bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transverse process strut and titanium mesh cages in the stability reconstruction of thoracic single segment tuberculosis: a retrospective single-center cohort study
Authors: Zhong Weiyang , Liang Xinjie , Tang Ke , Luo Xiaoji , Quan Zhengxue
Published: March 2020

Background

A retrospective and comparative study of transverse process strut (TPS, Group A) compared with titanium mesh cages (TMCs, Group B) in the reconstruction of thoracic stability through the one-stage posterior approach to treat single-segment tuberculosis.

Methods

Sixty patients from January 2013 to December 2016 were analyzed and divided into two groups. The following data of clinical and radiographical assessments were observed preoperatively, postoperatively and during follow-up (FU).

Results

The patients were followed up for an average of 50.20 ± 25.10 months (Group A) and 48.70 ± 27.30 months(Group B) without significant difference. No significant differences were found in the mean of operation time in minutes, blood loss, hospitalization time, drainage and follow-up duration between the groups. The VAS, ODI, ESR and CRP were reduced significantly at the final FU compared with the preoperation values and there was no significance between the groups. Neurological deficits were improved in all patients at the final FU without significant difference between the groups(P > 0.05). The bony fusion times were 5.85 ± 1.82 months and 8.4 ± 5.1 months with significant difference(P < 0.05). Comparing with the preoperative values, the kyphosis angle significantly improved, but at the final FU the significant difference was found between the groups (P < 0.05). The loss of the angular correction and the fused segmental height in group A was lower than that in group B (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

TPS had a better osseous fusion rate, effective maintenance of fused segment stability which is a good bone graft for surgical management of single-segment thoracic spinal tuberculosis.
The roles of lumbar load thresholds in cumulative lifting exposure to predict disk protrusion in an Asian population
Authors: Hung Isabella Y.-J. , Shih Tiffany T.-F. , Chen Bang-Bin , Liou Saou-Hsing , Ho Ing-Kang , Guo Yue Leon
Published: March 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a specific threshold per lifting movement, the accumulation above which best predicts lumbar disk protrusion, exists or the total lifting load should be considered.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. Subjects with various lifting exposures were recruited. Disk protrusion was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. The cumulative lifting load was defined as the sum of the time-weighed lumbar load for each job and was calculated using a biomechanical software system. The effectiveness of accumulation above different thresholds in predicting disk protrusion were compared using four statistical methods.

Results

A total of 252 men and 301 women were included in the final analysis. For the men, 3000 Newtons for each lifting task was the optimal threshold for predicting L4-S1 disk protrusion, whereas for the women, 2800 Newtons was optimal.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that for cumulative lifting exposure, including the total lifting load without defining a minimal exposure limit might not be the optimal method for predicting disk protrusion. The NIOSH 3400 Newton recommended limits do not appear to be the optimal thresholds for preventing disk protrusion. Different lifting thresholds might be needed for men and women in the workplace for their safety.
Different surgical techniques that influenced internal hernia prevalence rate after laparoscopic roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a retrospective analysis of 331 cases
Authors: Yang Jingge , Guan Bingsheng , Huang Shifang , Peng Juzheng , Chong Tsz Hong , Wang Cunchuan , Mak Tsz Kin
Published: March 2020

Background

Internal hernia (IH) is a serious complication following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and closure of mesenteric defect has been recommended to reduce this complication. But what kind of material about suture and how to close the mesenteric defects were still controversial. The main aim of this study was to compare the incidence rate of internal hernia after LRYGB between patients with different surgical techniques.

Method

Three hundred and thirty-one patients underwent LRYGB between June 2004 and December 2017 in one single institute were retrospective analysed. The IH rate was evaluated according to different surgical methods and surgical materials before and 12 months after LRYGB.

Results

All the cases were subdivided into three groups based on the suturing method, Roux limb position, and Suture material. The mean follow up time was 36 ± 12 months, and the total incident rate of IH was 1.8% (n = 6). In the six IH cases, the duration of IH occurred time ranged from 1 month to 36 months postoperatively, and for the IH sites, one for intestinal defect, three for transverse mesocolon defect and two Peterson defect respectively. There was a significant difference about IH rate between interrupted suture and running suture groups (p = 0.011), and there were no significant differences between the other two groups.

Conclusion

Compare with interrupted suture, running suture may prevent IH after LRYGB. Patient’s gender, age, body mass index(BMI), glycometabolism condition, and Roux limb position and suture material had no effects on the IH prevalence after LRYGB.
Comparison of perioperative analgesia using the infiltration of the surgical site with ropivacaine alone and in combination with meloxicam in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy
Authors: de O.L. Carapeba Gabriel , Nicácio Isabela P. G. A. , Stelle Ana Beatriz F. , Bruno Tatiane S. , Nicácio Gabriel M. , Costa Júnior José S. , Giuffrida Rogerio , Teixeira Neto Francisco J. , Cassu Renata N.
Published: March 2020

Background

Infiltration of the surgical site with local anesthetics combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may play an important role in improving perioperative pain control. This prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate intraoperative isoflurane requirements, postoperative analgesia, and adverse events of infiltration of the surgical site with ropivacaine alone and combined with meloxicam in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Forty-five cats premedicated with acepromazine/meperidine and anesthetized with propofol/isoflurane were randomly distributed into three treatments (n = 15 per group): physiological saline (group S), ropivacaine alone (1 mg/kg, group R) or combined with meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg, group RM) infiltrated at the surgical site (incision line, ovarian pedicles and uterus). End-tidal isoflurane concentration (FE’ISO), recorded at specific time points during surgery, was adjusted to inhibit autonomic responses to surgical stimulation. Pain was assessed using an Interactive Visual Analog Scale (IVAS), UNESP-Botucatu Multidimensional Composite Pain Scale (MCPS), and mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) up to 24 h post-extubation. Rescue analgesia was provided with intramuscular morphine (0.1 mg/kg) when MCPS was ≥6.

Results

Area under the curve (AUC) of FE’ISO was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in the RM (17.8 ± 3.1) compared to S (23.1 ± 2.2) and R groups (22.8 ± 1.1). Hypertension (systolic arterial pressure > 160 mmHg) coinciding with surgical manipulation was observed only in cats treated with S and R (4/15 cats, P = 0.08). The number of cats receiving rescue analgesia (4 cats in the S group and 1 cat in the R and RM groups) did not differ among groups (P = 0.17). The AUC of IVAS, MCPS and MNT did not differ among groups (P = 0.56, 0.64, and 0.18, respectively). Significantly lower IVAS pain scores were recorded at 1 h in the RM compared to the R and S groups (P = 0.021–0.018). There were no significant adverse effects during the study period.

Conclusions

Local infiltration with RM decreased intraoperative isoflurane requirements and resulted in some evidence of improved analgesia during the early postoperative period. Neither R nor RM infiltration appeared to result in long term analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Circ_0008035 contributes to cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis and ferroptosis in gastric cancer via miR-599/EIF4A1 axis
Authors: Li Chang , Tian Yuan , Liang Yun , Li Qingchun
Published: March 2020

Background

Currently, multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been verified to act as essential regulators in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to investigate the role of circ_0008035 in GC progression.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was utilized to measure the expression of circ_0008035 and miR-599. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to evaluate cell proliferation and ferroptosis. Western blot assay was performed to measure the levels of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4A1 (EIF4A1). Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to assess cell apoptosis. The iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial membrane potential were examined by relevant kits. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine the targeting relationship between miR-599 and circ_0008035 or EIF4A1. A murine xenograft model was established to investigate the function of circ_0008035 in vivo.

Results

Circ_0008035 was up-regulated in GC tissues and cells. Silencing of circ_0008035 repressed cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis and ferroptosis in GC cells. Circ_0008035 acted as a sponge of miR-599. The effects of circ_0008035 knockdown on GC cell proliferation, apoptosis and ferroptosis were abolished by miR-599 inhibition. EIF4A1 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-599. Circ_0008035 knockdown inhibited EIF4A1 expression by targeting miR-599. Moreover, the suppressive role of circ_0008035 deficiency in GC progression could be restored by EIF4A1. Additionally, circ-0008035 knockdown hampered tumorigenesis in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_0008035 promoted GC cell growth and repressed apoptosis and ferroptosis by up-regulating EIF4A1 through sponging miR-599.
Trend of malaria prevalence in Wolkite health center: an implication towards the elimination of malaria in Ethiopia by 2030
Authors: Solomon Absra , Kahase Daniel , Alemayehu Mihret
Published: March 2020

Background

Malaria is one of the main public health challenges in Ethiopia that hinder the productivity and development of the country. In 2018, Ethiopia is on track to minimize the incidence of malaria by 40% as per its 2020 malaria reduction strategy. Currently, Ethiopia is working to eliminate malaria in 2030 by extending the 2020 strategy. Hence, this study aimed to analyze the trend of malaria prevalence in Wolkite health center, Gurage zone, Southern Central Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of malaria by reviewing the malaria registration laboratory logbook at Wolkite health center from 2015 to 2018. For all patients, blood films were done for the detection of malaria cases. All the socio-demographic data, year, month and malaria data were collected using a predesigned data collection sheet from January to March, 2019.

Results

From a 121,230 clinically malaria suspected patients, the overall prevalence of microscopically confirmed cases were 8.56% (n = 10,379/121,230). Plasmodium vivax was the most predominant species accounted for 69.7% (n = 7237/10,379) followed by Plasmodium falciparum 29.3% (n = 3044/10,379). Age group > 15 years old were more affected by malaria accounting 54% (n = 5609/10,379) and malaria cases regarding sex were proportional (51.1% of males and 48.3% of female). Among the catchment areas, a higher number of malaria prevalence was recorded in the Wolkite town 66.2% (n = 0.6538/10,379). Higher malaria cases were shown in the season of Spring 29.8% (n = 3096/10,379) while lower cases 20.4% (n = 2123/10,379) were seen in the Winter season.

Conclusion

The prevalence of malaria in Wolkite health center showed a consistent downward trend from the year of 2015–2018. Importantly, the higher prevalence of P. vivax seems overlooked in the study area. Therefore, malaria prevention and control strategy should be reinforced to reduce the prevalence of malaria in the study area.
A risk-based model to assess environmental justice and coronary heart disease burden from traffic-related air pollutants
Authors: Fabisiak James P. , Jackson Erica M. , Brink LuAnn L. , Presto Albert A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Communities need to efficiently estimate the burden from specific pollutants and identify those most at risk to make timely informed policy decisions. We developed a risk-based model to estimate the burden of black carbon (BC) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on coronary heart disease (CHD) across environmental justice (EJ) and non-EJ populations in Allegheny County, PA.

Methods

Exposure estimates in census tracts were modeled via land use regression and analyzed in relation to US Census data. Tracts were ranked into quartiles of exposure (Q1-Q4). A risk-based model for estimating the CHD burden attributed to BC and NO2 was developed using county health statistics, census tract level exposure estimates, and quantitative effect estimates available in the literature.

Results

For both pollutants, the relative occurrence of EJ tracts (> 20% poverty and/or > 30% non-white minority) in Q2 – Q4 compared to Q1 progressively increased and reached a maximum in Q4. EJ tracts were 4 to 25 times more likely to be in the highest quartile of exposure compared to the lowest quartile for BC and NO2, respectively. Pollutant-specific risk values (mean [95% CI]) for CHD mortality were higher in EJ tracts (5.49 × 10− 5 [5.05 × 10− 5 – 5.92 × 10− 5]; 5.72 × 10− 5 [5.44 × 10− 5 – 6.01 × 10− 5] for BC and NO2, respectively) compared to non-EJ tracts (3.94 × 10− 5 [3.66 × 10− 5 – 4.23 × 10− 5]; 3.49 × 10− 5 [3.27 × 10− 5 – 3.70 × 10− 5] for BC and NO2, respectively). While EJ tracts represented 28% of the county population, they accounted for about 40% of the CHD mortality attributed to each pollutant. EJ tracts are disproportionately skewed toward areas of high exposure and EJ residents bear a greater risk for air pollution-related disease compared to other county residents.

Conclusions

We have combined a risk-based model with spatially resolved long-term exposure estimates to predict CHD burden from air pollution at the census tract level. It provides quantitative estimates of effects that can be used to assess possible health disparities, track temporal changes, and inform timely local community policy decisions. Such an approach can be further expanded to include other pollutants and adverse health endpoints.
Lipid disorders in children living with overweight and obesity- large cohort study from Poland
Authors: Brzeziński Michał , Metelska Paulina , Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: March 2020

Background

While in the general paediatric population the presence of abnormal lipid values is estimated at 8–20%, depending on the population, accepted norms and age, it was shown that in the population of lean children the prevalence of dyslipidemia is lower than in obese children, in whom it ranges from 20 to over 40%. Until now, however, no results of similar studies on a large sample of children form a Central or Eastern European country have been published. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of lipid disorders in overweight and obese children and adolescents participating in an integrated weight reduction programme.

Methods

According to the “6-10-14 for Health” programme implementation schedule, the programme accepted patients living in Gdańsk, aged 6, 9–11 and 14 years old, with BMI above the 85th percentile for age and sex, according to the Polish percentile charts. During the first visit, each of the participants underwent basic anthropometric examinations - body weight, body height, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure and body composition by bioelectrical impedance were measured. Blood samples were taken to assess lipid, glucose and insulin levels as well as alanine transaminase (ALT) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) activity.

Results

1948 patients underwent full anthropomethric and blood work measurements. At least one of the lipid disorders occurred in 38.23% of girls and 40.51% of boys with overweight and obesity. The most common lipid disorderswere decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (present in 20.55% of the girls and 23.79% of the boys) and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (present in 15.31% of the girls and 14.25% of the boys). There was no strong association between lipid disorders and age, sex, birth weight, gestational age at birth or body composition.

Conclusions

Such a frequent occurrence of lipid disorders in the population of children and adolescents should be an important warning signal both at the individual and population level. Not only effective screening methods for overweight and obese children should be implemented from an early age but also therapeutic measures are required.

Trial registration

The trial is registered under the Local Ethics Committee at Medical University of Gdańsk, decision No. NKBBN/228/2012 from 25 June 2012.
Health-related quality of life and associated factors among cervical cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Araya Liya Teklu , Fenta Teferi Gedif , Sander Beate , Gebremariam Girma Tekle , Gebretekle Gebremedhin Beedemariam
Published: March 2020

Background

Cancer of the cervix is the most frequent cancer among women in Ethiopia. The disease burden and its treatment adversely affects patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the HRQoL and its predictors among cervical cancer patients in Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2018 at the oncology unit of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 404 cervical cancer patients were interviewed using validated Amharic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer module (EORTC QLQ-C30), cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ-CX24), and Euro Quality of Life Group’s 5-Domain Questionnaires 5-Levels (EQ-5D) questionnaires. ANOVA test was used to determine the effect of patients’ characteristics on mean scores of the different domains of HRQoL and stepwise multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of HRQoL. Coefficients of level-specific utility values obtained from a hybrid regression model for the Ethiopian general population were used to compute utility.

Results

The mean age of patients was 52.1 ± 10.4 years and 379 (93.8%) of the patients were receiving service at the outpatient clinic. About one-third (35%) of patients were diagnosed with stage IV cervical cancer. Mean global health status/QoL, mean utility and visual analog scale scores were 48.3 ± 23.77, 0.77 and 65.7 ± 20.83, respectively. Physical functioning (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI:2.16–11.49), emotional functioning (AOR = 5.25, 95% CI:2.26–12.17), pain (AOR = 5.79, 95% CI:2.30–14.57), and symptom experience (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI:1.95–10.79) were associated with patients’ HRQoL.

Conclusions

Cervical cancer significantly affects patient’s HRQoL and hence, efforts to improve HRQoL should be commenced especially in terms of physical and emotional functioning, pain, and symptom experience.
Caribbean nurse migration—a scoping review
Authors: Rolle Sands Shamel , Ingraham Kenchera , Salami Bukola Oladunni
Published: March 2020

Background

The migration of Caribbean nurses, particularly to developed countries such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, remains a matter of concern for most countries of the region. With nursing vacancy rates averaging 40%, individual countries and the region collectively are challenged to address this issue through the development and implementation of sustainable, feasible strategies. The aim of this scoping review is to examine the amount, type, sources, distribution, and focus of the conceptual and empirical literature on the migration of Caribbean nurses, and to identify gaps in the literature.

Methods

Identified records were selected and reviewed using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping framework. A comprehensive search was conducted of eight electronic databases and the Google search engine. Findings were summarized numerically and thematically, with themes emerging through an iterative, inductive process.

Results

Much of the literature included in our study (N = 6, 33%) originated in the United States. Publications steadily increased between 2003 and 2016, and half of them (N = 9) were journal articles. Many (N = 6, 33%) of the records used quantitative methods. The themes identified were as follows: (1) migration patterns and trends; (2) post-migration experiences; (3) past and present, policies, programs, and practices; and (4) consequences of migration to donor countries. More than half (N = 11, 56%) of the literature addressed nurse migration policies, programs, or practices, either solely or in part. Several gaps were identified including the need for evaluation of the effectiveness of current nurse migration management strategies and to study policies, trends, and impacts in understudied Caribbean countries.

Conclusion

This review demonstrates the need for future research in key areas such as the impact of nurse migration on health systems and population health. The literature tends to focus on Caribbean countries with higher levels of nurse migration. However, data regarding this phenomenon in other Caribbean countries is needed for a more comprehensive understanding of the plight of the Caribbean region and would answer the call from the International Organization for Migration to study policies, trends, and impacts in understudied Caribbean countries.
Costs and benefits of early response in the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Sierra Leone
Authors: Kellerborg Klas , Brouwer Werner , van Baal Pieter
Published: March 2020

Background

The 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa was the largest EVD outbreak recorded, which has triggered calls for investments that would facilitate an even earlier response. This study aims to estimate the costs and health effects of earlier interventions in Sierra Leone.

Methods

A deterministic and a stochastic compartment model describing the EVD outbreak was estimated using a variety of data sources. Costs and Disability-Adjusted Life Years were used to estimate and compare scenarios of earlier interventions.

Results

Four weeks earlier interventions would have averted 10,257 (IQR 4353–18,813) cases and 8835 (IQR 3766–16,316) deaths. This implies 456 (IQR 194–841) thousand DALYs and 203 (IQR 87–374) million $US saved. The greatest losses occurred outside the healthcare sector.

Conclusions

Earlier response in an Ebola outbreak saves lives and costs. Investments in healthcare system facilitating such responses are needed and can offer good value for money.
Prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis C virus infection in Shenyang City, Northeast China, and prediction of HCV RNA positivity according to serum anti-HCV level: retrospective review of hospital data
Authors: Li Yurong , Zhao Lianrong , Geng Nan , Zhu Weijia , Liu Hongbo , Bai Han
Published: March 2020

Objective

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is typically evaluated based on the current rate of positivity of anti-HCV antibody; however, HCV RNA positivity is considered the main criterion for antiviral treatment of HCV infection in the clinical setting. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of HCV infection based on anti-HCV and HCV RNA detection in the population of Liaoning Province, and investigated the correlation between serum HCV RNA positivity and anti-HCV levels.

Methods

A total of 192,202 patients who underwent serum anti-HCV examination at Shengjing Hospital in 2018 were enrolled in the study. Anti-HCV production was tested using a chemiluminescence assay, and serum HCV RNA detection was performed with Roche COBAS TaqMan (CTM) Analyzer.

Results

The prevalence of anti-HCV was 1.21 and 0.93% among male and female patients in Liaoning Province, respectively. The positive rates of anti-HCV and serum anti-HCV levels were both age-related, in which patients over 40 years of age had a significantly higher anti-HCV positive rate than those younger than 40 years. Among the anti-HCV-positive patients, the average HCV RNA positive rate was 51.66 and 35.93% in males and females, respectively. Spearman rank analysis showed a significantly positive correlation between serum HCV RNA positivity and the level of anti-HCV. The best cut-off value using serum anti-HCV levels to predict the positivity of HCV RNA was determined to be 9.19 signal-to-cut-off ratio (s/co) in males and 10.18 s/co in females.

Conclusion

The prevalence of anti-HCV in the general population of Liaoning Province was around 1.04%, which was higher than that previously reported from a national survey of HCV infection in China. Approximately 42.9% of the anti-HCV-positive patients also tested positive for HCV RNA. However, the positive correlation between the serum anti-HCV and HCV RNA levels suggests that the positivity of serum HCV RNA can be predicted according to the anti-HCV level in anti-HCV-positive patients, which can improve screening and facilitate timely intervention to prevent the spread of infection.
Correction to: Parkinson’s disease-related Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 modulates nuclear morphology and genomic stability in striatal projection neurons during aging
Authors: Chen Xi , Xie Chengsong , Tian Wotu , Sun Lixin , Zheng Wang , Hawes Sarah , Chang Lisa , Kung Justin , Ding Jinhui , Chen Shengdi , Le Weidong , Cai Huaibin
Published: March 2020

The original article had mistakenly inverted co-author, Wang Zheng’s name. This has since been corrected.
Establishing an enzyme cascade for one-pot production of α-olefins from low-cost triglycerides and oils without exogenous H2O2 addition
Authors: Jiang Yuanyuan , Li Zhong , Zheng Shanmin , Xu Huifang , Zhou Yongjin J. , Gao Zhengquan , Meng Chunxiao , Li Shengying
Published: March 2020

Background

Biological α-olefins can be used as both biofuels and high value-added chemical precursors to lubricants, polymers, and detergents. The prototypic CYP152 peroxygenase family member OleTJE from Jeotgalicoccus sp. ATCC 8456 catalyzes a single-step decarboxylation of free fatty acids (FFAs) to form α-olefins using H2O2 as a cofactor, thus attracting much attention since its discovery. To improve the productivity of α-olefins, significant efforts on protein engineering, electron donor engineering, and metabolic engineering of OleTJE have been made. However, little success has been achieved in obtaining α-olefin high-producer microorganisms due to multiple reasons such as the tight regulation of FFA biosynthesis, the difficulty of manipulating multi-enzyme metabolic network, and the poor catalytic performance of OleTJE.

Results

In this study, a novel enzyme cascade was developed for one-pot production of α-olefins from low-cost triacylglycerols (TAGs) and natural oils without exogenous H2O2 addition. This artificial biocatalytic route consists of a lipase (CRL, AOL or Lip2) for TAG hydrolysis to produce glycerol and free fatty acids (FFAs), an alditol oxidase (AldO) for H2O2 generation upon glycerol oxidation, and the P450 fatty acid decarboxylase OleTJE for FFA decarboxylation using H2O2 generated in situ. The multi-enzyme system was systematically optimized leading to the production of α-olefins with the conversion rates ranging from 37.2 to 68.5%. Furthermore, a reaction using lyophilized CRL/OleTJE/AldO enzymes at an optimized ratio (5 U/6 μM/30 μM) gave a promising α-olefin yield of 0.53 g/L from 1500 μM (~1 g/L) coconut oil.

Conclusions

The one-pot enzyme cascade was successfully established and applied to prepare high value-added α-olefins from low-cost and renewable TAGs/natural oils. This system is independent of exogenous addition of H2O2, thus not only circumventing the detrimental effect of H2O2 on the stability and activity of involved enzymes, but also lower the overall costs on the TAG-to-olefin transformation. It is anticipated that this biotransformation system will become industrially relevant in the future upon more engineering efforts based on this proof-of-concept work.
Microbial insights of enhanced anaerobic conversion of syngas into volatile fatty acids by co-fermentation with carbohydrate-rich synthetic wastewater
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Wen , O-Thong Sompong , Yang Ziyi , Zhang Shicheng , Liu Guangqing , Luo Gang
Published: March 2020

Background

The co-fermentation of syngas (mainly CO, H2 and CO2) and different concentrations of carbohydrate/protein synthetic wastewater to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was conducted in the present study.

Results

It was found that co-fermentation of syngas with carbohydrate-rich synthetic wastewater could enhance the conversion efficiency of syngas and the most efficient conversion of syngas was obtained by co-fermentation of syngas with 5 g/L glucose, which resulted in 25% and 43% increased conversion efficiencies of CO and H2, compared to syngas alone. The protein-rich synthetic wastewater as co-substrate, however, had inhibition on syngas conversion due to the presence of high concentration of NH4+-N (> 900 mg/L) produced from protein degradation. qPCR analysis found higher concentration of acetogens, which could use CO and H2, was present in syngas and glucose co-fermentation system, compared to glucose solo-fermentation or syngas solo-fermentation. In addition, the known acetogen Clostridium formicoaceticum, which could utilize both carbohydrate and CO/H2 was enriched in syngas solo-fermentation and syngas with glucose co-fermentation. In addition, butyrate was detected in syngas and glucose co-fermentation system, compared to glucose solo-fermentation. The detected n-butyrate could be converted from acetate and lactate/ethanol which produced from glucose in syngas and glucose co-fermentation system supported by label-free quantitative proteomic analysis.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the co-fermentation with syngas and carbohydrate-rich wastewater could be a promising technology to increase the conversion of syngas to VFAs. In addition, the syngas and glucose co-fermentation system could change the degradation pathway of glucose in co-fermentation and produce fatty acids with longer carbon chain supported by microbial community and label-free quantitative proteomic analysis. The above results are innovative and lead to achieve effective conversion of syngas into VFAs/longer chain fatty acids, which would for sure have a great interest for the scientific and engineering community. Furthermore, the present study also used the combination of high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, qPCR analysis and label-free quantitative proteomic analysis to provide deep insights of the co-fermentation process from the taxonomic and proteomic aspects, which should be applied for future studies relating with anaerobic fermentation.
Long-term effects of group exercise intervention on maximal step-up height in middle-aged female primary care patients with obesity and other cardio-metabolic risk factors
Authors: Nyberg Lillemor A. , Sundberg Carl Johan , Wändell Per , Kowalski Jan , Hellénius Mai-Lis
Published: March 2020

Background

Low physical performance is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. This study looks at long-term effects of an exercise intervention on maximal step-up height (MSH) in individuals with low physical function. Factors associated with changes in MSH was studied.

Methods

Female patients (n = 101), mean (SD) age of 52 (11) years, were recruited for a 3-month group exercise intervention including 2–3 sessions/week of mixed aerobic fitness and strength training. MSH, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2-max), self-reported health (SF-36) and physical activity (PA) were measured at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 14–30 (mean 22) months (T2). Relationships between changes in MSH (cm) and age, baseline MSH, time to follow-up, changes in anthropometric measurements, VO2-max, SF-36 and PA were studied with regression analyses.

Results

MSH, significantly, increased from T0 to T1, 27.2 (5.7) to 29.0 (5.5) cm and decreased to 25.2 (5.5) cm at T2. Time to follow-up (B = − 0.42, p < 0.001) and change in BMI (B = − 0.29, p = 0.012) correlated significantly to changes in MSH. Waist circumference, VO2-max, PF and exercise/physical activity levels were significantly improved at T2, while BMI did not change. In a univariate logistic regression model, maintenance of MSH correlated to the extent of mixed training (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.25–8.89). In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for important factors the correlation was not significant. However, MSH was significantly higher in individuals participating in 2–3 session per week compared to one session.

Conclusions

A 3-month group exercise intervention increased MSH, improved fitness, decreased risk in female patients with elevated cardio-metabolic risk. After an average of 22 months MSH was reduced while positive effects remained for waist circumference, VO2-max, physical function and physical activity. However, regular group exercise 2–3 times per week with mixed aerobic fitness and strength training was associated with maintenance of MSH in a subgroup of patients. We suggest that such an intervention including regular support from healthcare professionals is a successful approach for maintaining improved leg-muscle strength among primary care patients.

Trial registration

ISRCTN21220201 September 18, 2019, retrospectively registered.
Factors influencing left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with coronary microvascular disease and obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Mayala Henry Anselmo , Mafuru Magesa , Mkangala Abdalah , Mayala Mark , Pallangyo Pedro , Minja Dickson , Janabi Mohamed , Zhao-hui Wang
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aim of our research was to evaluate the relationship involving left ventricular ejection fraction, low density lipoprotein, B-type natriuretic peptide, Troponin I and coronary flow reserve, and to determine the predictors of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with coronary microvascular disease and obstructive coronary artery disease, and in patients with coronary microvascular disease.

Results

The mean age was 58.5 ± 12.5 years. In patients with obstructive coronary disease and coronary microvascular disease we found low density lipoprotein-c had significant inverse relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular ejection fraction also had significant negative relationship with B-type natriuretic peptide, and Troponin-I. While a significant direct relationship turned out to be observed linking left ventricular ejection fraction with coronary flow reserve. Left ventricular ejection fraction had significant negative relationship with low density lipoprotein, and B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease only. Age, blood pressure, lipid levels, red cell distribution width, glycated hemoglobin, symptoms, New York heart association classification, alcohol drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, troponin levels and B-type natriuretic peptide were the predictors for left ventricular ejection fraction in coronary microvascular disease patients.
Handling and packaging of medical bags at acute disaster sites under high-temperature conditions
Authors: Ando Wataru , Imamura Yumika , Nagashima Hideyuki , Kondo Kouji , Nakamura Kazunori , Otori Katsuya
Published: March 2020

Objective

After the large-scale earthquake in 2011, the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) was made responsible for medical activities during the hyperacute phase of a disaster or accident in Japan. The medicines to be administered at the disaster sites, packaged in medical bags, may be affected by the temperatures there. This study aimed at establishing a method to handle drug bags in high-temperature situations by determining the temperature changes in medical bags subject to high temperatures and examining the effect of opening the bag and using heat-insulating material (HIM) and coolants.

Results

Closed and semi-opened bags limited the temperature increase in the central part of the bag at both 35 and 40 °C to a greater extent than opened bags. When coolant and HIM were used in closed and semi-opened bags, the internal temperatures were significantly lower than in the opened state at 40 °C. In high-temperature disaster sites, medical bags should be maintained in a semi-opened or closed state using a HIM and coolant.
The search for the Holy Grail: autoantigenic targets in primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with disease phenotype and neoplasia
Authors: Lopens Steffi , Krawczyk Marcin , Papp Maria , Milkiewicz Piotr , Schierack Peter , Liu Yudong , Wunsch Ewa , Conrad Karsten , Roggenbuck Dirk
Published: March 2020

Unlike in other autoimmune liver diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis, the role and nature of autoantigenic targets in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive, chronic, immune-mediated, life threatening, genetically predisposed, cholestatic liver illness, is poorly elucidated. Although anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) have been associated with the occurrence of PSC, their corresponding targets have not yet been identified entirely. Genome-wide association studies revealed a significant number of immune-related and even disease-modifying susceptibility loci for PSC. However, these loci did not allow discerning a clear autoimmune pattern nor do the therapy options and the male gender preponderance in PSC support a pathogenic role of autoimmune responses. Nevertheless, PSC is characterized by the co-occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) demonstrating autoimmune responses. The identification of novel autoantigenic targets in IBD such as the major zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein 2 (GP2) or the appearance of proteinase 3 (PR3) autoantibodies (autoAbs) have refocused the interest on a putative association of loss of tolerance with the IBD phenotype and consequently with the PSC phenotype. Not surprisingly, the report of an association between GP2 IgA autoAbs and disease severity in patients with PSC gave a new impetus to autoAb research for autoimmune liver diseases. It might usher in a new era of serological research in this field. The mucosal loss of tolerance against the microbiota-sensing GP2 modulating innate and adaptive intestinal immunity and its putative role in the pathogenesis of PSC will be elaborated in this review. Furthermore, other potential PSC-related autoantigenic targets such as the neutrophil PR3 will be discussed. GP2 IgA may represent a group of new pathogenic antibodies, which share characteristics of both type 2 and 3 of antibody-mediated hypersensitive reactions according to Coombs and Gell.
Dynamic transcriptomic changes of goat abomasal mucosa in response to Haemonchus contortus infection
Authors: Aboshady Hadeer M. , Mandonnet Nathalie , Félicité Yoann , Hira Julien , Fourcot Aurore , Barbier Claude , Johansson Anna M. , Jonas Elisabeth , Bambou Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2020

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are one of the major constraints for grazing sheep and goat production worldwide. Genetic selection for resistant animals is a promising control strategy. Whole-transcriptome analysis via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) provides knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for complex traits such as resistance to GIN infections. In this study, we used RNA-seq to monitor the dynamics of the response of the abomasal mucosa of Creole goat kids infected with Haemonchus contortus by comparing resistant and susceptible genotypes. A total of 8 cannulated kids, 4 susceptible and 4 resistant to GIN, were infected twice with 10 000 L3 H. contortus. During the second infection, abomasal mucosal biopsies were collected at 0, 8, 15 and 35 days post-infection (dpi) from all kids for RNA-seq analysis. The resistant animals showed early activation of biological processes related to the immune response. The top 20 canonical pathways of differentially expressed genes for different comparison showed activation of the immune response through many relevant pathways including the Th1 response. Interestingly, our results showed a simultaneous time series activation of Th2 related genes in resistant compared to susceptible kids.
Impacts of school feeding on educational and health outcomes of school-age children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: March 2020

Background

School feeding programs are beneficial for the physical, mental, and psychosocial development of school-age children and adolescents, particularly those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While school feeding programs are ubiquitous in LMICs, the specific benefits of school feeding programs are unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the impacts of school feeding programs on the educational and health outcomes of children and adolescents in LMICs.

Methods

Rigorously designed interventional studies on the impacts of school feeding on nutritional and health outcomes of children and adolescents receiving primary or secondary education in LMICs will be included. The following information sources were used to identify relevant published or unpublished studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and governmental or organizational websites. The risk of bias of randomized and non-randomized studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the ROBINS-I tool, respectively. Two reviewers will independently conduct the selection of studies, data extraction, and assessment of the risk of bias. A narrative synthesis of all the included studies will be provided. Meta-analyses will be performed whenever appropriate. Heterogeneity of effects will be assessed by I2, subgroup analyses, and meta-regression. The certainty of evidence for each outcome will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Discussion

The design and implementation of school feeding programs in LMICs should be based on the understanding of the benefits of such programs. This work will provide a crucial evidence base for the educational and health benefits of school feeding on children and adolescents in LMICs.

Systematic review registration

This protocol was submitted for registration with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on November 18, 2019 (registration number: pending).
Finite-time adaptive neural network control for fractional-order chaotic PMSM via command filtered backstepping
Authors: Lu Senkui , Wang Xingcheng , Wang Longda
Published: March 2020

A finite-time adaptive neural network position tracking control method is considered for the fractional-order chaotic permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) via command filtered backstepping in this paper. Firstly, a neural network with a fractional-order parametric update law is utilized to cope with the nonlinear and unknown functions. Then the command filtered technique is introduced to address the repeated derivative problem in backstepping. In addition, a novel finite-time control method is proposed by employing the fractional-order terminal sliding manifolds, designing the error compensation mechanism and the new virtual control laws. The finite-time convergence of the tracking error can be guaranteed by the proposed controller. Finally, the designed control method is verified by simulation results.
Indirect comparison of azacitidine and decitabine for the therapy of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Bingbing , You Weiwen , Yang Sitian , Du Xin
Published: March 2020

Background

The DNA hypomethylating agents (HMAs) decitabine and azacitidine have been widely used in the management of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, no direct clinical trials have been carried out to compare the two agents. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of decitabine and azacitidine in elderly AML patients.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library through May 14, 2019. Randomized controlled trials on elderly AML patients comparing the efficacy and safety between decitabine and azacitidine, or comparing one of HMAs to standard supportive care or placebo were selected. The major outcomes of interest were performed with methods of adjusted indirect comparison and the fixed effect model.

Results

Only three RCTs including a total number of 1086 patients were identified. Direct comparisons showed that azacitidine significantly reduced mortality (RR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.83–0.97) while decitabine was not significantly associated with lower mortality (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.92–1.02) compared to the conventional care regimen (CCR). In addition, for the indirect method, azacitidine significantly reduced mortality compared to decitabine (RR = 0.83 95% CI 0.77–0.90) and was more likely to improve complete response (CR) (RR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.17–2.35, low-certainty evidence). No statistical significance was found for the other studied outcomes.

Conclusions

Compared to CCR, decitabine and azacitidine can promote studied outcomes in elderly AML patients. Indirect evidence with low certainty was used to compare these two agents. The superiority of either agent cannot be confirmed, and head-to-head clinical trials are still required.
Prediction of ESG compliance using a heterogeneous information network
Authors: Hisano Ryohei , Sornette Didier , Mizuno Takayuki
Published: March 2020

Negative screening is one method to avoid interactions with inappropriate entities. For example, financial institutions keep investment exclusion lists of inappropriate firms that have environmental, social, and governance (ESG) problems. They create their investment exclusion lists by gathering information from various news sources to keep their portfolios profitable as well as green. International organizations also maintain smart sanctions lists that are used to prohibit trade with entities that are involved in illegal activities. In the present paper, we focus on the prediction of investment exclusion lists in the finance domain. We construct a vast heterogeneous information network that covers the necessary information surrounding each firm, which is assembled using seven professionally curated datasets and two open datasets, which results in approximately 50 million nodes and 400 million edges in total. Exploiting these vast datasets and motivated by how professional investigators and journalists undertake their daily investigations, we propose a model that can learn to predict firms that are more likely to be added to an investment exclusion list in the near future. Our approach is tested using the negative news investment exclusion list data of more than 35,000 firms worldwide from January 2012 to May 2018. Comparing with the state-of-the-art methods with and without using the network, we show that the predictive accuracy is substantially improved when using the vast information stored in the heterogeneous information network. This work suggests new ways to consolidate the diffuse information contained in big data to monitor dominant firms on a global scale for better risk management and more socially responsible investment.