bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid-Redox Process Used for Sulfur Removal on an FPSO
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: September 2020

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper 2019-1016 OMC, “Sulfur Removal on an FPSO: A Liquid-Redox-Process Case Study,” by William I. Echt, Merichem, prepared for the 2019 Offshore Mediterranean Conference and Exhibition, Ravenna, Italy, 27-29 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Eni began producing oil reserves from the Aquila reservoir in the Adriatic Sea soon after its discovery in the early 1980s. As primary production decreased, a decision was made to begin enhanced recovery with artificial gas lift. With the play in deep water (815 m) and 46 km off the southern coast of Italy, a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel was needed. After a 5-year run, the Firenze halted operations in 2018 because of low oil production. The complete paper examines the decision to use hydrogen-sulfide- (H2S) removal technology, the cost of operation, and the unit’s availability over its lifetime.

Introduction

As the industry searches for reserves in ever-deeper formations, the requirement of contending with sulfur increases. Several H2S-removal technologies are available, including nonregenerative liquid scavengers (triazine-based), nonregenerative solid-bed absorbents, and the regenerative liquid-reduction/oxidation (redox) process. These technologies remove sulfur from associated gas streams and do not release them to the environment. The nonregenerative technologies are often referred to as scavengers.

Process Evaluation

During the initial design phase, several H2S-removal technologies were evaluated per the following criteria:

Turndown capability

H2S-removal efficiency

Degree of operator involvement required

Maintenance requirement and waste material produced

Proven reliability in marine conditions

The evaluation led to the selection of the liquid-redox process after it received the highest marks in four of the five criteria. Both liquid and solid H2S scavengers were considered as alternatives to the liquid-redox process for this installation. The considerations for each criterion are detailed in the complete paper.
Spontaneous conception outcome in infertile women after four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography
Authors: liu yu , zhang ning , he yanni , shi jiayao , zhou meijun , xu jingjiao , Liu Hongmei
Published: September 2020

Background: Four-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (4D-HyCoSy) is the preferred way for evaluating fallopian tubal patency and it associated with higher rate of spontaneous conception. However, Few studies have evaluated the influencing factors of spontaneous conception in 4D-HyCoSy and suggested ways to choose treatment options after 4D-HyCoSy. The study was to evaluate the correlation between spontaneous conception outcome and the patients’ clinical characteristics as well as tubal patency in infertile women to provide reference on ways to manage the patient after 4D-HyCoSy.Methods: This was a retrospective study and analysis of two hundred and eighty three (283) infertile patients who underwent a 4D-HyCoSy between December 2014 and October 2017 in our center. Eligible patients were those whose partners semen parameters were normal when based on World Health Organization(WHO) criteria, and had spontaneous conception without clinical interventions after 4D-HyCoSy.Result(s): One hundred and sixteen patients (40.9%) conceived spontaneously and the mean conception time was (8.8 ± 0.3) months. Within a year after 4D-HyCoSy, the spontaneous conception rate was highest in type VI(62.5%), followed by type IV (46.2%), type III (44.4%), type V (39.4%), type II (33.9%) and type I (14.8%). With Cox regression analysis, two factors associated with spontaneous conception outcome appeared to increase spontaneous conception rate: patients with type IV or type VI tubes and duration of infertility less than 2 years. The age, type of infertility, multiparas, history of pelvic surgery, history of uterine cavity operation, uterine fibromyomata and polycystic ovary were unrelated to spontaneous conception outcome after 4D-HyCoSy.Conclusion(s): This study showed that some infertile women could succeed in spontaneous conception after 4D-HyCoSy. Hence, We recommend the usage of 4D-HyCoSy as first line for tubal patency test and infertile patients should be advised to accept 4D-HyCoSy examination as soon as possible. Expectant treatment of about 8-9 months is reported to be feasible for infertile women whose 4D-HyCoSy findings showed one tube patency or poor patency. Alternatively, an immediate clinical intervention is recommended for those with bilateral obstructed tubes .
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia presenting as splenic hemorrhage following cardiac surgery: a case report
Authors: Ferry Joseph F. , Youssef Samuel , Wu Pierce , Hegerova Livia
Published: September 2020

Background: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) is a paradoxical prothrombotic complication of anticoagulant therapy. As many as 3% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery develop clinical HIT presenting as thrombocytopenia with or without thrombosis within 5-10 days of heparin exposure. Thrombotic complications associated with HIT carry a mortality rate of 5-10%.Case presentation: We report a case of atraumatic splenic hemorrhage due to splenic vein thrombosis as the main indicator of HIT following cardiac surgery in a 62-year-old woman. She presented to the emergency department on day nine following coronary artery bypass graft surgery with acute weakness, dizziness, and malaise. Her evaluation in the emergency department found anemia and thrombocytopenia. A coagulation profile revealed a markedly elevated d-dimer. She underwent a computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis for suspected bleed and was found to have splenic vein thrombosis, right atrial filling defects consistent with atrial thrombus and mild to moderate hemoperitoneum. Surgical consultation was obtained due to splenic hemorrhage. Hematology was consulted on post-operative day 10, however, she unfortunately developed left sided weakness concerning for stroke. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain demonstrated infarct involving distribution of the right anterior cerebral artery. A transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated a large immobile thrombus within the right atrium with a second, mobile thrombus arising from the left tricuspid valve annulus. Due to a 4Ts score of 7 and markedly positive platelet factor 4 (PF4) IgG antibody a serotonin release assay was not performed given the high probability of HIT. She was cautiously treated with bivalirudin and was transitioned to warfarin anticoagulation. In the following days her platelet count recovered and 3 months later a transthoracic echocardiogram revealed solution of the intracardiac thrombi.Conclusions: Atraumatic splenic hemorrhage is an unusual presentation of HIT that is reminiscent of the rare bilateral adrenal hemorrhage due to adrenal necrosis that also occurs in HIT. Alternative anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy for HIT despite hemorrhage, given the underlying acquired hypercoagulability. Despite similarities of the presentation between splenic hemorrhage and bilateral adrenal hemorrhage, splenic hemorrhage is rarely described in the literature. HIT should be considered in patients presenting with thrombocytopenia following cardiac surgery.
A comprehensive RNA handling and transcriptomics guide for high-throughput processing of Plasmodium blood-stage samples
Authors: Kucharski Michal , Tripathi Jaishree , Nayak Sourav , Zhu Lei , Wirjanata Grennady , Pluijm Rob W. van der , Dhorda Mehul , Dondorp Arjen , Bozdech Zbynek
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSequencing technology advancements opened new opportunities to use transcriptomics for studying malaria pathology and epidemiology. Even though in recent years the study of whole parasite transcriptome proved to be essential in understanding parasite biology there is no compiled up-to-date reference protocol for the efficient generation of transcriptome data from growing number of samples. Here, a comprehensive methodology on how to preserve, extract, amplify, and sequence full-length mRNA transcripts from Plasmodium-infected blood samples is presented that can be fully streamlined for high-throughput studies.ResultsThe utility of various commercially available RNA-preserving reagents in a range of storage conditions was evaluated. Similarly, several RNA extraction protocols were compared and the one most suitable method for the extraction of high-quality total RNA from low-parasitaemia and low-volume blood samples was established. Furthermore, the criteria needed to evaluate the quality and integrity of Plasmodium RNA in the presence of human RNA was updated. Optimization of SMART-seq2 amplification method to better suit AT-rich Plasmodium falciparum RNA samples allowed us to generate high-quality transcriptomes from as little as 10ng of total RNA and a lower parasitaemia limit of 0.05%. Finally, a modified method for depletion of unwanted human haemoglobin transcripts using in vitro CRISPR-Cas9 treatment was designed, thus improving parasite transcriptome coverage in low parasitaemia samples. To prove the functionality of the pipeline for both laboratory and field strains, the highest 2-hour resolution RNA-seq transcriptome for P. falciparum 3D7 intraerythrocytic life cycle available up-to-date was generated and the entire protocol was applied to create the largest transcriptome data from Southeast Asian field isolates.ConclusionsOverall, the presented methodology is an inclusive pipeline for generation of good quality transcriptomic data from a diverse range of Plasmodium-infected blood samples with varying parasitaemia and RNA inputs. The flexibility of this pipeline to be adapted to robotic handling will facilitate both small and large-scale future transcriptomic studies in the field of malaria.
Establishing a deeper understanding of the osteogenic differentiation of monolayer cultured human pluripotent stem cells using novel and detailed analyses
Authors: Zhou Ping , Shi Jia-Min , Song Jing-E , Han Yu , Li Hong-Jiao , Song Ya-Meng , Feng Fang , Wang Jian-Lin , Zhang Rui , Lan Feng
Published: September 2020

Background: Derivation of osteoblast-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is a popular topic in bone tissue engineering. Although many improvements have been achieved, the low induction efficiency because of spontaneous differentiation hampers their applications. To solve this problem, a detailed understanding of the osteogenic differentiation process of hPSCs is urgently needed.Methods: Monolayer cultured human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells were differentiated in commonly applied serum-containing osteogenic medium for 35 days. In addition to traditional assays such as cell viability detection, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and Alizarin red staining, we also applied studies of cell counting, cell telomerase activity, and flow cytometry as essential indicators to analyse the cell type changes in each week. Results: The population of differentiated cells was quite heterogeneous throughout the 35 days of induction. Then, cell telomerase activity and cell cycle analyses have value in evaluating the cell type and tumourigenicity of the obtained cells. Finally, a dynamic map was made to integrated the analysis of these results during osteogenic differentiation of hPSCs, and the cell types at defined stages were concluded. Conclusions: Our results lay the foundation to improve the in vitro osteogenic differentiation efficiency of hPSCs by supplementing with functional compounds at the desired stage, and then establishing a step-wise induction system in the future.
hPMSCs protects against D-galactose-induced oxidative damage of CD4+ T cells through activating Akt-mediated Nrf2 antioxidant signaling
Authors: Xiong Yanlian , Wang Yueming , Zhang Jiashen , Zhao Nannan , Zhang Aiping , Zhao Dongmei , Yu Zhenhai , Yin Yancun , Song Lele , Xiong Yanlei , Luan Xiying
Published: September 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was considered as regenerative therapeutic approach in both acute and chronic diseases. However, whether MSCs regulate the antioxidant metabolism of CD4+ T cells and weaken immunosenescence remains unclear. Here, we reported the protective effects of hPMSCs in aging-related CD4+ T cell senescence and identified the underlying mechanisms using a D-gal induced mouse aging model.Methods: In vivo study, 40 male C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups: control group, D-gal group, hPMSC group and PBS group. In in vitro experiment, human naive CD4+ T (CD4CD45RA) cells were prepared using a naive CD4+ T cell isolation kit II and pretreated with the Akt inhibitor LY294002 and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Then, isolated naive CD4+ T cell were cocultured with hPMSCs for 72 h in the absence or presence of anti-CD3/CD28 Dynabeads and IL-2 as a mitogenic stimulus. Intracellular ROS changes were detected by flow cytometry. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were measured by colorimetric analysis. The senescent T cells were detected SA-β-gal stain. The expression of aging related proteins were detected by Western blotting, RT-PCR and confocal microscopy.Results: We found that hPMSC treatment markedly decreased the ROS level, SA-β-gal positive cells number, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (IL-6 and OPN) expression and aging-related protein (P16 and P21) expression in senescent CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, hPMSC treatment effectively upregulated Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the expression of downstream target genes (HO-1, CAT, GCLC and NQO1) in senescent CD4+ T cells. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that hPMSCs attenuated CD4+ T cell senescence by upregulating the Akt/GSK-3β/Fyn pathway to activate Nrf2 functions. Conversely, the antioxidant effects of hPMSCs were blocked by the Akt inhibitor LY294002 and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 in senescent CD4+ T cells.Conclusions: Our results indicate that hPMSCs attenuate D-gal induced CD4+ T cell senescence by activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses and that upregulation of Nrf2 by hPMSCs is regulated via the Akt/GSK-3β/Fyn pathway.
The application of laparoscopy combined with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technique for hepatic cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Li Yupeng , Ma Zhigang , Tuxun Tuerhongjiang , Li Zhide , Meng Yuan , Chen Xiong
Published: September 2020

Background: With the mature application of laparoscopy in hepatobiliary surgery, laparoscopic treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis(CE) has made certain progress. But, due to the inherent limitations of laparoscopy and the growth characteristics of cystic echinococcosis, distinguishing the boundary between cystic lesion and normal hepatic parenchyma is pivotal importance for successful sugery. Indocyanine green(ICG) fluorescence imaging technology can view the boundary of lesion and normal tissue during the treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Applied laparoscopy combined with ICG fluorescence imaging technique for hepatic cystic echinococcosis may be an effective surgical strategy.Methods: The clinical data contained nine patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis who underwent laparoscopic surgery with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging technique in authors’ institution from December 2018 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Indocyanine green was administered intravenously three days prior to surgery. The fluorescence acquisition system for real-time imaging was used during the surgery and the patients were followed up after surgery.Results: Of reported nine patients, six are male and the remaining three are female. The average age is (36.4 ± 7.6) years. For all subjects, surgical procedures were performed under laparoscopy with indocyanine green fluorescence system. This technique showed the clear boundary of the hepatic cyst with normal liver paranchyma. Total cystectomy in six patients, subtotal cystectomy in two patients and partial hepatectomy in one patient were performed repectively. The average operation time was 3.8 ± 0.9 hours, blood loss 206.0 ± 120.7 ml. Neither blood transfusion nor post-operative complication was experienced. The average abdominal drainage time was 3.4 ± 0.9 days with hospital stay 5.7 ± 2.1 days. During the 6-12 months follow-up period, neither recurrence nor intraperitoneal implantation was found.Conclusions: Applied laparoscopy combined with ICG fluorescence imaging technique for hepatic cystic echinococcosis is safe and feasible. Enhanced boundary image can assist surgeons to complete radical resection and reduce complications.
Genomic profiling and expression analysis of the diacylglycerol kinase gene family in heterologous hexaploid wheat
Authors: Jia Xiaowei , Si Xuyang , Jia Yangyang , Zhang Hongyan , Tian Shijun , Li Wenjing , Zhang Ke , Pan Yanyun
Published: September 2020

Background
The inositol phospholipid signaling system, which is based on the metabolism of phosphoinositide (PI), mediates plant growth, development, and responses to adversity. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) is one of the key enzymes in the PI-cycle, which catalyzes the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DAG) to form phosphatidic acid (PA). To date, comprehensive genomic and functional analyses of DGK genes have not been reported in wheat.
Results
In this study, 20 DGK gene family members from the heterologous hexaploid wheat genome (TaDGKs) were identified and analyzed. Each putative protein was found to consist of a DGK catalytic domain and a accessory domain. The analyses of phylogenetic and gene structure revealed that each TaDGK gene could be grouped to clusters I, II, or III. In each phylogenetic subgroup, the TaDGKs demonstrated high conservation in functional domains, for example gene structure and amino acid sequences. By cloning, four coding sequences were ascertained from Chinese spring wheat. Expression analysis of these four genes revealed that each had a unique spatial and developmental expression pattern, indicating their functional diversification in wheat growth and development processes. Additionally, TaDGKs were also prominently up-regulated express under salt and drought stresses, suggesting their possible roles in dealing with adversity environment. Further cis-regulatory elements analysis elucidated transcriptional regulation and potential biological functions.
Conclusions
These results provide valuable information for understanding the putative functions of DGK genes in wheat, and conduce to ulterior functional analysis of this pivotal gene family. The 20 TaDGKs identified and analyzed in this study provide a strong foundation for further exploration of the biological function and regulatory mechanisms of TaDGKs in response to environmental stimuli.
Single molecular real-time sequencing revealing the ovule abortion regulatory mechanisms in the female-sterile line of Pinus tabuliformis Carr.
Authors: Gong Zaixin , Han Rui , Zhang Min , Yang Qianquan , Zeng Ming , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zheng Caixia
Published: September 2020

Background

Ovule abortion is a common phenomenon in plants, which has an essential significance in seed production. The development of the female gametophyte (FG) is one of the crucial processes of the life cycle, and FG dysplasia is a significant cause contribute to ovule abortion in many species. However, because it is difficult to acquire the mutant about ovule development in gymnosperms, previous studies of the ovule and FG development are mainly focused on angiosperms, especially in Arabidopsis thaliana. Thus the investigation on this field of gymnosperms remains unclear.
Results

In this study, we investigated the transcriptome data of wild-type (female fertile line, FER) and natural ovule abortion mutant (female sterile line, STE) of Pinus tabuliformis Carr. to evaluate the mechanism of ovule abortion during the process of free nuclear mitosis (FNM). Using single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS), we obtained 202,869 (FER), 197,977 (STE) mapped full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads and analyzed 18 cDNA libraries. Based on the SMRT sequencing, we found that both GO annotation and KEGG pathway terms results were similar in FER and STE. NGS analysis further showed altogether 99 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with opposite expression patterns during the FNM process in FER and STE. According to SMRT sequencing, we found that the number of isoforms and alternative splicing (AS) patterns are variable between FER and STE. Moreover, 5,530 and 5,096 potential simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in FER and STE, respectively. Functional annotation results demonstrated that genes involved in energy metabolism, signal transduction, cell division, and stress response were differentially expressed in different lines, 9 pairs of which were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR.
Conclusion

Taken together, these results provide some new insights about the ovule abortion in gymnosperms and further reveal the regulatory mechanisms of ovule development.
Response inhibition alterations in migraine: Evidence from event-related potentials and evoked oscillations
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Li Yansong , Dong Zhao , Wang Rongfei , Zhao Dengfa , Obeso Ignacio , Yu Shengyuan
Published: September 2020

Background: Migraine is characterized by a hypersensitivity to environmental stimulation which climaxes during headache attacks but persists during attack-free period. Despite ongoing debates about the nature of the mechanisms giving rise to this abnormality, the presence of deficient inhibitory cortical processes has been proposed to be one possible mechanism underlying its pathogenesis. Empirical evidence supporting this claim is mainly based on previous accounts showing functional cortical disexcitability in the sensory domain. Considering that a general inhibitory control process can play an important role across early to later stage of information processing, this may indicate the important role other dimensions of inhibitory control can play in migraine disability. The present study examined the pathophysiological features of inhibitory control that takes place during suppression of prepotent responses in migraineurs.Methods: Twenty-two patients with migraine without aura (mean age = 30.86 ± 5.69 years; 19 females) during the interictal period and 25 healthy controls (mean age = 30.24 ± 3.52 years; 18 females) were recruited. We used a stop signal task in combination with event-related potentials (ERPs) to examine participants’ neural activity supporting response inhibition.Results: Behaviorally, migraineurs exhibited prolonged stop signal reaction times relative to healthy controls. At the neural level, the amplitude of the stop-N2 over fronto-central, central and centro-parietal scalp regions, a component of the ERPs related to conflict monitoring during early, non-motoric stages of inhibition, was significantly increased in migraineurs. Meanwhile, the amplitude of the stop-P3 over central and centro-parietal scalp regions, a component of the ERPs reflecting late-stage inhibition of the motor system and cognitive evaluation of motor inhibition, was also significantly increased in migraineurs. Ultimately, our time-frequency analysis further revealed increased delta activity in migraineurs.Conclusions: Consistent with the theory that alterations in cognitive cortical processes are a key signature of migraine, our findings revealed an abnormal state of suppressing prepotent responses in migraineurs, which can be attributed to cortical disexcitability of the pre-frontal executive network and centro-parietal sensorimotor network. These novel findings extend to show the existence of dysfunctional inhibition control that occurs during suppression of prepotent responses in migraneurs.
In invasion assays, the breast cancer cell nucleus leads the way
Authors: Renz Malte
Published: September 2020

Objective: Cancer cell metastasis determines disease prognosis. During cancer cell metastasis, the cancer cell and the cancer cell nucleus have to undergo extreme shape changes. To monitor shape changes of cancer cells and cancer cell nuclei and the positioning of the cancer cell nucleus during cancer cell invasion, a customized invasion assay with 8-mm pores and reconstituted basal membrane was imaged using fluorescence live-cell microscopy.Results: The observed cells changed their shape from a distinct fibroblast-like spindle shape to an amoeboid shape without polarization immediately after the passage through an 8-mm pore of the invasion assay. During the process of invasion, the cancer cell centered the cancer cell nucleus over the 8-mm pore, and cancer cell nucleus and adjacent cytoplasmic areas moved first through such a pore. Seemingly testing if the largest and least deformable organelle may fit, the cancer cell nucleus led the way through the porous membrane of the invasion assay.
Single blinded semi-field evaluation of MAÏA® topical repellent ointment compared to unformulated 20% DEET against Anopheles gambiae s.s., Anopheles arabiensis and Aedes aegypti in Tanzania
Authors: Mbuba Emmanuel , Odufuwa Olukayode , Tenywa Frank , Philipo Rose , Tambwe Mgeni , Swai Johnson Kyeba , Moore Jason , Moore Sarah
Published: September 2020

Background: N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) topical mosquito repellents are effective personal protection tools. However, DEET-based repellents tend to have low consumer acceptability because they are cosmetically unappealing. More attractive formulations are needed to encourage regular user compliance. This study evaluated the protective efficacy and protection duration of a new topical repellent ointment containing 15% DEET, MAÏA® compared to 20% DEET in ethanol using malaria and dengue mosquito vectors in Bagamoyo Tanzania.Methods: Fully balanced 3x3 Latin square design studies were conducted in large semi-field chambers using laboratory strains of Anopheles gambiae s.s, An. arabiensis and Aedes aegypti. Human volunteers applied either MAÏA® ointment, 20% DEET or ethanol to their lower limbs six hours before the start of tests. Approximately 100 mosquitoes per strain per replicate were released inside each chamber, with 25 mosquitoes released at regular intervals during the collection period to maintain adequate biting pressure throughout the test. Volunteers recaptured mosquitoes landing on their lower limbs for six hours over a period of six to 12-hours post-application of repellents. Data analysis was conducted using mixed-effects logistic regression.Results: The protective efficacy of MAÏA® and 20% DEET was not different for each of the mosquito strains: 95.9% vs 97.4% against An. gambiae (OR=1.53 [95% CI: 0.93–2.51] p=0.091); 96.8% vs 97.2% against An. arabiensis (OR =1.08 [95% CI: 0.66 –1.77] P=0.757); 93.1% vs 94.6% against Ae. aegypti (OR=0.76 [95% CI: 0.20-2.80] p=0.675). Average complete protection time (CPT) of MAÏA® and that of DEET was similar for each of the mosquito strains: 571.6 minutes (95% CI: 558.3-584.8) vs 575.0 minutes (95% CI: 562.1-587.9) against An. gambiae; 585.6 minutes (95% CI: 571.4-599.8) vs 580.9 minutes (95% CI: 571.1-590.7) against An. arabiensis; 444.1 minutes (95% CI: 401.8-486.5) vs 436.9 minutes (95% CI: 405.2-468.5) against Ae. aegypti.Conclusions: MAÏA® repellent ointment provides complete protection for 9 hours against both An. gambiae and An. arabiensis, and 7 hours against Ae. aegypti similar to 20% DEET (in ethanol). MAÏA® repellent ointment can be recommended to be used as a tool for prevention of outdoor biting mosquitoes in tropical locations as it protects for more than 6 hours.
Risk Factors for Adolescents' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Wuhan and Other Urban Areas in China
Authors: Chen Shitao , Cheng Zeyuan , Wu Jing
Published: September 2020

Background: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease is causing considerable acute risk to public health and might also have an unanticipated impact on the mental health of children and adolescents in the long run. This study collected data during the national lockdown period in China and aims to understand whether there is a clinically significant difference in anxiety, depression, and parental rearing style when comparing adolescents from Wuhan and other cities in China. This study also intends to examine whether gender, grade in school, single child status, online learning participation, parents' involvement in COVID-19 related work, and parents being quarantined or infected due to the disease would lead to clinically significant differences in anxiety and depression. Beyond that, this study explored the pathways among the different variables in order to better understand how these factors play a part in impacting adolescents' mental health condition. Results: Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety symptoms between participants who were from Wuhan compared to other urban areas, but not in depressive symptoms. In addition, participants’ grade level, gender, relative being infected, and study online have direct positive predictive value for depressive and anxiety symptoms, whereas location and sibling status have indirect predictive value. Having relatives who participated in COVID-19 related work only had positive direct predictive value toward depression, but not anxiety.Conclusions: This study discovered several risk factors for adolescents’ depression and anxiety during the pandemic. It also called for a greater awareness of Wuhan parents’ mental wellbeing and recommended a systematic approach for mental health prevention and intervention.
Molecular characterization of Ribosomal DNA (ITS2) of hard ticks in Iran: understanding the conspecificity of Dermacentor marginatus and D. niveus
Authors: Soltan-Alinejad Parisa , Ramezani Zahra , Edalat Hamideh , Telmadarraiy Zakkyeh , Dabiri Farrokh , Vatandoost Hassan , Oshaghi Mohammad Ali , Mohebali Mehdi , Seyyed-Zadeh Seyyed Javad , Zarei Zabihollah , Hanifian Haleh , faghihi faham , Abolhasani Mandan , Bavani Mulood Mohammadi , Musavi Jalil , Terenius Olle , Chavshin Ali Reza
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. They are obligate blood-feeding vectors with the ability to transmit a wide variety of pathogens. Standard morphological keys are normally used for the identification of tick species. However, considering the importance of accurate species identification and the determination of bio-ecological characteristics of species, relying on morphological keys alone can be questionable. In this study, two DNA fragments (ITS2 and COI) were selected for phylogenetic evaluation of Iranian hard tick species belonging to the genera Dermacentor, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus. Results: 1229 specimens of Dermacentor marginatus, D. niveus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus bursa, and R. sanguineus constituting 11 populations were collected from three different climatic and zoogeographical zones in Iran. Morphological studies revealed notable differences in important morphological characteristics between different populations of D. marginatus.The results of ITS2 sequence analysis provided additional evidence which supports the conspecificity of D. niveus and D. marginatus. Contrary to this finding, the sequence analysis of COI and phylogeny favored the separation of the two species. Given the greater importance of COI in identifying and discriminating species, a possibility heterospecificity between the two species should be considered.
Oral administration of recombinant Bacillus subtilis spores expressing mutant staphylococcal enterotoxin B provides potent protection against lethal enterotoxin challenge
Authors: Xiong Zhile , Mai Jialiang , Li Fei , Liang Bingshao , Yao Shuwen , Liang Zhuwei , Zhang Chao , Gao Fei , Ai Xiaolan , Wang Jieling , Long Yan , Yang Min , Gong Sitang , Zhou Zhenwen
Published: September 2020

Pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is induced by staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). A mutant form of SEB (mSEB) is immunogenic as well as less toxic. Recombinant mSEB and SEB were expressed in pET28a prokaryotic plasmids. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in mSEB-stimulated macrophages were lower than those in SEB-stimulated macrophages (p < 0.01). Using CotC as a fusion protein, we constructed recombinant Bacillus subtilis spores expressing mSEB on the spore surface and evaluated their safety and protective efficacy via mouse models. Oral administration of mSEB-expressing spores increased SEB-specific IgA in feces and SEB-specific IgG1 and IgG2a in the sera, compared with mice in naïve and CotC spore-treated groups (p < 0.001). Six weeks following oral dosing of recombinant spores, significant differences were not found in the serum biochemical indices between the mSEB group and the naïve and CotC groups. Furthermore, oral administration of mSEB spores increased the survival rate by 33.3% in mice intraperitoneally injected with 5 μg of wild-type SEB plus 25 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In summation, recombinant spores stably expressing mSEB were developed, and oral administration of such recombinant spores induced a humoral immune response and provided protection against SEB challenge in mice.
Metagenome gene prediction of naturally fermented milk products of India using PICRUSt2 and Piphillin
Authors: Tamang Jyoti Prakash , Shangpliang H. Nakibapher Jones , Rai Ranjita
Published: September 2020

Background: Naturally fermented milk (NFM) products are popular food delicacies in Indian states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Bacterial communities in these NFM products of India were previously analysed by high-throughput sequence method. However, predictive gene functionality of NFM products of India has not been studied. In this study, raw sequences of NFM products of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh were accessed from NCBI database server. PICRUSt2 and Piphillin tools were applied to study microbial functional gene prediction in combination with the commonly used error-corrected denoising programs like DADA2 and Deblur.Results: Significant functional hits were observed from the Piphillin analysis which included some interesting pathways including GABAergic synapse, glutamatergic synapse and serotonergic synapse, which are known to be probiotic-related, among others that are absent in PICRUSt2 analysis. This study also showed the negative correlation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) members (Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc) with most of the disease-related functions, which were on the other hand, positively correlated with unwanted contaminants like Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Pseudomonas.Conclusion: The study explored the potential of microbial functional gene prediction using PICRUSt2 and Piphillin software, and indicated the significance of the presence of LAB in these NFM products of India. Since most LAB members are known to be potential health-promoting bacteria, their negative correlation to many of the disease-related functions also indicates their role in combatting unwanted potential contaminants.
Open Globe Injuries: Classifications and Prognostic Factors for Functional Outcome
Authors: Reznicek Lukas , Mayer Christian S. , Khoramnia Ramin , Siedlecki Jakob , Schworm Benedikt
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Epidemiology and evaluation of posterior segment involvement as a prognostic factor for functional outcome of patients with open globe injuries in a university eye clinic as a tertiary referral center in Southern Germany. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 151 consecutive patients with open globe injuries who were referred to the department of Ophthalmology of the Technical University of Munich in Germany from 2004 to 2011 was conducted. Visual acuity, epidemiologic data, classification of the injuries including the ocular trauma score (OTS), performed surgeries, post-operative visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) as well as correlation analyses between OTS and post-operative visual acuity were obtained. RESULTS: On total, 147 eyes were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 42.9±22.2 years, 78.2% were male, 36.7% of injuries occurred in the workplace. Thirty-eight patients (25.9%) had intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB): 84.2% were metal objects, 5.3% organic material and 10.5% glass. On total, 51.7% of the open globe injuries were located in zone I (cornea, cornealscleral limbus), 15.0% in zone II (up to 5 mm posterior the sclerocorneal limbus) and 32.0% in zone III (posterior of zone 2). Affected structures were eyelids (17.7%), cornea (74.8%), iris (63.9%), lens (56.5%), sclera (48.3%), retina (47.6%) and optic nerve (19.7%). Mean preoperative BCVA was 1.304±0.794 logMAR and 1.289±0.729 logMAR after surgery (p=0.780). Patients with involvement of their posterior segment had significantly worse postoperative BCVA scores than patients without (1.523±0.654 logMAR vs. 0.944±0.708 logMAR, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Predictive factors for good visual outcome of open globe injuries are good initial visual acuity and ocular trauma affecting only zone I and II.
Expression and function of Ndel1 during the differentiation of neural stem cells induced by hippocampal exosomes
Authors: LI WEN , Wang Shanshan , He Hui , Qin Jianbing , Cheng Xiang , Zhao Heyan , Tian Meiling , Zhang Xinhua , Jin Guohua
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn the brain of adult mammals, neural stem cells persist in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, which are specialized niches with proliferative capacity. Most neural stem cells are in a quiescent state, but in response to extrinsic stimuli, they can exit from quiescence and become reactivated to produce new neurons, so neural stem cells are considered to be a potential source for cell replacement therapy of many nervous system diseases. We characterized the expression of Ndel1 during the differentiation of neural stem cells induced by hippocampus exosomes, and assessed the effect of Ndel1 on neural stem cells differentiationMethodsHippocampal exosomes were isolated and extracted, and co-cultured exosomes with neural stem cells. Western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to analyze expression of neuronal markers. Further, utilizing high-throughput RNA sequencing technology, we found that nudE neurodevelopment protein 1-like 1 was significantly up-regulated in exosomes derived from denervated hippocampus, and then characterized its mechanism and function during neural stem cells differentiation by qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analyses.ResultsOur results revealed that exosomes of denervated hippocampus promoted the differentiation of neural stem cells into neuron. Hence, we identified that nudE neurodevelopment protein 1-like 1 (Ndel1) was significantly up-regulated and highly expressed in the nervous system. In addition, we found that miR-107-3p may regulate NSCs differentiation by targeting Ndel1.ConclusionsOur results revealed that deafferentation of the hippocampal exosomes co-cultured with NSCs could promote them to differentiate into neurons. Hence, we found that miR-107-3p may regulate NSCs differentiation by targeting Ndel1. Importantly, Ndel1 enhanced spatial learning and hippocampal neurogenesis in rats after FF transection In vivo. These findings set the stage for a better understanding of neurogenesis, a process that one day may inspire new treatments for central nervous system diseases.
Non-frontal Facial Expression Recognition Based on Salient Facial Patches
Authors: Jiang Bin , Zhang Qiuwen , Li Zuhe , Wu Qinggang , Zhang Huanlong
Published: September 2020

Methods using salient facial patches (SFP) play a significant role in research on facial expression recognition. However, most SFP methods use only frontal face images or videos for recognition, and do not consider variations of head position. In our view, SFP can also be a good choice to recognize facial expression under different head rotations, and thus we propose an algorithm for this purpose, called Profile Salient Facial Patches (PSFP). First, in order to detect the facial landmarks from profile face images, the tree-structured part model is used for pose-free landmark localization; this approach excels at detecting facial landmarks and estimating head poses. Second, to obtain the salient facial patches from profile face images, the facial patches are selected using the detected facial landmarks, while avoiding overlap with each other or going beyond the range of the actual face. For the purpose of analyzing the recognition performance of PSFP, three classical approaches for local feature extraction-histogram of oriented Gradients (HOG), local binary pattern (LBP), and Gabor were applied to extract profile facial expression features. Experimental results on radboud faces database show that PSFP with HOG features can achieve higher accuracies under the most head rotations.
Co-Transplantation of Hypoxia Pretreated Human Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells to Treat Rats With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xiang Hang , Xiang Tianyuan , Zhang Hongxia , Xu Ann , Horwedel Matthew John , Zeng Qiang , Li Yang
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHuman adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are ideal candidates for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), due to their favorable availability and regenerative potential. However, in vivo studies showed that ASCs are not resilient at the infarcted area, for a shortage of blood and oxygen supply. Material and methodsTo solve the problem of living in the hypoxic environment, we accommodated ASCs within the hypoxic condition. To enhance the capillary system, we combined the hypoxic pretreated ASCs (HP-ASCs) with cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs), which have a great potential for neovascularization. We hypothesized that this combination system would improve the transplantation efficiency. ResultsIn vitro study showed that HP-ASCs had a wide range of paracrine function, with the incretion growth factors and their receptors, which would support the cell survivals. In addition, HP-ASCs also gained potentials in hypoxic adaptation (increased expression of HO-1 and SDF-1), as well as homing and immigrating abilities (CXCR4, ICAM-1 and ICAM-2). In vivo studies showed that, 30 days after transplantation in AMI rats, the HP-ASCs group had a better improvement in cardiac function; reduction of the infarct size; and decrease of ASCs death than the other groups (HP-ASCs > HP-ASCs + CBMNCs ≧ CBMNCs > PBS) (p<0.05). However, the combined group of HP-ASCs and CBMNCs had more significant angiogenesis than the other groups (HP-ASCs + CBMNCs > CBMNCs > HP-ASCs > PBS) (p <0.05).ConclusionsHP-ASCs alone had a greater potential in improving cardiac function in AMI rats. However, the combination of HP-ASCs and CBMNCs had a better result in angiogenesis.
Intestinal parasitic infections among HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy attending Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Ermias , Gedefie Alemu , Adamu Aderaw , Mohammed Jemal , Kassanew Brhanu , Kebede Berhanu , Belete Melaku Ashagrie
Published: September 2020

Background: Parasitic infections are known causes of morbidity among HIV infected patients with low CD4+ counts who are on antiretroviral therapy; mainly as a result of immune suppression. Thus, this study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and its related risk factors among HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.Patients and methods: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 383 HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia from December 2018 to March 2019. An interview based structured questionnaire were used to gather socio-demographic and risk factor data. About 5 grams of fresh stool specimen and 4 ml of venous blood sample were collected, then transported and tested in accordance with the laboratory standard operating procedures. The obtained data was entered into SPSS version 22.0; and analyzed. P-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3%; with 18% and 23.8% by direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration technique respectively. 8 (2.1%) patients were infected by multiple parasites in concentration technique. Ascaris lumbricoides, 23(25.3%) was the most frequently identified parasite. Parasitic infection was significantly higher among illiterates (P=0.011); patients with a CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3 (P<0.001) and among patients who did not have latrine (P=0.049) than their counter parts.Conclusion: Relatively higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found among HIV/AIDS patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites is greatly affected by illiteracy, reduced CD4+ counts and absence of toilet. Thus, HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4+ counts should be diagnosed consistently for intestinal parasites and routine stool examination and awareness creation should be advocated to be included as an essential component of the ART monitoring strategy for improved patient care.
Time Series Analysis of COVID-19 Data to Study the Effect of Lockdown and Unlock in India
Authors: Singh Saswat , Chowdhury Chandreyee , Panja Ayan Kumar , Neogy Sarmistha
Published: September 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide socioeconomic unrest, forcing governments to introduce extreme measures to reduce its spread. Being able to accurately forecast the effect of unlocking in India, would allow governments to alter their policies accordingly and plan ahead. The study investigated prediction forecasts using the ARIMA model on the COVID-19 data on the lockdown period and the unlock period. In this work, we have considered not only the no of positive COVID cases but also considered the number of tests carried out. The time-series data sample was collected till June 2020 and the prediction and analysis are done for August 2020. The model developed and the forecasted results align very closely with the actual no of cases and we have drawn some important inferences through experimentation.
Covid-19 and E- consultation in Orthopaedics: Experience on delineating the spectrum of Orthopaedic disorders amenable to treatment via Tele-consultation
Authors: Lingaiah Purushotham , Reddy Venkateshwar
Published: September 2020

Context: Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown scenario has forced to shut down the Outpatient consultation in hospitals and clinics. It was challenging to help out the patient population who were routine health care seekers for maintenance and follow-up.Aims: To tackle the prevailing routine Orthopaedic health care issue due to Covid-19 lockdown strategy through Tele-consultation and to delineate the spectrum of Orthopaedic disorders that were amenable to treatment by e-Consultation.Methods and Material: We executed two Tele consultation designs (Call based and App based) for our institution to reach out to the patients. The Orthopaedic patient characteristics and disease management was documented and analyzed.Results: A total of 468 consultations with diverse Orthopaedic disorders including Congenital lesions, Developmental and Metabolic disorders, Infective disorders, inflammatory disorders, Traumatic disorders, Tumours, Degenerative disorders and Repetitive Strain Injuries were addressed.Conclusions: Clinical decision making through Tele-consultation in Orthopaedics is demanding. However, majority of routine Orthopaedic disorders are amenable to management.