bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of PLK2 induces acquired resistance to temozolomide in GBM via activation of Notch signaling
Authors: Alafate Wahafu , Xu Dongze , Wu Wei , Xiang Jianyang , Ma Xudong , Xie Wanfu , Bai Xiaobin , Wang Maode , Wang Jia
Published: October 2020

BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal type of primary brain tumor with a median survival less than 15 months. Despite the recent improvements of comprehensive strategies, the outcomes for GBM patients remain dismal. Accumulating evidence indicates that rapid acquired chemoresistance is the major cause of GBM recurrence thus leads to worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chemoresistant GBM is crucial for long-term cures. MethodsTranscriptomic profiles of glioblastoma were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) and TCGA database. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed and candidate gene PLK2 was selected for subsequent validation. Clinical samples and corresponding data were collected from our center and measured using immunohistochemistry analysis. Lentiviral transduction and in vivo xenograft transplantation were used to validate the bioinformatic findings. GSEA analyses were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways related to PLK2 expression and further confirmed by in vitro mechanistic assays. ResultsIn this study, we identified PLK2 as an extremely suppressed kinase-encoding gene in GBM samples, particularly in therapy resistant GBM. Additionally, reduced PLK2 expression implied poor prognosis and TMZ resistance in GBM patients. Functionally, up-regulated PLK2 attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis of GBM cells. Besides, exogenous overexpression of PLK2 reduced acquired TMZ resistance of GBM cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis indicated that PLK2 was negatively correlated with Notch signaling pathway in GBM. Mechanically, loss of PLK2 activated Notch pathway through negative transcriptional regulation of HES1 and degradation of Notch1.ConclusionLoss of PLK2 enhances aggressive biological behavior of GBM through activation of Notch signaling, indicating that PLK2 could be a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for chemoresistant GBM.
Water hardness influenced variations in reproductive potential of two freshwater fish species; Poecilia reticulata and Betta splendens
Authors: Krishnakumar Abarna , Patrick Anton , Jayawardena Uthpala
Published: October 2020

Objective: Hardness of water in the form of CaCO3 affects reproductive potential in various fish species, differently. This study evaluates the effect of water hardness on growth and reproduction of two aquarium fishes, Poecilia reticulata (Ovo-viviparous sp.) and Betta splendens (Oviparous sp.) by growing them under 150 (control), 320, 540 and 900 ppm CaCO3 levels in semi natural aquaria. Results: Growth increased with increasing water hardness, reporting a significant progress of P. reticulata (p=0.005) at 900ppm. Similarly, the reproductive potential of P. reticulata was improved significantly, recording the highest fecundity (16.22 ± 3.90) and Gonadosomatic Index (GSI-2.48 ± 0.597) at 900ppm. However, in B. splendens water hardness adversely affected the reproduction by resulting a significantly low hatchability and disturbed bubble nests at 900ppm, compared to the largest bubble nest formed at the control condition (108.58 ± 16.19 cm2). Thus, the study revealed differential effects of water hardness on reproductive potential of the test species, by increasing the potential of P. reticulata while decreasing that of B. splendens. Though larval survival was affected in both species, larval growth was improved significantly in P. reticulata at 900ppm level. Understanding reproductive potential of aquarium fishes in natural waters is crucial for their management purposes.
Improved dynamics of sharing research findings in the COVID-19 epidemic compared with the SARS and Ebola epidemics
Authors: Khanali Javad , Malekpour Mohammad-Reza , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: October 2020

Background: When a new or re-emergent pathogen, such as SARS-CoV-2, causes a major outbreak, rapid access to pertinent research findings is crucial for planning strategies and decision making. We researched whether the speed of sharing research results in the COVID-19 epidemic was higher than the SARS and Ebola epidemics. We also researched whether there is any difference in the most frequent topics investigated before and after the COVID-19, SARS, and Ebola epidemics started.Method: We used PubMed database search tools to determine the time-period it took for the number of articles to rise after the epidemics started and the most frequent topics assigned to the articles.Results: The main results were, first, the rise in the number of articles occurred six weeks after the COVID-19 epidemic started whereas, this rise occurred five months after the SARS and seven months after the Ebola epidemics started. Second, etiology, statistics & numerical data, and epidemiology were the three most frequent topics investigated in the COVID-19 epidemic. However, etiology, microbiology, and genetics in the SARS epidemic, and statistics & numerical data, epidemiology, and prevention & control in the Ebola epidemic were more frequently studied compared with other topics. Third, some topics were studied more frequently after the epidemics started.Conclusion: The speed of sharing results in the COVID-19 epidemic was much higher than the SARS and Ebola epidemics, and that there is a difference in the most frequent articles’ topics investigated in these three epidemics. Due to the value of time in controlling epidemics spread, the study highlights the necessity of defining more solutions for rapidly providing pertinent research findings in fighting against the next public health emergency.
Misinformation about COVID-19: Evidence for Differential Latent Profiles and a Strong Association with Trust in Science
Authors: Agley Jon , Xiao Yunyu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been mirrored by diffusion of misinformation and conspiracy theories about its origins (such as 5G cellular networks) and the motivations of preventive measures like vaccination, social distancing, and face masks (for example, as a political ploy). These beliefs have resulted in substantive, negative real-world outcomes but remain largely unstudied.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, online survey (n=660). Participants were asked about the believability of five selected COVID-19 narratives, their political orientation, their religious commitment, and their trust in science (a 21-item scale), along with sociodemographic items. Data were assessed descriptively, then latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups with similar believability profiles. Bivariate (ANOVA) analyses were run, then multivariable, multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with membership in specific COVID-19 narrative believability profiles.ResultsFor the full sample, believability of the narratives varied, from a low of 1.94 (SD=1.72) for the 5G narrative to a high of 4.56 (SD=1.64) for the zoonotic (scientific consensus) narrative. Four distinct belief profiles emerged, with the preponderance (70%) of the sample falling into Profile 1, which believed the scientifically accepted narrative (zoonotic origin) but not the misinformed or conspiratorial narratives. Other profiles did not disbelieve the zoonotic explanation, but rather believed additional misinformation to varying degrees. Controlling for sociodemographics, political orientation and religious commitment were marginally, and typically non-significantly, associated with COVID-19 belief profile membership. However, trust in science was a strong, significant predictor of profile membership, with lower trust being substantively associated with belonging to Profiles 2 through 4.ConclusionsBelief in misinformation or conspiratorial narratives may not be mutually exclusive from belief in the narrative reflecting scientific consensus; that is, profiles were distinguished not by belief in the zoonotic narrative, but rather by concomitant belief or disbelief in additional narratives. Additional, renewed dissemination of scientifically accepted narratives may not attenuate belief in misinformation. However, prophylaxis of COVID-19 misinformation might be achieved by taking concrete steps to improve trust in science and scientists, such as building understanding of the scientific process and supporting open science initiatives.
Comprehensive genetic testing combined with citizen science reveals a recently characterized ancient MC1R mutation associated with partial recessive red phenotypes in dog 
Authors: Anderson Heidi , Honkanen Leena , Ruotanen Päivi , Mathlin Julia , Donner Jonas
Published: October 2020

Background: The Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) plays a central role in regulation of coat color determination in various species and is commonly referred to as the “E (extension) Locus”. Allelic variation of the MC1R gene is associated with coat color phenotypes EM (melanistic mask), EG (grizzle/domino) and e1-3 (recessive red) in dogs. In addition, a previous study of archeological dog specimens over 10,000 years of age identified a variant p.R301C in the MC1R gene that may have influenced coat color of early dogs.Results: Commercial genotyping of 11,750 dog samples showed the R301C variant of the MC1R gene was present in 35 breeds or breed varieties, at an allele frequency of 1.5% in the tested population. We detected no linkage disequilibrium between R301C and other tested alleles of the E locus. Based on current convention we propose that R301C should be considered a novel allele of the E locus, which we have termed eA for “e ancient red”. Phenotype analysis of owner-provided dog pictures reveals that the eA allele has an impact on coat color and is recessive to wild type E and dominant to the e alleles. In dominant black (KB/*) dogs it can prevent the phenotypic expression of the K locus, and the expressed coat color is solely determined by the A locus. In the absence of dominant black, eA/eA and eA/e genotypes result in the coat color patterns referred to in their respective breed communities as domino in Alaskan Malamute and other Spitz breeds, grizzle in Chihuahua, and pied in Beagle.Conclusions: This study demonstrates a large genotype screening effort to identify the frequency and distribution of the MC1R R301C variant, one of the earliest mutations captured by canine domestication, and citizen science empowered characterization of its impact on coat color.
Comparison of the effectiveness of existential, cognitive-existential, and humanistic-existential group psychotherapy on psychosomatic complaints in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hanis Ghaffar Nasiri , Sadeghi Masoud , Gholamrezaei Simin
Published: October 2020

Background and aims: A significant amount of previous studies has confirmed the positive effect of existential, cognitive-existential, and humanistic-existential interventions on psychosocial problems with different populations. However, research on the effectiveness and comparison of the effect of these three independent variables on the problem of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is novel. So, the purpose of this research is to study the comparison of the effectiveness of existential, cognitive-existential, and humanistic-existential group psychotherapy on psychosomatic complaints among women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: The method of the research was semi-experimental, and its experimental design includes the pretest, post-test, and two-month follow-up tests with experimental and control parallel groups. Cases of this study included women with type 2 diabetes mellitus referring to the Specialist Diabetes Clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj in the first three months of 2019. The main criterion for entry participants to research was the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus by specialists of the Diabetes Clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj. 32 subjects selected by simple random sampling method of this society and were assigned to three experimental and one control group by substituting random method. The data collected based on the scale of psychosomatic complaints Takata & Sakata (2004). After the pre-test, the experimental groups participated in 120-minute sessions for 9 weeks. Data analyzed by the statistical test of repeated measures of the General Linear Model. Results: The results of repeated measures analysis showed that the effect of the interventions in experimental groups of psychosomatic complaints was significant and stable compared to the control group (computed using alpha = 0, 05). The effect of the group humanistic-existential psychotherapy on reducing psychosomatic complaints about women with type 2 diabetes mellitus is stable and significant compared to existential and cognitive-existential psychotherapy (The mean difference is significant at the 0,05 level).Conclusion: The findings show applying humanistic-existential psychotherapy more benefits than the other two method. So, humanistic-existential group psychotherapy could be a selective therapy for reducing psychosomatic complaints about women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Lycorine hydrochloride inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through promoting FBXW7-MCL1 axis in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Chongyang , Deng Chaowei , Pan Guangzhao , Wang Xue , Zhang Kui , Dong Zhen , Zhao Gaichao , Tan Mengqin , Hu Xiaosong , Shi Shaomin , Du Juan , Ji Haoyan , Wang Xiaowen , Yang Liqun , Cui Hongjuan
Published: October 2020

Background: Lycorine hydrochloride (LH), an alkaloid extracted from the bulb of the Lycoris radiata, is considered to have anti-viral, anti-malarial, and anti-tumorous effects. At present, the underlying mechanisms of LH in gastric cancer remain unclear. MCL1, an anti-apoptotic protein of BCL2 family, is closely related to drug resistance of tumor. Therefore, MCL1 is considered as a potential target for cancer treatment. Methods: The effect of LH on gastric cancer was assessed in vitro (by MTT, BrdU, western blotting…) and in vivo (by immunohistochemistry).Results: In this study, we showed that LH has an anti-tumorous effect by down-regulating MCL1 in gastric cancer. Besides, we unveiled that LH reduced the protein stability of MCL1 by up-regulating ubiquitin E3 ligase FBXW7, arrested cell cycle at S phase and triggered apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, we also demonstrated that LH could induce apoptosis of the BCL2-drug-resistant-cell-lines. Moreover, PDX (Patient-Derived tumor xenograft) model experiment proved that LH combined with HA14-1 (inhibitor of BCL2), had a more significant therapeutic effect on gastric cancer. Conclusions: Together, the efficacy showed in our data suggests that lycorine hydrochloride is a promising anti-tumorous compound for gastric cancer.
Evaluating Implementation of the Diabetes Perioperative Passport: A qualitative focus group study
Authors: Akiboye Funke , Page Emma , Nirantharakumar Krish , Rayman Gerry , Lindenmeyer Antje
Published: October 2020

Background and AimsA perioperative passport was developed to improve care of people with diabetes undergoing elective surgery by equipping patients with a hand-held summary of their care needs. Two surgical nursing groups were approached to be involved in developing and piloting this novel technology with contrasting results.This study aims to examine the factors affecting implementation of an empowerment tool for patients with diabetes among nursing staff in two surgical groups within a single district general hospitalDesignA qualitative study using focus groups to examine factors affecting staff engagement in implementing the diabetes perioperative passport.MethodsTwo focus group were conducted in 2017 with pre-operative assessment nurses in the departments of orthopaedics and general surgery of an NHS trust (N= 8). Audio-taped group discussions were transcribed, and the data coded and analysed to identify themesFindingsThe general surgical nurse group generally supported each other’s views and comments. They were enthused about the passport throughout. In contrast, the orthopaedic specialist nurse group had initial reservations about implementing the passport, but as the focus group unfolded, they moved from sharing individual views to finding commonalities and became more engaged and motivated to use the passport.ConclusionFocus groups are a practical and efficient tool to conduct within the usual working environment of an NHS hospital. In addition to capturing information about the challenges to implementation they may serve as a crucial implementation tool where evidence-based practice has not been adopted.ImpactThis is the first study carried out in the NHS setting highlighting the benefit of focus groups as a practical implementation tool.
Overhydration and low serum prealbumin predict peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Quy Quyen Dao Bui , Huy Tuan Pham Ngoc , Duc Loc Nguyen , Van My Pham , Huu Dung Nguyen , Duy Toan Nguyen , Viet Tien Tran , Do Quyet , Viet Thang Le
Published: October 2020

Background: In this study, we focused on the role of overhydration (OH) and low serum prealbumin concentration in predicting peritonitis in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients over a 3-year period.Methods: We measured serum prealbumin concentration and OH by body composition monitor in 278 CAPD patients (159 males and 119 females) with a mean age of 46 years and a median peritoneal dialysis (PD) duration of 21 months. Cases of PD-related peritonitis were collected over 3 years.Results: After the 3-year follow-up, 44 patients were diagnosed with PD-related peritonitis (15.8%). Low education, serum albumin, and prealbumin, as well as high high-sensitivity C- Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and OH, were independent risk factors for predicting peritonitis over 36 months in CAPD patients. Based on the ROC curve model and Kaplan-Meier analysis, we realized that low prealbumin and high OH were independent predictors of 3-year peritonitis in CAPD patients (Prealbumin: AUC = 0.838, cut-off value = 32.5 mg/dL, Se= 90.9%, Sp = 32.9%; OH: AUC = 0.851, cut-off value = 1.33 L, Se = 79.5%, Sp = 85.5%; and log-rank test p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Overhydration and low serum prealbumin were the independent predictors of PD-related peritonitis in CAPD patients.
IL-19 Induced by IL-13/IL-17A in the Nasal Epithelium of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis Upregulates MMP-9 Expression via ERK/NF-kB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Xia , Huang Jiancong , Chen Xiaohong , Lai Xiaoping , Huang Zizhen , Li Yue , Li Shuaixiang , Chang Lihong , Zhang Gehua
Published: October 2020

Background: Tissue remodeling is a crucial characteristic of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is crucial for the pathologic tissue remodeling in CRS. Elevation of interleukin (IL)-19 or MMP-9 levels in patients with CRS had been proven in previous studies. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of IL-19 in mediating MMP-9 expression in CRS. Methods: Nasal tissue samples were collected from 45 individuals having chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), 24CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 17 controls. Expression of IL-19, its receptors (IL-20R1/IL-20R2), and MMP-9 were investigated using RT-qPCR and Immunofluorescence. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were stimulated by IL-19; ERK phosphorylation, NF-kB pathway activation, and MMP-9 level were detected by RT-qPCR, ELISA, western blot and Immunofluorescence. We also explored the effect of type1/2/3 cytokines on IL-19 production by RT-qPCR, and western blot. Results: Expression levels of IL-19, its receptors (IL-20R1/IL-20R2), and MMP-9 were increased in nasal tissues from individuals with CRSwNP compared to those with CRSsNP as well as the controls. IL-19 significantly elevated the production of MMP-9 in HNECs. Furthermore, IL-19 could activate the ERK and NF-kB pathways, accompanied by increased MMP-9 production in HNECs. Conversely, both ERK and NF-kB inhibitors significantly attenuated the role of IL-19 in MMP-9 production. siRNA knockdown of IL-20R1 suppressed ERK and NF-kB pathway activation, thereby decreasing MMP-9 expression. IL-13 and IL-17A were found to stimulate IL-19 production in HNECs.Conclusion: IL-19, promoted by IL-13 and IL-17A, contributes to the upregulation of secretion of the tissue remodeling factor MMP-9 in patients with CRS.
Investigation of the role of AcTPR2 in kiwifruit and its response to Botrytis cinerea infection
Authors: Li Zhexin , Lan Jian-Bin , Liu Yi-Qing , Qi Li-Wang , Tang Jianmin
Published: October 2020

Background: Elucidation of the regulatory mechanism of kiwifruit response to gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea can provide the basis for its molecular breeding to impart resistance against this disease. In this study, 'Hongyang' kiwifruit served as the experimental material; the TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED (TPL/TPR) co-repressor gene AcTPR2 was cloned into a pTRV2 vector (AcTPR2-TRV) and the virus-induced gene silencing technique was used to establish the functions of the AcTPR2 gene in kiwifruit resistance to Botrytis cinerea.Results: Virus-induced silencing of AcTPR2 enhanced the susceptibility of kiwifruit to Botrytis cinerea. Defensive enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and endogenous phytohormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA3), abscisic acid (ABA), and salicylic acid (SA) were detected. Kiwifruit activated these enzymes and endogenous phytohormones in response to pathogen-induced stress and injury. The expression levels of the IAA signaling genes—AcNIT, AcARF1, and AcARF2—were higher in the AcTPR2-TRV treatment group than in the control. The IAA levels were higher and the rot phenotype was more severe in AcTPR2-TRV kiwifruits than that in the control. These results suggested that AcTPR2 downregulation promotes expression of IAA and IAA signaling genes and accelerates postharvest kiwifruit senescence. Further, Botrytis cinerea dramatically upregulated AcTPR2, indicating that AcTPR2 augments kiwifruit defense against pathogens by downregulating the IAA and IAA signaling genes.Conclusions: The results of the present study could help clarify the regulatory mechanisms of disease resistance in kiwifruit and furnish genetic resources for molecular breeding of kiwifruit disease resistance.
Blocked pollen release prevents fruit formation in the halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia in non-saline habitats
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Wang Baoshan
Published: October 2020

Background: Anther development affects the reproduction of flowering plants. Halophyte Elaeagnus angustifolia can bear fruits when grown in saline soils. However, no fruits are born in non-saline soils. The possible reasons and differences in E. angustifolia under two conditions were elucidated.Results: We examined features including pollen vitality and germination, in situ pollen germination after natural and hand pollination, anthers after pollen release, and the transcriptome in anthers. No significant difference was observed in pollen vitality or stigma receptivity in E. angustifolia in non-saline vs. saline habitats. However, no pollen tubes were present in styles, and pollen grains were abundant in E. angustifolia anthers under non-saline conditions. Notably, many pollen tubes formed in styles of E. angustifolia after hand pollination in the non-saline habitat. And the differentially expressed genes in anthers from saline vs. non-saline habitats were mainly related to phytohormones, cell wall secondary thickening, transcription factors and ion transport.Conclusions: E. angustifolia fail to form fruits in non-saline habitats due to poor anther pollen release. The induction and coordinated upregulation of genes related to anther cell wall formation and JA biosynthesis likely contribute to anther dehiscence in E. angustifolia in saline habitats, whereas anther dehiscence is blocked in plants grown in non-saline habitats.
Clinical impact of digital and conventional PET control databases for semi-quantitative analysis of brain 18F-FDG digital PET scans 
Authors: Mairal Elise , Doyen Matthieu , Rivasseau-Jonveaux Thérèse , Malaplate Catherine , Guedj Eric , Verger Antoine
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Digital PET cameras markedly improve sensitivity and spatial resolution of brain 18F-FDG PET images compared to conventional cameras. Our study aimed to assess whether specific control databases are required to improve the diagnostic performance of these recent advances.Methods: We retrospectively selected two groups of subjects, twenty-seven Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients and twenty-two healthy control (HC) subjects. All subjects underwent a brain 18F-FDG PET on a digital camera (Vereos, Philips®). These two group (AD and HC) are compared, using a Semi-Quantitative Analysis (SQA), to two age and sex matched controls acquired with a digital PET/CT (Vereos, Philips®) or a conventional PET/CT (Biograph 6, Siemens®) camera, at group and individual levels. Moreover, individual visual interpretation of SPM T-maps was provided for the positive diagnosis of AD by 3 experienced raters.Results: At group level, SQA using digital controls detected more marked hypometabolic areas in AD (+ 116 cm3 at p<0.001 uncorrected for the voxel, corrected for the cluster) than SQA using conventional controls. At the individual level, the accuracy of SQA for discriminating AD using digital controls was higher than SQA using conventional controls (86 % vs. 80 %, p<0.01, at p<0.005 uncorrected for the voxel, corrected for the cluster), with similar specificity (82 % vs. 82 %) but higher sensitivity (89 % vs. 78 %). These results were confirmed by visual analysis (accuracies of 84 % and 82 % for digital and conventional controls respectively, p=0.01).Conclusion: There is an urgent need to establish specific digital PET control databases for SQA of brain 18F-FDG PET images as such databases improve the accuracy of AD diagnosis.
Immediate impact of stay-at-home orders to control COVID-19 transmission on mental well-being in Bangladeshi adult population: Patterns, Explanations, and future directions
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Ahsan Gias U. , Khan Risliana , Khan Hasinur Rahman , Hossain Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Objective: We aim to evaluate the immediate impacts of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on the mental well-being of Bangladeshi adults. We recruited 1404 healthy adults following the Bangladesh government's lockdown announcement. A questionnaire comprising the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to define mental health. Results: The overall mean score for well-being was 42.4, indicating that 51.9% of adults suffered from poor mental health. And within that 48% of males and 57% of females were depressed. The mean scores for government workers, unemployed workers, and business employees were 45.1, 39.6, and 39.5, respectively. Confounding adjustments in multivariable linear regression models revealed that married women, unemployed and business communities, and individuals returning to villages were heavily depressed. Stay-at-home orders had significant repercussions on mental health and created a gender disparity in depression among adults. Suggestions include promoting mental health for women, unemployed, and business individuals. Married women need to be taken into special consideration as their mental well-being is worse. Older people (50 years of age and over) reported a high day-to-day variation in their mental health. These results should be factored in when discussing the mental health of adults and communities to cope with quarantine.
Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ji Li , Cao Chunyan , Gao Ying , Zhang Wen , Xie Yuji , Duan Yilian , Kong Shuangshuang , You Manjie , Ma Rong , Jiang Lili , Liu Jie , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Ziming , Wang Jing , Yang Yali , Lv Qing , Zhang Li , Li Yuman , Zhang Jinxiang , Xie Mingxing
Published: October 2020

Background: Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and noninvasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19.Methods: The LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated.Results: Patients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10-20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.02～1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike Information Criterion [AIC] =272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR: 10.76, 95% CI: 2.75～42.05; P = 0.001; AIC =272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model (AIC =286; C-index = 0.866). An LUS score cut-off >12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively.Conclusions: The LUS score devised by our group performs well at predicting adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.
Can Pre-Trained Convolutional Neural Networks be directly used as a Feature Extractor for Video-based Neonatal Sleep and Wake Classification?
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Long Xi , Yin Bin , chen Chen , Akbarzadeh Saeed , Abbasi Saadullah Farooq , Irfan Muhammad , Lu Chunmei , Wang Xinhua , Wang Laishuan , Chen Wei
Published: October 2020

Objective: In this paper, we propose to evaluate the use of a pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as a features extractor followed by the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to find the best discriminant features to perform classification using support vector machine (SVM) algorithm for neonatal sleep and wake states using Fluke® facial video frames. Using pre-trained CNNs as feature extractor would hugely reduce the effort of collecting new neonatal data for training a neural network which could be computationally very expensive. The features are extracted after fully connected layers (FCL’s), where we compare several pre-trained CNNs, e.g., VGG16, VGG19, InceptionV3, GoogLeNet, ResNet, and AlexNet. Results: From around 2-h Fluke® video recording of seven neonate, we achieved a modest classification performance with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 65.3%, 69.8%, 61.0%, respectively with AlexNet using Fluke® (RGB) video frames. This indicates that using a pre-trained model as a feature extractor could not fully suffice for highly reliable sleep and wake classification in neonates. Therefore, in future a dedicated neural network trained on neonatal data or a transfer learning approach is required.
Socioeconomic inequality in intermittent preventive treatment using Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine among pregnant women in Nigeria
Authors: Mahmud Fatima Muhammad , Majdzadeh Reza , Nedjat Saharnaz , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Parsaeian Mahboubeh
Published: October 2020

Background: Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine using intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp-SP) for malaria prevention is recommended for all pregnant women at malaria endemic areas. However, there is limited evidence on the level of socioeconomic inequality in IPTp-SP use to prevent malaria in pregnant women in Nigeria. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of socioeconomic inequality in IPTp-SP use among pregnant women and to decompose it into its contributing factors.Methods: A secondary data analysis of Nigerian demographic and health survey of 2018 was conducted. A sample of 21,621 pregnant women aged between 15-49 years and had live birth in the previous 2 years before the survey were included to this analysis. Participants were recruited based on a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method. Socioeconomic inequality was decomposed into its contributing factors by concentration index.Result: Totally 63.6% of pregnant women took at least one dose of IPTp. Among IPTp users, 35.1% took one dose, 38.6% took two doses and 26.2% took three doses and more. Based on concentration index of 0.180 (p-value= <0.001, 95% CI: 0.176 to 0.183) and the Erreyger’s normalization concentration index 0.280 (p-value=<0.001, 95% CI: 0.251 to 0.309) IPTp utilization was pro-rich. The largest contributors to the inequality in IPTp uptake were wealth index (47.81%) and educational status (28.66%).Conclusion: Our findings showed that IPTp use was pro-rich in Nigeria. Wealth index and educational status were the factors that significantly contributed to the inequality. The disparities could be reduced through free IPTp service expansion by targeting pregnant women from low socioeconomic status.
Determining the stability of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children: ultrasound is better than arthrography
Authors: Wu Xing , Li Xiongtao , Yang Shaowei , Wang Si , Xia Jingdong , Chen Xiaoliang , Shen Xiantao
Published: October 2020

Background: Evaluating of the articular cartilage status of the distal humeral epiphysis is difficult. Ultrasound imaging of the elbow is increasingly being used to confirm the integrity of the articular cartilage of minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures in children with minimally displaced fractures. The aims of this study were to assess the correlations between ultrasound and arthrography findings for predicting the integrity of the cartilage hinge and to describe the utility of ultrasound in determining the need for pre-treatment.Methods: Thirty-nine patients with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures who underwent ultrasound and arthrography examinations before surgery from May 2018 to December 2019 were included in this study. Ultrasound and arthrography predictors of the cartilage hinge status were independently measured. The ultrasound and arthrography results were compared.Results: The mean displacement of the fractures was 3.1 mm (range, 2.0～5.0 mm). Arthrography showed incomplete fractures in 24 patients (61.5%) and complete fractures in 15 patients (38.5%). Ultrasound showed incomplete fractures in 25 patients (64.1%) and complete fractures in 14 patients (35.9%). The ultrasound and arthrography results of the integrity of the articular surface were consistent in 92.3% of the cases, including 23 that were predicted to have an intact articular surface and 13 that were predicted to have an incongruity articular surface. There was no correlation between the displacement and the fracture appearing complete on the ultrasound scan. The Pearson coefficient between ultrasound and arthrography for assessing the integrity of the articular surface was 0.837.Conclusions: Ultrasound and arthrography assessments of the integrity of the cartilage hinge status appear to be highly consistent. Ultrasound can be used as a complementary tool with arthrography to predict the integrity of the cartilage hinge status in children with minimally displaced lateral humeral condyle fractures.Level of evidence: Prospective study; level Ⅱ.
A skin liquid biopsy method to assess the immune environment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Torii Kan , Okada Yukinori , Morita Akimichi
Published: October 2020

Cells infiltrating lesional skin cannot be analyzed in detail through immunohistochemistry or cell separation techniques using skin biopsy specimens. Here, we describe a skin liquid biopsy method that enables T cell isolation from small amounts of lesional whole blood from mycosis fungoides (MF) patients. Gene expression analysis was performed on isolated cells which revealed that CD4+CD45RO+ T cells contribute to the pathogenesis of MF, and CD8+CD45RO+T cells serve as the effector cells of CD4+ malignant MF. CD8+CD45RO+ T cells in lesional blood negatively correlate with the modified severity-weighted assessment tool (mSWAT) and negatively regulate cellular responses. CD4+CD45RO+ T cells highly express TNC, C1QB, PLK4, SGK1, RGS1 and CD69, and have a lower diversity of the T-cell receptor repertoire. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of MF. The technique described here may be applicable to the evaluation of treatment efficacy for other skin inflammatory diseases.
Bi-directional command of cognitive control by distinct prefrontal cortical output neurons to thalamus and striatum
Authors: de Kloet Sybren , Bruinsma Bastiaan , Terra Huub , Heistek Tim , Passchier Emma , Berg Alexandra van den , Luchicchi Antonio , Min Rogier , Pattij Tommy , Mansvelder Huibert
Published: October 2020

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) steers goal-directed actions and withholds inappropriate behavior. Dorsal and ventral mPFC (dmPFC/vmPFC) circuits have distinct roles in cognitive control, but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we provide anatomical, behavioral, and neurophysiological evidence for distinct roles of four distinct prefrontal projection populations in behavior. We used neuroanatomical tracing techniques, chemogenetics and fiber photometry in freely behaving rats, and in vitro electrophysiology to characterize dmPFC and vmPFC outputs to distinct thalamic and striatal subdomains and show that they have dissociable roles in cognitive control. We identify four spatially segregated projection neuron populations in the mPFC. Chemogenetic silencing shows that dmPFC and vmPFC projections to lateral and medial mediodorsal thalamus subregions oppositely regulate cognitive control. In addition, superficial and deep layer dmPFC neurons projecting to striatum and thalamus divergently regulate cognitive control. Using fiber photometry, we show that these projections distinctly encode behavior. Finally, we show that postsynaptic striatal and thalamic neurons differentially process synaptic inputs from dmPFC and vmPFC, highlighting mechanisms that potentially amplify distinct pathways underlying cognitive control of behavior. Collectively, we show that mPFC output circuits targeting anatomically and functionally distinct striatal and thalamic subregions encode bidirectional command of cognitive control.
Metagenomic insights into sulfate-reducing bacteria in a revegetated acidic mine wasteland
Authors: Li Jin-tian , Jia Pu , Wang Xiao-juan , Feng Shi-wei , Yang Tao-tao , Fang Zhou , Liu Jun , Liao Bin , Shu Wen-sheng , Liang Jie-Liang
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe widespread occurrence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs, which are typically considered anaerobic organisms) in temporarily oxic/hypoxic aquatic environments indicates an intriguing possibility that SRMs can prevail in continuously oxic/hypoxic terrestrial environments rich in sulfate. However, little attention has been paid to such a possibility, leading to an incomplete understanding of microorganisms driving terrestrial part of the global sulphur cycle.ResultsIn this study, genome-centric metagenomics was employed to explore SRMs in a revegetated acidic mine wasteland under continuously oxic/hypoxic conditions. We reconstructed 12 Acidobacteria and four Deltaproteobacteria genomes encoding reductive DsrAB, of which five represented three new SRM genera. Our results showed that Acidobacteria-related SRMs differed considerably from Deltaproteobacteria-related SRMs in metabolic potentials. Genomes of Acidobacteria-related SRMs harbored more glycoside hydrolase (GH) genes than those of previously known SRMs. They also tended to encode more oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases and cytochrome c oxidases, but less methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs) than genomes of Deltaproteobacteria-related SRMs. More importantly, we discovered that SRM-infecting viruses can contribute to glycoside hydrolysis, chemotaxis and antioxidation of their hosts. Remarkably, one GH encoded by a SRM-infecting virus is responsible for the liberation of rhamnose (a monosaccharide that is accessible directly to SRMs for dissimilatory sulfate reduction) from plant cell-wall-derived oligosaccharides.ConclusionsTaken together, our results do not only improve our understanding of microorganisms driving dissimilatory sulfate reduction in terrestrial environments under continuously oxic/hypoxic conditions but also provides the first evidence for putative roles of viruses in S biogeochemical cycle in terrestrial ecosystems.
Signature of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in nails and hair
Authors: Komatsu Haruki , Inui Ayano , Odmaa Enkhtaivan , Ito Yoshinori , Umetsu Shuichiro , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is detected in extrahepatic tissues of individuals with HBV infection. Whether nails and hair contain HBV has been unknown. Methods: We examined two patient groups: those with chronic HBV infection alone (n=71), and those with both chronic HBV and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections (n=15). HBV DNA in the patients' fingernails and hair were measured by real-time PCR. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of fingernails was evaluated by an enzyme immunoassay. HDV RNA in fingernails was measured by real-time PCR. Immunochemical staining was performed on nails. We used chimeric mice with humanized livers to evaluate the infectivity of nails.Results: Of the 71 pairs of HBV-alone nail and hair samples, 70 (99%) nail and 60 (85%) hair samples were positive for β-actin DNA. Of those 70 nail samples, 65 (93%) were HBV DNA-positive. Of the 60 hair samples, 49 (82%) were HBV DNA-positive. The serum HBV DNA level of the nail HBV DNA-positive patients was significantly higher than that of the nail HBV DNA-negative patients. The hair HBV DNA-positive patients' serum HBV DNA level was significantly higher compared to the hair HBV DNA-negative patients. The nail HBV DNA level was significantly higher than the hair HBV DNA level. The nails and hair HBV DNA levels were correlated (r=0.325, p<0.05). A phylogenetic tree analysis of the complete genome sequence of HBV isolated from nails and hair identified the infection source. Of the 64 nail samples, 38 (59%) were HBsAg-positive. All 15 pairs of chronic HBV/HDV infection nail and hair samples were β-actin DNA-positive. However, nail HBV DNA was detected in two patients (13%). None of the 15 patients were positive for hair HBV DNA. Nail HDV RNA was detected in three patients (20%). Of the 15 patients, eight (53%) were nail HBsAg-positive. HBsAg and hepatitis delta (HD) antigen were detected in the nails by immunochemical staining. Chimeric mice were not infected with PBS containing HBsAg and HBV DNA elucidated from nails.Conclusions: Nails and hair were the reservoir of HBV DNA. Moreover, nails can contain HBsAg, HDV RNA, and HD antigen.
Creativity in Public Involvement: Promoting Meaningful Collaboration in Health Outcome Measures Research
Authors: Broomfield Katherine , Criag Claire , Smith Sarah , Jones Georgina , Judge Simon , Sage Karen
Published: October 2020

Background: The role of public involvement (PI) in healthcare research is growing in importance and it is imperative that researchers continuously reflect on how to promote the inclusion of patients and service users in the design and delivery of research. PI offers a mechanism for end-users to be involved planning, executing, and reporting research that develops health outcome measures. Some patient groups, including people who have communication difficulties, may struggle to engage in the methods traditionally employed to promote PI engagement such as questionnaires and focus groups. Methods: This article describes a longitudinal case-study of a PI group, consisting of people who have communication difficulties, for a patient-reported outcome development project. Creative methods, informed by the participatory design principles of enacting, seeing and doing, were introduced stepwise into seven PI meetings. Data from video and visual minutes were used to evaluate the impact of the methods, following each group. Feedback, in the form of verbal and visual outputs taken directly from group meeting minutes, along with vignettes evidenced the impact of the methods on the project and group members.Results: Creative methods enabled the PI group members to meaningfully contribute in meetings, to interact dynamically and to engage with the aims and processes of the research project. Their involvement facilitated the development of accessible recruitment materials, informed data analysis and supported the dissemination of project outputs. Employing creative methods also enabled both PI group members and the academic team to reflect on their own roles within the research project and the impact that involvement in the PI group has had on their personal development and perspectives on research.Conclusion: The impact of using creative methods in PI for this PROM development project improved collaboration and understanding between PI members and the academic team. The meaningful engagement of people who have communication difficulties in PI generated a more accessible project in terms of both process and impact. Creativity has applicability beyond people whose communication is non-verbal; it should be harnessed by research teams to identify and breakdown barriers to involvement to develop outcome tools that reflect the diversity of our populations.
Is the Glenoid Vault Outer Cortex a more Accurate Reference Plane than Conventional Methods in Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Authors: Gregory Thomas , Hurst Simon , Merlini Lorenzo , Hansen Ulrich , Gregory Jules , Emery Roger
Published: October 2020

Purpose Glenoid component positioning is an important determinant of outcome in anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. This is dependent on the accurate preparation of bony surfaces. We describe and assess a novel plane for improving the accuracy of bony preparation - the Glenoid Vault Outer Cortex plane (GvOC). Research question Does the GvOC plane provide a more accurate representation of glenoid version and inclination than the standard scapular border (SB) method ? Methods 105 CT scans of normal scapulae were obtained. 46 females and 59 males, aged between 22 to 30 years. Accuracy of the GvOC was compared against the current ‘gold standard’ – the SB method. Measurements of glenoid inclination, version, rotation, and offset were made using both GvOC and SB planes. These were compared to 'actual values' obtained using an alternative method. Results The mean difference between estimates of version based on the GvOC plane and the reference value were 1.8° (-2 to 5, SD 1.6) as compared to 6.7° (-2 to 17, SD 4.3) when the SB plane was used, (p<0.001). The mean difference between estimates of inclination based on the GvOC plane and the reference value were 1.9° (-4 to 6, SD 1.6) as compared to 11.2° (-4 to 25, SD 6.1) when the SB plane was used, (p<0.001). Conclusions The GvOC plane produced estimates of genoid version and inclination closer to the actual with a lower variance than using the standard SB plane. This may provide a more accurate and reproducible method for surgeons when defining native glenoid anatomy.