bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Auxin Up RNAs influence the distribution of indole-3-acetic acid and play a potential role in increasing seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb.
Authors: Huang Zhiheng , Bao Ke , Jin Zonghui , Wang Qian , Duan Huifang , Zhu Yayin , Zhang Sen , Wu Qinan
Published: June 2020

Background: Aquatic Euryale ferox Salisb. is an economically important crop in China and India. Unfortunately, low yield limitations seriously hinder market growth. Unveiling the control of seed size is of remarkable importance in improvement of crops. Here, we generated a new hybrid line (HL) with larger seeds by crossing South Gordon Euryale and North Gordon Euryale (WT) which hasn’t been reported before. However, the functional genes and molecular mechanisms controlling the seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb. remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the differentially expressed genes in the auxin signal transduction pathway during fruit development between HL and WT to explore candidate regulatory genes participated in regulating seed size.Results: Both concentration and localization of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at two growth stages of fruits of WT and HL were detected by LC-MS and immunofluorescence. Although IAA content between the two lines did not differ, IAA distribution was significantly different. To elucidate the mechanism and to seek the key genes underlying this difference, RNA-seq was performed on young fruits at the two selected growth stages, and differentially expressed genes related to the auxin transduction pathway were selected for further analysis. Conclusion: Hybrid Euryale ferox Salisb. expressed significant heterosis, resulting in non-prickly, thin-coated, large seeds, which accounted for the significantly larger yield of HL than that of WT. Our study indicated that Small Auxin Up RNAs (SAURs) -mediated localization of IAA regulates seed size in Euryale ferox Salisb. We found that some SAURs may act as a positive mediator of the auxin transduction pathway, thereby contributing to the observed heterosis.
Application of Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Their Antigens in Vaccine Development
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji
Published: June 2020

Objective: Lack of ideal mathematical models to qualify and quantify both pathogenicity, and virulence is a dreadful setback in development of new antimicrobials and vaccines against resistance pathogenic microorganisms. Hence, the modified arithmetical formula of Reed and Muench has been integrated with other formulas and used to determine bacterial colony forming unit/ viral concentration, virulence and immunogenicity. Results: Microorganisms’antigens tested are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice and rat, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii in fish, New Castle Disease virus in chicken, Sheep Pox Virus, Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and Hepatitis A virus in vitro, respectively. The LC50s for the pathogens using different routes of administrations are 1.93 x 103(sheep poxvirus) and 1.75 x 1010 for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29213) in rat respectively. Titer index (TI) equals N log10 LC50 and provides protection against lethal dose in graded fashion which translates to protection index. N is the number of vaccine dose that could neutralize the LC50. Hence, parasite inoculum of 103 to 1011may be used as basis for determination of LC50 and median bacterial concentrations (BC50).Pathogenic dose for immune stimulation should be sought at concentration about LC10.
Body mass index in relation to prostate specific antigen-related parameters
Authors: Lin Dandan , Liu Ting , Chen Luling , Chen Zongtao
Published: June 2020

Purpose Only a few previous studies were conducted to assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) related parameters which take prostate volume (PV) and blood volume (BV) into consideration. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between BMI and parameters of PSA concentrations in Chinese adult male. Methods A total of 86,930 men who have taken annual physical examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2018 were included in this study. Partial Spearman correlation rank test was performed to assess the relationship between BMI, PV, BV and PSA, and analyze the correlation between BMI and PSA related parameters. Results After adjustment for age, PV (correlation coefficient = 0.227, P-value < 0.001) was positively associated with PSA levels, while BMI (correlation coefficient = -0.057, P-value < 0.001) and BV (correlation coefficient = -0.041, P-value < 0.001) were inversely correlated to PSA concentrations. The analysis also indicated that BMI positively associated with PV and BV. Furthermore, the present study identified that PSA mass (correlation coefficient = 0.001, P-value = 0.763), after adjustment for age, was not affected by obesity in Chinese men.Conclusion The findings of this large-sample, hospital-based study in China indicated that a higher BMI is associated with an increased PV and BV. BMI was negatively associated with PSA and PAS density, and no statistically significant association was found between BMI and PSA mass.
Multi-methodical study of Early Modern Age archaeological glazed ceramics from Prague
Authors: Kloužková Alexandra , Kohoutková Martina , Kolářová Mária , Blažková Gabriela , Ševců Radka , Dvořáková Pavla , Komoníčková Martina Bajeux
Published: June 2020

A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used to research the ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of Early Modern Age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterise ceramic materials and glazes used over two centuries. Attention was also paid to the identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of the ceramic artefacts and the environment of the waste pits from which they were excavated. The archaeological finds include three technical ceramic vessels (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar), which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a rare finding, they were subjected to a detailed investigation. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved that the three technical ceramic vessels were made in the same workshop and were parts of one distillation apparatus. The results of the performed analyses determined that the studied vessels were manufactured from raw materials with a high content of a plastic component and that the raw materials did not change significantly during the period from the 15th to 18th centuries. The firing temperature of most of the vessels did not exceed 1000 °C. It was proved that all the glazes were medium- or high-lead content glazes and were coloured with ionic pigments.
Comparative analysis, applications, and interpretation of electronic health record-based stroke phenotyping methods
Authors: Thangaraj Phyllis , Kummer Benjamin R , Lorberbaum Tal , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Tatonetti Nicholas P
Published: June 2020

Background: Accurate identification of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patient cohorts is essential for a wide range of clinical investigations. Automated phenotyping methods that leverage electronic health records (EHRs) represent a fundamentally new approach cohort identification without current laborious and ungeneralizable generation of phenotyping algorithms. We systematically compared and evaluated the ability of machine learning algorithms and case-control combinations to phenotype acute ischemic stroke patients using data from an EHR.Materials and Methods: Using structured patient data from the EHR at a tertiary-care hospital system, we built and evaluated machine learning models to identify patients with AIS based on 75 different case-control and classifier combinations. We then estimated the prevalence of AIS patients across the EHR. Finally, we externally validated the ability of the models to detect AIS patients without AIS diagnosis codes using the UK Biobank.Results: Across all models, we found that the mean AUROC for detecting AIS was 0.963±0.0520 and average precision score 0.790±0.196 with minimal feature processing. Classifiers trained with cases with AIS diagnosis codes and controls with no cerebrovascular disease codes had the best average F1 score (0.832±0.0383). In the external validation, we found that the top probabilities from a model-predicted AIS cohort were significantly enriched for AIS patients without AIS diagnosis codes (60-150 fold over expected). Conclusions: Our findings support machine learning algorithms as a generalizable way to accurately identify AIS patients without using process-intensive manual feature curation. When a set of AIS patients is unavailable, diagnosis codes may be used to train classifier models.
Multilocus sequence analysis for the taxonomic updating and identification of the genus Proteus and reclassification of Proteus genospecies 5 O’Hara et al. 2000, Proteus cibarius Hyun et al. 2016 as later heterotypic synonyms of Proteus terrae Behrendt et al. 2015
Authors: Dai Hang , Lu Binghuai , Li Zhenpeng , Huang Zhenzhou , Cai Hongyan , Yu Keyi , Wang Duochun
Published: June 2020

Background: Members of the genus Proteus are mostly opportunistic pathogens that cause a variety of infections in humans. The molecular evolutionary characteristics and genetic relationships among Proteus species have not been elucidated to date. In this study, we developed a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) approach based on five housekeeping genes (HKGs) to delineate phylogenetic relationships of species within the genus Proteus. Results: Of all 223 Proteus strains collected in the current study, the phylogenetic tree of five concatenated HKGs (dnaJ, mdh, pyrC, recA and rpoD) divided 223 strains into eleven clusters, which were representative of 11 species of Proteus. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic trees of the five individual HKGs also corresponded to that of the concatenated tree, except for recA, which clustered four strains at an independent cluster. The evaluation of inter- and intraspecies distances of HKG concatenation indicated that all interspecies distances were significantly different from intraspecies distances, which revealed that these HKG concatenations can be used as gene markers to distinguish different Proteus species. Further web-based DNA-DNA hybridization estimated by genome of type strains confirmed the validity of the MLSA, and each of eleven clusters was congruent with the most abundant Proteus species. In addition, we used the established MLSA method to identify the randomly collected Proteus and found that P. mirabilis is the most abundant species. However, the second most abundant species is P. terrae but not P. vulgaris. Combined with the genetic, genomic and phenotypic characteristics, these findings indicate that three species, P. terrae, P. cibarius and Proteus genospecies 5, should be regarded as heterotypic synonyms, and the species should be renamed P. terrae, while Proteus genospecies 5 has not been named to date. Conclusions: This study suggested that MLSA is a powerful method for the discrimination and classification of Proteus at the species level. The MLSA scheme provides a rapid and inexpensive means of identifying Proteus strains. The identification of Proteus species determined by the MLSA approach plays an important role in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of Proteus infection.
Antioxidant capacity of lipid- and water-soluble antioxidants in dogs with subclinical myxomatous mitral valve degeneration anaesthetised with propofol or sevoflurane
Authors: Tomsič Katerina , Svete Alenka Nemec , Nemec Ana , Petrič Aleksandra Domanjko , Pirman Tatjana , Rezar Vida , Vovk Tomaž , Seliškar Alenka
Published: June 2020

Background: Antioxidants located in both the hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments of plasma act as a defence system against reactive oxygen species (ROS). . Excessive production of ROS during anaesthesia affects the antioxidant capacity of plasma and may result in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of lipid- (ACL) and water-soluble (ACW) antioxidants in client-owned dogs diagnosed with periodontal disease and early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) and anaesthetised for a dental procedure with propofol and sevoflurane or with propofol only. Results: Dogs with MMVD were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane (MMVD/PS, n = 8) or with propofol only (MMVD/P, n = 10). Dogs with no evidence of MMVD (PS, n = 12) were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane. Blood samples for determination of ACL and ACW were collected before and 5 minutes, 60 minutes and 6 hours after induction to anaesthesia. In dogs with MMVD and anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane, ACL was significantly higher at all sampling times when compared to control dogs. Compared to basal values, only anaesthesia maintained with propofol significantly increased ACL at 60 minutes in dogs with MMVD. In dogs with MMVD and anaesthetised with propofol, ACW increased after induction to anaesthesia and remained elevated up to 6 hours after anaesthesia. Compared to basal values, anaesthesia maintained with sevoflurane significantly increased ACW only at 60 minutes in both dogs with and without MMVD.The only difference between propofol and propofol/sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs with MMVD was significantly higher ACW at 60 minutes after induction to anaesthesia in the propofol group. Conclusions: Regarding antioxidant capacity, propofol could be a better choice than sevoflurane for anaesthesia of dogs with early-stage MMVD, although further studies are necessary to clarify the advantage of this antioxidant capacity.
Trends and seasonal variation of hospitalization and mortality of interstitial lung disease in the United States from 2006 to 2016.
Authors: Ho An , Shmelev Artem , Charbek Edward
Published: June 2020

Background: In the recent years, the overall trends in hospital admission and mortality of interstitial lung disease (ILD) are unknown. In addition, there was some evidence that interstitial lung disease death rate highest in the winter but this finding was only available in one study. This study will investigate the trend and seasonal variations in hospital admission and mortality rates of ILD from 2006 to 2016.Method: From the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we collected all cases with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 or ICD-10 codes of ILD excluding identifiable external causes (drug, organic or inorganic dusts) from 2006 to 2016. Hospitalization rates of each year were calculated based on U.S Census population data. Monthly hospitalization and in-hospital mortality rates were analyzed by seasonal and trend decomposition. Subgroups of idiopathic interstitial fibrosis (IPF), acute respiratory failure (ARF), pneumonia were analyzed. Results: From 2006 to 2016, all-cause hospital admission rate of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and IPF-only subgroup declined but their overall mortality remained unchanged (except IPF subgroup and acute respiratory failure subgroup). Acute respiratory failure related admission account for 23% of all causes and pneumonia 17.6%. Mortality of ILD in general and subgroup of ILD with ARF was highest in winter, up to 8.13% ± 0.60% and 26.3% ± 10.2% respectively. The seasonal variations of hospital admission and mortality of ILD in general was not changed when infectious pneumonia cases were ruled out. All cause admission rates were highest in months from January to April. Subgroup analysis also showed seasonal variations with highest hospitalization rates for all subgroups (IPF, ARF, pneumonia) in the months from December to April (winter to early Spring).Conclusion: From 2006 to 2016, admission rates of ILD of all causes and IPF subgroup declined but in-hospital mortality remained unchanged. Mortality of IPF subgroup and acute respiratory failure subgroup trended down. All-cause hospital admissions and mortality of ILD have a strong seasonal variation. Hospitalization rates for all subgroups (IPF, ARF, pneumonia) were highest in the months from December to April.
Tumor Response Prediction in 90Y Radioembolization with PET-based Radiomics Features and Absorbed Dose Metrics
Authors: Wei Lise , Cui Can , Xu Jiarui , Kaza Ravi , Naqa Issam El , Dewaraja Yuni K
Published: June 2020

Purpose Evaluate whether lesion radiomics features and absorbed dose metrics extracted from post-therapy 90Y PET can be integrated to better predict outcome in microsphere radioembolization of liver malignancies. Methods Given the noisy nature of 90Y PET, first, a liver phantom study with repeated acquisitions and varying reconstruction parameters was used to identify a subset of robust radiomics features for the patient analysis. In 36 radioembolization procedures, 90Y PET/CT was performed within a couple of hours to extract 46 radiomics features and estimate absorbed dose in 105 primary and metastatic liver lesions. Robust radiomics modeling was based on bootstrapped multivariate logistic regression with shrinkage regularization (LASSO) and Cox regression with LASSO. Nested cross-validation and bootstrap resampling were used for optimal parameter/feature selection and for guarding against overfitting risks. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze feature associations. Area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used for lesion response (at first follow-up) analysis while Kaplan-Meier plots and c-index were used to assess progression model performance. Models with absorbed dose only, radiomics only and combined models were developed to predict lesion outcome.Results The phantom study identified 15/46 reproducible and robust radiomics features that were subsequently used in the patient models. A lesion response model with zone percentage (ZP) and mean absorbed dose achieved an AUC of 0.729 (95%CI: 0.702-0.758) and a progression model with zone size nonuniformity (ZSN) and absorbed dose achieved a c-index of 0.803 (95% CI: 0.790-0.815) on nested cross validation (CV). The combined models outperformed the radiomics only and absorbed dose only models.Conclusion We have developed new lesion-level response and progression models using textural radiomics features, derived from 90Y PET combined with mean absorbed dose for predicting outcome in radioembolization. These encouraging results may need further validation in independent datasets prior to clinical adoption.
Role of TSP-1 as prognostic marker in various cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Shengjie , Dong Huiyu , Yan Tao , Li Junchen , Liang Chao , Liu Bianjiang , Shao Pengfei , Li Jie
Published: June 2020

Background Published studies present conflicting data regarding the impact of Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression on prognosis of various cancers. We performed this meta-analysis to clarify the preliminary predictive value of TSP-1. Methods Twenty-four studies with a total of 2379 patients were included. A comprehensive literature search was performed by using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and hand searches were also conducted of relevant bibliographies. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for patient survival and disease recurrence were initially identified to explore relationships between TSP-1 expression and patient prognosis. Results A total of 24 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our results showed that high level of TSP-1 was correlated significantly with poor overall survival (OS) (HR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.17~1.68; P＜0.001). However, high TSP-1 expression predicted no significant impact on progression-free survival (PFS)/ metastasis-free survival (MFS) (HR=1.35, 95%CI: 0.87-2.10; P=0.176) and disease-free survival (DFS)/ recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 1.40, 95%CI: 0.77–2.53; P=0.271). In addition, we performed subgroup analyses which showed that high TSP-1 expression predicted poor prognosis in breast cancer and gynecological cancer. Limitations Among the selected studies, heterogeneity was noted and determining a standard expression cutoff value was difficult. Additionally, the relatively small number of studies on PFS/MFS and DFS/RFS is a limitation. The data extracted through Kaplan-Meier curves may not be accurate. Moreover, only English articles were included in this article, which may cause deviations in the results.Conclusions Our findings indicated high TSP-1 expression may serve as a promising biomarker of poor prognosis in cancers, especially in breast cancer and gynecological cancer.
Plantar pressure sensors indicate women to have a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and medial of the foot compared to men
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Hoshino Yuichi , Kanzaki Noriyuki , Nukuto Koji , Yamashita Takahiro , Ibaraki Kazuyuki , Nagai Kanto , Nagamune Kouki , Araki Daisuke , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: June 2020

Background: Sex-related differences of plantar pressure distribution during activities should be thoroughly inspected as it can help establish treatment and prevention strategies for foot and ankle problems. In-shoe measurement systems are preferable without space and activity restrictions; however, previously reported systems are still heavy and bulky and induce unnatural movement. Therefore, a slim and light plantar pressure sensor was newly developed to detect the effect of sex difference on plantar pressure during standing and walking.Methods: One-hundred healthy adult volunteers (50 women and 50 men) were recruited. Ten plantar pressure sensors were implanted in a 1-mm thick insole, with a total weight of 29 g. Plantar pressure was recorded with 200 Hz during 3 seconds of standing and while walking 10 steps. The maximum loads during standing and walking were analyzed in each sensor, and the results were compared between different areas of the foot in the antero-posterior direction and the medio-lateral direction and between different time points. The movement of the center of pressure (COP) during walking was also evaluated. Results were compared between sexes by converting body mass index (BMI) to 22.Results: The movement of COP was constant for both sexes. In all cases, the maximum load was observed on the medial of the foot. Women had a significantly higher peak pressure on the hallux, toes, forefoot, and medial of the foot compared to men while standing and walking (P < .05).Conclusions: A newly introduced in-shoe plantar pressure sensor demonstrated a typical loading transition pattern of the foot. Furthermore, higher plantar pressure in the forefoot was detected in healthy women as compared to men during standing and walking activities.
The clinical, immunological and genetic features of 12 Chinese patients with STAT3 mutations
Authors: Lin Li , Wang Ying , Sun Bijun , Liu Luyao , Ying Wenjing , Wang Wenjie , Zhou Qinhua , Hou Jia , Yao Haili , Hu Liyuan , Sun Jinqiao , Wang Xiaochuan
Published: June 2020

Background: Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is one of the causes of STAT3 hyperimmunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome (STAT3-HIES), while gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in STAT3 lead to immune dysregulation diseases. We retrospectively analyzed the age, common clinical symptoms, immunologic and molecular manifestations in 11 patients with LOF STAT3 mutations and 1 patient with a GOF STAT3 mutation.Methods: Twelve patients were enrolled in our study. Serum immunoglobulin measurements, lymphocyte subset detection and whole-exome sequencing were performed.Results: The median age at diagnosis of STAT3-HIES patients was 4.74 years. Eczema, recurrent respiratory infections, fevers, abscesses and Staphylococcus aureus infections were the classic manifestations. Elevated serum IgE levels are not always observed in conjunction with high eosinophil counts. A moderate viral DNA load was also measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We noticed that c. 1144C>T was the most common mutation site, followed by c.1311C>A. Additionally, c.1311C>A and c. 1826G>C are two novel mutations. Eight patients achieved notable improvement after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin. Conclusion: We updated the current knowledge of this topic. We found an earlier median age at diagnosis, a higher survival rate, and a general lack of nonimmunological abnormalities; we also described the treatment details and novel mutations involve in STAT3-HIES and compared STAT3 LOF and GOF mutations.
Prevalence of Short Stature and Malnutrition among Egyptian Primary School Children and their Coexistence with Anemia
Authors: Shafie Ali M. El , Kasemy Zeinab A. , omar Zein A. , Alkalash Safa H. , salama Amal A. , mahrous kerollos s. , Hewedy Shaimaa M. , Kotb Nessreen M. , El-Hady Heba S. Abd , Eladawy Eman S. , Zeid Mohamed A. , Hamid Manar E. Abd El , Hemeda Emad H. , Elshafie Mohamed A. , meligy Esraa A. El , bahbah Wael A.
Published: June 2020

Background: Under nutrition and overweight typically occur during nutritional transition periods in developing countries including Egypt. Short stature and anemia are public health concern due to its strong link with malnutrition which is a preventable risk factor. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, underweight and short stature and its concurrence with anemia, also to determine the etiological profile of short stature among primary school children in Egypt.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 33150 Egyptian children aged 6-11 years old from January 2018 to January 2020, allocated in 59 primary schools from diverse geographical districts in Egypt. Complete anthropometric measurements were conducted and applied according to WHO growth charts. Hemoglobin level was measured. Systematic approach to detect the etiology of short stature was applied randomly to a sample of 380 stunted children.Results: The prevalence of underweight was 8.2 %, while obesity and overweight represented 21.8% (9.6% and 12.2% respectively). Overall short stature constituted 17%. The main etiologies of short stature were familial (40.8%) and constitutional (24.2%). Anemia was diagnosed in 26% of children; while concurrent anemia and stunting was reported in 9.9%. Regarding anemia and anemia with stunting were more common among girls (30.0 % (OR=1.50, CI95%: 1.43-1.58) and 11.4% (OR=1.39, CI95%:1.29-1.49) respectively), who were living in rural areas (33.4% (OR=1.96, CI 95%:1.87-2.06) &12.7% (OR= 1.72, CI 95%:1.60-1.85)) and those who had low socioeconomic status )34.6% (OR= 2.54, CI 95%:2.29-2.82) & 17.2% (OR= 3.32, CI 95%:2.85-3.88() respectively. Anemia with stunting was significantly higher among children aged ≥9 years old representing 12% (OR= 1.40, CI 95%:1.30-1.51). Conclusion: Prevalence of short stature, obesity and anemia was high among primary school children in Egypt with a strong concurrence between anemia and stunting. Intensive parental health education and in-depth nutritional assessment are required.
Predictors of cartilage degeneration in patients with subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head: a retrospective study
Authors: Shimizu Tomohiro , Yokota Sunichi , Kimura Yosuke , Asano Tsuyoshi , Shimizu Hirokazu , Ishizu Hotaka , Iwasaki Norimasa , Takahashi Daisuke
Published: June 2020

Background: There is evidence that the cause of primary osteoarthritis (OA) is related to the changes in subchondral bone; however, the influence of subchondral insufficiency fracture (SIF) of the femoral head on the degeneration of the hip joint and the prognostic factors related to joint degeneration remain unclear. The objectives of this study were: 1) to investigate the natural history of joint space width after the occurrence of SIF and 2) to investigate the associations between joint space narrowing and bone metabolic markers as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among the patients with SIF.Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2019, 238 patients in whom band pattern of the femoral head were observed on MRI visited our hospital. Among these patients, 44 hips in 41 patients were diagnosed with SIF and eligible for this retrospective study. We evaluated the joint space width (JSW) of the hip on the radiograph obtained at the first and last visits, length of the band lesion on MRI, bone mineral density by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and bone metabolism markers. Similarly, the factors associated with the necessity of surgery and the progression of the narrowing of the joint space were evaluated.Results: Fifteen of the 44 hips required total hip arthroplasty (THA). A significant decrease was observed in the JSW from the first visit to the final follow-up. Changes in the JSW were associated with the length of band patterns, serum type 1 procollagen-N-propeptide (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) during diagnosis. Additionally, bone metabolic markers tended to be associated with the length of the band pattern. Conclusions: SIF could cause joint space narrowing and hip OA. In addition to MRI findings as prognostic predictors of SIF, as previously described, bone metabolic markers were equally associated with changes in JSW, suggesting that these parameters could be useful in predicting the prognosis of SIF. Considering that bone metabolic markers trended to be associated with the length of band pattern, they might reflect the local severity.
Identification and characterization of immature Anopheles and culicines (Diptera: Culicidae) at three sites of varying malaria transmission intensities in Uganda.
Authors: Musiime Alex K. , Smith David L. , Kilama Maxwell , Otto Geoffrey , Kyagamba Patrick , Rek John , Conrad Melissa D. , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Akol Anne M. , Kamya Moses R. , Dorsey Grant , Staedke Sarah G. , Drakeley Chris , Lindsay Steve W.
Published: June 2020

Background: Over the last two decades, there has been remarkable progress in malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, due mainly to the massive deployment of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying. Despite these gains, it is clear that in many situations, additional interventions are needed to further reduce malaria transmission. Larval source management (LSM) is a potential supplementary measure that could be used to control malaria. However, prior to its roll-out, knowledge on ecology of larval aquatic habitats is required. Methods: Aquatic habitats colonized by Anopheles vectors were characterised at three sites of low, medium and high malaria transmission in Uganda from October 2011 to June 2016. Larval surveys were conducted along transects in each site and aquatic habitats described according to type and size. Anopheles mosquito larvae and pupae from the described habitats were sampled using standard dipping methods to determine larval densities. Larvae were identified as anopheline or culicine and counted. Pupae were not identified further. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the presence of Anopheles larvae in each site. Results: A total of 1,205 larval aquatic habitats were surveyed and yielded a total of 17,028 anopheline larvae, 26,958 culicine larvae and 1,189 pupae. Peaks in larval abundance occurred in all sites in March-May and August-October coinciding with the rainy seasons. Anopheles larvae were found in 52.4 % (n = 251) of aquatic habitats in Tororo, a site of high transmission, 41.9 % (n = 536) of habitats in Kanungu, a site with moderate malaria transmission, and 15.8 % (n=418) in Jinja, a site with low malaria transmission. The odds of finding Anopheles larvae was highest in rice fields compared to pools in both Tororo (odds ratio, OR = 4.21, 95% CI 1.22-14.56, p = 0.02) and Kanungu (OR= 2.14, 95% CI 1.12-4.07, p =0.02). In Kanungu, Anopheles larvae were less likely to be found in open drains compared to pools (OR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.72, p = 0.02) and river fringe (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.52, p = 0.001). Conclusions: These findings show that Anopheles larvae were common in areas of high and moderate transmission but were rare in areas of low transmission. Although Anopheles larvae were found in all types of water bodies, they were most common in rice fields and less common in open drains and on river fringes. Methods are needed to reduce the aquatic stages of anopheline mosquitoes in human-made habitats, particularly rice fields.
Drivers of molecular and morphometric variation in Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): the resolution of geometric morphometrics for populational structuring in micro-geographic scale
Authors: Kamimura Edgard , Viana Maria Carolina , Lilioso Mauricio , Fontes Fernanda , Pires-Silva Dayane , Valença-Barbosa Carolina , Fuente Ana , Folly-Ramos Elaine , Solferini Vera Nisaka , Thyssen Patricia J , Costa Jane , Almeida Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Factors associated with childbearing intention of women on Antiretroviral Therapy in Northwest Ethiopia: A cross sectional study
Authors: Ayele Amare Simegn , Belay Demeke Mesfin , Birihane Biniam Minuye
Published: June 2020

Background: Though, childbearing intention is normal, it is imperative in Human Immune Virus positive women and identifying their intention has significant in reducing mother to child transmission. This study was intended to assess childbearing intention and associated factors among women on antiretroviral therapy in South Gondar Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was employed. The sample for each Hospitals was allocated proportionally. Systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were coded and entered into epidata 4.2 software and exported to statistical package for social sciences version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to saw the association between each independent variable and dependent variable. All variables with P-value < 0.25 during bi-variable analyses were considered for multivariable logistic regression analyses. Odds ratio along with 95%CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Level of statistical significance was declared at p value less or equal to 0.05.Results: - A total of 418 women on antiretroviral therapy participated in the study. Child bearing intention was 42.6%. History of pregnancy after HIV diagnosis [Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) =5.19, 95% CI: (1.83, 14.7)], Partners fertility desire [AOR=10.99, 95% CI: (4.34, 27.86)], having alive children [AOR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.23(0.81, 0.63)] were significantly associated with childbearing intention.Conclusion. Childbearing intention of women on antiretroviral treatment was low. Having partner’s fertility desire, had pregnancy after HIV diagnosis and have alive child were significantly associated with childbearing intention. Information needs to be shared for the clients by using counseling protocols developed to achieve their desired reproductive goals.
ES-2 Ovarian Cancer Cells Present a Genomic Profile Inconsistent with their Reported History
Authors: Devor Eric J. , Lapierre Jace R. , Leslie Kimberly K. , Bender David P.
Published: June 2020

Objective: ES-2 ovarian cancer cells have long been reported to have originated from a primary clear cell carcinoma of the ovary presenting in a 47 year-old African American patient. Two recent publications have offered evidence calling both of these characteristics into question. Our objective was to further study this cell line using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing in order to confirm or refute these inconsistencies.Results: qPCR assays on two characteristic loci, hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (NHF-1β) and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3), suggest that ES-2 are unusual clear cell carcinoma cells that appear more like high grade serous carcinoma than clear cell. Further, mtDNA haplotyping places the ancestral origin of the patient’s lineage in the Middle East or Europe and not Africa. These results are consistent with and support the conclusions of the two recent publications.
Elderly patients of mild cognitive impairment exhibit altered profiles of the gut microbiota
Authors: Pan Qiong , Li Ya-Qian , Guo Ke , Xue Min , Gan Yu , Wang Kejian , Xu Da-Bao , Tu Qiu-Yun
Published: June 2020

Background
As the transitional state between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by cognitive decline greater than natural aging. While the association between AD and gut microbiota has been reported in a number of studies, there is still very limited microbial research about MCI.
Methods
Here we enrolled 48 participants, including 22 MCI cases and 26 normal controls. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA quantitative arrays and bioinformatics analysis.
Results
Both Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and Non-metric Multidimensional scaling (NMDS) demonstrated that the microbial composition of MCI individuals deviated from the cluster of healthy controls. Multiple bacterial species were significantly increased (e.g., Staphylococcus intermedius) or decreased (e.g., Bacteroides salyersiae) in the samples from MCI group.
Conclusion
Therefore, the composition of gut microbiota differed between control subjects and MCI cases. Our study is the first to identify a series of MCI signature species in the gut microbiota, thus providing a new direction for future development of early diagnosis and probiotics regimen.
Comparison Of Conjunctival Autograft And Combined Amniotic Membrane Mini-Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantion After Primary Pterygium Excision
Authors: JHA ASHOK , Simba Abhay
Published: June 2020

Background: To compare conjunctival autograft and combined amniotic membrane mini-simple limbal epithelial transplant after primary pterygium excision Methods: A prospective randomized interventional study was conducted on 264 eyes with Primary Pterygium.The patients were divided into Group I (conjunctival autograft) and Group II (mini-simple limbal epithelial transplant). 133 eyes in Group I underwent pterygium excision with a conjunctival autograft using fibrin glue. 131 eyes in Group II underwent mini Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplant with amniotic membrane using fibrin glue. Post-operatively, the patients were reviewed on day 1,3,7,14 & 30 and then at three,six and nine months. Primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate whereas the secondary outcome measures were the intraoperative time and other complications.Recurrence rate was calculated using Fisher’s exact test. Variables like age , preoperative BCVA , operative time and the dimensions of graft were compared using unpaired t test . Other baseline characteristics like gender, Laterality, grades of pterygium(I-III),Occupation and indication of surgery were expressed between the two groups using Pearson’s Chi-Square test. Results: Two hundred and thirty three eyes(118 in group I and 115 in group II) could complete nine months follow-up period. Recurrence was seen in 2(1.6%) cases in group I whereas 3 cases (2.6%) had recurrence in group II(p=0.681).Operative time for group (II) (20.33±1.28 min) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than group I (12.01±1.26). Graft displacement occurred in one case in group II (p=0.999). Conclusions: Despite a longer time,(p<0.001) mini-SLET seems to be a viable and equally effective alternative to CAG in the management of primary pterygium ,especially in cases where conjunctiva needs to be spared.Ethical Clearance Certificate Number : 29/MH/2015 dated 11 Aug 2015
What Evidence Informs the Nursing Care of People with Class III Obesity in an Acute Care Setting? A Scoping Review.
Authors: Ewens Beverley , Kemp Vivien , Towel-Barnard Amanda , Whitehead Lisa
Published: June 2020

Background: Obesity is a complex psycho-social construct which is strongly linked with health and well-being. The health and socioeconomic impacts of obesity on individuals and health care systems can be significant. The nursing care of people with Class III obesity needs careful attention to ensure the provision of appropriate care. This scoping review aims to synthesise available evidence on the nursing care of Class III obese patients in acute care settings. Methods : A scoping review informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute approach was undertaken. We searched CINAHL Plus, Medline, Scopus, Proquest Central, Web of Science and Embase databases for primary research articles relating to the nursing management of people classified as Class III obese in acute care settings. The methodological quality of all studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed and data relating to methods and the findings extracted and synthesised into themes. Results : 3809 records were identified. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three themes were generated from the synthesis of the findings: Access, knowledge and training related to equipment; Patient care; and Opportunities to improve care. Conclusions : The need for proactive planning to improve the nursing care provided to people classified as class III obese and admitted to acute care settings is vital. Access to appropriate equipment to support moving and handling and education on equipment use to prevent injury to both patients and staff is necessary. Education and support to promote engagement with patients, adapt nursing care practices and promote self-care have the potential to improve patient care and patient outcomes.
Experimental measurement and evaluation of the noise generated by three transmissions by synchronous belts of type AT10, BAT10 and SFAT10
Authors: Mohammed Merghache Sidi , Amine Hamdi , Brahim Fernini
Published: June 2020

Synchronous belt drives combine the advantages of simple belt drives (flat, trapezoidal or ridged) due to their low weight, low maintenance, large linear speed ranges and high transmission ratios with the advantages of chains: absence sliding, synchronized transmission of speed, low tensioning, etc. Thanks to the toothing of the belt which enters the corresponding one of the synchronous pulleys, there is direct transmission of the power without sliding as between two gears. This article develops an experimental study which makes it possible to see the influence of the angular speed, the engine torque and the setting tension on the impact noise of the belt teeth on the pulley teeth during meshing and vibrations of the free strands of the belt. We have measured the noise generated by three transmissions by synchronous belts of type AT10, BAT10 and SFAT10.
The association between plasma hyaluronan level and plaque types in ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction patients
Authors: Li Jiannan , Tan Yu , Sheng Zhanxue , Zhou Peng , Liu Chen , Zhao Hanjun , Song Li , Zhou Jinying , Chen Runzhen , Chen Yi , Yan Hongbing
Published: June 2020

Background

The metabolism of hyaluronan (HA) is widely known to be involved in the process of acute coronary syndrome, but it is unknown how circulating HA levels change in ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients and whether HA is associated with plaque morphology, including rupture and erosion.
Objectives

This study focused on the changes in the plasma levels of HA and CD44 in STEMI patients and their relationship with plaque morphology evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Methods

We prospectively enrolled 3 cohorts in this study, including 162 patients with STEMI, 34 patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and 50 healthy controls. Plaque morphology was detected by OCT analysis, and the plasma levels of HA and CD44 were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We compared HA and CD44 expression among STEMI patients, SCAD patients and healthy controls, as well as in plaque rupture and plaque erosion.
Results

The plasma levels of HA and CD44 were significantly lower in STEMI patients than in healthy controls (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, plasma HA expression in plaque erosion was significantly lower than that in plaque rupture (p = 0.021), whereas no differences were found in soluble CD44 expression between plaque rupture and erosion.
Conclusions

Low levels of circulating HA and CD44 were independently correlated with STEMI, and low levels of HA were associated with plaque erosion compared with rupture. Moreover, plasma HA might be a useful biomarker for identifying plaque erosion to improve the risk stratification and management of STEMI patients.
Left Apicoposterior Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer With Displaced Segmental Bronchus: A Case Report
Authors: Yanagiya Masahiro , Yamaguchi Hirokazu , Hiyama Noriko , Matsumoto Jun
Published: June 2020

Background:Pulmonary segmentectomy can be challenging when thoracic surgeons encounter anatomical anomalies. A displaced left apicoposterior bronchus is a rare bronchial anomalythatmakes lung anatomical resection challenging. We herein present a case of successful left apicoposterior segmentectomy for lung cancer in a patient with an anomalous segmental bronchus. Case presentation:A 70-year-old man was clinically diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer for which segmentectomy was indicated. A preoperative image revealed a displaced left apicoposterior bronchus that branched behind the left main pulmonary artery. With the aid of three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and systemic indocyanine green injection, we successfully performed left apicoposterior segmentectomy under complete video-assisted thoracic surgery. The pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. The patient was alive without recurrence 8 months after segmentectomy.Conclusion:Preoperative three-dimensional imaging and systemic indocyanine green injection enabled us to successfully conduct challenging segmentectomyin a patient with an anomalous bronchus.
Development of a Prognostic Five-Gene Signature with Radiotherapy Guidance Significance for Diffuse Lower-Grade Glioma Patients Based on Large-Scale Sequencing Data
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Luo Shun-Bin , Xie Fu-Chen , Liu Xiao-Jun , Xu Ren-ai
Published: June 2020

Background: Diffuse lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) are infiltrative and heterogeneous neoplasms. Gene signature including multiple protein coding genes (PCGs) is widely used as tumor markers. This study aimed to construct a multi-PCG signature to predict survival for LGG patients.Methods: LGG data including PCG expression profiles and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). Survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and random survival forest algorithm (RSFVH) were used to identify the prognostic PCG signature.Results: From the training (n = 524) and test (n = 431) datasets, a five-PCG signature which can classify LGG patients into low- or high-risk group with significantly different overall survival (Log Rank P < 0.001) was screened out and validated. In terms of prognosis predictive performance, the five-PCG signature is stronger than other clinical variables and IDH mutation status. Moreover, the five-PCG signature could further divide radiotherapy patients into two different risk groups. GO and KEGG analysis found PCGs in the prognostic five-PCG signature were mainly enriched in cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA replication pathways.Conclusions: The new five-PCG signature is a reliable prognostic marker with radiotherapy guidance significance for LGG patients and has a good prospect in clinical application.