bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening and Identification of Key Biomarkers in Gastric Cancer: Three Genes Jointly Predict Gastric Cancer
Authors: Shan Meng-jie , Meng Ling-bing , Guo Peng , Liu Ya-bin
Published: June 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the second leading cause of cancer death. Gastric cancer screening is one of the effective strategies to reduce the mortality. If we use gastric cancer biomarkers with good clinical effect instead of gastroscopy screening, it can achieve early detection, early diagnosis, early treatment. Methods: We download four gene expression profiling datasets of gastric cancer (GSE118916, GSE54129, GSE103236, GSE112369), which obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The DEGs between gastric cancer and adjacent normal tissues were detect to explore genes that may play a key role in gastric cancer. GO and KEGG analyses of overlap genes were performed by the Metascape online database, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed by the STRING online database, and we obtained the hub genes of PPI network via using the Cytoscape software. The survival curve analysis was performed by km-plotter and the stage plots of hub genes was performed by the GEPIA online database. We selected CDH3, LEF1 and MMP7 as candidate biomarkers to construct a back propagation neural network model. Results: This study shows that MMP7, CDH3 and LEF1 are highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. Conclusions: The joint prediction of the MMP7, CDH3 and LEF1 is helpful for the early diagnosis of cancer.
A comparison of the bilateral decompression via unilateral approach versus conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease in the elderly
Authors: Huang Yifan , Chen Jian , Gao Peng , Gu Changjiang , Fan Jin , Hu Zhiyi , Cao Xiaojian , Yin Guoyong , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2020

Background:To investigate the early efficacy of the bilateral decompression via unilateral approach versus conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF)for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease in the patients over 65 years of age, especially in the perioperative factors and the recovery of the soft tissue.Methods:The clinical data from 61 aging patients with lumbar degenerative disease who received surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. 31 cases who received the lumbar interbody fusion surgery with bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (BDUA) were compared with 30 cases who received conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The radiographic parameters were measured using X-ray including lumbar lordosis angle and fusion rate. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index（ODI）scores were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes at different time points. Fatty degeneration ratio and area of muscle/vertebral body were used to detect recovery of soft tissue.Results:All 61 patients received the BDUA approach and conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under general anesthesia. The BDUA approach group was found to have significantly less intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage compared to conventional approach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion group. Symptoms of spinal cord and nerve compression were significantly relieved postoperatively, as compared with the preoperative state. However, the opposite side had a lower rate of fatty degeneration comparing to decompression side (P<0.05) six months after surgery in the BDUA group. While there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in two sides of conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion approach group six months after surgery.Conclusions:Bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (BDUA) is able to reduce the intraoperative and postoperative body fluid loss in the elderly. The opposite side of depression in BDUA shows less fatty degeneration, which indicates better recovery of the soft tissue of the aging patients.
Daytime sleepiness, night sleep changes and ALS: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Gan , Zhang Linjing , Huang Tao , Fan Dongsheng
Published: June 2020

Background

Observational studies have indicated that there is a high prevalence of daytime sleepiness and night sleep changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the actual relation between these symptoms and ALS remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether daytime sleepiness and night sleep changes have an effect on ALS.
Methods

We used 2-sample mendelian randomization to estimate the effects of daytime sleepiness, sleep efficiency, number of sleep episodes and sleep duration on ALS. Summary statistics we used was from resent and large genome-wide association studies on the traits we chosen (n = 85,670–452,071) and ALS (cases n = 20,806, controls n = 59,804). Inverse variance weighted method was used as the main method for assessing causality.
Results

A genetically predicted 1-point increase in the assessment of daytime sleepiness was significantly associated with an increased risk of ALS (inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) odds ratio = 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–5.76; P = 0.010). ALS was not associated with a genetically predicted 1-SD increase in sleep efficiency (IVW 1.01, 0.64–1.58; P = 0.973), Number of sleep episodes (IVW 1.02, 0.80–1.30; P = 0.859) or sleep duration (IVW 1.00, 1.00–1.01; P = 0.250).
Conclusions

Our results provide novel evidence that daytime sleepiness causes an increase in the risk of ALS and indicate that daytime sleepiness may be inherent in preclinical and clinical ALS patients, rather than simply affected by potential influencing factors.
Just Say “No”: Can Dentists Refuse Care on the Basis of Finances? A Survey Using an Ethical Vignette in an Iranian Dental School
Authors: Kazemian Ali , Fayyazi Mahsa , Shafiee Shahrzad
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate how dental students and tutors think about their position for, or against fee reduction at dental offices. Method: It was a questionnaire-based survey, which examined the ethical attitudes of students and tutors of an Iranian Dental School. The questionnaire included a vignette about an ethical dilemma at a dental office. Different ethical approaches, i.e. duty-based, virtue-oriented and consequentialist arguments, for or against fee reduction at dental office were suggested. Respondents were asked to rank those ethical options. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 16.0. Result: 121 dental students and thirty-six faculty members (dental specialists) participated in this study. It revealed that a majority of dental students and tutors (68%) are in favor of charging patients less, when facing an imagined request at dental office, using either virtue-oriented (54%) or consequentialist (14%) argument for fee reduction. The difference between rankings of four options was statistically significant, while no statistically significant difference exists neither between male and female respondents, nor students and tutors. Conclusion: This case study provides a basis for fruitful discussions in ethics courses for dental students. Our study suggests that financial issues should be considered as a part of ethical training within the dental student's curriculum.
Robotic Wrist Rehabilitation With High-density Electromyographic Biofeedback for Reducing Co-activation of Antagonist Muscles and Improved Motor Coordination: A Feasibility Study
Authors: CIKAJLO Imre , Zadravec Matjaž , Matjačić Zlatko , Urh Filip , Šavc Martin , Kranjec Jernej , Divjak Matjaž , Frančič Aljaž , Potočnik Božidar , Holobar Aleš
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Electromygraphic (EMG) biofeedback has been successfully applied in stroke survivors for a few decades. Recently high-density (HD) electrodes were introduced in research and diagnostic EMG. The application of such electrodes may increase the reliability and selectivity, but requires information reduction for real-time biofeedback. We tested whether the use of the proposed feedback is feasible in minimization of inappropriate co-activation of wrist flexors/extensors controlled by the wrist rehabilitation robot. Methods: The EMG of wrist flexors and extensors muscles has been assessed by arrays of 5 x 13 electrodes, reduced to 1 x 4 information matrix and provided as real-time biofeedback during wrist movement controlled by the robot. The designed task required to keep the contribution of agonist muscles within predefined limits. A feasibility study with a single patient with stroke was conducted to examine force tracking and reduction of activity of antagonists wrist muscles in 4 weeks. Results: Force tracking signal and cumulative forecast errors decreased in 4 trials. The RMS activity of antagonist muscles significantly decreased (Kruskal Wallis, c2 = 3.330*10-9) during wrist flexion in the 4th week of trials. The participant was able to follow the reduced HDEMG biofeedback.Conclusions: The outcomes show that the surface HDEMG biofeedback has a potential to decrease the co-activation of antagonist muscles, wrist flexion in particular. Additionally the combination of force tracking and robot assisted biofeedback training may recover selective hand function in stroke survivors who would less likely to develop contractures. Trial registration: The study is not a clinical trial. While human subjects are involved, they do not participate in a full rehabilitation intervention, and no health outcomes are examined.
Aspects of cultivar variation in physiological traits related to Cd distribution in rice plants with a short-term stress
Authors: Chiao Wan-Ting , Chen Bo-Ching , Syu Chien-Hui , Juang Kai-Wei
Published: June 2020

Background
Genotypic variations are seen in Cd tolerance and accumulation in rice plants. Cultivars that show low Cd translocation from the root into shoot can be selected to reduce Cd contamination in rice grains. This study aims to clarify the physiological regulation related to cadmium (Cd) absorption by rice plants for screening out the cultivars, which have relatively low Cd accumulation in grains. Eight Taiwan mega cultivars of paddy rice: japonica (TY3, TK9, TNG71, and KH145 cultivars), indica (TCS10 and TCS17 cultivars), and glutinous (TKW1 and TKW3 cultivars), which are qualified with the criteria for rice grain quality by the Council of Agriculture, Taiwan, were used for illustration. An experiment in hydroponics was conducted for the rice seedlings with a treatment of 50 µM CdCl2 for 7 days.
Results and discussion
After the Cd treatment, the reductions in shoot growth were more significant than those in root growth; however, Cd absorbed in the rice plant was sequestered much more in the root. The malondialdehyde (MDA) was preferentially accumulated in rice root but the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was increased more significantly in the shoot; the antioxidative enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were pronounced more in rice shoot.
Conclusions
The rice cultivars preferentially accumulated Cd in the root rather than the shoot with the Cd treatment, which resulted in significant enhancements of MDA and growth reductions in the root. However, H2O2 accumulation was toward the shoot to retard shoot growth suddenly and then the root could keep a gradual growth. Also, the rice cultivars, which preferentially accumulate Cd in the root, would have the regulation tendency of SOD toward the shoot. Due to that SOD is responsible for H2O2 production, H2O2 accumulation would be thus toward the shoot. Also, the cultivars, which have a less regulation tendency of APX toward the shoot, would present higher translocation of Cd into the shoot.
Guidelines for developing geographically sensitive mobile health applications
Authors: Nyapwere Newton , Dube Yolisa , Makanga Prestige T.
Published: June 2020

Background Seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were promulgated in 2016 following the end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era. SDG 3 aims to ensure health lives and promote well-being for all ages. Increasing use of geo-enabled mobile health applications can positively contribute to realisation of SDG 3 targets. Health facilities and the communities that require health care are connected by geography. Digital technologies are increasingly becoming an important resource for health services delivery and public health. However, there is a need for a framework that guide the development and deployment for context relevant location based digital technologies. This paper presents recommendations for guidelines that can be adopted for developing geographically sensitive mobile health applications. These guidelines were formulated based on experience from the RoadMApp project in Kwekwe District of Zimbabwe. RoadMApp is an mHealth location aware application that reduces the negative effects of long travel times to health care facilities by pregnant women. Results The guidelines for developing geographically sensitive mobile applications developed starts with user requirements assessment followed by geographic information systems data needs and modelling, database development, and finally frontend mobile application development. Conclusions In line with the new global health policy drive for locally driven and context relevant health interventions, the guidelines present new opportunities that take advantage of the ubiquity of mobile telephony and could be adopted in health policy formulations to contribute to SDG3.
COVID-19 patients with hypertension under potential risk of worsened organ injuries
Authors: Xia Fei , Zhang Mingwei , Cui Bo , An Wei , Chen Min , Yang Ping , Qin Tao , Zhou Xiaoyang , Liao Yaling , Xu Xin , Liu Shiguo , Li Kuangyu , Zhou Qin , Wang Keke , Hu Guangxu , Du Ming , Chen Songrui , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Yafang , Wei Wei , Xiang Ming
Published: June 2020

COVID -19 has rapidly spread from Wuhan to worldwide, and now has become a global health concern. Hypertension is the most common chronic illness in COVID-19, while the influence on those patients have not been well described. In this retrospective study, 82 confirmed patients with COVID-19 were enrolled, with epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and therapies data analyzed and compared between COVID-19 patients with (29 cases) or without (53 cases) hypertension. Of all 82 patients with COVID-19, the median age of all patients was 60.5 years, including 49 females (59.8%) and 33 (40.2%) males. Hypertension (31[28.2%]) was the most chronic illness, followed by diabetes (16 [19.5%]) and cardiovascular disease (15 [18.3%]). Common symptoms included fatigue (55[67.1%]), dry cough (46 [56.1%]) and fever (≥37.3℃ (46 [56.1%]). The median time from illness onset to positive outcomes of RT-PCR analysis were 13.0 days, ranging from 3-25 days. In hypertension group, 6 (20.7%) patients died compared to 5 (9.4%) died in non-hypertension group. More hypertension patients with COVID-19 (8 [27.6%]) had at least one coexisting disease than those of non-hypertension patients (2 [3.8%]) (P=0.002). Compared with non-hypertension patients, higher levels of neutrophil counts, serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, and NT-proBNP were observed in hypertension group, whereas levels of lymphocyte count and eGFR were decreased. Dynamic observations displayed more significant and worsened outcomes in hypertension group after hospital admission. COVID-19 patients with hypertension take more risks of severe inflammatory reactions, worsened internal organ injuries, and deteriorated progress.
Physical Activity Trajectories During Adulthood and Incident Hypertension: A National Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Gui-zhen , Wang Cong-ju , Dong Hao-yu , Cui Zhi-zhen , Ma Ya-na , Sun Hong-peng , Han Li-yuan
Published: June 2020

Background We aimed to characterize the physical activity (PA) trajectories across adulthood and estimate their association with incident hypertension risk.Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted during 2004–2011. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct groups of PA trajectories. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the association between each PA trajectory group and incident hypertension.Results A total of 11,162 participants whose PA was repeatedly measured two to four times in the CHNS during 2004–2011 were included in our study. During the 5.4 years of follow-up, 3,824 incident hypertension cases were identified. Five distinct PA trajectories were identified in men: light and slight decline, light and gradual decline then sharp rise, light to medium-heavy then decline, medium-heavy and persistent decline, and heavy and sharp decline. Two distinct PA trajectories were identified in women: light and stable, and medium and gradual decline. The PA trajectory of medium-heavy and persistent decline was significantly associated with decreased risk of hypertension in men, with the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals being 0.80 (0.63, 0.99), 0.74 (0.59, 0.93), 0.76 (0.60, 0.96), and 0.70 (0.55, 0.88) in model 1, model 2, model 3, and model 4, respectively.Conclusions Our study identified five distinct long‐term PA trajectories in men and two distinct trajectories in women. The PA trajectory of medium-heavy PA in early adulthood (at 18–37 years) followed by persistent decline (at 38–70 years) was found to be significantly associated with a decreased risk of hypertension in later life in men.
Pharmacological interventions for the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of preprint articles: The good, the bad and the ugly
Authors: Nicolalde Bryan , Añazco Diego , Mushtaq Mariam , Espinosa Isabel , Gimenez Jimena , Teran Enrique
Published: June 2020

Background: Preprints are preliminary reports that have not been peer-reviewed. On Dec 2019, a novel coronavirus appeared in China, and since then, scientific production, including preprints, has drastically increased. In this study, we intend to evaluate how often preprints regarding pharmacological interventions against COVID-19 were cited, in spite of the fact that some of these preprints remained unpublished.Methods: We conducted a search on medRxiv and bioRxiv to identify preprints related to pharmacological interventions against SARS-CoV-2 from Jan 1st to Mar 31, 2020. We gathered metadata on included preprints and identified if they had been published in a peer-reviewed journal. We performed Mann-Whitney U tests to evaluate if published articles had differences in citation numbers or usage, as defined by PDF downloads and abstract views, when compared to preprints that were not published.Results: Our sample included 97 preprints, of which only 14 were published on peer-reviewed journals and 83 remained unpublished. The most common study designs we found among preprints were basic science research and case series. Published articles had a significantly higher number of citations and metrics (PDF and abstract downloads) when compared to unpublished preprints.Conclusions: The use of preprints during this pandemic has been higher than in previous outbreaks, however, the publication rate in peer-reviewed journals in our sample was low. Preprints should be used as a mean to display preliminary data rapidly in order to obtain feedback by the scientific community, or to guide further research. However, due to the lack of peer-review, and potentially flawed data analysis, preprints alone should not be used to guide clinical practice, as the risk of unwarranted modifications to management is concerning.
The Effects of Royal Jelly and Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Along with Calorie Restriction Diet on White Fat Browning and Brown Adipocytes Activation in Obese Rats
Authors: Irandoost Pardis , Alamdari Naimeh Mesri , Saidpour Atoosa , Shidfar Farzad , Roshanravan Neda , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Alivand MohammadReza , Alipour Shahriar , Roshangar Leila , Farsi Farnaz , Hanjani Nazanin Asghari , Vafa Mohammadreza
Published: June 2020

Background: Obesity is a public health problem across the world. Development of beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) can support obesity management. We aimed to investigate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) and tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) along with calorie restriction diet (CRD) on the genes involved in beige fat formation and BAT activation.Methods: Fifty 3-week-old male Wistar rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 17 weeks. When obesity was induced, they were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10/group): HFD, CRD, RJ+CRD, TRF+CRD, RJ+TRF+CRD for an additional 8 weeks. Finally, body weight was measured. Moreover, WAT and BAT were dissected for assessing the expression of major genes involved in adipose thermogenesis and histological changes evaluation. Results: At the end of the intervention, weight significantly decreased in RJ and RJ+TRF groups relative to the CRD group (p<0.05). RJ remarkably increased the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) by 5.81 and 4.99 times more than CRD alone in WAT and BAT respectively (p<0.001). Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC1-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) was significantly increased in WAT and BAT of rats receiving RJ and RJ+TRF. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-Ƴ) expression was not noticeably changed in assessed adipose tissues. Brown-like adipocytes in WAT and denser adipocytes in BAT were obvious in RJ and RJ+TRF groups. However, the effect of TRF on studied genes was not noticeable. Conclusion: RJ+CRD improved markers of adipose thermogenesis and induced anti-obesity effects more than CRD alone did. Furthermore, RJ remodeled adipose tissue and could be considered as a new therapeutic target.
Two Months of Radiation Oncology in the Heart of Italian “Red Zone” During COVID-19 Pandemic: Paving A Safe Path Over Thin Ice.
Authors: Buglione Michela , Spiazzi Luigi , Guerini Andrea Emanuele , Barbera Fernando , Pasinetti Nadia , Pegurri Ludovica , Triggiani Luca , Davide Tomasini , Greco Diana , Costantino Gianluca , Bragaglio Alessandra , Bonometti Nadia , Liccioli Mara , Mascaro Lorella , Staff Radiation Oncology Department , Alongi Filippo , Magrini Stefano Maria
Published: June 2020

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had an overwhelming impact on healthcare worldwide. Outstandingly, the aftermath on neoplastic patients is still largely unknown, and only isolated cases of COVID-19 during radiotherapy have been published. We will report the two-months experience of our Department, set in Lombardy “red-zone”.Methods: data of 402 cancer patients undergoing active treatment from February 24 to April 24, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed; several indicators of the Department functioning were also analyzed.Results: dedicated measures allowed an overall limited reduction of the workload. Decrease of radiotherapy treatment number reached 17%, while the number of administration of systemic treatment and follow up evaluations kept constant. Conversely, new treatment planning faced substantial decline. Considering the patients, infection rate was 3.23% (13/402) and mortality 1.24% (5/402). Median age of COVID-19 patients was 69.7 years, the large majority were male and smokers (84.6%); lung cancer was the most common tumor type (61.5%), 84.6% of subjects were stage III-IV and 92.3% had comorbidities. Remarkably, 92.3% of the cases were detected before March 24. Globally, only 2.5% of ongoing treatments were suspended due to suspect or confirmed COVID-19 and 46.2% of positive patients carried on radiotherapy without interruption. Considering only the last month, infection rate among patients undergoing treatment precipitated to 0.43% (1/232) and no new contagions were reported within our staff. Conclusions: although mortality rate in COVID-19 cancer patients is elevated, our results support the feasibility and safety of continuing anticancer treatment during SARS-Cov-2 pandemic by endorsing consistent preventive measures.
Gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal nucleic acid testing of children with coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Ji-Gan , Cui Hairong , Tang Huabo
Published: June 2020

Objective: To understand the clinical manifestations and incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in children and discuss the importance of fecal nucleic acid testing.Methods: Retrospective analysis of studies of gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal nucleic acid detection in pediatric COVID-19 since the outbreak of COVID-19, as well as prospective clinical studies and case reports to understand the clinical characteristics of gastrointestinal symptoms and feces in children. Nucleic acid detection results were also analyzed.Results: 1. The clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with COVID-19 are mostly vomiting and diarrhea, with a total incidence rate of 21.1% (95%Cl=0.14-0.28).2.When analyzing by country (studies from China versus studies from other countries), the pooled prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in studies from countries other than China was much lower at 18.2% (95% CI0.05 to 0.31). This is in comparison to studies from China where the prevalence was higher: 23.3% (95% CI 0.153 to 0.310) .3.In Wuhan patients, the pooled prevalence was much higher at 41.2% (95 % CI 0.147 to 0.678) as compared to areas outside Wuhan，China：15.1%(95 % CI 0.075 to 0.227).4.Fecal nucleic acid detection is as accurate as respiratory specimen nucleic acid detection. The positive rate of fecal nucleic acid testing in COVID-19 patients was 92.5% (25/27). In patients where nucleic acid tests of respiratory tract specimens produced negative results, a positive fecal nucleic acid test result was present in 83.3% (20/24); one week after the respiratory tract specimen was nucleic acid-negative, 54.1% (13/24) were fecal nucleic acid-positive; two weeks after the respiratory tract nucleic acid negative test, 37.5% (9/24) were fecal nucleic acid-positive. The longest interval between a negative respiratory system result and positive fecal specimen result exceeded 19 days.Conclusions and Relevance: Gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric COVID-19 are relatively common. Attention should be paid to the detection of fecal nucleic acids in children. Fecal nucleic acid-negative status should be considered as one of the desegregation standards.
A Proposal for the Classification and Nomenclature of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease-Related Enteroviruses
Authors: Dong Yajuan , Wan Zhenzhou , Li Shenwei , Wang Jian-Hua , Jin Xia , Yu Guoying , Zhang Chiyu
Published: June 2020

Background: Enterovirus has diverged into many types, some of which cause hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children. The predominant enterovirus types associated with HFMD are EVA71, CVA16, CVA6 and CVA10. Subtyping of these enteroviruses is crucial to HFMD surveillance. Because of lacking proper and uniform criteria and being based on partial VP1 sequences, however, current classification resulted in some confusing and conflicting results. Method: We reclassified EVA71, CVA16, CVA6 and CVA10 using a combined criteria of phylogenic relationship and genetic distance. Results: Using the combined criteria, we classified EVA71 into seven genotypes of A–G, CVA16 and CVA6 into three subtypes of A-C, and CVA10 into nine subtypes/sub-subtypes of A-G, H1 and H2, and identified eight unclassified subtypes that lack genomic sequences. The mean genetic divergence was 15.5-33.8% between subtypes, 12-15% between sub-subtypes, and less than 12% within subtypes/sub-subtypes. In addition, we identified two new EVA71 inter-subtype recombinants RF01_CG and RF02_CG and demonstrated that EVA71 subtypes D and F and CVA10 subtype B experienced inter-subtype recombination events during early evolution. Conclusions: The new nomenclature proposal provides a reasonable framework for proper classification of enteroviruses, which will be useful for epidemiological surveillance of HFMD, disease management, and vaccine development.
Deterministic Selection Dominates Microbial Community Assembly in Termite Mounds Across a Large Spatial Area
Authors: Chen Qing-Lin , Hu Hang-Wei , Yan Zhen-Zhen , Li Chao-Yu , Nguyen Bao-Anh Thi , Cui Hui-Ling , Zheng Yong , Zhu Yong-Guan , He Ji-Zheng
Published: June 2020

Background: Termites are ubiquitous insects in tropical and subtropical habitats, where they construct massive mounds from soil, their saliva and excreta. Termite mounds harbor an enormous amount of microbial inhabitants, which regulate multiple ecosystem functions such as mitigating methane emissions and increasing ecosystem resistance to climate change. However, we lack a mechanistic understanding about the role of termite mounds in modulating the microbial community assembly processes, which are essential to unravel the biological interactions of soil fauna and microorganisms, the major components of soil food webs. We conducted a large-scale survey across a >1500 km transect in northern Australia to investigate biogeographical patterns of bacterial and fungal community in 134 termite mounds and the relative importance of deterministic versus stochastic processes in microbial community assembly. Results: Microbial alpha (number of phylotypes) and beta (changes in bacterial and fungal community composition) significantly differed between termite mounds and surrounding soils. Microbial communities in termite mounds exhibited a significant distance-decay pattern, and fungal communities had a stronger distance-decay relationship (slope = -1.91) than bacteria (slope = -0.21). Based on the neutral community model (fitness < 0.7) and normalized stochasticity ratio index (NST) with a value below the 50% boundary point, deterministic selection, rather than stochastic forces, predominated the microbial community assembly in termite mounds. Deterministic processes exhibited significantly weaker impacts on bacteria (NST = 45.23%) than on fungi (NST = 33.72%), probably due to the wider habitat niche breadth and higher potential migration rate of bacteria. The abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was negatively correlated with bacterial/fungal biomass ratios, indicating that ARG content might be an important biotic factor that drove the biogeographic pattern of microbial communities in termite mounds. Conclusions: Deterministic processes play a more important role than stochastic processes in shaping the microbial community assembly in termite mounds, an unique habitat ubiquitously distributed in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. An improved understanding of the biogeographic patterns of microorganisms in termite mounds is crucial to decipher the role of soil faunal activities in shaping microbial community assembly, with implications for their mediated ecosystems functions and services.
The 12-month period prevalence and cardiac manifestations of HIV in patients with acute coronary syndrome at a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Pennefather Camilla , Esterhuizen Tonya , Doubell Anton , Decloedt Eric H.
Published: June 2020

Background
HIV-positive patients are increasingly being affected by non-communicable diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Data from high-income countries (HICs) indicate that HIV-positive patients have different risk-factor profiles for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as well as different cardiac manifestations of this syndrome compared to HIV-negative patients. There is limited data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and particularly from South Africa with the biggest HIV epidemic in the world. The objective of this study was to determine the 12-month period prevalence of HIV in patients with ACS and to compare the risk-factor profile, ACS presentation and management between HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults.
Methods
We included all patients hospitalised with ACS from 01 January to 31 December 2018 in a tertiary hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, in Cape Town, South Africa. The HIV-status of all patients was determined using routine clinical records. We performed multivariate conditional logistic regression on HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients (1:3 ratio) to compare the risk factor profile, ACS presentation and management between the groups.
Results
Among 889 patients, 30 (3.4%) were HIV-positive (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3–4.8). HIV-positive patients were younger, more frequently men, and had a lower prevalence of medical comorbidities and a family history of CAD. They were more likely to present with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) [odd’s ratio (OR) (95% CI): 3.12 (1.2–8.4)], and have single-vessel disease [OR (95% CI): 3.03 (1.2–8.0)]. Angiographic and echocardiographic data, as well as management, did not differ between the groups. Among HIV-positive patients, 17 (65%) were virally suppressed (HIV viral load < 200 copies/mL) with a median CD4+ count of 271 cells/mm3. The majority (20, 67%) of HIV-positive patients were receiving antiretroviral therapy at the time of the ACS.
Conclusions
We found an HIV-prevalence of 3.4% (95% CI 2.3–4.8) in adults with ACS in a high endemic HIV region. HIV-positive patients were younger and more likely to present with STEMIs and single-vessel disease, but had fewer CAD risk factors, suggesting additional mechanisms for the development of ACS.
Resulting choice of toric intraocular lens using three devices and online Barrett calculator
Authors: dong jing , zhang yaqin , wang xiaogang
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE: To investigate interdevice agreement among toric power calculation difference based on corneal topography/ray-tracing aberrometry (iTrace), partial coherence interferometry (IOLMaster 500), and Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam) for the measurement of anterior corneal astigmatism. METHODS: The analysis included 101 eyes with regular astigmatism of 101 subjects. The main outcome measures were corneal cylinder power, axis of astigmatism, keratometry values. The toric power and intraocular lens (IOL) power was calculated using online Barrett toric calculator. Interdevice measurement and calculation agreement was assessed using paired sample t-test, and nonparametric test. RESULTS: Significant interdevice difference existed for astigmatism magnitude, flat keratometry, steep keratometry and mean keratometry between iTrace and IOLMaster (all P < 0.01). Significant interdevice difference existed for flat keratometry, steep keratometry and mean keratometry (all P < 0.001) but not astigmatism magnitude (P = 0.325) between iTrace and Pentacam. Significant interdevice difference existed for astigmatism magnitude, steep keratometry and mean keratometry (all P < 0.01) but not flat keratometry (P = 0.310) between IOLMaster and Pentacam. For toric IOL power calculation, iTrace calculation was statistically higher than IOLMaster (0.49±0.36, P <0.001) and Pentacam (0.39±0.42, P <0.001). Moreover, Pentacam IOL power calculation was statistically lower than IOLMaster (-0.10±0.39, P =0.009). Toricity calculation difference was also existed among the three groups (P = 0.004).CONCLUSIONS: The toric IOL power and toricity calculation difference based on iTrace, IOLMaster 500, and Pentacam anterior keratometry data should be noticed in clinic practice.
Infant Precursors of Executive Function in Down Syndrome
Authors: Schworer Emily , Fidler Deborah J , Kaur Maninderjit , Needham Amy , Prince Mark A , Daunhauer Lisa A
Published: June 2020

Background. Though early features of infant cognition are predictive of executive function (EF) in typically developing (TD) children, there is little information regarding the developmental origins of EF in neurogenetic conditions, such as Down syndrome (DS). Methods. The current study compared the performance of infants with and without DS on four dimensions that are hypothesized EF precursors: attention shifting, sustained attention, processing speed, and action planning. The relationship between these EF precursors at Time 1 and EF performance at Time 2 (6 months later) was also examined in the DS group. Participants were 58 infants with DS, M chronological age = 11.32 months, SD = 3.50; M developmental age = 7.93 months, SD = 2.79, and 40 TD infants, M chronological age = 8.14, SD = 3.25; M developmental age = 8.18 months, SD = 3.51. Results. Results showed that infants with DS shifted their attention more slowly, looked at objects for longer durations, and demonstrated a longer latency to contact objects when compared to TD infants at Time 1. Attention shifting at Time 1 significantly predicted EF performance at Time 2 in the DS group. Conclusions. This study provides evidence that an early atypical presentation of EF precursors is detectable during infancy in DS and is predictive of subsequent EF performance. These findings contribute to the identification of areas of early cognitive risk in DS and can inform future interventions in this population.
microRNA-214 prevents traits of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma via VEGFA and Bcl-2
Authors: Ma Xianpeng , Wu Di , Zhang Xiaodong , Shao Xiao , Hu Guangyao
Published: June 2020

Background

Dysregulation of microRNA-214 (miR-214) has been indicated in different tumors. The function of miR-214 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is yet to be deciphered. The current study aimed to investigate the specific mechanism underpinning CSCC development with the involvement of miR-214 and its putative targets.
Methods

Microarray analysis of CSCC and adjacent tissues was carried out to filter the most significant downregulated miRNA. Survival analysis of patients was subsequently implemented, followed by miRNA expression determination in CSCC cells. Gain-of-function assays were performed to evaluate its function on cellular level. The targets of the determined miRNA were predicted and their expression in CSCC and adjacent tissues was evaluated. The targeting relationship was analyzed by dual-luciferase assays. Finally, rescue experiments were conducted.
Results

miR-214 was reduced in CSCC tissues and cells, and the survival of patients harboring overexpression of miR-214 was higher. miR-214 restoration increased CSCC cell apoptosis, while decreased proliferative, invasive and migratory activities. miR-214 interacted with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). VEGFA and Bcl-2, overexpressed in CSCC tissues and cells, were negatively correlated with miR-214. Moreover, VEGFA and Bcl-2 overexpression reversed the anti-tumor phenotype of miR-214 on CSCC cells. miR-214 disrupted the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through VEGFA and Bcl-2 in the CSCC cells.
Conclusion

Our data demonstrates that miR-214 exerts a suppressing role in CSCC. The discovery of novel targets such as miR-214 and VEGFA/Bcl-2 may facilitate the development of therapeutic options.
The Efficacy and Aafety of Fibrin Sealant Versus Tranexamic Acid Administration in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Fan Yong Yong , Hong Hai Nan , Deng Bo , Zhu Zhong
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The efficacy and safety of topical fibrin sealant (FS) compared with tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce blood loss after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not clear. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical FS versus topical or intravenous TXA for treatment of Method: We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies up to March 2020. The references included in articles were also checked for additional potentially-relevant studies. The language of publication was limited to English. The endpoints included the mean difference (MD) of blood loss, hemoglobin value, and odds ratios (ORs) of transfusion requirements and thrombotic events. Our meta-analysis was performed according to the Guidelines of the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook and the PRISMA statement. The data of the included studies were analyzed using RevMan 5.3.Results: A total of four studies (two randomized controlled trials and two non-randomized controlled trials) met the inclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that TXA administration led to significantly different outcomes in terms of transfusion rate (RD = -0.12, 95% CI (-0.23, -0.00), P = 0.05, I2 = 74%) and postoperative hemoglobin levels (WMD = -0.47, 95% CI (-0.74, -021), P = 0.0005, I2 = 3%) compared with topical application of FS in patients undergoing THA. No significant difference was seen in total calculated blood loss (WMD = -86.22, 95% CI (-99.13, -73.31), P < 0.00001, I2 = 96%) or complication rate (RR = 0.98, 95% CI (-99.13, -73.31), P = 0.45, I2 = 0%) between the two groups.Conclusions: TXA administration can effectively decrease the transfusion rate and result in higher postoperative hemoglobin levels without increasing the rate of infection.
Interleukin-18 Polymorphisms Impose Considerable Impacts on Ankylosing Spondylitis Occurrence
Authors: Gou Wenlong , Wang Hai , Wang Yu , Du Quanyin , Wang Ziming
Published: June 2020

Background: This research was conducted to explore the genetic association of interleukin-18 (IL-18) polymorphisms in promoter with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Chinese population using a case-control design.Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used to complete the genotyping of IL-18 polymorphisms in 146 AS patients and 134 healthy controls. The genotype distribution of polymorphism was detected the status of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The genotype and allele frequencies difference between the two groups was compared by chi-square test. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated to express the association strength of AS. The linkage disequilibrium of IL-18 polymorphisms was investigated in AS occurrence by Haploview.Results: TT genotype and T allele of rs1946518 showed the significantly higher frequencies in AS patients than that of the controls (P=0.042, 0.026), which indicated that rs1946518 was obviously associated with AS risk (TT vs. GG: OR=1.993, 95%CI=1.021-3.891; T vs.G: OR=1.460, 95%CI=1.046-2.038). However, no significant association was found between rs187238 and AS. Moreover, the strong linkage disequilibrium was found and haplotype rs1946518T-rs187238C was a susceptible factor of AS (OR=1.638, 95%CI=1.017-2.639).Conclusion: IL-18 rs1946518 polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility of individuals to AS in Chinese population, but not another polymorphism rs187238. The interaction of the two polymorphisms should be considered in AS etiology.
Pilot Study: Age As A factor in Time To Surgery For Traumatic Cervical Spine Fracture Patients
Authors: Chory Ashley , Bank Matthew , Sison Cristina , Bloom Ona
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spine fractures with or without spinal cord injury (SCI) disproportionately impact the elderly, who constitute an increasing percentage of the US population. Early surgical intervention is a safe, modifiable factor that enables early mobilization and subsequent reduction in complications and hospital length of stay. Surgical treatment of the elderly is complex, due to increased comorbidity factors and complications. METHODS: In a pilot study from a Level 1 Trauma Center, we analyzed the number of patients treated with cervical spine fractures with or without SCI by age group (<65, 65-84, 85) and determined the influence of age on time-to-surgery and long-term mortality. Acute in-hospital mortality was calculated and long-term mortality within the study period (2003-2013) was determined from the National Death Index. RESULTS: Data from patients (N=72) with cervical spine fractures treated surgically were analyzed, with nearly equal numbers under or over age 65. Although there was a trend of increasing time to surgery with increasing age, there was no statistical difference between the age groups (p=0.7015). The average time to surgery was less for patients with SCI than for all patients, and less for patients with than without central cord syndrome. The average time to surgery was longer for patients with vertebral fractures than for patients with SCI. There was no statistical difference for in-hospital or long-term mortality for patients with or without SCI or among the time-to-surgery groups. However, this is likely due to the low number of cases in this pilot study. CONCLUSION: Data from this pilot study indicate an association between time to surgery and survival status of patients in any age or time-to-surgery groups examined. This analysis will enable a larger future prospective study and local quality control initiatives to collect additional data on factors influencing time-to-surgery in patients with cervical spine fractures.
Pretreatment of Rapeseed Meal Increases Its Recalcitrant Fibre Fermentation and Alters the Microbial Community in an in Vitro Model of Swine Large Intestine
Authors: LONG Cheng , Venema Koen
Published: June 2020

Background: The aim of current study was to investigate whether degradation of rapeseed meal (RSM) which was modified by a cellulase, two pectinase, or alkaline treatment was improved by the swine gut microbiota compared to untreated RSM, and whether the microbiota composition was changed. Methods: An in vitro study was performed to assess how enzymatic and chemical pretreated rapeseed meal (RSM) influences the fibre fermentation and microbial community in the swine large intestine. RSM was processed enzymatically by a cellulase (CELL), two pectinases (PECT), or chemically by an alkaline (ALK) treatment. 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was performedto evaluate changes in the gut microbiota composition, whereas short chain fatty acid production (ion-chromatography) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) composition(using monoclonal antibodies; mAbs) were used to assess fibre degradation.Results: The results showed that ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2changed microbial community composition, increased the abundance of microbial fibre-degrading enzymes and pathways,andincreased acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFA production. The increased genera also positively correlated with SCFA production. The cell wall polysaccharide structuresof RSM shiftedafter ALK, CELL, PECT1, and PECT2 treatment. The degradation of NSPduring the fermentation period was dynamic, and not continuous based on the epitope recognition by mAbs.Conclusion: This study provides the first detailed analysis of changes in the swine intestinal microbiota due to RSM modified by ALK, CELL, PECT1 and PECT2. ALK, CELL, PECT1 and PECT2 altered microbial community structure, shifted the predicted functional metagenomic profile and subsequently increased total SCFA production. Our findings that ALK, CELL, PECT1 and PECT2increased fiber degradability in RSM could help guide feed additive strategies to improve efficiency and productivity in swine industry. The current study gave insight into how feed enzyme modulate microbial status, which provides good opportunity to develop novel carbohydrase, particularly in swine feed.