRP78 acts as an important regulator of metastasis under ER stress. In addition, the function of GRP78 might be mediated by ECM remodeling in ATC cells, implicating it as a therapeutic target in TC.
Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolomic Profiles of Wild and Captive Chinese Monals (Lophophorus lhuysii) 
Authors: Jiang Dandan , He Xin , Valitutto Marc , Chen Li , Xu Qin , Yao Ying , Hou Rong , Wang Hairui
Published: September 2020

Background：The Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii) is an endangered bird species, with a wild population restricted to the mountains of southwest China, and only one known captive population in the world. We investigated the fecal microbiota and metabolome of wild and captive Chinese monals to explore differences and similarities in nutritional status and digestive characteristics. An integrated approach combining 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) based metabolomics were used to examine the fecal microbiota composition and the metabolomic profile of Chinese monals. Results: The results showed that the alpha diversity of gut microbes in the wild group were significantly higher than that in the captive group and the core bacterial taxa in the two groups showed remarkable differences at phylum, class, order, and family levels. Metabolomic profiling also revealed differences, mainly related to galactose, starch and sucrose metabolism, fatty acid, bile acid biosynthesis and bile secretion. Furthermore, strong correlations of metabolite types and bacterial genus were detected. Conclusions: There were remarkable differences in the gut microbiota composition and metabolomic profile between wild and captive Chinese monals. This study has established a baseline for a normal gut microbiota and metabolomic profile for wild Chinese monals, thus allowing us to evaluate if differences seen in captive organisms have an impact on their overall health and reproduction.
Impact of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine on preventing subsequent infection and disease after excision treatment: Post-hoc analysis from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Hu Shangying , Xu Xiaoqian , Zhang Xun , Pan Qinjing , Chen Feng , Zhao Fang-Hui
Published: September 2020

Background: It is widely acknowledged that HPV prophylactic vaccine could prevent new infections and their associated lesions among women who were predominantly HPV-naive at vaccination. Yet there still remains uncertainty about whether HPV vaccination could benefit to individuals who had undergone surgery for cervical disease. Methods: This post-hoc analysis intends to focus on intent-to-treat participants who underwent excision treatment at baseline and the follow-up period in a phase II/III, double-blind, randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00779766) conducted in Jiangsu province, China. We evaluate the impact of HPV vaccination on preventing women from subsequent infection and cervical lesions (LSIL+ and CIN2+) after excision treatment. Results: 168 (vaccine, n=87; placebo, n=81) performed excisional treatment in this clinical trial. We observed a significant effect of vaccination on acquiring 14 high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection after treatment (vaccine efficacy: 27.0%; 95% CI 4.9%, 44.0%). The vaccine efficacy against new infections after treatment for 14 HR-HPV infection was estimated as 32.0% (95%CI 1.8%, 52.8%), and was 41.2% (95%CI -162.7%, 86.8%) for HPV16/18 infection. The accumulative clearance rates of the vaccine group and placebo group were 88.9% and 81.6% for HPV16/18 infection (P=0.345), 63.4%, 48.7% for 14 HR-HPV infection (P=0.062), respectively. No significant difference was observed on the persistent rate of HPV16/18, 14 HR-HPV infection and occurrence rate of LSIL+ between the two groups. Conclusions: No significant evidence from this study showed that HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine could lead to viral faster clearance or have any effect on the rates of persistent infection among women who had excision treatment. However, the vaccine may still benefit post-treatment women with “primary prophylactic” effect. Further research is required in clarifying the effect of using the prophylactic HPV vaccine as therapeutic agents. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00779766Date and status of trial registration: October 24, 2008 Completed; Has Results
Clinical course and outcome of patients with acute pulmonary embolism rescued by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective review of 21 cases
Authors: Chen Yen-Yu , Chen Yin-Chia , Wu Chia-Chen , Yen Hsu-Ting , Huang Kwan-Ru , Sheu Jiunn-Jye , Lee Fan-Yen
Published: September 2020

Background: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly being utilized in patients with massive pulmonary embolism (PE). However, the efficacy and the safety remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate clinical courses and outcomes in ECMO-treated patients with acute PE.Methods: Twenty-one patients with acute PE rescued by ECMO from January 2012 to December 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Clinical features, laboratory biomarkers, and imaging findings of these patients were reviewed, and the relationship with immediate outcome and clinical course was investigated.Results: Sixteen patients (76.2%) experienced refractory circulatory collapse requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or ECMO support within 2 hours after the onset of cardiogenic shock, and none could receive definitive reperfusion therapy before ECMO initiation. Before or during ECMO support, more than 90% of patients had imaging signs of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. In normotension patients, the computed tomography (CT) value was a valuable predictor of rapid disease progression compared with cardiac troponin I level. Ultimately, in-hospital death occurred in 10 patients (47.6%) and 90% of them died of prolonged CPR-related brain death. Cardiac arrest was a significant predictor of poor prognosis (p = 0.001). Conclusions: ECMO appears to be a safe and effective circulatory support in patients with massive PE. Close monitoring in intensive care unit is recommended in patients with RV dysfunction and aggressive use of ECMO may reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and improve clinical outcome.
Ten years of research and publications about hospice and palliative care in Mainland China: a bibliometric study
Authors: Jin Shuang , Liu Shuo , Li Jiaojiao , Ning Xiaohong , Liu Xiaohong
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Research is a fundamental element in the sustainable development of hospice and palliative care. Mainland China is facing increasing demand for hospice and palliative care and has launched related policies over the past decade. However, the state of research and publications in this field in China remains largely unknown. This study aimed to provide an overall picture of hospice-and palliative care -related research and publications in Mainland China of the last decade.Methods: We searched Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, OVID, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for hospice-and palliative care -related publications in English and Chinese for 2010–2019. We analyzed the production, citations and impacts, publishing journals, region and institution of origin, publication types and topics.Results: A total of 3224 publications were identified, and 636 of them were published in high-quality journals. The production and impacts showed a clear increase—especially after 2016. However, there is no specialized journal of hospice and palliative care in Mainland China. The publications scattered among various journals. The regional disparity between East and Western China in production was conspicuous and closely linked to economic factors. The most prosperous cities in Mainland China, Beijing and Shanghai, were the most productive regions. The hospice providers in the first five pilot regions had no collaboration with leading universities in their publications. Hospice and palliative care for cancer patients was the most common publication topic; some essential topics were rarely explored.Conclusions: Research and publications about hospice and palliative care in Mainland China is developing faster than before; however, it remains at an early stage and should be promoted in terms of interregional equity. Collaboration among different disciplines, institutes, and regions should be encouraged.
Predicting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors based on Protection Motivation Theory in Hormozgan, Iran
Authors: Rad Roghayeh Ezati , Mohseni Shokrollah , Takhti Hesamaddin Kamalzadeh , Azad Mehdi Hassani , Shahabi Nahid , Aghamolaei Teamur , Norozian Fatemeh
Published: September 2020

Background: The present research aimed to predict the preventive behaviors of COVID-19 in the light of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).Methods: The present cross-sectional research was conducted in 2 months (March 2020-April 2020) in Hormozgan Province of Iran. The research population comprised all residents above 15 years of age. They received an online questionnaire survey in two parts, demographic information along with PMT constructs. To analyze the data, independent t-test and one-way anova test, Multiple linear regression and the statistical technique of path analysis and structural equation modeling was used. All statistical calculations and hypothesis testing were performed using spss21 and Amos21 software and a significant level of hypothesis testing was considered to be 0.05Results: A total number of 2,032 subjects participated in this research, the mean age of whom was 34.84±9.8 (R=15-98). The majority of participants were between 31 - 40 years old, female (60.4%), married (72%), urban residents (87.3%), holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher (58.8%) and employed (58.8%). Statistically significant positive correlation coefficients were estimated between preventive behaviors of COVID-19 and perceived vulnerability (r=0.192, p<0.001), perceived severity (r=0.092, p<0.001), response efficacy (r=0.398, p<0.001) ,self efficacy (r=0.497, p<0.001) and protection motivation (r=0.595, p<0.001). Statistically significant negative correlations were found between behavior and maladaptive behavior rewards (r=-0.243, p<0.001) and perceived costs (r=-0.121, p<0.001). Conclusions: The present findings showed that maladaptive behavior reward and fear predicted protective behaviors negatively; response efficacy and self-efficacy predicted protective behaviors positively. The effect of self-efficacy was the strongest among all. The information provided in this research can contribute to policy-making in the country.
Long-term outcomes of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) for prostate cancer confined to the pelvis: A single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Yao Lihong , Shou Jianzhong , Wang Shulian , Song Yongwen , Fang Hui , Lu Ningning , Tang Yuan , Chen Bo , Qi Shunan , Yang Yong , Jing Hao , Jin Jing , Yu Zihao , Li Yexiong , Liu Yue-Ping
Published: September 2020

Background: There is an increasing application of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer. We presented our outcomes and treatment-related toxicities with moderately hypofractionated (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) radiotherapy for a group of advanced prostate cancer patients from China.Methods: From November 2006 to December 2018, 246 consecutive patients with prostate cancer confined to the pelvis were treated with moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions). 97.6% of the patients received a different duration of androgen deprivation therapy. Failure-free survival (FFS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS), overall survival (OS), and cumulative grade ≥2 late toxicity were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier actuarial method. Prognostic factors for FFS, PCSS, and OS were analyzed.Results: The median follow-up time was 74 months (range: 6-150 months). For all patients, the 5- and 10-year FFS rates were 80.0% (95%CI: 74.7%-85.7%) and 63.5% (95%CI: 55.4%-72.8%). The failure rates for the intermediate, high-risk, locally advanced, and N1 groups were 6.1%, 13.0%, 18.4%, and 35.7%, respectively (P = 0.003). Overall, 5- and 10-year PCSS rates were 95.7% (95%CI: 93.0%-98.5%) and 88.2% (95%CI: 82.8%-93.8%). Prostate cancer-specific mortality rates for the high-risk, locally advanced, and N1 groups were 4.0%, 8.2%, and 23.8%, respectively (P＜0.001). Overall, 5- and 10-year actuarial OS rates were 92.4% (95%CI: 88.8%-96.1%) and 72.7% (95%CI: 64.8%-81.5%). High level prostate-specific antigen and positive N stage were significantly associated with worse FFS (P＜0.05). Advanced T stage and positive N stage emerged as worse predictors of PCSS (P＜0.05). Advanced age, T stage, and positive N stage were the only factors that were significantly associated with worse OS (P＜0.05). The 5-year cumulative incidence rate of grade ≥ 2 late GU and GI toxicity was 17.8% (95%CI: 12.5%-22.7%) and 23.4% (95%CI: 17.7%-28.7%), respectively. Conclusions: Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) for this predominantly high-risk, locally advanced, or N1 in Chinese patients demonstrates encouraging long-term outcomes and acceptable toxicity. This fractionation schedule deserves further evaluation in similar populations.
Long-Term Ocular Biometric Variations After Scleral Buckling Surgery in Macula on Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.
Authors: Albanese Giuseppe Maria , Cerini Alberto , Visioli Giacomo , Marenco Marco , Gharbiya Magda
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUNG: Myopic shift and biometric ocular changes have been previously observed after scleral buckling (SB) surgery in retinal detachment, but long term-term outcomes had not yet been explored. The purpose of present study is to evaluate long term ocular biometric changes in patients with primary macula-on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with scleral buckling.METHODS: in this retrospective, observational study, we reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing SB surgery for macula-on RRD. Ocular biometry was performed before and at the most recent visit after surgery. Axial length (AXL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior corneal astigmatism and spherical equivalent in treated eyes were compared before and after surgery as well as with those of fellow eyes.RESULTS: 34 eyes of 17 patients with a mean age of 57.0 ± 8.9 years were included. The mean follow-up duration was 50.9 ± 21.9 months (median 53.0; range, 12 to 82 months). A significant postoperative AXL increase of 0.83 mm and a concomitant myopic shift of 1.35 diopters was observed in the operated eyes (p < 0.0001). The preoperative axial length was the only predictive factor of axial length change after surgery (B = 0.152, 95% CI 0.059 to 0.245, β = 0.668, P = 0.003). Compared to fellow eyes, a postoperative ACD shallowing of 0.1 mm was found in operated eyes (p < 0.05), while there were no long-term changes of anterior corneal astigmatism.CONCLUSIONS: we show that the preoperative axial length is the only predictive factor of AXL increase after SB surgery. Scleral encircling induces a concomitant long-term shallowing of the AC, therefore fourth generation intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae, should be used for patients requiring cataract surgery after SB.
Maximally Localized Dynamical Quantum Embedding for Solving Many-Body Correlated Systems
Authors: Lupo Carla , Tze Wai Hei Terence , Jamet Francois , Rungger Ivan , Weber Cedric
Published: September 2020

We present a quantum embedding methodology to resolve the Anderson impurity model in the context of dynamical mean-field theory, based on an extended exact diagonalization method. Our method provides a maximally localized quantum impurity model, where the non-local components of the correlation potential remain minimal. This comes at a large benefit, as the environment used in the quantum embedding approach is described by propagating correlated electrons and hence offers an exponentially increasing number of degrees of freedom for the embedding mapping, in contrast to traditional free-electron representation where the scaling is linear. We report that quantum impurity models with as few as 3 bath sites can reproduce both the Mott transition and the Kondo physics, thus opening a more accessible route to the description of time-dependent phenomena. Finally, we obtain excellent agreement for dynamical magnetic susceptibilities, poising this approach as a candidate to describe 2-particle excitations such as excitons in correlated systems. We expect that our approach will be highly beneficial for the implementation of embedding algorithms on quantum computers, as it allows for a fine description of the correlation in materials with a reduced number of required qubits.
Benfotiamine Ameliorates High Carbohydrate Diet-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis in Megalobrama Amblycephala
Authors: Xu Chao , Liu Wen-Bin , Shi Hua-Juan , Li Xiang-Fei
Published: September 2020

Background: The impairment of immunity induced by high-carbohydrate diet is closely associated with the development of glucose metabolic disorders. In the study of diabetes, benfotiamine can prevent β-cell dysfunction by inhibiting inflammation, thereby improving insulin resistance. However, information regarding the effects of this substance on aquatic animals is extremely scarce.Methods: A 12-week nutritional research was conducted to evaluate the influences of benfotiamine on the growth performance, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in Megalobrama amblycephala (45.25 ± 0.34 g) fed high-carbohydrate (HC) diets. Six experimental diets were formulated, containing a control diet (30% carbohydrate, C), a HC diet (43% carbohydrate), and the HC diet supplemented with four graded benfotiamine levels (0.7125 (HCB1), 1.425 (HCB2), 2.85 (HCB3), and 5.7 (HCB4) mg/kg).Results: HC diet intake remarkably decreased daily growth coefficient (DGC), growth rate per metabolic body weight (GRMBW), feed intake (FI), liver antioxidant enzymes activities, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) protein expression as well as liver mRNA levels of SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), catalase (CAT), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), interleukin10 (IL10) than those of the control group, but the opposite was true for plasma activities of alanine transaminase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), and contents of interleukin 1β (IL1β) and interleukin 6 (IL6), liver contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), and mRNA levels of kelch-like ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF α), IL1β, IL6, Bax, Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and P53. As with benfotiamine supplementation, HCB2 diet remarkably increased DGC, GRMBW, liver antioxidant enzymes activities, SIRT1 protein expression as well as liver mRNA levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, CAT, Mn-SOD, IL10 and Bcl2, while the opposite was true for plasma activities of AST and ALT, and contents of IL1β and IL6, liver MDA contents as well as mRNA levels of Keap1, NF-κB, TNF α, IL1β, IL6, Bax, Caspase 3, Caspase 9 and P53.Conclusion: Benfotiamine at 1.425 mg/kg can improve the growth performance and alleviate the oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of M. amblycephala fed HC diets through the activation of the SIRT1 pathway.
Low Incidence of Venous Thrombosis But High Incidence of Arterial Thrombotic Complications Among Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in Singapore
Authors: Tan Chuen Wen , Fan Bingwen Eugene , Teo Winnie Z.Y. , Tung Moon Ley , Shafi Humaira , Christopher Dheepa , Zheng Shuwei , Peh Wee Ming , Chan Stephrene Seok Wei , Chong Vanessa Cui Lian , Gallardo Christian Aledia , Chang Cheng Chieh Ray , Ling Li Min , Tan Jing Yuan , Lee Ken Cheah Hooi , Phua Ghee Chee , Cherng Benjamin Pei Zhi , Low Jenny Guek Hong , Ho Vui Kian , Prasad Vishnu , Wong Lester Jung Long , Lim Cheryl Xiu Qi , Chee Yen Lin , Ong Kiat Hoe , Lee Lai Heng , Ng Heng Joo , Yap Eng Soo
Published: September 2020

Background: Arterial and venous thrombosis are reported to be common in critically ill COVID-19 patients.Method and Results: This is a national multicenter retrospective observational study involving all consecutive adult COVID-19 patients who required intensive care units (ICU) admission between 23 January 2020 and 30 April 2020 in Singapore. 111 patients were included and the venous and arterial thrombotic rates in ICU were 1.8% (n=2) and 9.9% (n=11), respectively. Major bleeding rate was 14.8% (n=16). Conclusions: Critically ill COVID-19 patients in Singapore have lower venous thromboembolism but higher arterial thrombosis rates and bleeding manifestations than other reported cohorts.
Progranulin Induces Immune Escape in Breast Cancer Via Up-Regulating PD-L1 Expression on TAMS and Promoting CD8+T cell Exclusion
Authors: Fang Wenli , Zhou Ting , Shi He , Yao Mengli , Zhang Dian , Qian Husun , Zeng Qian , Wang Yange , Jin Fangfang , Chai Chengsen , Chen Tingmei
Published: September 2020

Background: Progranulin (PGRN), as a multifunctional growth factor, is overexpressed in multiple tumors, but the role of PGRN on tumor immunity is still unclear. Here, we studied the effect of PGRN on breast cancer tumor immunity and its possible molecular mechanism.Methods: The changes of macrophage phenotypes after PGRN treatment were detected by western blot, quantitative PCR and flow cytometry. Western blot was used to study the signal molecular mechanism of PGRN regulating this process. The number and localization of immune cells in WT and PGRN-/- breast cancer tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence techniques. The activation and proliferation of CD8+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry.Results: After being treated with PGRN, the expressions of M2 markers and PD-L1 on macrophages increased. STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitor Stattic could significantly inhibit PD-L1 expression and M2 related markers induced by PGRN. In WT group, CD8 were co-localized with macrophages and PD-L1, but not tumor cells. The number of immune cells in PGRN-/- breast cancer tissue increased, and the infiltration into tumor parenchyma also increased. Moreover, in the co-culture system, WT peritoneal macrophages not only reduced the ratio of activated CD8+T cells but also reduced the proportion of proliferating CD8+T cells. The addition of PD-1 and PD-L1 neutralizing antibodies could effectively reverse this effect and restore the immune function of CD8+T cells.Conclusion: The results show that PGRN can promote M2 polarization and PD-L1 expression by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, through PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, PGRN can promote the breast tumor immune escape. Our research may provide new ideas and targets for clinical breast cancer immunotherapy.
Molecular Divergence in Flea Ctenocephalides Canis From West and Northwest of Iran
Authors: Tavassoli Mousa , Seidy Shahin , Malekifard Farnaz
Published: September 2020

BackgroundFleas of the family Pulicidae are the most common ectoparasites infesting domestic livestock worldwide. The main aim of the present study was to demonstrate the degree of molecular divergence between Ctenocephalides canis fleas in the Western and Northwestern of Iran, based on nuclear and mitochondrial genes, including ITS1and ITS 2 and cytochrome c-oxidase 1 (cox1) mtDNA. MethodsA total of 918 C. canis fleas was collected. The obtained morphometric data and DNA sequencing results did not show significant differences between C. canis specimens from the different regions or hosts. However, there was a significant degree of molecular divergence among the ten populations based on nuclear markers.ResultsThe degree of molecular divergence between different isolates of C. canis based on ITS1and ITS 2 genes was 0.15% and 3.36%, respectively. But analysis of the sequencing results shows that there was no molecular divergence between the ten populations based on the Cox1 marker.ConclusionsStudy of internal transcribed spacer ITS1 and ITS2 of rDNA and the partial cox1 mtDNA gene showed that these fragments are useful tools for interspecific divergence rates, species-level differentiation and confirm the diagnosis of species C. canis.
Emergency Gastrointestinal Surgery in Patients Undergoing Antithrombotic Therapy in a Single General Hospital: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Abe Shinya , Ami Katsunori , Katsuno Akira , Tamura Noriyasu , Harada Toshiko , Hamasaki Shunsuke , Kitagawa Yusuke , Machida Taku , Umetani Naoyuki
Published: September 2020

Background: This study aimed to review and evaluate the surgical outcomes, particularly intraoperative severe blood loss and postoperative blood complications, of emergency gastrointestinal surgery in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy (AT). Emergency surgeries for patients with antithrombotic medication have been increasing in the aging population. However, the effect of AT on intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complications remains unclear.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 732 patients who underwent emergency gastrointestinal surgery between April 2014 and March 2019. Patients were classified into AT group and Non-AT group, and propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare the short surgical outcomes between the groups. Additionally, risk factors in severe estimated blood loss (EBL) were assessed. The optimal value of EBL was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results: Altogether, 64 patients received AT; 50 patients and 12, and 2 were given antiplatelet and anticoagulant, and both drugs, respectively. After propensity score matching, EBL (101 vs. 99 ml; p = 0.466) and postoperative complications (14 vs. 16 patients; p = 0.676) were similar between the groups (63 patients matched paired). Intraoperative severe bleeding (EBL ≥ 113 ml) occurred in 146 patients. Multivariate analysis using the full cohort revealed that anticoagulant drug use was an independent risk factor for severe bleeding (odds ratio, 6.50; 95% CI 1.4 - 36; p = 0.015). Conclusions: This study demonstrated antithrombotic drugs do not adversely affect the perioperative outcomes of emergency gastrointestinal surgery, although patients taking anticoagulant drugs or multiple antithrombotic drugs should undergo careful surgical performances and postoperative management.
Impact of a Double Epidemic in Mexico: Non-Communicable Diseases Increase the Case Fatality Rate with Covid-19
Authors: Monterrubio-Flores Eric , Ramírez-Villalobos Maria Dolores , Espinoza-Montero Juan , Hernandez Bernardo , Barquera Simón , Villalobos-Daniel Victor E. , Campos-Nonato Ismael
Published: September 2020

Background: People with a previous diagnosis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) develop serious forms of COVID-19 or die. Mexico is the sixth country with the highest mortality rate by COVID-19 with high mortality in younger adults.Objectives: To describe the association between NCDs and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) due to COVID-19 and identify related factors. Methods: We studied all Mexican adults infected with COVID-19 from February 1st to July 31st, 2020. The data set is available for free on the Ministry of Health’s webpage. We analyzed previous diagnosis of NCDs, other preexisting diseases, indicators of severity, and the institution treating the patient. We estimated CFR and analyzed it by the number of NCDs, specific diseases, and combinations of NCDs. Relative risk was estimated using Poisson models and probability of death estimates with Logistic models.Results: We analyzed 406,966 COVID-19 positive adults. The general CFR was 11.2%, while for men it was 13.7% and for women 8.4%. CFR is positively associated with age and number of NCDs (trend test p<0.001). The combination of type 2 diabetes+chronic kidney failure has the highest CFR (44.0%). The number of comorbidities increase the CFR in younger adults, in which the relative risk from 0 to 3 or more NCDs was 30.2 in women and 11.8 in men. We observed great heterogeneity in the CFR by institution, from 4.6% in private institutions to 18.9% in public institutions.Conclusion: The number of NCDs increases CFR and explains the mortality in younger adults. Our findings are consistent with the scientific literature and contribute to the understanding of these associations.
Natural selection and the advantage of recombination
Authors: Gerrish Philip , Galeota-Sprung Benjamin , Cordero Fernando , Sniegowski Paul , Colato Alexandre , Hengartner Nicolas , Vejalla Varun , Chevallier Julien , Ycart Bernard
Published: September 2020

Exchanging genetic material with another individual seems risky from an evolutionary standpoint, and yet living things across all scales and phyla do so quite regularly. The pervasiveness of such genetic exchange, or recombination, in nature has defied explanation since the time of Darwin. Conditions that favor recombination, however, are well-understood: recombination is advantageous when the genomes of individuals in a population contain more selectively mismatched combinations of alleles than can be explained by chance alone. Recombination remedies this imbalance by shuffling alleles across individuals. The great difficulty in explaining the ubiquity of recombination in nature lies in identifying a source of this imbalance that is comparably ubiquitous. Intuitively, it would seem that natural selection should reduce the imbalance by favoring selectively matched combinations of high-fitness alleles, thereby opposing the evolution of recombination. We show, however, that this intuition is wrong; to the contrary, we find that natural selection has an encompassing tendency to assemble selectively mismatched combinations of alleles (the products of natural selection), thereby increasing the imbalance and promoting the evolution of recombination. We further show that population dynamics that lead to the fixation of these selectively mismatched genotypes (the process of natural selection) themselves produce an average imbalance that promotes the evolution of recombination. This fact is completely independent of the distribution of allelic fitness effects and is primarily due to the additive component of those effects. Our findings provide a novel vantage point from which the enormous body of established work on the evolution of sex and recombination may be viewed anew. They further suggest that recombination evolved and is maintained more as an unavoidable byproduct of natural selection than as a catalyst.
Dynamic changes in serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are associated with the outcome of patients with severe COVID-19 in ICU
Authors: Li Jia , Rong Liu , Cui Ran , Feng Jiaqi , Jin Yuyang , Yu Yuetian , Chen Xiaoxiang , Xu Renying
Published: September 2020

Background: Biomarkers that would help prognosticate outcomes and guide treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are currently required. We aimed to investigate whether the dynamic variation of cytokines was associated with the survival of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 40 patients with COVID-19 admitted to an ICU in Wuhan, China. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were collected, and serum cytokines were kinetically assessed. A multivariable- adjusted generalized linear regression model was used to evaluate the differences in serum cytokine levels between survivor and non-survivors.Results: Among the 40 patients included, a significant positive correlation was found between multiple cytokines. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in non-survivors were consistently elevated compared to that of the survivors. Kinetic variations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were associated with a fatal outcome in severe patients with COVID-19, independent of sex, age, absolute lymphocyte count, direct bilirubin, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.Conclusion: Dynamic changes in serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels were associated with survival in ICU and could serve as a predictive biomarker in patients with severe COVID-19 to determine therapeutic options.