bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Postoperative Changes in the Gut Microbiota and Pseudopsia After Cardiac Surgery: Prospective observational study.
Authors: Maekawa Masaki , Yoshitani Kenji , Yahagi Musashi , Asahara Takashi , Shishido Yoshiyuki , Fukushima Satsuki , Tadokoro Naoki , Fujita Tomoyuki , Ohnishi Yoshihiko
Published: October 2020

Background: Delirium after cardiac surgery affects mortality, but the mechanism remains unclear. Previous studies have reported gut microbiota are associated with brain activity. Systemic inflammation and antibiotics can damage the gut microbiota after cardiac surgery. We aimed to investigate changes in the gut microbiota and the association between the gut microbiota and delirium after cardiac surgery.Methods: Twenty-one patients who underwent cardiac surgery were enrolled. Microbiota counts and fecal organic acid concentrations were measured in fecal samples harvested before surgery, just after surgery, and before discharge. To quantify the microbiota, we extracted total RNA fractions and examined gut microbiota composition using 16S and 23S rRNA-targeted quantitative-reverse Transcription-PCR. Postoperative delirium, insomnia, and pseudopsia were assessed for 1 week. Postoperative total bacterial counts changed significantly from 10.2±0.2 log10 cells/g of feces to 9.8±0.5 in the first postoperative samples (p=0.003) and 10.0±0.4 in the samples before discharge (p=0.039). Fecal pH was 6.9±0.6 before surgery and 7.4±0.7 in the first postoperative samples (p=0.001). Postoperative Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas counts were significantly higher in patients with postoperative pseudopsia than in patients without pseudopsia (3.2±1.3 vs. 5.4±0.9; p=0.012 and 1.7±0.8 vs. 4.6±2.7; p=0.001).Conclusions: Total bacterial counts were significantly lower after surgery and until discharge. Fecal pH was significantly higher than preoperative levels. Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas counts were significantly higher in patients with postoperative pseudopsia.
Effect of Opium Consumption on Cardiovascular Diseases – A cross- sectional study based on data of Rafsanjan cohort study
Authors: Khalili Parvin , Ayoobi Fatemeh , Mohamadi Maryam , Jamalizadeh Ahmad , Vecchia Carlo La , Esmaeili-Nadimi Ali
Published: October 2020

Background: There are differences of opinion about the beneficial or detrimental effects of opium consumption on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). So, we aimed to study the association between opium use and CVDs. Methods: We used data obtained from the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), as a part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), with detailed, validated data on opium consumption and some other exposures. A total of 10,000 adults were enrolled in the study. Logistic regression models were used to assess the possible relationships of opium consumption with the prevalence of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI). Results: In this study, 9990 participants in the baseline phase of the Rafsanjan adult cohort study were included according to their completed questionnaire. Among all participants, 870 and 296 individuals were found to suffer from IHD and MI, respectively. Opium consumption was found to be relatively high in the RCS participants, especially in men (men= 2150 and women= 228). Opium use was associated with a higher odds of IHD and MI, with the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 1.51 (1.22-1.86) and 1.79 (1.31-2.45), respectively. Also, dose-response increases were observed with the highest odds ratios in the 4th quartile for MI and IHD (p-values for trend < 0.001). Increased odds were observed for the two main methods of opium consumption, i.e. oral and smoking, but oral administration had higher odds ratio.Conclusions: Opium consumption is associated with the increased odds of both IHD and MI diseases.
Clinical Signs Associated with Earlier Diagnosis of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Sicherman Nachum , Charite Jimmy , Eyal Gil , Janecka Magdalena , Loewenstein George , Law Kiely , Lipkin Paul H. , Marvin Alison R. , Buxbaum Joseph D.
Published: October 2020

Background: The objective of this study is to gain new insights into the relationship between clinical signs and age at diagnosis. Method: We utilize a new, large, online survey of 1743 parents of children diagnosed with ASD, and use multiple statistical approaches. These include regression analysis, factor analysis, and machine learning (regression tree). Results: We find that clinical signs that most strongly predict early diagnosis are not necessarily specific to autism, but rather those that initiate the process that eventually leads to an ASD diagnosis. Given the high correlations between symptoms, only a few signs are found to be important in predicting early diagnosis. For several clinical signs we find that their presence and intensity are positively correlated with delayed diagnosis (e.g., tantrums and aggression). Even though our data are drawn from parents’ retrospective accounts, we provide evidence that parental recall bias and/or hindsight bias did not play a significant role in shaping our results. Conclusion: In the subset of children without early deficits in communication, diagnosis is delayed, and this might be improved if more attention will be given to clinical signs that are not necessarily considered as ASD symptoms. Our findings also suggest that careful attention should be paid to children showing excessive tantrums or aggression, as these behaviors may interfere with an early ASD diagnoses.
Local persistence of novel regional variants of La Crosse virus in the Northeast United States
Authors: Eastwood Gillian , Shepard John J , Misencik Michael J , Andreadis Theodore G , Armstrong Philip M
Published: October 2020

Background: La Crosse virus [LACV] (genus Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes pediatric encephalitis and accounts for 50-150 human cases annually in the USA. Human cases occur primarily in the Midwest and Appalachian regions whereas documented human cases occur very rarely in the northeastern USA. Methods: Following detection of a LACV isolate from a field-collected mosquito in Connecticut during 2005, we evaluated the prevalence of LACV infection in local mosquito populations and genetically characterized virus isolates to determine whether the virus is maintained focally in this region. Results: During 2018, we detected LACV in multiple species of mosquitoes, including those not previously associated with the virus. We also evaluated the phylogenetic relationship of LACV strains isolated from 2005-2018 in Connecticut and found that they formed a genetically homogeneous clade that was most similar to strains from New York State. Conclusion: Our analysis argues for local isolation and long-term persistence of a genetically distinct lineage of LACV within this region. We highlight the need to determine more about the phenotypic behavior of these isolates, and whether this virus lineage poses a threat to public health.
Magnesium Supplementation and Postoperative Recovery Quality in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Prospective, Randomised, Controlled Study
Authors: Lee Ji-Hyun , Choi Seungeun , Lee Minkyoo , Jang Young-Eun , Kim Eun-Hee , Kim Jin-Tae , Kim Hee-Soo
Published: October 2020

Background: The benefits of intraoperative magnesium supplementation have been reported. In this prospective, randomized study, the effects of magnesium supplementation during general anesthesia on emergence agitation and postoperative pain in children were evaluated.Methods: A total of 66 children aged 2 to 5 years who underwent strabismus surgery were assigned to the magnesium or to the control group. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale. After anesthesia induction, the magnesium group received an initial loading dose of 30 mg/kg magnesium sulphate over 10 min and, then, continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg per h until 10 min before the end of the surgery. The control group received an equal volume of normal saline via the same regimen. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score, pain score, and respiratory events were assessed at the postanesthetic care unit.Results: Data obtained from 65 children were analyzed. The PAED and pain scores of the two groups did not differ significantly. There were 26 of 33 (78.8%) and 27 of 32 (84.4%) children with emergence agitation in the control and the magnesium groups, respectively (odds ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.19–2.44; p = 0.561). The preoperative anxiety score was not significantly correlated with the PAED score. The incidence of respiratory events during the emergence period did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusions: Magnesium supplementation during anesthesia had no significant effects on the incidence of emergence agitation or postoperative pain in children undergoing strabismus surgery.Clinical trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03132701)
Interstate Disparities in the Performances in Combatting COVID-19 in India: Efficiency Estimates Across States
Authors: Maity Shrabanti , Ghosh Nandini , Barlaskar Ummey Rummana
Published: October 2020

Background:Currently, the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic poses the greatest global health threat worldwide, and India is no exception. As an overpopulated developing country, it is very difficult to maintain social distancing to restrict the spread of the disease in India. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to examine India’s interstate performances to combat COVID-19. This study aims to explore twin objectives: to investigate the comparative efficiency of Indian states to combat COVID-19 and to unfold the factors responsible for interstate disparities in the efficiency in combatting COVID-19.Methods:The stochastic production frontier model was utilized for data analysis. The empirical analysis was facilitated by the inefficiency effects model, revealing the factors that influence interstate variability in disease management efficiency. Three types of variables, namely, output, inputs, and exogenous, were used to measure health system efficiency. The relevant variables were compiled from secondary sources. The recovery rate from COVID-19 was the output variable and health infrastructures were considered as the input variable. On the contrary, the non-health determinants considered to have a strong influence on the efficiency of states’ disease management, but could not be considered as input variables, were recognised as exogenous variables. These exogenous variables were specifically used for the inefficiency analysis. Results:The empirical results demonstrated the existence of disparities across Indian states in the level of efficiency in combatting COVID-19. A non-trivial outcome of this study was that Tamil Nadu was the best performer and Manipur was the worst performer of the investigated states. Variables such as elderly people, sex ratio, literacy rate, population density, influenced the efficiency of states, and thus, affected the recovery rate. Conclusion:This study argues for the efficient utilisation of the existing health infrastructures in India. Simultaneously, the study suggests improving the health infrastructure to achieve a long-run benefit.
CTCs Detection from Intraoperative Salvaged Blood in RCC-IVC Thrombus Patients by Negative Enrichment and iFISH Identification - A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Guo Xiangyang , Zong Yanan , Xu Chuanya , Wang Jilian , Zhang Bin , Liu Chang , Gong Yueqing , Xue Lixiang , Ma Lulin , Zhang Shudong , Li Yi , Zeng Hong
Published: October 2020

Background: Intra-operative cell salvage (IOCS) and leukocyte-depleted filter (LDF) are widely used and effective in saving blood. However, the safety issue concerning reinfusion of IOCS-LDF processed blood to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus were inconclusive for fear of increased risk of cancer metastases. This study intends to analyze the circulating tumor cell (CTC) eliminating effect of IOCS-LDF in 5 RCC-IVC thrombus patients. Methods: A novel strategy integrating negative enrichment by immunomagnetic beads and immunostaining-fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes identifying aneuploid of 8 and/or 7 were used to detect CTCs from salvages blood. Blood samples were collected from 4 stages in each patient. Results: The CTCs number decreased (from 3, 4, 10, 7, 3, respectively, to all zero) after IOCS-LDF treatment. And the triploidy of chrmosome 7 and/or chromosome 8 were most common karyotype for RCC patients with IVC thrombus. Tetraploid of chromosome 8 concurred in only one sample and no polypoid (number of chromosome＞4) were found. Conclusion: IOCS-LDF might be a viable option for reduction of allogeneic product transfusion based on current preliminary outcome. More convincing conclusions are to be drawn with enlarged sample size and long-term follow-up of patients prognosis.
Long-term Results After the One-stage Posterior-only Surgical Correction of Thoraco-lumbar Kyphoscoliosis in Congenital Spine Deformity Caused by Two Ipsilateral Hemi-vertebrae
Authors: Xue Xuhong , Zhao Sheng , Miao Feng , Li Kai , Zhao Bin
Published: October 2020

Background: Two ipsilateral hemivertebrae is less common and presents severe growth imbalance produced by the vertebral anomalies. However, there is a paucity of reports regarding this double ipsilateral thoracolumber hemivertebrae. The purpose was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the one-stage posterior-only surgical correction of thoraco-lumbar kyphoscoliosis caused by two ipsilateral hemi-vertebrae. Methods: From 2006 to 2014, a total of 14 consecutive pediatric patients with congenital thoraco-lumbar kyphoscoliosis due to two ipsilateral hemivertebrae were treated by posterior excision of hemivertebrae with short segment fusion. The following parameters were measured: coronal segmental curve, cranial and caudal compensatory curve, segmental kyphosis, lumbar lodorsis, trunk shift, apical vertebra translation and sagittal vertical axis. These results were compared and evaluated in preoperative, immediately postoperative and at the final follow-up. All patients had a minimum of 5 years of follow-up period.Results: The mean age at surgery was 11.1±4.8 years (2yos to 17yos). The mean follow-up period was 80.2±19.4 months (60mons to 117mons). There was a mean improvement of 74.2% in the segmental curve from a mean angle of 64.1° before surgery to 15.8° at the latest follow-up. The cranial and caudal curve improved of 69.8% and 69.0% from 25.6° to 7.7°, 26.9 to 8.2, respectively. The mean thoracolumbar kyphosis was 59.9° before and 13.6° after surgery, 20.8° at the final follow-up. Alignment in the coronal and sagittal plane was either maintained or improved within normal values in all patients.Conclusions: Good correction and spinal balance can be achieved by posterior-only hemivertebrectomy in patients with thoracolumbar kyphocsoliosis caused by two ipsilateral hemivertebra. The complication of neurological injury is low but a technically demanding procedure. More attention should be paid in residual curve progression after surgery.
Tocilizumab improves survival in severe COVID-19 pneumonia with persistent hypoxia: A retrospective cohort study with follow-up from Mumbai, India
Authors: gokhale YOJANA , Mehta Rakshita , Kulkarni Uday , Karnik Nitin , Gokhale Sushant , Sundar Uma , Chavan Swati , Kor Akshay , Thakur Sonal , Triwedi Tripti , Kumar Naveen , Baveja Sujata , Wadal Aniket , Kolte Shaonak , Deolankar Aukshan , Pednekar Sangeeta , Kalekar Lalana , Padiyar Rupal , Londhe Charulata , Darole Pramod , Pol Sujata , Gokhe Seema Bansode , Padwal Namita , Pandey Dharmendra , Yadav Dhirendra , Joshi Anagha , Badgujar Harshal , Trivedi Mayuri , Shah Priyanshu , Bhavsar Prerna
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCytokine storm triggered by Severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with high mortality. With high ‘Interlukin -6’ (IL-6) levels reported in COVID-19 related deaths in China1, IL-6 is considered to be the key player in COVID-19 cytokine storm. Tocilizumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-6 receptor, is used on compassionate grounds for treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm. The aim of this study was to assess effect of tocilizumab on mortality due to COVID-19 cytokine storm.MethodThis retrospective, observational study included patients of severe COVID-19 pneumonia with persistent hypoxia (defined as saturation 94% or less on supplemental Oxygen of 15 L per minute through non-rebreathing mask or PaO2/FiO2 ratio of less than 200) who were admitted to a tertiary care center in Mumbai, India, between 31st March to 5th July 2020. In addition to standard care, single Inj. Tocilizumab 400mg was given intravenously to 151 consecutive COVID-19 patients with persistent hypoxia, from 13th May to 5th July 2020. These 151 patients were retrospectively analysed and compared with historic controls, i.e consecutive COVID-19 patients with persistent hypoxia, defined as stated above (N=118, from our first COVID-19 admission on 31st March to 12th May 2020 i.e, till tocilizumab was available in hospital). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed for identifying predictors of survival. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26.ResultsOn multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of survival were use of tocilizumab (HR 0.621, 95% CI 0.427-0.903, P 0.013) and higher oxygen saturation.Interpretation: Tocilizumab improved survival in severe COVID-19 pneumonia with persistent hypoxia
How the sharing physical activity experience on social network sites(SNS) improves residents’ social connectedness during isolation: the multiple mediating effects of positive self-presentation and positive feedback
Authors: Zuo Yifan , Zhang Mu , Ma Yudan , Wu Xiaoyuan , Ren Zhanbing
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIn the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity cannot continue to play a role in promoting interpersonal relationships and enhancing social connectedness，people’s contact with the outside world has turned to SNS. During isolation, Whether sharing physical activity experience on SNS can enhance individual social connectedness and its mechanism. The objective of the present study was to examine the associations between sharing physical activity experience on SNS, positive self-presentation, positive feedback ang social connectedness during isolation.MethodsBased on the physical activity experience sharing scale, social connectedness scale, positive self-presentation scale and online positive feedback scale, 460 valid questionnaires were collected online from 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China. A series of multiple linear regression models were established to study the relationship between variables, and the bootstrap confidence interval was selected to test the mediating effect.ResultsDuring isolation, sharing physical activity experience is positively associated with social connectedness (b =0.308, p < 0.001), it is also positively associated with positive self-presentation(b =0.956, p < 0.001)and positive feedback(b =0.421, p < 0.001). In addition, it is verified that positive self-presentation has a significant positive impact positive feedback (b = 0.563, p <0.001). positive self-presentation(b =0.331, P < 0.001) and positive feedback(b =0.311, P < 0.001) are positively associated with social connectedness. Finally, it was verified that sharing physical activity experience indirectly through positive self-presentation (b=0.316, 95% CI: [0.180, 0.463]) and positive feedback (b= 0.131, 95% CI: [0.063, 0.207]) also had a significant impact on social connectedness, respectively. and indirectly through the mediation chain of online positive self-presentation and positive feedback (b=0.167, 95% CI: [0.088, 0.251]) also has a significant impact on social connectedness.ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing physical activity experience on SNS can create a positive, healthy and energetic personal image, gain recognition from others, and establish new interpersonal relationships. At the same time, in addition to advocating home-based exercises, governments should encourage residents to share content of home-based exercise or virtual sports on SNS.
Unveiling of a novel bifunctional photoreceptor, Dualchrome1, isolated from a cosmopolitan green alga
Authors: Makita Yuko , Suzuki Shigekatsu , Fushimi Keiji , Shimada Setsuko , Suehisa Aya , Hirata Manami , Kuriyama Tomoko , Kurihara Yukio , Hamasaki Hidehumi , Yoshitake Kazutoshi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Gojobori Takashi , Sakami Tomoko , Narikawa Rei , Yamaguchi Haruyo , Kawachi Masanobu , Matsui Minami
Published: October 2020

Photoreceptors are conserved in green algae to land plants, and regulate various developmental stages. In the ocean, blue light penetrates deeper than red light, and blue-light sensing is key to adapting to marine environments. A search for blue-light photoreceptors in the marine metagenome uncovered a novel chimeric gene composed of a phytochrome and a cryptochrome (Dualchrome1, DUC1) in a prasinophyte, Pycnococcus provasolii. DUC1 detects light within the orange/far-red and blue spectra, and acts as a dual photoreceptor. Its complete genome revealed that P. provasolii facilitates light adaptation mechanisms via pheophorbide a oxygenase (Pao) and prasinoxanthin. Genes for the light-harvesting complex (LHC) are duplicated and transcriptionally regulated under monochromatic orange/blue light, suggesting P. provasolii has acquired environmental adaptability to a wide range of light spectra and intensities.
Role of dietary Schizochytrium sp. in improving disease resistance of zebrafish through metabolic and microbial analysis
Authors: Shi Yanyan , Cao Xingyu , Ye Zhidong , Xu Yiyuan , Wang Yiming , Li Zhipeng , Hang Wei , He Ning
Published: October 2020

BackgroundAs an essential nutrient for farmed fish, the fish oil from wild fish has been partly replaced by vegetable ingredients to prevent overfishing. Schizochytrium sp., a type of marine microalgae, is considered as a promising alternative to fish oil for improving growth and fatty acid profile in fish. However, there lacks a comprehensive understanding of disease resistance on microalgae supplementation of fish. In the present study, to understand the pathogen-resistant mechanisms of diets enriched with microalgae, the eﬀects of dietary Schizochytrium sp. on the intestine microbial and metabolic profile of zebrafish were investigated. ResultsThe challenge trial with Edwardsiella piscicida showed that 120 g/kg Schizochytrium sp. supplementation had a significantly higher survival rate of zebrafish. Additionally, higher goblet cell density was observed in zebrafish fed with Schizochytrium sp. Metabolomic analysis of humoral fluids indicated that the diet supplemented with Schizochytrium sp. boosted the TCA cycle, energy supply, taurine metabolism, and L-serine metabolism, whereas decreased cholesterol metabolism in zebrafish. The microbiome analysis revealed that a 120 g/kg Schizochytrium sp. supplemented diet could remarkably increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria (i.e., Lactobacillus, Dorea, Butyricicoccus, and Pseudoxanthomonas), and reduce several potential pathogens (i.e., Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, and Mycoplasmas). Combined omics analysis indicated that some Dorea and Butyricicoccus species might be candidate probiotics with disease resistance.ConclusionsDietary supplement of Schizochytrium sp. could improve the survival rate of zebrafish when infected with Edwardsiella piscicida. It further revealed that Schizochytrium sp. as feed additive had the potential to improve metabolism and the intestine health by dual-omics analysis, and thus enhance disease resistance of zebraﬁsh. Our research provides a novel insight into developing the fundamental understanding of disease resistance in aquatic animals fed with microalgae. Moreover, this experiment shed substantial light on the screening of probiotic candidates with immunomodulatory properties.
Effects of ODC on Polyamine Metabolism, Hormone Levels, Cell proliferation and Apoptosis in Goose Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Niu Chunyang , Zhang Sujuan , Mo Guilin , Jiang Yilong , Li Liang , Xu Hengyong , Han Chunchun , Zhao Hua , Yan Yanhong , Hu Shenqiang , Hu Jiwei , Jiang Dongmei , Kang Bo
Published: October 2020

Background: Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) plays an indispensable role in the process of polyamine biosynthesis. Polyamines are a pivotal part of living cells and have diverse roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, aging and reproduction. However, to date, there have been no reports about ODC regulating follicular development in goose ovaries. Here, we constructed ODC siRNA and overexpression plasmids and transfected them into goose primary granulosa cells (GCs) to elucidate the effects of ODC interference and overexpression on the polyamine metabolism, hormone levels, cell apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells.Results: After interfering with ODC in GCs, the mRNA and protein levels of ODC and the content of putrescine were greatly decreased (P < 0.05). When ODC was overexpressed, ODC mRNA and protein levels and putrescine content were greatly increased (P < 0.05). The polyamine-metabolizing enzyme genes OAZ1 and SSAT were significantly increased, and SPDS was significantly decreased when ODC was downregulated (P < 0.05). OAZ1, SPDS and SSAT were significantly increased when ODC was upregulated (P < 0.05). In addition, after interference with ODC, P4 (progesterone) levels in the culture medium of GCs increased greatly (P < 0.05), while the overexpression of ODC caused the P4 level to decrease significantly (P < 0.05). After ODC downregulation, granulosa cell activity was significantly reduced, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased, and the BCL-2/BAX ratio was downregulated (P < 0.05). Under ODC overexpression, the activity of GCs was notably increased, the apoptosis rate was significantly reduced, and the BCL-2/BAX protein ratio was upregulated (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our study successfully induced ODC interference and overexpression in goose ovarian GCs, and ODC regulated mainly putrescine content in GCs with a slight influence on spermidine and spermine. Moreover, ODC participated in the adjustment of P4 levels in the culture medium of GCs, promoted granulosa cell proliferation and inhibited granulosa cell apoptosis.
Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for the Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Protein Define Neutralizing Epitopes Specific for Newcastle Disease Virus Genotype 2.VII from Egypt.
Authors: Moharam Ibrahim , Asala Olayinka , Reiche Sven , Harder Timm , Hafez Hafez , Beer Martin , Grund Christian
Published: October 2020

Background:Newcastle disease is a devastating disease in poultry caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV), a paramyxovirus endemic in many regions of the world despite intensive vaccination. Phylogenetic analysis reveal ongoing evolution of the predominant circulating genotype 2.VII, and the relevance of potential antigenic drift is under discussion. To investigate variation within neutralization-sensitive epitopes within the protein responsible for receptor binding, i.e. the Heamagglutinin-Neuraminidase (HN) spike protein, we were interested to established genotype-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Methods:An HN-enriched fraction of a gradient-purified NDV genotype 2.VII was prepared and successfully employed to induced antibodies in BalbC mice that recognize conformationally intact sites reactive by haemagglutination inhibition (HI). For subsequent screening of mouse hybridoma cultures, an NDV-ELISA was established that utilize Concanavalin A (ConA-ELISA) coupled Glycoproteins that was proven to present conformation-dependent epitopes.Results:Six out of nine selected MAbs were able to block receptor binding as demonstrated by HI-activity. One MAb recognized an epitope only present in the homologue virus while four other MAbs showed weak reactivity to selected other genotypes. On the other hand, one broadly cross-reacting MAb reacted with all genotypes tested and resembled the reactivity profile of genotype specific polyclonal antibody preparations that point to minor antigenic differences between tested NDV genotpyes.Conclusions:These results point to the concurrent presence of variable and conserved epitopes within the HN-molecule of NDV. The described protocol should help to generate MAbs to a variety of NDV strains and enable in depth analysis of the antigenic profiles of different genotypes.
The relationship between smartphone usage duration (using smartphone’s ability to monitor screen time) with hand-grip and pinch-grip strength among young people. An observational study
Authors: Osailan Ahmad
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe use of smartphones has become widely popular especially among young people for multiple purposes other than communication including gaming and internet browsing. The weakness of the hand and wrist is one of the main complications associated with the increase of use of smartphones. This weakness occurs due to the repetitive flexion and extension of the wrist, thumb and fingers which eventually could lead to a major musculoskeletal pathology. Little is known about the relationship between smartphone usage duration (using the phones ability to monitor screen time) and hand-grip, pinch-grip strength. Therefore, the study was aimed to investigate the association between smartphone usage duration and hand-grip, pinch-grip strength among young people. Methods100 young males volunteered to participate in the study. Participants were briefly examined for height and weight using a portable stadiometer and a digital scale. Hand-grip, pinch-grip strength measurement was performed using a hand-held dynamometer. Smartphones usage duration was obtained from the daily average screen time reported in the last seven days. ResultsMean daily usage of smartphone among the participants was 7.8 ± 2.2. There was a significant inverse relationship between smartphone usage duration and hand-grip strength (r=-.22, p=.03) and pinch-grip strength (r=-.28, p=.004). ConclusionProlonged use of smartphones is related to weaker hand-grip and pinch-grip. This may lead to future musculoskeletal pathologies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Young people should be aware of the dangers of smartphones overuse.
Characteristics of Hip Impingement Syndrome in patients with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Ahn Yeong-Seub , Oh Ho-Seok , Kim Woo-Jong , Kim Yu-Seok , Jung Sung Taek
Published: October 2020

BackgroundsThis study aimed to investigate the characteristic deformities of the hip in multiple hereditary exostoses patients (MHE) and its association with the hip impingement syndrome.Materials and methods Between 2001 and 2019, total 51 patients (102 hips) were evaluated in this study. To assess the morphometry of the hip in patients with MHE, the femoral neck-shaft angle, Sharp’s acetabular angle and center-edge (CE) angle were evaluated. Hip impingement symptoms were classified to femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) symptom group, ischio-femoral impingement (IFI) symptom group and non-impingement symptom group by comparing the symptoms, clinical signs and imaging studies. Alpha angle was evaluated to investigate the FAI. The minimum ischio-femoral distance was measured to evaluate for IFI using computed-tomographic study. Each measured morphometric study was compared according to gender, location and hip impingement symptom.Results Coxa valga and acetabular dysplasia were common with a mean femoral neck-shaft angle of 144.1°, mean CE angle of 27.9°, and mean Sharp’s acetabular angle of 42.0°. Each of the measured value for assessment of hip deformity was correlated significantly. Morphometric study on gender showed no significant difference except the alpha angle value. In addition, no significant difference was shown on comparison study by location of hip. On hip impingement symptom analysis, FAI symptom and IFI symptom were confirmed in 14 hip joints and 18 hip joints, respectively. The number of hip joints with IFI symptom was higher than those with FAI symptom in this study. Furthermore, both the FAI and IFI symptom group showed significant differences from the non-symptom group in the morphometric study. In addition, the minimum ischio-femoral distance was significantly decreased in the IFI symptom group, which seems to be associated with coxa valga deformity.Conclusion The results suggest that the characteristic deformities that occur in the hip joint of MHE patients affect the appearance of impingement syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the characteristic deformities of the hip joint in patients with MHE and to set up the treatment modality accordingly.Level of Evidence : Level III, retrospective comparative study
Maternal Overweight but Not Paternal Overweight Before Pregnancy is Associated With Shorter Newborn Telomere Length: Evidence From Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort in China
Authors: Wei Bincai , Shao Yantao , Liang Jun , Tang Peng , Mo Meile , Liu Bihu , Huang Huishen , Tan Hui Juan Jennifer , Huang Dongping , Liu Shun , Qiu Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2020

Background: Telomere length (TL) is variable at birth and is inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) in adulthood. A growing number of evidences suggested that a higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI results in adverse offspring health outcomes, especially shorter newborn TL. However, a newborn’s genetic endowment is equally derived from both parents, the association between parental pre-pregnancy BMI and newborn TL has been rarely discussed. We aimed to determine the association between parental pre-pregnancy BMI and newborn TL. Methods: A total of 1082 parent-newborn pairs were recruited from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort (GZBC). TL in cord blood was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and expressed as the ratio of telomere copy number to single-copy gene number (T/S). A series of linear regressions were performed to assess the associations between parental pre-pregnancy BMI and newborn TL.Results: Mothers who were overweight before pregnancy had significantly shorter cord blood telomere length in their newborns than those who were normal weight before pregnancy [percentage change: −8.17% (95% CI: −14.69 to −0.92%; P=0.028)]. Further analysis of the combined effects of parental weight status on newborn TL showed that TL was significantly shortened among newborns whose mothers were overweight and fathers were of healthy weight when compared with those whose mothers and fathers were both of normal weight [percentage change: −8.59% (95% CI: −15.47 to −1.14%; P=0.025)]. Subgroup analysis indicated these effects were more pronounced among male newborns and those whose paternal age <31 years or maternal age ≥28 years at delivery. Conclusions: Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight, but not paternal pre-pregnancy overweight is associated with shorter newborn TL. Weight control in reproductive women and effective eugenics intervention programs may be of particular benefit for improving longevity and life quality of offspring.
Missed Nursing Care and Associated Factors Among Nurses in Public Hospitals, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Deressa Beshea Gelana , Hailu Fikadu Balcha , Gizaw Admasu Belay , Khali Kidus Yitbarek , Nagasa Desalegn Tamiru , Tefera Gelila Abraham , Germosa Gugsa Nemera , Kitila Sena Belina
Published: October 2020

Background: Nursing care play essential role in determining quality health care services and patient outcomes. Missed nursing care (MNC) is any required patient care omitted in part or in whole, or significantly delayed by nurses. There is paucity of studies addressing Missed nursing care in hospital setting in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to identify amount, type and distribution of missed nursing care across public hospital in southwestern Ethiopia.Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted in eight public hospitals found in south west Ethiopia from March to April, 2018 using a modified miss care survey tool. All nurses working in inpatient units (422) were requested to participate and 386 of them respond to questioner, yield response rate of (91.4%). Descriptive statistics was performed for socio-demographic and work related characteristics. Multivariable linear regression was conducted using SPSS version 20 to identify the potential predictors of missed nursing care.Result: The average score for missed nursing care was 63.24 out of 120 (95 % CI 62.2–64.3) and the average emerged for each nursing intervention was 2.6 out of 5 (95 % CI 2.59–2.68). From the items of nursing interventions assessed, 289(74%) of nursing staff reported ambulation of patient of as the most frequently MNC, while only 134(34.7%) of nursing staff reported wound care procedure was frequently missed. Basic care intervention dimension was found to be the most frequently missed dimension with mean score of (2.86B0.5) and individual need care intervention dimension lowest mean score (2.41a0.4).Female in gender (β = -1.828, p < 0.001), working in tertiary hospital (β = -3.576, p = 0.001) and increased satisfaction to the level of team work (β = -2.635, p = 0.001) showed significant and protective factor for missed nursing care. Whereas absent from work (β = 10.337, p < 0.001) and increased patient load (β = .253, p = 0.003) found to be contributing factor for the overall MNC.Conclusion and recommendation: Essential Nursing cares are being missed frequently by significant proportion of nurses. This indicates the need to collaborative effort to reduce occurrence of MNC and improve quality nursing care.
A Multi-Centre Survey on Hospital Malnutrition: Result of PNSI Study
Authors: Poudineh Somayeh , Shayesteh Forough , Kermanchi Jamshid , Haghdoost Ali-Akbar , Torabi Parisa , Pasdar Yahya , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen , Safarian Mohammad , Hajifaraji Majid , Eslami-Hasan-Abadi Saeed , Pournik Omid , Barkhidarian Bahareh , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: October 2020

Background: Disease-related malnutrition is associated with adverse outcomes such as increased rates of morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, and extra costs of health care. This study was conducted to assess nutritional status among patients and to determine the risk factors for malnutrition in Iran university hospitals. Methods: Persian Nutritional Survey In Hospitals (PNSI) was a cross-sectional study that conducted in 20 university hospitals across Iran. All the patients with age range of 18 to 65 years, who were admitted or discharged, were assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA). Results: In total, 2306 patients were evaluated for malnutrition. Mean values of age and body mass index were 44.7±14 years and 25.2±6 kg/m2, respectively. Malnutrition (SGA-B & C) was identified in 23.9% of the patients, 26.2% and 21% of whom were among the admitted and discharged patients, respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition was higher in burns (78%) and heart surgery (58%) patients. Malnutrition was not associated with age (P=0.1). Multivariate analysis presented male gender (OR=1.023, P<0.001), malignant disease (OR=1.409, P<0.001), length of hospital stay (OR=1.206, P<0.001), and polypharmacy (OR=1.066, P<0.001) as independent risk factors for malnutrition.Conclusion: One out of four patients in the studied university hospitals was suffering from malnutrition; thus, appropriate measures should be taken to ameliorate this condition. Male gender, malignant disease, length of hospital stay, and polypharmacy were identified as independent risk factors for malnutrition.
Thousands of Previously Unknown Phages Discovered in Whole-community Human Gut Metagenomes
Authors: Benler Sean , Yutin Natalya , Antipov Dmitry , Raykov Mikhail , Shmakov Sergey , Gussow Ayal B , Pevzner Pavel A , Koonin Eugene
Published: October 2020

Background: Double-stranded DNA bacteriophages (dsDNA phages) play pivotal roles in structuring human gut microbiomes; yet, the gut phageome is far from being fully characterized, and additional groups of phages, including highly abundant ones, continue to be discovered by metagenome mining. A multilevel framework for taxonomic classification of viruses was recently adopted, facilitating the classification of phages into evolutionary informative taxonomic units based on hallmark genes. Together with advanced approaches for sequence assembly and powerful methods of sequence analysis, this revised framework offers the opportunity to discover and classify unknown phage taxa in the human gut.Results:A search of human gut metagenomes for circular contigs encoding phage hallmark genes resulted in the identification of 3,738 apparently complete phage genomes that represent 451 putative genera. Several of these phage genera are only distantly related to previously identified phages and are likely to found new families. Two of the candidate families, “Flandersviridae” and “Quimbyviridae”, include some of the most common and abundant members of the human gut virome that infect Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Prevotella. The third proposed family, “Gratiaviridae”, consists of less abundant phages that are distantly related to the families Autographiviridae, Drexlerviridae and Chaseviridae. Analysis of CRISPR spacers indicates that phages of all three putative families infect bacteria of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Comparative genomic analysis of the three candidate phage families revealed features without precedent in phage genomes. Some “Quimbyviridae” phages possess Diversity-Generating Retroelements (DGRs) that generate hypervariable target genes nested within defense-related genes, whereas the previously known targets of phage-encoded DGRs are structural genes. Several “Flandersviridae” phages encode enzymes of the isoprenoid pathway, a lipid biosynthesis pathway that so far has not been known to be manipulated by phages. The “Gratiaviridae” phages encode a HipA-family protein kinase and glycosyltransferase, suggesting these phages modify the host cell wall, preventing superinfection by other phages. Hundreds of phages in these three and other families are shown to encode catalases and iron-sequestering enzymes that can be predicted to enhance cellular tolerance to reactive oxygen species.Conclusions:Analysis of phage genomes identified in whole-community human gut metagenomes resulted in the delineation of at least three new candidate families of Caudovirales and revealed diverse putative mechanisms underlying phage-host interactions in the human gut. Addition of these phylogenetically classified, diverse and distinct phages to public databases will facilitate taxonomic decomposition and functional characterization of human gut viromes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Genomic Mutation Signature and Tumor Mutation Burden for Prognosis of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Qi , Fu Jialu , Jin Zhechuan , Su Jingbo , Zhang Jian , Chen Chen , Geng Zhimin , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2020

Background: The intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is highly lethal malignancy of biliary tract cancer. Analysis of somatic mutational profiling could help to reveal new prognostic markers and actionable targets for treatment. We aim to explore the impact of genomic mutation signature and tumor mutation burden (TMB) on prognosis of iCCA patients. Methods: The whole-exome sequencing and corresponding clinical data were collected from ICGC portal and cBioPortal database to detect the mutation prognostic genes and TMB values. To identify the hub prognostic mutant signature, Cox regression and Lasso feature selection were conducted. We built a mutation related signature (MRS) through multivariate Cox regression. The predictive performance of MRS and TMB were assessed using Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC). We performed a functional enrichment pathway analysis with gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for mutated genes were conducted. Moreover, on the base of MRS, TMB and TNM stage, a nomogram was constructed to visualize the prognosis of iCCA patients.Results: The mutation landscape illustrated the distributions of mutation frequencies and types on iCCA, and revealed a list of most frequent mutation genes (such as Tp53, KRAS, ARID1A, IDH1). We obtain a 6- gene signature using the Lasso and Cox method. The AUC of MRS in 1, 3, 5-year OS prediction were 0.759, 0.732, 0.728, respectively. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference on the prognosis of iCCA with high and low MRS score (P <0.001). Interestingly, GSEA was utilized to show several signaling pathways including MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and proteoglycans in cancer. On the other hand, survival analysis indicated that TMB was significantly associated with prognosis. And GSEA indicated that samples with high MRS or TMB upregulated signaling pathways involved in tumor signaling and immune system. At last, we constructed a predictive nomogram (included MRS, TMB and TNM stage) with satisfactory performance in survival prediction. Conclusions: The mutation genes signature and TMB were associated with prognosis in patients with iCCA. Our study provides a valuable prognostic predictor for further uncovering molecular pathogenesis in iCCA.
Radiomic Analysis of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI Predicts Ki-67 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Yanfen , Yu Yixing , Wang Ximing , Hu Mengjie , Hu Chunhong
Published: October 2020

Background: Nuclear protein Ki-67 indicates the status of cell proliferation and has been regarded as an attractive biomarker for the prognosis of HCC. The aim of this study is to investigate which radiomics model derived from different sequences and phases of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI was superior to predict Ki-67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), then further to validate the optimal model for preoperative prediction of Ki-67 expression in HCC. Methods: This retrospective study included 151 (training cohort: n=103; validation cohort: n=48) pathologically confirmed HCC patients. Radiomics features were extracted from the artery phase (AP), portal venous phase (PVP), hepatobiliary phase (HBP), and T2-weighted (T2W) images. A logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization was used to select features to build a radiomics score (Rad-score). A final combined model including the optimal Rad-score and clinical risk factors was established. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, Delong test and calibration curve were used to assess the predictive performance of the combined model. Decision cure analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility. Results: The AP radiomics model with higher decision curve indicating added more net benefit, gave a better predictive performance than the HBP and T2W radiomic models. The combined model (AUC = 0.922 vs 0.863) including AP Rad-score and serum AFP levels improved the predictive performance more than the AP radiomics model (AUC=0.873 vs 0.813) in the training and validation cohort. Calibration curve of the combined model showed a good agreement between the predicted and the actual probability. DCA of the validation cohort revealed that at a range threshold probability of 30-60%, the combined model added more net benefit compared with the AP radiomics model. Conclusions: A combined model including AP Rad-score and serum AFP levels based on enhanced MRI can preoperatively predict Ki-67 expression in HCC.