bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction and identification of immune genes related to the prognosis of patients with colon adenocarcinoma and its mechanisms
Authors: Chen Sihan , Cao G. D. , Wei Wu , Yida Lu , Xiaobo He , Lei Yang , Ke Chen , Chen Bo , Xiong Mao Ming
Published: June 2020

Background

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a gastrointestinal tumor with a high degree of malignancy. Its deterioration process is closely related to the tumor microenvironment, and transcription factors (TF) play a regulatory role in this process. Currently, there is a lack of exploration between the genes related to the COAD tumor microenvironment and the survival prognosis of patients. Models composed of multiple genes usually predict the survival prognosis of patients more accurately than single genes. We can analyze the multigene models that can predict the prognosis of COAD from the current database.

Methods

The limma package of the R programming language is used for gene differential expression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curve is used to analyze the relationship between the patient risk score model and survival data. The hazard model is used to analyze the relationship between the risk score and the clinical data of COAD patients. The information of immune genes and immune cells is obtained from IMMPORT database and TIMER database. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is used to judge the stability of the model.

Results

We found 7 immune genes, which can built a risk score model to predict the survival prognosis of COAD. According to univariate and multivariate analysis, the risk score can be used as an independent predictor. The content of some immune microenvironment cells will also increase as the risk score increases.

Conclusions

We found 7 immune genes, such as SLC10A2 (solute carrier family 10 member 2), CXCL3 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 3), IGHV5-51 (immunoglobulin heavy variable 5-51), INHBA (inhibin subunit beta A), STC1 (stanniocalcin 1), UCN (urocortin), and OXTR (oxytocin receptor), can constitute a model for predicting the prognosis of COAD. They may provide potential therapeutic targets for clinical treatment of COAD.
Assessing the efficiency of Iran health system in making progress towards universal health coverage: a comparative panel data analysis
Authors: Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Goodarzi Zahra , Takian Amirhossein , Mohamadi Efat , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad , Sharafi Hamid , Noori Hekmat Somayeh , Jowett Matthew , Majdzadeh Reza
Published: June 2020

Background

Building upon decades of continuous reforms, Iran has been implementing various initiatives to reach universal health coverage (UHC). Improving efficiency is a crucial intermediate policy objective for UHC. Therefore, this article aimed to measure the efficiency and productivity changes of the Iranian health system in making progress towards UHC during 2010−2015 in comparison with 36 selected other upper-middle-income countries.

Methods

We used panel data to measure the variations in technical efficiency (TE) and total factor productivity (TFP) through an extended data envelopment analysis (EDEA) and Malmquist productivity index, respectively. General government health expenditure (GGHE) per capita (International dollar) was selected as the input variable. Service coverage of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; family planning; antiretroviral therapy; skilled attendants at birth; Tuberculosis treatment success rate; and GGHE as  % of total health expenditure (THE) were considered as output variables. The data for each indicator were taken from the Global Health Observatory data repository and World Development Indicator database, for 6 years (2010−2015).

Results

The TE scores of Iran’s health system were 0.75, 0.77, 0.74, 0.74, 0.97, and 0.84 in the period 2010–2015, respectively. TFP improved in 2011 (1.02), 2013 (1.01), and 2014 (1.30, generally). The overall efficiency and TFP increased in 2014. Changes made in CCHE per capita and GGHE/THE attributed to the increase of efficiency.

Conclusion

There is a growing demand for efficiency improvements in the health systems to achieve UHC. While there are no defined set of indicators or precise methods to measure health system efficiency, EDEA helped us to draw the picture of health system efficiency in Iran. Our findings highlighted the essential need for targeted and sustained interventions, i.e., allocation of enough proportion of public funds to the health sector, to improve universal financial coverage against health costs aiming to enhance the future performance of Iran’s health system, ultimately. Such tailored interventions may also be useful for settings with similar context to speed up their movement towards improving efficiency, which in turn might lead to more resources to reach UHC.
Boning up: amino-bisphophonates as immunostimulants and endosomal disruptors of dendritic cell in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Brufsky Adam , Marti Juan Luis Gomez , Nasrazadani Azadeh , Lotze Michael T.
Published: June 2020

Amino-bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (ZA) can possibly ameliorate or prevent severe COVID-19 disease by at least three distinct mechanisms: (1) as immunostimulants which could boost γδ T cell expansion, important in the acute response in the lung; (2) as DC modulators, limiting their ability to only partially activate T cells; and (3) as prenylation inhibitors of small GTPases in the endosomal pathway of the DC to prevent expulsion of lysosomes containing SARS-CoV-2 virions. Use of ZA or other amino-bisphosphonates as modulators of COVID-19 disease should be considered.
Osteonecrosis of femoral head in young patients with femoral neck fracture: a retrospective study of 250 patients followed for average of 7.5 years
Authors: Pei Fang , Zhao Rui , Li Fenglei , Chen Xiangyang , Guo KaiJin , Zhu Liang
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) after the treatment of femoral neck fracture in patients under 60 years old.

Methods

A total of 250 cases of femoral neck fracture treated at 3 hospitals in Xuzhou from January 2002 to January 2016 were studied. The patients were followed up for 1~15 years, and the clinical data on femoral head necrosis after the femoral neck operation were analysed retrospectively. Risk factors were recorded, including age, gender, preoperative traction, time from injury to operation, reduction method, type of reduction, BMI, ASA classification, and quality of reduction. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent risk factors for ONFH after treatment of femoral neck fracture.

Results

The duration of follow-up was 1~15 years, with an average of 7.5 years. None of the 250 patients had fracture non-union, but 40 (16%) had necrosis of the femoral head. The time to necrosis of the femoral head was 1~7 years after the operation, with an average of 3.8 years. Univariate analysis showed that the type of fracture, the quality of reduction, the removal of internal fixation, BMI and ASA classification were risk factors affecting necrosis of the femoral head in patients with femoral neck fracture, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that internal fixation, fracture type (displacement), reduction quality (dissatisfaction), BMI (> 25), and ASA grade (III + IV) were independent risk factors affecting femoral head necrosis in patients with femoral neck fracture.

Conclusion

A variety of high-risk factors for femoral head necrosis are present after surgery with hollow compression screws for femoral neck fracture in adults. Removal of internal fixation, type of fracture, quality of reduction, BMI, and ASA classification were the most important risk factors influencing the development of femoral head necrosis. During treatment, there should be some targeted measures to reduce the incidence of necrosis of the femoral head.
Association between institutional case volume and mortality following thoracic aorta replacement: a nationwide Korean cohort study
Authors: Nam Karam , Jang Eun Jin , Jo Jun Woo , Choi Jae Woong , Lee Minkyoo , Ryu Ho Geol
Published: June 2020

Background

The inverse relationship between case volume and postoperative mortality following high-risk surgical procedures have been reported. Thoracic aorta surgery is associated with one of the highest postoperative mortality. The relationship between institutional case volume and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing thoracic aorta replacement surgery was evaluated.

Methods

All thoracic aorta replacement surgeries performed in Korea between 2009 and 2016 in adult patients were analyzed using an administrative database. Hospitals were divided into low (< 30 cases/year), medium (30–60 cases/year), or high (> 60 cases/year) volume centers depending on the annual average number of thoracic aorta replacement surgeries performed. The impact of case volume on in-hospital mortality was assessed using the logistic regression.

Results

Across 83 hospitals, 4867 cases of thoracic aorta replacement were performed. In-hospital mortality was 8.6% (191/2222), 10.7% (77/717), and 21.9% (422/1928) in high, medium, and low volume centers, respectively. The adjusted risk of in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in medium (odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–2.11, P = 0.004) and low volume centers (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.54–3.85, P < 0.001) compared to high volume centers.

Conclusions

Patients who had underwent thoracic aorta replacement surgery in lower volume centers had increased risk of in-hospital mortality after surgery compared to those in higher volume centers. Our results may provide the basis for minimum case volume requirement or regionalization in thoracic aorta replacement surgery for optimal patient outcome.
Comparison of dual antiplatelet therapies after coronary endarterectomy combined with coronary artery bypass grafting: a cohort study
Authors: Yan Hua , Tiemuerniyazi Xieraili , Song Yangwu , Xu Fei , Feng Wei
Published: June 2020

Background

Coronary endarterectomy (CE) combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be the only option for complete revascularization in some patients with diffuse coronary artery disease. Unfortunately, CE can cause the lack of endothelium, resulting in increased risk of thrombotic events. Therefore, antithrombotic therapy is very important after surgery. However, there’s no consistent protocol exists till now. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of dual antiplatelet therapies (DAPT) including aspirin plus clopidogrel (AC) or ticagrelor (AT) after CE + CABG.

Method

A total of 137 continuous patients (mean age 60.0 ± 9.0 years) underwent CE + CABG from January 2016 to July 2018 in our center, and patients who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after surgery (n = 121) were included in this study. All of the patients received aspirin 100 mg daily therapy after surgery, and 67 of the patients received extra clopidogrel 75 mg (AC) daily therapy, whereas 54 received extra ticagrelor 90 mg (AT) twice daily. All patients continued aspirin monotherapy after 1 year. Occurrence of ischemic events and bleeding events between two groups were compared. Kaplan-Meier survival was used to compare freedom from major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) between two groups, and log-rank test was used to confirm statistical difference.

Results

Follow-up was completed by 99.2%, and median follow-up time was 30.0(22.5, 35.2) months. No operative death was observed, while perioperative myocardial infarction was observed in 2(1.7%) patients (AC 1.5% vs. AT 1.9%, p = ns). One patient in AC group suffered from cardiac tamponade. During the follow-up period, no death was observed. Ischemic events including nonfatal myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization and ischemic stroke were observed in 6(5.0%) patients (AC 4.5% vs. AT 5.6%, p = ns). Overt bleeding had occurred in 3(2.5%) patients (AC 3.0% vs. AT 1.9%, p = ns). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that MACCE-free survival of the two groups at 3 years was 97.0% in the AC group versus 94.1% in the AT group (p = ns).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing CE + CABG, DAPT therapy can be effective and safe with comparable results between AC and AT therapy in terms of ischemic and bleeding events. Further studies are needed.
PRKCQ inhibition enhances chemosensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer by regulating Bim
Authors: Byerly Jessica H. , Port Elisa R. , Irie Hanna Y.
Published: June 2020

Background

Protein kinase C theta, (PRKCQ/PKCθ) is a serine/threonine kinase that is highly expressed in a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) and promotes their growth, anoikis resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasion. Here, we show that PRKCQ regulates the sensitivity of TNBC cells to apoptosis triggered by standard-of-care chemotherapy by regulating levels of pro-apoptotic Bim.

Methods

To determine the effects of PRKCQ expression on chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, shRNA and cDNA vectors were used to modulate the PRKCQ expression in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells or triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231Luc, HCC1806). A novel PRKCQ small-molecule inhibitor, 17k, was used to inhibit kinase activity. Viability and apoptosis of cells treated with PRKCQ cDNA/shRNA/inhibitor +/-chemotherapy were measured. Expression levels of Bcl2 family members were assessed.

Results

Enhanced expression of PRKCQ is sufficient to suppress apoptosis triggered by paclitaxel or doxorubicin treatment. Downregulation of PRKCQ also enhanced the apoptosis of chemotherapy-treated TNBC cells. Regulation of chemotherapy sensitivity by PRKCQ mechanistically occurs via regulation of levels of Bim, a pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member; suppression of Bim prevents the enhanced apoptosis observed with combined PRKCQ downregulation and chemotherapy treatment. Regulation of Bim and chemotherapy sensitivity is significantly dependent on PRKCQ kinase activity; overexpression of a catalytically inactive PRKCQ does not suppress Bim or chemotherapy-associated apoptosis. Furthermore, PRKCQ kinase inhibitor treatment suppressed growth, increased anoikis and Bim expression, and enhanced apoptosis of chemotherapy-treated TNBC cells, phenocopying the effects of PRKCQ downregulation.

Conclusions

These studies support PRKCQ inhibition as an attractive therapeutic strategy and complement to chemotherapy to inhibit the growth and survival of TNBC cells.
Correction to: FAK activates AKT-mTOR signaling to promote the growth and progression of MMTV-Wnt1-driven basal-like mammary tumors
Authors: Paul Ritama , Luo Ming , Mo Xueying , Lu Jason , Yeo Syn Kok , Guan Jun-Lin
Published: June 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A novel C-terminal degron identified in bacterial aldehyde decarbonylases using directed evolution
Authors: Liu Yilan , Chen Jinjin , Khusnutdinova Anna N. , Correia Kevin , Diep Patrick , Batyrova Khorcheska A. , Nemr Kayla , Flick Robert , Stogios Peter , Yakunin Alexander F. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan
Published: June 2020

Background

Aldehyde decarbonylases (ADs), which convert acyl aldehydes into alkanes, supply promising solution for producing alkanes from renewable feedstock. However the instability of ADs impedes their further application. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the degradation mechanism of ADs and engineer it towards high stability.

Results

Here, we describe the discovery of a degradation tag (degron) in the AD from marine cyanobacteriumProchlorococcus marinususing error-prone PCR-based directed evolution system. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that this C-terminal degron is common in bacterial ADs and identified a conserved C-terminal motif, RMSAYGLAAA, representing the AD degron (ADcon). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the ATP-dependent proteases ClpAP and Lon are involved in the degradation of AD-tagged proteins inE. coli, thereby limiting alkane production. Deletion or modification of the degron motif increased alkane production in vivo.

Conclusion

This work revealed the presence of a novel degron in bacterial ADs responsible for its instability. The in vivo experiments proved eliminating or modifying the degron could stabilize AD, thereby producing higher titers of alkanes.
Serious infections in people with systemic sclerosis: a national US study
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A. , Cleveland John D.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To study incidence, time trends, and outcomes of serious infections in systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

We used the 1998–2016 US National Inpatient Sample data. We examined the epidemiology, time trends, and outcomes of five serious infections (opportunistic infections (OI), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, and sepsis/bacteremia) in hospitalized people with SSc. We performed multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to analyze independent association of factors with healthcare utilization (hospital charges, length of hospital stay, discharge to non-home setting) and in-hospital mortality.

Results

There were 49,904,955 hospitalizations with serious infections in people without SSc and 61,615 in those with SSc. During 1998–2016, the most common serious infections in SSc were pneumonia (45%), sepsis (32%), SSTI (19%), UTI (3%), and OI (3%). In 2013–2014, sepsis surpassed pneumonia as the most common serious infection; by 2015–2016, sepsis was 1.8 times more common than pneumonia. Over the study period, hospital charges increased, while length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality decreased, overall and for each serious infection. Multivariable-adjusted analyses showed that sepsis, age ≥ 80 years, and Deyo-Charlson score ≥ 2 were associated with significantly higher odds of healthcare utilization and in-hospital mortality, and Medicare or Medicaid insurance payer, Northeast location, urban teaching or non-teaching hospital, and medium or large hospital bed size with significantly higher odds of healthcare utilization.

Conclusions

Outcomes in people with SSc hospitalized with serious infections have improved over time, except higher hospital charges. Identification of factors associated with higher healthcare utilization and in-hospital mortality allows for developing interventions to improve outcomes.
Development of a multivariable improvement measure for gout
Authors: Schlesinger Naomi , Edwards N. Lawrence , Yeo Anthony E. , Lipsky Peter E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Gout is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease with numerous clinical manifestations. A composite means to assess the impact of therapy on numerous aspects of gout could be useful.

Methods

Results from patients treated with pegloticase or placebo in two randomized clinical trials and their open-label extension were assessed using a novel evidence-based Gout Multivariable Improvement Measure (GMIM) derived from previously reported criteria for remission and complete response. Improvement was defined as serum urate (sU) < 6 mg/dL and absence of flares during the preceding 3 months plus 20, 50, and 70% improvement in tophus size, patient global assessment, pain, and swollen and tender joints.

Results

Patients treated with pegloticase manifested a significantly greater GMIM20, 50, and 70 response vs those treated with placebo (GMIM20 at 6 months 37.1% vs 0%, respectively). Higher response rates were significantly more frequent in subjects with persistent urate lowering (GMIM 58.1% at 6 months) in response to pegloticase versus those with only transient urate lowering (GMIM 7.1% at 6 months). However, when the requirement for a decrease in sU to < 6 mg/dL was omitted, a substantial percentage of subjects with transient urate lowering met the GMIM clinical criteria. A sensitivity analysis indicated that gout flares contributed minimally to the model. The response measured by GMIM persisted into the open-level extension for as long as 2 years. Finally, subjects who received placebo in the randomized control trials, but pegloticase in the open-label extension, manifested GMIM responses comparable to that noted with pegloticase-treated subjects in the randomized controlled trials.

Conclusions

GMIM captures changes in disease activity in response to treatment with pegloticase and may serve as an evidence-based tool for assessment of responses to other urate-lowering therapies in gout patients.
Research on simulation of school uniform supply chain optimal model based on internet of things
Authors: Jun Chen
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the information sharing platform based on the Internet of things is constructed to improve the efficiency of supply chain, and the flow chart based on the Internet of things of the school uniform is analyzed, integrated application of Internet of things technology in supply chain to analyze the detail of the system. By calculating Lyapunov Index, power spectrum, and correlation dimension, the bifurcation and chaos characteristics of supply chain under different production strategies are analyzed. At the same time, the periodicity and initial value sensitivity of chaos are used to explain the feasibility of manufacturer organizing flexible production and the causes of bullwhip effect in supply chain and corresponding prevention measures. And the experiment results show that bullwhip effect will occur in the chaotic supply chain system, which can be suppressed by short-term forecasting and accelerating the speed of demand information transmission. Chaos also has a favorable side for enterprises, such as making low-cost flexible production possible.
Automatic registration method using EM sensors in the IoT operating room
Authors: Lin Qinyong , Yang Rongqian , Dai Zhiyu , Chen Huazhou , Cai Ken
Published: June 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) in the operating room can aid to improve the quality of the computer-aided surgical system. Patient-to-image registration is an important issue for computer-aided surgical systems. Automating the procedure of patient-to-image registration could increase tracking accuracy and lower the time consumed for performing the procedure of registration. Therefore, we propose an automatic registration method to address this issue by constructing a wireless sensor network system for surgery. A plastic fiducial object combing with specific markers is developed to perform registration in that the ultimate purpose is to integrate them into a surgical robotic system for surgical navigation. The specific markers are designed to localize the position of the small EM sensor and can be automatically detected in CT/MRI images by an automatic algorithm. The positions of the EM tracking sensors can be calibrated during the procedure of registration. Some experiments are designed and performed, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed registration method is robust and accurate. The proposed registration method is a foundational link of the surgical robots combing with virtual or augmented reality technology that all these technologies will be performed in further surgical navigation.
Generalizations of Ostrowski type inequalities via Hermite polynomials
Authors: Kvesić Ljiljanka , Pečarić Josip , Ribičić Penava Mihaela
Published: June 2020

We present new generalizations of the weighted Montgomery identity constructed by using the Hermite interpolating polynomial. The obtained identities are used to establish new generalizations of weighted Ostrowski type inequalities for differentiable functions of class $C^{n}$

C
n

. Also, we consider new bounds for the remainder of the obtained identities by using the Chebyshev functional and certain Grüss type inequalities for this functional. By applying those results we derive inequalities for the class of n-convex functions.
New generalized reverse Minkowski and related integral inequalities involving generalized fractional conformable integrals
Authors: Rashid Saima , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet , Rahman Gauhar
Published: June 2020

This paper gives some novel generalizations by considering the generalized conformable fractional integrals operator for reverse Minkowski type and reverse Hölder type inequalities. Furthermore, novel consequences connected with this inequality, together with statements and confirmation of various variants for the advocated generalized conformable fractional integral operator, are elaborated. Moreover, our derived results are provided to show comparisons of convergence between old and modified operators towards a function under different parameters and conditions. The numerical approximations of our consequence have several utilities in applied sciences and fractional integro-differential equations.
Dynamic of interactive model for information propagation across social networks media
Authors: Zhang Yaming , Liu Fei , Koura Yaya H. , Wang Hao
Published: June 2020

Controlling information diffusion or propagation through social networks can be challenging when dealing with information related to a subject of highest interest for the public. The complexity level of control depends on subject importance, users’ dynamic, and network structure. When two published messages or pieces of information share the same interest for targeted readers, analyzing their propagation dynamic for control and prediction is of great interest. This article proposes to model, based on a modified interactive system with Holling type functional response, the dynamic of underlying relationship between two broadcasted messages traveling through social networks media. We showed in the qualitative analysis of the proposed model that system could be stable at certain conditions, and the model-system exhibited very rich dynamical behavior. Numerical simulation results validated theoretical analyses and suggested adapting resources harvesting and assimilation efficiency for an authoritative message to stabilize the system and control the dissemination of information in a closed environment.
Detection of arrhythmia using an implantable cardiac monitor following a cryptogenic stroke: a single-center observational study
Authors: Öner Alper , Lips Thomas , Walter Uwe , Storch Alexander , Ince Hüseyin , Caglayan Evren , Yücel Seyrani , Ortak Jasmin , Schmidt Christian
Published: June 2020

Background

Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke (CS) has therapeutic implications, but the most effective type and optimal duration of monitoring have still to be defined. This study that involved patients with CS or transient ischemic attack (TIA), all of whom carried an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM), sought to assess the incidence of AF and other arrhythmia detected using tele-monitoring or interval-based follow-up by an internal cardiologist at the university medical center of Rostock (UMR) or an external cardiologist.

Methods

The ICM implantation was performed during the inpatient stay in the neurology department, with inclusion and exclusion criteria jointly determined by the neurology and cardiology departments. Cardiologists programmed individual threshold values during ICM implantation, which were designed to instantly trigger an episode being recording and an alarm message being sent out. Outpatient care consisted of tele-monitoring of implants or interval-based follow-up care.

Results

The indication for ICM implantation was made for 102 patients, 88 of whom underwent ICM implantation, with full documentation available for these 88 study patients. Within a median observation period of 21.5 months, AF occurred in 19 patients, with a median observation time to the event of 7 months. In all cases, AF detection was followed by immediate medical intervention. Comparing patients with and without AF revealed that the median age of the AF group exceeded by 10 years that of the other patients. Stroke recurrence was recorded in five patients, with a median observation time to the event of 9 months. Comparing patients with and without stroke recurrence revealed that the median age in the stroke recurrence group tended to be higher by 14 years. No statistically significant between-group differences were found with regard to integration into tele-monitoring, nor were there any differences identified between outpatient care at the UMR or in the outpatient sector.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the feasibility of using an interdisciplinary and intersectoral therapeutic approach for monitoring CS patients with implanted ICMs. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm these encouraging data. An open discussion concerning optimal care forms and opportunities for introducing digitizing care pathways appears warranted.
Association between obesity and clinical prognosis in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cai Shao-Hang , Liao Wei , Chen Shu-Wei , Liu Li-Li , Liu Si-Yao , Zheng Zhi-Dan
Published: June 2020

Background

It is well established that obesity is a disease of sustained low-grade inflammation. However, it is currently unknown if obesity plays a role in the clinical manifestations and prognosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether obesity played a role in clinical manifestations and prognosis in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicenter clinical study. A total of 96 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled from Dongguan People’s Hospital, Nanfang hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between 23 January and 14 February 2020. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was defined as oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) ≤ 300 mmHg. We grouped patients through the body mass index (BMI). Associations were examined using the t test, χ2 test and multivariate logistic forward regression test.

Results

Patients with BMI <  24 were significantly younger (P = 0.025) with lower creatine kinase (P = 0.013), lower diastolic pressure blood (P = 0.035), lower serum creatinine (P = 0.012), lower lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.001) and higher platelet count (P = 0.002). The BMI level was 20.78 ± 3.15 in patients without pneumonia compared with the patients with pneumonia (23.81 ± 3.49, P = 0.001). For patients without ARDS, an average BMI level of 22.65 ± 3.53 was observed, significantly lower than patients with ARDS (24.57 ± 3.59, P = 0.022). The mean BMI was 22.35 ± 3.56 in patients experienced with relieving the clinical symptoms or stable condition by radiographic tests, lower than patients with disease exacerbation with 24.89 ± 3.17 (P = 0.001). In addition, lymphocyte count (r = − 0.23, P = 0.027) and platelet count (r = − 0.44, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with BMI. While hemoglobin (r = 0.267, P = 0.008), creatine kinase (r = 0.331, P = 0.001), serum creatinine (r = 0.424, P < 0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.343, P = 0.001) were significantly positive correlated with BMI. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (OR = 1.046, P = 0.009) and BMI ≥ 24 (OR = 1.258, P = 0.005) were independent risk factors associated ICU admission while BMI ≥ 24 (OR = 4.219, P = 0.007) was independent risk factor associated with radiographic disease exacerbation.

Conclusions

Our study found BMI was significantly associated with clinical manifestations and prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. For patients with increased risk, clinicians should intervene promptly to avoid disease progression.
The emerging roles of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in human cancers
Authors: Shen Huafei , Lan Yifen , Zhao Yanchun , Shi Yuanfei , Jin Jie , Xie Wanzhuo
Published: June 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant form of mRNA modification in eukaryotes. It affects various aspects of RNA metabolism, including nuclear export, translation, decay and alternative splicing. In addition, m6A also participates in a great number of human physiological processes, ranging from spermatogenesis modulation, response to heat shock, the control of T cell homeostasis to stem cell proliferation and differentiation. The dynamic equilibrium of m6A level is regulated by m6A methyltransferases (“writers”), m6A demethylases (“erasers”) as well as m6A-binding proteins (“readers”). Once the balance is broken, numerous diseases will knock on the door. Recently, increasing studies reveal that m6A methylation exerts a profound impact on tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the functions of m6A modification and its emerging roles in human cancers, and discuss the potential of m6A regulators as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
A hybrid semantic query expansion approach for Arabic information retrieval
Authors: ALMarwi Hiba , Ghurab Mossa , Al-Baltah Ibrahim
Published: June 2020

In fact, most of information retrieval systems retrieve documents based on keywords matching, which are certainly fail at retrieving documents that have similar meaning with syntactical different keywords (form). One of the well-known approaches to overcome this limitation is query expansion (QE). There are several approaches in query expansion field such as statistical approach. This approach depends on term frequency to generate expansion features; nevertheless it does not consider meaning or term dependency. In addition, there are other approaches such as semantic approach which depends on a knowledge base that has a limited number of terms and relations. In this paper, researchers propose a hybrid approach for query expansion which utilizes both statistical and semantic approach. To select the optimal terms for query expansion, researchers propose an effective weighting method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). A system prototype was implemented as a proof-of-concept, and its accuracy was evaluated. The experimental was carried out based on real dataset. The experimental results confirm that the proposed approach enhances the accuracy of query expansion.
Characterization and field evaluation of tetrahedral and triangular nucleopolyhedrovirus of Spilosoma obliqua (SpobNPV) strain NBAIR1 against jute hairy caterpillar
Authors: Sivakumar G. , Kannan M. , Babu V. Ramesh , Mohan M. , Kumari Surabhi , Rangeshwaran R. , Venkatesan T. , Ballal Chandish R.
Published: June 2020

Jute hairy caterpillar,Spilosoma(=Spilarctia)obliqua(Walker) (Arctiidae: Lepidoptera), is an irregular and polyphagous insect pest that occurs all over India. A severe natural viral epizootic was observed in the field population ofS. obliquain jute. The virus was characterized asSpilosoma obliquanucleopolyhedrovirus (SpobNPV NBAIR1) based on morphological, biological, and molecular characterization. Under scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), the occlusion bodies (OBs) of SpobNPV NBAIR1 appeared as both tetrahedral and triangular with the size ranged from 1.04-1.72 μm. The results on the bioassay studies revealed that the lowest LC50value of 2.93 OBs/mm2by leaf disc bioassay against the second instarS. obliquashowed its high virulence. The identity of SpobNPV was further confirmed by the amplification of polyhedrin gene (NCBI GenBank accession no. MK288145). Eleven species of lepidopteran insects, viz.,Spodoptera litura,S. exigua,S. frugiperda,Helicoverpa armigera,Plutella xylostella,Amsacta albistriga,Maruca vitrata,Trichoplusia ni,Pieris brassicae,Agrotis ipsilon, andBombyx mori, were not susceptible to the infection with SpobNPV NBAIR1. Field experiments on jute crop revealed 68.92, 78.59, and 93.16% reduction in larval population ofS. obliquaat 3, 4, and 7 days post spray of SpobNPV NBAIR1 (1.5 × 1012OBs/ha at 2 ml/l), respectively. The present study is a renewed effort in the management ofS. obliquaby the new strain of SpobNPV NBAIR1.
Knowledge of the Egyptian emergency physicians about the use of rt-PA in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: El-khatib Mohamed El-Sayed , El Ahwal Shereen Ahmed , Masoud Muhammad , El Mously Sherine
Published: June 2020

Background

The administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) has increased the focus on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) as an emergency condition. The emergency physicians have to rapidly recognize the patients who are candidates for rt-PA and refer them to the specialized stroke team within the proper time window. The knowledge of the emergency physicians about the benefit and the drawbacks of this therapy is crucial and it affects their attitudes towards its use.

Objective

To apply a survey on the Egyptian emergency physicians aiming to investigate their knowledge about the use rt-PA therapy in AIS.

Methodology

A self-administered questionnaire was sent to the emergency physicians who are working in three Egyptian governorates.

Results

Out of 120 emergency physicians, the total knowledge of the study group was good with a score of 7 ± 1.8/11. Most of the participants mentioned the correct answers (over 50%) for all items except for one question regarding the blood glucose control before the use of rt-PA. Significant positive correlation was noted between the knowledge score and the age.

Conclusions

The surveyed emergency physicians had a good knowledge about the use of rt-PA in AIS, yet, this knowledge is mainly theoretical. Therefore, tutorials, clinical training, and active engagement in the stroke care team are warranted to improve their clinical practice.
Finger millet porridges subjected to different processing conditions showed low glycemic index and variable efficacy on plasma antioxidant capacity of healthy adults
Authors: Kumari Disna , Chandrasekara Anoma , Athukorale Prisko , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: June 2020

Finger millet porridges (FMP), rich in nutrient and non-nutrient compounds have been used in the traditional food cultures in Asia. The aims of the study were to determine the effect of different processing conditions of finger millet grains on glycemic response, phenolic content and the antioxidant activities of FMP and to determine the short term and long term efficacy of its consumption on plasma antioxidant levels of healthy adults. Twelve types of FMP were prepared combining different processing conditions. Phenolic content of porridges as well as antioxidant activities were determined. The glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) values of FMP were also evaluated. The long term efficacy of FMP consumption on plasma glucose (PG), total cholesterol (TC) levels and plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) of 18 subjects were investigated using a 24 weeks randomized cross-over study. The short term efficacy of porridge consumption on AC was determined. PAC was measured by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). All FMP exhibited low GI values (< 55) except the raw roasted flour which showed high and medium GI values for both particle sizes used. Parboiling of finger millet grains with 15 min steaming produced FMP with low glycemic response and possessed high PAC. Compared to baseline, PAC measured using FRAP and TEAC assays increased after 8 weeks consumption of porridge though significant changes were not observed for PG and TC levels. Furthermore, PAC was increased by 23 and 14% after 2 h of porridge consumption as measured by TEAC and FRAP, respectively. FMP consumption increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity of healthy adults. Further research on examining the potential of FMP on improving the antioxidant capacity in patients with diabetes is warranted.

Graphical abstract
Clinical and methodological considerations for psychological treatment of cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder
Authors: Douglas Katie M. , Milanovic Melissa , Porter Richard J. , Bowie Christopher R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Cognitive impairment is considered a core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and research into psychological treatments aiming to address cognitive impairment are gaining momentum. Compared with the well-established research base of cognitive treatment trials in schizophrenia, including meta-analyses, mood disorder research is much more preliminary.

Aims

To focus on identifying the important factors to consider in developing larger-scale psychological treatment trials targeting cognitive impairment in mood disorders. Trial design recommendations have been published for cognitive treatment trials in bipolar disorder.

Method

An in-depth discussion of methodological considerations in the development of cognitive treatment trials for MDD.

Results

Methodological considerations include: screening for, and defining, cognitive impairment; mood state when cognitive intervention begins; medication monitoring during cognitive interventions; use of concomitant therapy; level of therapist involvement; duration and dose of treatment; choice of specific cognitive training exercises; home practice; improving adherence; appropriate comparison therapies in clinical trials; and choice of primary outcomes.

Conclusions

As well as guidance for clinical trial development, this review may be helpful for clinicians wanting to provide cognitive interventions for individuals with MDD.
A meta-analysis of client-therapist perspectives on the therapeutic alliance: Examining the moderating role of type of measurement and diagnosis
Authors: Igra Libby , Lavidor Michal , Atzil-Slonim Dana , Arnon-Ribenfeld Nitzan , de Jong Steven , Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit
Published: June 2020

Background:

Clients and therapists often have different perspectives on their therapeutic alliance (TA), affecting the process and outcome of therapy. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to assess the mean differences between clients’ and therapists’ estimations of TA among clients with severe disturbances, while focusing on two potential moderators: client diagnosis and alliance instrument.

Method:

We conducted a systematic literature search of studies examining both client perspective and therapist perspective on TA in psychotherapy among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, personality disorders, and substance misuse disorders. We then analyzed the data using a random-effects meta-analytic model with Cohen’s d standardized mean effect size.

Results:

Heterogeneity analyses (k = 22, Cohen’s d = −.46, 95% confidence interval = .31–1.1) produced a significant Q-statistic (Q = 94.96) and indicated high heterogeneity, suggesting that moderator analyses were appropriate.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that the type of TA instrument moderates the agreement on TA between client and therapist, but there was no indication of the client’s diagnosis moderating the effect. The agreement between client and therapist estimations seems to be dependent on the instrument that is used to assess TA. Specific setting-related instruments seem to result in higher agreement between clients’ and therapists’ estimations than do more general instruments that are applied to assess TA.
A production and perception study of /t/ glottalization and oral releases following glottals in the US
Authors: Eddington David Ellingson , Brown Earl Kjar
Published: June 2020

The articulation of /t/ in American English varies according to linguistic and extralinguistic factors. Concerning social factors, word-final /t/ glottalization is seen more among speakers of African American English (Farrington 2018), younger speakers (Partin-Hernandez 2005, Roberts 2006), and women (Byrd 1994, Eddington and Channer 2010).

This paper examines the production and perception of /t/ in five US states: Indiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont. For the production study, participants read a letter containing 24 prenasal word-medial /t/s (e.g., kitten) and 28 prevocalic word-final /t/s (e.g., not ever). For the perception study, 22 speakers recorded a unique sentence, each of which was manipulated acoustically in order to yield both oral and nasal releases of prenasal word-medial /t/ (e.g. button [bʌʔən] vs [bʌʔn̩]), as well as tap and glottal stop pronunciations of prevocalic word-final /t/ (e.g. not ever [nɑɾɛvɚ] vs. [nɑʔɛvɚ]). Next, these recordings were presented to participants who rated the speakers in terms of their perceived age, friendliness, pleasantness, rurality, education level, and whether they were from the same state as the participants.

The production results for prenasal word-medial /t/ (e.g. button) indicate that younger speakers produced oral releases more often than their older counterparts. Age also was related to the realization of prevocalic word-final /t/ as a glottal stop (e.g., not ever), such that younger speakers and women produced glottal stops more often than older speakers. In the perception study, speakers who used glottal stops were viewed as less educated and less friendly. Speakers who used oral releases were perceived as more rustic and less educated.

This paper contributes to the literature documenting the production and perception of /t/ in American English and to the literature that demonstrates the usefulness of using both production and perceptual data to study language variation (e.g., Brown 2015).
Cosmopolitanism and Imagination in Nayaka South India
Authors: Gommans Jos
Published: June 2020

Questions arising from the so-called Brooklyn kalamkari, a seven-panel, hand-painted cotton textile, have confronted art historians for decades: what do we see, who produced it for whom, what does it mean? With royal court scenes from all over the Indian Ocean world, the Brooklyn kalamkari represents a uniquely cosmopolitan worldview from early-seventeenth-century South India. In this essay I discuss the makings of this particular worldview in the context of early modern processes of globalization and state-formation. By engaging with the work of Indologists Johan Huizinga, Jan Heesterman, and David Shulman on Indian kingship and theater, I then attempt to decode the local and the global, as well as the seen and unseen, meaning of this textile.
Stepping into the Breach of Federal Inaction: Reforming the Financing of Long-Term Services and Supports in the Post-CLASS Era
Authors: Miller Edward Alan , Nadash Pamela , Cohen Marc A.
Published: June 2020

The growing need for long-term services and supports (LTSS) poses significant challenges to both individuals and government. This article documents the continuing failure to tackle this problem at the national level—a failure that was most recently seen in the fallout from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which included the single piece of national legislation ever enacted to comprehensively address LTSS costs: the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act. The CLASS Act was passed as part of the ACA (Title 8) but was repealed in 2013. Following its demise, policy experts and some Democrats have made additional proposals for addressing the LTSS financing crisis. Moreover, significant government action is taking place at the state level, both to relieve financial and emotional burdens on LTSS recipients and their families and to ease pressure on state Medicaid budgets. Lessons from these initiatives could serve as opportunities for learning how to overcome roadblocks to successful policy development, adoption, and implementation across states and for traversing the policy and political tradeoffs should a policy window once again open for addressing the problem of LTSS financing nationally.