bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive exclusion and metabolic dependency among microorganisms structure the cellulose economy of agricultural soil
Authors: Wilhelm Roland C , Pepe-Ranney Charles , Weisenhorn Pamela , Lipton Mary , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: March 2020

Background
Microorganisms that degrade cellulose utilize extracellular processes that yield free intermediates which promote interactions with non-cellulolytic organisms. We hypothesized that these interactions determine the ecological and physiological traits governing the fate of cellulosic carbon (C) in soil. We employed metagenomic-SIP and metaproteomics to characterize the attributes of cellulolytic and non-cellulolytic microbes accessing 13C from cellulose. We hypothesized that cellulolytic taxa would exhibit competitive traits to limit access, while non-cellulolytic taxa would display metabolic dependency, such as signatures of adaptive gene loss. We tested this hypothesis by evaluating genomic traits indicative of competitive exclusion or metabolic dependency, such as antibiotic production, growth rate, surface attachment, biomass degrading potential and auxotrophy.
Results
The most 13C-enriched taxa were cellulolytic Cellvibrio (Gammaproteobacteria) and Chaetomium (Ascomycota), which exhibited a strategy of self-sufficiency (prototrophy), rapid growth, and competitive exclusion via antibiotic production. These ruderal taxa were common indicators of soil disturbance in agroecosystems, such as tillage and fertilization. Auxotrophy was more prevalent in cellulolytic Actinobacteria than in cellulolytic Proteobacteria, demonstrating differences in dependency among cellulose degraders. Non-cellulolytic taxa that accessed 13C from cellulose (Planctomycetales, Verrucomicrobia and Vampirovibrionales) were highly dependent, as indicated by patterns of auxotrophy and 13C-labeling (i.e. partial labelling or labeling at later-stages). Major 13C-labeled cellulolytic microbes (e.g. Sorangium, Actinomycetales, Rhizobiales and Caulobacteraceae) possessed adaptations for surface colonization (e.g. gliding motility, hyphae, attachment structures) signifying the importance of surface ecology in decomposition.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that access to cellulose was accompanied by ecological trade-offs characterized by differing degrees of metabolic dependency and competitive exclusion. These trade-offs influence microbial growth dynamics on particulate organic carbon and reveal that the fate of carbon is governed by a complex economy within the microbial community. We propose three ecological groups for microbes participating in this economy: (i) independent primary degraders, (ii) integrated primary degraders and (iii) mutualists, opportunists and parasites.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary health care physicians regarding the pre-travel counselling of patients with type 2 diabetes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alduraibi Rabia , Almigbal Turky H , Alrasheed Abdullah A , Batais Mohammed Ali
Published: March 2020

Background: Travel has become an integral part of Saudi life. People with diabetes face many challenges while travelling that can have detrimental effects on glycaemic control. However, no previous studies have investigated pre-travel counselling in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary health care (PHC) physicians regarding pre-travel counselling for patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in PHC centres under the Ministry of Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2018-2019. A cluster multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit physicians. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.Results: Three hundred and eighty-five primary health care physicians were recruited. This study showed that more than half (57.9%) of PHC physicians had poor knowledge scores. Additionally, the following characteristics were significantly associated with poor knowledge: being younger in age, being male, being Saudi, being a general practitioner, and having limited (0-5 years) experience. A total of 183 (47.5%) subjects showed disagreement attitudes towards the importance of pre-travel counselling among patients with diabetes. Furthermore, these disagreement attitudes were significantly associated with being older and having more years of experience. The majority (62.6%) of the physicians had poor practice scores. Poor practices were detected among physicians who were younger, male, and Saudi and who had a general practitioner specialty and degree.Conclusions: It could be concluded that a gap was detected in the knowledge and practices of primary health care physicians regarding pre-travel counselling for people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is necessary to create easily accessible travel medicine education programmes for Saudi PHC providers to improve the management of travellers with diabetes.Trial registrationNot applicable
An atlas-based automatic brain segmentation method for regional SUV quantification in hybrid PET/MR
Authors: Ruan Weiwei , Sun Xun , Hu Xuehan , Liu Fang , Hu Fan , Guo Jinxia , Zhang Yongxue , Lan Xiaoli
Published: March 2020

Background Quantitative analysis of brain positron-emission tomography (PET) depends on structural segmentation, which can be time-consuming and operator-dependent when performed manually. Previous automatic segmentation methods usually fitted subjects’ images onto an atlas template for group analysis, which changed the individuals’ images and affected regional PET segmentation. We proposed an automatic segmentation method, registering atlas template to subjects’ images (RATSI), which created an individual atlas template and may be more accurate for PET segmentation. We segmented two representative brain areas in twenty Parkinson disease (PD) and eight multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients performed in hybrid positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR). The segmentation accuracy was evaluated using the Dice coefficient (DC) and Hausdorff distance (HD). and the standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements of these two automatic segmentation methods were compared, using manual segmentation as a reference. Results The DC of RATSI increased and the HD decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with the traditional method in PD, while the results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) found no significant differences in the SUVmean and SUVmax among the two automatic and the manual segmentation methods. Further, RATSI was used to compare regional differences in cerebral metabolism pattern between PD and MSA patients. The SUVmean in the segmented cerebellar gray matter for the MSA group was significantly lower compared with the PD group (P<0.05), which is consistent with previous reports.Conclusion The RATSI was more accurate for the caudate nucleus and putamen automatic segmentation, and can be used for regional PET analysis in hybrid PET/MR.
Transcriptome-based Selection and Validation of Optimal House-keeping Genes for Skin Research in Goats (Capra hircus)
Authors: Zhang Jipan , Deng Chengchen , Li Jialu , Zhao Yong-Ju
Published: March 2020

Background: In Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments, accurate and reliable target gene expression data is dependent on optimal amplification of house-keeping genes (HKGs). The RNA-seq technology offers a novel approach to detect new HKGs with improved stability. Goat (Capra hircus) is an economically important livestock species, and plays an indispensable role in the world animal fiber and meat industry. Unfortunately, uniform and reliable HKGs be used in skin research of goats have not been identified. Therefore, this study seeks to identify a set of stable HKGs for the skin tissue of C. hircus using the new high-throughput sequencing technology.Results: Based on the transcriptome dataset of 39 goat skin tissues, 8 genes (SRP68, NCBP3, RRAGA, EIF4H, CTBP2, PTPRA, CNBP, and EEF2) with relatively stable expression levels were identified and selected as new candidate HKGs. The classical HKGs including SDHA and YWHAZ from a previous study, and 2 conventional genes (ACTB and GAPDH) were also considered. Four different experimental materials: (1) different development stages, (2) hair follicle cycle stages, (3) breeds and (4) sampling sites were provided for determination and validation. Four algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt method) and a comprehensive algorithm (ComprFinder, developed in-house) were used to assess the stability of each HKG. It was observed that NCBP3+SDHA+PTPRA was more stably expressed than previously used genes, in all conditions analyzed. This combination was effective at normalizing target gene expression. Moreover, a new algorithm, ComprFinder, was developed and released for comprehensive analysis.Conclusion: This study presents the first data of candidate HKGs selection for skin tissues of C. hircus based on an RNA-seq dataset. We propose the use of the NCBP3+SDHA+PTPRA combination as the triplet HKGs in skin molecular biology in C. hircus and other closely related species in order to standardize analyses across studies. In addition, we also encourage researchers who are performing candidate HKG evaluations and have the needs of a comprehensive analysis to adopt our new algorithm, ComprFinder.
Pathways involved in pony body size development
Authors: fang jun , zhang yanru , zhang dong , cao junwei , zhang li , liu chunxia , xing yanping , wang feng , wang chao shi , ling yu , zhou huanmin
Published: March 2020

Background: The mechanism of body growth in mammal s is poorly understood. Here, we report the regulat ory networks involv ed in body growth through analyzing transcriptomes of pituitary and epiphyseal tissues of Debao pon ies and Mongolian horse s at juvenile and adult stages . Results: We found that Growth hornome receptor ( GHR ) was expressed little in long bones though Growth hornome ( GH ) w as highly expressed in Debao pon ies compared with Mongolian horses. Moreover, m -RAS and ATF3 , involved in the GHR pathway , were found to be significant ly downreg ulated in juvenile pon ies , which slowed the proliferation of bone osteocytes. However, WNT2 and PLCβ2 were obviously upregulated in juvenile Debao ponies, which led to premature mineralization of bone extracellular matrix. Furthermore, we found that the WNT/Ca 2+ pathway may be responsible for the regulation of body growth . W e then demonstrated that GHR was lack ing in long bone s of Debao ponies using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Treatment with WNT antagonist 1 decrease d expression of the WNT pathway (P ≤ 0.05) in vitro. The transduction of ATDC5 cells with GHR-RNAi lentivirus decrease d expression of the GHR pathway (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, detection of plasma hormone concentration s showed that the pon ies had higher levels of IGF-1 as juvenile s and GH in adulthood than Mongolian horse s , indicating that the hormone regulation in Debao pon ies differ s from that in Mongolian horse s . Conclusion: Our work provides an insight into the genetic regulation for dwarf growth in mammals and a reference for therapeutic strategy for dwarfism.
Exploration of Couple's Experiences of Long-Term Marital Satisfaction: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Samadi Parisa , Salehi Kobra , Alipour Zahra , Kohan Shahnaz , Hashemi Maryam
Published: March 2020

Background: Marital satisfaction is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, widely explored in a multitude of disciplines. Repetition of certain positive behaviors can make a big difference in the success of continued married life, and that awareness of such behaviors seems to be critical to recognizing certain warnings. Therefore, further qualitative studies are required to improve the understanding of long-term marriage.Methods: This study was designed to explain the couples' experiences of long-term marital satisfaction and the associated factors. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach and a descriptive phenomenology method. The participants comprised 12 person (six couples) with a history of 20 to 30 years of married life expectancy and a marital satisfaction score of above 65. The data required were collected by purposeful sampling and semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Colaizzi method. By categorizing the codes, subcategory divisions, subcategories, and main categories were extracted.Results: An analysis of the experiences of the participants resulted in emergence of three main categories: “Strong Foundation For Living Together”, “Mutual Commitment To Protecting Marital Cohesion”, and " Striving To Improve Sexual Relations”.Conclusions: The results revealed that strong foundation for living together, mutual commitment to protecting marital cohesion and striving to improve sexual relations could help sustain long-term marriage and marital relationship.
Neonatal transitional support with intact umbilical cord in assisted vaginal deliveries: A quality-improvement cohort study
Authors: Sæther Elisabeth , Gülpen Friedrich Reinhart-Van , Jensen Christer André , Myklebust Tor Åge , Eriksen Beate Horsberg
Published: March 2020

Background: Deferring cord clamping has proven benefits for both term and preterm infants, and recent studies have demonstrated better cardio-respiratory stability if clamping is based on the infant’s physiology, and whether the infant has breathed. Nevertheless, current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation still recommend early cord clamping (ECC) for compromised babies, unless equipment and competent personnel to resuscitate the baby are available at the mother’s bedside. The objective of this quality improvement cohort study was to evaluate whether implementing a new delivery room protocol involving mobile resuscitation equipment (LifeStart™) reduced the prevalence of ECC in assisted vaginal deliveries.Methods: Data on cord clamping and transitional care were collected 8 months before and 8 months after implementing the new protocol. The Improvement Model was applied to identify drivers and obstacles to practice change. Statistical Process Control analysis was used to demonstrate signals of improvement, and whether these changes were sustainable. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of the new protocol on the primary outcome, adjusted for possible confounders.Results: Overall prevalence of ECC dropped from 13 to 1% (P < 0.01), with a 98% relative risk reduction for infants needing transitional support on a resuscitation table (adjusted OR 0.02, P < 0.001). Mean cord clamping time increased by 43% (p < 0.001). Although fewer infants were placed directly on mothers’ chest (n=43 [42%] vs n=69 [75.0 %], P < 0.001), there were no significant differences in needs for immediate transitional care or transfers to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A pattern of improvement was seen already before the intervention, especially after mandatory educational sessions and cross-professional simulation training.Conclusions: A new delivery-room protocol involving mobile resuscitation equipment successfully eliminated early cord clamping in assisted vaginal deliveries of term and near-term infants. A systematic approach, like the Improvement Model, seemed crucial for both achieving and sustaining the desired results.Trial registration: The study was approved as a service evaluation as defined by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (2018/1755/REK midt).
Delphi consensus on strategies in the management of opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients
Authors: Sarrió Regina Gironés , Calsina-Berna Agnès , García Adoración Gozalvo , Esparza-Miñana José Miguel , Ferrer Esther Falcó , Porta-Sales Josep
Published: March 2020

Background : Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a frequent and bothersome adverse event related with opioid therapy in cancer patients. Despite the high prevalence, medical management of OIC is often uncertain. The current project aimed to investigate expert opinion on OIC management and provide practical recommendations to improve the clinical approach of OIC in cancer patient.Methods : A modified Delphi method was conducted involving 46 multidisciplinary OIC expert panelists. Using a structured questionnaire of 67 items, this project intended to seek consensus on aspects related to diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life of cancer patients suffering with OIC.Results : After two rounds, a consensus was reached in 91% of the items proposed, all in agreement. Agreement was obtained on OIC definition (95.7%). Objective and patient-reported outcomes included in that definition should be assessed routinely in clinical practice. Responsive-to-symptom-changes and easy-to-use assessment tools were recommended (87.2%). Successful diagnosis of OIC requires an increase in clinicians’ awareness of OIC and proactivity to discuss symptoms with their patients (100%). Successful management of OIC requires individualization of the treatment (100%), regular reevaluation once it is established, and its maintenance for the duration of opioid treatment (91.5%). Consensus on treatment algorithm was not reached. Oral PAMORAs were considered good alternatives for the treatment of OIC in cancer patients (97.9%). This drugs and laxatives can be co-prescribed if OIC coexists with functional constipation.Conclusions : The panelists, based on their expert clinical practice, presented a set of recommendations for the management of OIC in cancer patients.
Comparison of early results of Vesselplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
Authors: mei jun , Wu Dou , Song Xu Xiao , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Objective To investigate the early clinical effect of vesselplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of elderly patients osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 22 patients (10 males and 12 females, aged 60~85 years old （73.1±9.6）with osteoporosis fracture treated by vesselplasty in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from March 2017 to December 2018..During the same period, 56 patients (20 males and 36 females, aged 60-80 years (70.3±9.4) were treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporosis fractures.Preoperative and postoperative Visual Analogue Score (VAS), operative time, intraoperative bone cement leakage, preoperative and postoperative vertebral body anterior margin height were recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy.ResultsIn the vesselplasty group, preoperative VAS score was 7.9±0.9, postoperative VAS score was 3.8±0.8, postoperative recovery rate of vertebral height was 19.9%±19.1%, operative time (33.6±6.2)min, and bone cement leakage was observed in 3 cases.In the PVP group,preoperative VAS score was 7.9±0.9, postoperative VAS score was 3.7±0.8, postoperative recovery rate of vertebral height was 18.8%±18.2%, operative time (35.8±6.6)min, and bone cement leakage was observed in 15 cases.Compared with the PVP group（26.8%, the bone cement leakage rate of the vesselplasty group （13.6%）was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant, but there was no significant difference in other data. ConclusionBoth vesselplasty and percutaneous vertebroplasty can achieve satisfactory early clinical efficacy in the treatment of senile osteoporosis vertebral compression fractures. Bone cement leakage rate of vesselplasty is smaller and it is safer.
Baroreflex Sensitivity with Different Lags for the Evaluation of Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Subjects with Diabetes
Authors: Petry Daiana , Marques Claudia Mirian de Godoy , Marques Jefferson Luiz Brum
Published: March 2020

Background: Impaired Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) may indicate cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), which often remains undiagnosed during the initial course of diabetes mellitus. The baroreflex mechanism can be considered negative feedback because of baroreflex delay, the time delay between a change in blood pressure, and the counteracting heart rate response. This work sought to analyze BRS through the sequence method, but establishing delays in checking the RR interval, from 1 to 10 RR intervals lag after systolic blood pressure change. We hypothesized that diabetic patients with subclinical CAN would have a detectable delay in autonomic nervous system activity and that it would differ from other patients. Results: The study included 30 subjects with diabetes mellitus. Eleven patients had established CAN (mean ± SD age 37 ± 8 years), 9 patients had subclinical CAN (age 35 ± 10 years), and 10 patients did not have CAN (age 35 ± 6 years). Indexes related to the delay in response of the BRS were proposed and obtained. The three variables that showed potential to separate patients with and without CAN were highest BRS index, BRS with the largest number of sequences, and lag of the largest number of sequences. Several variables were observed to distinguish between individuals with subclinical and established CAN, including the number of sequences of the highest BRS, lag of the highest BRS, and the highest number of sequences. Conclusions: Thus, analysis of BRS and the reaction delay in the heart rate variability signal may contribute to the detection of CAN in its asymptomatic stage.
HRCT Features of COVID-19 Patients Admitted out of Wuhan: Comparison against Common Pneumonia
Authors: Diao Kai-yue , Han Pei-lun , Pang Tong , Huang Shan , Deng Yu-ping , Chu Zhi-gang , You Xing-pan , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi-gang
Published: March 2020

Background: Chest CT is working as a first-line imaging modality for diagnosing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Whether the CT findings could differentiate between the COVID-19 admitted out of Wuhan and common pneumonia has not been investigated. This study aimed to compare the chest CT features of patients with COVID-19 admitted out of Wuhan, as against the patients with common pneumonia. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 37 individuals with COVID-19 from six medical centers out of Wuhan from January 17 th to February 26 th . Another group of 41 patients with acute pneumonia collected from the same timeframe in 2019 were enrolled as the control group. All the patients had high-resolution chest CT (HRCT) scans. Clinical variables were recorded including exposure history, clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. For each HRCT, pulmonary lesions including ground-glass opacification (GGO), consolidation, and evidence of fibrosis were recorded. The Student’s t test or Wilcoxon’s test was used for comparison between COVID-19 and common pneumonia. Spearman correlation was used to evaluate correlations between the pneumonia findings on CT and clinical variables. Results: A total of 37 patients (M/F:19/18; 43.73±16.71 years) in COVID-19 group and 41(M/F:13/28; 49.77±15.00 years) in common pneumonia group were evaluated. Patients with COVID-19 demonstrated a typical pattern of bilateral, multi-lobal GGO, sometimes with consolidation and fibrosis, but a mild degree of pneumonia findings than the control group ( P = 0.0024). 23/37 (62.16%) patients with COVID-19 had a preferable subpleural distribution, while the patients with common pneumonia had higher frequency of peribronchovascular pattern (16/41, 39.02%, P =0.0046). The duration between the illness onset and CT were significantly correlated with the severity scores in both groups. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 admitted out of Wuhan demonstrated a milder pulmonary change and a preferable subpleural pattern on HRCT when comparing with the patients with common pneumonia.
Association of ESR1 polymorphism rs2234693 and rs9340799 with Postmenopausal osteoporosis in a Chinese Population
Authors: Shu Jin , Li Jun Ling , Fu Yujuan , Hui Xuelian , Jin Yani , Chen Mengjie , Zheng Xin , Shi Yaowu
Published: March 2020

Background Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is the most common type of primary osteoporosis. ESR1 polymorphism rs2234693 and rs9340799 has been widely studied as a candidate gene associated with PMO, however, the findings were inconclusive. The present study aims to explore the relationship of ESR1 polymorphism rs2234693 and rs9340799 with PMO risk in a Chinese Han population. Methods A total of 230 unrelated PMO patients and 150 control were recruited. DNA of all participants was extracted from the peripheral blood samples and genotyped by Mass Array method. A meta-analysis of case control studies was also conducted to further elucidate the relationship of polymorphism with PMO. Results Our results revealed that there were no associations of the rs2234693 with PMO. However,GG genotype of rs9340799 was associated with a higher risk of PMO (OR=1.51, 95%CI:1.08-4.34, p=0.03), even adjusting for risk factors (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.12-5.04, p=0.04). Logistic regression analysis showed the dominant model was associated with a higher risk of PMO (OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.02-5.16, p=0.02) after correcting the risk factors (OR=2.14, 95%CI:1.12-5.64, p=0.04); In addition, the Meta-analysis results revealed that both two polymorphisms were not associated with PMO. Conclusion In conclusion,ESR1 polymorphism rs9340799 was associated with PMO, However, well designed study with larger sample sizes, is required to further elucidate these association.
Lumbar plain radiograph is not reliable to identify lumbosacral transitional vertebra types according to Castellvi Classification principle
Authors: Hou Lisheng , Bai Xuedong , Li Haifeng , Gao Tianjun , Li Wei , Wen Tianyong , He Qing , Ruan Dike , Shi Lijing , Bing Wei
Published: March 2020

Background: The anteroposterior view of lumbar plain radiograph (AP-LPR) was chosen as the original and first radiographic tool to determine and classify lumbosacral transitional vertebra with morphological abnormality (MA-LSTV) according to Castellvi Classification. However, recent studies found that AP-LPR might not sufficient to detect or classify MA-LSTV correctly. The present study aims to verify the reliability of AP-LPR on detecting and classifying MA-LSTV types, taking coronal reconstructed CT images (CT-CRIs) as gold criteria. Methods : Patients with suspected MA-LSTVs determined by AP-LPR were initially enrolled. Among them, those who received CT-CRIs were formally enrolled to verify the sensitivity of AP-LPR on detecting and classifying MA-LSTV types according to Castellvi classification principle. Results : 298 cases were initially enrolled as suspected MA-LSTV ones, among whom 91 cases who received CT-CRIs were enrolled into the final study group. All suspected MA-LSTVs were verified to be real MA-LSTV ones by CT-CRIs. However, 35.2% of the suspected MA-LSTVs types judged by AP –LPR were not consistent with final types judged by CT-CRIs. Two suspected type IIIa and 20 suspected IIIb ones were verified to be true, while 9 of 39 suspected IIa, 9 and 3 of 17 suspected IIb , and 11 of 13 suspected IV ones were verified to be real type IIIa, IIIb, IV and IIIb ones by CT-CRIs, respectively. Incomplete joint-like structure (JLS) or bony union structure (BUS), and remnants of sclerotic band (RSB) between the transverse process (TP) and sacrum were considered to be the main reasons for misclassification. Conclusion : Although AP-LPR could detect MA-LSTV correctly, it could not give accurate type classification. CT-CRIs could provide detailed information between the TP and sacrum area, and could be taken as gold standard to detect and classify MA-LSTV.
Longitudinal spinous-splitting laminoplasty with coral bone for the treatment of cervical adjacent segment degenerative disease: A 5-year follow-up study
Authors: He Wei , Wang Qilong , Tian Wei , Han Bing , Wang Yumei , Liu Mingming
Published: March 2020

Background: To analyze the causes of cervical adjacent segment degenerative disease (ASDis), explore the surgical results of longitudinal spinous-splitting laminoplasty with coral bone (SLAC) during cervical reoperation, and accumulate data on reoperation with SLAC in a primary hospital.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study. From 1998 to 2014, 52 patients underwent cervical reoperation for ASDis using SLAC at our hospital. Among them, 39 were treated with anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation in the first operation (anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion [ACCF], n=24; anterior cervical discectomy and fusion [ACDF], n=11; and cervical disc arthroplasty [CDA], n=4).Results: In patients who underwent an anterior cervical approach in the first instance, ASDis was significantly higher in the C3/4 gap than in other gaps. In the ACCF group, the lateral radiograph of the cervical spine revealed that the distance between the anterior cervical plate and adjacent segment disc in15 cases (62.5%) was <5 mm, and five cases (12.8%) had internal fixation screws that broke into the annulus of the adjacent segment. After the first SLAC, ASDis occurred in C2/3 and C3/4 in four (30.8%) and eight cases (61.5%), respectively. Post-reoperation, all cases were follow-up for >5 (average, 6.2) years. Comparing pre-reoperation and last follow-up values, the mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score was 10.2±1.5 versus15.5±0.7 (P=0.03), neck disability index was 26.2 versus13.6 points (P=0.01), upper-limb visual analog scale (VAS) score was 6.1 versus2.6 points (P=0.04), and neck and shoulder VAS score was 6.6 versus 2.1 points (P=0.03).Conclusions: ASDis was primarily caused by 1) a distance of <5 mm between the anterior cervical plate and adjacent segment disc and 2) the screw breaking through the adjacent segmental annulus. SLAC proved to be a simple technique, with clear local anatomy and satisfactory clinical results.
The human arthritic hip joint is a source of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) with extensive multipotent differentiation potential
Authors: Wagenbrenner Mike , Heinz Tizian , Horas Konstantin , Jakuscheit Axel , Arnholdt Joerg , Herrmann Marietta , Rudert Maximilian , Holzapfel Boris , Steinert Andre , Weißenberger Manuel
Published: March 2020

Background: While multiple in vitro studies examined mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) derived from bone marrow or hyaline cartilage, there is little to no data about the presence of MPCs in the joint capsule or the ligamentum capitis femoris (LCF) of the hip joint. Therefore, this in vitro study examined the presence and compared the differentiation potential of MPCs isolated from the bone marrow, arthritic hyaline cartilage, the LCF and full-thickness samples of the anterior joint capsule of the hip joint. Methods: MPCs were isolated and multiplied in adherent monolayer cell culture. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis was induced in monolayer cell cultures for 21 days using a differentiation medium containing specific growth factors, while chondrogenesis in the presence of TGF-ß1 was performed using pellet-culture for 27 days. Control cultures were maintained for comparison over the same duration of time. The differentiation process was analyzed using histological and immunohistochemical stainings as well as semiquantitative RT-PCR for measuring the mean expression levels of tissue-specific genes.Results: This in vitro research showed that the isolated cells from all four donor tissues grew plastic adherent and showed similar adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacity as proven by the histological detection of lipid droplets or deposits of extracellular calcium and collagen type I. After 27 days of chondrogenesis proteoglycans accumulated in the differentiated MPC-pellets from all donor tissues. Immunohistochemical staining revealed vast amounts of collagen type II in all differentiated MPC-pellets, except for those from the LCF. Interestingly all differentiated MPCs still showed a clear increase in mean expression of adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic marker genes. In addition the examination of an exemplary donor sample revealed that cells from all four donor tissues were clearly positive for the surface markers CD44, CD73, CD90 and CD105 by flow cytometric analysis.Conclusions: This study proved the presence of MPCs in all four examined donor tissues of the hip joint. No significant differences were observed during osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation depending on the source of MPCs used. Further research is necessary to fully determine the chondrogenic differentiation potential of MPCs isolated from the LCF and capsule tissue of the hip joint.
Study on the effect of DCGS on planned dose with 3DVH-γ analysis and bio-mathematical model for cervical cancer
Authors: Bai Han , Zhu Sijin , Wu Xingrao , Liu Xuhong , Chen Feihu , Yan Jiawen
Published: March 2020

Objective: The 3DVH-γ analysis and bio-mathematical model were used to analyze the effect of the dose calculation grid size (DCGS) on the planned dose (PD) for cervical cancer to explore the efficacy and sensitivity of the two methods in detecting dose changes.Methods：17 patients’ plans for cervical cancer were enrolled（Pinnacle TPS，VMAT）, and the DCGS was changed from 2.0mm to 5.0mm to calculate the planned dose respectively. The dose distribution calculated by DCGS = 2.0mm as the “ reference ” data set (RDS) , the dose distribution calculated by the rest DCGS as the“measurement”data set (MDS), the 3DVH-γ passing rates and the (N)TCPs of the all structures under different DCGS were abtained , and then analyze the influences of DCGS on the γ passing rate and (N)TCPs and the relationship between their changes.Results: The effect of DCGS on planned dose was obvious. When the γ-standard was 1.0mm, 1.0% and 10.0%, the difference of the results of the DCGS on dose effect could be detected by 3DVH-γ analysis (ps<0.05). With the decline of the standard, 3DVH-γ analysis’ ability to detect this difference was also declining. When the standard was 1.0mm, 3.0% and 10.0%, the p value of >0.05 accounted for the majority. With DCGS=2.0mm being RDS, ∆γ-passing-rate presented the same trend with ∆(N)TCPs of all structures except for the femurs only when the 1.0mm, 1.0% and 10.0% standards were adopted for the 3DVH-γ analysis.Conclusions: The 3DVH-γ analysis and bio-mathematical model can be used to analyze the effect of DCGS on the planned dose, and the former’s detection ability has a lot to do with the designed standard, and the latter’s capability is related to the parameters and calculated accuracy of the latter.
A Modified Management of Implant Associated Postoperative Osteomyelitis With Cierny-Mader Type
Authors: Tan Yanbin , Li Hang , Pan Zhijun , Zheng Qiang
Published: March 2020

Background: No standardized protocol has been suggested in the treatment of postoperative osteomyelitis. Our team evaluates the clinical efficacy of the modified tactics of implant associated postoperative osteomyelitis patients according to Cierny-Mader type. Methods: 95wounds were reviewed from March 2009 to February 2016 in our hospital. 61 wounds were treated by the modified algorithm as following: Stable hardware + bone not healed Cierny–Mader 1 type = remove hardware, temporary stabilize; Stable hardware + bone not healed Cierny–Mader 2 type = retain hardware ; Stable hardware + bone not healed Cierny–Mader for type 3 and type 4 = remove hardware, temporary stabilize/ Ilizarov technique; Unstable hardware + bone not healed = remove hardware, temporary stabilize/ Ilizarov technique; Stable hardware + bone healed = remove hardware. 34 wounds were treated by the conventional algorithm. Autodermoplasty, flap transfer, myocutaneous flap and other methods including antibiotic irrigation and drug delivery system were used in wound repair. Results: The patients treated with modified algorithm had a significantly reduced recurrence (P＜0.01) , and increased results of negative bacterial cultures (P＜0.01), but however observed a decrease in the number of retained hardware cases (P＜0.05) . For those treated with tissue reconstruction, there was no significantly (P＞0.05) comparing with the conventional group. Conclusions: The modified technique for the implant associated postoperative osteomyelitis according to the stability of the hardware and Cierny-Mader type represent a good clinical efficacy in the management of postoperative osteomyelitis. This procedure is simple and shows promising results, more clinical evidence is needed to confirm the existing findings and optimize the treatment of postoperative osteomyelitis. Key Words: Osteomyelitis, Postoperation, Implant
A Didactic Intervention to Improve Fertility Knowledge Among Resident Physicians
Authors: Roberts Leah May , Kudesia Rashmi , Dolan Shaliz , Rose Marisa
Published: March 2020

Background: Knowledge of family planning and reproductive health is recommended as part of the Core Competencies for Internal Medicine (IM) trainees 1 , yet is rarely assessed. Objective: This pilot study explored the need for and efficacy of a didactic session to impact fertility knowledge among IM residents Methods: IM residents at a single institution were recruited via email to voluntarily attend a didactic session on fertility in March of 2018. Attendees of the session voluntarily completed a survey to assess demographics and fertility knowledge, measured by the validated Fertility & Infertility Treatment Knowledge Score (FIT-KS), both before (“pre-test”) and after (“post-test”) the intervention. Results: Of 108 possible residents, thirty residents attended the session (27%). Of those who attended eighteen completed the pre-test survey (60%), and ten completed a portion of the post-test survey (33%). There was no significant association between fertility knowledge and demographics. The mean pre-test FIT-KS score was 65.1% (+/- 9.1%). The post-test mean FIT-KS score was 70.3% (+/-8.8%). Seven participants (response rate of 6.5%) completed both the pre and post-test with their average matched score improving from 64% (+/- 8.2) to 72.4% (+/- 4.9) (p=0.047). In the paired analysis, the rates of feeling comfortable answering patient questions about fertility increased from 14% to 57%. Conclusions: Substantial gaps exist in fertility knowledge among IM residents, with understanding of male fertility being particularly limited. Despite a small sample size, the intervention significantly improved IM residents’ fertility knowledge and their comfort in discussing fertility with patients.
Analysis of clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of 95 cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a retrospective analysis.
Authors: Zhang Gemin , Zhang Jie , Wang Bowen , Zhu Xionglin , Wang Qiang , Qiu Shiming
Published: March 2020

Background: Since December 2019, 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia emerged in Wuhan city and rapidly spread throughout China and even the world. We sought to analyse the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of some cases with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia .Methods: In this retrospective study, we extracted the data on 95 patients with laboratory-confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan Xinzhou District People's Hospital from January 16th to February 25th , 2020. Cases were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and abnormal radiologic findings. Outcomes were followed up until March 2th , 2020. Results: Higher temperature, blood leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein level, D-dimer level, alanine aminotransferase activity, aspartate aminotransferase activity, α - hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity and creatine kinase activity were related to severe 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia and composite endpoint, and so were lower lymphocyte count, lymphocyte percentage and total protein level. Age below 40 or above 60 years old, male, higher Creatinine level, and lower platelet count also seemed related to severe 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia and composite endpoint, however the P values were greater than 0.05, which mean under the same condition studies of larger samples are needed in the future. Conclusion: Multiple factors were related to severe 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia and composite endpoint, and more related studies are needed in the future.
WITHDRAWN: Methylene blue photochemical treatment as a reliable SARS-CoV-2 plasma virus inactivation method for blood safety and convalescent plasma therapy for the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Jin Changzhong , Yu Bin , Zhang Jie , Wu Hao , Zhou Xipeng , Yao Hangping , Liu Fumin , Lu Xiangyun , Cheng Linfang , Jiang Miao , Wu Nanping
Published: March 2020

Background With the outbreak of unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, China in December 2019, a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) attracted worldwide attention. Although coronaviruses typically infect the upper or lower respiratory tract, discovery of the virus in plasma is common. Therefore, the risk of transmitting coronavirus through transfusion of blood products remains. As more asymptomatic infections are found in COVID-19 cases, blood safety is shown to be particularly important, especially in endemic areas. Study Design and MethodsBX-1, an ‘AIDS treatment instrument’ based on methylene blue (MB) photochemical technology, developed by Boxin (Beijing) Biotechnology Development LTD, has proven that inactivation of lipid-enveloped viruses such as HIV-1 in plasma has high efficiency, without damage to other components in the plasma, and proved safe and reliable in clinical trials of HIV treatment. In order to confirm the inactivation effect of BX-1 in SARS-CoV-2, we used the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain isolated from Zhejiang University for plasma virus inactivation studies. Results and ConclusionBX-1 can effectively eliminate SARS-CoV-2 within 2 mins, and the virus titer decline can reach 4.5 log10 TCID50/mL. Faced with the expanding epidemic, BX-1 is safe for blood transfusion and plasma transfusion therapy in recovery patients, and the inactivated vaccine preparation has great potential for treatment in the current outbreak.
Molecular and morphological characterization of the alfalfa cyst nematode, Heterodera medicaginis, from Utah
Authors: Handoo Zafar A. , Skantar Andrea M. , Hafez Saad L. , Kantor Mihail R. , Hult Maria N. , Rogers Stephen A.
Published: March 2020

In the spring of 2019, a cyst nematode was discovered from soil samples collected from an alfalfa field in Millard County, Utah. The soil samples were submitted to one of us (SH), who extracted the nematode cysts and sent them to the USDA-ARS, Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory (MNGDBL), Beltsville, MD for morphological and molecular identification. Cysts and living nematode juveniles (J2) recovered from the cysts were examined morphologically and molecularly for species identification which indicated that the specimens were Heterodera medicaginis. This represents the first record of H. medicaginis in Utah and the second report of this nematode in North America.
Molecular approach to confirm traditional identification of Radopholus similis sampled in Tanzania
Authors: Mgonja Doreen M. , Temu Gladness E. , Ndunguru Joseph C. , Mziray Magreth F. , Lyantagaye Sylvester L. , Luambano Nessie D.
Published: March 2020

Banana (Musa spp. L.) is an important staple food and cash crop for about 30% of the population in Tanzania; however, the burrowing plant-parasitic nematode Radopholus similis causes black head disease and toppling in banana plants, which results in yield losses. We collected and identified 80 specimens of R. similis from four agro-ecological zones in Tanzania using morphological characters. We then used universal and specific R. similis primers to amplify the small subunit, internal transcribed spacer and large subunit of ribosomal DNA regions of these specimens. The amplicons were subsequently sequenced and analyzed using Bayesian inference. We identified two major clades, one that comprised all R. similis sequences derived from this study and another that included R. similis and Radopholus spp. sequences obtained from GenBank, indicating the separation of this species from congeneric sequences. Our findings provide a useful, simple and rapid method for identifying burrowing nematodes. This outcome could contribute to the development of permanent, integrated pest management strategies for the control of R. similis in banana and other crops in order to reduce associated yield losses in Tanzania. To our knowledge, this is the first study of nematodes to use combined morphological and molecular methods for the identification of R. similis in Tanzania.
Genome sequence of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne luci
Authors: Susič Nik , Koutsovoulos Georgios D. , Riccio Cristian , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Blaxter Mark L. , Lunt David H. , Strajnar Polona , Širca Saša , Urek Gregor , Stare Barbara Gerič
Published: March 2020

Root-knot nematodes from the genus Meloidogyne are polyphagous plant endoparasites and agricultural pests of global importance. Here, we report the high-quality genome sequence of Meloidogyne luci population SI-Smartno V13. The resulting genome assembly of M. luci SI-Smartno V13 consists of 327 contigs, with an N50 contig length of 1,711,905 bp and a total assembly length of 209.16 Mb.
Actividad física en adolescentes y su relación con agresividad, impulsividad, internet y videojuegos
Authors: Chaín-Pinzón Nicolás , Briñez Blanca
Published: March 2020

El presente estudio aborda la relación existente entre la frecuencia de actividad física con las variables agresividad, impulsividad, internet y videojuegos. En la investigación participaron 254 adolescentes colombianos  en edades comprendidas entre los 12 y 17 años (Md=14.18; Dt = 1.47). Se aplicaron tres instrumentos a saber, la Escala de Impulsividad Barratt para Niños (Bis 11-c),  el Cuestionario de Agresividad de Buss & Perry (AQ) y el Cuestionario CAGE para Detección de Problemas de Internet y Videojuegos en Adolescentes. Los resultados señalan que existe una relación significativa entre la actividad física con el  componente cognitivo de la impulsividad (rs=1.92, p<.001) y el uso de internet y videojuegos (rs =.142, p<.05). Asimismo se confirma una vez más las diferencias de género a favor de los hombres en la realización de actividad física en adolescentes (U=5555.0, p=.000). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los grupos de edad (χ² (5) =7.42, p = .191), tampoco se hallaron correlaciones significativas con  la agresividad,  ni con los demás componentes de la impulsividad.
Percepción del impacto del cambio organizacional en trabajadores de una institución universitaria en Bogotá: una aproximación hermenéutica
Authors: Osorio Liliana , Ravelo Ernesto
Published: March 2020

El presente artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación cuyo objetivo fue identificar las percepciones de dos funcionarios hacia el cambioorganizacional en una Institución de Educación Superior de Bogotá. Se determinaron 3 categorías de análisis: liderazgo, comunicacióny actitudes. El análisis de los resultados obtenidos permitió que emergieran tres categorías adicionales: antecedentes del proceso de cambio,características de la institución en su condición previa al cambio y características de la institución actual. Se evidenció que si bien, el cambioimplicó una transformación total de la institución en todas sus dimensiones, la percepción de los entrevistados fue bastante positiva, donde seresaltó el papel desempeñado por los líderes que brindaron permanente acompañamiento y apoyo, un flujo de información continuo, oportunoy veraz y una actitud que aunque se acompañó de emociones naturales de miedo e incertidumbre, también se caracterizó por la aperturaa considerar el cambio como una oportunidad personal y organizacional.