bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postnatal home visits by health extension workers in rural areas of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design
Authors: Tesfau Yemane Berhane , Kahsay Alemayehu Bayray , Gebrehiwot Tesfay Gebregzabher , Medhanyie Araya Abrha , Godefay Hagos
Published: May 2020

Background : In low-income countries like Ethiopia, where families have poor access to or do not utilize the services of formal health care systems, community health workers provide postnatal care services through home visits. However, the extent and effectiveness of home-based postnatal visits by community health workers such as the Ethiopian health extension workers (HEWs) are not well explored. This community -based study aimed to determine the coverage, contents of postnatal home visits and associated factors by health extension workers in Northern Ethiopia. Methods : We conducted a community based cross-sectional study in the rural Districts in Northern Ethiopia from August to September 2018. A total of 705 mothers who gave a live birth in the year preceding the survey were selected using multistage random sampling. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect data by interviewing the mothers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 statistical software. Association of postnatal home visits with possible explanatory variables was investigated using logistic regression. Results : One hundred and two (14.5%) mothers and newborns received PNC home visit within three days after birth from HEW and 170(24.1%) reported postnatal home visits within 42 days. Among the mothers who received postnatal home visits, 6.5% measured their blood pressure, 11.2% measured their temperature, 20% counseled about family planning, 16.5% counseled on newborn danger signs, 11.2% counseled on the skin to skincare of the newborn and 14.1% of their newborns were measured their weight at home. Mothers who received at least one home visit during pregnancy (AOR, 7.49; CI 3.55-15.80), participated in pregnant women forum (AOR, 3.16; CI 1.67-5.99), notified their birth (AOR, 6.16; CI 3.50-10.84) and those members of community health insurance (AOR, 1.87; CI 1.13-3.10) were factors associated with postnatal home visit by a health extension worker. Conclusion : The coverage of postnatal home visits by health extension workers remains low in rural districts of Northern Ethiopia. The existing health systems should consider interventions that improve pregnancy and birth notification strategies and more efforts should be made at improving community-based participation and linkages with community health workers.
High Level of Vaccination and Protection Against Hepatitis B with Low Rate of Hepatitis C HCV infection Markers among Hospital Health Care Personnel in North of Iran: A cross-Sectional study.
Authors: Saffar Hiva , Khoshayand Negar , Parsaei Mohammad-Reza , Ghorbani Gholam-Reza , Aarabi Mohsen , Ghara Ali-Asghar Nadi , Saffar mohammed-Jafar
Published: May 2020

Background: hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV) are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Health care personnel (HCP) are subjected to increased risk of these infections. Therefore, HBV vaccination and post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST) are recommended for them. Our Objectives in this study were investigate how well the vaccination guidelines for hospital HCPs were implemented. Moreover, the prevalence rates of HBV and HCV infections were calculated. To determine the presence of immunological memory, vaccinated personnel negative to antibody against HB surface antigen with one dose of HB vaccine were boosted. Methods: From 1 July to 30 November 2017, a cross-Sectional study among HCPs working in public hospitals were conducted. All HCPs from various professional categories potentially at risk of exposure to contaminated sources were included. The information was gathered via interview and self-administered questionnaire. The questions were focused on the demographic characteristics, HB vaccination and immunity status and time elapsed since initial vaccination series, and frequency of needelstick injuries during the past 12 months of their work. Moreover, the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infections were calculated. To determine the presence of immunological memory, subjects negative to HBV seromarkers received a booster dose of the vaccine.Results: A total of 186 out of 766 participants were male and nurses comprised 71% of personnel. Although all HCP were vaccinated, 84% of them completed the course and less than 5% of them received PVST. According to the results, 0.78%, 4.6%, and 83% were serologically positive to HBV surface antigen, antibodies against HBV core, and S antigens, respectively. Approximately, 91% of seronegative participants responded to a booster dose and only 0.91% of the personnel was Anti-HCV positive.Conclusion: Most HCP received full HBV vaccination course. Although a minority did PVST, the HBV vaccine-induced long-term protection and HB vaccine booster were not required. Therefore, policies should be made to increase the rate PVST after immunization. According to the results, the HCV infection rate was low and thus pre-recruitment screening was not necessary.
Resistance phenotype and molecular epidemiology of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Wenxia , Chen Hongyou , Chen Chen , Chen Junhao , Li Lingxia , Chen Min , Zhang Jue
Published: May 2020

Background: The emergence and wide global spread of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates are of great concern, and the aim of this study was to investigate drug resistance, molecular epidemiology, and genetic relationship of CRKP isolates from patients in Shanghai, China. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from April 2018 to July 2019, and a total of 133 CRKP isolates were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by VITEK-2 automated microbiology analyzer platform (bioMérieux, France) and the broth microdilution method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to investigate the presence of drug resistance genes. A modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) was performed to detect carbapenemases. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were conducted for genetic relatedness of 50 CRKP isolates selected. Results: Among 670 isolates of K. pneumoniae, 133 (19.85%) strains were identified as carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), of which, 76.69% (102/133) strains were isolated from ICUs. All the 133 CRKP isolates were found to be carbapenemase-producers and harbor blaKPC-2 gene. No other carbapenemase genes of blaNDM, blaOXA−48, blaVIM, and blaIMP were detected. Furthermore, β-lactamase genes of blaSHV, blaCTX, and blaTEM were the most common resistance-associated genes among these KPC-2 producing isolates. All the 133 CRKP strains displayed more than 95% of resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems, except for gentamicin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amikacin, tigecycline and colistin. The most common sequence type was ST11, accounting for 90.0% of the 50 CRKP selected, followed by ST15 (10%). PFGE analysis clustered the 50 KPC-2-producing isolates into seven (A-G) distinct clonal clusters at 85% cut off. Of which, cluster A and G were the two major clusters, accounting for the majority of the strains collected in emergency ICU and neurosurgical ICU. And all the strains of cluster D and E were collected in cardiothoracic surgery ICU, expect for one strain collected in one outpatient. Conclusion: The KPC-2-producing K.pneumoniae belonged to ST11 was widely disseminated in ICUs, and active and effective surveillance of infection control strategies was initiated to limit the spread of CRKP strains.
Neuroprotection by hypercapnia in brain ischemic injury followed by persistent hypoxia: an in vivo and in vitro experimental study
Authors: Yang Wanchao , Wang Qi , Wu Xiaohong , Li Tingting , Wan Qiang , Li Wen-Zhi
Published: May 2020

Backgrounds: Therapeutic hypercapnia was shown to have a potential neuroprotective role in our previous studies in a rat model of ischemia followed by hypoxia; however, it is unknown how hypercapnia affects blood-brain barrier (BBB) function under hypoxic conditions in cerebral ischemia. We aimed to observe the BBB permeability changes in response to cerebral ischemia followed by acute hypoxia or hypercapnic hypoxia using in vivo and in vitro models.Methods: Adult rats underwent unilateral common carotid artery ligation, at 60 min of ligation, they were exposed to systemic hypoxia with ventilation of 15% oxygen (O2) combined with 8% carbon dioxide (CO2) for 180 min. Cerebral blood flow, BBB integrity, infarct volume and behavior were assessed in this study. In vitro, rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were isolated and cultured under O2 (1% or 21%) with or without 15% CO2 for 6 h. Cell viability and transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) were measured. The ZO-1 and occludin protein levels were explored in BMECs by Western blotting.Results: Arterial blood O2 (PaO2) tensions averaged 56.1 mmHg during simple hypoxia, and arterial blood CO2 tensions (PaCO2) were maintained at normal values or 60–80 mmHg. Hypercapnia treatment significantly reduced brain infarct volume and pathophysiological changes in hypoxic ischemia rats. Furthermore, in the in vitro experiment, hypercapnia significantly improved the growth condition of BMECs, reduced endothelial cell permeability and attenuated the loss of ZO-1 and occludin protein in BMECs induced by hypoxia. Conclusions: Hypercapnia exerts beneficial effects on the BBB permeability in the rat model of hypoxic-ischemic injury and recovers the neurologic status especially within one week, possibly by preventing the loss of tight junction proteins.
Simulation design of acceleration sensor with multi-stage induction system
Authors: Feng Jiacheng
Published: May 2020

Acceleration sensor can monitor acceleration and trigger switches i n a dynamic environment. Based on the coupling mechanism of magneto-mechanical, this paper presents the design of an acceleration sensor . With the characteristics of integrated mechanism of perception and triggering, no power consumption and high robustness, it can be widely used in active and passive vehicle safety, robot and dynamic monitoring system. In order to improve the robustness of system, the closing and holding mechanism of switch is designed. Considering the comprehensive effects of elastic element, suction contact and permanent magnet, the paper built the mathematical model of sensor and the threshold searching algorithm. The simulation results show that the acceleration switch has the characteristic of sensitivity in specific dynamic signal, and it works well in overload and vibration disturbance environment. In conclusion, the paper presents a new design model and method for bilateral multi- stage acceleration sensor.
Canine helminthiases and associated risk factors in Kigali city, Rwanda
Authors: Ntampaka Pie , Niragire François , Nyaga Philip Njeru , Habarugira Gervais
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite that canine helminthiases pose a public health risk to humans and livestock, the prevalence of canine helminthiases in Rwanda is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine helminthiases and to identify the risk factors of such infections in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. A cross-sectional study involved 93 dogs selected across Kigali city. Faecal samples were collected from clinically healthy dogs and eggs worms were identified using McMaster technique. Risk factors for canine helminthiases were analysed by multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.
Results

The overall prevalence of intestinal helminthiases in dogs was 39.8%. The most prevalent species was Ancylostoma spp (32.3%, n = 93). About 41.9% (n = 31) of dogs suffering from ancylostomosis and/or toxocarosis had high egg counts per gram (EPG) of faeces (≥ 550). Approximately 97.3% (n = 37) of dogs infected with helminths had mono-infection. Logistic regression analysis showed that dog's age and location were significantly associated with the prevalence of canine helminthiases. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of dogs suffering from helminthiases was more than 61% lower in dogs dewormed once to twice a year compared to those who were never dewormed. The AOR was more than 42% lower for restricted dogs compared to non-restricted ones.
Conclusions

All the identified helminths are zoonotic and they pose a public health risk to humans. There is urgent need of awareness among dog owners on the role of dogs in transmitting zoonotic helminthiases to other animals and humans as well as effective control measures.
Estimation of 24 hour urine protein excretion using urine creatinine/albumin ratio
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhao Yonghong , Hong Daqing , Feng Yunlin
Published: May 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Inverse correlation between Interleukin-34 and gastric cancer, a potential biomarker for prognosis
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jiwei , Tao Kun , Hambly Brett D , Bao Shisan
Published: May 2020

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with high morbidity/mortality, partly due to a lack of reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. It is important to develop reliable biomarker(s) with specificity, sensitivity and convenience for early diagnosis. The role of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and survival of GC patients are controversial. Macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) regulates monocytes/macrophages. Elevated MCSF is correlated with invasion, metastasis and poor survival of tumour patients. IL-34, a ligand of the MCSF receptor, acts as a “twin” to MCSF, demonstrating overlapping and complimentary actions. IL-34 involvement in tumours is controversial, possibly due to the levels of MCSF receptors. While the IL34/MCSF/MCSFR axis is very important for regulating macrophage differentiation, the specific interplay between these cytokines, macrophages and tumour development is unclear.Methods A multi-factorial evaluation could provide more objective utility, particularly for either prediction and/or prognosis of gastric cancer. Precision medicine requires molecular diagnosis to determine the specifically mutant function of tumours, and is becoming popular in the treatment of malignancy. Therefore, elucidating specific molecular signalling pathways in specific cancers facilitates the success of a precision medicine approach. Gastric cancer tissue arrays were generated from stomach samples with TNM stage, invasion depth and the demography of these patients (n = 185). Using immunohistochemistry/histopathology, MCSF, IL-34 and macrophages were determined.Results We found that IL-34 may serve as a predictive biomarker, but not as an independent, prognostic factor in GC; MCSF inversely correlated with survival of GC in TNM III‑IV subtypes. Increased CD68+TAMs were a good prognostic factor in some cases and could be used as an independent prognostic factor in male T3 stage GC.Conclusion Our data support the potency of IL-34, MCSF, TAMs and the combination of IL34/TAMs as novel biological markers for GC, and may provide new insight for both diagnosis and cellular therapy of GC.
Deep Double-Pilot-Based Hybrid Precoding in UAV-Enabled MmWave Massive MIMO
Authors: Hong Ziyao , Li Ting , Li Fei
Published: May 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) enabled communication system provides flexibility and reliability compared to conventional ones. Millimeter wave and massive MIMO have widely been researched since recent years, which are promising techniques for the next and even the later generation communication system. Hybrid precoding, as a method to reduce the high cost in hardware and power brought by massive antenna array, develops fiercely and is often combined to deep learning, a kind of popular optimization tool, which brings overwhelming performance. On the other hand, there are not so many attentions about the hybrid precoding in time-varying millimeter wave massive MIMO, which is necessary to be considered in a UAV-enabled communication scenario because the performance will degrade seriously if the channel changed while the transmitter and receiver use the precoding matrix corresponding to the expired channel, yet. In this paper, we propose a double-pilot-based hybrid precoding system, which completes analog precoding and digital precoding separately--predicting the previous one using deep learning structure and updating equivalent channel frequently for the post one by enhancing the frequency of equivalent channel estimation.
The Development and Psychometric Validation of A Low-Cost Anthropomorphic 3D-Printout Simulator for Training Basic Skills Applicable to Office-Based Hysteroscopy
Authors: Panazzolo Ana Rita Peixoto , Grando Leisa Beatriz , Volpato Lia Karina , Filho Getúlio R. de Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Background Hysteroscopy training requires the development of specific psychomotor skills. Few validated low-cost models exist in hysteroscopy. The main objective of this study is to determine face, content and construct validity of a simulator designed for training basic hysteroscopy skills applied to office-based hysteroscopy.Methods Twenty-five hysteroscopy experts and 30 gynecology residents participated in this prospective observational study. The simulator consisted of three color-textured, silicone-coated anthropomorphic 3-dimensional (3-D) printout uterine models inside a box. Each uterine model in the simulator was designed to developed one of the following basic hysteroscopic skills: hysteroscopic navigation, direct biopsy, and foreign body removal. Participants performed five video-recorded simulation attempts on each model. Procedure-specific checklists were used to rate performance.Results Median scores (25th – 75th percentiles; p-value) 4 (3–4; p < 0.001) and surgical experience associated to the simulated procedures 4 (3–4; p < 0.001) indicated positive perceptions as to the realism of the internal cavity of the simulator. Median scores of 4 (3–4; p < 0.001) were assigned to the realism and utility of the tasks performed in the simulator for enhancing novice training in hysteroscopy. Expert performance scores were significantly higher and task completion times were significantly lower than those of novices in the navigation exercise (F(1,53) = 56.66; p < 0.001), the directed biopsy exercise (F(1,53) = 22.45; p < 0.001), and the foreign body removal exercise (F(1,53) = 58.51; p < 0.001). Novices´ performance improved on all three exercises: navigation exercise (F(1,53) = 182.44; p < 0.001); directed endometrial biopsy (F(1,53) = 110.53; p < 0.001); and foreign body removal (F(1,53) = 58.62; p < 0.001). Experts´ task completion times were significantly lower when compared to that of novices in the five attempts (p < 0,001) of the exercises: navigation (F(1,48) = 25.46; p < 0.001); directed biopsy (F(1,46) = 31.20; p < 0.001); and foreign body removal (F(1,50) = 69.8; p < 0.001). Novices´ task completion times diminished significantly throughout the sequence of exercises.Conclusions The low-cost simulator designed for the acquisition of basic skills in hysteroscopy demonstrated face, content and construct validity.
DEAH-box polypeptide 32 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating the β-catenin pathway
Authors: Hu Xiaoyun , Yuan Guosheng , Li Qi , Huang Jing , Cheng Xiao , Chen Jinzhang
Published: May 2020

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a refractory cancer with high morbidity and high mortality. It has been reported that DEAH-box polypeptide 32 (DHX32) was upregulated in several types of malignancies and predicted poor prognosis, which was associated with tumor growth and metastasis. However, the expression of DHX32 in HCC and its role in HCC progression remain largely unknown.
Methods
Western blot and RT-PCR assays were used to detect the expression of DHX32 and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes in HCC cells. Wound-healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to determine the effect of DHX32 and β-catenin on the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Cell proliferation was examined by EdU cell proliferation assay.
Results
In our study, we found that high level of DHX32 expression was associated with reduced overall survival in HCC patients. DHX32 expression was upregulated in human HCC cells and ectopic expression of DHX32 induced EMT, promoted the migration, invasion, and proliferation of HCC cells, and enhanced tumor growth. Silencing DHX32 reversed EMT, inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of HCC cells, and suppressed tumor growth. RT-PCR assay revealed that DHX32 regulated the expression of CTNNB1, CCND1, COX2, MMP7, and WIF1 in HCC cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that silencing DHX32 decreased the expression of β-catenin in nucleus and β-catenin siRNA abrogated DHX32-mediated EMT, migration, invasion, and proliferation in HCC cells.
Conclusions
Our data suggested that DHX32 was an attractive regulator of HCC progression and indicated DHX32 can serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of influenza virus infection among adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study from Wuhan, China
Authors: Tong Xunliang , Xu Xiaomao , Lv Guoyue , Wang He , Cheng Anqi , Wang Dingyi , Li Yanming
Published: May 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infection disease that rapidly spreads worldwide. Clinical features and outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients with influenza virus IgM positive during the influenza season need to be described.
Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 140 patients with severe COVID-19 hospitalized in designated wards of Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital between Feb 8th and March 15th in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The demographic, clinical feature, laboratory, treatment and outcome were collected and analyzed.
Results

Of 140 severe COVID-19 hospitalized patients, 73 patients were with median age of 66 years old with identification of influenza virus IgM-positive and 67 patients were with median age of 62 years old in influenza virus IgM-negative group. Nearly half of severe COVID-19 patients in this research are male. Majority of the severe COVID-19 patients had chronic underlying conditions. Wheeze was the clinical feature of severe COVID-19 patients with influenza IgM-positive (26.4% vs 9.0%, P = 0.008). On contrary, fatigue or myalgia was the feature of the COVID-19 patients without IgM-positive (38.4% vs 58.2%, P = 0.019). In laboratory examination, increased levels of ferritin and prolonging APTT were showed in severe COVID-19 patients without influenza IgM-positive compared with patients in the other group with significant differences. Death rate in the group of severe COVID-19 patients with influenza IgM-positive is higher than it is in other group with significant differences (14.9% vs 4.1%, P = 0.040). In univariate regression analysis, several factors were associated with higher risk of death, which included LDH, troponin, NT-proBNP, D-dimer, PT, APTT, lymphocytes, platelet and eGFR. However, influenza virus IgM positive was associated with lower risk of death. Multivariate Regression analysis showed that troponin and lymphocyte were independently associated with higher risk of death.
Conclusion

The characteristics of patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 with identification of influenza virus IgM-positive were described. It hints proof of seasonal influenza which may overlap with COVID-19 and may cause a crisis we could confront in the future.
Clinical analysis of 207 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Yuan , Shan Fei , Zhang Renyin , Shi Nannan , Liu Fengjun , Shi J , Shi Yuxin
Published: May 2020

Objectives: To investigate clinical features and the chest computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Shanghai. Materials and Methods: Two hundred seven patients (102 men and 105 women, 15-84 years old) with COVID-19 from 23 January 2020 to 8 February 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The imaging findings, clinical and laboratory data of the patients were evaluated and analyzed. The CT score was determined by totaling the lobes of lungs affected ranging from 0-25. Results: The median time from onset of symptoms to first hospital admission was 5.3±3.9 days.After being tested positive, the hospital stay of patients with onset of symptoms within one week is longer than that of patients with onset of symptoms over one week (15.7 vs. 11.5 respectively, p<0.01). The initial lung findings of patients with COVID-19 on chest CT were small subpleural ground glass opacities (GGO) that grew larger with crazy-paving pattern and consolidation with or without interstitial opacity. The mean CT scores peaked at 8-10 days of illness, with a slow decline thereafter and substantial scores after the 10 days. Both age and CD4+ cell counts had a remarkable prognostic effect on imaging outcomes (p<0.05). Conclusion: For patients in mild-to-moderatecondition, the disease began to improve after 10 days from the initiation of the symptoms. Both age and baseline CD4+ cell count were pivotal predictor of the outcome of imaging of the patients with COVID-19.
FOXP3 inhibits tumor growth and induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting c-Myc
Authors: Gong Zhongqin , Jia Hao , Yu Jianqing , Liu Yi , Ren Jianwei , Yang Shengli , Hu Baoguang , Liu Liping , Lai Paul BS , Chen George Gong
Published: May 2020

Background

The status of FOXP3 and its isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the expression and function of FOXP3 and its isoforms in HCC.
Methods

The study was performed on 84 HCC patients, HCC cell lines and a mouse tumor model. The levels of FOXP3 and its isoforms were determined by nested PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The correlation between their levels and clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed.
Results

The full length of FOXP3 (FOXP3) and exon 3-deleted FOXP3 (FOXP3Δ3) were found to be the major isoforms in HCC. The levels of FOXP3Δ3 mRNA and protein in HCC tumor samples were not significantly different from their adjacent normal tissues. The high expression of FOXP3 protein in HCC patients showed a good overall survival. The overexpression of FOXP3 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The immunofluorescence result indicated that FOXP3 needed to be translocated into the nucleus to exert its inhibitory function. The luciferase assay demonstrated that FOXP3 could be synergistic with Smad2/3/4 to inhibit the oncogene c-Myc. The co-immunoprecipitation results further revealed that FOXP3 could interact with Smad2/3/4. The chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that both FOXP3 and Smad2/3/4 bound the promoter of the c-Myc to inhibit it. The in vivo mouse tumor model study confirmed the inhibitory effect of FOXP3.
Conclusion

Collectively, the expression of tumor FOXP3 can inhibit the growth of HCC via suppressing c-Myc directly or indirectly via interacting with Smad2/3/4. Therefore, FOXP3 is a tumor suppressor in HCC.
A Network-Based Approach to Deciphering A Dynamic Microbiome’s Response to A Subtle Perturbation
Authors: Shaw Grace Tzun-Wen , Liu An-Chi , Weng Chieh-Yin , Chen Yi-Chun , Chen Cheng-Yu , Weng Francis Cheng-Hsuan , Wang Daryi , Chou Chu-Yang
Published: May 2020

Background: Over the past decades, one main issue that has emerged in ecological and environmental research is how losses in biodiversity influence ecosystem dynamics and functioning, and consequently human society. Declines in biodiversity lead to more than just species loss. The exponentially growing human population and its exploitation of natural resources affect the environment from local to global scales via climate change, global warming, and other human-driven environmental problems. Although biodiversity is a common indicator of ecosystem functioning, it is difficult to measure biodiversity in microbial communities exposed to moderate or chronic environmental perturbations. Consequently, there is a need for alternative bioindicators to detect, measure, and monitor gradual changes in microbial communities against these slight, chronic, and continuous perturbations.Results: Recent studies have proven that co-occurrence patterns are effective for measuring responses to subtle perturbations. In this study, we mimicked dynamic microbial ecosystems under pressure from subtle perturbations by adding a key microbial species and comparing network topologies. The present study is a comprehensive investigation of how a network-oriented method can be used to track microbiome dynamics after a key species, S. acidaminiphila, is added into anaerobic digestion reactors of swine manure. Microbial networks before and after bioaugmentation with S. acidaminiphila showed diverse topological niches and 4-node motifs in which microbes with co-occurrence patterns played the central roles in regulating and adjusting the intertwined relationships among microorganisms in response to the subtle environmental changes.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that microbial networks are a good bioindicator for chronic perturbation and should be applied in a variety of ecological investigations.
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for interstitial cystitis: a protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Da-yin , Guo Ying-xue , Dong Long-xin , He Wen-jie , Cao Hui-feng , Wang Ping , Yue Cai-fang
Published: May 2020

Background This study will examine the effectiveness and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). Methods We will retrieve the following electronic databases from their commencements to the March 1, 2020 to discover all related potential studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and WANFANG Database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the NMES for the treatment of patients with IC will be included, regardless publication status and language. Literature selection, data collection, and study quality assessment will be independently performed by two authors. The extracted data will be expressed as risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data, and mean difference or standard mean difference and 95% CIs for continuous data. RevMan V.5.3 software will be employed for statistical analysis.Discussion This study will summarize current high quality RCTs to appraise the effectiveness and safety of NMES for the treatment of patients with IC. The findings of this study will provide helpful evidence to determine whether NMES is an effective treatment for patients with IC or not. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42020170495.
Identification of key genes and their microRNAs in glioma: Evidence from bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Wen Xichao , Fu Meijuan , Wu Wensong , Zeng Zhaomu , Zheng Kebin
Published: May 2020

Background

Glioma is one of the most common primary intracranial tumors. Although a lot of studies have been conducted to elucidate the pathogeny of glioma, the molecular mechanisms are still unclear because of its complex biological functions.
Methods

To identify the candidate genes in the carcinogenesis and progression of glioma, microarray datasets GSE4290, GSE122498 and GSE2223 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and performed function enrichment of DEGs by Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape to find hub genes. Survival analysis and GEPIA database was conducted to screen and validate critical genes. Analysis of miRNA and genetic alteration was used to explore and predict the molecule mechanism.
Results

A total of 150 DEGs were identified, consisting of 54 downregulated genes and 96 upregulated genes. The enriched functions and pathways of the DEGs include regulation of transportation, synaptic transmission and SH3 domain binding. Fifteen hub genes were identified and biological process analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in SH3 domain binding, neuron projection terminus, mitotic nuclear division, condensed chromosome and affected the brain development. Survival analysis showed that VAMP2, PPP3CA, DLGAP5, KIF14, REPS2, CENPU, KNTC1 and SMC4, may be involved in the carcinogenesis, invasion or recurrence of glioma. These 8 hub genes, which were related miRNAs and genetic changes were commonly involved in the development of glioma, were closely associated with tumor grade.
Conclusion

DEGs and hub genes identified in the present study help us understand the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression of glioma, and provide candidate targets for diagnosis and treatment of glioma.
Effect of High Intensity Low Volume and High Intensity Moderate Volume Tapering Training on Mood Disturbance
Authors: Amede Ambachew , Yassin Rehima
Published: May 2020

Objective- The researchers aimed to investigate the effect of high intensity low volume and high intensity moderate volume tapering strategies on psychological traits in endurance athletes. Methodology- Thirty-seven young endurance athletes (mean age: 20±1.97 years; mean training period: 2.43±0.603 years) were randomly assigned to high intensity low-volume (HILV) and high-intensity moderate volume (HIMV) taper groups. Training frequencies were five times per week conducted for 2 weeks in both groups. At baseline and after 2 weeks of the taper intervention, psychological (TMD; characterized by the aggression, depression, tension, fatigue, confusion and vigor sub states) were measured by using self administer profiles of mood state (POMS) questionnaires. Result- We investigated the effect of the HILV and HIMV taper training on the mood disturbance of endurance athletes and positive psychological traits changes were observed in both HILV and HIMV taper groups regardless of the differences in volume reductions during the two-week taper period. Comparisons of the strategies did not reveal significant differences between the taper groups. In addition, finding from multiple regression models emphasizing on the prediction power of the tapering training strategies on the mood disturbance revealed that HILV taper could predicting the TMD in endurance athletes.Conclusion- Both taper strategies characterized by HILV and HIMV training load have beneficial effects on the improvement of endurance related psychological traits.
Application of Monitoring Indicators in The Management of Hospital Use of Antimicrobials
Authors: Silva Ravena , Silva Ravena , Santos Quesia , Batista Alessandra , Melo Matheus , Júnior Lucindo , Mendonça Simonize , Xavier Milena , Leão Ingrid , Silva Wellington , Lobo Iza Maria Fraga
Published: May 2020

Background It is described in the literature that between 25–50% of antimicrobial prescriptions, in the hospital environment, are unnecessary or inadequate. The National Health Surveillance Agency launched the “Brazil Stewardship Project”, in order to assess the national panorama of antimicrobial use management programs, therefore, it is expected that managers will be encouraged to implement the antimicrobial use management program, with publication of the results, enabling the confrontation of national data.Methods This is an observational, analytical and prospective study conducted in a teaching hospital, with 94 active beds, distributed between the intensive care unit (ICU), the surgical clinic (SUR), the medical clinic (MED), the pneumology/infectology (PNE/INF) and pediatrics (PED).Results During the study period, a total of 11,628 patient-days were followed up and an average of 58.3% of patients were exposed to some antimicrobial. In 376 days, for every 1,000 days of hospitalization, patients were receiving antimicrobial therapy (LOT = 376/1000pd). The calculated global DOT / LOT ratio showed that each patient received an average of 1.5 antimicrobials during hospital stay.Conclusions The indicators addressed in this study proved to be of great relevance for obtaining data regarding the use of antimicrobials, contributing to the initiatives to be taken by the Stewardship program. This study is expected to encourage other hospitals to monitor the use of antimicrobials, allowing comparison of data.
Effective Components-Targets-Mechanism-Chinese Prescription Strategy (ETMC), A New Strategy for Chinese Prescription Development: A Case Study in Danlou Tablet
Authors: Guo Yongzhi , Jiang Yingnan
Published: May 2020

Background: Chinese prescription is a combination medicine used by Chinese medical workers to treat various diseases and has saved countless human lives. By studying the effective substances, therapeutic targets, and mechanism of Chinese prescription, Western researchers can better understand the great value of Chinese prescription. Methods: In this study, a new strategy was proposed for the development of Chinese prescription: the effective components (E)-targets (T)-mechanism (M)-Chinese prescription (C) strategy, namely the ETMC strategy. Results: The proposed strategy used the chemical compositions of the Chinese prescription as the source of ligands to predict the corresponding targets for discovering the mechanism of Chinese prescription, which was helpful to further screen out effective substances from the chemical compositions of Chinese prescription. Here an example on development of Danlou tablet was performed to introduce the application of ETMC. Conclusions: A novel strategy for Chinese prescription development, ETMC, along with its application was provided in the current study, which contributed to the further development, wider application and internationalization of Chinese prescription.
Rhythms and prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest, emphasis on pseudo-pulseless electrical activity: another reason to use ultrasound in emergency rooms in Colombia
Authors: Devia German Alberto , Navarrete Norberto , Ortiz Zaira Melina Rojas
Published: May 2020

Background The cardiac arrest is still an emergency with a bad prognosis. The growing adoption of bedside ultrasound allowed to classify PEA in two groups: the true PEA and the pseudo-PEA. pPEA is used to describe a patient who has a supposed PEA in the absence of pulse, with evidence of some cardiac activity on the bedside ultrasound.Objective This work aims to assess the bedside ultrasound use as a predictor for ROSC and survival at discharge in cardiac arrest patients, and compare the pseudo-pulseless electrical activity to other cardiac arrest rhythms, including shockable rhythms.Materials and Methods This is an observational, historic cohort study carried out in the emergency room of the University Hospital Mayor, Méderi. Data were collected from all the adult patients treated for cardiac arrest from June 2018 to 2019. An ultrasound was performed to every cardiac arrest patient.Results Of a total of 108 patients the median of the age was 71 years, 65.8% were male subjects, the most frequent cause for cardiac arrest was the cardiogenic shock(32.4%). ROSC was observed in 41 cases(37.9%) and survival at discharge was 18 cases(16.7%). VF/VT and pPEA were the two rhythms that showed the highest ROSC and survival at discharge. For the pPEA group, we were able to conclude that the cardiac activity type is related to ROSC.Conclusion There is a significant difference for ROSC and survival at discharge prognosis among the cardiac arrest rhythms, with better outcomes for VF/VT and pPEA. Among patients with PEA, a routine ultrasound assessment is recommended. The type of cardiac activity recorded during the ultrasound of the cardiac arrest patient might be related to the ROSC and survival at discharge prognosis.
Rapid and accurate detection of three genes in SARS-CoV-2 using RT-LAMP method
Authors: Yang Weihua , Dang Xiaofei , Wang Qingxi , Xu Mingjie , Zhao Qianqian , Zhou Yunying , Zhao Huailong , Wang Li , Xu Yihui , Wang Jun , Han Shuyi , Wang Min , Li Huanjie , Pei Fenyan , Wang Yunshan
Published: May 2020

Background

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently emerged life-threatening disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It has the characteristics of rapid transmission, difficult treatment, rapid deterioration, and high mortality rate. Reliable and rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is critical to treat patients and control transmission in time.
Methods

To detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid faster and more convenient, RT-LAMP method (reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) was developed. ORF1ab gene, E gene and N gene were selected as the target genes, because ORF1ab gene is the most specific and N gene is the most sensitive, while E gene has both sensitivity and specificity. Over thirty primer sets for them were designed, then the primer sets with rapid response and high specificity were screened out and their loop primers were designed and selected in order to improve the reaction speed further. Using these primers, RNA reverse transcription and nucleic acid amplification were performed in one step at 63 ℃ isothermal conditions, and the results can be judged by naked eyes through color change within 30 minutes. Finally, the optimal primer set for each gene was verified with over 208 clinical samples.
Results

ORF1ab gene, E gene and N gene were detected simultaneously by this method. ORF1ab gene has high specificity and the same sensitivity as RT-PCR currently used in clinic. Although N gene is less specific than ORF1ab, it is 80 times more sensitive than ORF1ab. The sensitivity and specificity of E gene are between them. Simultaneous detection of these three genes can neither cause false positives nor miss samples with low virus concentration, ensuring the sensitivity and specificity of SARS-CoV-2 detection. BLAST comparing results showed the primers for the three genes were highly specific for SARS-CoV-2. And the sequencing results of RT-LAMP products showed that the amplified fragments were unique to SARS-CoV-2. The accuracy of RT-LAMP assay was 99% as detecting 208 clinical specimens.
Conclusions

The RT-LAMP assay reported here has the advantages of rapid amplification, simple operation, and easy detection, which is useful for the rapid and reliable clinical diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
Impact on health awareness in adult childhood cancer survivors after perceiving their digital treatment summary and follow-up recommendations.
Authors: Linge Helena , Follin Cecilia
Published: May 2020

Background: The survival rate after childhood cancer has improved and today more than 80% of patients with a paediatric malignancy will become 5-year survivors. Two thirds of CCS will experience one or several late complications due to cancer treatment, resulting in excess morbidity and mortality. These complications require regular follow-up care to preserve health, improve quality of life and increase empowerment. In addition, the survivors need education about their diagnosis, treatment history and follow-up plans, including access to their individual cancer treatment summary. This study aims to illuminate childhood cancer survivors’ health awareness after perceiving their personalized digital treatment summary and follow-up recommendations. Methods: To assess the medical background, health related survivorship experiences, and e health literacy, 16 survivors from southern Sweden with varied childhood cancer diagnoses responded to a survey before and after perceiving their digital treatment summary. Their overall experiences were assessed using focus group interviews. The transcribed data was analyzed with conventional qualitative content analysis. Results: The results of the survey show that the self-reported medical problems as well as the perceived survivorship experiences largely reflected what is known about childhood cancer survivors in general. Of the considered medical specialists, the primary care physician was the most frequently visited specialist (68.8%). The E health literacy correlated with level of education, but not length of survival and was not linked to CNS radiotherapy. The survivors graded the treatment summary valuable, agreeable and comprehensive. The focus group interviews identified three themes: 1) The significance of information, 2) The impact of awareness; and 3) Empowerment. Conclusions: In conclusion, childhood cancer survivors with a broad representation of primary diagnoses, were impacted by perceiving their digital treatment history and follow up recommendations. High E health literacy was not associated with treatment features but with educational level and sex. Perceiving the treatment summaries furthered the survivors understanding of their health situation and consequently aided empowerment. Digital treatment summaries delivered by knowledgeable health care professionals could aid continuous health surveillance and promote the patient-health care-shared responsibility of medical follow up after childhood cancer.
The Low Fresh Gas Flow Anesthesia and Hypothermia in Neonates Undergoing Digestive Surgeries: A Retrospective Before-After Study
Authors: Cui Yu , Wang Yu , Cao Rong , Li Gen , Deng Lingmei , Li Jia
Published: May 2020

Background Based on the previous investigation in our institution, the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates was high. Since September 1st, 2019, the recommendation had been launched to utilize ≤ 1 L/min fresh gas flow during the neonates’ surgical procedure. We therefore intended to evaluate the association between low fresh gas flow anesthesia and the occurrence of hypothermia in neonates undergoing digestive surgeries.Methods A retrospective chart review, before-after study was conducted for neonates who underwent digestive surgeries. The primary outcomes were the incidence of hypothermia. The secondary outcomes included hospital mortality, the value of lowest temperature, blood loss, mean body temperature during the surgery, the length of hypothermia during the surgery and postoperative hospital length-of- stay (PLOS).Results 249 neonates fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The overall incidence of intraoperative hypothermia was 81.9%. The low fresh gas flow anesthesia significantly reduced the odds of hypothermia [routine group: 149 (87.6%) versus low group: 55 (69.6); p ༜ 0.01]. Moreover, the low fresh gas flow anesthesia could reduce the length of hypothermia [routine group: 104 (50, 156) versus low group: 30 (0,100); p ༜ 0.01], as well as elevate the value of lowest temperature for neonates [routine group: 35.1 (34.5, 35.7) versus low group: 35.7(35.3, 36); p ༜ 0.01]. After adjustment for confounding, low fresh gas flow anesthesia and the length of surgical time were independently associated with intraoperative hypothermia.Conclusions Low fresh gas flow anesthesia is an effective way to alleviate hypothermia in neonates undergoing open digestive surgery.