bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brazilian National Policy of Comprehensive Women’s Health Care and Mortality in Menopause: Has Anything Changed?
Authors: Sorpreso Isabel Cristina Esposito , Figueiredo Francisco Winter dos Santos , Ramos José Lucas Souza , Zuchelo Lea Tami SuzuKi , Adami Fernando , Baracat Edmund Chada , Júnior José Maria Soares
Published: June 2020

Background: The National Policy for Integral Attention to Women’s Health was implemented more than two decades ago, and the monitoring of potential benefits should be explored. One of the life cycles of women contemplated in this health policy is the importance of health care during the climacteric. In fact, prevention and health promotion actions carried out by the Brazil National Health System - Unified Health System (SUS) and enshrined in health Brazilian policies for women. Thus, our purpose is to identify menopausal women’s main causes of death, as well as the mortality trend of such causes, especially after PNAISM implementation.Methods: Ecological study conducted by Disciplina de Ginecologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo from 2018 to 2019. Data were retrieved from Brazilian Health Department by accessing the mortality information system of National Health Information, divided in periods 1996-2004 and 2005-2006 according to implementation of the National Police. The death records of Brazilian women aged 35 to 64 years who had a diagnosis (ICD-10). Trend and differences between periods were evaluated by linear regression. The significance level was 5%. (Stata 11® -StataCorp, LCC). Results: Main causes of women’s death were the circulatory system diseases (29.39%, 736,972 deaths), neoplasms (26.17%, 656,385 deaths), respiratory system diseases (7.29%, 182,812 deaths), endocrine (29.39%), nutritional, and metabolic (6.81%, 170,881 deaths) diseases, and external causes of morbidity and mortality (5.49%, 137,674 deaths). Implementation of PNAISM led to increasing reduction in mortality from circulatory system diseases (β=-0.58; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.48; r²=0.93; p<0.001), and any significant changes in neoplasm mortalities (β=0.07; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.15; r²=0.22; p=0.070). Conclusions: The leading causes of death during climacteric are circulatory system diseases, neoplasms, respiratory system diseases, nutritional, metabolic, and endocrine diseases, and external causes of morbidity and mortality, with no changes for neoplasms and respiratory system diseases. Thus, the analysis of women's health indicators, such as mortality rates, are fundamental in order to enable the monitoring of benefits and results related to PNAISM as well as directing the design and implementation of other new health policies to be developed for the women.
Open Fenestration Discectomy Versus Microscopic Fenestration Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hamawandi Sherwan , Sulaiman Injam Ibrahim , Al-Humairi Ameer Kadhim
Published: June 2020

Background: Fenestration discectomy, for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, is the most common surgical procedure in spine surgery. It can be done by open or microscopic procedures. This study compared the results of fenestration microdiscectomy with open fenestration discectomy in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation as a relation to the functional outcome, leg pain, back pain, hospital stay, returns to daily activity, cost, recurrence, reoperation and type of surgery for recurrent disc herniation.Methods: 60 patients age (29 - 50 years), with L4-L5 disc herniation, are divided randomly into group A- 30 patients underwent an open fenestration discectomy- and group B- 30 patients underwent fenestration microdiscectomy. All patients are assessed at 1 week, 3months, 6 months, 12 months after surgery for Oswestry disability index and Visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain and followed up for 4 years. Results: In both groups, all patients have minimal disability by Oswestry Disability Index after surgery.There were significant differences between means of post-operative VAS for back pain between these two groups after one weeks (3.7 in group A versus 2.2 in group B) (t= 13.28, P=<0.001٭) and after 3 months (1.73 in group A versus 0.43 in group B) (t=10.54, P=<0.001٭).There were no significant differences between two groups regarding post-operative VAS for leg pain, recurrence (5 patients in group A versus 4 patients in group B) and reoperation rate (2 patients in each group).There were significant differences between means of length of hospital stay (2.10 in group A versus 1.06 in group B) (P<0.001), time of returning to daily activities (7.33 in group A versus 4.03 in group B) (P<0.001) and cost of surgery (1996.66 in group A versus 3003.3 in group B) (P<0.001).Conclusion: Use of microscope in fenestration discectomy for treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation can achieve the same goals of open fenestration regarding nerve root decompression and relief of leg pain with advantage of less back pain, less hospital staying and early return to daily activities with disadvantage of more cost with the use of microscope. With 4 years follow up, there was no significant deference in rate of recurrence and reoperation with the use of microscope but we found that type of surgery for recurrent cases may be less invasive if microscope was used in primary surgery.Trial registration: NCT, NCT04112485. Registered 30 September 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04112485
A high-resolution, spatially explicit estimate of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
Authors: Cong Richao , Saito Makoto , Fukui Tetsuo , Hirata Ryuichi , Ito Akihiko
Published: June 2020

Background: The quantification of urban greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is an important task in combating climate change. Emission inventories that include spatially explicit emission estimates facilitate the accurate tracking of emission changes, identification of emission sources, and formulation of policies for climate-change mitigation. Many currently available gridded emission estimates are based on the disaggregation of country- or state-wide emission estimates, which may be useful in describing city-wide emissions but are of limited value in tracking changes at subnational levels. Urban GHG emissions should therefore be quantified with a true bottom-up approach. Results: Multi-resolution, spatially explicit estimates of fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (FFCO2 ) emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan, were derived. Spatially explicit emission data were collected for point (e.g., power plants and waste incinerators), line (mostly traffic), and area (e.g., residential and commercial areas) sources. Emissions were mapped on the basis of emission rates calculated for source locations. Activity, emissions, and spatial data were integrated, and the results were visualized using a geographic information system approach. Conclusions: The annual total FFCO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis in 2014 were 44,855 Gg CO2 , with the road-transportation sector (16,323 Gg CO2 ) accounting for 36.4% of the total. Spatial emission patterns were verified via a comparison with the East Asian Air Pollutant Emission Grid Database for Japan (EAGrid-Japan), which demonstrated the applicability of this methodology to other prefectures and therefore the entire country.
Barriers and associated factors for adequate antenatal care among Afghan women in Iran; findings from a community-based survey
Authors: Dadras Omid , Dadras Fateme , Taghizade Ziba , Seyedalinaghi Seyedahmad , Ono-Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro , Nakayama Takeo
Published: June 2020

Background: Almost a third of Afghan women living in Iran are at childbearing age. Antenatal care (ANC) is an inextricable part of healthy pregnancy and could prevent the adverse birth outcomes. Almost 97% of Iranian expectant women are receiving adequate ANC (4 or more visits). However, the situation for pregnant Afghan women is unclear. Some studies indicated low access to ANC among Afghan women. In the present study, we aimed to explore the sociodemographic factors and potential barriers associated with adequate ANC among Afghan women in Iran. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and August 2019. Using time location sampling (TLS), we recruited 424 Afghan women aged 18-45 years old at three health centers in south region of Tehran. The data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics and the reported reasons for inadequate ANC using a questionnaire and analyzed applying bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Factor analysis was performed to reduce the number of potential reasons for inadequate ANC in order to improve the precision of regression analysis. Results: Almost a third of Afghan women in this study had adequate ANC (≥ 8 visits). The women in older age group, those with higher education and family income, women with longer length of stay, those of legal status were more likely to have adequate ANC. In multivariate analysis, the poor knowledge and attitude toward ANC (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI [0.03-0.15]), the poor quality of services (AOR = 0.17 95% CI [0.07-0.41]); and to some extent, the difficulties in access (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI [0.11-1.00]) were the main obstacles toward adequate ANC among the study population. Conclusion: Our study emphasized the important role of the personal knowledge and attitude toward ANC with adequate antenatal care among Afghan women in Iran. This could be addressed by well-oriented interventions and health education for Afghan women. The collaboration between central government with international agencies should be directed toward enhancing the social support, promoting the awareness and knowledge, and expanding the safety net services to improve the access and quality care among Afghan women in Iran.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic delay in axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Zhao Sizheng , Pittam Bradley , Harrison Nicholas L , Ahmed Ashar E , Nursiah Karishma , Goodson Nicola J , Hughes David M
Published: June 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 64 studies reported mean diagnostic delay in axSpA patients. The pooled mean delay was 6.7 years (95% confidence interval 6.2 to 7.2) 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.
Biodegradation of Atrazine and Ligninolytic Enzyme Production by Basidiomycete Strains
Authors: Henn Caroline , Monteiro Diego Alves , Boscolo Mauricio , Silva Roberto da , Gomes Eleni
Published: June 2020

Atrazine is one of the most widespread chlorinated herbicides, leaving large bulks in soils and groundwater. The metabolic pathways of biodegradation of atrazine by bacteria are well described, but many aspects of the fungal biodegradation of this compound remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the toxicity and degradation of atrazine by 13 rainforest basidiomycete strains. In liquid medium, Pluteus cubensis SXS320, Gloelophyllum striatum MCA7, and Agaricales MCA17 removed 30, 37, and 38%, respectively, of initial 25 mg L -1 of herbicide within 20 days. Deficiency of nitrogen drove atrazine degradation by Pluteus cubensis SXS320; this strain removed 30% of atrazine within 20 days in a culture medium with 2.5mM of N, raising three metabolites; in a medium with 25mM of N, only 21% of initial atrazine were removed after 40 days, and two metabolites appeared in culture extracts. This is the first report of such different outcomes linked to nitrogen availability during the biodegradation of atrazine by basidiomycetes. The herbicide also induced synthesis and secretion of extracellular laccases by Datronia caperata MCA5, Pycnoporus sanguineus MCA16, and Polyporus tenuiculus MCA11. Laccase levels in contaminated medium of P. tenuiculus MCA11 were 13.3-fold superior than in control; the possible role on this enzyme on atrazine biodegradation was evaluated, considering the strong induction and the removal of 13.9% of the herbicide in vivo . Although 88% of initial laccase activity remained after 6h, no evidence of in vitro degradation was observed, even though ABTS was present as mediator. Further studies, including a full characterization of the metabolites obtained, are desirable to assess the security of the use of these strains as in situ bioremediation tools. The search for other ligninolytic extracellular enzymes and cell-bound mechanisms implicated on the degradation would enlightens key aspects of the role of nitrogen in atrazine metabolism by basidiomycetes.
The regeneration of Acer rubrum L. "October Glory" through embryonic callus
Authors: Dai Chongwen , YAN Yang-yang , Liu Yumin , LIU Ya-min , DENG Yuan-wei , YAO Hong-yu
Published: June 2020

Background: Tissue culture and rapid propagation technology is an important way to solve the difficulties of plant propagation. This experiment aims to explore the appropriate conditions at each stage of the red maple’s tissue culture process and to obtain plantlets, thus providing a theoretical basis for the establishment of the red maple’s tissue culture system. Results: The results showed that the stem segment is the most suitable explant for inducing embryogenic callus. The MS (Murashige&Skoog) +0.8 mg/L TDZ (Thidiazuron) +1.0 mg/L 6-BA (6-Benzylaminopurine) +0.5 mg/L IAA(Indole-3-acetic acid) +35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium was the best for callus formation. When selecting type Ⅵ callus as embryonic callus induction material, MS+0.6 mg/L TDZ+0.5 mg/L 6-BA +2.0 mg/L IAA +35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium can get embryonic callus. The optimal medium for adventitious bud induction is MS+1.0 mg/L TDZ+3.0 mg/L 6-BA+0.2 mg/L NAA (1-Naphthaleneacetic acid)+1.2 mg/L IAA+35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium. The induction rate of adventitious roots in MS+0.6 mg/L TDZ+1.0 mg/L 6-BA+3 mg/L NAA+35 g/L sucrose+7.5 g/L semi-fixed medium was the highest, reaching 76%. Conclusions: In the course of our research, we found that PGRs play an important role in the callus induction stage, and the effect of TDZ is particularly obvious; The callus cells grow and proliferate according to the "S" growth curve, and can be sub-cultured when the highest growth point is reached to maintain the rapid proliferation of the callus cells and to avoid inactivation of callus caused by tight niche.
Comparative genomics and pangenome-oriented studies reveal high homogeneity of the agronomically relevant enterobacterial plant pathogen Dickeya solani
Authors: Motyka-Pomagruk Agata , Zoledowska Sabina , Misztak Agnieszka Emilia , Sledz Wojciech , Mengoni Alessio , Lojkowska Ewa
Published: June 2020

Background: Dickeya solani is an important plant pathogenic bacterium causing severe losses in European potato production. This species draws a lot of attention due to its remarkable virulence, great devastating potential and easier spread in contrast to other Dickeya spp. In view of a high need for extensive studies on economically important soft rot Pectobacteriaceae , we performed a comparative genomics analysis on D. solani strains to search for genetic foundations that would explain the differences in the observed virulence levels within the D. solani population. Results: High quality assemblies of 8 de novo sequenced D. solani genomes have been obtained. Whole-sequence comparison, ANIb, ANIm, Tetra and pangenome-oriented analyses performed on these genomes and the sequences of 14 additional strains revealed an exceptionally high level of homogeneity among the studied genetic material of D. solani strains. With the use of 22 genomes, the pangenome of D. solani , comprising 84.7% core, 7.2% accessory and 8.1% unique genes, has been almost completely determined, suggesting the presence of a nearly closed pangenome structure. Attribution of the genes included in the D. solani pangenome fractions to functional COG categories showed that higher percentages of accessory and unique pangenome parts in contrast to the core section are encountered in phage/mobile elements- and transcription- associated groups with the genome of RNS 05.1.2A strain having the most significant impact. Also, the first D. solani large-scale genome-wide phylogeny computed on concatenated core gene alignments is herein reported. Conclusions: The almost closed status of D. solani pangenome achieved in this work points to the fact that the unique gene pool of this species should no longer expand. Such a feature is characteristic of taxa whose representatives either occupy isolated ecological niches or lack efficient mechanisms for gene exchange and recombination, which seems rational concerning a strictly pathogenic species with clonal population structure. Finally, no obvious correlations between the geographical origin of D. solani strains and their phylogeny were found, which might reflect the specificity of the international seed potato market.
Comparison of Ultrasound Cycloplasty and Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation for Refractory Glaucoma in Chinese Population
Authors: Yu Qiuli , Liang Ya , Ji Fangfang , Yuan Zhilan
Published: June 2020

Background To compare the efficacy and safety of focused ultrasound cycloplasty (UCP) and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) in the treatment of refractory glaucoma in a Chinese population. Methods We retrospective compared twenty-eight eligible patients with refractory glaucoma, who were divided into the UCP group and TSCP group. Patients in these two groups underwent a corresponding procedure from June 2018 to February 2019. The intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, the number of anti-glaucoma agents used and complications were reviewed and compared between groups. Proper statistical methods were selected according to comparison models under IBM SPSS 25 software. Results After the 12-months follow-up, postoperative IOP and number of anti-glaucoma agents used in the two groups were both reduced than the baseline level, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in IOP, number of anti-glaucoma agents and the best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups at each follow-up time point (P＞0.05). In terms of complications, the pain at 1 day after surgery in the UCP group was significantly milder than that in the TSCP group (P<0.05). And there were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Both UCP and TSCP are safe and effective methods for the treatment of refractory glaucoma. Nevertheless, pain is less severe after UCP.
A methylation‐based mRNA signature predicts survival in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Rongrong , Zhang Youwei , Yuan Yuan , Miao Yufeng
Published: June 2020

Background: Evidence suggests that altered DNA methylation plays a causative role in the occurrence, progression and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC). Thus, methylated-differentially expressed genes (MDEGs) could potentially serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC.Methods: Four genomics profiling datasets were used to identify MDEGs. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were used to explore the biological roles of MDEGs in GC. Univariate Cox and LASSO analysis were used to identify survival-related MDEGs and to construct a MDEGs-based signature. The prognostic performance was evaluated in two independent cohorts.Results: We identified a total of 255 MDEGs, including 192 hypermethylation-low expression and 63 Hypomethylation-high expression genes. The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that 83 MDEGs were associated with overall survival. Further we constructed an eight-MDEGs signature that was independent predictive of prognosis in the training cohort. By applying the eight-MDEGs signature, patients in the training cohort could be categorized into high-risk or low-risk subgroup with significantly different overall survival (HR = 2.62, 95%CI= 1.71-4.02, P < 0.0001). The prognostic value of the eight-MDEGs signature was confirmed in another independent GEO cohort (HR=1.35, 95% CI= 1.03-1.78, P= 0.0302) and TCGA-GC cohort (HR=1.85, 95% CI= 1.16-2.94, P= 0.0084). Multivariate cox regression analysis proved the eight-MDEGs signature was an independent prognostic factor for GC.Conclusion: We have thus established an innovative eight-MDEGs signature that is predictive of overall survival and could be a potentially useful guide for personalized treatment of GC patients.
Identification and fine mapping of a novel qGR6.2 locus controlling rice salt tolerance during seed germination
Authors: Zeng Peng , Zhu Peiwen , Qian Luofeng , Qian Xumei , Mi Yuxin , Lin Zefeng , Dong Shinan , Aronsson Henrik , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping
Published: June 2020

Background Rice growth is frequently affected by salinity. When rice plants are exposed to high salinity, seed germination and seedling establishment are significantly inhibited. In particular, with the promotion of rice direct-seeding in Asia, improving rice salt tolerance during seed germination is of strong importance for rice breeding. Results In this study, we found that the indica rice landrace Wujiaozhan (WJZ) showed a high capability of seed germination under both water (H 2 O) and salt (NaCl) conditions, particularly under high salt stress. The BC 1 F 2 population produced by crossing WJZ with japonica Nipponbare (Nip) was used to evaluate the germination traits under water (H 2 O) and salt (300 mM NaCl) conditions using germination rate (GR) and germination index (GI). A total of 13 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, including eight QTLs of GR, two QTLs of GI under H 2 O conditions, six QTLs of GR, and three QTLs of GI under 300 mM NaCl conditions. Six QTLs ( qGR6.1 , qGR8.1 , qGR8.2 , qGR10.1 , qGR10.2 and qGI10.1 ) contributed to GR under both H 2 O and 300 mM NaCl conditions. Three QTLs ( qGR6.2 , qGR10.1 and qGR10.2 ) under 300 mM NaCl conditions were identified at different time points of seed germination and shared the same region with qGI6 , qGI10.1 and qGI10.2 for GI. These QTLs could be used to improve seed germination ability via marker-assisted selection (MAS). One major effective salt-tolerance-specific QTL, qGR6.2, on chromosome 6 was further confirmed via the BC 2 F 2 population, which explained more than 20% of the phenotypic variation. Fine mapping results showed that qGR6.2 was narrowed to a 65.9-kb region between the Z654 and Z619 molecular markers, with eleven candidate genes being predicted. Based on the microarray database, there were high transcript abundances of six genes ( LOC_Os06g10650 , LOC_Os06g10660 , LOC_Os06g10690 , LOC_Os06g10710 , LOC_Os06g10730 and LOC_Os06g10750 ) at all developmental stages, and only LOC_Os06g10750 was differentially expressed after salt incubation. RT-qPCR showed that two genes ( LOC_Os06g10650 and LOC_Os06g10750 ) were significantly differentially expressed at 300 mM NaCl during seed germination. This result suggested that LOC_Os06g10650 and LOC_Os06g10750 might be the causal candidate genes for the major effective salt-tolerance-specific QTL qGR6.2 identified in WJZ, which may facilitate map-based cloning and help to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying salt tolerance during seed germination. Conclusions In our study, we identified 13 QTLs from indica landrace WJZ that confer seed germination traits under water and salt conditions. A major salt-tolerance-specific QTL qGR6.2 was confirmed and fine mapped to a 65.9-kb region flanked by the Z654 and Z619 markers. Our results provide information on the genetic basis of improving salt tolerance during seed germination by MAS.
Bioinformatics analysis of epitope-based vaccine design against the novel SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Chen Hongzhi , Tang Lingli , Yu Xinling , Zhou Jie , Chang Yunfeng , Wu Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background: An outbreak of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 recently has brought a great challenge to public health. Rapid identification of immune epitopes would be an efficient way to screen the candidates for vaccine development at the time of pandemic. This study aimed to predict the protective epitopes with bioinformatics methods and resources for vaccine development. Methods : ABCpred and BepiPred servers were utilized for sequential B-cell epitope analysis. Discontinuous B-cell epitopes were predicted via DiscoTope 2.0 program. IEDB server was utilized for HLA-1 and HLA-2 binding peptides computation. Surface accessibility, antigenicity, and other important features of forecasted epitopes were characterized for immunogen potential evaluation. Results : A total of 63 sequential B-cell epitopes on spike protein were predicted and 4 peptides (Spike 315-324 , Spike 333-338 , Spike 648-663 , Spike 1064-1079 ) exhibited high antigenicity score and good surface accessibility. 10 residues within spike protein (Gly 496 , Glu 498 , Pro 499 , Thr 500 , Leu 1141 , Gln 1142 , Pro 1143 , Glu 1144 , Leu 1145 , Asp 1146 ) are forecasted as components of discontinuous B-cell epitopes. The bioinformatics analysis of HLA binding peptides within nucleocapsid protein produced 81 and 64 peptides being able to bind MHC class I and MHC class II molecule respectively. The peptides (Nucleocapsid 66-75 , Nucleocapsid 104-112 ) were predicted to bind a wide spectrum of both HLA-1 and HLA-2 molecules. Conclusions : B-cell epitopes on spike protein and T-cell epitopes within nucleocapsid protein were identified and recommended for developing a protective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
Comparison of the effects of and usability of active and active-assistive rehabilitation robots for the upper extremity function among patients with stroke: a single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Park Jin Ho , Park Gyulee , Kim Ha Yeon , Lee Ji-Yeong , Ham Yeajin , Hwang Donghwan , Kwon Suncheol , Shin Joon-Ho
Published: June 2020

Background: Robotic rehabilitation of stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction yields different outcomes depending on the robot type. Considering that excessive dependence on assistive force provided by robots may interfere with the patient’s active learning and participation, we hypothesized that the use of an active-assistive robot does not lead to a more meaningful difference with respect to upper extremity rehabilitation than the use of an active robot. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the differences in the clinical and kinematic outcomes between active and active-assistive robotic rehabilitation among stroke survivors.Methods: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, we assigned 20 stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction (Medical Research Council scale score, 3 or 4) to the active (ACT) and active-assistive (ACAS) robotic rehabilitation groups in a 1:1 ratio and administered 20 sessions of 30-minute robotic intervention (5 days/week, 4 weeks). The primary (Wolf Motor Function Test [WMFT]-score and -time: measures activity), and secondary (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA] and Stroke Impact Scale [SIS] scores: measure impairment and participation, respectively; kinematic outcomes) outcome measures were determined at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of the intervention, and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. Furthermore, we evaluated the usability of the robotic devices by conducting interviews with the patients, therapists, and physiatrists. Results: In both the groups, the WMFT-score and -time improved over the course of the intervention. Time had a significant effect on the WMFT-score and -time, FMA-UE, FMA-prox, and SIS-strength; group × time interaction had a significant effect on SIS-function and SIS-social participation (all, p <0.05). The ACT group showed better improvement in participation and smoothness than the ACAS group. In contrast, the ACAS group exhibited better improvement in mean speed. Conclusions: There were no differences between the two groups regarding the impairment and activity domains. However, the ACT robots were more beneficial than ACAS robots regarding participation and smoothness. Considering the high cost and complexity of ACAS robots, ACT robots may be more suitable for robotic rehabilitation in stroke survivors who can perform voluntary movement.Trial registration: The trial was registered retrospectively on 14 March 2018 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03465267).
Combining texture features of whole slide images improves prognostic prediction of recurrence-free survival for cutaneous melanoma patients
Authors: Peng Yanbin , Chu Yunfeng , Chen Zhong , Zhou Wen , Wan Shengxiang , Xiao Yingfeng , Zhang Youlong , Li Jialu
Published: June 2020

Background: Accurate prediction of recurrence-free survival (RFS) is important for the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma patients. The image-based pathological examination remains as the gold standard for diagnosis. It is of clinical interest to account for computer-aided processing of pathology image when performing prognostic analysis.Methods: We enrolled in this study a total of 152 patients from TCGA-SKCM (The Cancer Genome Atlas Skin Cutaneous Melanoma project) with complete information in recurrence-related survival time, baseline variables (clinicopathologic variables, mutation status of BRAF and NRAS genes), gene expression data and whole slide image (WSI) features. We preprocessed WSI to segment global or nucleus areas, and extracted 3 types of texture features from each region. We performed cross validation and used multiple evaluation metrics including C-index and time-dependent AUC to determine the best model of predicting recurrence events. We further performed differential gene expression analysis between the higher and lower-risk groups within AJCC pathologic tumor stage III patients to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms driving risk stratification. Results: The model combining baseline variables and WSI features had the best performance among models with any other types of data integration. The prognostic risk score generated by this model could provide a higher-resolution risk stratification within pathologically-defined subgroups. We found the selected image features captured important immune-related variations, such as the aberration of expression in T cell activation and proliferation gene sets, and therefore contributed to the improved prediction. Conclusions: Our study provided a prognostic model based on the combination of baseline variables and computer-processed WSI features. This model provided more accurate prediction than models based on other types of data combination in recurrence-free survival analysis. Trail registration: This study was based on public open data from TCGA and hence the study objects were retrospectively registered.
Smartband use during enhanced recovery after surgery facilitates inpatient recuperation following minimally invasive colorectal surgery
Authors: Yin Tzu-Chieh , Huang Ching-Wen , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Su Wei-Chih , Ma Cheng-Jen , Chang Tsung-Kun , Wang Jaw Yuan
Published: June 2020

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is valuable in perioperative care for its ability to improve short-term surgical outcomes and facilitate patient recuperation after major surgery. Early postoperative mobilization is a vital component of the integrated care pathway and is a factor strongly associated with successful outcomes. However, early mobilization still has various definitions and lacks specific strategies. Methods Patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer followed our perioperative ERAS program, including mobilization from the first postoperative day. After perioperative care skills were improved in our well-established program, compliance, inpatient surgical outcomes, and complications associated with adding smartband use were evaluated and compared with the outcomes for standard protocol. Quality of recovery was evaluated using patient-rated QoR-40 questionnaires the day before surgery, on postoperative day 1 and 3, and on the day of discharge. Results Smartband use after minimally invasive colorectal surgery failed to increase compliance with early mobilization or reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications significantly compared with standard ERAS protocol. However, when smartbands were utilized, quality of recovery was optimized and patients returned to their preoperative status earlier, at postoperative day 3. The duration of theoretical hospital stays and hospital stays of uncomplicated patients wearing smartbands was also reduced by 1.1 and 0.9 days, respectively ( P = 0.0091 and 0.049). Conclusions Smartbands enable enhanced communication between patients and surgical teams and strengthen self-management in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal resection surgery. Accelerated recovery to preoperative functional status can be facilitated by integrating smartbands into the process of early mobilization during ERAS.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates LPS-induced neuronal dysfunction via AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 pathway
Authors: Zeng Wei , Zhang Chunyuan , Long Qingshan , Li Yalan
Published: June 2020

Background

Dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, shows intervention effect on cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after general anesthesia. However, the underlying pathological mechanism remains to be further elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate effects of Dex on LPS-induced neuronal damages in cultured hippocampal neurons.
Methods

We applied LPS to mimic the post-surgical inflammation in cultured hippocampal neuron. Cultured hippocampal neurons were treated with LPS in a dose- and time- dependent manner, then were administrated with or without Dex. The neuronal morphology including neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission was observed, and mEPSCs was recorded by electrophysiological patch clamp. Cell lysates were subjected for western blot to assess the explore the potential underlying mechanism.
Results

Compared to control group, administration of LPS significantly impaired the neurite outgrowth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Dex treatment markedly reversed LPS-induced impairment of neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons. Electrophysiological patch clamp results showed that LPS induced synaptic transmission dysfunction, which could be restored after Dex addition. Furthermore, western blotting assays showed that LPS suppressed the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway and Dex administration significantly re-activated this pathway to encounter the inhibitory effect of LPS.
Conclusion

Addition of Dex showed significant protection effect on LPS-induced hippocampal neuron damages, including neurite outgrowth and synaptic transmission. Dex functioned via the activation of GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced neurological dysfunctions.
­­Awareness of the Fruits and Veggies (FNV) Campaign Among Target Audiences in California and Virginia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Englund Tessa Rhianon , Hedrick Valisa Ellen , Patiño Sofia Rincón-Gallardo , Kennedy Lauren Elaine , Hosig Kathryn Wright , Serrano Elena Lidia , Kraak Vivica Ingrid
Published: June 2020

Background

The Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign in 2015 to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to mothers and teens in two US pilot media market areas: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. Limited evidence is available on the effectiveness of marketing strategies to influence consumers’ fruit and vegetable demand. This cross-sectional study assessed associations between awareness of the FNV Campaign and attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and behaviors related to fruit and vegetable purchases and consumption among targeted audiences from the California and Virginia pilot markets.
Methods

Data were collected using an online survey between February and July 2017 using a purposive sample (n = 1604) of youth aged 14–20 years (n = 744) and mothers aged 21–36 years (n = 860).
Results

Approximately 20% (n = 315) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth aware of the FNV Campaign (n = 167) reported higher intentions to buy (p = 0.003) and eat (p = 0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware youth respondents. Mothers aware of the FNV Campaign (n = 148) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p = 0.013) and had approximately 1.5 times higher odds of reporting trying a new fruit or vegetable (p = 0.04) than unaware mothers. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by Campaign awareness.
Conclusions

Awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with limited but positive cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. The present findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve effectiveness of FNV Campaign marketing practices as it expands throughout new markets nationwide.
The Effect of Temperature Upon Transmission Of COVID-19 : Australia And Egypt Case Study
Authors: Anis Adly
Published: June 2020

Background: Several previous studies have recognized the effect of air temperature on the survival and transmission of viruses and germs. The current study investigated the effect of air temperature on the transmission of coronavirus covid-19 by monthly temperature averages maps analyzing.Methods: The study demonstrated the relationship between temperature and transmission speed of Covid-19 virus, It confirmed that the most appropriate average temperature for virus activity and transmission ranges between 13-24 ° C, by analyzing the maps of monthly temperature averages in Egypt and Australia.Results: The study reached, through cartographic analysis, to confirm the relationship between temperature and increase in the number of confirmed cases of covid-19, This study confirmed that the most appropriate average temperature for virus activity and transmission ranges between 13-24 ° C, by analyzing the maps of monthly temperature averages in Egypt and Australia.Conclusions: Results support that the most appropriate average temperature for the survival transmission of COVID-19 ranges between 13-24 ° C. Australia and Egypt are models to confirm the relationship between temperature and COVID-19 activity and spread.
Ecological and Floristic Study of Hirmi Forest, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Mehari , Bekele Tamrat , Demissew Sebsebe , Lulekal Ermias
Published: June 2020

Background: The Dryland area in Ethiopia contributes large vegetation resources. However, the landmass has received less attentioneven if it has high ecological, environmental and economic importance. The present study was conducted in Hirmi forest, which is one of the dry forest in Northwestern, Ethiopia; to study the floristic composition, plant community types, community-environment relation, vegetation structure and regeneration status of the forest.Method: Vegetation and environmental data were collected from 80 sampling plots having equal size of 25m×25m were designated as the main plots. Within the main plot, five 2mx2m subplots were laid to record seedlings, saplings, and herbaceous species. Furthermore, within each subplot, soil samples were collected to analyze the relationship of edaphic parameters with the plant community. DBH, height, BA, density, vertical structure and frequency were computed. Floristic diversity and evenness were computed using Shannon diversity and Evenness indices. The plant community types and vegetation-environment relationships were analyzed using classification and ordination tools in R package (ver. 3.6.1), respectively.Result: A total of 171 vascular plant species belonging to 135 genera and 56 families were recorded. About 5.85% of the species were endemic/near endemic to Ethiopia. Woody species (48%) were dominant over herbs (45.6%) and liana (6.4%). The highest number of species was recorded in plant families of Fabaceae (16.37%) and Poaceae (11.7%) followed by Asteraceae (7.02%) and Combretaceae (3.5%). Five plant communities were identified and positively correlated with altitude, slope, sand, silt, soil organic matter, total Nitrogen and disturbance. Vegetation structure reveals that, large number individual species were categorized in the lower class of DBH, BA, frequency and height. The highest Shannon diversity index and evenness values of the study area were 4.21 and 0.95, respectively. Anogeissus leiocarpa, Combretum hartmannianum, Ziziphus mucronata, Terminalia macroptera, Acacia polyacantha were the species with high important value.Conclusion: the study shows Hirmi forest has high species diversity, richness, and endemism. However, due to various disturbances, it is under poor regeneration status that requires urgent conservation measures. Integrated forest management, monitoring, applying restoration techniques by considering the significant environmental factors associated with the species diversity, IUCN threat and regeneration status of the species is recommended to preserve the study forest.
GDF-15 as a biomarker of aging
Authors: Liu Huan , Huang Yun , Lyu Yongnan , Dai Wen , Tong Yongqing , Li Yan
Published: June 2020

Background: The aging process is accompanied by the gradual development of chronic systemic inflammation (inflamm-aging). Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is associated with inflammation and known to be a stress-induced factor. The present study aimed to explore the association of GDF-15 with aging.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, serum GDF-15, hematological parameters, and biomedical parameters were determined in 120 healthy individuals (23-83 years old, males). Three telomere related parameters, including telomere length, telomerase activity, and the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA were also quantified.Results: The older group has a higher levels of GDF-15 and lower expression of hTERT mRNA, and PBMC telomerase activity (p<0.001). In individuals with high GDF-15 levels, they were older, and presented with the lower level of hTERT mRNA and T/S ratio (p<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis shows that GDF-15 positively correlated with age (r=0.664, p<0.001), and negatively correlated with telomere length (r=-0.434, p<0.001), telomerase activity (r=-0.231, p=0.012), and hTERT mRNA (r=-0.206, p=0.024). Furthermore, in multivariate regression analysis, GDF-15 levels showed a statistically significant linear and negative relationship with PBMC telomerase activity (β-coefficient=-0.583, 95% CI -1.044 to -0.122, p=0.014), telomere length (β-coefficient=-0.200, 95% CI -0.305 to -0.094, p<0.001), and hTERT mRNA (β-coefficient=-0.207, 95% CI -0.312 to -0.102, p<0.001) after adjusting for confounders.Conclusions: In conclusion, our results show that circulating GDF-15 is the potential biomarkers of aging that may influence the risk and progression of multiple aging conditions.
Analysis on correlation between the Earth's Rotation and Earthquakes Preceding the Occurrence of the 2019 M7.1 Ridgecrest Earthquake
Authors: Li Yane , Chen Xuezhong
Published: June 2020

For earthquakes ( M ³2.0) occurring in and around the rupture zone of the M7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake between January 1990 and June 2019, we analyzed the correlation between the phase of Earth's rotation and the occurrence of earthquakes. The Schuster's test and the two-rate Poisson model were used to statistically examined the correlation between the phase of Earth's rotation and the occurrence of earthquakes. For the Schuster's test,the results were judged based on the P -value. When the P -value is smaller, the correlation is higher. In general, if P £ 5%,the correlation is significant. For the two-rate Poisson model,the results were evaluated by R . When the 95% confidence lower limit on R ( R L ) is over one, earthquakes could be non-random. We calculated the temporal variation on the P -value for earthquakes that occurred in the study region and found some lower P -values,corresponding significant correlation, for earthquakes (2.0≤ M ≤2.4) occurring before the M 7.1 event. When the P -value reached to the lowest,earthquakes are prone to occur when the Earth's acceleration of rotation is increasing or near the peak acceleration.This correlation is also confirmed by the two-rate Poisson model. The spacial distribution of the P -values for earthquakes (2.0≤ M ≤2.4) occurring from Jul. 2013 to Jun. 2019 shows that areas of low P -value were located mainly in and around the northwest segment of the rupture zone of the M 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. The lower P -value obtained in this study uncovers the Earth's rotation-triggered earthquakes in and around the rupture zone prior to the M 7 .1 Ridgecrest earthquake,is possible to be considered as one of its precursors.
Effects of Microbial Fertilizer on the Growth, Physiology, and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Response of Spinach Seedlings
Authors: zhang beibei , Jing Qi , Zhang Hui , Wang Jiaxuan , Yang Yang
Published: June 2020

We investigated the effects of different types of bacillus on the growth, physiological characteristics, and chlorophyll fluorescence of spinach seedlings in the soil environment of a Qinxi demonstration garden in Taibai County. Five different fertilization treatments were conducted in the growing room: no fertilizer (CK), addition of Bacillus subtilis (Bs, T1), addition of Bs and Bacillus mucilaginosus (Bm) (T2), addition of Bs and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Ba) (T3), and addition of Bs and Ba (T4). There were significant differences in the plant height (PH), leaf length (LL), and leaf weight (LW) of the spinach seedlings (F=54.37, 13.30, and 46.03, respectively; P<0.01). The growth and physiological characteristics of the spinach seedlings attained a maximum under the Bs and Bm treatments. There were differences in the activities of the PSII reaction centers between the five treatments. Under the Bs and Bm treatments, the ABS/RC, TR0 /RC, and ET0 /RC increased significantly, while the DI0 /RC decreased. The OJIP curve increased under different types of fertilization, and the growth trends under the Bs and Bm treatments were the largest. The leaf light response curve (LC) increased significantly under the Bs and Bm treatments. The plant growth characteristics (LL, LW, PH) were positively correlated with the J-I-P test chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (PIABS, φP0, φE0, ψ0, TR0/RC, and ET0/RC), and negatively correlated with φD0 and DI0/RC. The leaf physiological characteristics (SP, SC, Chla, Chlb, Chla+b, Chla/b, and WP) were positively correlated with the J-I-P test chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (PIABS, φP0, φE0, ψ0, ABS/RC, TR0 /RC, and ET0 /RC), and negatively correlated with φD0 and DI0 /RC. The leaf MDA was significantly positively correlated with φD0 and DI0 /RC, and positively correlated with other J-I-P test chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The Bs and Bm treatments promoted the growth of the spinach seedlings and improved the adaptability of the crops to soil by enhancing the effective phosphorus utilization rate.