bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study of Micronaire Using a Natural Population of Representative Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.)
Authors: Song Jikun , Pei Weifeng , Ma Jianjiang , Yang Shuxian , Jia Bing , Bian Yingying , Xin Yue , Wu Luyao , Zang Xinshan , Qu Yanying , Zhang Jinfa , Wu Man , Yu Jiwen
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMicronaire is a comprehensive index reflecting fineness and maturity of cotton fibers. It is one of the important internal quality indicators of cotton fibers and is closely related to the use value of cotton fibers. Understanding the genetic basis of micronaire is required for the genetic improvement of the trait. However, the underlying genetic architecture at the genomic level is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to use GWAS to dissect the genetic mechanism underlying the micronaire trait in 83 representative upland cotton lines grown in multiple environments.ResultsThe GWAS of micronaire was conducted using 83 upland cotton accessions and the Cotton 63K Illumina Infinium SNP array. A total of 11 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on 10 chromosomes for micronaire were detected. Among these 11 QTLs, 27 genes with specific expression patterns were identified and selected. One novel QTL, qFM-A12-1, included 12 significant SNPs, and GhFLA9 was identified as a candidate gene based on the strong, direct LD relationships between the significantly related SNPs and the gene and a haplotype block analysis. GhFLA9 was highly expressed during secondary wall thickening at 20-25 days post-anthesis (DPA). Its expression level was significantly higher in low-micronaire line (Msco-12) than in high-micronaire line (Chuangyou-9).Conclusions﻿This study provides a genetic reference for the genetic improvement of cotton fiber micronaire (FM) and lays a foundation for the functional verification of GhFLA9.
Impact of Preoperative Renal Replacement Therapy in Clinical Outcome of Heart Transplant Patients
Authors: Kim Darae , Choi Jin-Oh , Cho Yang Hyun , Cho Hyun Jai , Sung Kiick , Oh Jaewon , Jung Sung-Ho , Lee Hae-Young , Park Jin Joo , Choi Dong-Ju , Kang Seok-Min , Kim Jae-Joong , Jeon Eun-Seok
Published: December 2020

Although renal dysfunction is considered as a relative contraindication for heart transplantation (HTx), in real world, due to co-existing intrinsic renal dysfunction and/or cardiorenal syndrome, many patients with advanced heart failure (HF) experience worsening of renal function and some even require renal replacement therapy (RRT) by the time they undergo HTx We aimed to investigate the prognosis and clinical outcomes of heart transplant (HTx) patients who required renal replacement therapy (RRT) during the perioperative period.The Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) is a nationwide organ transplant registry in Korea. A total of 501 HTx patients had been prospectively enrolled in the KOTRY registry during 2014-2018. Among the 501 patients, 13 underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation (HKTx). Patients who underwent isolated HTx were grouped according to their pre and postoperative RRT status. The primary outcome was progression to dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after HTx. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality after HTx. The median follow-up was 22 months (9–39 months). Patients who needed preoperative RRT but free from postoperative RRT showed comparable overall survival and renal outcome to patients who were free from both pre and postoperative RRT. From multivariable analysis, preoperative RRT was not associated with progression to ESRD or all-cause mortality after HTx, however, postoperative RRT was a significant predictor for both progression to ESRD and all-cause mortality after HTx. Preoperative creatinine or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were not predictive of progression to ESRD after HTx. The present analysis suggests that preoperative RRT requirement does not indicate an irreversible renal dysfunction in patients waiting for HTx. The survival and renal outcome was comparable to those who did not need perioperative RRT when renal function recovered after HTx. However, postoperative RRT was associated with progression to ESRD and mortality after HTx.
Depression and Excitation of Buneman’s Instability in Two Ions Species Magnetized Dusty Plasma
Authors: Alyoussef Haifa
Published: December 2020

In this research, theoretical method was used to examine the excitation and depression state for two-stream Buneman’s instability (BI) when we assumed an inhomogeneous, anisotropic, multi ions species with the presence of dust grains in plasma. The plasma also studied at different temperatures state. The diffusion equation was also derived and solved in one dimension for the Buneman’s instabilities that arise in such a situation within plasma. We develop the single-ion theory into a multiple-ion-species theory. This study concluded that: degree of plasma inhomogeneity, electron to ions temperature ratio, multi ions species and dust grains which have thermal velocity play a very important role in the depression and excitation of instability such Buneman’s instability.
New Recommendations for Robertsonian Translocation Management After Preimplantation Genetic Testing of Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR) Attempts: What Should Be Done With Mosaic Embryos?
Authors: Zenagui Reda , Bernicot Izabel , Ciabrini Cendrine , Hoa Alice Ferrieres , Castelli Christel , Ranisavljevic Noemie , Anahory Tal
Published: December 2020

Robertsonian translocation (RT) carriers are phenotypically normal, but they are known to be at increased risk of repeated miscarriages compared with the general population estimated at about 15% of pregnancies, and also resulting in the birth of a child with a mental retardation or congenital anomalies. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is therefore a solution for RT carriers. An appropriate probe strategy allows to differentiate balanced embryos, unbalanced embryos, and mosaic embryos. We performed the first comparative analysis between two or three probes FISH strategies to analyze if a probe strategy choice for PGT-SR studies of Robertsonian translocations (RT) influences the fate of embryos? Our investigations present 13 years of experience of PGT for Robertsonian translocation carriers to improve the accuracy of abnormality detections. A deeper analysis of 283 PGT-SR attempts by comparing two strategies of probes highlighted the irrelevance of using a third probe for FISH diagnosis and above all a significant difference of mosaic embryo rates between probe strategies. These findings could be used as new recommendations of Robertsonian translocation management in many laboratories to improve their practices. It could be readily run, less expensive, reliable and accurate. Furthermore, the propounded strategy of mosaic embryo transfer should be considered after a detailed genetic counseling.
Characterization of A Murine Model of Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Chronic Intraperitoneal Administration of Angiotensin II
Authors: Trejo-Moreno Celeste , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Castro-Martínez Gabriela , Méndez-Martínez Marisol , Santana María Angélica , Arrellín-Rosas Gerardo , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Medina-Campos Omar , Hernández-Téllez Beatriz , Barrita-Cruz Joel , Ramírez-Pliego Oscar , Herrera-Ruíz Maribel , Fragoso Gladis , Rosas-Salgado Gabriela
Published: December 2020

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a key factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Due to its chronic, life-threatening nature, ED only can be studied experimentally in animal models. Therefore, this work was aimed to characterize a murine model of ED induced by a daily intraperitoneal administration of angiotensin II (AGII) for 10 weeks. Oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular remodeling, hypertension, and damage to various target organs were evaluated in treated animals. The results indicated that a chronic intraperitoneal administration of AGII increases the production of ROS, ICAM-1 expression, the production of TNFα, IL1β, IL17A, IL4, TGFβ, and IL10, as well as blood pressure levels; it also promotes vascular remodeling and induces non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, glomerulosclerosis, and proliferative retinopathy. Therefore, the model herein proposed can be a representative model for ED; additionally, it is easy to implement, safe, rapid, and inexpensive.
Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Patients Infected With HIV, IRAN: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Shaghaghian Soheila , Saranjam Elham , Mojtaba Homayooni
Published: December 2020

Background: In recent years, life expectancy of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) increased. They experienced oral manifestations that could affect their Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). This study was conducted to evaluate OHRQoL in the patients and its related factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using simple random sampling, we selected 250 patients with HIV from Shiraz Voluntary Counseling and Testing center in 2019. To evaluate their OHRQoL, we used Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index revised for patients with HIV. We assessed the association between the patients' OHRQoL and demographic characteristics. Results: The mean score of the patients' OHRQoL was 24.50±6.25. The worst and the best scores were in psychosocial and pain categories, respectively. In univariate analysis, the OHRQoL significantly associated with the patients' age (p=0.005), duration of disease (p=0.008), job (p=0.010), edentulous status (p=0.002), and wearing denture (p<0.001). However, in multiple linear regression analysis, we found only a significant difference between participants wearing and not wearing denture (p=<0.001).Conclusions: The participants declared that they satisfied from averagely 70% of items of OHRQoL. The OHRQoL was significantly better in the patients wearing denture. The finding highlighted the importance of fulfillment of dental needs on improving OHRQoL. Therefore, planning of dental services for patients with HIV is essential so that they have timely access to oral health care. Furthermore, authorities should consider denture as an unmet need in the patients and provide facilities to help the patients to become denture owners.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Protocol, Parallel-Group Study to Determine the Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Family Violence and Its Consequences in Transgender Youth.
Authors: Damanpak-Rizi Mahdieh , Farnam Farnaz , Khodakhah Parisa
Published: December 2020

BackgroundFamily violence against transgender people is a common issue and affects their mental health. Very few if any interventions have been designed to reduce family violence against transgender youths. This RCT will evaluate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for transgender’s parents on their violent behavior towards their children and on transgender youth’s mental health.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial that will be conducted on 50 transgender youths with selected inclusion criteria in Iran. Intervention will be undertaken on the parents or guardians of these transgender youths, in eight 1-hour online sessions for intervention group to increase their knowledge of gender dysphoria, to help control their anger regarding their offspring’s gender dysphoria and to learn manage stressful situations. Primary outcomes that will be measured in this study include frequency of family violence towards transgender youths, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in transgender youth and secondary outcome is parental conflict resolution tactics before and after intervention.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first RCT on family violence against transgender youth in world and in Iran. Findings will help to provide better education for transgender’s parents to reduce violence against their children.ResultsN/AConclusionN/ATrial registrationIR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1398. 201 , 2020-03-08
Microbial’s Effects on Invasive Grass’ Response to Water and Nutrient Stress
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yuan Yingdan , Pajerowska-Mukhtar Karolina M. , Afkhami Michelle , Hastings Alan , Qiu Jiangxiao , Zhang JInchi
Published: December 2020

Background Soil microbiomes play important roles in invasion biology, yet it is often treated as a ‘black box’ in modeling or large-scale field studies. Hence, investigating the change of association between invasive vegetation and soil microbes under changing environmental conditions, and exploring the genetic functions of associated microbiomes will provide a deeper understanding of invasion mechanisms. We performed a microcosm experiment with cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv.), which is one of the 100 worst invasive plants in the world. We combined rigorous sequencing analysis, including 16S rRNA, ITS, and shotgun metagenome sequencing, for the first time, to investigate the interactive effect of change in soil water and nutrient concentrations on microbiomes diversity, composition and genetic functions under invasion. Results We found that experimental drought has a stronger effect on the bacterial community than the fungal community. We discovered an enrichment of microbial groups, including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi under drought treatment, could likely contribute to invasion success. Further, we showed a striking trend of induction of cell wall, membrane and desiccation-related genes in drought treatment and a marked downregulation in regular treatment, which could create a more hydrated microenvironment, facilitating biofilm formation and better protection from desiccation.Conclusions Our work contributes to highlighting the associated microbial communities may have a potential long-term impact on increasing cogongrass drought resistance, ultimately, future invasion might be severe due to the plant-microbe interaction. These findings are important because current modeling practice, lacking comprehensive consideration of the plant-microbe interaction, could lead to a significant underestimate of predictions of future invasion patterns.
B cell Activity and anti-MBP Autoantibody Response to Peripheral Nerve Injury is Sexually Dimorphic
Authors: Lee Hee Jong , Remacle Albert , Hullugundi Swathi , Dolkas Jennifer , Leung Jake , Chernov Andrei , Yaksh Tony , Strongin Alex , Shubayev Veronica
Published: December 2020

Background: Autoantibodies, a hallmark of autoimmune disorders, are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Mechanical hypersensitivity is a severe complication of peripheral nerve injury mediated through sex-specific activity of immune and glial cells. Whether B cell contribution to nerve injury and pain is sexually dimorphic remains unknown. Methods: CD20 immunoblotting and immunostaining was conducted in female and male sciatic nerve after chronic constriction injury (CCI). B cell/CD20 targeting by bolus intravenous (IV) Rituximab or control immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy or vehicle was administered in female and male rats post-CCI, followed by von Frey mechanical sensitivity testing. The cryptic myelin basic protein (MBP) epitopes were identified by immunostaining (EMD-AB5864 Millipore antibody) in female and male CCI nerves. ELISA was used to detect serum autoantibodies against the immunodominant MBP(84-104) epitope was conducted in female and male rats post-CCI. Results: Infiltration of CD20-positive cells, presumably B cell, was observed in female and male nerve at one week post-CCI. A single bolus IV anti-CD20/Rituximab therapy at one week post-CCI reduced the degree of mechanical hypersensitivity in female, but not in male, rats. IVIG therapy and vehicle treatment had no effect in either sex. Sustained release of the cryptic MBP epitopes from myelin was observed in nerves post-CCI in both sexes. Remarkably, serum anti-MBP(84-104) autoantibody was detected in female, but not in male, rats post-CCI. Conclusions: B cell activity and autoantibody production after peripheral nerve injury are sexually dimorphic. In females, mechanical hypersensitivity arising due to autoimmune remodeling of myelin on sensory neuraxis is amenable to immunotherapeutic intervention.
The Associations Between Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Hypertension in China
Authors: Cui Lingling , Wu Wenya , Qi Jindan , Ojo Omorogieva , Jin Xiaohong , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaohua
Published: December 2020

Objective: To investigate the status of quality of life (QOL) and examine the changes in quality of life with increasing age in elderly patients with hypertension; to determine the associations between blood pressure and quality of life in hypertensive elderly at different age groups; to determine the relationships between ranges of blood pressure and quality of life. Method: This was a cross-sectional study design. The study recruited 752 elderly patients with hypertension from one general hospital, thirty urban community clinics and rural clinics in Suzhou from October 2016 to October 2017.The quality of life was assessed by The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), which is categorized into two aggregate summaries, including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). Furthermore, PCS included four dimensions, namely; physical functioning (PF), role limitation because of physical health (RP), bodily pain (BP) and general health perceptions (GH); MCS included another four dimensions, namely; vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role limitation because of emotional health problems (RE) and mental health (MH). Result: The result showed that scores of physical component summary (PCS) gradually decreased and scores of mental component summary (MCS) was stable with increasing age. In PCS, the scores of the bodily pain and physical functioning dimensions and in MCS the social functioning dimension score dropped in participants with age ≥ 85 years. Following analysis, the results showed that diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was positively associated with PCS (r=0.112, P =0.003). We further analyzed the relationship between DBP and PCS (including 4 dimensions) of quality of life at different age groups. We found that DBP had a positive relationship with PSC (r=0.114, P =0.003) and the bodily pain dimension (r=0.205, P < 0.001) in the elderly with an age < 85 years, while there was no relationship between DBP and PCS in the elderly with an age ≥ 85 years. After adjusting for the effects of socio-demographic and clinical factors, there was no association between DBP and PCS (B=0.026, P= 0.633), while DBP still had a positive effect on the bodily pain dimension (B=0.234, P= 0.026). Conclusions: We found that DBP had a positive relationship with physical quality of life in the elderly with age < 85 years.Therefore, medical personnel should maintain the DBP within normal range but may allow higher level, when managing hypertensive elderly patients aged < 85 years, so as to relieve their pain, which can help improve their quality of life.
Study on the Seismic Performance of Small-diameter Bolts Reinforced in Grottoes
Authors: Peng Ningbo , Sun Bo , Huang Jizhong , Dong Yun , Zhu Ye
Published: December 2020

The Yungang Grottoes, a World Heritage Site in Datong, consist of 252 caves that are noted for their collection of 5th and 6th century Buddhist grotto sculptures and reliefs. Various diseases have appeared in the grottoes under the general influence of natural and artificial factors. Bolt support is a commonly employed method for grotto reinforcement and has been widely applied in many projects. Small-diameter bolts have also been used in the reinforcement projects at the Yungang Grottoes, but the corresponding effect on the seismic performance of grottoes is still unclear. In this paper, a dynamic analysis via the numerical modelling of an ear grotto of the 19th grotto in Yungang was established, and the rock displacement, acceleration and bolt axial force responses under a seismic wave are analyzed. The results show that the seismic dynamic responses of grottoes are greatly affected by the cliff structure. The displacement and acceleration responses of the cliff body vary greatly within the abrupt transition of the cliff structure. Based on this variation, the seismic capacity of small-diameter bolts in the vertical direction is greater than that in the horizontal direction. The axial force of a bolt is small at both ends of the bolt, large in the middle of the bolt, small on the top of a cliff and large at the bottom of the cliff. Although the axial force is small, the upper rock mass of the grotto has a tendency to undergo relative movement compared with the outer rock mass. The results also indicate that based on the structural defects in the vertical direction of the cliff body caused by grotto excavation, the inclined angle of the bolt should be increased as far as possible or vertical support should be adopted to enhance the stability of the rock mass at the top of the grotto.
Clinical Evidence of Vestibular Dysregulation in Colicky Babies Before and After Chiropractic Treatment Versus Non-Colicky Babies.
Authors: Hoeve Jan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAfter 65 years of research that has been primarily directed at differentiating between normal and colicky crying, the cause of infantile colic remains elusive and no definitive cure has been found. Given the general absence of pathology, colicky crying is widely considered the extreme end of a spectrum of normal crying behavior. In the literature scattered evidence can be found suggesting that infantile colic may be the behavioral expression of physiological brainstem dysregulation, particularly of the vestibular and autonomic nuclei. The purpose of this study is to present a five-point clinical index of vestibular (hyper)activity and its application to investigate vestibular dysregulation in colicky and non-colicky babies.Methods120 consecutive colicky babies were evaluated using this index, before and after a very gentle vibratory treatment, and compared to 117 non-colicky babies.ResultsBefore treatment, of 120 colicky babies only 2 (1.7%) scored 0, whereas 118 (98.3%) scored scored 1-5. Of 117 non-colicky babies 89 (76,1%) scored 0 and 28 (23.9%) scored 1-3, none scored 4-5. The odds ratio is OR (CI 95%) 187.54 (43.52-808.09). After treatment 111 (92.5%) scored 0 and 9 (7.5%) scored 1-3, none scored 4-5. A McNemar test showed the difference before and after to be significant (χ² = 109.00, p < .001). For colicky babies the mean vestibular score is 2.88(SD 1.22), compared to 0.37(SD 0.73) for non-colicky babies, a difference of 87.2%. After treatment the score decreased from 2.88 (SD 1.12) to 0.10 (SD 0.40), or 96.5%. ConclusionColicky babies are not just infants who cry a lot. They also show clinical evidence of vestibular dysregulation. Gentle treatment aimed at relaxing tight sub-occipital musculature by means of a vibrational technique may be effective in decreasing vestibular hyperactivity, signifying an improvement in brainstem regulation. The vestibular index opens the prospect for development into a tool towards an objective and practical clinical diagnosis of infantile colic.
Effectiveness of Feeding Supplementation in Preterm Infants: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Tao Jiaxin , Yang Jixin , Li Yufeng , Su Yanwei , Mao Jing
Published: December 2020

BackgroundPreterm infants have higher nutrition needs than term infants. The effectiveness of various feeding supplementation was assessed by the improvement of health outcomes in single specific systematic reviews (SRs). The aim of this review is to summarise these SRs to provide comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions for preterm infants. MethodsA literature search was conducted in the PUBMED, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Wiley online library. SR selection followed clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed by using the pre-designed tables and quality assessment was done by the AMSTAR tool. ResultsSeventeen SRs were included in the review. Fifteen kinds of feeding supplementation were reported in the SRs. The effectiveness of the interventions was defined as positive, having no impact, or inconclusive. Lactoferrin, probiotic, prebiotic, vitamin D, protein, and arginine were concluded to be positive; inositol, iodine, fat, glutamine, and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) were concluded to have no impact; results for prebiotic (for prevention of hyperbilirubinaemia), carbohydrate, multi-nutrient, taurine, calcium, and phosphorus were inconclusive. All the SRs included were graded as being of high quality. ConclusionsSupplements with positive effects on health improvement were considerable to add to the feeding of preterm infants. More well-designed large RCTs are still needed to address the unsolved problems in the SRs concluded as having no impact or where the results were inconclusive.
Prognostic Value of Inflammatory and Nutritional Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yingying , Yuan Xiuxue , Yao Longdi , Zhang Xiaomin , Zong Liang
Published: December 2020

Background: It is well known that the prognosis of cancer patients after tumor resection is closely related to the patient's autoimmune ability and nutritional status. A large number of studies have shown that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) are significantly correlated with the prognosis of various tumors. In this study, we analyzed the prognostic value of NLR, PLR and OPNI for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the first time.Patients and Methods: Data of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing hepatectomy in Changzhi People’s Hospital (Changzhi, China) from 2011 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 286 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in the analysis. The Optimum cut-off values of OPNI, NLR and PLR were determined by using the X-tile program. The overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and verified by log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox Proportional Hazard Regression model to determine independent prognostic indicators for HCC.Results: Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that OPNI (p<0.001), Treatment (Surgery, p=0.04; Interventional therapy, p=0.002), Postoperative treatment (YES, p=0.004) and Stage can be used as independent prognostic maker for HCC. Comparing the P values and hazard ratios, we found out that the OPNI has greatest influence on prognosis in these preoperative indexes. The optimal cut-off values of NLR, PLR and OPNI were 2.5, 133.3 and 39.5, respectively. Compared with the low OPNI group, the high OPNI group had a better prognosis. In the correlation analysis between OPNI and clinicopathological features, only Age and NLR showed statistical differences, while others did not.Conclusions: OPNI can be used as a simple and effective independent prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Estimating Disability Weight of Human Neurocysticercosis in Dali, Yunnan province, China
Authors: Zang Xinzhong , Li Huanzhang , Qian Menbao , Chen Yingdan , Zhou Changhai , Liu Hongkun , Liu Yuhua , Qian Yingjun , Li Shizhu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundHuman cysticercosis, caused by the liver parasite Taenia solium, remains an important neglected tropical disease in China. In Yunnan province, a large proportion of in-patients with cysticercosis suffer from neurocysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis, though preventable, is a cause of epilepsy globally. Disability weight is an important parameter when estimating neurocysticercosis disease burden and assessing disability-adjusted life years. However, there is a paucity of information on disability weight in patients with neurocysticercosis.MethodsParticipants were separated into 2 groups and were interviewed by EQ-5D+C questionnaire in Dali prefecture, Yunnan province. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0.ResultsCompared to those in the first-visit group, health barriers were less frequently reported in all six dimensions in the follow-up group, except for the cognitive dimension. Disability weights in both the first-visit and follow-up groups were 0.3.ConclusionsThe health-related quality of life of NCC patients was seriously impaired, and cognitive competence is the most prominent health barrier. Psychological medical care should be taken as one component in the treatment of NCC patients.
Cervical Cancer Screening Practice and Associated Factors Among Women Employees in Wolaita Zone Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: TESFAYE GETACHEW , ASFAW SHIFERA , ABERA MILLION , LAKEW MIHRET , WODAYNEW TILAHUN , MAMO ABEBE
Published: December 2020

Background: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem accounting for the fourth most common cancer-affecting women worldwide with 527,624 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 265,672 die from the disease annually worldwide. Cervical cancer screening offers protective benefits and is associated with a reduction in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer and cervical cancer mortality. But there is very low participation rate in screening practice for cervical cancer in low-resource countries like Ethiopia. So the aims of this study is to assess cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among women employees in Wolaita Zone hospitals, southern Ethiopia, 2017Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted among age eligible women employees in Wolaita zone hospitals from March 1 -April 30, 2017. Sample size was allocated using probability proportionate allocation and finally simple random sampling technique was employed to select 401 study participants. Pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was entered and cleaned using Epi-data3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression was performed to assess association between dependent and independent variables with 95% CI and p- value less than 0.05 was set to declare association.Results: About 120(30.5%) participants were screened for cervical cancer. Age (AOR=2.842(1.616, 5.00)), source of information from health professions, (AOR=3.301(1.899, 5.737)), being adherence supporter, (AOR= 3.741(1.414,9.899)),sex with more than one partner,(AOR=2.289(1.116,4.362) ,STI(AOR=3.13(1.784,5.493), increase in attitude score towards cervical cancer screening (AOR=1.468(1.334, 1.616)), increase in knowledge score (AOR=1.267(1.92, 1.346)) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening practice.Conclusion: Magnitude of cervical cancer screening practice among age eligible women is still low. Age of the women, being adherence supporter, and source of information from health care professionals, history of multiple sexual partners, sexually transmitted disease, Knowledge and attitude were important predictors of cervical cancer screening practice. Hospitals in collaboration with town administration should put priority on cervical cancer prevention by establishing cervical cancer screening campaign.
Network Pharmacology Integrated Molecular Docking Reveals the Mechanism of Zhongfeng Xingnao Formula against Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wan Can , Zhou Ziyi , Lu Yun , Zhang Guangyao , Cai Yefeng , Guo Jianwen
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that Zhongfeng Xingnao Formula (ZXF) can effectively reduce the mortality of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but the underlying mechanism of the treatment remained still unexplored. This study aimed to expound the potential mechanism of ZXF in the treatment of ICH through network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods: The putative targets of ZXF were obtained from the TCMSP and Uniprot database, while the potential targets of ICH received from Drugbank, Genecards and OMIM database. Then through the Venn 2.1, the overlapping targets of disease and drug were gotten for the further study. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed by R version 4.0.2 software so that the signaling pathway was acquired to the subsequent analysis. Cytoscape was used to construct the drug-compound-target-pathway network and String was utilized for the protein-protein interaction network. What’s more, the interaction between compound and target was verified by the AutoDockTools and Autodock Vina. Results: There were a total of 166 ZXF-related targets and 1258 ICH-related targets obtained from the public databases. And 87 potential targets were both related to drug and disease. The GO enrichment analysis mainly involved receptor ligand activity, signaling receptor activator activity, and cytokine receptor binding, while the signaling pathway, such as Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, were significantly enriched in the KEGG enrichment analysis. The molecular docking elucidated that the aloe-emodin, beta-sitosterol, quercetin could bound well to the top five targets sorted by degree value.Conclusions: ZXF treated ICH through multiple compounds, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. The underlying mechanism of the treatment may be promoting angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and reversing atherosclerosis, which is of great significance for the treatment of ICH.
Box Girder Construction on Toll Road Project use Manual Program Evaluation and Review Technique (M-PERT) and Value Engineering (VE) to Performance Cost and Time Improvement
Authors: Husin Albert Eddy , Rahmawati Diah Ika , Meisaroh Myrna , Kussumardianadewi Bernadette Detty
Published: December 2020

Indonesia's ranking is 72 out of 141 countries and is in 5th place in the group of countries in Southeast Asia based on the 2019 Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) by the World Economic Forum. The current development of infrastructure development is not directly proportional to an increase in the number of infrastructure users by 1.9% from an annual increase of 10%-55%. And the occurrence of implementation time experienced a delay of 11.95%. And with a low rate of return on books with high investment costs in the construction of 7.79%. The expected goal in this research is to have cost and time efficiency in implementing infrastructure development. In this study, the focus is on the upper structure work, one of which is the box girder, to improve time and cost efficiency based on the Manual Program Evaluation and Review Technique (M-PERT) and Value Engineering (VE) in the case study of this research. The case study using the M-PERT method resulted in a time efficiency value of 98.87% of the completion time at the job site, while the VE method obtained an added value of income outside toll roads of 9.38% of construction costs.
The Association between Pre-Pregnancy BMI, Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Angali Kambiz Ahmadi , Azhdari Maryam , Cheraghi Maria , shahri parvin , salmanzadeh shokrolah , borazjani fatemeh
Published: December 2020

Background: Maternal body mass index and maternal gestational weight gain can have positive effects on birth and maternal outcomes. We aimed to identify the effect of pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain on birth outcomes.Methods: Data of this retrospective cohort study were extracted using the 1457 out of 1800 pair health records belonged to the pregnant mother and infant at Ahvaz health care centers, from 2010 to 2018.Result: The 3.18-fold increased risk for large for gestational age in overweight mothers, and a 2.9 fold increased risk for small for gestational age in those mothers with gestational weight gain below the guidelines. An increased risk of large for gestational age, low birth weight, and macrosomia were observed in overweight mothers with gestational weight gain out of the guidelines. The increased association was found between the maternal pre-body mass index and fasting blood sugar (p = 0.0001). Hence, hyperglycemia is related to a 3.58-fold incidence of macrosomia. Conclusion: Therefore, conducting more educational programs of lifestyle intervention with respect to reproductive health care is required for all women in childbearing age (before and during pregnancy), with the purpose of reducing the adverse pregnancy outcome.
Lemierre’s Syndrome: A Thing of the Past?
Authors: Dhaduk Nehal , Vedula Sudeepti , Govindan Aparna , Kalyoussef Evelyne
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Lemierre’s syndrome (LS), infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, is a rare, life-threatening complication of oropharyngeal infections underrepresented in literature. We reviewed the etiology, clinical characteristics, treatment regiments and prognosis of LS in pediatric patients.Methods: PubMed and MEDLINE were searched from February 10, 2018 to July 28, 2018 for relevant studies. A systematic review was performed using the terms LS and pediatric case. Our criteria included reviews, case reports, and case series with patients under 18 years with a diagnosis of LS. Results: 70 cases of pediatric LS were identified. The male to female ratio was 1:1.7 with an average age of 10.7 years (5 weeks to 17 years). The most common initial clinical presentations were fever (90.0%), sore throat (38.6%), and neck pain or tenderness (35.7%), while the most frequent findings on physical exam were fever (31.4%) and neck involvement (28.6%). F. necrophorum was the predominant organism cultured (62.9%). Septic emboli were seen in 51.4% of cases with the lungs affected in 40 patients. Most commonly used treatments were antibiotics (91.4%) followed by anticoagulation (50.0%) and the overall mortality rate was 8.6%. The average time from initial presentation to diagnosis was 4.9 days. Conclusion: LS is a deadly condition with a staggering mortality rate despite the advent of antibiotic measures. Early identification and a high index of suspicion are necessary to prevent complications associated with LS. Despite its rarity it should remain on the differential for any patient with toxic signs and localized neck findings.
Eradication of Helicobacter Pylori Improves Dyspepsia Symptoms in Elderly People
Authors: Tanaka Ikko , Ono Shoko , Shimoda Yoshihiko , Inoue Masaki , Kinowaki Sayoko , Tsuda Momoko , Ono Masayoshi , Yamamoto Keiko , Shimizu Yuichi , Kato Mototsugu , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTherapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) improves symptoms of H. pylori-associated dyspepsia (HPD), but the effects of eradication in elderly patients are unclear. AimsTo evaluate the outcomes of eradication therapy and effects of eradication on dyspepsia symptoms in elderly patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 496 patients who received H. pylori eradication therapy. The patients were divided into a group of elderly patients (group E: ≧ 65 years old) and a group of non-elderly patients (group N: < 65 years old). Abdominal symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire about 12 abdominal symptoms before eradication and after eradication (1-2 months and more than one year). Dyspepsia was defined as a score of 4 points or more score for at least one of 4 items (postprandial fullness, early satiety, epigastric pain, and hunger pain).ResultsSuccesful H. pylori eradication rate in group E was significantly lower than that in group N (74.7 % vs. 84.4 %, P < 0.05) and it was remarkable in the 3rd-line therapy (59.7 % vs. 76.5 %, P < 0.05). Serious adverse events did not occur in either groups. Successful eradication improved symptoms in patients with dyspepsia in both groups within 2 months (70.3% of the patients in group N, 76.2% of the patients in group E) and decrease of GOS score lasted for more than 1 year.ConclusionsH. pylori eradication would be recommend for elderly patients with dyspepsia symptoms.
The Simple Maneuver to Safely Extend the Anhepatic Time to 30 Minutes for Rat Liver Transplantation
Authors: Tang Gaofeng , Zhang Jiabin , Zhao Huibo , Wei Sidong , zhou shaotang , Chen Guoyong
Published: December 2020

Background: Orthotopic rat liver transplantation (OLT) is widely used; it remains to be challenging although many renovations have been made. Methods: For tolerance induction, we performed OLT including whole graft OLT from close Sprague Dawley (SD) rat to SD (whole graft group, control group, n=21) and 30 minute anhepatic time (AHT) group (AHT group, n=11). For good outcomes of AHT group and generalization of this maneuver, partial OLT was performed from 50% Lewis allograft to Brown Norway (BN) rats to induce tolerance (half graft group, n=28), Cyclosporine A was injected once daily for 14 days. Results: For whole graft group, 30-day survival rate was 85.5% (18/21), the reasons of death were gas embolism due to the missed suturing in 2 cases, blood loss in 1 case. For AHT group and tolerance group, 30-day survival rate was 72.7% (8/11), 64.3% (18/28), the causes of death were diverse. There were no differences in survival in 3 groups (p=0.289). Conclusion: The anhepatic time can be extended simply through the change of clamping the diaphragm, which facilitates its application in the research.
The Management of Portal Vein Thrombosis after Adult Liver Transplantation: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Qingshan , Wang Wanli , Ma Tao , Wang Yue , Yang Yifan , Shi Jianhua , Tian Min , Liu Xuemin , Zhang Xiaogang , Lv Yi , Wang Bo
Published: December 2020

Background: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after adult liver transplantation (LT) is a rare but serious complication with no consensus on the ideal treatment. We report a case series and a comprehensive review of the literature on PVT after LT to discuss the therapeutic options. Methods: The clinical data of 360 adult patients (≥18 years of age) that underwent LT from January 2015 to January 2018 were reviewed, and a comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted. Patients diagnosed with PVT after LT were identified, and relevant risk factors and therapies were analyzed. Results: Among the 360 patients, seven (2.69%) developed PVT after LT. The onset of PVT within one week after LT was found in six patients (85.71%). Four of these seven patients with PVT received systemic anticoagulation (low molecular weight heparin and warfarin) therapy. Minimally invasive interventional therapies combined with systemic anticoagulation (heparin and warfarin) were applied to three patients, two of whom died because of severe abdominal hemorrhage and liver failure. In the 29 cases reported in the literature, minimally invasive interventional therapy combined with systematic anticoagulation or sclerotherapy were the most used methods (19/29). Systemic anticoagulation was administered to three patients, surgical operation (thrombectomy; portosystemic shunt and retransplantation) was performed for seven patients. Among these 29 patients, four eventually died. Conclusions: In conclusion, interventional therapy combined with systemic anticoagulation is a good choice for the management of PVT after LT, and in our experience, systemic anticoagulation alone can also have a positive effect for early PVT patients.
Precision and Flexible Bending Control strategy Based on Analytical Models and Data Models
Authors: Duan Yongchuan , Zhang Fangfang , Liu Yu , Qiao Haidi , Yang Liu , Guan Yingping
Published: December 2020

Forming of various customized bending parts, small batches, as well as numerous types of materials is a new challenges for Industry 4.0, the current control strategies can not meet the precision and flexibility requirement, expected control strategy of bending processes need to not only resist unknown interferences of process condition and models, but also produce various new parts automatically and efficiently. In this paper, a precision and flexible bending control strategy based on analytical models and data models is proposed to built adaptive bending systems. New analytical prediction models for loading and unloading are established and suitable for various materials, a sequential identification strategy is proposed to search nominal properties using the four sub-optimization models. A data-based feedback model is established to prevent over-bending and eliminate online deviation. Above models are merged into a precision and flexible control strategy. the system firstly uses sub-optimization models to search the nominal point which is near to target point, secondly the system further uses feedback model to eliminate residual error between the nominal point and target point. Compared with four kinds sheet metals, the allowable ranges for variables are determined for a good convergence. The target bending angles were set to 20°, 40°, and 60°. Forty parts were tracked for each kind material, the adaptive bending system converged after one iteration, and exhibited better performances.
Comparative Analysis of Temporal Transcriptome Reveals the Relationship Between Pectin Degradation and Pathogenicity of Defoliating Verticillium Dahliae to Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum)
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Jiayi , Chen Wanqing , Liu Xinran , Li Cheng , Cao Yuefen , Zhao Tianlun , Lu Donglin , Hui Yixuan , Zhang Yi , Chen Jinhong , Zhang Jingze , Pepper Alan E. , Yu John Z. , Zhu Shuijin
Published: December 2020

Background: Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb., is a major plant disease that causes heavy annual losses around the world, especially in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). The disease-causing pathogen can be classified into defoliating (D) and non-defoliating (ND) pathotypes based on the induced symptoms. At present, little is known about the complex mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity and cotton resistance to it. Comparative analysis of temporal transcriptome was performed on two V. dahliae strains, Vd_086 (D) and Vd_BP2 (ND), at key development stages (hyphal growth, microsclerotia production, and spore germination) to reveal the functional process on plant defoliation and death.Results: Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis revealed a strong correlation between cell wall protein kinase activities and the early pathogenicity of defoliating Vd_086. With weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), six specific gene modules were correlated with the biological traits of the fungal samples. Functional enrichment with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways together with DEG analysis revealed six pectin degrading enzymes including Polygalacturonase gene 1 (PG1), Pectate lyase gene (PEL) and Pectinesterase gene 1 (PME1) expressed in the early development of Vd_086 that may be related to the robust pathogenicity of this strain during the early invasion. The expression of four of these genes was verified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, we identified Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling “hub” genes that may regulate these pectinases.Conclusions: Enhanced expression of pectin degradation enzymes is associated with the stronger pathogenicity of Vd_086 than Vd_BP2, especially at early infection stages. The disease-causing capability is likely regulated by MAPK signaling genes. This study provides new insight into molecular mechanisms of the plant-pathogen interaction on the VW disease, facilitating more effective control measures against this pathogen, including molecular breeding for the VW-resistant cotton cultivars.
Psychopathology analysis of 23 cases with COVID-19 pneumonia accompanied by abnormal brain imagine
Authors: Sun Fengli , Chen Xinsheng , Ren Hongwei , Liu Jianning , Jin Weidong
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCOVID-19 broke out in Wuhan, China in late 2019.the persons involved maybe influenced in psychology. Abnormality of central never system(CNS) may promote appeared more psychological symptomsin patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.MaterialsAll the cases were from the hospital where the author was located and diagnosed COVID-19 pneumonia with abnormality of cranial CT examination.ResultAll 23 patients performance mental symptoms of consciousness disturbance,cognitive impairment,anxiety and depression,sleep disorder. The more and serious mental symptoms correlated with dangerous and severe or severe type of COVID-19 pneumonia, more physical disease.ConclusionCOVID-19 pneumonia patients with cranial CT abnormality always had mental symptoms.