bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analysis of Jatropha curcas MADS-box gene family and functional characterization of the JcMADS40 gene in transgenic rice
Authors: Tang Yuehui , Wang Jian , Bao Xinxin , Wu Qian , Yang Tongwen , Li Han , Wang Wenxia , Zhang Yizhen , Bai Nannan , Guan Yaxin , Dai Jiaxi , Xie Yanjie , Li Shen , Huo Rui , Cheng Wei
Published: April 2020

Background: Physic nut (Jatropha curcas), a non-edible oilseed plant, is among the most promising alternative energy sources because of its high seed oil content, rapid growth and extensive adaptability. Proteins encoded by MADS-box genes are important transcription factors involved in the regulation of plant growth, seed development and responses to abiotic stress. However, there has been no in-depth research on the MADS-box genes and their roles in physic nut. Results: In the present study, 63 MADS-box genes (JcMADSs) were identified in the physic nut genome, and classed into five groups (MIKCC, Mα, Mβ, Mγ, MIKC*) based on phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis homologs. Expression profile analysis based on RNA-seq suggested that many JcMADS genes were expressed most strongly in seeds, and seven of them responded in leaves to at least one abiotic stressor (drought and/or salinity) at one or more time points. Transient expression analysis and a transactivation assay indicated that JcMADS40 is a nucleus-localized transcriptional activator. Plants overexpressing JcMADS40 did not show altered plant growth, but the overexpressing plants did exhibit reductions in grain size, grain length, grain width, 1000-seed weight and yield per plant. Further data on the reduced grain size in JcMADS40-overexpressing plants supported the putative role of JcMADS genes in seed development. Conclusions: This study will be useful in understanding the involvement of MADS-box genes in growth and development in addition to their functions in abiotic stress resistance, and will ultimately form the basis for functional characterization and the exploitation of candidate genes for the genetic engineering of physic nut.
Colorectal carcinomas with mucinous differentiation are associated with high frequent mutation of KRAS or BRAF mutations, irrespective of quantity of mucinous component.
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Sun Katherine , Liao Xiaoyan , Gao Haijuan , Zhu Hongfa , Xu Ruliang
Published: April 2020

Background: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a distinct type of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with poor response to treatment and poorer prognosis. MAC is diagnosed by WHO definition when the extracellular mucin is more than 50% of the lesion. We aimed at assessing the gene expression profiles of the CRCs with any mucinous features (>5%) in a retrospective study. Methods: The data of a 50-gene next generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 166 CRCs was analyzed and the gene mutational profile with morphologic features was correlated. Results: We identified the different genetic mutation profiles between CRCs with and without mucinous component, but noticed a similar genetic profile between MACs and CRCs with mucinous component, irrespective of the percentage (if mucinous component more than 5%). The different genetic mutation profile related to MSI status was also identified between two groups of tumors. The most frequent mutations in CRCs with mucinous component are KRAS (28/49, 57.1%) and BRAF (19/49, 38.7%), PIK3CA (16/49, 32.6%), followed by APC (12/49, 24.5%) and TP53 (11/49, 22.5%). The combined mutation frequency of the two key factors in the EGFR signaling pathway, KRAS and BRAF, in the CRCs with and without mucinous component is 95.9% and 52.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The dysregulation of EGFR pathway plays a critical role in the development of CRCs with mucinous component, irrespective of the percentage. The result suggested that the current cut off of 50% mucin component to define mucinous adenocarcinoma might be challengeable.
Significance of incident reports by medical doctors for organizational transparency and driving forces for patient safety
Authors: Fukami Tatsuya , Uemura Masakazu , Nagao Yoshimasa
Published: April 2020

Background Incident reporting is an effective strategy used to enhance patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare. An incident is an event that could eventually result in harm to a patient. The aim of this study is to re-evaluate the importance of reporting by medical doctors to improve quality in healthcare and patient safety. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the reported incidents registered in our institutional database from April 1 st 2015 to March 31 st 2019, classified according to eight variables proposed by the National University Hospital Council of Japan, to determine the type of incidents and their potential harm to patients. Results Registered reports totalled 43,775, approximately 8% of which arise annually from medical doctors in clinical departments. Incidents with higher impact on patients have significantly increased the rate of reporting by medical doctors. The most frequent types of report overall concerned medication incidents, followed by infusion lines, drainage-tube devices, cure, examination, and treatment outside the operating room. The most frequent reports by medical doctors involved operation-related incidents, followed by cure, examination, treatment outside the operation room, and medications. Conclusion Reporting by medical doctors reflects the organizational transparency and the driving forces behind patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare. Efforts toward seamless improvement in patient safety and quality at our hospital continue apace.
Impact of fecal microbiota transplantation on chronic recurrent pouchitis in ulcerative colitis with ileo-anal anastomosis: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Trang-Poisson Caroline , Kerdreux Elise , Poinas Alexandra , Planche Lucie , Sokol Harry , Bemer Pascale , Cabanas Karine , Hivernaud Eliane , Biron Laetitia , Flet Laurent , Montassier Emmanuel , Garcasson Ghislaine Le , Chiffoleau Anne , Jobert Alexandra , Lepelletier Didier , Caillon Jocelyne , Pape Patrice Le , Imbert Berthe-Marie , Bourreille Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Background: Almost 15 % of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) will require a proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) as a result of fulminant colitis, dysplasia, cancer, or medical refractory diseases. Around 50% will experience pouchitis, an idiopathic inflammatory condition involving the ileal reservoir, responsible for digestive symptoms, deterioration in quality of life, and disability. Though the majority of initial cases of pouchitis are easily managed with a short course of antibiotics, in about 10% of cases, inflammation of the pouch becomes chronic with very few treatments available.Previous studies have suggested that manipulating the composition of intestinal flora through antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics achieved significant results for treating acute episodes of UC-associated pouchitis. However, currently there is no established effective treatment for chronic antibiotic-dependent pouchitis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel therapy involving the transfer of normal intestinal flora from a healthy donor to a patient with a medical condition potentially caused by the disrupted homeostasis of intestinal microbiota or dysbiosis.Methods Our project aims to compare the delay of relapse of chronic recurrent pouchitis after FMT versus sham transplantation. Forty-two patients with active recurrent pouchitis after having undergone an IPAA for UC will be enrolled at 12 French centers. The patients who respond to antibiotherapy will be randomized at a ratio of 1:1 to receive either FMT or sham transplantation. Discussion: On April 30, 2014, WHO published an alarming report on antibiotic resistance. Finding an alternative medical treatment to antibiotics in order to prevent relapses of pouchitis is therefore becoming increasingly important given the risk posed by multiresistant bacteria. Moreover, if the results of this study are conclusive, FMT, which is less expensive than biologics, could become a routine treatment in the future.Trial registration: The trial, published on May 14, 2018, is registered at ClinicalTrials.Gov under registration number NCT03524352: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03524352?term=NCT03524352&rank=1
The role of reducing incision complications of surgical techniques used in groin lymphadenectomy for Vulval Malignancies
Authors: Zhang Xiao Ling , Sheng xiugui , Liu Naifu , Chen Jinlong , Zhang Tingting , Gao Fufeng
Published: April 2020

Background Inguinal lymphadenectomy plays an important role in the cure of patients with inguinal metastasis from vulval cancer or prophylactic inguinal lymphadenectomy.Unfortunately, this treatment is often associated with multiple postoperative complications. This work set out to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of negative pressure without subcuticular suture versus routine manipulation after inguinal lymphadenectomy for patients with vulval malignancies Methods 75 patients with vulval malignancies were allocated into two groups depending on their clinical stages, with one of them (38 patients included, A group) being subjected to negative pressure drainage without subcuticular suture and the other (37 patients included, B group) to routine drainage with subcuticular suture after treated with inguinal lymphadenectomy. The operative time, seroma, hematoma, hemorrhage, wound infection, skin flap necrosis, were selected as the monitored parameters, through which the above two groups were compared with each other using t test, c 2 analysis. Results (1) The median operative time for unilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was 49 min(33min～70 min ) in A group, compared to 63 min(50～85 min) in B group(P<0.01), and it was 3 min(2.5min～5min ) 12.5 min(7～15 min) for only incision closing time(P＜0.01). It was 11.7d of the flap healing time in A group and 20.9d in B group. Further, the time(d) of antibiotics usage was still different, 3d and 5.5d. (2) Short-term lower extremity lymphedema occurred with 18 patients (31.6%) in the A group and 24 patients (44.4%) in the B group (P>0.05). Still, flap necrosis was observed with 26 patients (10.5%) in A group while 11developed (20.4%) in B group (P<0.05), and the incision infection was observed in 4 (7%)patient in A group instead of 16(29.6%) in B group (P＜0.01). However, there was no statistical difference in postoperative fever, acute cellulites, seroma, or lymphocyst formation. (3) Discomfort occurrence rate decreased by about 50% in patients subjected to study group compared with those to control group, while there was no remarkable difference between two groups in the occurrence rates of drain block (P>0.05). Conclusion The application of negative drain technique during inguinal lymphadenectomy for patients with vulval malignancies could result in significant decrease in the occurrence of postoperative complications and good tolerance, and should be widely put into clinical practice.
Safety of bronchoscopy in patients with hematologic disorders
Authors: Uruga Hironori , Sato Toshitaka , Nishida Aya , Uchida Naoyuki , Tsuji Masanori , Moriguchi Shuhei , Takahashi Yui , Ogawa Kazumasa , Murase Kyoko , Hanada Shigeo , Takaya Hisashi , Miyamoto Atsushi , Morokawa Nasa , Kimura Muneyoshi , Araoka Hideki , Tsuchihashi Rumiko , Asano-Mori Yuki , Wake Atsushi , Taniguchi Shuichi , Kishi Kazuma
Published: April 2020

Background: To evaluate the safety of bronchoscopy and describe factors affecting its complication rate in patients with hematologic disorders. Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2018, 316 bronchoscopies in 282 patients with hematologic disorders and pulmonary lesions were performed at our institution. The bronchoscopic procedure used and its complications were evaluated. Results: The most common underlying disease was acute myeloid leukemia (134/282 patients, 47.5%). Platelet transfusion was performed the day before or the day of bronchoscopy in 42.4%, supplemental oxygen was administered before the procedure in 23.1%, and midazolam was used in 74.4%. Two patients (0.6%) were intubated within 48 hour of the procedure and prolonged oxygen desaturation (>48 hour) occurred in 3.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that only use of midazolam significantly reduced the risk of prolonged oxygen desaturation ( p = 0.01, hazard ratio 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.75). Conclusions: Bronchoscopy is relatively safe in patients with hematologic disorders. Sedation with midazolam may reduce the risk of prolonged oxygen desaturation.
Pharmacological mechanism of Xiaoyao San in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome based on network pharmacology
Authors: Zhu Chunyu , Hu Yajun , Zheng Wangdong , Zhang Yanyan , Li Yiting , Li Junling , Wei Xiying
Published: April 2020

Background : Xiaoyao San(XYS) has been widely used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), but its mechanism is not clear. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanism of XYS in the treatment of PCOS from the aspects of active components, targets and pathways. The purpose of the study is to explore the molecular mechanism of XYS in the treatment of PCOS. Methods : TCMSP database, UniProt and Perl were used to screen and collect the active components and targets of XYS. The genes related to PCOS were searched in GeneCards database. Collect the related targets of PCOS and XYS, use STRING database and Cytoscape software to process the data visually and analyze topology, and screen the key components and targets in the network. The key targets were enriched by R Project to predict the mechanism of XYS in the treatment of PCOS. Results : 68 active components and 96 drug targets in XYS were screened out. 3648 PCOS related disease targets were collected. 66 targets of XYS for PCOS treatment were obtained after analysis. 21 key targets of NCOA2, PGR, PTGS1, PPARG and AR were constructed after topology analysis. 63 biological functions and 111 biological pathways were obtained after gene ontology(GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) Pathway enrichment analysis. Conclusions : XYS has the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target and multi-path. This study discussed the active components, targets and potential mechanism of XYS in the treatment of PCOS, which provided a new direction for further study of the mechanism of XYS in the treatment of PCOS, and provides more ideas for clinical treatment of PCOS.
Accreditation of schools as Health Promoting Schools and Health Profile Assessment of Selected Accredited Schools in a Northern City of India
Authors: Thakur JS , Sharma Meenakshi , Bharti Bhavneet , Kaur Rupinder , Sharma Meenakshi
Published: April 2020

Background: Accreditation is a public recognition of the achievement of required standards by an organization. It certifies the schools for their efforts in implementing health promotion initiatives following an assessment, further helping them in redeveloping and implementing effective HPS strategies.Methods: The current study was conducted in 206 schools of Chandigarh with the objective of assessment and classification on accreditation level (bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels) as health promoting schools; intervention for one year for further quality improvement and reassessment after one year from 2016-2019. Interventions in the form of capacity building, technical visits, supportive supervision to schools, sensitization of policymakers and key stakeholders, implementation of policy initiatives, use of social media, technical support and monitoring of activities) were provided to all schools. Comparative health profile assessment was undertaken 754 children from higher and 700 children from lower accredited schools by GSHS questionnaire.Results : Out of 206 schools, 203 participated in the baseline and 204 in endline assessment. The response rate was 99 %.Two schools which refused participation were excluded and not assessed. Schools (N=17) which participated in the 2011-2013 study were excluded from analysis. There was a statistically difference (p=0.01) in the improvement of accreditation level of the baseline and endline assessment (p<0.05). Overall, the proportion of schools at the gold level increased from 1(0.5%) in 2016 to 71(38%).Silver level from 9(5 %) to 57 (31%) of schools after intervention. The response rate in health profile assessment in higher and lower accredited schools was 95.9% and 92.7% respectively. The health profile higher accreditation level schools (N=754) were found better in hygiene practices protective factors (peer support at school, parental or guardian supervision), handling stress and less prone to injury as compared to lower accreditation level schools (N=700),(p<0.05).Conclusions: The schools accreditation was feasible and lead to significant improvement in accreditation level as compared to baseline assessment (p<0.05).The Health profile assessment was also found to be better in higher as compared to lower accredited schools.Therefore, the accreditation system was found to be feasible, effective and beneficial in terms of improving health profile of children in the school setting.
DNA fingerprinting of cultivated and wild genotypes of Curcuma species from agroclimatic regions of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Jain Akanksha , Jain Parag
Published: April 2020

In the present study we had tried to investigate different genotypes of Curcuma isolated from different agroclimatic zones of Chattisgarh based on molecular fingerprinting as they contain varying range of Curcumin. Genetic fingerprints of 25 genotypes of Curcuma caesia, Curcuma longa and Curcuma aromatica by using 13 and 11 SSR primers. These primers were used to determine the diversity in genes for their proper utilization, genotypic conservation and commercial production of curcuma genotypes. Among all the studied varieties, 13 ISSR and 11SSR primers generated 107 and 51 different amplified fragments, of which 97% and 86% showed polymorphism, respectively. Through all the ISSR and SSR primers in all the genotypes amplified 1080 and 567 loci out of which 102 polymorphic and 5 monomorphic alleles were found in ISSR primers. 47 polymorphic and 4 monomorphic alleles were found in SSR. Different ISSR and SSR markers were used to estimate the DNA fingerprinting, genetic similarity and distance among or between the Curcuma genotypes. UPGMA data scoring methods were to analyze the variations between these genotypes of Curcuma. Thus, this study provides a baseline data for conservation of these curcuma genotypes that could be an important research towards optimizing industry level production of Curcumin production.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 existence in blood, urine, and rectal swab in positive patients with different virus titers
Authors: Mondanizadeh Mahdieh , Rahimi Ensiyeh , Sarmadian Hossein , Jamalian Mohammad , Khansarinejad Behzad
Published: April 2020

Understanding the spreading routes of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for patient management and defining biosafety strategies for public and health care workers. In the current study, the virus shedding in upper respiratory as well as blood, stool, and urine specimens of infected patients was examined using reverse transcription real-time PCR assay (RT-qPCR).
Relationship of chest CT score with clinical characteristics of 108 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Meng Guangping , Li Wei , Shi Bingqing , Dong Hongna , Su Zhenzhong , Huang Qian , gao peng
Published: April 2020

Background: In December 2019, the outbreak of a disease subsequently termed COVID-19 occurred in Wuhan, China. The number of cases increased rapidly and spread to six continents. However, there is limited information on the chest computed tomography (CT) characteristics of affected patients. Objective: Analyze COVID-19 patients to determine the relationships of clinical characteristics, chest CT score, and levels of inflammatory mediators. Methods: This retrospective, single-center case series of 108 consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of HUST (Wuhan, China) was performed from January 1 to January 28, 2020. Patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical findings, chest CT results, and CT scores of affected lung parenchyma were recorded. The relationships between chest CT score with levels of systemic inflammatory mediators were determined.Results: All patients exhibited signs of significant systemic inflammation, including increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin, chest CT score, and a decreased lymphocyte (LY) count. Chest CT score had positive associations with white blood cell (WBC) count, CRP, ESR, procalcitonin, and abnormal coagulation function, and a negative association with LY count. Treatment with a glucocorticoid increased the LY count, reduced the CT score and CRP level, and improved coagulation function.Conclusions: COVID-19 infection is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response that affects the lungs, blood, digestive system, and circulatory systems. The chest CT score is a good indicator of the extent of systemic inflammation. Glucocorticoid treatment appears to reduce systemic inflammation in these patients.
Ceftaroline fosamil in the treatment of experimental meningitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hansen Brenda K , Toffaletti Dena L , Park Lawrence P , Warren Bobby , Giamberardino Charles , Perfect John R , Fowler Vance G , Drew Richard H , Sharma Batu
Published: April 2020

Background Meningitis caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is rare and often fatal. The recommended treatment for MRSA meningitis, vancomycin, is limited by poor cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) penetration. Ceftaroline fosamil is a novel fifth-generation cephalosporin with potent antibacterial activity in vitro against MRSA. Several case reports in humans suggest that ceftaroline might be a potential treatment option for MRSA meningitis. Our primary objective was to com­pare the efficacy of ceftaroline and vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA meningitis using a rabbit meningitis model. We then characterized CSF drug concentrations over time.Methods Ninety rabbits received a direct intracisternal injection of 5 x 105 CFU S. aureus (MRSA 252). Following a 16-hour incubation period, approximately 0.5ml of CSF was withdrawn via intracisternal aspiration immediately prior to treatment for quantitative bacterial counts and CSF antibiotic concentrations. Rabbits then received (by 1:1:1 random assignment) either no treatment (control group), vancomycin 20 mg/kg at 0 and 12hrs, or ceftaroline 40mg/kg at 0 and 4 hrs via marginal ear vein. CSF collection was repeated every 12 hours for up to 40 hours. All animals were humanely euthanized at 40 hours post inoculation. The primary endpoint (difference in bacterial load [expressed as CFU/mL] for each animal between the initial (T1) and terminal (T3) taps were characterized and compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. CSF drug concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) assay.ResultsAmong the forty-three evaluable animals with established MRSA meningitis, there was no statistical difference in median CFU observed between the groups in pretreatment CFU counts (p=0.16). Reductions in bacterial load from baseline were 88%, 79% and 75% in the control, ceftaroline and vancomycin-treated groups, respectively. There was no statistical difference observed between vancomycin and either control or ceftaroline at any time point. While animals treated with ceftaroline exhibited a significant increase in clearance rate (log ∆) between T1 and T2 when compared to control (p = 0.019), these differences were no longer statistically significant by T3 (p= 0.43) as CSF ceftaroline concentrations were undetectable by that time point.Conclusions While ceftaroline may be a reasonable alternative to vancomycin for MRSA meningitis, additional animal and clinical studies are required to determine optimal dosing to establish its effectiveness.
Childhood adversity and self-reported interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties in young people with a history of transient psychotic experiences: findings from a population-based study
Authors: Coughlan Helen , Walton-Ball Erin , Carey Eleanor , Healy Colm , O’Regan-Murphy Grace , Uidhir Aoife Nic , Clarke Mary , Cannon Mary
Published: April 2020

Background: Psychotic experiences in young people have known associations with childhood adversity and functional deficits. However, few studies have focused only on childhood psychotic experiences that remit during adolescence (transient psychotic experiences). Additionally, studies using self-report measures of interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between childhood adversity and transient psychotic experiences and transient psychotic experiences and self-reported interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties in adolescence and young adulthood. Methods: Participants were 103 young people from a longitudinal population-based study cohort of mental health in Ireland. They attended for clinical interview in childhood (age 11-13) and young adulthood (age 19-25). Data on childhood adversity were collected at baseline. Data on self-reported interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties were collected at follow-up. Data on psychotic experiences were collected at both times. Associations between childhood adversity, transient psychotic experiences and self-reported interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties were examined. Results: Young people with a history of transient psychotic experiences reported an almost 3.5-fold increase in odds of childhood victimization (OR 3.43 CI 1.21-9.71). They also reported significantly higher interpersonal ( p = 0.03) and educational/vocational ( p = 0.001) difficulties during adolescence. However, no significant differences in interpersonal ( p = 0.91) or educational/vocational ( p = 0.35) difficulties were found in young adulthood. The higher rates of childhood victimization found did not account for any observed differences. Self-reported interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties in young people both with and without a history of transient psychotic experiences decreased between adolescence and young adulthood. Conclusions: Young people with transient psychotic experiences have increased interpersonal and educational/vocational difficulties in adolescence but these may not persist into the young adult years. These findings may indicate that early transient psychotic experiences do not confer high risk for persistent interpersonal and/or educational/vocational deficits and young people who experience these phenomena transiently. Thus, psychotic experiences in childhood that remit by young adulthood may not be a strong risk indicator for future functioning deficits, as experienced and/or perceived by individuals themselves.
A Nomogram based on a Patient-reported Outcomes Measure: Predicting the Risk of Readmission for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: han qiang , Tian Jing , Yang Hong , Zhang Qing , Wang Ruoya , Zhao Jinghua , Ren Jia , Han Linai , Li Chenhao , Yan Jingjing , Wang Ke , Zheng Chu , Han Qinghua , Zhang Yanbo
Published: April 2020

Background Health-related quality of life, evaluated by a patient-reported outcomes measure, is an important prognostic marker in patients with chronic heart failure. This study aimed to use PROM to establish an effective readmission nomogram for chronic heart failure. Methods Using patient-reported outcomes measure as a measurement tool, we conducted a readmission nomogram for chronic heart failure on a prospective observational study comprising 454 patients with chronic heart failure hospitalized between May 2017 to January 2020. Concordance index and calibration curve were used to evaluate the discriminative ability and predictive accuracy of the nomogram. A bootstrap resampling method was used for internal validation of results. Results The median follow-up period in the study was 197 days. After a final COX regression analysis, the computed gender, income, health care, appetite-sleep, anxiety, depression, paranoia, support, and independence were identified and included in the nomogram. The nomogram showed moderate discrimination, with concordance index of 0.737 (95% CI 0.673-0.800). The calibration curves for the probability of readmission for patients with chronic heart failure showed high consistency between the probability, as predicted, and the actual probability. Conclusions This model offers a platform to assess the risk of readmission for different populations with CHF and can assist clinicians with personalized treatment recommendations.
Comparison of the ability between fatty liver index and triglyceride glucose index to screen hepatic steatosis in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Peng Ju , Ma Fang , Zhu Yan Ning , Lou Hui Ping
Published: April 2020

Background: To compare the potential of triglyceride glucose index (TyG) and fatty liver index (FLI) and to explore which index is better for detecting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 594 Chinese nondiabetic postmenopausal women retrospectively. NAFLD was defined as a hepatic steatosis observed on liver ultrasonography in the absence of a second cause. Binary Logistic regression model analysis was used to determine odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) between hepatic steatosis and TyG as well as FLI. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under curve (AUC) were employed to determine the ability of FLI and TyG as well as the combination of TyG with obesity indices to detect hepatic steatosis, and the AUC values were also compared between them. Results: women with the highest value of FLI or TyG had significantly higher odds of hepatic steatosis. The AUC values of FLI was significantly larger than that of TyG in either overall women (difference between area: 0.0743, 95% CI: 0.0396-0.109, P < 0.0001) or women younger (difference between area: 0.0629, 95% CI: 0.0262-0.0996, P=0.0008) and older (difference between area: 0.116, 95% CI: 0.0242-0.207, P=0.0132) than 60 years. Furthermore, when TyG was added to each obesity index, the AUC value of FLI was still significantly larger than that of each combination. Conclusions: Compared with TyG along or combination of TyG and obesity indices, FLI is a better surrogate index for detecting hepatic steatosis among Chinese nondiabtic postmenopausal women.
Quantitative proteomics analysis of FFPE tumor samples reveals the influences of novel targeting nanobubbles conjugated with NET-1 siRNA on tetraspanin protein involved in HCC
Authors: Wu Bolin , Shang Haitao , Liang Xitian , Yang Huajing Yang Huajing , Jing Hui , Li Bo , Cheng Wen
Published: April 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a severe threat to human health. The NET-1 protein has been proved to be strongly associated with HCC proliferation and metastasis in our previous study. Methods: Here, we developed a label-free proteome mass spectrometry workflow to analyze formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded HCC xenograft samples collected in our previous study. Results: The result showed that 78 proteins were differentially expressed after NET-1 protein inhibited. Among them, the expression of 61 proteins up-regulated and the expression of 17 proteins were significantly down-regulated. Of the differentially expressed proteins, the vast majority of Gene Ontology enrichment terms belong to the biological process. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the 78 differentially expressed proteins significantly enriched in 45 pathways. We concluded that the function of the NET-1 gene is not only to regulate HCC but also to participate in a variety of biochemical metabolic pathways in the human body. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that the interactions of differentially expressed proteins are incredibly sophisticated. All the protein-protein interactions happened after the NET-1 gene has been silenced. Conclusions: Finally, our study also provides a useful proposal for targeted therapy based on tetraspanin proteins to treat HCC, and further mechanism investigations are needed to reveal a more detailed mechanism of action for NET-1 protein regulation of HCC.
Efficacy and Safety of Atropine to Control Myopia Progression: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Congling , Cai Chunyan , Ding Qiang , Dai Hongbin
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia.Methods: This work was done through the data search from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of these included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software.Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Myopia progression was mitigated in the atropine treatment group, with MD = -0.80, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.66). There was a statistical difference between 0.05%, 0.5%, and 1.0% atropine (P = 0.004). In addition, axial elongation was slowed, with MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.33, -0.18).Conclusion: The effect of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia was dose-dependent. A 0.05% atropine was most likely to be the optimal dose.
Salvianolic acid B ameliorates hepatocyte lipid droplet accumulation via stimulation of autophagy
Authors: Shi Yanan , yuan jihong , Yan Lihui , Liu Yajin , Pan Da , Mu Biao
Published: April 2020

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) the most abundant bioactive member in Salvia miltiorrhiza and has been reported lots of benefits on the treatment of cardio-cerebral vascular diseases and metabolic diseases. Lipid droplets are dynamic organelles, excessive lipid droplets accumulation in liver caused fatty liver disease. In this study, we are interested in the effect of Sal B on hepatic lipid accumulation and its possible mechanism. We found Sal B treatment significantly decreased lipid accumulation and TG level in primary hepatocytes, this is the first demonstration for the effect of Sal B on lipid droplets. Meanwhile, a stimulation of Sal B on autophagy of hepatocytes was discovered, further we used autophagy inhibitor 3-MA and reveled that after administration of 3-MA Sal B showed little effect on improving hepatic lipid accumulation, this means the effects of Sal B on lipid drop depend on autophagy. This study demonstrates Sal B ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation through activation of autophagy. These findings contribute to its benefit on liver disease related to hepatic lipid accumulation and hepatic autophagy.
Species diversity and spatial distribution of CL/VL vectors: evidence for variation in gene expression of immunogenic SP15 and LeIF proteins due to bioclimatic characteristics and physiological status of sand flies, Iran
Authors: Bordbar Ali , Parvizi Parviz
Published: April 2020

Background Main approaches of this investigation were climate regionalization to recognize the spatial distribution of cutaneous/visceral leishmaniasis (CL/VL) vectors as risk-maps using ArcGIS modeling system, evaluation of species biodiversity, assessing bio-climate (BC) effect on expression plasticity of genes possessing vaccine properties isolated from wild-collected sand flies.Methods The Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation method was used to obtain accurate geography map using ArcGIS10.3.1 in closely-related distances. Species diversity was calculated based on Shannon diversity index using Rv.3.5.3. Expression fold change of SP15 and LeIF genes was evaluated using cDNA synthesis and RT-qPCR analysis. Results Three BC zone were identified in northeast of Iran. Phlebotomus papatasi were abundantly captured in all BC regions and the frequency was more in plains areas of mountainous BC as hot spots of CL. VL vectors were more prevalent in spatial cluster of Mediterranean BC. Semi-arid BC was identified as a major contributing factor to up-regulate SP15 salivary gene expression ( P =0.0050, P <0.05), and Mediterranean BC had considerable effect on up-regulation of LeIF- Leishmania gene in gravid and semi-gravid P. papatasi population ( P =0.0109, P <0.05). Conclusions The diversity and spatial distribution of CL/VL vectors associated with BC regionalization obtained in our research provide epidemiological risk maps and establish more effectively control measures against leishmaniasis. Oscillations in gene expression indicate that each gene has its own features, which are profoundly affected by bioclimatic characteristics and physiological status of sand flies. It is essential to consider BC factors affecting regulatory regions of environmentally responsive loci for genes used in vaccine designing.
Effects of rosuvastatin treatment on coronary artery ectasia in different patient age groups
Authors: Fan Chenghui , Hao Ying , Liu Yonghua , Li Xiaolin , Huang Zhenhao , Luo Yu , Li Ruilin
Published: April 2020

Background: This study investigated the relationship between coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) to test our hypothesis that patient age is associated with the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy in CAE. Method: We conducted a prospective analysis of 217 patients with CAE treated at the Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai East Hospital (Ji'an Campus), Cardiovascular Medicine of Baoshan People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, from January 1, 2015, to July 30, 2019. Baseline data of patients, including sex, age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, were collected from patient medical records. Study participants were grouped by age: CAE-A (age ≤50 years); CAE-B (50 years 70). Results: All CAE patients received oral rosuvastatin therapy (10 mg, QN quaque night) and maintained good follow-up, with a loss rate of 0.0% at the 6-month follow-up. The control group (NC Group, n = 73, with normal coronary arteries) received regular symptom-relieving treatments. Among these four groups, the inflammatory markers were significantly higher in patients with CAE than in the NC Group. The inflammatory markers in the CAE-A group were higher than in the CAE-B group, which were higher than the CAE-C group. Follow-up after 6 months of rosuvastatin therapy showed a significantly greater reduction in Hs-CRP and interleukin-6 levels in the CAE-A group than the CAE-B group, which, again, were higher than the CAE-C group. Conclusions: Anti-inflammatory therapy using rosuvastatin was more effective in younger CAE patients, indicating the need for early statin therapy in CAE patients.
Biosorption of pharmaceuticals from aqueous medium by Luffa Cylindrica Fibres: Application of the linear form of Redlich-Peterson isotherm equation
Authors: Aloui Amel , BOUZIANE NOUZHA , Bendjeffal Hacene , Bouhedja yacine , Zertal Abdennour
Published: April 2020

This study is focused on the removal of Dextropropoxyphene (DPP) and Paracetamol (PAR) from aqueous solutions by sorption on Luffa Cylindrica fibres, as a low-cost biosorbent, that was initially characterized using BET, FTIR spectroscopy, and SEM analysis. The sorption study has been realized by the batch method with the effect of the biosorbent amount, initial concentration, solution pH and batch temperature. The modelling of the sorption phenomenon was based on the mathematical approach of the modified Redlich-Peterson isotherm equation (RP), where the dimensionless form of this isotherm, corresponding to the optimal curve, allows the α parameter evaluation. The same value of α was obtained for both pharmaceutical compounds, while the values where 2 and 10 for DPP and PAR, respectively. The linear regression of the Redlich-Peterson isotherm equation was also confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The obtained results show that p-value is less than 0.05, with correlation coefficients (Radj2) equal to 0.9515 and 0.9283 for DPP and PAR, respectively. The kinetics modelling shows that the sorption mechanism obeys the pseudo-second-order and intraparticular diffusion. The adsorption process is exothermic, spontaneous and the molecules of the two pharmaceutical products have a random behaviour on the Luffa Cylindrica active sites.
Estimation of losses of quality-adjusted life expectancy attributed to the combination of cognitive impairment and multimorbidity among Chinese adults aged 45 years and older
Authors: Xiong Suting , Liu Siyuan , Qiao Yanan , He Dingliu , Zhang Yuxia , Ying Yaoyu , Ke Chaofu , Shen Yueping
Published: April 2020

Objectives: This study aims to estimate the losses of quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) due to the joint effect of cognitive impairment and multimorbidity, and further to confirm additional losses attributable to their interaction among the middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Methods: The National Cause of Death Monitoring Data were linked with the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A mapping and assigning method was used to estimate health utility values, which were further used to calculate QALE. Losses of QALE were measured by comparing the differences between subgroups. And all the losses of QALE were displayed at two levels: the individual and the population level.Results: At age 45, the individual-level and population-level losses of QALE (95% CI) attributed to the combination of cognitive impairment and multimorbidity were 7.606 (5.679, 9.566) years and 4.297 (3.425, 5.200) years. The losses (95% CI) for cognitive impairment alone were 3.104 (2.287, 3.954) years and 1.709 (1.318, 2.132) years at two levels. Similarly, the losses (95% CI) for multimorbidity alone were 3.526 (2.528, 4.556) years and 1.914 (1.235, 2.625) years at two levels. Additional losses due to their interaction were indicated by the 0.976 years of the individual-level gap and 0.674 years of the population-level gap. Conclusion: Among the middle-aged and elderly Chinese, cognitive impairment and multimorbidity resulted in much losses of QALE, and additional QALE losses were seen due to their interaction at both individual and population levels.
A performant bridge between fixed-size and variable-size seeding
Authors: Kutzner Arne , Kim Pok-Son , Schmidt Markus
Published: April 2020

Background Seeding is usually the initial step of high-throughput sequence aligners. Two popular seeding strategies are fixed-size seeding (k-mers, minimizers) and variable-size seeding (MEMs, SMEMs, maximal spanning seeds). The former strategy supports fast seed computation, while the latter one benefits from a high seed entropy. Algorithmic bridges between instances of both seeding strategies are of interest for combining their respective advantages. Results We introduce an efficient strategy for computing MEMs out of fixed-size seeds (k-mers or minimizers). In contrast to previously proposed extend-purge strategies, our merge-extend strategy prevents the creation and filtering of duplicate MEMs. Further, we describe techniques for extracting SMEMs or maximal spanning seeds out of MEMs. A comprehensive benchmarking shows the applicability, strengths, shortcomings and computational requirements of all discussed seeding techniques. Additionally, we report the effects of seed occurrence filters in the context of these techniques. Aside from our novel algorithmic approaches, we analyze hierarchies within fixed-size and variable-size seeding along with a mapping between instances of both seeding strategies. Conclusion Benchmarking shows that our proposed merge-extend strategy for MEM computation outperforms previous extend-purge strategies in the context of PacBio reads. The observed superiority grows with increasing read size and read quality. Further, the presented filters for extracting SMEMs or maximal spanning seeds out of MEMs outperform FMD-index based extension techniques. All code used for benchmarking is available via GitHub at https://github.com/ITBE-Lab/seed-evaluation.
Evaluation Of Malaria Microscopy Diagnosis Performance In Public Hospitals Of Eastern And Centeral Part Of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Jaleta Fraol , Garoma Getinet , Gerenfes Tadesse
Published: April 2020

Back ground: Prompt and accurate malaria diagnosis is essential strategies for effective malaria case management as well as the public health response to malaria. Diagnosis based on clinical grounds alone may lead to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of malaria microscopy diagnosis public hospitals of Eastern and Central part Oromia, Ethiopia Method : Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from March, 2019 to May, 2019. All 46 public hospitals of 12 zones in Eastern and Central parts of Oromia, Ethiopia were included in the study. Data were collected using Semi structured questionnaire and known validated positive and negative slides with different species, stage and parasite density distributed to each health facility. It was categorized and cleaned by Epi Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 with multivariate analysis to identify factors associated with poor malaria microscopy diagnosis. Level of agreement was calculated by Kappa statistics. Results: From the total of 46 hospitals , 31 (67.39%) had acceptable quality performance with cumulative grading score of > 80%. The overall percentage of agreement in detection and species identification was 80.45% (Kappa=0.79) and 63.03% (Kappa=0. 38). Laboratory professionals who had work experience greater than five years were 10.56 times better in detecting and identifying malaria parasite when compared to those who had work experience less than or equal to five years (AOR [95%CI]=10.56[1.45-76.73]) . Laboratory professionals who were trained on malaria microscopy diagnosis were 1.28 times reported better quality results than those who were not trained (AOR, % 95CI=1.28[1.5-48.13]) Conclusion: The overall agreement of laboratory professionals in detection and species identification was with substantial and fair with kappa value 0.79 and 0.38 respectively. There were also gaps in correctly reporting stages identification and parasite count from distributed slides. Lack of Training and low work experience of laboratory professionals were factors associated with malaria microscopy diagnostic performance. Hence, capacitating laboratory professionals is essential to ensure good performance of malaria microscopy which reduces misdiagnosis of malaria parasites and mistreatment of malaria suspected patients.