bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high-resolution, spatially explicit estimate of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions from the Tokyo Metropolis, Japan
Authors: Cong Richao , Saito Makoto , Oda Tomohiro , Fukui Tetsuo , Hirata Ryuichi , Ito Akihiko
Published: March 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.
Exploring willingness to participate in future Human Infection Studies in Lusaka, Zambia: A nested qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Kunda-Ng'andu Evelyn Muleba , Chirwa Masuzyo , Mwamba Chanda , Simuyandi Michelo , Chipungu Jenala , Ngandu Esnart , Mwanyungwi Hope , Chilengi Roma , Sharma Anjali
Published: March 2020

Background: Human Infection Studies (HIS) involve intentional infection of volunteers with a challenge agent or pathogen in controlled conditions with the aim of developing vaccines. Though sub-Saharan Africa carries the highest burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, the region is only now being primed to conduct HIS relevant to its population. Given the imminent introduction of HIS in Zambia, we sought to understand potential participants’ willingness to volunteer for such studies. Methods : We used a qualitative exploratory approach to understand potential participants’ perceptions on HIS participation using the example of typhoid. Healthy adults, recruited using random selection from higher learning institutions in Lusaka, participated in 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) while others were purposefully included in five focus group discussions (FGDs). Results : Participants considered typhoid a serious disease with potential for life-long consequences and death. After sharing audio visual materials introducing the concepts of HIS, some participants expressed unrestricted willingness to participate, others said that they needed to consult parents and professors, and some expressed fear of death and illness. Though willing to be quarantined for up to six months, participants expressed concerns regarding separation from family and duties, having insufficient information to decide, inadequate access to care, severe disease, life-long injury or side-effects, death, and vaccine failure. These concerns along with possibility of underlying conditions that compromise individual immunity, competing priorities, parental refusal, and distrust of study or vaccine efficacy could lead to refusal to participate. Reasons for willingness to participate included monetary compensation, altruism and being part of a team that comes up with a vaccine. Conclusions: Though afraid of deliberate typhoid infection, potential participants are willing to participate if given adequate information, time to consult trusted persons, compensation and assurance of adequate care.
Tolerance to Nitrogen ions enrichment in a Gulf of Mexico's freshwater submerged grass
Authors: Carrera Violeta Ruiz , Sánchez Alberto J , Leal Elvira Rios
Published: March 2020

BackgroundTolerance to the enrichment of ionic nitrogen (N) with ammonium (NH 4 ) and nitrate (NO 3 ) needs to be distinguished in a submerged grass ecotype-species of freshwater wetlands. Concentrations of total Nitrogen (TN: 500 to 2000 µgL -1 ) and three N sources (NS: NH 4 , NO 3 , 1:1 NH 4 :NO 3 ratio) in an overlaying aqueous phase, using local tap water as control (174 µgL -1 TN), were evaluated in rooted autotrophic juvenile Vallisneria americana established in vitro in two-phase culture medium. The treatments ranged from 7 to 111 µM TN. Phenotypes changes, pH and ionic strength in the aqueous phase were registered at 15 days. In addition, biomass of lyophilized leaf and root as well as N contents (gas and high-performance liquid chromatography) were analysed to estimate accumulations of N-NH 4 , N-NO 3 and N-NO 2 .ResultsAll individuals showed phenotypic similarities. Accumulation of N-NH 4 was discarded, but the accumulations of N-NO 3 and N-NO 2 in both tissues were significantly different (p<0.001 and 0.0001), revealing so much that the maximum cumulative responses coincided with a deficit of N as both showed a linear decrease in their cumulative capacity linked to an increase in micromolar TN. ConclusionsThe results provide direct evidence of the tolerance to N enrichment with three different N sources in the focal ecotype at the seedling stage, based mainly on its cumulative capacity of N-NO 3 and N-NO 2 under eutrophic conditions. The findings imply that NO 2 is a relevant ion in the tolerance to N enrichment in overlaying water with NH 4 and NO 3 ions. Future studies of N cumulative effect with an in vitro approximation will be to support stress predictions by N enrichment. Keywords : Hydrocharitaceae. Eutrophization. Stress in vitro. Ammonium. Nitrate. Nitrogen endogenous
Magnaporthe oryzae Systemic Defense Trigger 1 (MoSDT1)-Mediated Metabolites Regulate Defense Response in Rice
Authors: Duan Guihua , Li Chunqin , Liu Yanfang , Ma Xiaoqing , Luo Qiong , Yang Jing
Published: March 2020

Background: Some of the pathogenic effector proteins play an active role in stimulating the plant defense system to strengthen plant resistance.Results: In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was implemented to identify altered metabolites in transgenic rice containing over-expressed M. oryzae Systemic Defense Trigger 1 (MoSDT1) that was infected at three-time points. The characterized dominating metabolites were organic acids and their derivatives, organic oxygen compounds, lipids, and lipid-like molecules. Among the identified metabolites, shikimate, galactinol, trehalose, D-mannose, linolenic acid, dopamine, tyramine, and L-glutamine are precursors for the synthesis of many secondary defense metabolites Carbohydrate, as well as amino acid metabolic, pathways were revealed to be involved in plant defense responses and resistance strengthening.Conclusion: The increasing salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content enhanced interactions between JA synthesis/signaling gene, SA synthesis/receptor gene, raffinose/fructose/sucrose synthase gene, and cell wall-related genes all contribute to defense response in rice. The symptoms of rice after M. oryzae infection were significantly alleviated when treated with six identified metabolites, i.e., galactol, tyramine, L-glutamine, L-tryptophan, α-terpinene, and dopamine for 72 h exogenously. Therefore, these metabolites could be utilized as an optimal metabolic marker for M. oryzae defense.#These authors contributed equally to this work.
Dynamic Simulation of Continuous Mixed Sugars Fermentation with Increasing Cell Retention Time for Lactic Acid Production using Enterococcus mundtii QU 25
Authors: Wang Ying , Chan Ka-Lai , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed Ali , Sonomoto Kenji , Leu Shao-Yuan
Published: March 2020

Background: Simultaneous and effective conversion of both pentose and hexoses in fermentation is a critical and challenging task toward the lignocellulosic economy. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of an innovative co-fermentation process featured with cell recycle unit (CF/CR) for mixed sugar utilization. A l-lactic acid producing strain Enterococcus mundtii QU 25 was applied in the continuous fermentation process to utilize the mixed sugar at different productivities over the changes of flowing conditions. Structured numerical platform were constructed with the experiments to optimize the biological process and clarify the cell metabolisms through kinetics analysis. The structured model, kinetic parameters, and achievement of the fermentation strategy shall provide new insights towards whole sugar fermentation via real-time monitoring for process control and optimization.Results: Significant carbon catabolite repression of co-fermentation using glucose/xylose mixture was overcome by replacing glucose with cellobiose, of which the consumption ratio of hexose to pentose was improved dramatically from 10.4:1 to 2.17:1. An outstanding product concentration of 65.15 g·L -1 and productivity of 13.03 g·L -1 ·h -1 were achieved with 50 g·L -1 cellobiose and 30 g·L -1 xylose, at an optimized dilution rate of 0.2 h -1 with gradually increased cell retention time. Among the total lactic acid production, xylose contributed to more than 34% of the mixed sugars, which was close to the related contents in agricultural residuals. The model successfully simulated the transition of sugar consumption, cell growth, and lactic acid production among the batch, continuous process, and CF/CR system.Conclusion: Cell retention time played a critical role in balancing pentose and hexose consumption, cell decay, and lactic acid production in the CF/CR process. With the increase of cell concentration, consumption of mixed sugars increased with the productivity of final products, hence the impacts of substrate inhibiting reduced. With the validated parameters, the model showed highest accuracy simulating the CF/CR process, of which significantly longer cell retention times over hydraulic retention time were tested.
Evaluation of Treatment with a Combination of Mycophenolate Mofetil and Prednisolone in Dogs with Meningoencephalomyelitis of Unknown Etiology: a retrospective study of 86 cases (2009-2017)
Authors: Song Joong-Hyun , Yu Do-Hyeon , Lee Hee-Chun , Hwang Tae-Sung , Kim Young Joo , An Su-Jin , Jung Dong-In
Published: March 2020

Background Combination therapy with glucocorticoids and adjunctive immunomodulating drugs has been generally accepted as a standard treatment regimen for meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been considered a comparable alternative option to other previously reported immunosuppressive agents. We hypothesized that treatment with MMF as an adjunctive agent along with glucocorticoids would be effective in dogs with MUE and safer than other immunosuppressive protocols. Eighty-six dogs with MUE were included. The medical records of dogs with MUE treated with prednisolone and MMF were retrospectively evaluated to determine the response, survival time, and treatment-related adverse effects. A partial or complete response (CR) was recorded for 75 dogs. Results The overall median survival time from the initiation of treatment was 558 days. Dogs that showed CR with no relapse over the treatment period had significantly longer median survival times. A significantly higher mortality hazard ratio of 4.546 was recorded in dogs that failed to achieve CR. The interval between the onset of clinical signs and the presentation was not significantly associated with CR, relapse rate, and survival time. Adverse effects included gastrointestinal upsets in 26 dogs, sporadic infections in 17 dogs, and pancreatitis in seven dogs. Conclusions The results suggest that adjunctive MMF treatment for MUE is safe and comparable to other immunosuppressive protocols. The treatment should focus on the achievement of CR and preventing relapse for successful management.
The association of low serum salivary and pancreatic amylases with the increased use of lipids as an energy source in non-obese healthy women
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Higuchi Ryoko , Iwane Taizo , Iida Ayaka
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE It is unknown whether serum levels of salivary and pancreatic amylases are associated with the high combustion of carbohydrates or lipids for energy. Elevated blood ketones and a low respiratory quotient (RQ) can reflect the preferential combustion of lipids relative to carbohydrates. Therefore, we investigated if low levels of serum salivary and pancreatic amylases were associated with a high serum ketone level and low RQ in healthy people. RESULTS Using the data from our previous study, we reanalysed clinical parameters, including serum salivary and pancreatic amylases, serum 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HBA) and acetoacetic acid (AA), and RQ in 60 healthy non-obese young women aged 20–39 years old. Serum ketones were inversely correlated with RQs, but not body mass index (BMI) or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Logistic regression analysis showed that high levels of serum ketones and a low RQ were significantly associated with low serum salivary (<60 U/L) and pancreatic (<29 U/L) amylase levels. These associations were not altered by further adjustments for age, BMI, HbA1c, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. These results confirm the high combustion of lipids for energy in individuals with low serum amylase levels, suggesting a close relationship between circulating amylases and internal energy production.
Interprofessional Collaboration and Smartphone Use as Promising Strategies to Improve Prenatal Oral Health Care Utilization among US Underserved Women – Results from a Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Lin , Ren Johana , Fiscella Kevin , Bullock Sherita , Sanders Mechelle R , Loomis Elizabeth , Eliav Eli , Mendoza Michael , Cacciato Rita , Thomas Marie , Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota T , Billings Ronald J , Xiao Jin
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Data on barriers and facilitators to prenatal oral health care among low-income US women are lacking. The objective of this study was to understand barriers/facilitators and patient-centered mitigation strategies related to use of prenatal oral health care among underserved US women.Methods: We used community-based participatory research to conduct two focus groups with eight pregnant/parenting women; ten individual in-depth interviews with medical providers, dental providers and community/social workers; and one community engagement studio with five representative community stakeholders in 2018-2019. Using an interpretive description research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content.Results: We identified individual and systemic barriers/facilitators to utilization of prenatal oral health care by underserved US women. Strategies reported to improve utilization included healthcare system-wide change to promote inter-professional collaborations, innovative educational programs to improve dissemination and implementation of prenatal oral health care guidelines, and specialized dental facilities providing prenatal oral health care to underserved groups. Furthermore, use of smartphones offers an innovative entry point to promote utilization of prenatal oral care at the individual level.Conclusions for practice: Low-income women face multiple, addressable barriers to receipt of oral health care during pregnancy. Inter-professional collaboration holds strong promise for improving prenatal oral health care utilization.
A new 3D printing porous trabecular titanium metal acetabular cup for primary total hip arthroplasty: a minimum 2-year follow-up of 92 consecutive patients
Authors: Geng Xiao , Li Yang , Li Feng , Wang Xinguang , Zhang Ke , Liu Zhongjun , Tian Hua
Published: March 2020

BackgroundAseptic cup loosening is still one of the main reasons leading to acetabular cup failures. 3D printing porous trabecular titanium metal acetabular cup may provide good initial stability and secondary fixation because of its highly interconnected, porous structure. Few large sample studies have reported the clinical outcomes of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) porous titanium acetabular cup in Chinese population.MethodsWe retrospectively collected and analyzed the clinical data of a total of 92 consecutive patients between January 2013 and November 2017, with an average follow-up of 48.2±3.6 months. Clinical outcomes included Harris Hip Score (HHS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, satisfaction rate and cup survival rate were evaluated. Radiographic assessments were conducted to evaluate osteointegration. ResultsHHS scores improved significantly while the WOMAC score decreased significantly at the latest follow-up (p<0.001). The satisfaction rate (prevalence of satisfied or very satisfied) was 91.3%. No acetabular cup failures occurred. Radiolucent lines appeared in 15 cases (18 hips), and disappeared in six months. No cup loosening signs found until the last follow up. The overall survival rate of implantation is 99.1% (cup survival rate 100%).ConclusionThe new EBM-produced 3D AC™ cup demonstrated us its favorable short to mid-term clinical outcomes in Chinese THA patients. It can provide high acetabular cup survival rate, great clinical improvements and excellent biological fixation. Further investigations are needed to confirm its long-term outcomes.
Establishing a diagnostic scale of subacute thyroiditis without radioisotope scanning
Authors: Xiong Zhouyi , Luo Chunying , Wang Li , Xiong Bin , Wu Jianneng
Published: March 2020

Background: Radioisotope scanning is important to diagnose subacute thyroiditis(SAT),but it’s not always available.So we aim to establish a diagnostic scale for SAT without radioisotope scanning. Methods: The suspected SAT patients hospitalized in Yuebei people's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2016 were selected and divided into study group and control group according to whether they were diagnosed as SAT. The clinical indexes of two groups were collected and the diagnostic scale of SAT was established by using binary logistic regression analysis.The effectiveness of the scale was evaluated by ROC curve. Results: Of 261 patients,69% of patients were confirmed with SAT and the remaining 31% of patients were not diagnosed with SAT. After univariate analysis,variables which were considered statistically different( P <0.05) between the two groups were selected as independent variables and the diagnosis of SAT was taken as dependent variable in the binary logistic regression model. The logistic regression model consisted of 4 variables, each was thyroid tenderness,firm on palpation, increased ESR and hyperthyroidism.The P value of Omnibus tests was ≤0.001 and the Nagelkerke R Square was 0.894. The diagnostic scoring scale was established with these four variables according to their regression coeffient.The area under the ROC curve for this diagnostic scale was 0.989(95% confidence interval, 0.978-1.0).The highest Youden index was 0.908,the corresponding cut-off point was 5.5.Internally validation shows a sensitivity of 93.33% and a specificity of 97.53% of our scale. Conclusions: We established and validated a diagnostic scale for SAT without the need for radioisotope scanning for the first time.It has good application in institutions that do not have radioisotope machines or among pregnant and lactating women.
Neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio is positively associated with subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Xiaoli , Qin Zihan , Xu Min , Zhang Feifei , Jiang Xiaohong , Hua Fei , Tao Lichan
Published: March 2020

Background: Subclinical diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs frequently in asymptomatic subjects with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is widely known that inflammation is related to T2DM, but few studies have shown a direct relationship between the immune system and DCM using reliable biomarkers.Methods: 507 subjects with T2DM were recruited from April 2018 to October 2019. Myocardial function was evaluated with standard echocardiography, and ischemia was excluded by gated-myocardial perfusion imaging (including rest and stress). Adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate relationship between NLR and subclinical DCM (covariates: age, sex, BMI, duration of diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). Furthermore, to determine time-dependent changes of NLR, blood samples were collected from T2DM mice in different age groups.Results: The incidence of DCM was 8.88%. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of the highest NLR quartile was 14.32 (2.92-70.31) compared to the lowest quartile of NLR after multiple adjusted. Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts did not significantly relate to the incidence of DCM in T2DM patients. Moreover, NLR was upregulated in blood samples of T2DM mouse model and the upregulation preceded cardiac dysfunction.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that NLR was related to the incidence and progression of subclinical DCM, suggesting that NLR may be an efficient and accurate prognostic biomarker for DCM.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027080). Registered 30 October 2019. Retrospectively registered: www.medresman.org*These authors contributed equally to this work.
Bone Metabolic Biomarkers-Based Diagnosis of Osteoporosis Caused by Diabetes Mellitus using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Wang Chuan , Zhang Taomin , Liu Xuan , Miao Lei , Zhou Deyu , Wang Peng , Zhang Yibo , Jiang Qing , Hu Yezi , Yin Han , Jin hui , Sun Jianfei
Published: March 2020

Background: Diabetes has significant effects on bone metabolism. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause osteoporotic fracture. However, it remains challenging to diagnose osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes by bone mineral density which lacks regular changes. Seen another way, osteoporosis can be ascribed to the imbalance of bone metabolism, which is closely related to diabetes as well. Method: Here, to assist clinicians in diagnosing osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes, an efficient and simple SVM model was established based on different combinations of biochemical indices, including bone turnover makers, calcium and phosphorus, etc. The classification performance was measured using several evaluations. Results: The predicting accuracy rate of final model is above 88%, with feature combination of Sex, Age, BMI, TP1NP and OSTEOC. Conclusion: Experimental results show that the model has come to an anticipant result for early detection and daily monitoring on type 2 diabetic osteoporosis.
Comparing effects of two higher intensity feedback interventions with simple feedback on improving staff communication in nursing homes – The INFORM cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hoben Matthias , Ginsburg Liane R , Easterbrook Adam , Norton Peter G , Anderson Ruth A , Andersen Elizabeth A , Boström Anne-Marie , Cranley Lisa A , Lanham Holly J , Weeks Lori E , Cummings Greta G , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M , Squires Janet E , Wagg Adrian S , Estabrooks Carole A
Published: March 2020

BackgroundEffective communication among interdisciplinary healthcare teams is essential for quality healthcare, especially in nursing homes (NHs). Care aides provide most direct care in NHs, yet are rarely included in formal communications about resident care (e.g., change of shift reports, family conferences). Audit and feedback is a potentially effective improvement intervention. This study compares the effect on improving formal staff communication in NHs of simple and two higher intensity levels of feedback based on Goal Setting Theory.MethodsThis pragmatic three-arm parallel cluster-randomized controlled trial included NHs participating TREC (Translating Research in Elder Care) across the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Facilities with at least one care unit with 10 or more care aide responses on the TREC baseline survey were eligible. At baseline, 4,641 care aides and 1,693 nurses cared for 8,766 residents in 67 eligible NHs. NHs were randomly allocated to a simple (control) group (22 homes, 60 care units) or one of two higher intensity feedback intervention groups (based on Goal Setting Theory): basic assisted feedback (22 homes, 69 care units) and enhanced assisted feedback 2 (23 homes, 72 care units). Our primary outcome was the amount of formal communication about resident care that involved care aides, measured by the Alberta Context Tool and presented as adjusted mean differences [95% confidence interval] between study arms at 12-month follow-up.ResultsBaseline and follow-up data were available for 20 homes (57 care units, 751 care aides, 2,428 residents) in the control group, 19 homes (61 care units, 836 care aides, 2,387 residents) in the basic group, and 14 homes (45 care units, 615 care aides, 1,584 residents) in the enhanced group. Compared to simple feedback, care aide involvement in formal communications at follow-up was 0.17 points higher in both the basic ([0.03; 0.32], p=0.021) and enhanced groups ([0.01; 0.33], p=0.035). We found no difference in this outcome between the two higher intensity groups.ConclusionsTheoretically informed feedback was superior to simple feedback. This underlines that prior estimates for efficacy of audit and feedback may be constrained by the type of feedback intervention tested.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02695836), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02695836, registered on March 1, 2016
Changes in the clinical characteristics of severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 in Jiangxi Province
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Xiang Tianxin , Xu Xinping , Zuo Wei , Zhou Congyang , Liu Yu , Liu Yang , Peng Dechang , Zhang Ning , Liu Fen , Cheng Na , Xu Fei , Xie Siguang , Yang Jibin , Shao Yi , Qian Kejian , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2020

Backgrounds: To determine the differences in clinical manifestations and biomarker levels of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, including common patients and severe (serious and critical) patients.Methods: A total of 89 COVID-19 patients were diagnosed and treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. We clinically classified the patients and collected data. Findings: There was a higher proportion of confirmed cases in patients with type A blood (44.8%). There were no obvious differences in number of lung lobes involved in the lesion between the patients with or without a positive nucleic acid test (p>0.05).There were obvious differences in contact history (p<0.001), duration of symptoms (p=0.004), and respiratory rate (p=0.029) between the patients with or without a positive nucleic acid test. According to the results of the nucleic acid diagnosis test, there were no obvious differences in the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion and all items of routine blood, liver, and kidney function tests between the patients with or without positive nucleic acid tests (all p>0.05). Between the common patients and severe patients, there were obvious differences in age (p=0.006), duration of symptoms (p=0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p=0.046), lymphocyte count (p＜0.0001), neutrophil count (p=0.019), albumin (p=0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.007), calcium (p＜0.0001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.021), international standard ratio (p=0.020), and CD3 (p=0.001), CD3+CD4 (p=0.006), and CD3+CD8 (p=0.001) levels. In patients infected with SARS-COV-2, the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion were positively correlated with lymphocytes (R=0.261, p=0.044); the body mass index (BMI) values were positively correlated with the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion (R=0.320, P=0.034); the age (R=0.391, p<0.001) and respiratory rate (R=0.352, p=0.001) were positively correlated with neutrophil count; and the age (R=0.349, p=0.001) and the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion (R=0.422, p=0.001) were positively correlated with CRP.Conclusion: Patients with blood type A may be more susceptible to SARS-COV-2. The decrease in lymphocytes may indicate the aggravation of COVID-19, whereas the number of lung lobes involved in the lesion may not be a valid criterion for COVID-19 diagnosis.
A seroepidemiological study of respiratory syncytial virus infection in the Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Mandi Henshaw Eyambe , Yimer Solomon Abebe , Bekolo Cavin Epie , Eyoh Agnes , Jan Sindhiya , Clemens Ralf
Published: March 2020

BackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for about 300 000 deaths in young children per year, and 99% of these occur in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the burden of RSV infection among children less than two years with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the littoral region of Cameroon. MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study in seven health facilities in the littoral region of Cameroon. Venous blood was collected using serum separation tubes from eligible children who visited these healthcare facilities with acute respiratory infections. ELISA determined the seroprevalence of anti-IgM RSV. Factors associated with RSV infection were ascertained using logistic regression. ResultsOut of 100 study participants, the overall RSV-associated ARI seroprevalence was 33% (95%CI:23.6-42.3). Factors significantly associated with RSV acquisition were age below six months (p=0.000) and mixed feeding (p=0.015). ConclusionsThe RSV burden is high among children less than two years with ARI in the littoral region of Cameroon. There is a need for an effective public health RSV surveillance system with standard laboratory techniques and equipment to better understand the RSV disease age-specific incidence, seasonality, and RSV burden among patients in the communities in Cameroon.
Gastrointestinal Ultrasonographic Findings In Cats With Feline Panleukopenia Virus: A Case Series
Authors: Isaya Rosaria , Ciccarelli Stefano , Enache Daniela , Specchi Swan , Pesaresi Marco , Ferri Filippo , Porporato Federico , Auriemma Edoardo , Contiero Barbara , Coppola Luigi M , Zini Eric
Published: March 2020

Background

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a very resistant and highly contagious virus that infects domestic cats and other felids. FPV is particularly widespread among sheltered cats, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, causing a severe gastroenteritis characterized by anorexia, lethargy, fever, dehydration, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and vomiting. No data is yet available on the ultrasonographic features of cats affected with FPV. This case series describes abdominal ultrasonographic findings in shelter cats with naturally occurring FPV and assesses if they are associated with clinical and laboratory findings. Cats affected by FPV were enrolled if an abdominal ultrasound was performed within 12 hours from diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory data as well as survival were collected from medical records. Ultrasonographic examinations were reviewed for gastrointestinal abnormalities and their associations with the above variables were explored.

Results

Twenty-one cats were included. Nine cats (43%) died and 12 (57%) recovered. Based on ultrasonography, duodenum and jejunum had thickening of the muscular layer in 42.8% and 57.1%, hyperechogenicity of the mucosa in 41.2% and 33.3%, respectively. Hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa was observed only in the jejunum, in 33.3% of cats. Survival was positively associated with increased jejunal mucosal echogenicity ( P =0.003) and hyperechoic mucosal band ( P =0.003). Peritoneal free fluid was positively associated with vomiting ( P =0.002) and negatively associated with thrombocytopenia ( P =0.005).

Conclusion

This study provides sonographic features of naturally-occurring FPV cats, that, as expected, are compatible with gastroenteritis; frequent findings were diffuse small intestine muscular layer thickening, hyperechoic mucosal band paralleling the submucosa, and mucosal hyperechogenicity. At diagnosis, some sonographic features may be useful to assess the severity of the disease and survival.
Antioxidant capacity of lipid- and water-soluble antioxidants in dogs with subclinical myxomatous mitral valve degeneration anaesthetised with propofol or sevoflurane
Authors: Tomsič Katerina , Svete Alenka Nemec , Nemec Ana , Petrič Aleksandra Domanjko , Pirman Tatjana , Rezar Vida , Vovk Tomaž , Seliškar Alenka
Published: March 2020

Background

Antioxidants located in both the hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments of plasma act as a defence system against reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are continuously generated in the body due to both normal metabolism and disease. Excessive production of ROS during anaesthesia affects the antioxidant capacity of plasma and may result in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of lipid- (ACL) and water-soluble (ACW) antioxidants in client-owned dogs diagnosed with periodontal disease and myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) and anaesthetised for a dental procedure with propofol and sevoflurane or with propofol only.

Results

Dogs with MMVD were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane (MMVD/PS, n = 8) or with propofol only (MMVD/P, n = 10). Dogs with no evidence of MMVD (PS, n = 12) were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane. Blood samples for determination of ACL and ACW were collected before and 5 minutes, 60 minutes and 6 hours after induction to anaesthesia. In dogs with MMVD and anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane, ACL was significantly higher at all sampling times when compared to control dogs. In dogs with MMVD and anaesthetised with propofol, ACW increased after induction to anaesthesia and remained elevated up to 6 hours after anaesthesia. The only difference between propofol and propofol/sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs with MMVD was significantly higher ACW at 60 minutes after induction to anaesthesia in the propofol group.

Conclusions

Compared to basal values, anaesthesia maintained with either propofol or sevoflurane significantly increased ACW in both dogs with and without MMVD. In dogs with MMVD, ACW was significantly higher in the propofol group. Furthermore, only anaesthesia with propofol significantly increased ACL in dogs with MMVD. These results suggest that regarding antioxidant capacity, propofol might be a better choice than sevoflurane for anaesthesia in dogs with MMVD.
5-Year (2014-2018) Trends of Visceral Leshmaniasis in Amhara Region, North west Ethiopia
Authors: Zeru Taye
Published: March 2020

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL; also known as kala-azar), caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania donovani complex, is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Despite VL is endemic in the lowlands of Amhara region, and is almost always fatal if left untreated, there is no report that shows regional wide trends of VL cases over years of period.Method: A retrospective data to determine cumulative number of cases, trends in incidence and mortality rate, and geographic coverage of VL over 5 years period (2014-2018) was obtained from Health Management Information System (HMIS) database owned by Amhara Regional Health Bureau Leishmaniasis Service. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data.Results: Over 5 years of period (2014-2108), a total of 5,624 VL cases were registered across all zones of Amhara Region.The majority of these VL patients (90%) were adult while, men being the most affected ones (87%) than women (13%). High incidence rate of VL with a trend of steady increment over the 5 years period was observed. The highest fatality rates were recorded in North Gondar zone and No fatality rates were recorded in North Wollo , South wollo ,North Shoa ,East gojam and West gojam respectively. With regard to health service attendance, 58% of VL cases were register outpatient attendees.Conclusion: VL was reported in almost all parts of the Amhara region posing a serious challenge on provision of diagnosis and treatment services, especially in areas where the disease has never been reported before. Additionally, adult men representing the working group of the community were the most sufferers of VL, suggesting the bad consequence on the socio-economy of the region. To overcome those challenges associated with VL, training health care providers on prompt diagnosis and clinical management of VL along with other strategies is imperative.
Association between risk of preeclampsia and maternal plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide in second trimester and at the time of delivery
Authors: Huang Xin , Li Zuodong , Gao Zhou , Wang Dapeng , Li Xiaohui , Li Ying , Mi Chunmei , Lei Jun
Published: March 2020

Background: The data on the association between the microbiota-dependent metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) during pregnancy and risk of preeclampsia (PE) is limited. Methods: We, therefore, conducted a prospective nested case control study during Sep 2017 to Dec 2018 to examine the association between plasma TMAO measured during pregnancy and the risk of PE. Total of 17 patients diagnosed with EOPE (early onset PE), 49 with LOPE (late onset PE) and 198 healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at 15-23 gestational weeks and time at delivery. The Logistic regression model was used to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for TMAO and risk of PE, EOPE, LOPE, mild PE, and severe PE. Results: We found that the mean TMAO levels of overall subjects in the second trimester (T2) and at the time of delivery (TD) were 90.39 µg/m 3 (SD=45.91) and 175.01 µg/m 3 (SD=160.97), respectively. No significant spearman correlation was found between the TMAO in those two periods ( p > 0.05). T2 TMAO was not significantly associated with risk of PE or risk of any PE subtypes ( p >0.05). However, TD TMAO was significant associated with risk of PE, EOPE and severe PE (adjusted OR and 95%CI were 1.24(1.09, 1.40), 1.62(1.29, 2.03), and 1.41(1.17, 1.70)) per 50µg/m 3 increment, respectively). Conclusion: Our study found that plasma TMAO level would alter over the course of pregnancy. The major role of TMAO in PE development might be in the accelerating process not in the initiation.
The accuracy and influencing factors for preference of self-sampling in group B streptococcus screening: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Ruirui , Wu Lijuan , Ma Fenglan , Chen Xuri , Zhu Yuanfang
Published: March 2020

Background Self-sampling with proper instruction in 35-37 weeks’ gestation is supplementary to clinician sampling to prevent early-onset invasive group B streptococcal disease of infants. Despite of the accuracy proved in previous studies, disputes were raised on pregnant women’s low preference and adherence to the method of swab collection. We aimed to assess the accuracy of self-sampling and influencing factors for preference on collection method in Chinese women. Methods We compared screening results of self-sampling with clinician collection in a sample of 522 women in late pregnancy. These participants needed to complete a questionnaire on their preference and demographics after self-sampling. A multi-nominal logistic regression model was then used to measure the association between the influencing factors and preference for collection method. Results A good agreement between the two collection methods was found with a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient 0.83 (95%CI 0.71-0.95). The prevalence of GBS infection in the two methods is statistically different. Four factors (maternal age, parity, education attainment and pain difference) were included in the final multi-nominal regression model while gestational age and vaginal suppository use were excluded. Non-elderly parturient women were 2.84 (95% CI 1.19-6.74) times more likely to prefer self-sampling compared to clinician sampling, adjusting for parity, education and pain difference. If these participants experienced more or equal pain during self-sampling compared to clinician collection, they were more likely to prefer clinician sampling controlling the other three factors’ effect. Conclusions Our study suggests high agreement between the two collection methods. Self-sampling presented a higher detection rate than physician-collected samples. Pregnant women are able to collect rectovaginal samples prior to their antenatal visit. Self-sampling is preferable by 1/5 of the participants and it could be an option for those younger than 35 years old, especially for those with low pain threshold.
Determination of the contributions of degenerate and non-degenerate two-photon absorption response in silicon avalanche photodiode for infrared photon detection
Authors: Xu Guangjian , Ren Xinyi , Miao Qucheng , Yan Ming , Pan Haifeng , Chen Xiuliang , Wu Guang , Wu E
Published: March 2020

The study of non-linear interactions in semiconductor photo-electronic devices to achieve effective and fast photon identification is an ongoing and important task. We investigated the specific contribution of degenerate and non-degenerate two-photon absorption (D-TPA and ND-TPA) response in silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) for infrared photon detection at room temperature. We experimentally demonstrated that when the two laser pulses overlapped, the average D-TPA quantum detection efficiencies at 1800 nm, and that at 1550 nm were measured as 3.3×10 -16 counts•pulse/photon 2 , 4.3×10 -15 counts•pulse/photon 2 , respectively. And the ND-TPA quantum detection efficiency of 1800 nm and 1550 nm was measured to be 7.9×10 -16 counts•pulse/photon 2 . This study provides a solution for the practical infrared photon detection devices based on TPA effect in Si-APDs.
Role of CASP7 polymorphisms in noise-induced hearing loss risk in Han Chinese population
Authors: Ruan Yanmei , Zhang Jinwei , Mai Shiqi , Zeng Wenfeng , Huang Lili , Gu Chunrong , Liu Keping , Ma Yuying , Wang Zhi
Published: March 2020

Background: Genetic factors and gene-environment interaction may play an important role in the development of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). This study explored the relationship between the SNP of CASP genes and the NIHL susceptibility of Chinese workers exposed to occupational noise.Methods: 191 cases and 191 controls were selected by 1:1 case control study. Among them, case groups were screened from workers exposed to noise at binaural high-frequency hearing thresholds greater than 25 dB (A). The control group selected workers with hearing thresholds≤25 dB (A) in any binaural frequency band based on matching factors such as age, exposure time to noise, and operating position. The blood samples of two groups of workers were subjected to DNA extraction and SNP sequencing of CASP3 and CASP7 genes using the polymerase chain reaction - ligase detection reaction method. Conditional logistic regression correction was used to analyze genetic variation associated with susceptibility to NIHL. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.Results: There was an association between rs2227310 and rs4353229 of the CASP7 gene and the risk of NIHL. Compared with the GG genotype, the CC genotype of rs2227310 reduced the risk of NIHL (OR = 0.453, 95% CI = 0.241 ~ 0.852). Compared with CC genotype, the TT genotype of rs4353229 reduced the risk of NIHL (OR = 0.458, 95% CI = 0.243 ~ 0.862). Workers carrying the rs2227310GG and rs4353229CC genotype had an increased risk of NIHL compared to workers without any high-risk genotype (OR = 1.839, 95% CI = 1.033 ~ 3.274). The CASP7 gene interacted with factors such as age, smoking status, dietary taste, and conscious auditory system symptoms on the risk of NIHL (P <0.05).Conclusions: The single nucleotide polymorphism of CASP7 gene interacts with factors such as age, frequency of smoking, dietary taste, and conscious auditory system symptoms on the risk of NIHL.
Trends and seasonal variation of hospitalization and mortality of interstitial lung disease in the United States from 2006 to 2016
Authors: Ho An , Shmelev Artem , Charbek Edward
Published: March 2020

BackgroundIn the recent years, the overall trends in hospital admission and mortality of interstitial lung disease (ILD) are unknown. In addition, there was some evidence that interstitial lung disease death rate highest in the winter but this finding was only available in one study. This study will investigate the trend and seasonal variations in hospital admission and mortality rates of ILD from 2006 to 2016.MethodFrom the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we collected all cases with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 or ICD-10 codes of ILD excluding identifiable external causes (drug, organic or inorganic dusts) from 2006 to 2016. Hospitalization rates of each year were calculated based on U.S Census population data. Monthly hospitalization and in-hospital mortality rates were analyzed by seasonal and trend decomposition.ResultsFrom 2006 to 2016, there was a downtrend in all cause hospital admissions but in-hospital mortality rate did not change, with or without the presence of pneumonia. Highest hospital admission rates of ILD per 100000 of population were from January to May. The average number of hospitalizations in spring, summer, fall and winter months were 7447.9 ± 932.0, 6643.0 ± 840.5, 6551.3 ± 922.6 and 7110.3 ± 866.1 respectively. All-cause in-hospital mortality ranges from 7.13% ± 0.79% in the summer to 8.13% ± 0.60% in the winter with winter months having the highest mortality rate (p=0.018). The seasonal variations of hospital admission and mortality was not changed when infectious pneumonia cases were ruled out.ConclusionFrom 2006 to 2016, admission rates of ILD declined but in-hospital mortality remained unchanged. All-cause hospital admissions and mortality of ILD have a strong seasonal variation. Hospital admissions are highest in the period from January to May, in-hospital death was highest in the winter.
Three-fourth of children is received early initiation of Breastfeeding in West Belessa District
Authors: Ayalew Desalew Degu , Kassie Belayneh Ayanaw , Hunegnaw Melkamu Tamir , Alemu Kassahun , Belew Aysheshim Kassahun
Published: March 2020

Background : The world is now suffering from malnutrition and remains one of the major causes of under-five mortality. Children from developing countries, including Ethiopia also suffer from undernutrition due to suboptimal breastfeeding practice. Hence, the study aims were to assess early initiation of breastfeeding among children aged less than two years, months in West Belessa district, North West Ethiopia, 2019. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2019 in the West Belessa district. A total of 569 Children was selected by a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected by an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed by using Epi-Info version 7 and SPPS version 20, respectively. Bi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to check predictor variables associated with the dependent variable. Variables having a p-value of less than 0.20 in the bi-variable analysis were fitted into the multivariable model. Multivariable binary logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval and Odds Ratio (OR) were computed. Variables having p-value < 0.05 were taken as significantly associated with the dependent variables. Result : The prevalence of EIBF was 77.7 % (95%CI, 74.3-81.0). Age of the mother (AOR= 2.76, 95%CI (1.21, 6.27)), postnatal Visit (AOR= 1.85, 95%CI (1.03, 3.85)), and Antenatal care (AOR= 2.58, 95%CI (1.18, 9.94)) was significantly associated with EIBF. Conclusion and Recommendation: We observed, the prevalence of early initiation of Breastfeeding was low in West Belessa District. Age of the mother, Antenatal and postnatal care were associated with EIBF. Hence, improving antenatal and postnatal care services through increase accessibility and providing counseling during this contact time. Keywords: early initiation of breastfeeding, Children, West Belessa