bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive factors for successful INTELLiVENT-ASV® use: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Katayama Shinshu , Tonai Ken , Shima Jun , Koyama Kansuke , Nunomiya Shin
Published: March 2020

Background: INTELLiVENT-ASV® (I-ASV) is a closed-loop ventilation mode that automatically controls the ventilation settings. Although a number of studies have reported the usefulness of I-ASV, the clinical situations in which it may be useful have not yet been clarified. We aimed to report our initial 3 years of experience using I-ASV, particularly the clinical conditions and the technical and organizational factors associated with its use. Furthermore, we evaluated the usefulness of I-ASV and determined the predictive factors for successful management with I-ASV. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included patients who were ventilated using the Hamilton G5® ventilator (Hamilton Medical AG, Rhäzüns, Switzerland) from January 2016 to December 2018. The patients were categorized into the “I-ASV success” group and “I-ASV failure” group (those receiving mechanical ventilation with I-ASV along with any other mode). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with successful I-ASV management.Results : Of the 189 patients, 135 (71.4%) were categorized into the I-ASV success group. In the I-ASV success group, the reasons for ICU admission included post-elective surgery (94.1%), post-emergent surgery (81.5%), and other medical reasons (55.6%). I-ASV failure was associated with a low P/F ratio (278 vs. 167, P = 0.0003) and high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (21 vs. 26, P < 0.0001). The main reasons for not using I-ASV included strong inspiratory effort and asynchrony. The APACHE II score was an independent predictive factor for successful management with I-ASV, with an odds ratio of 0.92 (95% confidential interval 0.87–0.96, P = 0.0006). The area under the receiver operating curve for the APACHE II score was 0.722 (cut-off: 24). Conclusions :In this study, we found that 71.4% of the fully mechanically ventilated patients could be managed successfully with I-ASV. The APACHE II score was an independent factor that could help predict the successful management of I-ASV. To improve I-ASV management, it is necessary to focus on patient-ventilator interactions.
Presentation Intervals and the Impact of Delay on Breast Cancer Progression in a Black African Population.
Authors: Agodirin Olayide , Olatoke Samuel , Rahman Ganiyu , Olaogun Julius , Olasehinde Olalekan , Katung Aba , Kolawole Oladapo , Ayandipo Omobolaji , Etonyeaku Amarachukwu , Habeeb Olufemi , Adeyeye Ademola , Agboola John , Akande Halimat , Oguntola Adetunji , Akanbi Olusola , Fatudimu Oluwafemi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: The help-seeking interval or the primary-care interval are points of delays in breast cancer presentation. To inform future breast cancer down-staging intervention, we described the contribution of each interval to the delay and the impact of delay on tumor progression.METHOD: Multicentered survey from June 2017 to May 2018. We hypothesized that most patients visited the First Healthcare Provider within 60days of tumor detection. Inferential statistics were by t-test, chi-square test, and Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test at p-value 0.05 or 95% confidence limits. Time-to-event was by survival method. Multivariate analysis was by logistic regression.RESULTS: Respondents were females between 24 and 95 years (n=420). Most respondents visited FHP within 60 days of detecting symptoms (230 (60%, 95% CI 53-63). Most had long primary-care (237 of 377 (64% 95%CI 59-68) and detection-to-specialist (293 (73% (95% CI 68-77)) intervals. The primary care interval (median 106days) was longer than the help-seeking interval ( median 42days ) Wilcoxon signed-rank test p= 0.001. There was strong correlation between length of primary care interval and the detection-to-specialist interval (r= 0.9, 95% CI 0.88- 0.92). Patronizing the hospital, receiving the correct advice, and having a big tumor (>5cm) were associated with short intervals. Tumors were detected early, but most became advanced before arriving at the specialist clinic. The difference in tumor size between detection and arriving at a specialist clinic was 5.0±4.9cm (95% CI 4.0-5.0). The instantaneous hazard of progressing from early to locally advanced disease was least in the first 30 days(3%). The hazard was 31% in 90 days.CONCLUSION: Most respondents presented early to the first healthcare provider, but most arrived late at a specialist clinic. The primary care interval was longer than the help-seeking interval. Most tumors were early at detection but locally advanced before arriving in a specialist clinic. Interventions aiming to shorten the primary care interval will have the most impact on time to breast cancer presentation for specialist oncology care in Nigeria.
Factors and predictors of length of stay in offenders diagnosed with schizophrenia- A machine-learning-based approach
Authors: Kirchebner Johannes , Günther Moritz , Sonnweber Martina , King Alice , Lau Steffen
Published: March 2020

Background: Prolonged forensic psychiatric hospitalizations have raised ethical, economic, and clinical concerns. Due to the confounded nature of factors affecting length of stay of psychiatric offender patients, prior research has called for the application of a new statistical methodology better accommodating this data structure. The present study attempts to investigate factors contributing to long-term hospitalization of schizophrenic offenders referred to a Swiss forensic institution, using machine learning algorithms that are better suited than conventional methods to detect nonlinear dependencies between variables.
Methods: In this retrospective file and registry study, multidisciplinary notes of 143 schizophrenic offenders were reviewed using a structured protocol on patients’ characteristics, criminal and medical history and course of treatment. Via a forward selection procedure, the most influential factors for length of stay were preselected. Machine learning algorithms then identified the most efficient model for predicting length-of-stay.
Results: Two factors have been identified as being particularly influential for a prolonged forensic hospital stay, both of which are related to aspects of the index offense, namely (attempted) homicide and the extent of the victim's injury. The results are discussed in light of previous research on this topic.
Conclusions: In this study, length of stay was determined by legal considerations, but not by factors that can be influenced therapeutically. Results emphasize that forensic risk assessments should be based on different evaluation criteria and not merely on legal aspects.
What Kinds of Advantages and Disadvantages May Merging Health Insurance Funds Bring About? A Qualitative Policy Analysis from Iran
Authors: Bazyar Mohammad , Yazdi-Feyzabadi Vahid , Rahimi Nouroddin , Rashidian Arash
Published: March 2020

Background: In countries with health insurance system, the number, the size of insurance funds and the amount of risk distribution among them is a major concern. One possible solution to overcome problems resulting from fragmentation is combining risk pools together to create fewer and larger ones, ideally a single pool. This study aims to realize what kind of advantages and disadvantages merging health insurance funds together may bring about to the health insurance system in particular and health system in general. Methods: In this qualitative study, nesting purposive sampling with maximum variation was used to obtain representativeness and rich data. Sixty face-to-face interviews were conducted. Documentary review was used as supplementary source of data collection. Content analysis using the ‘framework method’ was used to analyze the qualitative data. For assuring the quality of results, four trustworthiness criteria including credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability were used. Results: The results of this study indicated that there are diverse positive and negative consequences for merging of health insurance funds in Iran which are categorized into seven categories including governance/stewardship, financing, population, benefit package, structure, operational procedures and interaction with providers. These themes are subdivided further into thirty-seven sub-categories which represent a wide range of different policy aspects which need close attention to deal with the merging of health insurance funds. Conclusions: Implementation of merging health insurance schemes in Iran would be influenced by a wide range of potential merits and drawbacks, so to facilitate the process and lessen the opposition of opponents, policy makers should act as brokers taking into account the contextual factors and adopting tailored policies to maximize the benefits and minimize the potential drawbacks of consolidation in Iran.
Tanshinone IIA alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation induced cardiomyocyte injury via lncRNA AK003290/miR-124-5p signaling
Authors: Chen Liye , Wei Lili , Yu Qiongyang , Shi Haozhe , Liu George
Published: March 2020

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the leading cause of death globally and has thus placed a heavy burden on healthcare. Tanshinone IIA (TSA) is a major active compound, extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, that possesses various pharmacological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of TSA in AMI and its underlying mechanism of action.Results: We have shown that TSA decreased the apoptosis rate, the amount of LDH, MDA as well as ROS of cardiomyocytes. Meantime, it elevated mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) which was decreased by H/R treatment. It was also determined that miR-124-5p targets AK003290 directly. TSA up-regulated the expression of AK003290 and its function can be reversed by knock down of AK003290 as well as miR-124-5p overexpression.Conclusion: TSA exerts the protective role against H/R induced apoptosis, oxidative and MMP loss of cardiomyocytes via regulating AK003290 and miR-124-5p signaling.
Gene expression profiling reveals light regulation on adventitious root formation in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)
Authors: libao Cheng , Yuyan Han , Minrong Zhao , xiaoyong Xu , Zhiguang Shen , Shuyan Li , Zhubing Hu
Published: March 2020

Background: Lotus is an aquatic horticultural crop, and widely cultivated in most regions of China. Lotus is often used as a kind of an important off-season vegetable with various nutrients. Principle root of lotus is degenerated, and the role of adventitious roots (ARs) is Irreplaceable for plant growth. We found that no ARs could be formed under darkness condition, and high light significantly promote the development of root primordium. Therefore, four libraries with three light intensities were constructed to monitor metabolism changes, especially in IAA and sugar metabolism. Results: We found that ARs formation was significantly affected by light, high light intensity accelerated ARs development. The change of metabolism during ARs formation under different light intensity was evaluated according to gene expression profiling by high-throughput tag-sequencing. It was shown that more than 2.2× 10 4 genes was obtained in each library, and the expression level of most genes were distributed between 1e-01 and 1e+03 (FPKF value). Among these identified genes, 1739, 1683 and 1462 genes were up-regulated, and 1533, 995 and 834 genes were down-regulated in D/CK, E/CK and F/CK libraries respectively. In addition, we also found that 1454 and 478 genes changed expression in D/CK and F/CK libraries when compared D/CK with F/CK libraries. In F/D libraries, the transcriptional level of most differentially expressed genes was between -5~5 fold, and twenty differentially expressed genes were involved in signal transduction pathway. Twenty-eight genes related with IAA response and thirty-five genes involved in sugar metabolism were found to change expression. It was elucidated that IAA content was enhanced after seed germinated, even in darkness condition, which was responsible for ARs formation. Conclusion: The process of ARs formation was very complex, and regulated by multiple factors. The ARs formation was regulated by IAA, even in the dark, induction and developmental process could also be completed. In addition, the genes (36 genes) changed expression level in carbohydrate metabolism showed the third number, so sucrose metabolism was involved in the ARs development (expressed stage) according to genes expression and content change characteristic.
Bioconversion of Agro-Waste to Product of Bio-protein via Cultivation of Edible Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus eryngii
Authors: alqaisi mustafa , Alabtan Manaf K , Owine Mazin A
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the potentiality of utilizing some local Agro-wastes (lignocellulose) in Iraq as growing Substrate to product edible oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii. Biological process of cultivation and Production edible mushrooms on sold state fermentation its considering a biotechnology Product of Bio-protein or myco-protein, so we used nine substrate combinations (nine Treatment) from plant residues which were Three main substrate (Date palm wastes, Corn cobs and Common reed) and two type of enrichments Supplement (Rice husks and Corn seeds husks) and Without Supplement (control) included, this Experimental data were analyzed using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), according to a completely randomized design (CRD) and Tukey’s test P 0.05. The less period of crop cycle (day) which in T7 and T8 (30.33, 31.67 day) when T2 (Corn cobs 100%), T1 (Date palm waste 100%), T7 (Date palm waste 80%+Corn husks 20%) and T8 (Corn cobs 80%+Corn husks 20%) gave the maximum mushroom yield reached 293.0 280.7, 268.7 and 264.0 g kg-1 substrate Sequentially and this yield was significantly different to those found from the other substrate combinations. Bioeffeincy Significant different compared with other combination substrate.
Comparison of surgical outcomes between isolated pancreaticojejunostomy, isolated gastrojejunostomy, and conventional pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: yunxiao lyu , Wang Bin , Cheng Yunxiao , Xu Yueming , Du WeiBing
Published: March 2020

Background We aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of the following procedures after pancreaticoduodenectomy: isolated pancreaticojejunostomy, isolated gastrojejunostomy, and conventional pancreaticojejunostomy. Methods We performed a systematic search of the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov until 1 January 2020. Pooled odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using STATA 12.0 statistical software.Results Thirteen studies involving 1942 patients were included in this study. Pooled analysis showed that the major complication and reoperation rates following isolated pancreaticojejunostomy were lower than with conventional pancreaticojejunostomy (OR=0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.96, P=0.04 and OR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.15–0.86, p=0.02, respectively), and that isolated pancreaticojejunostomy required longer operation time vs conventional pancreaticojejunostomy (WMD=43.61, 95% CI: 21.64–65.58, P=0.00). Regarding postoperative pancreatic fistula, clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, clinically-relevant delayed gastric emptying, bile leakage, hemorrhage , reoperation, length of postoperative hospital stay, major complications, overall complications, and mortality, we found no significant differences for either isolated pancreaticojejunostomy versus conventional pancreaticojejunostomy or isolated gastrojejunostomy versus conventional pancreaticojejunostomy. Conclusions This study showed that isolated pancreaticojejunostomy was associated with fewer major complications and a lower reoperation rate, but required longer operation time vs conventional pancreaticojejunostomy. Considering the limitations, high-quality randomized controlled trials are required.
Epidemiology of work-related musculo-skeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Gebreyesus Tsiwaye , Janakiraman Balamurugan , Nigussie Kalkidan , Getnet Moges Gashaw
Published: March 2020

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders among the working population are a major public health problem, resulting in significant personal and national economic loss. However, in Ethiopia, the cloud of infectious and non-communicable diseases has led to a lack of attention to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and empirical under-representation. This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide the pooled prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its determinant factors among the adult working population in Ethiopia. Method: The electronic databases MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct index, SCOPUS, PEDro, and Google Scholar will be systematically searched. In addition, the grey literature resources such as databases or websites of dissertations and theses will be searched. The reference list of screened articles will also be hand searched. All observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain of any bodily region among adult Ethiopians will be included. Random and quality effects models will be used to calculate pooled prevalence with a 95 % confidence interval. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed. Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported. Discussion: The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will provide valid insight into the pooled prevalence of multi-regional work-related musculo-skeletal pain and factors associated to assist policymakers in occupational health and health care sectors. And further, we strongly believe that the data will also immensely help the understanding of the factors associated and in developing evidence-based musculo-skeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations,and prevention programs in workplaces.
Initial experience of complete laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy combined with transvesical laparoscopic excision of distal ureter in patients with upper urinary tract cancer
Authors: Miyake Makito , Nishimura Nobutaka , Aoki Katsuya , Ohmori Chihiro , Shimizu Takuto , Owari Takuya , Hori Shunta , Morizawa Yosuke , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumich , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: March 2020

Background: Selecting the best treatment procedure for cancer patients is a challenging task in clinical practice. Here, we report our initial experience of complete laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC).Methods: We reviewed patients with UTUC who underwent complete laparoscopic RNU combined with transvesical laparoscopic excision of the distal ureter using three 5-mm ports. Transvaginal specimen extraction was applied in female patients to reduce incisional pain and improve cosmesis. Peri-operative complications were evaluated using the Clavien–Dindo classification system. Postoperative pain was evaluated during hospitalization using a numeric pain rating scale (scales of 1 to 10). Patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery combined with open excision of the distal ureter during the same period were included as a control group (conventional RNU) for pain scale evaluation.Results: The novel surgery was successfully completed for all four patients (two males and two females). The mean pneumoperitoneum time for retroperitoneoscopic nephroureterectomy and specimen extraction was 174 min, while the mean pneumovesicum time for the ureteral orifice excision was 88 min. One male patient had bladder leakage at the suture site of the bladder wall, which lasted for two weeks. No patient experienced recurrent disease during the follow-up period. Mild to moderate pain lasted for 5 or 6 days after RNU. A couple of days after surgery, the numeric pain rating scale of complete laparoscopic RNU and conventional RNU group reached its peak level at 3.0 ± 1.8 and 5.3 ± 2.8, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative pain (P=0.31, Mann Whitney U test).Conclusions: Few studies have reported on transvesical three-port bladder cuff excision for UTUC. Further experience and research are required to determine whether this advanced laparoscopic technique yields better outcomes and has true clinical value.
Effect of Sex Specific differences on Function of Induced Hepatocyte-Like Cells Generated from Male and Female Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts
Authors: Ullah Imran , Shin Yurianna , Kim Yeongji , Oh Keon Bong , Hwang Seongsoo , Kim Young-Im , Lee Jeong Woong , Hur Tai-Young , Lee Seunghoon , Seo Kangmin , Ock Sun A
Published: March 2020

Background The liver is one of the vital organ involve in detoxification and metabolism. The sex based differences between the functionality of male and female liver has been previously reported i.e. male’s liver are good in alcohol clearance and lipid metabolism, while, female’s liver are better in cholesterol metabolisms. To date, studies on novel drug toxicity have not considered the sex specific dimorphic nature of the liver. However, the use of hepatocyte like cells to treat liver diseases has increased recently.Methods Mouse embryos were isolated from a pregnant female C57BL/6J mouse where mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) were isolated from back skin tissue of each embryo. MEF were transduced with human transcription factors hHnf1α, hHnf4α, and hFoxa3 using lentiviral system. The transduced MEF were further treated with hepatocyte conditioned media followed by its analysis through RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, functional assays and finally Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing analysis. For in vivo investigation, the mouse hepatocyte-like cells (miHep) were transplanted into CCL4 induced acute liver mouse model.Results In this study, we evaluated the sex specific effect of mouse hepatocyte-like cells (miHep) induced from male and female specific mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). We observed miHeps with a polygonal cytoplasm and bipolar nucleus, and found that male miHeps showed higher mHnf4a, albumin secretion, and polyploidization than female miHeps. Transcriptomes from miHeps were similar to those from the liver, especially for Hnf4a of male miHeps. Male Cyps were normalized to those from females, which revealed Cyp expression differences between liver and miHeps. In both liver and miHeps, Cyp 4a12a and Cyp 4b13a/2b9 predominated in males and females, respectively. After grafting of miHeps, AST/ALT decreased, regardless of mouse sex.Conclusion In conclusion, activation of endogenic Hnf4a is important for generation of successful sex-specific miHeps; furthermore, the male derived miHep exhibits comparatively enhanced hepatic features than those of female miHep.
A new transmission route for the propagation of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus
Authors: Danchin Antoine , Ng Tuen Wai , Turinici Gabriel
Published: March 2020

Background: A novel coronavirus spread starting late 2019 from the capital of the Hubei province in China to the rest of the country, then to most of the world. To anticipate future trends in the development of the epidemic, we explore here, based on public records of infected persons how variation in the virus tropism could end up in different patterns, warranting specific way to handle the epidemic. Methods: We use a compartmental model to describe the evolution of an individual through several possible states: susceptible, infected, alternative infection, detected and removed. We t the parameters of the model to the existing data taking into account significant quarantine changes where necessary. Results: The model indicates that Wuhan quarantine measures were effective but that alternative virus forms and a second propagation route are compatible with available data. For Hong Kong, Singapore and Shenzhen region the secondary route does not seem to be active yet and the epidemic size limited. Conclusions: The alternative infection tropism (the gut tropism) and a secondary propagation route hypotheses are validated using a model fitted by the available data. Corresponding prevention measures that take into account both routes should be implemented to the benefit of epidemic control.
One nosocomial cluster following with a familial cluster of COVID-19 cases: the potential transmission risk in patients with negative swab tests
Authors: Cao Guoqing , Tang Shaotao , Yang Dehua , Shi Wenjia , Wang Xiaorong , Wang Hua , Li Chen , WEI JIA , Ma Ling
Published: March 2020

BackgroundIn December 2019, a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness, novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia, occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Health care workers exposure to a high density of patients are at extremely high risk of becoming infected at the early outbreak of this disease for not realizing the fact of human-to-human transmission among close contacts at that time. The false-negative nasopharyngeal swabs of SARS-CoV-2 caused the delayed diagnosis of COVID-19. The nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in negative nasopharyngeal swabs cases were not reported previously. We wish to alert the potential transmission risk in COVID-19 patients with negative swab tests to the clinicians and stress the role of serological detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2.MethodsThis study evaluated a total of 6 cases and four of them were health care providers who worked in the same ward. All epidemiological and clinical information was collected. Respiratory samples of the patients were tested for influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RNA The reverse-transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was conducted and serological detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG/IgM is performed by chemiluminescence immunoassay kit.ResultsWe reported two related clusters of COVID-19 cases. The first cluster is a nosocomial infection of four health care providers at early January in one ward of university hospital. One of them made sequential familial cluster of infection. For total six cases, four of them (66.7%) showed negative RNA of SARS-CoV-2 by nasopharyngeal swabs. All patients received either self-quarantined at home or were admitted to hospital for isolated treatment. All recovered and had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and/or IgM positive (100%) for serological detection of SARS-CoV-2 at recovery stage.ConclusionsOur study provides a cautionary warning that negative results of nasopharyngeal swabs of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection can increase the risk of nosocomial infection among health care providers. Serologic detection for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and/or IgM is an important test in the assistant diagnosis of COVID-19.
Genetic Effects of Soluble Starch Synthase IV -2 and It with ADPglucose Pyrophorylase Large Unit and Pullulanase on Rice Qualities
Authors: Xu Liang , You Hui , Zhang Ouling , Xiang Xunchao
Published: March 2020

BackgroundRice amylose content and amylopectin structure corporately determine rice eating and cooking qualities (ECQs). Soluble starch synthase IV-2 (SSIV-2) is a member of the soluble starch synthesis gene family but with unknown effects on ECQs.Results In this study, three populations derived from a cross of two parents who possess the same major genes of starch bio-synthesis were employed to investigate the influence of SSIV-2 and its combined effects with ADPglucose pyrophorylase large unit (AGPlar) and Pullulanase (PUL) on ECQs. The results illustrated that the polymorphism of SSIV-2 alleles significantly affected gel consistency (GC), gelatinization temperature (GT), percent of retrogradation (R) and three crucial RVA profile parameters: peak viscosity (PKV), breakdown viscosity (BDV) and setback viscosity (SBV). And SSIV-2 allele derived from CG173R had better quality traits with lower GT, SBV and R. Moreover, its interaction with AGPlar was responsible for the variations of GC, apparent amylose content (AAC), GT, R and all RVA parameters except for pasting temperature (PaT) and peak time (PeT), in terms of GC, PKV and CSV, AGPlar derived from CG173R had an epistasis effect on SSIV-2; additionally, interaction of SSIV-2 and PUL mainly affected GC, AAC, PKV, CPV, CSV and SBV. I-C and C-1 (I, allele of AGPlar from Guangzhan 63S; C, allele of SSIV-2 from CG173R; 1, allele of PUL from Guangzhan 63S) combinations had better ECQs. The findings suggest that genetic effects of SSIV-2 and its interaction with AGPlar and PUL are vital for rice quality under the same major genes (Wx and SSII-3) background. ConclusionsSS IV-2 significantly affect GC, R, GT, PKV, BDV and SBV of rice starch. The I-C and C-1 have better ECQs. These findings suggest that the effects of SS IV-2 and its interaction with AGPlar and PUL are vital for rice quality breeding.
The DROOPING LEAF (DR) Gene Encoding GDSL Esterase Controls Leaf Morphology in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Yu Yoye , Woo Mi-ok , Rihua Piao , Koh Hee-Jong
Published: March 2020

Background: Leaf morphology is one of the most important agronomic traits in rice breeding because of its contribution to crop yield. Although many studies related to leaf phenotypes in rice have been identified, our understanding of the mechanism of grain development is still limited.Results: The drooping leaf (dr) mutant was developed from the Ilpum rice cultivar by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. Compared with the wild-type, the dr mutant exhibited drooping leaves accompanied by a small midrib, short panicle, and reduced plant height. The phenotype of the dr mutant was caused by a mutation within a single recessive gene on chromosome 2, dr (LOC_Os02g15230), which encodes a GDSL esterase. Analysis of wild-type and mutant sequences revealed that the dr allele carried a single nucleotide substitution, glycine to aspartic acid. RNAi targeted to LOC_Os02g15230 produced the same phenotype as the dr mutation, confirming LOC_Os02g15230 as the dr gene. Microscopic observations and nutrient analysis of SiO2 revealed that silica was less abundant in mutant leaves than in wild-type leaves. Conclusions: This study suggests that the dr gene is involved in the regulation of silica deposition and that disruption of silica processes lead to all drooping leaf phenotypes.
The growth performance and immunity of broiler chickens affected by dietary chitosan oligosaccharides
Authors: Zhao Hang , Pan Saikun
Published: March 2020

Background: The present study aimed to explore the effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharides (COs) on the growth performance and immunity of broiler chickens.Methods: Four test diets were supplemented with different doses of COs (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) and formulated. Triplicate groups of broiler chickens were fed with one of the diets ad libitum for 6 weeks. Results: After the end of the feeding trials, oral CO administration improved average daily gain; the activities of digestive amylase, lipase and protease; the activities of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase; serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IgG, IgM and IgA levels; and reduced feed conversion ratio and malondialdehyde level compared with those of the control group. However, a high dose of CO (150 g/kg) did not further increase its efficiency compared with the moderate dose of CO (100 g/kg). Conclusions: Oral CO administration improved the growth performance and immunity of juvenile broiler chickens and could be used as a feed supplement.
A co-production approach guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel to develop an intervention for reducing sedentary behaviour after stroke
Authors: Hall Jennifer , Morton Sarah , Hall Jessica , Clarke David J , Fitzsimons Claire F , English Coralie , Forster Anne , Mead Gillian E , Lawton Rebecca
Published: March 2020

Background: Stroke survivors are highly sedentary; thus, breaking up long uninterrupted bouts of sedentary behaviour could have substantial health benefit. However, there are no intervention strategies specifically aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour tailored for stroke survivors. The purpose of this study was to use co-production approaches to develop an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour after stroke. Methods: A series of five co-production workshops with stroke survivors, their caregivers, stroke service staff, exercise professionals, and researchers were conducted in parallel in two stroke services (England and Scotland). Workshop format was informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework for developing interventions and incorporated systematic review and empirical evidence. Taking an iterative approach, data from activities and audio recordings were analysed following each workshop and findings used to inform subsequent workshops, to inform both the activities of the next workshop and ongoing intervention development. Findings: Co-production workshop participants (n = 43) included 17 staff, 14 stroke survivors, six caregivers, and six researchers. The target behaviour for stroke survivors is to increase standing and moving, and the target behaviour for caregivers and staff is to support and encourage stroke survivors to increase standing and moving. The developed intervention is primarily based on co-produced solutions to barriers to achieving the target behaviour. The developed intervention includes 34 behaviour change techniques. The intervention is to be delivered through stroke services, commencing in the inpatient setting and following through discharge into the community. Participants reported that taking part in intervention development was a positive experience. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study that has combined the use of co-production and the BCW to develop an intervention for use in stroke care. In-depth reporting of how a co-production approach was combined with the BCW framework, including the design of bespoke materials for workshop activities, should prove useful to other researchers and practitioners involved in intervention development in stroke.
Predictors of change during Narrative Exposure Therapy for displaced populations: A repeated measures design
Authors: Ghafoerkhan R.S. , Heemstra H.E. van , Scholte W.F. , Kolk J.R.J. van der , Heide F.J. ter , Rie S. M. de la , Verhaak L.M. , Snippe J.E. , Boelen P.A.
Published: March 2020

Background: Displaced victims of interpersonal violence, such as refugees, asylum seekers, and victims of sexual exploitation, are growing in numbers, and are often suffering from a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the same time these victims are known to benefit less from trauma-focused therapy, and to be less compliant to treatment. This paper describes the rationale and research protocol of an ongoing trial. In that trial , perceived daily stress, emotion regulation, and mood are investigated as predictors of change in PTSD symptoms during a trauma-focused therapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)), since these factors might impact the feasibility of therapy effectiveness. Methods/design: Using an observational treatment design, 80 displaced victims of interpersonal violence will be measured before, during, and after partaking in NET. Several questionnaires tapping PTSD plus the aforementioned possible predictors of PTSD change will be administered: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5, Perceived Stress Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18 (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up),subscale impulsivity of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18, Perceived Stress Scale short version, Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a single Mood item (each session). Multilevel modelling will be used to examine the relation between the possible predictors and treatment outcome.Discussion: The present study is the first to examine the interplay of facilitating and interfering factors possibly impacting treatment feasibility in displaced victims of interpersonal violence with PTSD receiving NET, using repeated measures. The current study can help to improve future treatment based on individual characteristics.
The financing need for providing paid maternity leave in the informal sector in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Adiatma , Pitriyan Pipit , Hardiawan Donny , Zambrano Paul , Vilar-Compte Mireya , Belismelis Graciela Ma Teruel , Moncada Meztli , Tamayo David , Carroll Grace , Perez-Escamilla Rafael , Marthisen Roger
Published: March 2020

Background The economic cost of not breastfeeding in Indonesia is estimated at US$1.5–9.4 billion annually (Walters et al, 2016; Siregar et al, 2018; Walters et al, 2019), the highest in South East Asia. Half of the 33.6 million working women of reproductive age (WRA) in Indonesia are informal employees, and less than 50% exclusive breastfeed. No maternity protection entitlements are currently available for WRA working informally in Indonesia. This study aims to estimate the cost of providing maternity leave cash transfer (MCT) for WRA working in the informal sector in Indonesia.Method The costing methodology used is the adapted version of the World Bank methodology by Vilar-Compte et al (2019), following pre-set steps to estimate costs using national secondary data. We used the 2018 Indonesian National Socio-Economic Survey to estimate the number of women working informally who gave birth within the last year. The population covered, potential cash transfer’s unitary cost, the incremental coverage of the policy in terms of time and coverage, and the administrative costs were used to estimate the cost of MCT for the informal sector. Result At 100% coverage for 13 weeks of leave, the annual cost of MCT ranged from US$175million (US$152/woman) to US$669million (US$583/woman). The share of the annual costs did not exceed 0.5% of Indonesian Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Conclusion The yearly cost of providing MCT for eligible WRA working in the informal sector is significantly lower than the current annual cost of not breastfeeding in Indonesia, as computed in previous work (Walters et al, 2016; Siregar et al, 2018; Walters et al, 2019). While such a program would be perceived as a marked increase from current public health spending at the onset, such an investment could substantially contribute to the success of breastfeeding and substantial corresponding public health savings given that more than half of working Indonesian WRA are employed in the informal sector. Such policies should be further explored while taking into consideration realistic budget constraints and implementation capacity.
The long term survival of successfully weaned prolonged mechanical ventilation patients
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu
Published: March 2020

Background Over six years, five hundred and seventy-four patients were admitted to the respiratory care center. Three hundred and ninety-one patients were successfully weaned from the ventilator. How is the long term outcome of these successfully weaned prolonged mechanical ventilation patients? Very few articles were discussing the long term outcome of successfully weaned prolonged mechanical ventilation patients. We will explore this issue in-depth in this article. Methods We analyzed retrospective data from successfully weaned prolonged mechanical ventilation patients to investigate the clinical variables, discharged status, long term survival, the cause of death, end-of-life decisions. Results We can further gather long term follow-up data on 243 patients. The factors between patients who died in the ward and those who survived ≥1 year revealed the poorer survival of patients who died in the ward was due to a higher percentage of end-stage renal disease comorbidity, a higher percentage of malignant comorbidity, higher percentage of ≥ four comorbidities and a higher percentage of signed do-not-resuscitate / do-not-intubate orders. The factors between patients who survived <1 year and those who survived ≥1 year revealed the poorer survival of patients who survived <1 year was due to older age, a higher percentage of signed do-not-resuscitate / do-not-intubate orders. That 81 patients (33.3%) who signed a do-not-resuscitate / do-not-intubate orders, indicates that, at most, 66.7% of survivors were willing to receive mechanical ventilation again. Conclusion The end-of-life decision (signed do-not-resuscitate / do-not-intubate orders) is one of the major influence factors of long term survival of successfully weaned prolonged mechanical ventilation patients. In all, 81 patients (33.3%) in our study signed do-not-resuscitate / do-not-intubate orders, meaning that, at most, 66.7% of survivors were willing to receive mechanical ventilation again.
Regional Registration of Whole Slide Image Stacks Containing Highly Deformed Artefacts
Authors: Paknezhad Mahsa , Loh Sheng Yang Michael , Choudhury Yukti , Koh Valerie Koh Cui , Yong Timothy Tay Kwang , Tan Hui Shan , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Tan Puay Hoon , Peng John Yuen Shyi , Yu Weimiao , Tan Yongcheng Benjamin , Loy Yong Zhen , Tan Min Han , Lee Hwee Kuan
Published: March 2020

Background: High resolution 2D whole slide imaging provides rich information about the tissue structure. This information can be a lot richer if these 2D images can be stacked into a 3D tissue volume. A 3D analysis, however, requires accurate reconstruction of the tissue volume from the 2D image stack. This task is not trivial due to the distortions that each individual tissue slice experiences while cutting and mounting the tissue on the glass slide. Performing registration for the whole tissue slices may be adversely affected by the deformed tissue regions. Consequently, regional registration is found to be more effective. In this paper, we propose an accurate and robust regional registration algorithm for whole slide images which incrementally focuses registration on the area around the region of interest. Results: Using mean similarity index as the metric, the proposed algorithm (mean +- std: 0.84 +- 0.11) followed by a fine registration algorithm (0.86 +- 0.08) outperformed the state-of-the-art linear whole tissue registration algorithm (0.74 +- 0.19) and the regional version of this algorithm (0.81 +- 0.15). The proposed algorithm also outperforms the state-of-the-art nonlinear registration algorithm (original: 0.82 +- 0.12, regional: 0.77 +- 0.22) for whole slide images and a recently proposed patch-based registration algorithm (patch size 256: 0.79 +- 0.16 , patch size 512: 0.77 +- 0.16) for medical images. Conclusion: The proposed algorithm is a more robust and accurate solution to the problem of regional registration of whole slide images in existence of highly deformed regions in the imaged tissue.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic delay in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Zhao Sizheng , Pittam Bradley , Harrison Nicholas L , Nursiah Karishma , Goodson Nicola J , Hughes David M
Published: March 2020

Background . Delay to diagnosis in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is longer than many other rheumatic diseases. Prolonged delay has been shown to associate with poorer outcomes including functional impairment and quality of life. Our aims were to describe 1) global variation in delay to diagnosis, 2) factors associated with delay, and 3) differences in diagnostic delay between axSpA and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods . We searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science using a predefined protocol in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Delay to diagnosis was defined as years between age at symptom onset and age at diagnosis. We pooled mean diagnostic delay using random-effects inverse variance meta-analysis. We examined variations in pooled estimates using pre-specified subgroup analyses and sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression.Results. A total of 54 studies reported mean diagnostic delay in axSpA patients. The pooled mean delay was 6.8 years (95% confidence interval 6.2 to 7.3) with high levels of heterogeneity. Delay to diagnosis did not improve over time when stratifying results by year of publication. Studies from high-income countries (defined by the World Bank) reported longer delay than those from middle-income countries. Factors consistently reported to be associated with longer delay were: lower education levels, younger age at symptom onset and absence of extra-articular manifestations. Pooled estimate for diagnostic delay from 8 PsA studies was significantly shorter, at 2.6 years (95%CI 1.6 to 3.6).Conclusion. For axSpA patients, delay to diagnosis remains unacceptably prolonged in many parts of the world, although some countries have reported remarkable improvements. Patient factors (education) and disease presentation (age at onset and extra-articular manifestations) should inform awareness campaigns to improve delay. Targets for improvement should aim to resemble delays in other spondyloarthritis patients.
PDIA4 correlates with poor prognosis and is a potential biomarker in glioma
Authors: Li Haoyu , Liu Qing , Xiao Kai , Yang Jun , Wu Chao , Sun Jianjun , Chen Xin , Chen Suhua , Han Hongbin , Ma Qianquan , Su Jun
Published: March 2020

Background: Gliomas, characterized by aggressiveness and invasiveness, remain incurable after conventional therapies. The molecular mechanisms driving the progression and maintenance of glioma are still poorly understood.Methods: PDIA4 expression was analyzed via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) which data were from TCGA and GTEx databases. We estimated the prognostic value of PDIA4 using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model. The functional enrichment analysis was done by using cluster Profiler package in R language, including gene ontology (GO) analysis comprised of cellular component (CC), molecular function (MF), and biological process (BP), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. In addition, correlation between PDIA4 and immunity were analyzed by Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, RNA extraction and Real-time RT-PCR.Results: In this study, we identified PDIA4 was highly expressed in gliomas and closely correlated with poor prognosis. The association with IDH1 and different patterns of gliomas also indicates the potential biological processes that PDIA4 involves in the development of tumor. Mechanistically, PDIA4 interacts with multiple immunological components to promote an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).Conclusions: Our results confirm PDIA4 is an efficient biomarker of gliomas, with implications for prognosis and therapeutic strategies.