bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collapse and Bending Analysis of Slotted Liners with Laboratory Tests and 3D FEM
Authors: Liu Xiaoda , Morita Nobuo
Published: March 2020

The goal of this research is to study the structural integrity and slot width change of slotted liners by comparing them with a 3D finite element analysis and experimental study. Slotted liners are widely used because of their ability to ensure wellbore integrity and sand control. During installation and operations, the slotted liners must be strong enough to hold axial loads and radial compression to prevent excessive buckling and deformation of slots. Laboratory collapse and bending tests were conducted with commercially available slotted liners. Experiments were designed to select the grades of materials, diameter/thickness of pipes, and slot patterns. Finite element models were developed to predict the integrity of slotted liners and acceptable slot width changes. The study considered slotted liner design and analyzed how much material grades, casing/tubing dimension, and slot patterns affect the risk of slotted liner failure. The practical implications of this work to the oil fields are (1) a numerical simulation model can predict the closure of slots with reasonable accuracy if the work hardening stress-strain curve after elastic limit is accurately input; therefore, we may select the slotted liner design with sufficient stability after installation, and (2) the strength gains due to work hardening are significantly larger for a lower-grade base pipe than a higher-grade base pipe. Therefore, we need to re-evaluate using a lower-grade base pipe before using a thinner high-grade base pipe for some applications.
Near-Fracture Capillary End Effect on Shale-Gas and Water Production
Authors: Elputranto Riza , Yucel Akkutlu I.
Published: March 2020

Capillary end effect (CEE) develops in tight gas and shale formations near hydraulic fractures during flowback of the fracturing-treatment water and extends into the natural-gas-production period. In this study, a new multiphase reservoir-flow-simulation model is used to understand the role the CEE plays on the removal of the water from the formation and on the gas production. The reservoir model has a matrix pore structure mainly consisting of a network of microfractures and cracks under stress. The model simulates high-resolution water/gas flow in this network with a capillary discontinuity at the hydraulic-fracture/matrix interface.

The simulation results show that the CEE causes significant formation damage during the production period by holding the water saturation near the fracture at higher levels than that using only the spontaneous imbibition of water. The effect makes water less mobile, or trapped, in the formation during the flowback, and tends to block gas flow during the production. The effect during the production is more important relative to the changing stress. We showed that the CEE cannot be removed completely but can be reduced significantly by controlling the production rate.
Antimicrobial resistance and novel mutations detected in the gyrA and parC genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from companion dogs
Authors: Park Youjin , Oh Jaeyoung , Park Sowon , Sum Samuth , Song Wonkeun , Chae Jongchan , Park Hee-Myung
Published: March 2020

Background: Fluoroquinolone agents, such as enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin, are commonly used in for pseudomonal infection in veterinary medicine. However, the rate of resistance rate to fluoroquinolone s is rapidly increasing , according to multiple studies in various countries. The p P oint mutation s in the quinolone resistance - determining region (QRDR) is are closely related to the increased fluoroquinolone resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The aim of this study was to investigate current antimicrobial susceptibility and fluoroquinolone resistance in P. aeruginosa strains isolated from dogs. The presence of the point mutations in the QRDR was confirmed by gyrA and parC polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing analysis.

Results: A total of 84 nonduplicated P. aeruginosa strains were obtained from 228 healthy dogs (healthy group) and 260 dogs with clinical signs (infected group). From Of Among these isolates , 38 strains from the healthy group were detected in several sample type s, whereas 46 strains from the infected group were mostly obtained mostly from dogs’ ears with otitis externa (41/260, 15.8%). All strains were resistant to nalidixic acid, while some were also resistant to enrofloxacin (23/84, 27.4%), marbofloxacin (17/84, 20.2%), levofloxacin (12/84, 14.3%), or ciprofloxacin (11/84, 13.1%). Enrofloxacin resistance was significantly higher in strains from the infected group than in th ose at of from the healthy group ( p <0.05). Among the 23 fluoroquinolone-resistant strains, 8 and 4 different mutations were detected in the gyrA and parC genes, respectively. Mutations in gyrA were significantly common in the infected group ( p <0.05). Hotspots for the gyrA and parC mutations were Thr83 (34.8%, 8/23) and Pro116 (91.3%, 21/23), respectively. Double and triple mutations were also found in 5 of the strains.

Conclusion: Novel mutations in the gyrA and parC genes were first found in P. aeruginosa isolated from companion dogs in South Korea. These findings suggest that it is important to alert encourage the prudent use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in canine pseudomona l s infection treatment.

Keywords: companion dogs, P. aeruginosa , novel mutations, gyrA , parC
Effect of luseogliflozin on bone microarchitecture in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial using second-generation high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT)
Authors: Haraguchi Ai , Shigeno Riyoko , Horie Ichiro , Morimoto Shimpei , Ito Ayako , Chiba Ko , Kawazoe Yurika , Tashiro Shigeki , Miyamoto Junya , Sato Shuntaro , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Osaki Makoto , Kawakami Atsushi , Abiru Norio
Published: March 2020

Background Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of bone fracture independent of their bone mineral density (BMD), which is explained mainly by the deteriorated bone quality in T2DM compared to non-diabetic adults. Sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) 2 inhibitors have been studied in several trials in T2DM, and the Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study showed an increased fracture risk related to treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin, although no evidence of increased fracture risk with treatment with other SGLT2 inhibitors has been reported. The mechanism of the difference in the fracture risk between the SGLT2 inhibitors is unknown, but the differences among the SGLT2 inhibitors in the selectivity of SGLT2 against SGLT1 may affect bone metabolism, since among the SGLT2 inhibitors the selectivity of canagliflozin is lowest. We will investigate whether the SGLT2 inhibitor luseogliflozin, which has higher SGLT2 selectivity, affects bone metabolism by using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) which provides direct in vivo morphometric information about the bone microarchitecture. Methods This is a single-center, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, parallel pilot trial. Eligible participants are elderly (age ≥60 years) individuals with T2DM with HbA1c levels at 7.0%–8.9%. A total of 24 participants will be allocated to either the luseogliflozin group (taking luseogliflozin) or control group (taking metformin) in a 1:1 ratio to compare the groups' changes in bone microarchitecture of radius and tibia which are analyzed by HR-pQCT before and 48 weeks after the administration of each medication. The laboratory data associated with glycemic control and bone metabolism will be collected every 12 weeks during the study. Recruitment began in June 2019. Discussion The reason we use metformin as an active control is to avoid yielding differences in glycemic control between the luseogliflozin and control groups. Besides, metformin is considered to have neutral effect on bone. This trial will reveal the effect of luseogliflozin on bone metabolism in elderly patients with T2DM.
Burnout level and associated factors in a Sub-Saharan African medical setting: prospective cross-sectional survey.
Authors: MACKANGA Jean-Rodolphe , MOULOUNGUI Emeline Gracia MOUENDOU , IBA-BA Josaphat , POTTIER Pierre , KOMBILA Jean-Baptiste MOUSSAVOU , BOGUIKOUMA Jean Bruno
Published: March 2020

Background: burnout in the hospital environment is a problem that affects care and training. Often explored in the high-income medical context, burnout is poorly studied in low and middle-income countries characterized by a precarious hospital situation and a high stake linked to the Millennium Development Goals. The aim of our study was to determine in medical practitioners, in a sub-Saharan African country’s medical context, the burnout level and associated factors.
Methods: a prospective cross-sectional study by using a self-administered Likert-scale questionnaire addressed to doctors and doctoral medical students in Gabon. Maslach Burnout Inventory scale has been used. Burnout symptoms were defined by high level in at least one of the 3 dimensions. Severe burnout defined by high level in all dimensions. Explored factors: socio-demographic and psychometric. Multiple logistic regression has been performed.
Results: among 104 participants, severe burnout prevailed at 1.9% (95% CI: 0.2% -6.8%) and burnout symptoms at 34.6% (95% CI: 25, 6% -44.6%). The associated factors with burnout symptoms: age (OR = 0.86, p = 0.004), clinical activity in a university hospital center (OR = 5.19, p = 0.006), the easy access to the hospital (OR = 0.59, p = 0.012), number of elderly dependents living with the practitioner (OR = 0.54, p = 0.012), to live in the borough where the hospital is located (OR = 0.24, p = 0.039) and to be favorable to traditional medicine (OR = 1.82, p = 0.087). Nagelkerke’s R-squared:53.1%.
Conclusion: in Gabon, middle-income country, almost one practitioner in two has burnout symptoms. The young age, the university hospital center, the difficulty to access to hospital and to live in the borough where the hospital is located increase the probability of burnout symptoms. These results must put question to relevant authorities regarding health and medical education, to set up: a public transport for practitioners, an optimal primary health care system, a regulation of medical tasks in hospitals, a training in clinical supervision.
No man is an Island: spatial clustering and access to primary care as possible targets for the development of new community mental health approaches.
Authors: Nascimento Miguel , Lourenço Beatriz , Coelho Ines , Aguiar Joana , Lázaro Mariana , Silva Mariana , Pereira Camila , Neves-Caldas Inês , Gomes Filipe , Garcia Sara , Nascimento Sandra , Pereira Guilherme , Nogueira Violeta , Costa Pedro , Nobre Alice
Published: March 2020

Background: to understand if patients seen at Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa (CHPL) live in geographical clusters or randomly throughout the city, as well as determine their access to the psychiatric hospital and primary care facilities (PCF).
Methods: spatial autocorrelation statistics were performed (queen criterion of contiguity), regarding all patients observed at CHPL in 2017 (at the census subsection level), and considering not only their overall number but also main diagnosis, and admission to the psychiatric ward - voluntary or compulsory.
Distance to the hospital and to the closest PCF was measured (for each patient and the variables cited above), and the mean values were compared.
Finally, the total number of patients around each PCF was counted, considering specified radius sizes of 656 and 1000m.
Results: All 5161 patients (509 psychiatric admissions) were geolocated, and statistical significance regarding patient clustering was found for the total number (p-0.0001) and specific group of disorders, namely Schizophrenia and related disorders (p-0.007) and depressive disorders (p-0.0002).
Patients who were admitted in a psychiatric ward live farther away from the hospital (p-0.002), with the compulsory admissions (versus voluntary ones) living even farther (p-0.004).
Furthermore, defining a radius of 1000m for each PCF allowed the identification of two PCF with more than 1000 patients, and two others with more than 800.
Conclusions: as patients seem to live in geographical clusters (and considering PCFs with the highest number of them), possible locations for the development of programs regarding mental health treatment and prevention can now be identified.
Implementation and adoption of a health insurance support tool in the electronic health record: A mixed methods analysis within a randomized trial
Authors: Hatch Brigit , Tillotson Carrie , Huguet Nathalie , Marino Miguel , Baron Andrea , Nelson Joan , Sumic Aleksandra , Cohen Deborah , DeVoe Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Background: In addition to delivering vital health care to millions of patients in the United States, community health centers (CHCs) provide needed health insurance outreach and enrollment support to their communities. We developed a health insurance enrollment tracking tool integrated within the electronic health record (EHR) and conducted a hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial in a CHC-based research network to assess tool adoption using two implementation strategies.

Methods: CHCs were recruited from the OCHIN practice-based research network. Seven health center systems (23 CHC clinic sites) were recruited and randomized to receive basic educational materials alone (Arm 1), or these materials plus facilitation (Arm 2) during the 18-month study period, September 2016-April 2018. Facilitation consisted of monthly contacts with clinic staff and utilized audit and feedback and guided improvement cycles. We measured total and monthly tool utilization from the EHR. We conducted structured interviews of CHC staff to assess factors associated with tool utilization. Qualitative data were analyzed using an immersion-crystallization approach with barriers and facilitators identified using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results: The majority of CHCs in both study arms adopted the enrollment tool. The rate of tool utilization was, on average, higher in Arm 2 compared to Arm 1 (20.0% versus 4.7%, p <0.01). However, by the end of the study period, the rate of tool utilization was similar in both arms; and observed between-arm differences in tool utilization were largely driven by a single, large health center in Arm 2. Perceived relative advantage of the tool was the key factor identified by clinic staff as driving tool utilization. Implementation climate and leadership engagement were also associated with tool utilization.

Conclusions: Using basic education materials and low-intensity facilitation, CHCs quickly adopted an EHR-based tool to support critical outreach and enrollment activities aimed at improving access to health insurance in their communities. Though facilitation carried some benefit, a CHC’s perceived relative advantage of the tool was the primary driver of decisions to implement the tool.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02355262, Posted February 4, 2015
Musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Nguyen Bang Van , Tran Thuy , Hoang Ngan Thi , Nguyen Bich Ngoc , Nguyen Quynh Thuy`
Published: March 2020

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among waste collectors in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors of persistent musculoskeletal disorders among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was utilized to study 468 waste collectors in 2017. The Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire and questionnaires on demographic and work conditions were used to collect data. Descriptive and Multivariate logistics regression analyses were applied at the significant level p<0.05. Findings: 67.4% waste collectors participating into this study reported musculoskeletal disorders in at least one body region. Lower back was the most affected site, followed by pain in the neck and shoulders. The risk of persistent musculoskeletal disorders associated with age, gender, work hours, work shift, duration of poor postures of the neck and back, carrying heavy objects, and experience of work dissatisfaction, stress or anxiety. Conclusions: High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among waste collectors and association with self-assessed unfavorable work postures and work-related stress imply the need of mechanical and social support at work for waste collectors to prevent the development of musculoskeletal disorders.
Medical infrared thermal imaging of syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Authors: Larkin Michael , Loughin Catherine , Marino Dominic , Dewey Curtis , Umbaugh Scott , Sackman Joseph
Published: March 2020

Background

Medical infrared thermal imaging (MITI) is a non-invasive imaging modality gaining popularity in the veterinary field. An infrared camera captures emission of heat and creates a color map in the form of a thermogram. Topical heat emission is influenced by localized disease processes as a result of autonomic nervous system imbalance. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of using thermography to identify changes in thermographic patterns associated with syringomyelia (SM) presence or absence in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) with Chiari-like Malformation (CLM).

Results

In CKCS with CLM, MITI was most accurate at a texture distance of 6. Optimizing imaging feature sets produced a highest accuracy of 69.9% (95% CI: 59.5-79.0%), with 81.3% sensitivity and 57.8% specificity for identifying the presence of syringomyelia.

Conclusion

Thermographic image analysis is a successful non-invasive, diagnostic test that can be used to screen for syringomyelia presence in a CKCS with CLM.
Potential Prognostic Roles of Serum Lactate and Creatine Kinase Levels in Poisoned Patients
Authors: Golaghaei Alireza , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Shadnia Shahin , ZAMANI NASIM , Amraei Fatemeh
Published: March 2020

Background Examination of serum lactate Level and its changes, as an indicator of tissue oxygenation, as well as level of creatine kinase (CK) inhibitors, as a factor of mortality which partially expresses heart, brain, and muscle damage, may be considered as tools to determine prognosis in critically ill patients. We aimed to evaluate these two factors as potential prognostic factors in critically poisoned patients admitted to our toxicology ICU.
Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study that was performed on poisoned patients referred to emergency department of Loghman Hakim Hospital. One-hundred critically poisoned patients who had been admitted to ICU were conveniently chosen using a random number table and included into the study after obtaining consent forms form their next of kin. Their serum lactate and CK levels were checked on admission. These levels were compared subsequently between survivors and non-survivors to seek for their potential prognostic role.
Results: In a total of 100 patients enrolled, 61 were male. Serum level of lactate (with a cut off of 26 mg/dL) and serum CK with a cutoff point of 169 U/L could have prognosticated death with sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 77% (for lactate) and 74% and 62% (for serum CK), respectively.
Conclusions: In poisoned patients, serum lactate and CK can be used as possible prognostic factors because they rapidly increase in the serum and are easily detectable.
The predictive value of PI-RADS v2 score in high-grade prostate cancer: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Chen Song , Yang Yun , Peng Tianchen , Yu Xi , Deng Haiqing , Guo Zhongqiang
Published: March 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Comparison of suprapatellar versus infrapatellar approaches of intramedullary nailing for distal tibia fractures
Authors: Lu Yao , Wang Gen , Hu Bin , Ren Cheng , Sun Liang , Wang Zhimeng , He Changjun , Xue Hanzhong , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Ma Teng , Wang Qian
Published: March 2020

Background: This study aimed to analyze and compare the clinical and functional outcomes of distal tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN) using the suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) surgical approaches.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 63 patients with distal fractures that were treated with IMN between August 2014 and August 2018. A total of 27 and 36 patients underwent IMN using the SP and IP techniques, respectively. The surgical time, blood loss, closed reduction rate, rate of adjuvant reduction technique, fracture healing time, and complications were reviewed in this study. Anterior knee pain was assessed using the visual analog scale. The Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale were used as clinical measurements.Results: A total of 63 patients, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were evaluated. The average surgical time, blood loss, rate of adjuvant reduction technique, closed reduction rate, fracture healing time, and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score were insignificantly different (P>0.05) between the two groups. However, the SP approach was superior to the IP approach in terms of pain score, AOFAS score, and fracture deformity rate (P<0.05).Conclusions: In the treatment of distal tibia fractures, the SP IMN technique is associated with a significantly higher functional outcome, lower knee pain, and lower rate of fracture deformity than the IP IMN technique.
Quality Of Selected Anti-retroviral Medicines: Tanzania Mainland Market As A Case Study
Authors: Mziray Sophia , MAGANDA BETTY , Mwamwitwa Kissa , Fimbo Adam M. , Kisenge Seth , Sambu Gerald , Mwalwisi Yonah H. , Bitegeko Adonis , Alphonce Emmanuel , Khea Akida , Shewiyo Danstan H. , Kaale Eliangiringa
Published: March 2020

Background Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is still health problem worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries, such as Tanzania. Anti-retroviral medicines (ARVs) have significantly reduced morbidity, mortality and improved the quality of life of people living with HIV infection. Thus, good quality ARVs is amongst the key factors which guarantee successful therapeutic outcomes and prevention of development of drug resistant strains. This study was aimed at monitoring the quality of ARVs circulating on the Tanzania Mainland market.Methodology This was a prospective cross sectional study. ARVs samples were collected in 20 regions of Tanzania Mainland, between 2012 and 2018. All samples were subjected to screening testing using the Global Pharma Health Fund ® Mini-Lab kits. Sampled ARV’s that failed screening test or yielded doubtful results and ten percent (10%) of all that complied with the screening test requirements were subjected to confirmatory testing using full pharmacopoeia monographs at the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), quality control laboratory prequalified by the World Health Organisation. Samples collected from the medicine distribution outlets were also subjected to product information review.Results A total of 2,630 samples were collected, of which 83.7% (2200/2630) were from port of entry (POEs). Out of the 430 samples which were subjected to product information review, 25.6% (110/430) failed to comply with the packaging and labelling requirements. All sampled ARV’s that were screened and conformed to the specifications, except of the fixed dose combination (FDC) lopinavir/ritonavir 0.27% (7/2630) and lamivudine/zidovudine/nevirapine 0.27% (7/2630) that failed the disintegration test. In confirmatory testing using full pharmacopoeia monographs, all samples conformed to the requirements, except of FDC stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine which failed disintegration 2% (2/100) and assay tests 1% (1/100) respectively. Samples failing the assay test had low content of stavudine (86.6%) versus specification limits (90% -110%).Conclusion The quality of majority of ARVs circulating on the Tanzania Mainland market was good. The existence of number of ARVs circulating on Tanzania Mainland market which do not comply with product information requirements was significant. These results call for continuous monitoring of quality of medicines circulating on the Tanzania market.
Factors related to COVID-19 severity and mortality based on comparison between Henan and Zhejiang: an observational study
Authors: Ji Wangquan , Liang Ruonan , Zhu Peiyu , Yang Haiyan , Chen Shuaiyin , Zhang Weiguo , Jin Yuefei , Duan Guangcai
Published: March 2020

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across China and the world, since outbreak at the end of 2019. Although COVID-19 is generally considered as self-limiting, some of cases develop in to fatal respiratory restress, multiple organ failure and even sudden death. According to the data released by the provincial health commissions, there are obvious regional differences in COVID-19 mortality. To explore possible factors of COVID-19 related severity and mortality in laboratory-confirmed cases from Henan and Zhejiang.Methods: We collected the public data released by the government. We analyzed and compared the possible factors, including initial symptoms, gender, age, place of residence, time interval from onset to diagnosis, epidemiological history and the grade of hospital for patient’s treatment in laboratory-confirmed cases. Student’s t-test, Chi-square (2) test, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) test and Mann-Whitney U rank sum test were used complied with the applicable conditions. Statistical test was performed with a level of significance α=0.05.Results: Death cases in Henan were mainly from male, elderly infected persons and those who had a history of contact with patients and underlying basic diseases. Henan had the higher proportion of cases with fever and the lower proportion of asymptomatic infection, and had higher proportions of imported male cases with a contact history, and elderly cases living in rural areas, relative to Zhejiang. The time interval of confirmed cases in rural areas of Henan was 0.8 day longer than that in Zhejiang. Hospitals grade for patients’ treatment in Henan was lower than Zhejiang.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that initial symptoms, age, place of residence, gender, the time interval from onset to diagnosis and the grade of designated hospital for patient’s treatment are possible factors behind COVID-19 related severity or mortality. This study will provide useful information for public health authorities to develop disease prevention strategies.
Revealing the full-length transcriptome of caucasian clover rhizome development
Authors: Yin Xiujie , Yi Kun , Zhao Yihang , Hu Yao , Li Xu , He Taotao , Liu Jiaxue , Cui Guowen
Published: March 2020

Background: Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.Bieb.) is a strongly rhizomatous, low-crowned perennial leguminous and ground-covering grass. The species may be used as an ornamental plant and is resistant to cold, arid temperatures and grazing due to a well-developed underground rhizome system and a strong clonal reproduction capacity. However, the posttranscriptional mechanism of the development of the rhizome system in caucasian clover has not been comprehensively studied. Additionally, a reference genome for this species has not yet been published, which limits further exploration of many important biological processes in this plant. Result: We adopted PacBio Sequencing and Illumina Sequencing to identify differentially expressed transcripts in five tissues taproot (T1), horizontal rhizome (T2), swelling of taproot (T3), rhizome bud (T4) and rhizome bud tip (T5) of the caucasian clover rhizome. In total, we obtained 19.82 GB clean data and 80,654 nonredundant transcripts were analyzed. Additionally, we identified 78,209 open reading frames (ORFs), 65,227 coding sequences (CDSs), 58,276 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 6,821 alternative splicing (AS) sites, 24,29 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 4,501 putative transcription factors (TFs)from 64 different families. Compared with other tissues, T5 exhibited more differentially expressed genes, and co-upregulated genes in T5 are mainly annotated as involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. We also identified betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) as a highly expressed gene specific to T5. WGCNA cluster analysis of transcription factors and physiological indicators were combined to reveal 11 candidate genes (MEgreen-GA3), three of which belong to the HB-KNOX family, that are up-regulated in T3. We analyzed 276 differential transcripts involved in hormone signaling and transduction, and the largest number of transcripts are associated with the IAA signaling pathway, with significant upregulation in T2 and T5. Conclusions: Taken together, this study contributes to our understanding of gene expression across five different tissues and provides preliminary insight into rhizome growth and development in caucasian clover.
Marker-trait association analysis for drought tolerance in smooth bromegrass
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Mirlohi Aghafakhr
Published: March 2020

Background Little information is available on the application of marker-trait association (MTA) analysis for traits related to drought tolerance in smooth bromegrass. The objectives of this study were to identify marker loci associated with important agronomic traits and drought tolerance indices as well as fining stable associations in a diverse panel of polycross derived genotypes of smooth bromegrass. Phenotypic evaluations were performed at two water environments (normal and drought stress) during two years and association analysis was done with 626 SRAP markers. Results The results of population structure analysis identified three main subpopulations possessing significant genetic differences. Under normal irrigation, 68 and 57 marker-trait associations were identified using general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear mode1 (MLM), respectively. While under deficit irrigation, 61 and 54 markers were associated with the genes controlling the studied traits, based on these two models, respectively. Some of the markers were associated with more than one trait. It was revealed that markers Me1/Em5-11, Me1/Em3-15, and Me5/Em4-7 were consistently linked with drought-tolerance indices. Conclusion Following marker validation, the MTAs reported in this panel could be useful tools to initiate marker-assisted selection (MAS) and targeted trait introgression of smooth bromegrass under normal and deficit irrigation regimes, and possibly fine mapping and cloning of the underlying genes and QTLs.
Demographical history and genetic differentiation of an endemic and endangered Ulmus lamellosa (Ulmus)
Authors: Hou Huimin , Ye Hang , Wang Zhi , Wu Jiahui , Gao Yue , Han Wei , Na Dongchen , Sun Genlou , Wang Yiling
Published: March 2020

Background: Ulmus lamellosa, an endemic and endangered species and one ancient species of Ulmus, has undergone the climate oscillations and geographical changes. Elucidating its demographical and genetic differentiation is very important for understanding the evolutionary history and ecological adaption of forests in Northern China. Results: According to ITS and Aat sequences, eighteen and twenty-three haplotypes were detected respectively. The haplotype distribution was polymorphic in most populations. All levels-phylogeographic clades were geographically structured, namely THM, YM and YSM groups. Within U. lamellose, higher genetic diversity and significant genetic variation were present, YSM and THM had a relatively higher diversity than that of YM. The divergence of U. lamellosa intraspecies haplotypes occurred during Miocene-Pliocene that associated with Tertiary major geological and/or climatic events, which was supported by the gene exchanges among three groups. During the glaciation, YSM and THM regions might be regarded as refugia for U. lamellose. A range expansion was not expected at the evolutionary process, except the THM group based on ITS data. The series Mountains uplift (such as Yanshan Mountains and Taihang Mountains) in North China after Miocene-Pliocene and subsequently Quaternary climatic oscillations further promoted the divergence among populations. Conclusions: Geographical topology and climate change played a critical role on the phylogeographic structure of U. lamellosa, leaded to the current pattern of U. lamellosa. These results would provide important information and clues for the demographical study of the trees in Northern China.
Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli activates nitrate respiration to benefit from the inflammatory response for acceleration of infection
Authors: Nada Risa , Ebihara Shinya , Yen Hilo , Tobe Toru
Published: March 2020

Background: For successful colonization, enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) injects virulence factors, called effectors, into target cells through the type three secretion system (T3SS), which is composed of a needle and basal body. Under anaerobic conditions, the T3SS machinery remains immature and does not have a needle structure. However, activation of nitrate respiration enhances the completion of the T3SS machinery. Because nitric oxide released by the host inflammatory response increases nitrate concentration, we sought to determine the effect of the inflammatory response on EHEC colonization. Results: The colony-forming capacity was increased in accordance with the increase of nitrate in the medium. The addition of the nitric oxide-producing agent NOR-4 also enhanced the colonization capacity, which was dependent on nitrate reductase encoded by the narGHJI genes. Culture supernatant of epithelial cells, which was stimulated by a cytokine mixture, enhanced the colony-forming capacity of wild-type EHEC but not of the narGHJI mutant. Finally, colony formation by wild-type EHEC on epithelial cells, which were preincubated with heat-killed bacteria, was higher than the narGHJI mutant, and this effect was abolished by aminoguanidine hydrochloride, which is an iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) inhibitor. Conclusions: These results indicate that the inflammatory response enhances EHEC colonization by increasing nitrate concentration.
Acupuncture Collaborative Care for Patients with Poststroke Cognitive Impairment: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Ruijia , Yu Xudong , Wang Jisheng , Liu Ye , Liu Bowen , Li Xinwei , Wang Yue , Cao Tianyu , Yuan Hongwei
Published: March 2020

Background: PSCI is a series of syndromes that meet the diagnostic criteria for cognitive impairment that appear after a stroke.The treatment of PSCI with oral drugs alone is not ideal and has obvious side effects. Therefore, complementary and alternative treatments are needed for patients with insufficient or significant side effects of oral medications.Therefore, we will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of PSCI.Methods/design:In this study, patients will be randomly divided into two groups. Intervention group: Acupuncture combined with oral medication. Control group: Western medicine treatment plan.All participants will continue to receive conventional drug treatment. The selection of outcomes will be evaluated by Mini Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) at week 12.Discussion:This trial may provide evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with PSCI.Trial registration: Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov,ChiCTR2000029926, Registered on 17 February 2020，http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49356
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: March 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/NCT03524352term=NCT03524352&rank=1
The Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Alcohol Use Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care At Public Hospitals Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019.
Authors: Tadesse Getaneh Tesfaye , Demlew Demeke , G/tsadik Meseret , Habte Fikreselam , Kassie Gebeyaw Molla , Kifle Yohannes , Gebreegziabher Gebreslassie
Published: March 2020

Background

Alcohol use during pregnancy is a significant public health problem, ultimately affecting the neonatal offspring. Recent studies explore that no safe amount and safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Even though drinking in pregnancy has a wide range of problems, a small number of scientific publications document on the magnitude of drinking alcohol during pregnancy in Sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and associated factors of alcohol use among pregnant women attending prenatal care at public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

An Institution based cross sectional study was employed from May 7 to June 6, 2019 at public hospitals, Addis Ababa. A total of 585 pregnant women participated in the study selected through systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using interviewer administered structured and semi structured questionnaires. Frequency of consumption was measured by using AUDIT. The collected data was entered into EPI data and then exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Frequency tables and graphs were used to describe the study variable. The association between variables analyzed with bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression. A statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval

Result

A total of 585 participants were included in the study with the response rate of 98.6%. The study showed that the prevalence of alcohol use among pregnant women were 37.1% with (95% CI, 33.2 – 41). Factors like no formal education [AOR= 3.22, 95%CI, 1.72, 6.02], pre-pregnancy alcohol use [AOR= 3.16, 95%CI, 2.03, 4.91], partner alcohol use [AOR= 3.43, 95%CI, 2.21, 5.32], and poor social support [AOR= 3.16, 95%CI, 1.88, 5.31] were statistically associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.

Conclusion

In this study the prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy was high as compared to majority of other studies. This study observed that no formal education, pre-pregnancy alcohol use, partner alcohol use, and poor social support, were statistically significant with alcohol use during pregnancy. Based on the findings of this study early management of alcohol use and problematic alcohol use is needed for pregnant women.
Serum uromodulin is a novel predictive marker of renal function in the Japanese population
Authors: Usui Ryosuke , Ogawa Tetsuya , Takahashi Hideo , Iwasaki Chihiro , Koike Minako , Morito Taku , Hatano Michiyasu , Nitta Kosaku
Published: March 2020

Background Uromodulin, also known as Tamm-Horsfall protein, is the most abundant protein in urine. It has recently been reported that uromodulin exists in a small amount in blood and that its concentration correlates with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, its clinical significance has not been clarified and there are no relevant data for the Japanese population. Method First, we generated anti-human uromodulin mouse monoclonal antibodies and established a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for uromodulin. We then performed an observational clinical study to determine if there was a correlation between serum uromodulin concentration and estimates of kidney function and whether the serum uromodulin value could be a biomarker in clinical nephrology. The clinical study included 308 patients with and without chronic kidney disease and healthy volunteers. Serum concentrations of creatinine, cystatin C, and uromodulin were measured and correlations were sought between the eGFR calculated from the creatinine and cystatin C levels and the serum uromodulin concentration. Results There was a good correlation between the serum uromodulin concentration and the eGFR value calculated from the creatinine (r=0.76) and cystatin C (r=0.79) levels. The mean serum uromodulin level in the group with an eGFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 calculated using cystatin C was significantly higher than that in the group with an eGFR of 80–89 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Conclusions The serum uromodulin measurement could be a useful biomarker for identification of patients with early deterioration of kidney function.
N-acetylcysteine resists high-glucose-induced injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells by inhibiting the leptin/leptin receptor
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Chen Jun , Lian Shuping , Liao Kaibin , Huang Lizhi , Li Chaosheng
Published: March 2020

Baclground The present study aimed to investigate whether N- acetylcysteine (NAC) protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against high glucose (HG)-induced injury by inhibiting leptin/leptin receptor (LEPR).Methods HUVECs were treated with 40 mmol/L glucose for 24 h to establish a model of HG-induced endothelial cell injury; The cell viability was examined by cell counter kit-8(CCK-8) assay; The expression levels of leptin, LEPR, cleaved caspase-3 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were detected by western blot. The intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were tested by DCFH-DA staining followed by photofluorography. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)、nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of apoptotic cells was observed by photofluorograph with Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was obtained using JC-1. Results The expression of leptin and LEPR began to significantly increase after exposure to 40 mmol/L HG for 24 h. Pretreatment of HUVECs with 7 mmol/L NAC or 50 ng/mL leptin antagonists (LA) for 30min inhibited the increased expression of leptin and LEPR induced by HG in HUVECs. Furthermore, pretreatment with 7 mmol/L NAC or 50 ng/mL LA for 30 min also inhibited HG-induced injury, by increasing the cell viability and eNOS expression, and decreasing the inflammatory response and cleaved caspase-3 expression, the apoptotic cells and generation of intracellular ROS and a loss of MMP. Conclusions NAC protects the HUVECs against HG-induced injury by inhibiting leptin/LEPR.
Hypertrophic pachymeningitis in a southern Chinese population: a retrospective study
Authors: Xiao Xuewen , Fu Dongni , Feng Li
Published: March 2020

Background Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a fibrotic disorder featuring a thickening of the dura matter. Most HP studies were from Caucasian population and only a few studies of HP are available in China. In this study, we investigated the causes, clinical and imaging features and therapeutic implications of HP in a southern Chinese population.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with HP with different causes from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2018. Clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, neuroimaging results, and clinical course were evaluated in all HP patients.Results The mean age at onset was 50±12 years. The most common diagnosis was idiopathic HP (67%), followed by ANCA-associated vasculitis (15%), tuberculous meningitis (8%), viral meningitis (6%), and bacterial meningitis (4%). The main clinical manifestations were headache and cranial nerve deficits. The most frequently changed laboratory finding was elevated ESR. Imaging was characterized by cerebral or spinal dura matter enhancement in MRI scan with contrast. Enhancements were mainly located in the posterior fossa for idiopathic HP; frontal, parietal and occipital lobes for ANCA-related HP; and the posterior fossa for tuberculous-associated HP. Diffuse enhancement was found in most cases, except for tuberculous-associated HP. Glucocorticoid or immunosuppressive treatment were applied in most cases.Conclusions HP was diagnosed based on clinical manifestations, imaging and laboratory results. Etiology varied among patients, with idiopathic HP being the most common. MRI with contrast showed enhancement of the dura matter, which differed according to different etiologies. Glucocorticoid or immunosuppressive agents were the primary drugs for treatment.