bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant combination chemotherapy of tranilast in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shiozaki Atsushi , Kudou Michihiro , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Konishi Hirotaka , Shimizu Hiroki , Arita Tomohiro , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Morimura Ryo , Ikoma Hisashi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Kubota Takeshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Otsuji Eigo
Published: December 2020

Background:

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) was previously shown to play an important role in the maintenance of cancer stem cells, and its specific inhibitor, tranilast, also has potential as a targeted therapeutic agent for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The present study is being conducted to confirm the safety and efficacy of the additional use of tranilast with conventional preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with advanced ESCC.

Patients and methods:

Between 56 and 59 patients aged between 20 and 74 years with clinically diagnosed Stage II or Stage III ESCC will be enrolled. Eligible patients will receive preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 cycles of combination therapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and tranilast. Recruitment started in November 2019, with the final follow-up being planned for March 2029. One subject has been enrolled since October 21st, 2020. The pathological therapeutic effect is the primary endpoint. The objective response rate, safety of preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) are the secondary endpoints. RFS and OS will be calculated as the time from surgery to first recurrence and all-cause death, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination:

This protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and all participating hospitals in August 30, 2019 (Number: CRB5180001). Written informed consent will be obtained from all patients before their registration, which is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The results of the present study will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration:

Trial registration number jRCTs051190076
Association of cytochrome P450 2C19 polymorphisms with coronary heart disease risk
Authors: Yang Yongxin , Zhang Yaping , Ren Ming , Wang Yonglan , Cairang Zhuoma , Lin Rongxiang , Sun Haixia , Liu Jianju
Published: December 2020

Background:

Polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) gene have been reported to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), but the results were not consistently analyzed among different patient groups. To derive a more precise estimation of these associations, we will conduct a meta-analysis to investigate the polymorphisms of CYP2C19 in all published studies.

Methods:

Electronic databases (Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and China Biological Medicine) will be used to search clinical case-control or cohort studies about CYP2C19 polymorphism and CHD published until November 2020. Two reviewers will independently select the study, extract the data, and evaluate the quality of the study. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval will be used to evaluate the strength of the association between the CYP2C19 polymorphism and CHD susceptibility under 4 genetic models. Subgroup analysis will be conducted by different ethnicity and genotyping method. Sensitivity analysis will be performed via sequentially omitting each of the included studies 1 at a time. Begg funnel plots and Egger test will be used to examine the potential publication bias. All the statistical analyses will be performed using Review Manager 5.3 and Stata 12.0.

Results:

This study will provide a better understanding of the association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and coronary heart disease risk.

Conclusion:

The publication of this protocol will minimize the possibility of bias due to post hoc changes to the analysis protocol, thus helping to obtain reliable evidence.

OSF registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/R7U93
A comparative study of four Bowie-Dick test under the condition of pressure steam sterilizer simulating gas leakage
Authors: Yu Xiaomei , Zhang Qing , Deng Xingling , Liang Jinxiu , Hao Shuqin , Chen Jianling , Du Heying
Published: December 2020

We aimed to understand the evaluation of different Bowie-Dick test (B-D test) on the performance of pressure steam sterilization equipment in the case of simulated gas leakage, and we selected a pulsating vacuum steam sterilizer to set 4 different gas leakage levels: 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, and 1.7 mbar/min during the B-D test phase. In terms of methods, 4 different brands of B-D test kits (devices) were tested at 4 different leakage rates, and a total of 48 experiments were conducted. The results from univariate analysis revealed that there are statistically significant differences in the judgment of test results among different personnel and brands. The results from multivariate logistic regression analysis displayed that the difference between different personnel was statistically significant (χ
2 = 45.34, P < .001); the difference between different products was statistically significant (χ
2 = 129.37, P < .001); and there was no statistically significant difference between different degree of leakage (χ
2 = 6.99, P > .05). Result judgments of brand 1 and brand 2 are susceptible to subjective factors. The judgment of brand 3 is intuitive and consistent with the evaluation result of brand 4. In conclusion, the order of capacity to evaluate air leakage from best to worst is brand 4→brand 3→brand 1→brand 2.
Constructing a new health education model for patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chen Qinhua , Jiang Minyu , Zeng Meixing , Jiesisibieke Zhu Liduzi , Chen Pei-En , Chien Ching-Wen , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: December 2020

To explore the effects of the project-achievement quality control circle in constructing a new health education model for patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The quality control circle group was established and the theme of “constructing a new health education model for patients with chronic hepatitis B” was selected. The circle staff determined that this quality control circle was of project-achievement according to the quality control story judgment table, and then carry out activities in strict accordance with the 10 steps of project-achievement quality control circle, evaluate the tangible results and non-tangible results before and after the activity.

After the implementation of the activity, the health education integrity of patients with chronic hepatitis B increased from 74.75 ± 11.00 to 95.00 ± 5.55 points (P < .001). The awareness of health education increased from 71.90 ± 13.48 to 95.60 ± 2.84 points (P < .001), the satisfaction rate of health education increased from 76.60 ± 8.71 points to 98.00 ± 2.03 points (P < .001), and the evaluation rate after health education increased from 10% to 100% (P < .001).

The circle members have much more confidence in quality control circle activities, the use of techniques, and the knowledge related to scientific research.
Regulatory effect of traditional Chinese medicine on gut microbiota in patients with atherosclerosis
Authors: Huang Langlang , Wang Jianan , Xu Ri , Liu Yanwei , Liu Zhongyong
Published: December 2020

Background:

Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and its pathogenesis is complex. Recent studies revealed a significant role of gut microbiota in the onset and development of atherosclerosis. Traditional Chinese medicine has rich clinical experience and unique advantages in the treatment of atherosclerosis. A large number of studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine has the functions of reducing blood lipid, regulating gut microbiota, and resisting inflammation. The aim of this systematic review is to observe the randomized controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicine in treating gut microbiota, so as to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in treating atherosclerosis patients.

Methods:

The English database (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese database (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science, and Technology Periodic Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database) will be searched up to October 2020. We will also manually search the Chinese clinical trial register, conference papers, and unpublished studies or references. Randomized control trials of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of atherosclerosis were collected comprehensively, and 2 researchers will independently screen literature, data extraction, and evaluation the quality of literature methodology. The primary outcomes are lipid metabolism and gut microbiota and their metabolites. The secondary outcomes are the change of inflammatory markers. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.5 software. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation will be used to evaluate the outcome quality of evidence.

Results:

This study will comprehensively review the existing evidence of traditional Chinese medicine in treating atherosclerosis from the perspective of gut microbiota.

Conclusion:

This study will provide information on the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in treating atherosclerosis from the perspective of gut microbiota.

Unique INPLASY number:

INPLASY2020110056.
Repeatability of glomerular filtration rate studies performed using 99mTc-DTPA in a population including cancer patients
Authors: Berndorfler Bianca D. , Holness Jennifer L. , Warwick James M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement remains an integral investigation in clinical practice and is particularly important in the prediction and follow-up of renal side-effects of nephrotoxic chemotherapy in cancer patients. Knowing the coefficient of variation (CV) of a test is vital for the correct interpretation of serial studies. Recent difficulties with 51Cr-EDTA availability have renewed interest in 99mTc-DTPA, but there is a paucity of data on the test-retest variability of this radiopharmaceutical. Furthermore, the authors are unaware of published repeatability data in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to determine the CV of repeat 99mTc-DTPA GFR measurements in a clinical patient population that included cancer patients.

Methods

Patients who had undergone ≥2 GFR studies at our department between January 2009 and December 2019 were retrospectively identified. Patients with chronic kidney disease and those who had received chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery between measurements were excluded. The CV for each patient was calculated and the mean CVs of cancer and prospective renal donor groups were calculated and compared.

Results

Fifty-four patients were included in the final analysis. The mean CV in the cancer group (38 patients) was 8.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.9–10.2%] and in the renal donor group (16 patients) 7.1% (95% CI 4.2–10.1%). These figures did not differ significantly (P = 0.37). The groups were combined to calculate the final overall mean CV of 8.1% (95% CI 6.7–9.6%).

Conclusion

In both non-cancer and cancer patients the CV of GFR studies performed with 99mTc-DTPA was comparable with mostly 51Cr-EDTA figures presented in literature.
Comparing the diagnostic accuracy of 4D CT and 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wan Qi-chang , Li Jian-fang , Tang Lei-lei , Lv Jie , Xie Liang-jun , Li Jin-ping , Qin Lu-ping , Cheng Mu-hua
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and 4D CT for the localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Whether 4D CT combined to SPECT/CT [contrast-enhanced (CE)-SPECT/CT] had a better diagnostic performance than SPECT/CT alone in this scenario was also evaluated.

Material and methods

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies. To reduce interstudy heterogeneity, only studies with clear head-to-head comparison were included. Publication bias was assessed by the Deeks funnel plot. The pooled sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) for 4D CT, SPECT/CT and CE-SPECT/CT were determined by random-effect analysis, respectively.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 911 participants. The sensitivity and specificity of 4D CT were 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69–0.94] and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.96), whereas the sensitivity and specificity for SPECT/CT were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.51–0.82; P = 0.048 compared with 4D CT) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99; P = 0.014 compared with 4D CT), respectively. CE-SPECT/CT is comparable to SPECT/CT in specificity and AUC, but it may improve the sensitivity (although there was a lack of statistical difference, 0.87 vs. 0.78; P = 0.125).

Conclusion

Although 4D CT shows comparable AUC and borderline better sensitivity than SPECT/CT, its clinical application is confined by relatively low specificity and high radiation exposure. CE-SPECT/CT may improve the sensitivity without compromising the specificity and AUC of SPECT/CT.
Effect of fasting duration on myocardial fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in diabetic and nondiabetic patients
Authors: Huang Yung-Cheng , Hsu Chien-Chin , Wu Yi-Chen , Chen Hong-Jie , Chiu Nan-Tsing
Published: December 2020

Objective

To detect cardiac hypermetabolic lesions using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) with PET/computed tomography (PET/CT), the efficiency of long fasting and temperature condition for lowering physiological myocardial FDG uptake is controversial and may be confounded by other factors. We thus aimed to investigate the impact of fasting duration and ambient temperature on myocardial uptake in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Methods

FDG PET/CT scans (n = 666) were reviewed and the myocardial uptake was visually graded on a four-point scale and quantified using standardized uptake value (SUV). The associations between myocardial uptake and fasting duration, diabetes status, ambient temperature parameters, age, gender, and BMI were evaluated.

Results

Intraobserver [κ = 0.94; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.99] and interobserver (κ = 0.91; ICC = 0.99) reliabilities of both visual and SUV measurements were all excellent. Fasting duration and diabetes status were found to be significantly associated with myocardial FDG uptake, but the ambient temperature parameters and other factor were not. Patients with intense (Grade 4) myocardial uptake had a shorter fasting duration (P = 0.011). The SUVmax of myocardium was significantly higher in nondiabetic than diabetic patients (P < 0.001). Fasting duration ≥ 12 h in diabetic and ≥16 h in nondiabetic patients was associated with low prevalence of Grade 4 uptake (4.2%, P = 0.016; 2.3%, P = 0.028).

Conclusion

Fasting for long enough durations but not ambient temperature was associated with decreased physiological myocardial FDG uptake. A fasting duration of more than 12 h for diabetic, 16 h for nondiabetic patients is a simple and valuable recommendation.
Prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography metabolic parameters measured in the primary tumor and suspicious lymph nodes before neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Tustumi Francisco , Duarte Paulo Schiavom , Albenda David Gutiérrez , Takeda Flávio Roberto , Sallum Rubens Antonio Aissar , Junior Ulysses Ribeiro , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Cecconello Ivan
Published: December 2020

Background

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) metabolic parameters are prognostic indicators in several neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the maximum and average standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVavg), metabolic tumor value (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) measured in the primary tumor and suspicious lymph nodes preneoadjuvant therapy in patients submitted to surgical resection for esophageal cancer.

Methods

A cohort of 113 patients with esophageal cancer who performed 18F-FDG PET/CT preneoadjuvant therapy was assessed. The association of the SUV, MTV, and TLG measured in the primary tumor and in the suspicious lymph nodes with the overall survival was assessed. It was also analyzed other potentially confounding variables such as age, sex, clinical stage, and histologic subtype. The analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier curve, log-rank test, and Cox regression.

Results

The univariate analyses showed that the MTV and TLG in the primary tumor, the SUV in the suspicious lymph nodes, the age, the histologic subtype, and the clinical stage were associated with survival after surgery (P ≤ 0.05). In the Cox regression multivariate analyses, all variables identified in the univariate analyses but the clinical stage were associated with survival after surgery (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

In esophageal cancer patients, some of the 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters measured in the primary tumor and in the suspicious lymph nodes before the neoadjuvant therapy are independent indicators of overall survival and appear to be more important than the clinical stage in the prognostic definition of this group of patients.
Immunohistochemical Examination is Highly Sensitive and Specific for Detection of the V600E BRAF Mutation in Colorectal Serrated Lesions
Authors: Yamada Noriyuki , Eizuka Makoto , Sugimoto Ryo , Tanaka Yoshihito , Yanagawa Naoki , Yamano Hiroo , Suzuki Hiromu , Matsumoto Takayuki , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: December 2020

Mutations in BRAF are important events in colorectal serrated lesions and specific genetic markers for the serrated pathway. However, examination of BRAF mutations is not easy in routine histopathologic analyses. Here, the authors examined 73 colorectal serrated lesions, including 21 hyperplastic polyps, 32 traditional serrated adenomas, and 30 sessile serrated lesions, for comparison of BRAF mutation status with immunopositive expression of the anti-BRAF V600E mutation-specific antibody VE1. Thirty-two tubular adenomas (TAs) were examined as controls. In addition, 5 examples of sessile serrated lesion with dysplasia were included. Mutations in BRAF (exon 15; V600E) and KRAS (exon 2) were analyzed in serrated lesions and TAs using pyrosequencing. Finally, the authors compared BRAF mutations with immunohistochemical expression of VE1 antibodies against the BRAF V600E mutation, which was examined based on quantitative analyses and correlations between semiquantitative (0, 1+, or 2+) and quantitative results in colorectal serrated lesions. The cut-off value of VE1 expression (32%) was set based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In the current study, mutations in BRAF were well correlated with VE1 expression in serrated lesions, although no TAs without BRAF mutations were immunopositive. In contrast, serrated lesions and TAs with mutations in KRAS were not stained for VE1 expression. In serrated lesions, although the sensitivity was 96.2% to 100%, the specificity was 90.0% to 100%. In addition, there was also good correlation between semiquantitative and quantitative results. Analysis of BRAF V600E expression may be pathologically useful, particularly in routine histopathologic diagnosis.
PD-L1 Expression in Endocervical Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Rivera-Colon Glorimar , Chen Hao , Molberg Kyle , Niu Shuang , Strickland Amanda L. , Castrillon Diego H. , Carrick Kelley , Gwin Katja , Lea Jayanthi , Zheng Wenxin , Lucas Elena
Published: December 2020

Programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) expression has been used as a predictive marker for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and has been reported to have prognostic value. Its prevalence and significance in endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) remain underinvestigated. We evaluated PD-L1 expression and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density in whole tissue sections of 89 ECAs. PD-L1 expression was observed in 68% of ECAs by combined positive score (CPS, cutoff 1) and 29% of ECAs by tumor proportion score (TPS, cutoff 1%). Using CPS, PD-L1 expression was seen in 11%, 78%, and 72% of pattern A, B, and C tumors, respectively, with significantly higher expression in tumors with destructive-type invasion (B and C) (P=0.001 [A vs. B], 0.0006 [A vs. C], 0.0002 [A vs. B+C]). Using TPS, no significant difference in PD-L1 expression was seen between tumors with different invasion patterns (0%, 22%, and 32% in tumors with pattern A, B, and C, respectively; P=0.27 [A vs. B], 0.053 [A vs. C], 0.11 [A vs. B+C]). PD-L1-positive ECAs demonstrated significantly higher CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density (CPS: P=0.028; TPS: P=0.013) and worse progression-free survival when compared with PD-L1-negative ECAs (CPS: hazard ratio [HR]=4.253 vs. 0.235, P=0.025; TPS: HR=4.98 vs. 0.2; P=0.004). When invasion patterns were separately assessed, pattern C tumors similarly showed worse progression-free survival in PD-L1-positive tumors (CPS: HR=6.15 vs. 0.16, P=0.045; TPS: HR=3.78 vs. 0.26, P=0.027). In conclusion, our data show frequent PD-L1 expression in ECA with destructive-type invasion, supporting the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway as a therapeutic target for these tumors. Our data also support PD-L1 as a negative prognostic marker associated with a potentially unfavorable outcome.
Disclosure Concerns and Viral Suppression in People Newly Initiating HIV Care: The Role of Internalized HIV Stigma
Authors: Yigit Ibrahim , Bayramoglu Yunus , Weiser Sheri D. , Johnson Mallory O. , Mugavero Michael J. , Turan Janet M. , Turan Bulent
Published: December 2020

Background:

Research on how disclosure concerns affect health outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH) has yielded inconsistent results. Theoretically, disclosure concerns could predict either poorer antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence (PLWH worried about disclosure may not want to take their medication in front of others) or better ART adherence (stronger concerns may enhance treatment adherence to avoid unintentional disclosure). Furthermore, internalized stigma (which is positively associated with disclosure concerns) predicts worse ART adherence (an effect potentially in the opposite direction of the direct effect of disclosure concerns).

Setting/Methods:

One hundred eighty-six PLWH initiating HIV care at 4 US clinics completed measures of disclosure concerns, internalized stigma, and ART adherence. Viral load data were obtained from medical records. We examined the indirect effect of disclosure concerns on outcomes, adjusting for the suppressor effect of internalized stigma. That is, we examined whether the association between disclosure concerns and ART adherence/viral suppression is stronger and positive when controlling for the effect of internalized stigma.

Results:

Disclosure concerns were more strongly associated with better viral suppression and ART adherence when internalized stigma was in the model, suggesting that internalized stigma suppressed this association. Similarly, internalized stigma led to higher disclosure concerns, which in turn led to better ART adherence and higher likelihood of viral suppression. However, internalized stigma also had a direct effect in the opposite direction of this indirect effect.

Conclusions:

Findings highlight the importance of addressing effects of internalized stigma and disclosure concerns jointly when attempting to understand effects on health outcomes among new-to-care PLWH.
Trauma patient transport times unchanged despite trauma center proliferation: A 10-year review
Authors: Jones Michael D. , Paulus Jordan A. , Jacobs Jordan V. , Bogert James N. , Chapple Kristina M. , Soe-Lin Hahn , Weinberg Jordan A.
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION

In certain regions of the United States, there has been a dramatic proliferation of trauma centers. The goal of our study was to evaluate transport times during this period of trauma center proliferation.

METHODS

Aggregated data summarizing level I trauma center admissions in Arizona between 2009 and 2018 were provided to our institution by the Arizona Department of Health Services. We evaluated patient demographics, transport times, and injury severity for both rural and urban injuries.

RESULTS

Data included statistics summarizing 266,605 level I trauma admissions in the state of Arizona. The number of state-designated trauma centers during this time increased from 14 to 47, with level I centers increasing from 8 to 13. Slight decreases in mean Injury Severity Score (rural, 9.4 vs. 8.4; urban, 7.9 vs. 7.0) were observed over this period. Median transport time for cases transported from the injury scene directly to a level I center remained stable in urban areas at 0.9 hours in both 2009 and 2018. In rural areas, transport times for these cases were approximately double but also stable, with median times of 1.8 and 1.9 hours. Transport times for cases requiring interfacility transfer before admission at a level I center increased by 0.3 hours for urban injuries (5.3–5.6 hours) and 0.9 hours for rural injuries (5.6–6.5 hours).

CONCLUSION

Despite the threefold increase in the number of state-designated trauma centers, transport time has not decreased in urban or rural areas. This finding highlights the need for regulatory oversight regarding the number and geographic placement of state-designated trauma centers.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Care management, level IV, Epidemiological, level III.
Preparing a revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
Authors: Oren Aharon , Arahal David R. , Rosselló-Móra Ramon , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Moore Edward R. B.
Published: December 2020

The Editorial Board of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes here explains the proposed procedure towards the production of the next revision of the Prokaryotic Code, to include public discussion of a draft version, to be prepared by the editors, followed by balloting of the members of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes.
Spirosoma endbachense sp. nov., isolated from a natural salt meadow
Authors: Rojas Julian , Ambika Manirajan Binoy , Ratering Stefan , Suarez Christian , Geissler-Plaum Rita , Schnell Sylvia
Published: December 2020

A Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated I-24T, was isolated from soil of a natural salt meadow. Strain I-24T was aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, oxidase-positive and grew optimally at pH 7 and 25 °C. Comparative 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that strain I-24T has closest similarities to

Spirosoma agri

KCTC 52727T (95.9 %) and

Spirosoma terrae

KCTC 52035T (95.5 %). Strain I-24T contained summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c/C16 : 1
 ω6c) and C16 : 1
 ω5c as the major fatty acids, the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-7, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine as well as an unidentified phosphoaminolipid. The draft genome of strain I-24T consists of 10 326 072 base pairs with 9153 predicted coding sequences and a G+C content of 47.7 mol%. Clear distinctions between strain I-24T and

S. agri

KCTC 52727T or

S. terrae

KCTC 52035T were shown in the pairwise average nucleotide identity results with values of 76.71 and 74.01 %, respectively. Moreover, the digital DNA–DNA relatedness values to these strains were 20.8 and 19.0 %. Based on its phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain I-24T represents a novel species of the genus

Spirosoma

, for which the name Spirosoma endbachense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is I-24T (DSM 111055T=KCTC 72613T).
Role of favipiravir in the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe COVID-19: a single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study from Hungary
Authors: Szabo Balint Gergely , Lenart Katalin Szidonia , Petrik Borisz , Gaspar Zsofia , Balogh Zsofia , Banyai Zsuzsanna , Banyasz Emese , Budai Jozsef , Czel Eszter , Fried Katalin , Hanuska Adrienn , Kiss-Dala Noemi , Lorinczi Csaba , Nemesi Krisztina , Kadar Janos , Nagy Eva Livia , Osvald Akos , Petrovicz Edina , Riczu Alexandra , Szanka Judit , Szathmary Beata , Szombati Andrea , Toth Szilvia , Varnai Zsuzsanna , Woller Orsolya , Szlavik Janos , Lakatos Botond
Published: December 2020

Background

Preliminary data suggests that favipiravir might have a role in COVID-19 treatment. Our aim was to assess the role of favipiravir in the treatment of COVID-19.

Methods

A single-center, prospective, observational, sequential cohort study was performed among consecutive adults hospitalized with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between March– July,2020. Patients were screened for inclusion bya prioricriteria, and were included in the favipiravir cohort if SOC+FVP, or the non-favipiravir group if SOC±other antiviral medications without FVP were administered for >48 hours. Treatment allocation was done per national guidelines. For COVID-19 diagnosis and severity, ECDC and WHO definitions were utilized, and dailyper protocolhospital follow-up was done. Primary composite end-point was disease progression (14-day all-cause death, need for mechanical ventilation, or immunomodulatory therapy). For statistical comparison, Fisher’s exact test and Mann– Whitney U-test were used.

Results

In all, 75 patients were included per cohort. In the FVP cohort, chronic heart disease (36/75, 48.0% vs. 16/75, 21.3%, p<0.01) and diabetes mellitus (23/75, 30.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p<0.01) were more prevalent, hospital LOS (18.5±15.5 days vs. 13.0±8.5 days, p<0.01) was higher. Disease progression (17/75, 22.7% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.13), 14-day all-cause death (9/75, 12.0% vs. 10/75, 13.3%, p=0.8) and need for mechanical ventillation (8/75, 10.7% vs. 4/75, 5.3%, p=0.22) were similar between groups. Immunomodulatory therapies were administered frequently among patients receiving FVP (10/75, 13.3% vs. 1/75, 1.3%, p<0.01).

Conclusions

In this study, favipiravir did not seem to affect disease progression. Further data are needed to position this drug among the anti-SARS-CoV-2 armamentarium.
Positive correlation between long term emission of several air pollutants and COVID-19 deaths in Sweden
Authors: Helander Lars
Published: December 2020

Several recent studies have found troubling links between air pollution and both incidence and mortality of COVID-19, the pandemic disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Here, we investigate whether such a link can be found also in Sweden, a country with low population density and a relatively good air quality in general, with low background levels of important pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO2. The investigation is carried out by relating normalized emission levels of several air pollutants to normalized COVID-19 deaths at the municipality level, after applying a sieve function using an empirically determined threshold value to filter out noise. We find a fairly strong correlation for PM2.5, PM10 and SO2, and a moderate one for NOx. We find no correlation neither for CO, nor (as expected) for CO2. Our results are statistically significant and the calculations are simple and easily verifiable. Since the study considers only emission levels of air pollutants and not measurements of air quality, climatic and meteorological factors (such as average wind speeds) can trivially be ruled out as confounders. Finally, we also show that although there are small positive correlations between population density and COVID-19 deaths in the studied municipalities (which are for the most part rural and non densely populated) they are either weak or not statistically significant.
Expression patterns ofHMGA2in the placenta during pregnancy
Authors: Burchardt Lars , Gottlieb Andrea , Helmke Burkhard M. , Wosniok Werner , Kuepker Wolfgang , Bullerdiek Jörn
Published: December 2020

Background

High-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2)expression can be detected in many embryonic and fetal tissues but becomes down-regulated during postnatal life except for many benign and malignant tumors. In the latter case, its expression has been correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasive growth. The placenta contributes essentially to proper development of the embryo and the fetus. In a tumor-like manner it shows rapid invasive growth during the first weeks of gestation. To address the possible role of HMGA2 during placental development, we have measured its expression throughout the prenatal period and in term placentae by mRNA quantification as well as by immunohistochemistry.

Methods

Expression ofHMGA2andHPRTwas measured on 89 fetal placentas, encompassing calendar gestational age of five to 41 weeks, using quantitative real time-PCR. In eleven cases in addition immunohistochemistry was used to determine the localization of HMGA2 and to compare with data obtained by quantitative real time-PCR.

Results

The expression ofHMGA2was found to be inversely correlated with gestational age (p< 0.001). For the first part of the first trimester the level ofHMGA2is high. After that the expression shows a decline down to a baseline level where it remains until birth. HMGA2 protein was mainly detected in the nuclei of the stromal cells in the placental villi.

Conclusions

During pregnancy, the expression ofHMGA2follows a non-linear pattern of decrease. In the first trimester, from two to three weeks after the implantation of the conceptus until the blood supply is established (hypoxic phase), the expression is high, indicating a critical role during early development and in the control of its invasive behavior, respectively.
Six-month antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers assessed by virus neutralisation and commercial assays
Authors: Bal Antonin , Trabaud Mary-Anne , Fassier Jean-Baptiste , Rabilloud Muriel , Saker Kahina , Langlois-Jacques Carole , Guibert Nicolas , d’Aubarede Constance , Paul Adèle , Alfaiate Dulce , Massardier-Pilonchery Amélie , Pitiot Virginie , Morfin-Sherpa Florence , Lina Bruno , Pozzetto Bruno , Trouillet-Assant Sophie
Published: December 2020

We conducted a prospective study in healthcare workers (n=296) of the University Hospital of Lyon, France. Serum samples (n=296) collected six months after disease onset were tested using three commercial assays: the Wantai Ab assay detecting total antibodies against the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S protein, the bioMerieux Vidas assay detecting IgG to the RBD and the Abbott Architect assay detecting IgG to the N protein. The neutralising antibody (NAb) titre was also determined for all samples with a virus neutralisation assay (VNA) using live virus. The positivity rate was 100% with the Wantai assay, 84.8% with the bioMerieux assay and 55.4% with the Abbott assay. Only 51% of HCWs were positive for the presence of NAb. Less than 10 % of HCWs had a NAb titre greater than 80. At a neutralising titre of 80, the area under the curves [IC 95%] was 0.71 [0.62-0.81], 0.75 [0.65-0.85] and 0.95 [0.92-0.97] for Wantai, Abbott and Vidas respectively. The data presented herein suggest that commercial assays detecting antibodies against the N protein must not be used in long-term seroprevalence surveys while the Wantai assay could be useful for this purpose. VNA should remain the gold standard to assess the protective antibody response, but some commercial assays could be used as first-line screening of long-term presence of NAb.
Cardiac Gq receptors and calcineurin activation are not required for the hypertrophic response to mechanical left ventricular pressure overload
Authors: Yu Ze-Yan , Gong Hutao , Wu Jianxin , Dai Yun , Kesteven Scott H , Fatkin Diane , Martinac Boris , Graham Robert M , Feneley Michael P
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Gq-coupled receptors are thought to play a critical role in the induction of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to pressure overload, although mechano-sensitive channel activation by a variety of mechanisms has also been proposed, and the relative importance of calcineurin- and calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII)-dependent hypertrophic pathways remains controversial.

Objective

To determine the mechanisms regulating the induction of LVH in response to mechanical pressure overload.

Methods and Results

Transgenic mice with cardiac-targeted inhibition of Gq-coupled receptors (GqI mice) and their non-transgenic littermates (NTL) were subjected to neurohumoral stimulation (continuous, subcutaneous angiotensin II (AngII) infusion for 14 days) or mechanical pressure overload (transverse aortic arch constriction (TAC) for 21 days) to induce LVH. Candidate signalling pathway activation was examined. As expected, LVH observed in NTL mice with AngII infusion was attenuated in heterozygous (GqI+/-) mice and absent in homozygous (GqI-/-) mice. In contrast, LVH due to TAC was unaltered by either heterozygous or homozygous Gq inhibition. Gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and α-skeletal actin (α-SA) was increased 48 hours after AngII infusion or TAC in NTL mice; in GqI mice, the increases in ANP, BNP and α-SA in response to AngII were completely absent, as expected, but all three increased after TAC. Increased nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells c4 (NFATc4), indicating calcineurin pathway activation, occurred in NTL mice with AngII infusion but not TAC, and was prevented in GqI mice infused with AngII. Nuclear and cytoplasmic CaMKIIδ levels increased in both NTL and GqI mice after TAC but not AngII infusion, with increased cytoplasmic phospho- and total histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and increased nuclear myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) levels.

Conclusion

Cardiac Gq receptors and calcineurin activation are required for neurohumorally mediated LVH but are not required for LVH induced by mechanical pressure overload (TAC); the latter is mediated by activation of the CaMKII-HDAC4-MEF2 pathway.
A first assessment of the distribution and abundance of large pelagic species at Cocos Ridge seamounts (Eastern Tropical Pacific) using drifting pelagic baited remote cameras
Authors: Cambra Marta , Lara-Lizardi Frida , Peñaherrera Cesar , Hearn Alex , Ketchum James T. , Zarate Patricia , Chacón Carlos , Suárez-Moncada Jenifer , Herrera Esteban , Espinoza Mario
Published: December 2020

Understanding the link between seamounts and large pelagic species (LPS) is critical for guiding management and conservation efforts in open water ecosystems. The seamounts along the Cocos Ridge in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) are thought to play a critical role for LPS moving between Cocos Island (Costa Rica) and Galapagos Islands (Ecuador). However, to date, research efforts to understand pelagic community structure beyond the borders of these oceanic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been limited. This study used drifting-pelagic baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) to characterize the distribution and relative abundance of LPS at Cocos Ridge seamounts. Our drifting-pelagic BRUVS detected a total of 21 species including sharks, large teleosts, small teleosts, dolphins and one sea turtle, of which 4 are threatened species. Relative abundance and richness of LPS was significantly higher at shallow seamounts (<400m) compared to deeper ones (>400m) suggesting that seamount depth could be an important driver structuring LPS assemblages along the Cocos Ridge. Our cameras provided the first visual evidence of the schooling behaviour ofS. lewiniat two shallow seamounts outside the protection limits of Cocos and Galapagos Islands. However, further research is still needed to demonstrate a positive association between LPS and Cocos Ridge seamounts. Our findings showed that drifting pelagic BRUVS are an effective tool to survey LPS in fully pelagic ecosystems of the ETP. This study represents the first step towards the standardization of this technique throughout the region.
Integrated scRNA-seq analysis identifies conserved transcriptomic features of mononuclear phagocytes in mouse and human atherosclerosis
Authors: Zernecke Alma , Erhard Florian , Weinberger Tobias , Schulz Christian , Ley Klaus , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Cochain Clément
Published: December 2020

Rationale

Accumulation of mononuclear phagocytes (monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells) in the vessel wall is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Although single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has shed new light on immune cell transcriptional diversity in atherosclerosis, it is still unknown whether the transcriptional states of mononuclear phagocytes are conserved between mouse and human atherosclerosis.

Objective

To integrate and compare macrophage and dendritic cell transcriptomes in mouse and human atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

We integrated 12 scRNA-seq datasets of immune cells isolated from healthy or atherosclerotic mouse aortas, and scRNA-seq data from 11 patients (n=4 coronary vessels, n=7 carotid endarterectomy specimens) from two independent studies. Integration of mouse data recovered previously described macrophage populations and identified novel subpopulations with discrete transcriptomic signatures within populations of aortic resident (Lyve1), inflammatory (Il1b), as well as foamy (Trem2hi) macrophages. We identified unique transcriptomic features distinguishing aortic intimal resident macrophages from atherosclerosis-associatedTrem2himacrophages. Also, populations ofXcr1+type 1 classical dendritic cells (cDC1),Cd209a+cDC2 and mature DCs (Ccr7, Fscn1) were detected. In humans, we uncovered macrophage and dendritic cell populations with gene expression patterns similar to those observed in mice in both vascular beds. In particular, core transcripts of thefoamy/Trem2hisignature (TREM2, SPP1, GPNMB, CD9) mapped to a specific population of macrophages in human lesions. Cross-species data integration demonstrated transcriptionally proximal macrophage and dendritic cell populations in mice and humans.

Conclusions

We demonstrate conserved transcriptomics features of macrophages and dendritic cells in atherosclerosis in mice and humans, emphasizing the relevance of mouse models to study mononuclear phagocytes in atherosclerosis.
Developmental loss of ErbB4 in PV interneurons disrupts state-dependent cortical circuit dynamics
Authors: Batista-Brito Renata , Majumdar Antara , Nuno Alejandro , Vinck Martin , Cardin Jessica A.
Published: December 2020

GABAergic inhibition plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of cortical circuits during development. Neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) and its interneuron-specific receptor ErbB4 are key elements of a signaling pathway critical for the maturation and proper synaptic connectivity of interneurons. Using conditional deletions of theERBB4gene in mice, we tested the role of this signaling pathway at two developmental timepoints in parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons, the largest subpopulation of cortical GABAergic cells. Loss of ErbB4 in PV interneurons during embryonic, but not late postnatal, development leads to alterations in the activity of excitatory and inhibitory cortical neurons, along with severe disruption of cortical temporal organization. These impairments emerge by the end of the second postnatal week, prior to the complete maturation of the PV interneurons themselves. Early loss of ErbB4 in PV interneurons also results in profound dysregulation of excitatory pyramidal neuron dendritic architecture and a redistribution of spine density at the apical dendritic tuft. In association with these deficits, excitatory cortical neurons exhibit normal tuning for sensory inputs, but a loss of state-dependent modulation of the gain of sensory responses. Together these data support a key role for early developmental Nrg1/ErbB4 signaling in PV interneurons as powerful mechanism underlying the maturation of both the inhibitory and excitatory components of cortical circuits.
Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 without human intervention to combat COVID-19 using drone technology
Authors: Manigandan Sekar , Thaloor Ramesh Praveen Kumar , Chi Nguyen Thuy Lan , Brindhadevi Kathirvel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The focus of the current study to combat the ongoing pandemic by preventing the transmission using the Unmanned aerial vehicle system. The transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic can be avoided only by finding the infectious person at the right time. Despite the thermal scanning camera and artificial intelligence technology, finding the infectious individual at many occasions has become questionable.

Design/methodology/approach

The drones are equipped with the thermal vision camera to detect the human body temperature. In addition, they are equipped with the disinfect tank to sanitize the indoor and outdoor environments based on the requirement.

Findings

Once the lockdown eased, the experts fear that the infection rate can increase in the high-density population countries such as India. The drone with thermal screening and day vision camera can detect the infection of the person without any human intervention. Further, they can also be used to disinfect the public places by aerial spraying.

Practical implications

Using the drones to monitor the work places, shopping mall and education institution to identify the mask through artificial intelligence is viable without human intervention in short span of time.

Originality/value

COVID-19 impact on the global was awful. Finding a suitable technology to combat the COVID-19 is much necessary. This conceptual study proposed to use drone technology to identify the infection at right time even on densely populated streets. Further, artificial technology can be used to detect the person who was not wearing mask. Added to above, disinfect tank can be mounted to sanitize the area in the required places.
Estimation of a term structure model of carbon prices through state spaces methods: a pitch
Authors: Aspinall Thomas William , Gepp Adrian , Harris Geoff , Kelly Simone , Southam Colette , Vanstone Bruce
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The pitching research template (PRT) is designed to help pitchers identify the core elements that form the framework of any research project. This paper aims to provide a brief commentary on an application of the PRT to pitch an environmental finance research topic with a personal reflection on the pitch exercise discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies the PRT developed by Faff (2015, 2019) to a research project on estimating the strength of carbon pricing signals under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme.

Findings

The PRT is found to be a valuable tool to refine broad ideas into impactful and novel research contributions. The PRT is recommended for use by all academics regardless of field and particularly PhD students to structure and communicate their research ideas. The PRT is found to be particularly well suited to pitch replication studies, as it effectively summarizes both the “idea” and proposed “twist” of a replication study.

Originality/value

This letter is a reflection on a research teams experience with applying the PRT to pitch a replication study at the 2020 Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand event. This event focused on replicable research and was a unique opportunity for research teams to pitch their replication research ideas.