bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare workers preparedness for COVID-19 pandemic in the occupied Palestinian territory: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Alser Osaid , Alghoul Heba , Alkhateeb Zahra , Hamdan Ayah , Albarqouni Loai , Saini Kiran
Published: June 2020

Background
The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of the vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Sufficient training of healthcare workers (HCWs) in how to manage COVID-19 and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to enable them to do so will be key tools in allowing oPt to mount a credible response to the crisis.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire. Data collection occurred between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. The primary outcomes were availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary outcome was the regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness.
Results
Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks when needed and 15 (10.9%) for isolation gowns. The vast majority of HCWs did not find eye protection (n = 128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n = 132, 95.7%), and face shields (n = 127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p = 0.026) and gloves (p < 0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE measures than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). As for preparedness, only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case. With 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19 related training and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol.
Conclusion
HCWs in oPt are underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of local protocols, and training has left HCWs confidence exceedingly low. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.
Vitamin-D in Nepal: are we really vitamin-D deficient?
Authors: Chandra Avinash , Pant Basant , Rajbhandari Reema , Gajuryal Sharad , Shrestha Pranay , Acharya Samir , Rajbhandari Pravesh , Shrestha Resha , Dahal Sujat
Published: June 2020

Background: Recently, there have been a surge in research worldwide regarding relation of vitamin D with several diseases. Many neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease as well as other diseases like cardiovascular disease have shown positive correlation with vit. D deficiency measured according to the international level. Most of the research on possible role of vitamin D has been carried out in America and European nations, while there is paucity of research in low- and middle-income nations (LMICS) that are nearer to the equatorial area. In countries like Nepal, geographically they lie near to the equator and sunlight exposure is well enough and milk consumption is quite moderate. Thus, special consideration for vitamin D level in Asian population seems plausible. This will not only help us to cover the vitamin D deficient population but will help us to avoid excessive and unnecessary usage of it.Objectives: This study aims to detect the situation of vitamin D in Nepalese population and secondly to find out the suitable normalized reference range for serum vitamin D in multi-ethnic Nepalese population.Methodology: This was a hospital based prospective study. A prospective study was conducted using purposive sampling technique with in-vivo and in vitro bio-physiological method to collect serum vitamin D level. After rigorous inclusive and exclusive criteria, a total of 107 subjects were collected.Result: The present study showed that 32% of participants had deficit serum Vitamin-D level (<15 ng/mL), 48% of subjects had insufficient serum level of Vitamin-D (15-<30ng/mL) and 20% of participants had sufficient serum level of Vitamin-D (>30ng/mL). Study showed that there is lower degree of positive relationship of Body Mass Index (BMI) with Serum Vitamin-D level (r=0.162, p=0.094), History of chronic illness (χ2=0.10, p=0.03), timing of occurrence of stroke (χ2=11.41,p=0.017) and diagnosis (χ2=21.19, p=0.011) had significant association with Serum vitamin-D level at p<0.05.Conclusion: There is direct significant association of Serum Vitamin D with socio-demographic variables when international unit is considered. Neurological disorder showed positive association with serum vitamin D level.
Road safety situation of courier and take-out food delivery electric bike riders: a cross-sectional study in one municipality in China
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Jiang Guohong , Neitzel Richard L. , Zheng Wenlong , Wang Dezheng , Xue Xiaodan
Published: June 2020

Background To observe road traffic violation behaviors among courier and take-out food delivery electric bike rider and to characterize road traffic injuries occurred in this occupational population. Methods A cross-sectional field study including roadside observational data collection and face-to-face interviews was conducted by retrospective response through street intercept. Results 600 target populations were observed, and 480 were interviewed. The rate of over speed was 91.3%, and windshield use during winter was 91.2%. Traffic rule violations included riding in the motor vehicle lane (32.8%), not waiting behind the white line at a red light (23.3%), and using a cell phone when riding (21.2%). Helmet use was significantly more common in daytime than night (P=0.028). About 46% rode e-bike more than 8 hours per day. 76% of interviewees had suffered a traffic crash. About 14% crashes happened in motor-vehicle lanes and 8% in sidewalks. A logistic regression analysis indicated that compared with uninjured riders, injured riders showed significantly greater odds ratios of unsafe behaviors for running red lights (OR=1.75), and a protective effect for wearing a helmet (OR=0.56). Discussion Road safety issues need to be addressed through establishment or improvement of e-bike legislation in this vulnerable occupational group.
Rapid review of COVID-19 epidemic estimation studies for Iran
Authors: Pourmalek Farshad , Hemami Mohsen Rezaei , Janani Leila , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar
Published: June 2020

Background: To inform the researchers about the methodology and results of epidemic estimation studies performed for COVID-19 epidemic in Iran, we aimed to perform a rapid review.Methods: We searched for and included published articles, preprint manuscripts and reports that estimated numbers of cumulative or daily deaths or cases of COVID-19 in Iran. We found 23 articles or reports and included eight articles (four published, four preprints) and three reports.Results: The included studies provided outputs for a total of 45 study-scenarios. Seven studies used 3-4 compartmental disease models. At the end of month two of the epidemic (2020-04-19), the lowest (and highest) values of predictions were 3762 (97445) for cumulative deaths, 60720 (1489201) for cumulative cases, and at the end of month four (2020-06-20), were 86931 (3002721) for cumulative deaths, and 1602592 (2917927) for cumulative cases.Conclusions: Meticulousness and degree of details reported for disease modeling and statistical methods used in the included studies varied widely. Greater heterogeneity was observed regarding the results of predicted outcomes. Consideration of minimum and preferred reporting items in epidemic estimation studies might better inform future revisions of the available models and new models to be developed.
Interaction between Physical Activity and Problematic Mobile Phone Use on suicidality in Chinese College Students
Authors: Xie Yang , Zhu Ming , Wu Xiaoyan , Tao Shuman , Yang Yajuan , Li Tingting , Zou Liwei , Xu Honglv , Tao fangbiao
Published: June 2020

Background
Previous research has found a relationship between problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and suicidality. However, few studies have examined the interaction effects between low physical activity (PA) and PMPU on suicidality among college students. This study aimed to examine the interactions of PA and PMPU and their impact on suicidality in a school-based sample among Chinese college students.
Methods
Analysis is based on date from two university in China, which recruited 4,787 participants. Binomial logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of PA, PMPU with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, as well as the interaction of PA and PMPU with suicidality.
Results
The prevalence of suicide attempt and suicidal ideation were 3.5% and 7.2%, respectively. Low PA was significantly associated with suicide attempt (OR = 3.48, 95%CI: 2.52–4.81) and suicidal ideation (OR = 1.90, 95%CI: 1.46–2.46). PMPU was significantly associated with suicide attempt (OR = 3.65, 95%CI: 2.66–5.01) and suicidal ideation (OR = 2.83, 95%CI: 2.25–3.54). Interaction analysis indicated that low PA and PMPU were interactively associated with suicide attempt (OR = 9.51, 95%CI: 6.15–14.73, P < 0.001), RERI = 4.85(1.20–8.50), AP = 0.51(0.29–0.73), SI = 2.32(1.34–4.04). There was no additive interaction effects between PA and PMPU on suicidal ideation.
Conclusions
The findings reveals that the intervention programs of suicide attempt should consider the students PA levels and PMPU.
Correlation Between Serum Parathormone Levels With Urinary Magnesium Excretion in Patients With Non-Dialytic Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Dias Raimunda Sheyla Carneiro , Brito Dyego José Araújo , Lages Joyce Santos , Santos Alcione Miranda , Santos Elisangela Milhomen , Costa Rayanna Cadilhe , Furtado Elane Viana , Santos Elton Jonh Freitas , Carneiro Erika Cristina , Fontenele Andrea Martins , Diniz Maria Célia , Barbosa Carla Déa , Muniz Alessandra Costa , França Ana Karina Teixeira , Salgado-Filho Natalino , Araújo Denizar Vianna , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: June 2020

Background: Disorders of mineral metabolism occur in most patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this work was to correlate serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with urinary magnesium excretion in patients with non-dialysis CKD. Methods: Cross-sectional study with patients with CKD undergoing non-dialysis treatment in stages 3A, 3B and 4. Concentrations of creatinine, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase were determined in blood samples. The assessment of urinary magnesium levels was performed by means of total daily excretion and by the excretion fraction (FEMg). Results: The study evaluated 163 patients with mean age of 60.7 ± 11.7 and 51.0% were male. A positive correlation was observed between PTH and alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.26; p = 0.006) and FEMg (r = 0.17; p = 0.020). Calcium (r = -0.23; p = 0.002), magnesium in 24-hour urine (r = -0.18; p = 0.020) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.47; p = 0.001) demonstrated negative correlation with PTH. Conclusion: Elevated levels of PTH correlated positively with FEMg, regardless of the presence of serum magnesium alterations, and FEMg can be used as another indicator for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism.
A case of COVID - 19 with Imported Falciparum Malaria Infection is Reported
Authors: Zhu Mingchao , Zhu Ya , Zhang Jue , Liu Weiping
Published: June 2020

Background During the COVID − 19 outbreak, limited medical resources in the short term and inadequate experience in dealing with major new public health events may lead to the neglect of some other infectious diseases, such as malaria, leading to the risk of the spread of infectious diseases.Therefore, it is particularly important to formulate classified guidance, take scientific prevention and control measures in a comprehensive manner, strengthen the screening of malaria patients and provide access to medical treatment during the outbreak.Methods Clinical records, laboratory results, and chest CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for a falciparum malaria infection patient with laboratory-confirmed COVID − 19 pneumonia .Results Patient's serum novel coronavirus antibody tested positive for IgG and weakly positive for IgM that were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2],the blood samples were classified as plasmodium falciparum by RT-PCR.Conclusions The patient when workers infected with p. falciparum in Africa, malaria recurrence after back to China, after antimalarial treatment in tianmen city first people's hospital, after an outbreak in wuhan will be coronavirus, and symptoms of COVID − 19, but soon be cured patients, to explore the diagnosis and treatment of antimalarial drugs in COVID − 19 patients with the role, for further in-depth study of COVID − 19 treatment provides a good example.
Construct Validity of the Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25 in a Ghanaian Population
Authors: Adua Eric , Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Frimpong Kwasi , Adama Esther , Karthigesu Shantha P. , Anto Enoch Odame , Aboagye Emmanuel , Yan Yuxiang , Wang Youxin , Tan Xuerui , Wang Wei
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe Suboptimal Health Status Questionnaire-25 (SHS-Q-25) developed to measure suboptimal health status has been used worldwide, but its construct validity has only been tested in the Chinese population. In this article, we investigate aspects of the construct validity of the SHS-Q-25 to determine the interactions between SHS subscales in a Ghanaian population.MethodsThe study involved healthy Ghanaian participants (n = 263; aged 20-80 years; 63% female), who responded to the SHSQ-25. In an exploratory factor and parallel analysis, the study extracted a new domain structure and compared to the established five-domain structure of SHSQ-25. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and the fit of the model further discussed. Invariance analysis was carried out to establish the consistency of the instrument across multi-groups.ResultsThe extracted domains were reliable with Cronbach’s B of 0.861, 0.821 and 0.853 respectively, for fatigue, immune-cardiovascular and cognitive, confirming the construct validity of the SHSQ-25 instrument. The CFA revealed that the model fit indices were excellent a The fit indices for the three-domain model were statistically superior to the five-domain model. There were, however, issues of insufficient discriminant validity as some average variance extracts (AVE) were smaller than the corresponding maximum shared variance (MSV). The three-domain model was invariant for all constrained aspects of the structural model across age, which is an important risk factor for most chronic diseases.ConclusionThe validity tests provide evidence to endorse the credibility of the tool and suggest that the SHS-Q25 is robust tool for measuring SHS in a different population.
Human Trophoblasts-derived Exosomes Attenuate Doxorubicin Induced Cardiac Injury via Regulating Mir-200b and Downstream Zeb1
Authors: Ni Jie , Liu Yihai , Wang Kun , Zhang Wenfeng , Han Zhonglin , Gu Rong , Xu Biao
Published: June 2020

Purpose:Human trophoblast stem cells (TSC)have been confirmed to play a cardioprotective role in heart failure. However, whether trophoblast stem cell derived exosomes (TSC-Exos) can protect cardiomyocytes from doxorubicin (Dox) induced injury remains unclear. Methods:In the present study, TSC-Exos were isolated from the supernatant of Human Trophoblasts using the ultracentrifugation method and characterized by transmission electron microscope and western blotting.In vitro, primary cardiomyocytes subjected to Dox were treated with TSC-Exos, miR-200b mimic or miR-200b inhibitor. Cell apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. In vivo, mice were intraperitoneally injected into Dox to establish a heart failure model. Then they received a tail injection of either PBS, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-vector, AAV-miR-200b-inhibitor or TSC-Exosfor different groups. Then cardiac function, cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte apoptosis among groups were evaluated and downstream molecular mechanism was explored. Results: TSC-Exos and miR-200b inhibitor both decreased primary cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Similarly, mice receivingTSC-Exos andAAV-miR-200b-inhibitor have improved cardiac function, accompanied by reduced apoptosis and inflammation. Bioinformatic prediction and luciferase reporter results confirmed that Zeb1 was a downstream target of miR-200b, which had an antiapoptotic effect. Conclusion:TSC-ExosattenuatedDoxorubicin induced cardiac injury by playing an antiapoptosis and antiinflammation role. The underlying mechanism could be increased expression of Zeb1 by inhibiting miR-200b expression, due to the TSC-Exos treatment. This study sheds newlight on the application of MSC-Exo as a potential therapeutic tool for heart failure.
Non-contact restoration of missing parts of stone Buddha statue based on three-dimensional virtual modeling and assembly simulation
Authors: Jo Young Hoon , Hong Seonghyuk , Jo Seong Yeon , Kwon Yoon Mi
Published: June 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) digital technology is one of the most essential conservation methods that complements the traditional technique of the restoration of cultural artifacts. In this study, 3D scanning, virtual restoration modeling, and 3D printing were used as a non-contact approach for the restoration of a damaged stone seated Bodhisattva (stone Buddha statue). First, a three-dimensional model with an average point density of 0.2 mm was created by integrating the fixed high-precision scanning of the exterior and the handheld mid-precision scanning of the interior excavated hole. Through a 3D deterioration map of the stone Buddha statue, the area of the missing parts was measured as 400.1 cm 2 (5.5% of the total area). Moreover, 257.1 cm 2 (64.2% of the missing part area) of four parts such as the head, the surrounding area of the Baekho, the right ear, and the right eye, for which symmetry was applicable for modeling or there could be ascertainable historical evidence for the total missing parts, was selected for restoration. The virtual restoration of the missing parts of the stone Buddha statue was performed using a haptic modeling system in the following order. First, the location of the three fragments detached from the head was determined. Next, the reference model was selected, and its symmetrization and modification with respect to the original were conducted. Also, estimation modeling and outer shape description were performed through historical research and consultation with experts. The created virtual-restoration model’s (461 cm 3 ) heuristic-based assembly suitability was verified by design mock-up printing and digital–analog simulation. In particular, to address the assembly interference, the interface surface was modified and reprocessed several times. Accordingly, the final design mock-up’s volume size was decreased by 5.2% (437 cm 3 ). Photopolymerization 3D printing technology was used for the actual restoration of the stone Buddha statue and the layer thickness of the material used was set as 0.10 mm considering the surface roughness. Finally, the surface of the printed output was colored to prevent yellowing and joined to the missing part of the stone Buddha statue. This study presents a great case to shift from the traditional manual-contact method to the contactless digital method for the restoration of artifacts and is expected to largely contribute to increasing the usability of digital technologies in the restoration of cultural artifacts.
SARS-CoV2 drives JAK1/2-dependent local and systemic complement hyper-activation
Authors: Yan Bingyu , Freiwald Tilo , Chauss Daniel , Wang Luopin , West Erin , Bibby Jack , Olson Matthew , Kordasti Shahram , Portilla Didier , Laurence Arian , Lionakis Michail S , Kemper Claudia , Afzali Behdad , Kazemian Majid
Published: June 2020

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present with a range of devastating acute clinical manifestations affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys and gut. The best-characterized entry receptor for the disease-causing virus SARS-CoV2, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2, is highly expressed in these tissues. However, the pathways that underlie the disease are still poorly understood. Here we show that the complement system is unexpectedly one of the intracellular pathways most highly induced by SARS-CoV2 infection in lung epithelial and liver cells. Within cells of the bronchoalveolar lavage of patients, distinct signatures of complement activation in myeloid, lymphoid and epithelial cells tracked with disease severity. Modelling the regulome of host genes induced by COVID-19 and the drugs that could normalize these genes both implicated the JAK1/2-STAT1 signaling system downstream of type I interferon receptors, and NF-kB. Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor and the top predicted pharmaceutical candidate, normalized interferon signature genes, IL-6 (the best characterized severity marker in COVID-19) and all complement genes induced by SARS-CoV2, but did not affect NF-kB-regulated genes. We predict that combination therapy with JAK inhibitors and other agents with the potential to normalize NF-kB-signaling, such as anti-viral agents, may serve as an effective clinical strategy.
Pneumothorax in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A real-world experience
Authors: Yamazaki Ryo , Nishiyama Osamu , Gose Kyuya , Saeki Sho , Sano Hiroyuki , Iwanaga Takashi , Tohda Yuji
Published: June 2020

Background
Some patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) develop pneumothorax. However, the characteristics of pneumothorax in patients with IPF have not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical course, actual management, and treatment outcomes of pneumothorax in patients with IPF.
Methods
Consecutive patients with IPF who were admitted for pneumothorax between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. The success rate of treatment for pneumothorax, hospital mortality, and recurrence rate after discharge were examined.
Results
During the study period, 36 patients with IPF were admitted with pneumothorax a total of 59 times. During the first admission, 15 patients (41.7%) did not receive chest tube drainage, but 21 (58.3%) did. Of the 21 patients, 8 (38.1%) received additional therapy after chest drainage. The respective treatment success rates were 86.6% and 66.7% in patients who underwent observation only vs chest tube drainage. The respective hospital mortality rates were 13.3% and 38.0%. The total pneumothorax recurrence rate after hospital discharge was 53.8% (n = 14).
Conclusions
Pneumothorax in patients with IPF was difficult to treat successfully, had a relatively poor prognosis, and showed a high recurrence rate.
In vivo antimalarial activity of crude fruit extract of Capsicum frutescens var. minima (Solanaceae) against Plasmodium berghei infected mice
Authors: Habte Getu , Assefa Solomon
Published: June 2020

Background: The alarming spread of drug resistance to current antimalarial agents is threatening malaria controlling efforts. This, consequently, urged the scientific community to discover novel antimalarial drugs. Successful and most potent antimalarial drugs were obtained from medicinal plants. Capsicum frutescens is claimed to possess an antiplasmodial activity in Ethiopian and Ugandan folkloric medicine. However, there is lack of pharmacological evidence for its antiplasmodial activity. This study, hence, was aimed at evaluating the in vivo antiplasmodial activity of C. frutescens in mice model. Methods: The 4-day suppressive test was employed to ascertain the claimed antiplasmodial effect of the plant. Following inoculation with P. berghei , mice in treatment groups were provided with three dose levels (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of the extract. Whereas, 2% Tween80 and chloroquine served as negative and positive control, respectively. Weight, temperature, packed cell volume, parasitemia and survival time were then monitored.Results: The oral acute toxicity study revealed that the crude extract caused no mortality and revealed no overt sign of toxicity. In 4-day suppressive test, all dose levels of the extract was found to exhibit a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of parasitemia compared to negative control. Maximum parasite suppression (93.28%) was exerted by the highest dose (400mg/kg/day) of extract. In addition, the extract significantly (p<0.05) prolonged survival time and prevented body weight loss, reduction in temperature and anemia compared to vehicle treated group.Conclusion: This investigation found a strong evidence that fruit extract of C. frutescens is endowed with a promising antiplasmodial activity. Hence, the plant could serve as a potential source of newer antimalarial agent.
Trends in the Prevalence and Incidence of Anxiety and Depression in Adult Population in Iran: Findings from Kerman Coronary Artery Diseases Risk factors Study (KERCADRS)
Authors: Najafipour Hamid , Shahrokhabadi Mohadeseh Shojaei , Banivaheb Ghodsyeh , Sabahi Abdolreza , Shadkam Mitra , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: June 2020

Background: Anxiety and depression (A&D) are very common disorders and among the important causes of morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the incidence rate of these mental disorders and their relationship with socio-demographic and coronary artery disease risk factors in the adult population in southeastern Iran.Method: In a population based cohort study (KERCADRS phase2), the prevalence and five-year incidence rate of A&D and associated variables were studied on 9996 adults, 2820 of whom had also participated in phase1 of the study.Results: The prevalence for A&D was 41.6% (30.6% men, 48.9% women) and 16.0% (10.0% men, 19.9% women), respectively. The prevalence of A&D showed a decreasing trend with increase of education and age. The highest prevalence of A&D was observed among the unemployed, smokers, and opium users. The chance of having A&D symptoms also significantly increased in young people, the female gender, divorced or widowed women, obese individuals, and those with low physical activity (LPA). In phase2, A&D were significantly lower than they were in phase1 in all age groups and in both genders. The five-year incidence rate (per 1000 person-years) was 30.7 for anxiety and 9.8 for depression.Conclusion: Although there are some promising signs of reduction in the prevalence of A&D symptoms in the last five years, their higher prevalence in young people and females, along with their association with unemployment, smoking, opium use, LPA and obesity means that more effective interventions and strategies are needed to reduce the deleterious consequences of these disorders.
UBA2 Activates Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway during Protection of R28 Retinal Precursor Cells from Hypoxia by Extracellular Vesicles derived from Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Koh Kyungmin , Park Mira , Bae Eun Soo , Duong Van-An , Park Jong-Moon , Lee Hookeun , Lew Helen
Published: June 2020

Background: Stem cell transplantation has been proposed as an alternative treatment for intractable optic nerve disorders characterized by irrecoverable loss of cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with varying tissue regeneration and recovery capabilities, are being considered for potential cell therapies. To overcome the limitations of cell therapy, we isolated exosomes from human placenta–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs), and investigated their therapeutic effects in R28 cells (retinal precursor cells) exposed to CoCl2 . Method: We investigated recovery effects of exosomes in vitro damaged cells. We exposed R28 cells to CoCl2. After 9 h, the hypoxia-damaged R28 cells were treated with hPMSC-derived exosomes. We examined the changes in the target proteins of R28 cells and performed proteomic analysis using R28 cells. Result: Upon this exosome treatment of R28 cells damaged by a hypoxic environment, the expression of Hif-1α protein (which increased after CoCl2 exposure) significantly decreased, whereas that of nerve regeneration–related factors such as Thy-1 and Neuroflament (which decreased after CoCl2 exposure) significantly increased. Proteomic analysis was used to analyze the expression of candidate target proteins such as UBA2 and catenin, which showed significant changes in expression during the recovery period in the damaged cell group. Conclusion: In this study, we discovered that UBA2 played a key role in activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during the recovery process of damaged R28 cells, induced by hPMSC exosomes.
Evaluate four different ways in diagnosing tooth cracks
Authors: He Ying , Feng Qiong , Jiang Qianzhou , Zhang Wenjuan , Yang Xuechao , Chen Zhi
Published: June 2020

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate four different ways in diagnosing tooth cracks, which may provide certain theoretical bases for early diagnosis of cracks. Methods 123 freshly extracted human teeth were collected in the Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China. Three observers examined the cracks of the crowns with naked eye, microscope, methylene blue dye, and methylene blue dye with magnification microscopic examination methods independently. Two criteria (crack lines appeared in enamel and dentin) were used to diagnose teeth cracks, and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS and MedCalc statistical software. Kendall's W was conducted to assess the agreement among the three observers in each detection method. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and the area under the curve (AUC) drawn in terms of sensitivity and (1-specificity) were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic value of four different methods. Results 3 teeth were excluded because of the visual fatigue of the observer, and there were 120 teeth left. The method of methylene blue plus microscope had the lowest value of Kendall's W in criterion 1 and 2. The overall AUC values were more than 0.7 in both the microscopic and methylene blue plus microscopic method according to criterion 1 and 2, and in the method of naked-eye according to criterion 2. The pairwise comparison between A, B and C had statistical difference in the method of naked-eye, microscope and methylene blue plus microscope in criterion 2 ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Detecting tooth crack with the method of methylene blue plus microscope have a higher consistency among different experienced endodontists. Microscope and methylene blue dye with magnification microscopic examination were effective methods to diagnosis tooth crack. More cracks can be detected by experienced endodontists, and the difference persisted even with the use of microscopes or methylene blue dye.
The impact of the fipronil crisis on the financial performance of Dutch laying hen farms
Authors: Sok Jaap , Horne Peter van , Meuwissen Miranda
Published: June 2020

Background: Illegal use of fipronil as an insecticide in 2017 has caused substantial damage to Dutch laying hen farms. We assessed how the Fipronil crisis has affected the financial performance of affected farms as well as unaffected farms. While affected farms faced culling of their flock and lost revenues, unaffected farms benefitted from temporary high egg prices. Methods: A three-step normative modelling approach is taken using two financial statements. First, a baseline was created by making up an income statement of a laying hen farm representing a ‘normal year’ Second, changes in farm income as a result of the fipronil crisis were estimated using a partial budget. Third, two additional income statements were created; one reports the income of an unaffected farm, the other of an affected farm. Estimations are for a 50 000 laying hen farm facing the fipronil crisis for five months.Results: While in a normal year this average-sized farm has a net operating result of around 18 kEuro, profitability was estimated to be -369 kEuro and +169 kEuro for the affected and unaffected farms due to the crisis respectively. For affected farms impacts were especially high as there was no government compensation or insurance. Conclusions: As Dutch farms typically operate as independent family farms, there was no compensation from other chain actors such as contract providers or integrators either. The affected farms therefore likely have faced financial distress and have had to increase debt or use their financial reserves for household consumption and restarting the farm. Outcomes contribute to discussions around liability claims and cost-benefit assessments of measures to improve chain food safety and rapid alert systems.
IPSE, a Urogenital Parasite-Derived Immunomodulatory Molecule, Suppresses Bladder Pathogenesis and Anti-Microbial Peptide Gene Expression in Bacterial Urinary Tract Co-Infection
Authors: Mbanefo Evaristus C. , Le Loc , Pennington Luke F. , Hsieh Yi-Ju , Odegaard Justin I. , Lapira Kristina , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Falcone Franco H. , Hsieh Michael
Published: June 2020

Background: Parasitic infections can increase susceptibility to bacterial co-infections. This may be true for urogenital schistosomiasis and bacterial urinary tract co-infections (UTI). We previously reported that this co-infection is facilitated by S. haematobium eggs triggering interleukin-4 (IL-4) production and sought to dissect the underlying mechanisms. The interleukin-4 inducing principle from Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE) is one of the most abundant schistosome egg-secreted proteins and binds to IgE on the surface of basophils and mast cells to trigger IL-4 release. IPSE can also translocate into host nuclei using a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) to modulate host transcription. We hypothesized that IPSE is the factor responsible for the ability of S. haematobium eggs to worsen UTI pathogenesis. Methods: Mice were intravenously administered a single 25 μg dose of recombinant S. haematobium-derived IPSE, an NLS mutant of IPSE or PBS. Following IPSE exposure, mice were serially weighed, and organs analyzed by histology to assess for toxicity. Twenty-four hours after IPSE administration, mice were challenged with the uropathogenic E. coli strain UTI89 by urethral catheterization. Bacterial cfu were measured using urine. Bladders were examined histologically for UTI-triggered pathogenesis and by PCR for antimicrobial peptide expression.Results: Unexpectedly, IPSE administration did not result in significant differences in urine bacterial CFU. However, IPSE administration did lead to a significant reduction in UTI-induced bladder pathogenesis and the expression of anti-microbial peptides in the bladder. Despite the profound effect of IPSE on UTI-triggered bladder pathogenesis and anti-microbial peptide production, mice did not demonstrate systemic ill effects from IPSE exposure.Conclusions: Our data show that IPSE may play a major role in S. haematobium-associated urinary tract co-infection, albeit in an unexpected fashion. These findings also indicate that IPSE either works in concert with other IL-4-inducing factors to increase susceptibility of S. haematobium-infected hosts to bacterial co-infection, or does not contribute to enhancing vulnerability to this co-infection.
Quantitative and Qualitative Characterization of Plant Endo-bacteriome by Plant Dna-free Sequencing Method
Authors: Zhang Lili , Chen Liying , Zhang Mengting , Liu Da , Sun Hongbo , Wu Jianxiang , Huo Yan , Chen Xiaoying , Fang Rongxiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Plant endophytic bacteria colonize plants’ internal tissues and interact with plants more closely than do epiphytic or environmental bacteria. However, the community structure of such endophytic bacteria could not be efficiently deciphered, and the microbiota abundance could not be quantified through absolute quantification. Application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the plant endophytic community is greatly hindered by the high sequence identities among bacterial 16S rRNA, plant mitochondrial 18S rRNA and chloroplast 16S rRNA genes. This makes it difficult to identify bacterial sequences among total DNAs extracted from plant material.Results: We designed PCR primer sets that are able to specifically amplify bacterial DNAs, even when there are very few bacteria colonizing the plant material. We computationally and experimentally evaluated the specificity, coverage, and accuracy of the newly designed primer sets (322F/796R and 799F/1107R) and two widely used primer sets (338F/806R and 799F/1193R). When applied to a same planting-soil community through next generation sequencing (NGS), the four different primer sets revealed similar high-abundant taxa composition with variation in taxa abundance. Primer sets amplifying the same 16S variable regions generated more comparable sequencing results. When applied to a rice endo-bacteriome, both 799F/1107R and modified 322F-Dr/796Rs (Primer pair 322F/796R with a penultimate-base substitution in 322F) produced plant DNA-free bacterial amplicon libraries. Primer 322F-A/796R was then used through NGS to decipher the rice endo-bacteriomes. The rice root and leaf endo-bacteriomes shared 66.36% OTU identity but enriched different bacterial species. Within the same host genotype and soil type, the root endo-bacteriome was more stable than the leaf endo-bacteriome across individual plants. 322F-A/796R was used through absolute quantitative PCR to quantitate the population size of leaf or root endophytes, which revealed 106–107 and 109–1010 bacteria per gram fresh weight, respectively.Conclusions: This is the first study to develop plant DNA-free bacterial 16S amplification methods. The newly designed primer sets combined with NGS deciphered the rice endo-bacteriome structure, and absolute quantitative PCR quantitated the size of the endobacterial population. The protocols developed here are suitable for various plants, will significantly advance studies on plant endo-bacteriomes.
WITHDRAWN: The Effect of Modification of Technology Monitoring on Relationship Between Corporate Governance, Credit Monitoring, and Npl
Authors: Purnama Maswar , Suhadak  , Mangesti Sri , Damayanti Cacik Rut
Published: June 2020

Purpose: This study aims to examine whether there is a moderation effect of Technology Monitoring in the relationship between Corporate Governance and Credit Monitoring variables on the drivers of NPL.Design/Method: This research is a quantitative research. The data in this study are a combination of primary data obtained through questionnaires and also secondary data obtained from bank credit portfolios. The research took place at the Micro Branch Office of Bank Mandiri in Central Java Region with the head of the branch office as a sample in this study. The sampling technique used is Judgment Sampling and data analysis using SEM.Findings: The results showed that Corporate Governance had a positive and significant effect on Credit Monitoring, Corporate Governance had a negative and significant effect on NPL, Credit Monitoring had a negative and significant effect on NPL Technology Monitoring had a positive and not significant effect in moderating the relationship between Corporate Governance on NPL and the influence of Technology Monitoring a positive and significant effect in moderating the relationship between Credit Monitoring for NPL.Originality: The originality of this research lies in testing the effect of Corporate Governance and Credit Monitoring on Non-Performing Loans with the updating of Technology Monitoring as a moderating variable.
 Risk factors for mortality in patients over 70 years old with COVID-19
Authors: Zhu Xu , Yuan Wenzheng , Shao Junwei , Huang Kesheng , Wang Qingbo , Yao Shuang , Lu Wei , Liu Li , Fu Tao
Published: June 2020

Background: Elderly patients with COVID-19 were shown to have a high case-fatality rate. We aimed to explore the risk factors associated with death in patients over 70 years old (yo).Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients over 70 yo with COVID-19 between January 20 and February 15, 2020. Epidemiological, demographic, and clinical data were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression methods were used to explore the risk factors.Results: A total of 147 patients were enrolled. The case-fatality rate was 28.6%. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed that clinical subtypes including the severe type (HR = 2.983, 95% CI: 1.231–7.226, P = 0.016) and the critical type (HR = 3.267, 95%CI: 1.009–10.576, P = 0.048) were associated with increasing risk of death when compared with the general type. Blood urea nitrogen greater than 9.5 mmol/L (HR = 2.805, 95% CI: 1.141–6.892, P = 0.025) on admission was an independent risk factor for death among laboratory findings.Conclusion: The patients over 70 yo with COVID-19 had a high case-fatality rate. The risk factors including clinical subtypes and blood urea nitrogen greater than 9.5 mmol/L could help physicians to identify elderly patients with poor clinical outcomes at an early stage.
WITHDRAWN: What is the clinical course of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 treatment Ireland: a retrospective cohort study in Dublin’s North Inner City (the ‘Mater 100’)
Authors: O’Kelly* Brendan , Cronin* Colm , Connolly* Stephen Peter , Cullen Walter , Avramovic Gordana , McHugh Tina , O’Connor Eileen , Cotter Aoife , Doran Peter , McGinty Tara , O’Callaghan Dermot , Gaine Sean , Sheehan Gerard , Brazil Eamonn , Marsh Brian , Lambert John S.
Published: June 2020

Background: Since March 2020, Ireland has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To date, while several cohorts from China have been described, our understanding is limited, with no data describing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Ireland. To improve our understanding of the clinical characteristics of this emerging infection we carried out a retrospective review of patient data to examine the clinical characteristics of patients admitted for COVID-19 hospital treatment.Methods: Demographic, clinical and laboratory data on the first 100 adult patients admitted to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH) for in-patient COVID-19 treatment after onset of the outbreak in March 2020 was extracted from clinical and administrative records. Missing data were excluded from the analysis.Results: Fifty-eight per cent were male, 63% were Irish nationals, 29% were GMS eligible, and median age was 45 years (interquartile range [IQR] =34-64 years). Patients had symptoms for a median of five days before diagnosis (IQR=2.5-7 days), most commonly cough (72%), fever (65%), dyspnoea (37%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (27%) and headache (24%). Of all cases, 54 had at least one pre-existing chronic illness (most commonly hypertension, diabetes mellitus or asthma). At initial assessment, the most common abnormal findings were: C-reactive protein >7.0mg/L (74%), ferritin >247μg/L (women) or >275μg/L (men) (62%), D-dimer >0.5μg/dL (62%), chest imaging (59%), NEWS Score (modified) of ≥3 (55%) and heart rate >90/min (51%). Twenty-seven required supplemental oxygen, of which 17 were admitted to the intensive care unit - 14 requiring ventilation. Forty received antiviral treatment (most commonly hydroxychloroquine or lopinavir/ritonavir). Four died, 17 were admitted to intensive care, and 74 were discharged home, with nine days the median hospital stay (IQR=6-11).Conclusion: Our findings reinforce the emerging consensus of COVID-19 as an acute life-threatening disease and highlights, the importance of laboratory (ferritin, C-reactive protein, D-dimer) and radiological parameters, in addition to clinical parameters. Further cohort studies involving larger samples followed longitudinally are a priority.
Long noncoding RNA H19 regulates the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in rats with severe acute pancreatitis by sponging miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p
Authors: Song Guodong , Zhou Jia , Song Ruimei , Liu Dalu , Yu Weidi , Xie Wangcheng , Ma Zhilong , Gong Jian , Meng Hongbo , Yang Tingsong , Song Zhenshun
Published: June 2020

Background: Patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, account for an increasing medical burden worldwide. We previously found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could attenuate SAP and that expression of long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19) was upregulated in rats receiving MSCs. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of LncRNA H19 regulating the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in the alleviation of SAP.Methods: MSCs transfected with LncRNA H19 overexpression and knock down plasmids were intravenously injected into rats 12 h after sodium taurocholate (NaT) administration to induce SAP.Results: Overexpressing LncRNA H19 in MSCs significantly enhanced the anti-inflammatory capacity of the MSCs, inhibited autophagy via promotion of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-associated pathways, and facilitated cell proliferation by increasing the level of β-catenin in rats with SAP. LncRNA H19 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p. Knocking down miR-138-5p in MSCs increased the expression of protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2, encoding FAK) to suppress autophagy, while downregulating miR-141-3p enhanced the level of β-catenin to promote cell proliferation.Conclusions: In conclusion, LncRNA H19 effectively increased the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in rats with SAP via the miR-138-5p/PTK2/FAK and miR-141-3p/β-catenin pathways.
Dynamic Properties of a Hydraulic Servo Actuator Flexibly Connected to a Load Mass Excited by Cyclic Force
Authors: Dindorf Ryszard , Wos Piotr
Published: June 2020

The study deals with the dynamic properties of a hydraulic servo actuator (HSA) with flexible mounting connections. This problem is considered in two cases: firstly, in the flexible (or non-rigid) mounting connection of the barrel and piston rod of a hydraulic actuator, and secondly, in the vibration isolation of a hydraulic actuator loaded with cyclic force. The difficult and complex dynamic problem of an HSA flexibly connected to a load mass excited by the impact force generated by a rock breaker was primarily analysed. The solution of a new design of the 3-DoF hydraulic boom manipulator used to move a medium-sized hydraulic rock breaker was presented. The HSA is rigidly mounted to the mother boom, and the piston rod is flexibly connected to the inner boom via a spring-damping device (SDD), which, in this case, serves as a vibration isolator. Simulation tests based on the HSA mathematical model enabled comparison of the dynamic responses of the hydraulic actuator rigidly connected and flexibly connected via an SDD to a load mass excited by the constant and impact force generated by a rock breaker. The experimental studies on the test stand focused on HSA adaptive positioning control. The main task was to adapt the adaptive position controller to the identified HSA loaded with excitation force (impact force). The simulation and experimental tests carried out are important for assessing dynamic properties and designing the position controller of an HSA subjected to cyclic impact forces. The presented results are also important for the development of guidelines for the safe operation of various large-scale heavy hydraulic machines under vibration loads.