bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in 3-month mineral and bone disorder patterns were associated with all-cause mortality in prevalent hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kato Chihiro , Fujii Naohiko , Miyakoshi Chisato , Asada Shinji , Onishi Yoshihiro , Fukuma Shingo , Nomura Takanobu , Wada Michihito , Fukagawa Masafumi , Fukuhara Shunichi , Akizawa Tadao
Published: October 2020

Background

There is limited evidence on the association between short-term changes in mineral and bone disorder parameters and survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We investigated the association between changing patterns of phosphorus, calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Each parameter was divided into three categories (low [L], middle [M] and high [H]), and the changing patterns between two consecutive visits at 3-month intervals were categorized into nine groups (e.g., L-L and M-H). The middle category was defined as 4.0–7.0 mg/dL for phosphorous, 8.5–9.5 mg/dL for calcium and 200–500 pg/mL for intact parathyroid hormone. Adjusted incidence rates and rate ratios were analyzed by weighted Poisson regression models accounting for time-dependent exposures.

Results

For phosphorus, shifts from low/high to middle category (L-M/H-M) were associated with a lower mortality compared with the L-L and H–H groups, whereas shifts from middle to low/high category (M-L/M-H) were associated with a higher mortality compared with the M-M group. For calcium, shifts from low/middle to high category (L–H/M-H) were associated with a higher mortality compared with the L-L and M-M groups, whereas shifts from high to middle category (H-M) were associated with a lower mortality compared with the H–H group. For intact parathyroid hormone, shifts from low to middle category (L-M) were associated with a lower mortality compared with the L-L group.

Conclusions

Changes in the 3-month patterns of phosphorus and calcium toward the middle category were associated with lower mortality. Our study also suggests the importance of avoiding hypercalcemia.
Venetoclax and alvocidib are both cytotoxic to acute myeloid leukemia cells resistant to cytarabine and clofarabine
Authors: Nishi Rie , Shigemi Hiroko , Negoro Eiju , Okura Miyuki , Hosono Naoko , Yamauchi Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Background

Cytarabine (ara-C) is the major drug for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but cellular resistance to ara-C is a major obstacle to therapeutic success. The present study examined enhanced anti-apoptosis identified in 3 newly established nucleoside analogue-resistant leukemic cell line variants and approaches to overcoming this resistance.

Methods

HL-60 human AML cells were used to develop the ara-C– or clofarabine (CAFdA)-resistant variants. The Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the Mcl-1 inhibitor alvocidib were tested to determine whether they could reverse these cells’ resistance.

Results

A 10-fold ara-C-resistant HL-60 variant, a 4-fold CAFdA-resistant HL-60 variant, and a 30-fold CAFdA-resistant HL-60 variant were newly established. The variants demonstrated reduced deoxycytidine kinase and deoxyguanosine kinase expression, but intact expression of surface transporters (hENT1, hENT2, hCNT3). The variants exhibited lower expression of intracellular nucleoside analogue triphosphates compared with non-variant HL-60 cells. The variants also overexpressed Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Venetoclax as a single agent was not cytotoxic to the resistant variants. Nevertheless, venetoclax with nucleoside analogs demonstrated synergistic cytotoxicity against the variants. Alvocidib as a single agent was cytotoxic to the cells. However, alvocidib induced G1 arrest and suppressed the cytotoxicity of the co-administered nucleoside analogs.

Conclusions

Three new nucleoside analogue-resistant HL-60 cell variants exhibited reduced production of intracellular analogue triphosphates and enhanced Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 expressions. Venetoclax combined with nucleoside analogs showed synergistic anti-leukemic effects and overcame the drug resistance.
Identification of common signatures in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer using gene expression modeling
Authors: Leng Dong , Yi Jiawen , Xiang Maodong , Zhao Hongying , Zhang Yuhui
Published: October 2020

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer, but the underlying mechanisms driving malignant transformation remain largely unknown. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) distinguishing IPF and lung cancer from healthy individuals and common genes driving the transformation from healthy to IPF and lung cancer.

Methods

The gene expression data for IPF and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The DEG signatures were identified via unsupervised two-way clustering (TWC) analysis, supervised support vector machine analysis, dimensional reduction, and mutual exclusivity analysis. Gene enrichment and pathway analyses were performed to identify common signaling pathways. The most significant signature genes in common among IPF and lung cancer were further verified by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The gene expression data from GSE24206 and GSE18842 were merged into a super array dataset comprising 86 patients with lung disorders (17 IPF and 46 NSCLC) and 51 healthy controls and measuring 23,494 unique genes. Seventy-nine signature DEGs were found among IPF and NSCLC. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was the most enriched pathway associated with lung disorders, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in this pathway was mutually exclusive with several genes in IPF and NSCLC. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis verified enhanced MMP1 expression in NSCLC associated with IPF.

Conclusions

For the first time, we defined common signature genes for IPF and NSCLC. The mutually exclusive sets of genes were potential drivers for IPF and NSCLC.
Relationship between formulaic breast volume and risk of breast cancer based on linear measurements
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Zhou Chunlan , Wu Yanni , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2020

Background

Whether breast volume is a risk factor for breast cancer is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether a significant association between breast volume and risk of breast cancer, based on linear measurements, was present by applying propensity score matching (PSM).

Methods

The study was designed as a hospital-based case-control study. Between March 2018 and May 2019, 208 cases and 340 controls were retrospectively reviewed. Information on menarche, smoking, feeding mode, oral contraceptives, reproductive history and family history was obtained through a structured questionnaire. Breast volume was calculated using a formula based on linear measurements of breast parameters. Cox regression and PSM were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for breast cancer using risk factors adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

There was a significant difference in breast volume between the two groups before propensity score matching (P = 0.014). Binary logistic regression showed that the risk of breast cancer was slightly higher in the case group with larger breast volumes than in the control group(P = 0.009, OR = 1.002, 95%CI:1.000 ~ 1.003). However, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups using an independent sampleMann-Whitney Utest (P = 0.438) or conditional logistic regression (P = 0.446).

Conclusions

After PSM for potential confounding factors, there is no significant difference in breast volume estimated by BREAST-V formula between the case group and the control group. The risk of breast cancer may not be related to breast volume in Chinese women.
Evaluations of knowledge, skills and practices of insulin storage and injection handling techniques of diabetic patients in Ethiopian primary hospitals
Authors: Netere Adeladlew Kassie , Ashete Eyayaw , Gebreyohannes Eyob Alemayehu , Belachew Sewunet Admasu
Published: October 2020

Background

Insulin is an effective therapeutic agent in the management of diabetes, but also sensitive to the external environment. Consequently, diabetic patients’ adherence to insulin delivery recommendations is critical for better effectiveness. Patients’ lack of knowledge, skill and irrational practices towards appropriate insulin delivery techniques may end up in therapeutic failure and increase costs of therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ knowledge, skills and practices of insulin storage and injection techniques.

Methods

An interview-based cross-sectional study was conducted through purposive selection of participants in Northwest Ethiopian primary hospitals from March 1 to May 30, 2019. Levels of knowledge were assessed with right or wrong responses, while practice was measured by using a 4-point Likert scale structured questionnaire collected via face-to-face interviews. Likewise, a five-point observational (demonstration) techniques checklist employed to assess patients’ skills.

Results

Among 194 patients approached, 166 participants completed the survey giving a response rate of 85.6%. More than half of the respondents (54.8%) were males and the mean age (±SD) was 38.5 ± 13.8 years. The overall patients’ median knowledge and practice levels on insulin storage and handling techniques were moderately adequate (64.3%) and fair (55.4%), respectively. In patients’ skill assessments, 94.6% correctly showed injection sites, 70% indicated injection site rotations, and 60.75% practiced injection site rotations. Education (P < 0.001), duration of insulin therapy (P = 0.008), and duration of diabetes (P = 0.014) had significant impact on knowledge level. Education (P < 0.001), occupation (P < 0.001), duration of insulin therapy (P = 0.001), duration of diabetes (P = 0.036) and patients’ knowledge level (P < 0.001) were found to have a significant effects on the patients’ practice levels. A Mann-Whitney U test also disclosed that residency, ways to get insulin and mocked injection technique during the first training had significant effects on patients’ knowledge levels.

Conclusion

The current study revealed that patients had moderately adequate knowledge and fair practice levels on insulin storage and handling techniques. However, patients missed important insulin administration skills. This study highlights the need of regular public health education so as to enhance the patients’ knowledge, skill and practice levels on insulin handling techniques.
Trajectories of vital status parameters and risk of mortality among acute organophosphorus poisoning patients – a latent class growth analysis
Authors: Farooqui Waqas Ahmed , Uddin Mudassir , Qadeer Rashid , Shafique Kashif
Published: October 2020

Background

Acute organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is one of the major causes of mortality among patients presenting to emergency departments in developing countries. Although various predictors of mortality among OP poisoning patients have been identified, the role of repeated measurements of vital signs in determining the risk of mortality is not yet clear.

Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between trajectories of vital signs and mortality among OP poisoning patients using latent class growth analysis (LCGA).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data for 449 OP poisoning patients admitted to Civil-Hospital Karachi from Aug’10 to Sep’16. Demographic data and vital signs, including body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and partial-oxygen pressure, were retrieved from medical records. The trajectories of vital signs were formed using LCGA, and these trajectories were applied as independent variables to determine the risk of mortality using Cox-proportional hazards models. P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Data for 449 patients, with a mean age of 25.4 years (range 13–85 years), were included. Overall mortality was 13.4%(n = 60). In trajectory analysis, a low-declining systolic blood pressure, high-declining heart rate trajectory, high-remitting respiratory rate trajectory and normal-remitting partial-oxygen pressure trajectory resulted in the greatest mortality, i.e. 38.9,40.0,50.0, and 60.0%, respectively, compared with other trajectories of the same parameters. Based on multivariable analysis, patients with low-declining systolic blood pressure were three times [HR:3.0,95%CI:1.2–7.1] more likely to die compared with those who had a normal-stable systolic blood pressure. Moreover, patients with a high-declining heart rate were three times [HR:3.0,95%CI:1.5–6.2] more likely to die compared with those who had a high-stable heart rate. Patients with a high-remitting respiratory rate were six times [HR:5.7,95%CI:1.3–23.8] more likely to die than those with a high-stable respiratory rate. Patients with normal-remitting partial oxygen pressure were five times [HR:4.7,95%CI:1.4–15.1] more likely to die compared with those who had a normal-stable partial-oxygen pressure.

Conclusion

The trajectories of systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and partial-oxygen pressure were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality among OP poisoning patients.
Implementing social accountability for contraceptive services: lessons from Uganda
Authors: Boydell Victoria , Nulu Nanono , Hardee Karen , Gay Jill
Published: October 2020

Background

Growing evidence shows that social accountability contributes to improving health care services, with much promise for addressing women’s barriers in contraceptive care. Yet little is known about how social accountability works in the often-complex context of sexual and reproductive health, particularly as sex and reproduction can be sensitive topics in the open and public formats typical of social accountability. This paper explores how social accountability operates in the highly gendered and complex context of contraceptive care.

Methods

This exploratory research uses a case study approach to provide a more grounded understanding of how social accountability processes operate in the context of contraceptive information and services. We observed two social accountability projects that predominantly focused on contraceptive care in Uganda over a year. Five instruments were used to capture information from different source materials and multiple respondents. In total, one hundred and twenty-eight interviews were conducted and over 1000 pages of project documents were collected. Data were analyzed and compiled into four case studies that provide a thick description of how these two projects operated.

Results

The case studies show the critical role of information, dialogue and negotiation in social accountability in the context of contraceptive care. Improved community and health system relationships, community empowerment, provider and health system responsiveness and enhanced availability and access to services were reported in both projects. There were also changes in how different actors related to themselves and to each other, and contraceptive care, a previously taboo topic, became a legitimate area for public dialogue.

Conclusion

The study found that while social accountability in the context of contraceptive services is indeed sensitive, it can be a powerful tool to dissolving resistance to family planning and facilitating a more productive discourse on the topic.
Ratings of performance in multisource feedback: comparing performance theories of residents and nurses
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Govaerts Marjan , Afzal Azam , Ali Syed Ahsan , Zehra Tabassum
Published: October 2020

Background

Multisource feedback (MSF) is increasingly being used to assess trainee performance, with different assessor groups fulfilling a crucial role in utility of assessment data. However, in health professions education, research on assessor behaviors in MSF is limited. When assessing trainee performance in work settings, assessors use multidimensional conceptualizations of what constitutes effective performance, also called personal performance theories, to distinguish between various behaviors and sub competencies., This may not only explain assessor variability in Multi Source Feedback, but also result in differing acceptance (and use) of assessment data for developmental purposes.

The purpose of this study was to explore performance theories of various assessor groups (residents and nurses) when assessing performance of residents.

Methods

A constructivist, inductive qualitative research approach and semi-structured interviews following MSF were used to explore performance theories of 14 nurses and 15 residents in the department of internal medicine at Aga Khan University (AKU).

Inductive thematic content analysis of interview transcripts was used to identify and compare key dimensions in residents’ and nurses’ performance theories used in evaluation of resident performance.

Results

Seven major themes, reflecting key dimensions of assessors’ performance theories, emerged from the qualitative data, namely; communication skills, patient care, accessibility, teamwork skills, responsibility, medical knowledge and professional attitude. There were considerable overlaps, but also meaningful differences in the performance theories of residents and the nurses, especially with respect to accessibility, teamwork and medical knowledge.

Conclusion

Residents’ and nurses’ performance theories for assessing resident performance overlap to some extent, yet also show meaningful differences with respect to the performance dimensions they pay attention to or consider most important. In MSF, different assessor groups may therefore hold different performance theories, depending on their role. Our results further our understanding of assessor source effects in MSF. Implications of our findings are related to implementation of MSF, design of rating scales as well as interpretation and use of MSF data for selection and performance improvement.
Can care coordination across levels be improved through the implementation of participatory action research interventions? Outcomes and conditions for sustaining changes in five Latin American countries
Authors: Vargas Ingrid , Eguiguren Pamela , Mogollón-Pérez Amparo-Susana , Samico Isabella , Bertolotto Fernando , López-Vázquez Julieta , Vázquez María-Luisa
Published: October 2020

Background

Finding new strategies for care integration has become a policy priority for many fragmented health systems in Latin America. Although the implementation of interventions through a participatory action research (PAR) approach is considered to be more effective in achieving organizational change, its application is scarce.

This study, part of the research project Equity-LA II, aims to analyze the impact of PAR interventions on care coordination across levels, and key aspects for their sustainability and transferability, from the stakeholder viewpoint in healthcare networks of Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay. Different interventions were designed and implemented through a PAR process to improve communication and clinical agreement between primary care and secondary care doctors: joint meetings to discuss clinical cases and/or training; shared care guidelines; offline virtual consultations; a referral and reply letter; and an induction program.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study was conducted in the healthcare network of each country. Focus groups and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with a criterion sample of participants: local steering committee (29) and professional platform members (28), other health professionals (49) and managers (28). Thematic content analysis was conducted, segmented by country and type of intervention.

Results

Informants highlighted that joint meetings based on reflexive methods contributed substantially to improving contextually relevant elements of clinical management coordination – communication in patient follow-up, clinical agreement, appropriateness of referrals – and also administrative coordination. The meetings, alongside the PAR process, also helped to improve interaction between professionals – knowing each other personally and mutual trust – thus fostering willingness to collaborate. The PAR approach, moreover, served to spread awareness of the coordination problems and need for intervention, encouraging greater commitment and interest in participating. No noteworthy contributions were identified in remaining interventions due to low uptake. A necessary condition for the sustainability and replicability was that PAR process had to be used appropriately in a favourable context.

Conclusions

Evidence is provided on the substantial contribution of interventions to improving locally relevant clinical coordination elements and professional interaction when implemented through an adequate PAR process (in terms of time, method and participation levels), a necessary condition for their sustainability and replicability.
A comprehensive RNA handling and transcriptomics guide for high-throughput processing of Plasmodium blood-stage samples
Authors: Kucharski Michal , Tripathi Jaishree , Nayak Sourav , Zhu Lei , Wirjanata Grennady , van der Pluijm Rob W. , Dhorda Mehul , Dondorp Arjen , Bozdech Zbynek
Published: October 2020

Background

Sequencing technology advancements opened new opportunities to use transcriptomics for studying malaria pathology and epidemiology. Even though in recent years the study of whole parasite transcriptome proved to be essential in understanding parasite biology there is no compiled up-to-date reference protocol for the efficient generation of transcriptome data from growing number of samples. Here, a comprehensive methodology on how to preserve, extract, amplify, and sequence full-length mRNA transcripts from Plasmodium-infected blood samples is presented that can be fully streamlined for high-throughput studies.

Results

The utility of various commercially available RNA-preserving reagents in a range of storage conditions was evaluated. Similarly, several RNA extraction protocols were compared and the one most suitable method for the extraction of high-quality total RNA from low-parasitaemia and low-volume blood samples was established. Furthermore, the criteria needed to evaluate the quality and integrity of Plasmodium RNA in the presence of human RNA was updated. Optimization of SMART-seq2 amplification method to better suit AT-rich Plasmodium falciparum RNA samples allowed us to generate high-quality transcriptomes from as little as 10 ng of total RNA and a lower parasitaemia limit of 0.05%. Finally, a modified method for depletion of unwanted human haemoglobin transcripts using in vitro CRISPR-Cas9 treatment was designed, thus improving parasite transcriptome coverage in low parasitaemia samples. To prove the functionality of the pipeline for both laboratory and field strains, the highest  2-hour resolution RNA-seq transcriptome for P. falciparum 3D7 intraerythrocytic life cycle available to  date was generated, and the entire protocol was applied to create the largest transcriptome data from Southeast Asian field isolates.

Conclusions

Overall, the presented methodology is an inclusive pipeline for generation of good quality transcriptomic data from a diverse range of Plasmodium-infected blood samples with varying parasitaemia and RNA inputs. The flexibility of this pipeline to be adapted to robotic handling will facilitate both small and large-scale future transcriptomic studies in the field of malaria.
Closing the system: production of viral antigen-presenting dendritic cells eliciting specific CD8+ T cell activation in fluorinated ethylene propylene cell culture bags
Authors: Bastien Jean-Philippe , Fekete Natalie , Beland Ariane V. , Lachambre Marie-Paule , Laforte Veronique , Juncker David , Dave Vibhuti , Roy Denis-Claude , Hoesli Corinne A.
Published: October 2020

Background

A major obstacle to anti-viral and -tumor cell vaccination and T cell immunotherapy is the ability to produce dendritic cells (DCs) in a suitable clinical setting. It is imperative to develop closed cell culture systems to accelerate the translation of promising DC-based cell therapy products to the clinic. The objective of this study was to investigate whether viral antigen-loaded monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) capable of eliciting specific T cell activation can be manufactured in fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) bags.

Methods

Mo-DCs were generated through a protocol applying cytokine cocktails combined with lipopolysaccharide or with a CMV viral peptide antigen in conventional tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) or FEP culture vessels. Research-scale (< 10 mL) FEP bags were implemented to increase R&D throughput. DC surface marker profiles, cytokine production, and ability to activate antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells were characterized.

Results

Monocyte differentiation into Mo-DCs led to the loss of CD14 expression with concomitant upregulation of CD80, CD83 and CD86. Significantly increased levels of IL-10 and IL-12 were observed after maturation on day 9. Antigen-pulsed Mo-DCs activated antigen-responsive CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. No significant differences in surface marker expression or tetramer-specific T cell activating potency of Mo-DCs were observed between TCPS and FEP culture vessels.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that viral antigen-loaded Mo-DCs produced in downscaled FEP bags can elicit specific T cell responses. In view of the dire clinical need for closed system DC manufacturing, FEP bags represent an attractive option to accelerate the translation of promising emerging DC-based immunotherapies.
Assessment of EN-RAGE, sRAGE and EN-RAGE/sRAGE as potential biomarkers in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Wu Rui , Liu Yan , Yan Ruyu , Liu Xiaoyu , Duan Liang
Published: October 2020

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a liver disease characterized by the autoimmune-induced injury of hepatocytes which can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. The diagnosis and disease management of AIH patients remain challenging due to the diversity of clinical phenotypes and the presence of confounders such as alcohol and viruses. Recently, EN-RAGE and sRAGEs have been implicated in inflammatory-immune response. Nonetheless, their natural behaviour and relationship to disease activity as well as clinical predictive values in AIH development or therapy-induced remission have not been reported.

Methods

Sixty-seven AIH patients and thirty gender- and age-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. The serum concentrations of EN-RAGE, sRAGE and their ratio (EN-RAGE/sRAGE) in these subjects were measured by ELISA. Besides, the correlations of three parameters with clinical features and therapeutic response were analyzed, respectively. Furthermore, their potential predictive values for monitoring the AIH progression and therapeutic response were also evaluated.

Results

Higher serum EN-RAGE, lower sRAGE and higher EN-RAGE/sRAGE value were observed in AIH patients. EN-RAGE and sRAGE as well as EN-RAGE/sRAGE were correlated with liver necroinflammation parameters, cirrhosis occurrence and therapeutic response. In addition, we identified that EN-RAGE/sRAGE, EN-RAGE and sRAGE had valuable predicting power for AIH patients, AIH patients with normal ALT and cirrhosis incidence, respectively. More importantly, EN-RAGE/sRAGE also exerted predicting power for the remission in AIH patients.

Conclusions

AIH patients rendered distinct patterns of serum EN-RAGE, sRAGE or EN-RAGE/sRAGE compared to healthy controls. Moreover, these three parameters exhibited potentials as novel biomarkers for AIH diagnosis and prognosis evaluation.
Extraction of tree crowns damaged by Dendrolimus tabulaeformis Tsai et Liu via spectral-spatial classification using UAV-based hyperspectral images
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wang Yueting , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: October 2020

Background

Tree crown extraction is an important research topic in forest resource monitoring. In particular, it is a prerequisite for disease detection and mapping the degree of damage caused by forest pests. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based hyperspectral imaging is effective for surveying and monitoring forest health. This article proposes a spectral-spatial classification framework that uses UAV-based hyperspectral images and combines a support vector machine (SVM) with an edge-preserving filter (EPF) for completing classification more finely to automatically extract tree crowns damaged by Dendrolimus tabulaeformis Tsai et Liu (D. tabulaeformis) in Jianping county of Liaoning province, China.

Results

Experiments were conducted using UAV-based hyperspectral images, and the accuracy of the results was assessed using the mean structure similarity index (MSSIM), the overall accuracy (OA), kappa coefficient, and classification accuracy of damaged Pinus tabulaeformis. Optimized results showed that the OA of the spectral-spatial classification method can reach 93.17%, and the extraction accuracy of damaged tree crowns is 7.50–9.74% higher than that achieved using the traditional SVM classifier.

Conclusion

This study is one of only a few in which a UAV-based hyperspectral image has been used to extract tree crowns damaged by D. tabulaeformis. Moreover, the proposed classification method can effectively extract damaged tree crowns; hence, it can serve as a reference for future studies on both forest health monitoring and larger-scale forest pest and disease assessment.
Half-turned truncal switch operation after single ventricle palliation in a patient with borderline left heart hypoplasia
Authors: Oh Tak-Hyuk , Jung Hanna , Cho Joon Yong , Lee Youngok
Published: October 2020

Background

The optimal surgical strategy for the correction of double outlet right ventricle (DORV, transposition of the great arteries [TGA] type) or TGA with ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis (PS), and borderline small left ventricle (LV) is still controversial. The half-turned truncal switch operation (HTTSO) introduced by Yamagishi and colleagues is a good option, but it is still challenging in a patient with borderline small LV. We aimed to describe our experience of a case of HTTSO conversion from single ventricle palliation.

Case presentation

A 5-year-old girl with single ventricle physiology was referred to our hospital from Kazakhstan for a Fontan operation. At the time of birth, she was diagnosed with DORV (TGA type), PS, and situs inversus totalis, with moderate valvar and subvalvar stenosis and a relatively small LV cavity. Her LV volume was not adequate to support the systemic circulation; therefore, doctors in Kazakhstan selected the single ventricle palliation course of treatment for the infant. At 4 months of age, she underwent left-sided modified Blalock-Taussig shunt, patent ductus arteriosus ligation, and atrial septectomy. At 2 years of age, shunt takedown, left bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt, and main pulmonary artery division were performed. Annual echocardiography of the patient showed that the LV size was growing too adequately to persist with the single ventricle palliation course of treatment. Via a multidisciplinary approach, we considered her LV to be suitable for biventricular repair and HTTSO was planned. The operation and postoperative course were uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 and went back to Kazakhstan.

Conclusions

Based on our successful surgical outcome, in patients diagnosed with DORV (TGA type) or TGA with VSD, PS, and borderline LV, HTTSO after achieving adequate LV growth by single ventricle palliation may be considered a good alternative to conventional operations in patients at a high risk for initial biventricular repair.
Influenza virus-flow from insects to humans as causative for influenza seasonality
Authors: Pfäfflin Albrecht
Published: October 2020

Virus biomass outweighs human biomass, and insects biomass outweighs human biomass. Insects are regularly habited by viruses as well as humans, humans are further inhabited via insects. A model of viral flow is described and specified to explain influenza virus seasonality, which, in temperate climate, usually evolves when insects have mostly disappeared. With this hypothesis a coherent description of regular seasonal influenza and other seasonal respiratory virus infections in temperate climates is possible. The incidence of influenza under different circumstances e.g. temperature, humidity, or tropical conditions and different aspects like synchronicity of infections or in respect to evolutionary conditions do sustain this hypothesis if the behaviour of insects is considered.
Facilely reducing recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass by a newly developed ethylamine-based deep eutectic solvent for biobutanol fermentation
Authors: Xu Guochao , Li Hao , Xing Wanru , Gong Lei , Dong Jinjun , Ni Ye
Published: October 2020

Background

Biobutanol is promising and renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels and could be produced by Clostridium species from lignocellulosic biomass. However, biomass is recalcitrant to be hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars attributed to the densely packed structure by layers of lignin. Development of pretreatment reagents and processes for increasing surface area, removing hemicellulose and lignin, and enhancing the relative content of cellulose is currently an area of great interest. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a new class of green solvents, are effective in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. However, it remains challenging to achieve high titers of total sugars and usually requires combinatorial pretreatment with other reagents. In this study, we aim to develop novel DESs with high application potential in biomass pretreatment and high biocompatibility for biobutanol fermentation.

Results

Several DESs with betaine chloride and ethylamine chloride (EaCl) as hydrogen bond acceptors were synthesized. Among them, EaCl:LAC with lactic acid as hydrogen bond donor displayed the best performance in the pretreatment of corncob. Only by single pretreatment with EaCl:LAC, total sugars as high as 53.5 g L−1 could be reached. Consecutive batches for pretreatment of corncob were performed using gradiently decreased cellulase by 5 FPU g−1. At the end of the sixth batch, the concentration and specific yield of total sugars were 58.8 g L−1 and 706 g kg−1 pretreated corncob, saving a total of 50% cellulase. Utilizing hydrolysate as carbon source, butanol titer of 10.4 g L−1 was achieved with butanol yield of 137 g kg−1 pretreated corncob by Clostridium saccharobutylicum DSM13864.

Conclusions

Ethylamine and lactic acid-based deep eutectic solvent is promising in pretreatment of corncob with high total sugar concentrations and compatible for biobutanol fermentation. This study provides an efficient pretreatment reagent for facilely reducing recalcitrance of lignocellulosic materials and a promising process for biobutanol fermentation from renewable biomass.
Molecular characterization of Ribosomal DNA (ITS2) of hard ticks in Iran: understanding the conspecificity of Dermacentor marginatus and D. niveus
Authors: Soltan-Alinejad Parisa , Ramezani Zahra , Edalat Hamideh , Telmadarraiy Zakkyeh , Dabiri Farrokh , Vatandoost Hassan , Oshaghi Mohammad Ali , Mohebali Mehdi , Seyyed-Zadeh Seyyed Javad , Zarei Zabihollah , Hanifian Haleh , Faghihi Faham , Abolhasani Mandan , Mohammadi Bavani Mulood , Musavi Jalil , Terenius Olle , Chavshin Ali Reza
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. They are obligate blood-feeding vectors with the ability to transmit a wide variety of pathogens. Standard morphological keys are normally used for the identification of tick species. However, considering the importance of accurate species identification and the determination of bio-ecological characteristics of species, relying on morphological keys alone can be questionable. In this study, two DNA fragments (ITS2 and COI) were selected for phylogenetic evaluation of Iranian hard tick species belonging to the genera Dermacentor, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus.

Results

1229 specimens of Dermacentor marginatus, D. niveus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus bursa, and R. sanguineuss.l constituting 11 populations were collected from three different climatic and zoogeographical zones in Iran. Morphological studies revealed notable differences in important morphological characteristics between different populations of D. marginatus.

The results of ITS2 sequence analysis provided additional evidence which supports the conspecificity of D. niveus and D. marginatus. Contrary to this finding, the sequence analysis of COI and phylogeny favored the separation of the two species. Given the greater importance of COI in identifying and discriminating species, a possibility heterospecificity between the two species should be considered.
Developments in asthma incidence and prevalence in Alberta between 1995 and 2015
Authors: Bosonea Ana-Maria , Sharpe Heather , Wang Ting , Bakal Jeffrey A. , Befus A. Dean , Svenson Lawrence W. , Vliagoftis Harissios
Published: October 2020

Background

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by reversible bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. According to Statistics Canada in 2014, 8.1% of Canadians aged 12 and older reported having asthma diagnosed by a health care professional. Therefore, in 2014 there were an estimated 274,661 persons with asthma in Alberta. Most epidemiological studies estimate prevalence and incidence using survey-based data, which has limitations. The Ontario Asthma Surveillance Information System (OASIS) group has developed and validated an algorithm for epidemiologic asthma studies using provincial health databases. In Alberta, there are some studies using provincial databases, but most are restricted to emergency department visits and do not represent the entire asthma population. Using the validated asthma definition for epidemiologic studies, we performed an analysis of the Alberta Health administrative databases to investigate and report province-wide asthma prevalence, incidence and mortality in Alberta from 1995 to 2015.

Methods

Data from administrative databases, provided by Alberta Health, was analyzed to determine age and sex specific prevalence, incidence and mortality of the asthma population. The population cohort was all individuals residing in the province of Alberta, ages 0 to 99 from 1995–2015. Kendall’s Tau coefficient test was used to ascertain whether the observed trends were statistically significant.

Results

Between 1995 and 2015, the age-standardized incidence of asthma decreased by more than 50% in both males and females. Prevalence, however, increased threefold over the 20 years (for both genders) from 3.9 to 12.3% (Tau = 1.00, p < 0.0001) in females and from 3.5 to 11.6% (Tau = 1.00, p < 0.0001) in males. Thus, in 2015 there were 496,927 people with asthma in Alberta. All-cause mortality in the asthma population decreased over time, in both females (Tau = − 0.71, p < 0.0001) and males (Tau = − 0.69, p = 0.0001). For the last several years, all-cause mortality was higher in those with asthma. There were ~ 7 deaths/1000 in the population with asthma versus ~ 5 deaths/1000 in those without asthma.

Conclusions

The incidence of asthma decreased in both females and males while prevalence continued to increase, although at a slower rate than previously. All-cause mortality in asthma patients was higher than in those without asthma, but both decreased over time.
Esophageal emergencies: another important cause of acute chest pain
Authors: Masarapu Venkat , Xia Eva , Son Hongju
Published: October 2020

A variety of esophageal pathologies can present emergently with a chief complaint of acute chest pain. Computed tomography (CT) is often the first line of imaging in esophageal emergencies and provides useful information—even without an initial suspicion—when used in conjunction with other imaging modalities such as esophagography and direct visualization. We review various urgent and emergent esophageal disease entities which may manifest as acute chest pain, with an emphasis on CT and ancillary imaging appearances, while discussing management according to their emergency. Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging findings of these esophageal emergencies in order to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend timely and appropriate management.
Inhibition of hypertrophy and improving chondrocyte differentiation by MMP-13 inhibitor small molecule encapsulated in alginate-chondroitin sulfate-platelet lysate hydrogel
Authors: Jahangir Shahrbanoo , Eglin David , Pötter Naomi , Khozaei Ravari Mojtaba , Stoddart Martin J. , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Alini Mauro , Baghaban Eslaminejad Mohammadreza , Safa Majid
Published: October 2020

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells are a promising cell source for chondrogenic differentiation and have been widely used in several preclinical and clinical studies. However, they are prone to an unwanted differentiation process towards hypertrophy that limits their therapeutic efficacy. Matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13) is a well-known factor regulated during this undesirable event. MMP-13 is a collagen degrading enzyme, which is also highly expressed in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate and in OA cartilage. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of MMP-13 inhibition on MSC hypertrophy.

Methods

In this study, 5-bromoindole-2-carboxylic acid (BICA) was used as an inhibitory agent for MMP-13 expression. After identifying its optimal concentration, BICA was mixed into a hydrogel and the release rate was studied. To prepare the ideal hydrogel, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and platelet lysate (PL) were mixed with sodium alginate (Alg) at concentrations selected based on synergistic mechanical and rheometric properties. Then, four hydrogels were prepared by combining alginate (1.5%w/v) and/or CS (1%w/v) and/or PL (20%v/v). The chondrogenic potential and progression to hypertrophy of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBM-MSC)-loaded hydrogels were investigated under free swelling and mechanical loading conditions, in the presence and absence of BICA.

Results

Viability of hBM-MSCs seeded in the four hydrogels was similar. qRT-PCR revealed that BICA could successfully inhibit MMP-13 expression, which led to an inhibition of Coll X and induction of Coll-II, in both free swelling and loading conditions. The GAG deposition was higher in the group combining BICA and mechanical stimulation.

Conclusions

It is concluded that BICA inhibition of MMP-13 reduces MSC hypertrophy during chondrogenesis.

Graphical abstract
Precursory ground deformation of the 2018 phreatic eruption on Iwo-Yama volcano, revealed by four-dimensional joint analysis of airborne and spaceborne InSAR
Authors: Narita Shohei , Ozawa Taku , Aoki Yosuke , Shimada Masanobu , Furuya Masato , Takada Youichiro , Murakami Makoto
Published: October 2020

We present detailed maps of local-scale 3D deformation preceding the 2018 phreatic eruption at Iwo-yama volcano (south of Kyushu Island, Japan), using a combination of airborne and spaceborne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data. The 3D and 2.5D deformation maps obtained at different periods allow us to successfully track their spatiotemporal evolution and to infer the transition of subsurface conditions responsible for the precursory deformation observed from 2014 to 2018. From 2014 to 2016, ground inflation depicted an axisymmetric pattern with the maximum displacement at the center of the deformed area. However, from 2016 to 2018, an inflation peak moved to the southern edge of the area deformed during 2014–2016 and became more localized, which was close to the newly generated vents in the 2018 eruption. Modeling of the inflations suggests that pressurization within a crack at a depth of 150 m beneath the Iwo-yama geothermal area caused the 2014–2016 deformation and had continued until the 2018 eruption. Modeling results highlight the persistence of the local ground inflation pattern just above the southern edge of the crack, which suggests the presence of a shallower inflation source contributing to the local inflation. Consequently, we interpret the sequence of these deformations as follows: from 2014, deeper-rooted fluid started to inject into a fluid-saturated crack at 150-m depth, which caused the 2014–2016 deformation. Then, after 2016, the crack inflation continued because of the continuous fluid injection and formed another pressurized part directly above the southern tip of the crack. Additionally, the results of the time-series analysis of the satellite InSAR data revealed that the local inflation started around April 2017 for which thermal activity including a mud emission became pronounced around the location of the local inflation. As a result of an episodic increase in supply rate of magmatic fluids from a deep magma reservoir from early 2018, a phreatic eruption finally occurred in the vicinity of the most deformed point, providing a clue for predicting future eruption sites, as was also observed in the Hakone 2015 eruption.
Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care follow up at Wollega University referral hospital, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Kejela Gemechu , Wakgari Aga , Tesfaye Tariku , Turi Ebisa , Adugna Moa , Alemu Netsanet , Jebessa Latera
Published: October 2020

Background

Even if anemia is a worldwide public health problem affecting numerous people in all age groups, particularly the burden of the problem is higher among pregnant women. Anemia is estimated to contribute to more than 115,000 maternal deaths and 591,000 prenatal deaths globally per year. Maternal mortality is the prime health indicator in any society. Therefore, determining the prevalence of anemia and assessing its associated factors among pregnant women might help for the intervention of the problem.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care (ANC) at Wollega University Referral Hospital, Western Ethiopia.

Methods and materials

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at antenatal care (ANC) departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and MCH at Wollega University Referral Hospital from July 15–22, 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study unit. The data were collected using questionnaires, physical examination, and laboratory investigation. After collection, the data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of anemia. Finally, the result was presented using text, tables, and charts.

Results

The overall prevalence of anemia using a cut off level of hemoglobin < 11 g/dl (< 33% Haematocrit) was 51 (17.8%). Out of all anemic pregnant women, 19 (37.25%) were mildly anemic, 24 (47%) were moderately anemic and 8 (15.68%) were severely anemic. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that Birth interval of less than 2 years (AOR = 2.56 CI [2.84–4.52]), history of malarial attack in the past 12 months (AOR = 2.585 CI [1.181–5.656]) and engaging into daily laborer occupation (AOR = 8.33 CI [2.724–25.497]) showed significant association with maternal anemia.

Conclusions

The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in this study is high. Having a birth interval of < 2 years, having a history of malarial attack in the past 12 months, and being engaged in daily laborer occupation were factors associated with anemia among pregnant women. Thus, contraceptive methods and information to space children, information, and services to prevent malaria and economically empowering women is needed to prevent anemia among pregnant women in the study area.