bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Accuracy Boosts in Exploration and Production from Natural Language Processing Software
Authors: Walker Alec Kennedy
Published: June 2020

In order to fully inform their technical decisions, teams in upstream review reports, journals, and other textual files as references. Facing increasing challenges in the extraction of data and knowledge from a growing body of digital unstructured textual files, exploration geologists are beginning to consider virtual advisors employing natural language processing to expedite this research. This paper explores a use case in which an operator utilized a third-party natural language processing platform to enhance the performance of one of their teams. The paper details how the operator identified the opportunity for improvement using a natural language processing platform, how the project was scoped internally, how the decision was made to seek an external service provider, how the service provider was vetted, how the service provider performed throughout implementation, and what value the resulting tool has delivered to the operator following implementation. The tool was able to take as input a question asked in natural language and return relevant answers from across the unstructured files as well as to take as input a database with missing data and fill it with values from across the unstructured files. Using the tool, the operator has been able to cut out entirely a significant part of the workflow when evaluating geographical areas for prospective development. Before the tool was implemented, this process had become entirely unmanageable. Due to the proliferation of unstructured data, operator personnel were spending rapidly increasing portions of their time accomplishing diminishing portions of the necessary research to inform their decisions. Following deployment of the tool, the operator personnel no longer need to spend time finding the relevant knowledge and data within the unstructured documents, as the virtual advisor takes care of this step for them. This paper aims to inspire operators to consider natural language processing solutions to unstructured file research challenges. More significantly, it highlights in detail a precedent that can serve to inform others in the industry as to an appropriate scope, process, and scale for deployment of such a solution generally.
Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium sseK3 induces apoptosis and enhances glycolysis in macrophages
Authors: Yu Chuan , Du Fuyu , Zhang Chunjie , Li Yinju , Liao Chengshui , He Lei , Cheng Xiangchao , Zhang Xiaojie
Published: June 2020

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ( S. Typhimurium) is an important infectious disease pathogen that can survive and replicate in macrophages. Glycolysis is essential for immune responses against S. Typhimurium infection in macrophages, and is also associated with apoptosis. S. Typhimurium secreted effector K3 (SseK3) was recently identified as a novel translated and secreted protein. However, there is no study about the role of sseK3 in the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis in cells infected with S. Typhimurium. It is unclear whether this protein exerts a significant role in the progress of apoptosis and glycolysis in S. Typhimurium-infected macrophages. Results: Macrophages were infected with S. Typhimurium SL1344 wild-type (WT), Δ sseK3 mutant or sseK3 -complemented strain, and the effects of sseK3 on apoptosis and glycolysis were determined. The adherence and invasion in the Δ sseK3 mutant group were similar to that in the WT and sseK3 -complemented groups, indicating that SseK3 was not essential for the adherence and invasion of S. Typhimurium in macrophages. However, the percentage of apoptosis in the Δ sseK3 mutant group was much lower than that in the WT and sseK3 -complemented groups. Caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 enzyme activity in the Δ sseK3 mutant group were significantly lower than in the WT group and sseK3 -complemented groups, indicating that sseK3 could improve the caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 enzyme activity. We also found that there were no significant differences in pyruvic acid levels between the three groups, but the lactic acid level in the Δ sseK3 mutant group was much lower than that in the WT and sseK3 -complemented groups. The ATP levels in the Δ sseK3 mutant group were remarkably higher than those in the WT and sseK3 -complemented groups. These indicated that the sseK3 enhanced the level of glycolysis in macrophages infected by S. Typhimurium. Conclusions: S. Typhimurium sseK3 is likely involved in promoting macrophage apoptosis and modulating glycolysis in macrophages. Our results could improve our understanding of the relationship between apoptosis and glycolysis in macrophages induced by S. Typhimurium sseK3 .
Cholecystectomy outcomes after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with choledocholithiasis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jie , Yang Chuang
Published: June 2020

Background Endoscopic sphincterotomy is the standard treatment for common bile duct stones.There is different evidence considering complications specifically biliary pancreatitis and cholangitis with the use of cholecystectomy after endoscopic sphincterotomy.The purpose of this article is to compare the positive cholecystectomy after endoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones, whether the incidence of recurrent pancreatitis cholangitis is reduced, especially in high-risk patients. Methods We searched Pubmed(1990-2019)、Embase(1990-2019)和 Cochrane(1990-2019)database for trials comparing the 2 strategies for gallstones after ES.A related article on the removal of gallbladder after endoscopic sphincterotomy was collected,followed by analysis of each group using RevMan. Results We have adopted a total of 8 studies, including 7 randomized controlled trials and 1 retrospective study. A total of 12718 patients were included in the study, 4922 in the early cholecystectomy group, and 7795 in the gallbladder in situ group.During the follow-up period, 41 patients had pancreatitis after endoscopic sphincterotomy in the cholecystectomy group, and 177 patients in the wait-and-see group. The incidence of pancreatitis in the gallbladder in situ group was significantly reduced(RR 0.38, 95%CI 0.27 to 0.53, P < 0.00001,I 2 =0%).The incidence of cholangitis and jaundice in the removal of the gallbladder group was also less than that in the preserved gallbladder group(RR 0.31, 95%CI 0.26 to 0.38, P < 0.00001,I 2 =0%).There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups(RR 0.73, 95%CI 0.52 to 1.02, P =0.07,I 2 =14%).There is a significant difference in cholecystitis or biliary colic(RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.29, P < 0.00001,I 2 =28%). Conclusions Early endoscopic cholecystectomy after removal of common bile duct stones can effectively reduce biliary complications such as recurrent pancreatitis, cholangitis and cholecystitis. This is still true for high-risk patients, and has no significant effect on the mortality of patients. After ES,laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be recommended.
The impact of parents' health behaviours on their preferences regarding vaccinations in Bialystok, Poland
Authors: Kraśnicka Jolanta , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Klimaszewska Krystyna , Cybulski Mateusz , Guzowski Andrzej , Lewko Jolanta , Łukaszuk Cecylia , Kowalczuk Krystyna , Doroszkiewicz Halina , Baranowska Anna , Krajewska-Ferishah Katarzyna , Rolka Hanna , Kulak Wojciech
Published: June 2020

Background. Currently, as the number of vaccinated children in Poland and throughout Europe is decreasing. Many factors impact on the rate vaccination and parents’ health behaviours may affect the frequency of vaccinations. The aim of the study was to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 to assess to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations in Białystok city, Poland. We used the the Inventory of Health Behaviours and an original questionnaire including demographic data and questions about vaccination. Three hundred parents were recruited from the Pro Medica Family Medica Center in Bialystok, Poland.Results: Only 3.7% of respondents did not vaccinate their children. The level of health behaviours was average in 42.3% of the respondents, low in 33%, and high in 24.7%. Significant differences in health behaviours, mainly the level of normal eating habits (p = 0.038) and positive mental attitude (p=0.022), were found in relation to views on the toxicity of vaccines. Participants who reported that vaccines can cause autism engaged in a higher level of prophylactic behaviours. Respondents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a significantly higher level of health practices. Conclusions: Parents preferred health behaviours did not effect on children vaccination. Parents who believed in the toxicity of vaccines were more concerned about proper nutrition, had a positive mental attitude, and engaged in a higher level of preventive behaviours and health practices. Parents who did not vaccinate their children had lower levels of normal eating habits. Parents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a higher level of health behaviours, especially in terms of health practices.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and the risk of the Type 1 diabetes: A meta-regression and updated meta-analysis
Authors: Zhai Na , Bidares Ramtin , Makoui Masoud Hassanzadeh , Aslani Saeed , Mohammadi Payam , Razi Bahman , Imani Danyal , Yazdchi Mohammad , Mikaeili Haleh
Published: June 2020

Background: The association between the polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been evaluated in several studies. However, the findings were inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the effect of VDR gene polymorphisms on the risk of T1DM.Methods: All relevant studies reporting the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to T1DM published up to May 2020 were identified by comprehensive systematic database search in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE. Strength of association were assessed by calculating of pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. To find the potential sources of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were also performed. Results: A total of 40 case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results of overall population rejected any significant association between VDR gene polymorphisms and T1DM risk. However, the pooled results of subgroup analysis revealed significant negative and positive associations between FokI and BsmI polymorphisms and T1DM in Africans and Americans, respectively. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested a significant association between VDR gene polymorphism and T1DM susceptibility in ethnic-specific analysis.
Structure guided protein engineering increases enzymatic activities of the SGNH family esterases
Authors: Li Zhengyang , Li Long , Huo Yingyi , Chen Zijun , Zhao Yu , Huang Jing , Jian Shuling , Rong Zhen , Wu Di , Gan Jianhua , Hu Xiaojian , Li Jixi , Xu Xue-Wei
Published: June 2020

Background: Esterases and lipases hydrolyze short-chain esters and long-chain triglycerides, respectively, and therefore play essential roles in the synthesis and decomposition of ester bonds in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Many SGNH family esterases share high similarity in sequences. However, they have distinct enzymatic activities toward the same substrates. Due to a lack of structural information, the detailed catalytic mechanisms of these esterases remain barely investigated. Results: In this study, we identified two SGNH family esterases, CrmE10 and AlinE4, from marine bacteria with significantly different preferences for pH, temperature, metal ion, and organic solvent tolerance despite high sequence similarity. The crystal structures of these two esterases, including wild type and mutants, were determined to high resolutions ranging from 1.18 Å to 2.24 Å. Both CrmE10 and AlinE4 were composed of five β-strands and nine α-helices, which formed one compact N-terminal α/β globular domain and one extended C-terminal domain. The aspartic residues (D178 in CrmE10/ D162 in AlinE4) destabilized the conformations of the catalytic triad (Ser-Asp-His) in both esterases, and the metal ion Cd2+ might reduce enzymatic activity by blocking proton transfer or substrate binding. CrmE10 and AlinE4 showed distinctly different electrostatic surface potentials, despite the similar atomic architectures and a similar swap catalytic mechanism. When five negative charged residues (Asp or Glu) were mutated to residue Lys, CrmE10 obtained elevated alkaline-adaptability and significantly increased the enzymatic activity from 0% to 20% at pH 10.5. Also, CrmE10 mutants exhibited dramatic change for enzymatic properties when compared with the wide-type enzyme. Conclusions: These findings offer a perspective for understanding the catalytic mechanism of different esterases and might facilitate the industrial biocatalytic applications.
Low-arginine and low-protein diets induce hepatic lipid accumulation through different mechanisms in growing rats
Authors: Otani Lila , Nishi Hiroki , Koyama Ayaka , Akasaka Yuta , Taguchi Yusuke , Toyoshima Yuka , Yamanaka Daisuke , Hakuno Fumihiko , Jia Huijuan , Takahashi Shin-Ichiro , Kato Hisanori
Published: June 2020

Background Dietary protein deficiency and amino acid imbalance cause hepatic fat accumulation. We previously demonstrated that only arginine deficiency or total amino acid deficiency in a diet caused significant hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation in young Wistar rats. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of fatty liver formation in these models.Dietary protein deficiency and amino acid imbalance cause hepatic fat accumulation. We previously demonstrated that only arginine deficiency or total amino acid deficiency in a diet caused significant hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation in young Wistar rats. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of fatty liver formation in these models. Methods We fed 6-week-old male Wistar rats a control diet (containing an amino acid mixture equivalent to 15% protein), a low-total-amino acid diet (equivalent to 5% protein; 5PAA), and a low-arginine diet (only the arginine content is as low as that of the 5PAA diet) for 2 weeks. Results Much greater hepatic TG accumulation was observed in the low-arginine group than in the low-total-amino acid group. The lipid consumption rate and fatty acid uptake in the liver did not significantly differ between the groups. In contrast, the low-total-amino acid diet potentiated insulin sensitivity and related signaling in the liver and enhanced de novo lipogenesis. The low-arginine diet also inhibited hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein secretion without affecting hepatic insulin signaling and lipogenesis. Conclusions : Although the arginine content of the low-arginine diet was as low as that of the low-total-amino acid diet, the two diets caused fatty liver via completely different mechanisms. Enhanced lipogenesis was the primary cause of a low-protein diet-induced fatty liver, whereas lower very-low-density lipoprotein secretion caused low-arginine diet-induced fatty liver.
Prevalence of Crowding, Boarding and Staffing Levels in Swedish Emergency Departments - a National Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Wretborn Jens , Henricson Joakim , Ekelund Ulf , Wilhelms Daniel B
Published: June 2020

Background: Emergency Department (ED) crowding occurs when demand for care exceeds the available resources. Crowding has been associated with decreased quality of care and increased mortality, but the prevalence on a national level is unknown in most countries. Method: We performed a national, cross-sectional study on staffing levels, staff workload, occupancy rate and patients waiting for an in-hospital bed (boarding) at five time points during 24 hours in Swedish EDs. Results: Complete data were collected from 37 (51% of all) EDs in Sweden. High occupancy rate indicated crowding at twelve hospitals (37.5 %) at 31 out of 170 (18.2%) time points. Mean workload (measured on a scale from 1, no workload to 6, very high workload) was moderate at 2.65 (±1.25). Boarding was more prevalent in academic EDs than rural EDs (median 3 vs 0). There were an average of 2.6, 4.6 and 3.2 patients per registered nurse, enrolled nurse and physician, respectively. Conclusion: ED crowding based on occupancy rate was prevalent on a national level in Sweden and comparable with international data. Staff workload, boarding and patient to staff ratios were generally lower than previously described.
A long non-coding RNA, HOTAIR, promotes cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis by inhibiting WIF-1 expression and activating Wnt pathway
Authors: Yang Yang , Xing Dan , Wang Yawei , Jia Haobo , Li Bing , Li Jiao Jiao
Published: June 2020

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently found to be critical regulators of the epigenome. However, our knowledge of their role in osteoarthritis (OA) development is limited. This study investigates the mechanism by which HOTAIR, a key lncRNA with elevated expression in OA, affects OA disease progression. Results: HOTAIR expression was greatly elevated in osteoarthritic compared to normal chondrocytes. Silencing and over-expression of HOTAIR in SW1353 cells respectively reduced and increased the expression of genes associated with cartilage degradation in OA. Investigation of molecular pathways revealed that HOTAIR acted directly on Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF-1) by increasing histone H3K27 trimethylation in the WIF-1 promoter, leading to WIF-1 repression that favours activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Conclusions: Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling by HOTAIR through WIF-1 repression in osteoarthritic chondrocytes increases catabolic gene expression and promotes cartilage degradation. This is the first study to demonstrate a direct link between HOTAIR, WIF-1 and OA progression, which may be useful for future investigations into disease biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Electrical Injury Induced Cardiogenic Shock Support: A Case Report
Authors: Jamal Tamer , Shalabi Amjad , Grosman-Rimon Liza , Ghanim Diab , Amir Offer , Kachel Erez
Published: June 2020

Background High voltage electrical injury (HVEI) of more than 1,000V is a potentially devastating form of a multisystem injury associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present the first case of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as a life saving device for treating a patient with severe cardiogenic shock after a high voltage electrical injury.Case Presentation A 26-year-old male sustained HVEI while working with a concrete mixer pump that came in contact with a high voltage cable of 10,000 volts. He was immediately disconnected from the mixer pump, underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and was transported to the nearest medical centre with severe cardiogenic shock with an ejection fraction (EF) of < 10%. Upon arrival, he was in critical condition, sedated and mechanically ventilated, haemodynamically unstable and supported by intravenous (IV) inotropes after a few events of ventricular fibrillation, with an electrical entry point on the left hand and an exit point located on his right leg. Blood pH was 6.8, PCO2 53 mmHg, PaO2 of 57 mmHg, lactate 8 mmol/L, and Troponin 38000 ng/dl. The EF was 10% with global severe left ventricular dysfunction. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including cardiac massage and few electrical shocks, he was immediately connected to the VA-ECMO via open right femoral approach with distal arterial leg perfusion.He was treated with IV broad spectrum antibiotics, and high volume fluids to prevent rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury, total parenteral nutrition, topical silver sulfadiazine cream, and Granuflex for severe electrical burns. He was gradually weaned from inotropes over the next 3 days, during which his clinical condition and bloodwork improved tremendously. His EF gradually increased to 50% and he was weaned from the VA-ECMO, and underwent decannulation 86 hours after initialization. He was discharged on day 27 without any sequelae.Conclusion The VA-ECMO treatment can be a lifesaving device for treating severe cardiogenic shock caused by high voltage electrical injury, and should be considered while treating these “high-mortality risk” patients.
Multifunctional Nanobubbles Carrying Indocyanine Green and Paclitaxel for Molecular Imaging and the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lan Minmin , Zhu Lianhua , Wang Yixuan , Shen Dajia , Fang Kejing , Liu Yu , Peng Yanli , Qiao Bin , Guo Yanli
Published: June 2020

Background: Combining ultrasound imaging with photoacoustic imaging provides tissue imaging with high contrast and resolution, thereby enabling rapid, direct measurements and the tracking of tumour growth and metastasis. Moreover, ultrasound-targeted nanobubble destruction (UTND) provides an effective way to deliver drugs, effectively increasing the content of the drug in the tumour area and reducing potential side effects, thereby successfully contributing to the treatment of tumours. Results: In this study, we prepared multifunctional nanobubbles (NBs) carrying indocyanine green (ICG) and paclitaxel (PTX) (ICG-PTX NBs) and studied their applications in ultrasound imaging of prostate cancer as well as their therapeutic effects on prostate cancer when combined with UTND. ICG-PTX NBs were prepared by the mechanical oscillation method. The particle size and zeta potential of the ICG-PTX NBs were 469.5 ± 32.87 nm and -21.70 ± 1.22 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency of ICG were 68% and 6.2%, respectively. In vitro imaging experiments showed that ICG-PTX NBs were highly amenable to multimodal imaging, including ultrasound, photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging, and the imaging effect was positively correlated with their concentration. The imaging effects of tumour xenografts also indicated that ICG-PTX NBs were of good use for multimodal imaging. In experiments testing the growth of PC-3 cells in vitro and tumour xenografts in vivo, the ICG-PTX NBs+US group showed more significant inhibition of cell proliferation and the promotion of cell apoptosis compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Blood biochemical analysis of the six groups showed that the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), phenylalanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the ICG-PTX NBs and the ICG-PTX NBs+US groups were significantly lower than those in the PTX group (P < 0.05). Moreover, H&E staining of tissue sections from vital organs showed no obvious abnormalities in the ICG-PTX NBs and the ICG-PTX NBs+US groups. Conclusions: ICG-PTX NBs can be used as a non-invasive, pro-apoptotic contrast agent that can achieve multimodal imaging, including ultrasound, fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, and can succeed in the local treatment of prostate cancer providing a potential novel method for integrated research on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Data Driven Decision Making to Characterize Clinical Personas of Parents of Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Szczesniak Rhonda , Pestian Teresa , Duan Leo L , Li Dan , Stamper Sophia , Ferrara Brycen , Kramer Elizabeth , Clancy John P , Grossoehme Daniel
Published: June 2020

Background: Beginning at a young age, children with cystic fibrosis (CF) embark on demanding care regimens that pose challenges to parents. We examined the extent to which clinical, demographic and psychosocial features inform patterns of adherence to pulmonary therapies and how these patterns can be used to develop clinical personas, defined as aspects of adherence barriers that are presented by parents and/or perceived by clinicians, in order to enhance personalized CF care delivery. Methods: We undertook an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study consisting of i) multivariate clustering to create clusters corresponding to parental adherence patterns (quantitative phase); ii) parental participant interviews to create clinical personas interpreted from clustering (qualitative phase). Clinical, demographic and psychosocial features were used in supervised clustering against clinical endpoints, which included adherence to airway clearance and aerosolized medications and self-efficacy score, which was used as a feature for modeling adherence. Clinical implications were developed for each persona by combing quantitative and qualitative data (integration phase). Results: The quantitative phase showed that the 87 parent participants were segmented into three distinct patterns of adherence based on use of aerosolized medication and practice of airway clearance. Patterns were primarily influenced by self-efficacy, distance to CF care center and child BMI percentile. The two key patterns that emerged for the self-efficacy model were most heavily influenced by distance to CF care center and child BMI percentile. Eight clinical personas were developed in the qualitative phase from parent and clinician participant feedback of latent components from these models. Findings from the integration phase include recommendations to overcome specific challenges with maintaining treatment regimens and increasing support from social networks. Conclusions: Adherence patterns from multivariate models and resulting parent personas with their corresponding clinical implications have utility as clinical decision support tools and capabilities for tailoring intervention study designs that promote adherence. Trial registration: Not applicable.
Identification of fruit size associated quantitative trait loci featuring SLAF based high-density linkage map of goji berry (Lycium spp.)
Authors: Rehman Fazal , Gong Haiguang , Li Zhong , Zeng Shaohua , Yang Tianshun , Ai Peiyan , Pan Lizhu , Huang Hongwen , Wang Ying
Published: June 2020

Background: Goji (Lycium spp., 2n = 24) is a fruit bearing woody plant popular as a superfood for extensive medicinal and nutritional advantages. Fruit size associated attributes are important for evaluating small-fruited goji berry and plant architecture. The domestication traits are regulated quantitatively in crop plants but few studies have attempted on genomic regions corresponding to fruit traits.Results: In this study, we established high-resolution map using specific locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing for de novo SNPs detection based on 305 F1 individuals derived from L. chinense and L. barbarum and performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of fruit size related traits in goji berry. The genetic map contained 3,495 SLAF markers on 12 LGs, spanning 1,649.03 cM with 0.47 cM average interval. Female and male parents and F1 individuals` sequencing depth was 111.85-fold and 168.72-fold and 35.80-fold, respectively. The phenotype data were collected for 2 successive years (2018-2019); however, two-year mean data were combined in an extra year (1819). Total 117 QTLs were detected corresponding to multiple traits, of which 78 QTLs in 2 individual years and 36 QTLs in extra year. 6 Promising QTLs (qFW10-6.1, qFL10-2.1, qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1, qLD12-4.1, qLA10-2.1) were discovered influencing fruit weight, fruit length and leaf related attributes covering an interval ranged from 27.32-71.59 cM on LG10 with peak LOD of 10.48 and 14.6% PVE. Three QTLs targeting fruit sweetness (qFS3-1, qFS5-2) and fruit firmness (qFF10-1) were also identified. Strikingly, various traits QTLs were overlapped on LG10, in particular, qFL10-2.1 was co-located with qLL10-2.1, qLD10-2.1 and qLA10-2.1 among stable QTLs, harbored tightly linked markers, while qLL10-1 was one major QTL with 14.21 highest LOD and 19.3% variance. As LG10 harbored important traits QTLs, we might speculate that it could be hotspot region regulating fruit size and plant architectures.Conclusions: This report highlights the extremely saturated linkage map using SLAF-seq and novel loci contributing fruit size-related attributes in goji berry. Our results will shed light on domestication traits and further strengthen molecular and genetic underpinnings of goji berry; moreover, these findings would better facilitate to assemble the reference genome, determining potential candidate genes and marker-assisted breeding.
Intensive versus non-intensive statin pretreatment before percutaneous coronary intervention in Chinese patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Xian , Lan Xi , Zhang Xin-Lin , Han Zhong-Lin , Yan Si-Min , Wang Wen-Xiao , Xu Biao , Ge Wei-Hong
Published: June 2020

Background: The results of intensive statin pretreatment before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is inconsistent between Chinese and Western populations and there are no corresponding meta-analyses involving hard clinical end-points in the available published literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose statin loading before PCI in Chinese patients through a meta-analysis. Method: Relevant studies were identified by searching the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane’s Library to December 2019. The outcomes included an assessment of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death, target vessel revascularization (TVR), myalgia/myasthenia and abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in all enrolled patients. Results: 12 studies involving 3,183 individuals were included．The results showed statistically significant different in the incidence of MACE (RR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.80, P=0.004, I2=63%) and non-fatal MI (RR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.33-0.88, P= 0.01, I2=62%) on comparing the intensive statin and non-intensive statin treatment groups. Subgroup analysis further suggested the benefits of different treatments were inconsistent. Compared with preoperative intensive statin therapy, the incidence of MACE and non-fatal MI were significantly elevated in patients receiving placebo or no statin treatment before surgery (RR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.34-0.65, P<0.00001, I2=0%; RR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.35-0.70, P<0.0001, I2=0%). However, the incidence of MACE and non-fatal MI were not statistically significant when comparing preoperative high-intensity statin therapy with moderate-intensity statin therapy (RR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.44-2.08, P=0.91, I2=11%; RR=1.10, 95% CI: 0.86-1.39, P=0.44). The study also demonstrated that the Asian population could tolerate high-intensity atorvastatin during the perioperative period. Conclusion: Compared with placebo or no statin pretreatment, Chinese patients receiving intensive statin therapy before PCI displayed reduced incidence of MACE and non-fatal MI. However, there was no significant benefit between high-intensity and moderate-intensity statin treatment. Further, the Chinese population tolerated well preoperative intensive statin pretretment.
The Development Trend of Primary Healthcare after Health Reform in China
Authors: Feng Jie , Gong Yanhong , Li Hui , Wu Jianxiong , Zhang Jia , Lu Zuxun , Zhang Guopeng , Yin Xiaoxv
Published: June 2020

Background: Re-constructing the primary healthcare system is the focus of the new round of Chinese health reform. Nevertheless, there have been few studies focusing on whether the role of primary healthcare in the health system is strengthened in China.Methods: The data of this study came from the China Health Statistical Yearbook (2009–2018). We evaluated the development of primary healthcare based on the absolute values of health resources allocation and health service provision, and evaluated the status of primary healthcare throughout the health system based on the composition ratios of the indicators across the health system.Results: From 2009 to 2018, the amounts of health resources allocation and health service provision of Chinese primary healthcare institutions showed a significant upward trend (P<0.001). However, compared the indicators in 2009, excepting for the proportion of grants from the government in the whole health system has an upward trend, the proportions of other indicators had an escalating trend in 2018 by 4.04% for practicing (assistant) physicians, by 2.55% for nurses, by 4.06% for total revenues , by 5.54% for beds, by 7.37% for outpatient visits.Conclusion: The primary healthcare system has developed rapidly, but its development speed lagged behind the entire health system, resulting in the weakening of its actual functions, which is not in line with the goal of health reform. The government should improve the awareness of the importance of primary healthcare at all levels of local governments and ensure adequate financial input.
Energy drink: the consumption prevalence, and awareness of its potential health implications among commercial drivers in the Ho Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Saku Emmanuella Yayra , Nuro-Ameyaw Peter , Amenya Priscilla Cecilia , Kpodo Fidelis Mawunyo , Amoafo Paul Esua , Kortei Nii Korley
Published: June 2020

Background

Consumption of energy drinks has become an escalating global public health problem. The work schedule and irregular sleeping habits of commercial bus drivers make them highly susceptible to getting fatigued, hence most of them consume energy drinks as a fatigue management strategy. However, consumption of energy drinks produces numerous psychomotor side effects that if consumed among drivers puts the traveling public in danger of road accidents. This study sought to assess the prevalence of energy drink consumption and awareness of associated potential health problems among commercial long-distance bus drivers operating from the Ho municipality.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 132 participants who completed a structured questionnaire on the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of consumption and reasons for consumption. It also included questions to assess the knowledge of the ingredients and side effects of energy drinks.

Results

A majority (62.1%) of the drivers had more than 10 years of commercial driving experience. A 75% energy drink consumption prevalence was recorded with driving performance enhancement (78.8%) as the predominant reason for consumption. 7 - 10 bottles per week were consumed by most (32.2%) of the drivers with the most consumed brand being Rush energy drink (54.5%). Also, 72.0% had poor knowledge of the side effects linked with energy drink intake likewise the ingredients in them.

Conclusion

Energy drinks were consumed by the majority of the drivers at the Ho main bus terminal of which most of the drivers had poor knowledge of the potential health problems linked with the consumption of these drinks. The consumption of energy drinks was observed to be higher among the drivers with lower education levels, higher monthly income and those who worked long hours in a day. The Ghana National Road Safety Commission (GNRC) in collaboration with other private road transport unions in Ghana should organize regular seminars for commercial bus drivers on the potential dangers and effects associated with energy drink consumption.
Age estimation by pulp/tooth area ratio in upper canines: Cameriere’s method assessed and modified in a Polish population sample using digital panoramic radiography
Authors: Różyło-Kalinowska Ingrid , Kalinowski Paweł , Piskórz Magdalena , Namięta Natalie
Published: June 2020

Background: Various methods are available to assess the age of a child. However, it is much more difficult to evaluate the age of an adult just on the basis of panoramic radiographs. Cameriere’s method based on measurement of pulp/tooth ratio is one of few methods that allows to determine the age of any human being. The aim of this study is to estimate the validation of the original method in a sample of the Polish population and to elaborate a population specific formula.Materials: Panoramic radiographs taken in the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland were retrospectively selected for the study. The selection criteria involved a good quality panoramic radiograph with a free from any pathology upper right canine. The sample included 521 individuals (271 females and 250 males) aged from 18 to 70 years. After tracing and estimating the pulp/tooth area ratio (AR) a dental age was calculated. Afterwards, it has been compared with the chronological age of each patient. Regression models were developed for prediction of the chronological age. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica for Windows software (StatSoft).Results: The regression formula for the total group was as follows: age = 91.746 – 481.6 AR. The dental age calculated using these formulations highly correlated with the chronological age. Pearson’s correlation coefficient equalled - 0.844 for the whole group, r = - 0.873 in females and r = -0.815 in males. All correlations were statistically significant (t test p=0.00).Conclusions: Cameriere’s method can be used in evaluating the dental age in the adult Polish population using population specific formula.
Functional Gene Trap Mutagenesis Screen for Genes and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Amyloid-β-induced Inflammasome-mediated Neuronal Death
Authors: Yap Jeremy Kean Yi , Pickard Benjamin Simon , Gan Sook Yee , Chan Elaine Wan Ling
Published: June 2020

Background

Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized for its roles in AD pathogenesis which, in part, links amyloid-beta (Aβ) to neuronal death. While commonly associated with glial cells, neurons themselves are able to participate in neuroinflammation signalling, potentially leading to widespread neuronal suicide. The presence of the inflammasomes such as NLRP1 in neurons accelerates Aβ-induced neuroinflammation and has been shown to trigger neuronal pyroptosis in murine AD models. However, the pathways involved in Aβ activation of inflammasomes has yet to be elucidated, especially in humans. In this study, we utilized a gene trap mutagenesis phenotypic screen approach to uncover the genes and biological pathways involved in inflammasome signalling in neurons and how it contributed to Aβ-induced neuronal death.
Results

Aβ significantly accelerated neuroinflammatory cell death in the presence of primed inflammasome. The gene trap mutagenesis screen discovered genes related to mitochondria function and TGF-β signalling as significant contributors to Aβ-induced inflammasome-driven neuronal death. Additionally, genes associated with cytoskeletal reorganization were found to confer neuroprotection.
Conclusion

Our data presents a list of potentially important components of inflammasome signalling in neurons which makes promising therapeutic targets for future drug development against neuroinflammation in AD.
Factors influencing delivery of intersectoral actions to address infant stunting in Bogotá, Colombia – a mixed methods case study.
Authors: Botero-Tovar Natalia , Zuluaga Gina Paola Arocha , Varela Andrea Ramírez
Published: June 2020

Background Intersectoral actions (ISA) are a recognized relationship between the health sector and other sectors to improve health outcomes. Although a frequent topic in public health, evidence for systematic evaluation of implementation of ISA is scarce. An intersectoral health intervention for infants under one-year-old with, and at risk of, stunting (low height-for-age) was developed by a public-private partnership in Bogotá, Colombia, during 2018 and 2019. Here we report a case study conducted in parallel to the intervention designed to assess factors that influenced implementation of the ISA. Methods The case study was developed using a concurrent mixed-methods design, with the qualitative component giving context to the quantitative results. The qualitative component was obtained from four workshops, three focal groups, and 17 semi-structured interviews with actors involved in the intersectoral intervention. The quantitative component was obtained with two questionnaires that evaluated perceptions on improvement and partnership functioning of the ISA. Results This study collected information from 122 participants. The intervention demanded intersectoral collaboration. Political will, motivated human resources, and recognition that health results from collaboration facilitated intersectoral actions. Intersectoral actions were limited by difficulties in engaging the health sector, communication challenges related to local health service decentralization, and administrative barriers. Conclusions Intersectoral actions have been recently discussed in the literature due to challenges on implementation, idealization, inconsistent demands, and doubts about economic outcomes. The implementation of intersectoral public health interventions can be jeopardized by a lack of coordination and management skills.
Psychological distress and associated factors related to COVID-19 pandemic among primary care physicians in Spain (STREPRIC study)
Authors: Ana Cebrián-Cuenca M , Mira Jose Joaquin , Caride-Miana Elena , Fernández-Jiménez Antonio , Orozco-Beltrán Domingo
Published: June 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people in all nations of the world. In Spain, the epidemic is being especially harsh. The lack of protective measures is a major concern and may have caused emotional stress to Primary Care Physicians (PCPs). The aim of the study was to address the sources of psychological distress among Spanish PCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

Observational, cross sectional study. A questionnaire consisting of 24 expressions was answered by PCPs working in their family health care centers in Spain during COVID-19 pandemic. A specific scale (EASE scale) was used to determine psychological distress, recently validated in the context of this pandemic. A Multivariate Linear Regression analysis was performed.
Results

518 PCPs from different Spanish regions, participated in this survey. A total of 123 (23.7%) rated a high psychological distress score. Only half of PCPs received information about the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PCPs factors associated with higher levels of distress include female gender (1.69; CI 0.54, 2.84); Age (-0.43 (-0.61, 1.48)); working setting (rural) (0.84 (-0.34, 2.01)); lack of training in protective measures (1.96 (0.94, 2.99)). The absence of sick leave among colleagues, increased availability of PPEs, improved cleaning and hygiene conditions in health care centers facilities and the detection of COVID-19 RT-PCR for health care workers were associated with lower levels of distress.
Conclusions

One in four PCPs rated a high score for psychological distress. The availability of PEPs, training in their use, cleanliness and hygiene conditions in health care facilities and the availability of COVID-19 RT-PCR analyses for health workers, among others, are factors associated with the psychological distress of PCPs.
Use of the expanded Apgar score for the assessment of intraventricular and intraparenchymal haemorrhage risk in neonates
Authors: Agnieszka Góralska , Puskarz-Gąsowska Joanna , Bujnowski Paweł , Bokiniec Renata
Published: June 2020

Background

Preterm birth is a key factor contributing to haemorrhage incidence in neonates. This study focused on defining relevant parameters for the assessment of intraventricular and intraparenchymal haemorrhage risks in neonates.
Methods

Chi-square automatic interaction detection was used to analyse the Apgar score (AS), the Apgar max score, and the course of resuscitation documented according to the expanded AS in 696 infants born between 2009 and 2011 in the Neonatal and Intensive Care Department of the Medical University of Warsaw.
Results

Gestational age was the most relevant discriminating variable for the prediction of intraventricular and intraparenchymal haemorrhage incidences. Infants born before the 31st week of pregnancy made up 80% of the intraventricular or intraparenchymal haemorrhage cases. Additionally, a fraction of inspired oxygen > 0.8 at ten minutes after birth was a better discriminating variable in the youngest neonates than an Apgar max score ≤ 5, identifying 31.6% and 20.6% of infants with intraventricular and intraparenchymal haemorrhage, respectively.
Conclusions

Consideration of the oxygen concentration supplied during resuscitation significantly improves the prognosis of intraventricular and intraparenchymal haemorrhages in preemies compared to the use of the classical AS.
Evaluation of changes in choroidal thickness after implantable collamer lens surgery in high myopia patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy (inactive phase)
Authors: He Fanglin , Liu Yan , Jia Renbing , zhang Jing
Published: June 2020

Background
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation in high myopic patients with inactive Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) by observing the changes of choroidal thickness (CT).
Methods
Eight patients (16 eyes) with high myopia accompanied with inactive GO were selected as the experimental group (group A) and 18 high myopic patients (36 eyes) without GO were selected as a control group (group B). The outcomes of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), safety index, efficacy index, intraocular pressure (IOP), vault, corneal endothelial count, and choroidal thickness (CT) were observed. The values of CT were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) scans.
Results
The UCVA and BCVA in all operated eyes were better than that before surgery. The postoperative safety index and efficacy index were 1.23 and 1.19 in the group A, respectively, and 1.26 and 1.21 in the group B, respectively. In both groups, foveal CT increased significantly in high myopic patients at 2 hours and at 3 months after surgery, compared to preoperative values. The same tendencies were observed in the inner nasal and outer nasal regions. Compared with patients without GO, the increase of CT was more obvious in GO patients, 2 hours postoperatively (P = 0.006) and 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.011).
Conclusions
The ICL implantation is safe and effective in high myopic patients with inactive GO. Subfoveal and nasal CT may be useful parameters for monitoring the activity of GO patients.