bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalences and Associated Factors of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Chinese Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yu Liping , Ye Xiaojun , Yang Zhaojun , Yang Wenying , Zhang Bo
Published: July 2020

Background: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is widely used to screen cardiac diseases. To date, no large population study has provided estimates of the prevalences of ECG findings in China. We aim to investigate the prevalences and associated factors of ECG abnormalities in a general population of Chinese adults. Methods: ECG data were obtained from 34,965 participants in the 2007-2008 China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Study. ECG abnormalities were classified according to the Minnesota coding (MC) criteria. Prevalences of variant ECG abnormalities were calculated. The associations between ECG abnormalities and gender, age and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression test. Results: The prevalences of major arrhythmias were 1.70%, 2.37% and 1.04% in the whole population, men and women, respectively. Atrial fibrillation/flutter was found in 0.35% of men and 0.20% of women. ST depression and T abnormalities accounted for 10.96%, 7.54% and 14.32% in the whole population, men and women, respectively. Independent of gender and other CVD risk factors, older age significantly increased the odds of having atrial fibrillation/flutter, complete left bundle branch block, complete right bundle branch block, sinus tachycardia, atrial/junctional/ventricular premature beats, ST depression and T abnormalities, tall R wave left, left/right atrial hypertrophy, left axis deviation and low voltage. Hypertension, overweight, obesity and hypercholesterolemia all independently increased the odds of having ST depression and T abnormalities. History of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases was positively associated with major arrhythmias, ST depression and T abnormalities and tall R wave left. Conclusions: This study provides estimates of the prevalences of ECG findings in a large population of Chinese adults. Gender, age, CVD risk factors and history of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases were significantly associated with ECG abnormalities.
Genetic Polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 Genes Related to Cervical Cancer Risk Among Uygur Females from China
Authors: Ainiwaer Zumurelaiti , Maisaidi Reyilanmu , Liu Jing , Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Lu Jing , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: July 2020

Background: PGF and TNFAIP2 are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, no report was investigating the associations between the polymorphisms in the PGF and TNFAIP2 genes and CC risk. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls in Chinese Uygur female population. Three selected SNPs (PGF rs8019391, PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100) were genotyped to investigate the possible association of the polymorphisms in PGF and TNFAIP2 with the risk of CC. The analysis adjusted by age was used to assess associations of these SNPs with CC risk. Results: PGF rs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04-1.86, p = 0.024) and TNFAIP2 rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07-1.95, p = 0.018) polymorphisms were significantly associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, PGF rs8019391 T allele was highly represented in patients with III–IV tumor stage (OR = 2.17, p = 4.58´10-4). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs. Conclusion: Our data suggested that PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100 polymorphisms may be risk factors for susceptibility to CC, which contributed to the increased risk of CC, and this finding requires further validation by larger studies.Trail registration: Not applicable.
A cluster-randomized trial of workplace ergonomics and neck-specific exercise versus ergonomics and health promotion for office workers to manage neck pain—a secondary outcome analysis
Authors: Johnston Venerina , Chen Xiaoqi , Welch Alyssa , Sjøgaard Gisela , Comans Tracy A , McStea Megan , Straker Leon , Melloh Markus , Pereira Michelle , O'Leary Shaun
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Malaria outbreak in Riaba district, Bioko Island, in 2019 – Lessons learnt
Authors: Guerra Carlos A , Fuseini Godwin , Donfack Oliver Tresor , Smith Jordan M , Mifumu Teresa Ayingono Ondo , Akadiri Gninoussa , Eyang Delicias Esono Mba , Eburi Consuelo Oki , Vaz Liberato Motobe , Micha Víctor Mba , Okenve Leonor Ada , Janes Christopher R , Andeme Ramona Mba , Rivas Matilde Riloha , Phiri Wonder P , Slotman Michel A , Smith Dave L , García Guillermo Alberto
Published: July 2020

At the beginning of 2019, a sudden surge of malaria cases was observed in the district of Riaba, Bioko Island. Between January and April, confirmed malaria cases increased 3.8-fold compared to the same period in 2018. Concurrently, anopheline human biting rate (HBR) increased 2.1-fold. During the outbreak, 82.2% of the district population was tested for malaria with a rapid diagnostic test; 37.2% of those tested had a detectable infection and were treated according to national guidelines. Vector control interventions, including indoor residual spraying and larval source management were scaled-up. After the interventions, the number of confirmed cases decreased by 70% and the overall parasite prevalence in the communities by 43.8%. Observed prevalence in a follow up malaria indicator survey, however, was significantly higher than elsewhere on the island and higher than in previous years. There was no significant reduction in HBR, which remained high for the rest of the year. The surge was attributed to various factors, chiefly increased rainfall and a large number of anthropogenic anopheline breeding sites created by construction works. This case study highlights the need for sustained vector control interventions and multi-sector participation, particularly in malaria control and elimination settings with persistently high local malaria receptivity.
Formation of the Rustenburg Layered Suite by assimilation – batch crystallization (ABC) and – fractional crystallization (AFC)
Authors: Yao Zhuosen , Mungall James , Jenkins M
Published: July 2020

The Rustenburg Layered Suite (RLS) of the Bushveld Complex of South Africa is a vast layered accumulation of mafic and ultramafic rocks. The layers are widely assumed to result from fractional crystallization from a melt-dominated magma chamber. We derive compositions of all units of the RLS with thermodynamic models of assimilation of crust by a komatiitic parent magma. Ultramafic U-type cumulate layers represent crystal mush produced by single stages of assimilation-batch crystallization (ABC). Anorthositic (A-type) magma mushes emerged by a second stage of batch crystallization during ascent of melts supernatant to mid-crustal U-type cumulates. Only the ferrobasaltic magma of the Upper and Upper Main Zone formed via classical assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) and ponded in a melt-dominated magma chamber that subsequently evolved by fractional crystallization. Mineral deposits associated with reversals between mafic and ultramafic layers, hitherto attributed to magma chamber processes, might form in small intrusions entirely lacking melt-dominated magma chambers.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing Unravels Heterogeneity of Cardiomyocytes and Signaling Pathways in Pressure Overload
Authors: Zou Rongjun , Shi Wanting , Zou Minghui , Chen Weidan , Li Wenlei , Zhou Na , Chen Liping , Ma Li , Chen Xinxin
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aimed to unravel the heterogeneity of cardiomyocytes and probed out hub genes and hub pathways for cardiac hypertrophy based on transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mouse models using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
Methods

scRNA-seq data of TAC mouse models were retrieved from the GSE95140 dataset. After filtering, cell clusters were detected using scRNA-seq data, followed by identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was presented. GSVA scores of hub pathways were calculated. After that, hub genes were detected by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and expression association analysis. Cell subtypes were clustered using UMAP and the expression patterns of hub genes across different cell subtypes and different stages of cardiac hypertrophy were visualized. Finally, hub genes and hub pathways were verified using the GSE76 and GSE36074 datasets.
Results

Following data filtering and normalization, 3408 DEGs were identified between TAC and sham operation. As shown functional enrichment analysis, hub pathways were identified including cardiac hypertrophy, ion transport, myocardial remodeling, apoptosis, HIF pathway and metabolise. Eight hub genes (Vldlr, Ugp2, Tgm2, Pygm, Flnc, Ctsd, Clu and Atp1b1) with the highest degree in the PPI network and the strongest correlation with GSVA calculated score of hub pathways were identified for cardiac hypertrophy. Six cell subtypes were clustered, composed of fibroblast, CM-A, CM-V, trabecular CM and endothelial cell. There was a distinct heterogeneity in the expression patterns of hub genes and the GSVA scores of hub pathways across different cell clusters and different stages of cardiac hypertrophy. The hub genes and hub pathways were externally verified by the two independent datasets.
Conclusion

Our findings identified hub genes and hub pathways for cardiac hypertrophy, which had a distinct heterogeneity across different cell clusters and different stages of cardiac hypertrophy.
Magnetic Resonance-Compatible Arm-Crank Ergometry: A New Platform Linking Whole-Body Calorimetry to Upper-Extremity Biomechanics and Arm Muscle Metabolism
Authors: Vegter Riemer JK , Brink Sebastiaan van den , Mouton Leonora J , Sibeijn-Kuiper Anita , Woude Lucas H.V. van der , Jeneson Jeroen A.L.
Published: July 2020

Background: Evaluation of the effect of human upper body training regimens may benefit from knowledge of local energy expenditure in arm muscles. To that end, we developed a novel asynchronous arm-crank ergometry platform for use in a clinical magnetic resonance (MR) scanner with 31P spectroscopy capability to study arm muscle energetics. The utility of the platform was tested in an investigation of the impact of daily practice on the energetic efficiency of execution of an arm-cranking task (ACT) in healthy subjects. Results: We recorded the first ever in vivo 31P MR spectra from the human biceps bracii muscle during ACT execution pre- and post-three weeks of daily practice bouts, respectively. Complementary datasets on whole body oxygen consumption, arm muscle electrical activity, arm-force and power output, respectively, were obtained in the mock-up scanner. The mean gross mechanical efficiency of execution of the ACT significantly increased 1.5-fold from 5.7 ± 1.2% to 8.6 ± 1.7% (P<0.05) after training, respectively. However, in only one subject this improvement was associated with recruitment of strictly oxidative motor units in the working biceps muscle. In all other subjects, biceps pH fell below 6.8 during exercise indicating recruitment of anaerobic motor units, the magnitude of which was either unaffected (two subjects) or even increased (two subjects) post-training. Surface electromyography and mechanical force recordings revealed that individuals employed various arm muscle recruitment strategies, using either predominantly elbow flexor muscles (two subjects), elbow extensor muscles (one subject,) or a combination of the two (two subjects), respectively. Three weeks of training improved muscle coordination but did not alter individual strategies. Conclusions: The new platform has produced the first ever in vivo dynamic data on human biceps energy and pH balance during upper body exercise. It allows evaluation of cyclic motor performance and outcomes of upper-body training regimens in healthy novices by integrating these new measurements with whole body calorimetry, surface electromyography and biomechanical measurements. This methodology may be equally valid for lower-limb impaired athletes, wheelchair users and patients with debilitating muscle disease.
Implementing Evidence Into Everyday Practice: Midwifery Leaders’ Views About What Helps and Hinders Clinical Innovation.
Authors: Leo Annemarie De , Bayes Sara , Bloxome Dianne , Butt Janice , Geraghty Sadie
Published: July 2020

BackgroundDespite the ongoing production of new scientific evidence in the field of maternity care, midwives continue to face challenges when translating latest evidence into evidence-informed care, and report uncertainty in both knowledge and confidence to implement sustained evidence-based change in clinical areas. This study aimed toexplore midwifery leaders’ views on what factors help or hinder midwives’ efforts to implement evidence-based practices, and test the usability of the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model and Transtheoretical Domains Framework to analyse the barriers and facilitators of evidence-based change.MethodsThis qualitative study formed part of a larger Participatory Action Research (PAR) project designed to improve the processes by which midwives implement evidence-based practice change in clinical areas. Data were obtained by a nominal group workshop and individual face-to-face interviews between July – September 2019. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the transcribed data, which were then coded and categorised into meaningful themes.ResultsOne overarching core finding emerged from four major categories to fulfil the aim of this study: Fear can stop change and midwives lack the confidence and time to implement new evidence-based practices, however having high level midwives in leadership roles is a huge advantage.ConclusionThis study confirms what is known about the hinderances and helpers of translating latest evidence into everyday practice, and provides valuable insight into the usability of behavioural theories and context assessment tools to both diagnose and develop intervention strategies applicable to midwives initiating evidence-based practice change in clinical areas.
Prioritizing delivery of cancer treatment during a COVID19 lockdown - the experience of a clinical oncology service in India
Authors: Mallick Indranil , Chakraborty Santam , Baral Shweta , Saha Saheli , Lal Vishnu H , Sasidharan Rohit , Chhatbar Samarth , Bhushal Subecha , Goyal Love , Maulik Shaurav , Phesao Vezokhoto , Arora Siddharth , Mahata Anurupa , Prasath Sriram , Arun B , Mandal Samar , Bhattacharyya Tapesh , Arunsingh Moses , Achari Rimpa Basu , Chatterjee Sanjoy
Published: July 2020

INTRODUCTION: A COVID19 lockdown in India posed significant challenges to the continuation of radiotherapy (RT) and systemic therapy services. While several COVID19 service guidelines have been promulgated, implementation data is yet unavailable. We performed a comprehensive audit of the implementation of services in a clinical oncology department.METHODS AND MATERIALS: A departmental protocol of priority-based treatment guidance was developed and a departmental staff rotation policy was implemented. Data was collected for the period of lockdown on outpatient visits, starting, and delivery of RT and systemic therapy. Adherence to protocol was audited, and factors affecting change from pre-COVID standards analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.RESULTS: Outpatient consults dropped by 58%. Planned RT starts were implemented in 90%, 100%, 92%, 90% and 75% of priority level 1-5 patients. While 17% had a deferred start, the median time to start of adjuvant RT and overall treatment times were maintained. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered in 89% of those eligible. Systemic therapy was administered to 84.5% of planned patients with 33% and 57% of curative and palliative patients receiving modified or deferred cycles. The patient’s inability to come was the commonest reason for RT or ST deviation. Factors independently associated with a change from pre-COVID practice was priority level allocation for RT and age and palliative intent for systemic therapy.CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant access limitations a planned priority-based system of delivery of treatment could be implemented.
Pilot Study: Agreement Between Self-, Peer- and Tutor- Assessment in a Pre-Clinical Skills Programme
Authors: Al-Muzian Lubna , Busuttil-Naudi Antoniella , Foley Jennifer
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: As dental education evolves, a shift towards self- and peer-assessments, producing dental professionals who are reflective, life-long learners, is evident. This study aims to establish the agreement of competency between and amongst students, and their course tutors, during a pre-clinical skills programme.METHODS: Following cavity preparation of plastic teeth during a pre-clinical skills session, students assessed their own cavity preparations and those of their peers. Two course tutors undertook assessment of the same prepared teeth. Plastic teeth were used during the pre-clinical skills sessions and assessed using a WHO CPITN probe and light. Overall scores of competent (C) or not competent (NC) was assigned to each tooth. The data were collected and analysed using Fischer's exact test.RESULTS: No statistical significance was found between self-, peer- or tutor-assessments. Tutors’ assessments were in agreement. Peer- and self-assessment agreed with tutor-assessment two-thirds of the time. When not in agreement with tutor-assessment, peer- and self-assessment had a tendency to underestimate scores.CONCLUSION: Whilst no statistical significance was found, tutor-assessment had a high degree of agreement. Peer- and self-assessment appeared to agree with the tutor-assessment two-thirds of the time. When not in agreement with the tutor, students tended to underestimate themselves and their peers.
3D Printing of the Cerebral Vasculature Exceptionally Using Freeware – A Quick and Easy Guide
Authors: Kueffer Alexander , Regli Luca
Published: July 2020

High-resolution 3D reconstructions of the cerebral vasculature are essential for preoperative planning of complex interventions in vascular neurosurgery. Quick-segmentation algorithms provided by expensive radiology applications often result in unsatisfactory 3D reconstructions. Here we show how to quickly segment and print a detailed 3D model of the cerebral vasculature without extensive knowledge in 3D modeling. Exceptionally using freeware, the total costs for the generation of a real size model of the circle of Willis are less than $10. The 3D models will be particularly valuable during preoperative planning and for patient information.
Reduced Incidence of Maternal Health Conditions Associated with the Home-Based Newborn Care Intervention Package in Rural Gadchiroli, India: A 13 Years Before – After Comparison
Authors: Bang Anand A , Bang Abhay T , Bang Rani , Deshmukh Mahesh , Soni Kalindi , Baitule Sanjay
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the association of home-based neonatal care interventions with the incidence of various maternal health conditions observed over 13 years in the intervention area of the field-trial of home-based neonatal care. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of a program implemented in thirty-nine villages in Gadchiroli, India. The home-based newborn care interventions were incrementally introduced during the field trial (1995 – 1998) and subsequently continued as a service program till 2008. Pregnant women were recruited over the thirteen year period (1995–2008) and followed up from the seventh month of pregnancy to 28 days postpartum by trained female community health workers who made antenatal, natal and post-natal home visits (total 10), provided health education to mothers for behavior change, managed normal and sick neonates as well as encouraged seeking medical care when necessary. They recorded maternal signs and symptoms; verified by a supervisory physician. Based on these, a computer algorithm diagnosed 20 types of maternal health conditions. The incidence of the conditions in the first year (1995-96) was compared with the last two years (2006 - 2008) of intervention.ResultThe mean coverage of home-based newborn care, assessed on eight indicators, increased from 48.5% in 1995 – 96 to 87.1% in 2006 – 08. Proportion of women with any maternal health conditions in pregnancy reduced from 40.67% to 22.47% (by 44.76%, p < 0.001), in labor reduced from 12.31% to 6.82% (by 44.59%, p <0.001) and during the post-partum from 43.91% to 9.74% (by 77.82%, p <0.001). Mean number of maternal conditions per 100 women reduced from 140 to 44 (by 69%, p < 0.001). Need for emergency obstetric care reduced from 5.83% to 1.23% (by 78.83%, p < 0.001). Proportion of condition free mothers increased from 32.9 % to 64.6 %.ConclusionHome based neonatal care interventions were associated with significant reduction in the incidence of maternal health conditions. Developing home-based maternal care in combination with neonatal care may considerably improve maternal health.
A Risk Prediction Model of Readmission after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in China
Authors: Liu Guozhen , Zhang Yinghong , Zhang Wen , Hu Liu , Lv Tiao , Cheng Hong , Hu Yanhong , Huang Jing
Published: July 2020

Background At present, there is no risk prediction model suitable for the Chinese population after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), this study aims to analyze the risk factors related to readmission after CABG and to construct a risk prediction model of readmission for patients with CABG in China. Methods A total of 1983 patients who had undergone CABG at Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital from 2017 to 2019 were selected to collect general patient information. Univariate analysis was performed on the data of 825 patients in the modeling group to determine potential risk factors, and then independent risk factors of readmission after CABG were determined by multivariate logistic regression. Hosmer-Lemeshow （H-L） test, calibration curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve are used to test the calibration and discrimination of the model. Results Six preoperative variables （age≥65, female, Private insurance, diabetes, hypertension level2,3, congenital heart disease）were independent risk factors of readmission after CABG. Our risk prediction model has high application value （the area under the ROC curve of the modeling group is 0.876, and of the validation group is 0.865, H-L test: P=0.561〉0.05）. Conclusion The risk prediction model in our study can be used to predict the risk of readmission in CABG patients in clinical work, providing a basis for more effective perioperative treatment and care to prevent patients from being readmitted to hospital.
Wilson's Disease Complicated with Massive Cerebral Infarction：A Case Report
Authors: ma ying , zhang Juan , chen hong , WANG YUNBAO
Published: July 2020

Hepatolenticular degeneration, also known as Wilson's disease, is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that causes rare diseases with significant morbidity and mortality. To our knowledge, no cases of hepatolenticular degeneration with massive cerebral infarction have been reported up to now. Here we present a case of hepatolenticular degeneration with massive cerebral infarction. Early, appropriate diagnosis and initiation of proper therapy could avoid further progression and reduce complications of the disease.
Dynamic Change of Eosinophil and Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhao Huimin , Xu QinRong , Feng Hongxuan , Hou XiaoXia , Wen ZhongMin , Cheng QingZhang
Published: July 2020

Background: Eosinopenia has been shown to be a predicative factor for the infection and mortality in ischemic stroke patients which mainly focused on static eosinophil count. This study aimed to explore the relationship between dynamic change of eosinophil count and short-term prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods: A total of 174 patients with AIS were respectively enrolled. Blood samples for blood routine examination were obtained at admission before any treatments and the next day. Eosinopenia was defined as the continuous decrease of the count of eosinophil from the first day to the second. Infarct volume was measured by diffusion-weighted MR imaging volume. 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores were collected to assess the prognosis of patients with AIS.Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they have eosinopenia. Patients with eosinopenia were more likely to have large infarct volume (3.2 [0.6-39.9] cm3 vs 1.1 [0.3-6.0] cm3, P =.004). Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the eosinophil count on the second day was more accurate than the time of admission to identify the large cerebral infarction (LCI) (0.866 vs 0.603, P ＜.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that eosinopenia was independently associated with LCI (P =.015) and poor outcome (P =.011), and patients with eosinopenia had a 4.05-fold greater risk for LCL (95% CI 1.31-12.51) and a 4.29-fold greater risk for worse clinical outcomes (95% CI 1.27-14.51) than patients without.Conclusion： Eosinophil is a dynamic variable, and its variation is associated with poor outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Fast 3D Shape Measurement of Complex Objects Combining S-transform Profilometry and Sub-Pixel Refinement
Authors: Lu Feng , Yang Jikun
Published: July 2020

In the fast 3D shape measurement of complex objects, the process of phase unwrapping affects the measurement accuracy and measurement speed. To omit phase unwrapping, a fast 3D shape measurement method is proposed based on S-transform profilometry and sub-pixel refinement. In this work, Deformed fringe pattern is analyzed based on S-transform to get wrapped phase. To reduce the effect of phase unwrapping, a stereo vision system is employed. Firstly, a deformed fringe pattern is directly used and a hybrid function is proposed to get an initial parallax. Secondly, a phase slope algorithm is proposed to confirm edge point. At last, sub-pixel parallax is refined fromIcoordinate. Experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility and advantage of the proposed method. Results verify that the proposed method can provide fast and accurate 3D shape measurement of complex objects, especially for discontinuous objects and shiny objects.
Novel spatiotemporal evaluative methodology of COVID-19 pandemic velocity based on differential equations
Authors: Rodríguez Javier
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The trajectory of disease outbreaks has been characterized through second order differential equations.Objective: To develop a universal methodology to predict the velocity of COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, Spain, Belgium, and Austria based on differential equations and ranges of the number infected.Methodology: Seven comparison ranges were established to analyze discrete values of COVID-19 total cases. Then, right-angled triangles where their base represented the number of days elapsed and their height the maximum number infected that was reached for each range were designed to then find the triangles’ areas. Given that there is a change rate between the triangles’ areas with respect to time , their velocity was found through a differential equation. Finally, these results were used to compare the propagation speed of the pandemic in these four countries.Results: The areas obtained for the right-angled triangles for all the countries varied between 2.888 and 1.056.204. The change rate between the triangles areas and the days elapsed for a range change oscillated between 3.079 and 1.264.558, while the variation of the number infected with respect to time presented values between 4.6 and 21549.7.Conclusion: An acausal generalization was developed based on differential equations that allows to simplify and facilitate the spatiotemporal evaluation of COVID-19 pandemic velocity which is useful for public health
Predictive criteria of severe cases in COVID-19 patients of early stage
Authors: Gao Jinrui , Huang Xiu , Gu Haibo , Lou Lingyun , Xu Zhihao
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often suffer sudden deterioration of disease around 1 to 2 weeks after onset. Once the disease progressed to severe phase, clinical prognosis of patients will significantly deteriorate.Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study on patients of all adult inpatients (≥18 years old) from Tianyou Hospital (Wuhan, China) and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. All 139 patients had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in their early stage, which is defined as within 7 days of clinical symptoms or within 7 days of positive viral nucleic acid test for asymptomatic patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the predictive factors in the early detection of patients who may subsequently develop into severe cases.Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the higher level of hypersensitivity C-reactive protein (OR=4.77, 95% CI:1.92-11.87, P=0.001), elevated alanine aminotransferase (OR=6.87, 95%CI:1.56-30.21, P=0.011) and chronic comorbidities (OR=11.48, 95% CI:4.44-29.66, P<0.001) are the determining risk factors for the progression into severe pneumonia in COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: Early COVID-19 patients with chronic comorbidities, elevated hs-CRP or elevated ALT are significantly more likely to develop severe pneumonia as the disease progresses. These risk factors may facilitate the early diagnosis of critical patients in clinical practice.
Arabic adaptation of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale-5 (DAR-5)
Authors: Kakaje Ameer , Alsamarah Kinda , Forbes David
Published: July 2020

Background:Anger is a normal human emotion that is a common response to potentially traumatic events and implicated in the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Anger is also a risk factor for aggression and violence. With millions of Syrians having to flee and being refugees in other countries, anger was rarely assessed as there was no brief robust tool for anger in Arabic. Objective: To develop and validate an Arabic version of the Dimensions of Anger Reactions 5 (DAR-5) scale, a five-question scale to screen for anger distress and problematic anger.Method:DAR-5 was translated into Arabic, then back translated into English, and finally re-checked for accuracy. Participants were 1641 Syrian adults, with 621 (37.8%) males and 1020 (62.2%) females. Only Arabic speaking participants were included. Questionnaires were distributed to online that contained demographic data, the DAR5 Arabic version and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS 21). Results:High levels of internal reliability were reported (Cronbach’s α of .86) and factor analysis found that DAR-5-A scores fit as a single-factor model. Problematic anger rates were 36.7% across the population using the cut-off point for DAR-5-A of ≥12. This cut off score also successfully differentiated between scores high versus low scores on anxiety, depression and stress. Conclusions:DAR-5-A is a reliable and valid tool for clinicians and researchers, written in formal Arabic that can be used as a brief measure to assess problematic anger in Syrians and other Arabic-speaking communities.
Obstetrical and intensive care strategies in a high-risk pregnancy with critical respiratory failure due to COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Kolkova Zuzana , Bjurstrom Martin , Lansberg John-Kalle , Svedas Eimantas , Andrada Maria , Hansson Stefan , Herbst Andreas , Zaigham Mehreen
Published: July 2020

BackgroundWith the disease burden increasing daily, there is a lack of evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Healthy pregnant women are still not regarded as a susceptible group despite physiological changes that make pregnant women more vulnerable to severe infection. However, high-risk pregnancies may be associated with severe COVID-19 disease with respiratory failure, as outlined in this report. We discuss the importance of timely delivery and antenatal steroid administration in a critically ill patient.CaseA 27-year-old pregnant woman (1-para) with type I diabetes, morbid obesity, hypothyroidism and a previous Caesarean section, presented with critical respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 at 32 weeks of gestation. A preterm emergency Caesarean section was performed, after steroid treatment for foetal lung maturation. The patient benefited from prone positioning however, transient acute renal injury, rhabdomyolysis and sepsis led to prolonged intensive care and mechanical ventilation for 26 days post-Caesarean. The baby had an uncomplicated recovery.ConclusionCOVID-19 infection in high-risk pregnancies may result in severe maternal-neonatal outcomes such as critical respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and premature termination of the pregnancy. Antenatal steroids may be of benefit for foetal lung maturation but should not delay delivery in severe cases.
Efficient Masked Face Recognition Method during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hariri Walid
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 is an unparalleled crisis leading to huge number of casualties and security problems. In order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, people often wear masks to protect themselves. This makes the face recognition a very difficult task since certain parts of the face are hidden. A primary focus of researchers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is to come up with suggestions to handle this problem through rapid and efficient solutions. In this paper, we propose a reliable method based on discard masked region and deep learning based features in order to address the problem of masked face recognition process. The first step is to discard the masked face region. Next, we apply a pre-trained deep Convolutional neural networks (CNN) to extract the best features from the obtained regions (mostly eyes and forehead regions). Finally, the Bag-of-features paradigm is applied on the feature maps of the last convolutional layer in order to quantize them and to get a slight representation comparing to the fully connected layer of classical CNN. Finally, MLP is applied for the classification process. Experimental results on Real-World-Masked-Face-Dataset show high recognition performance.
Neuroprotective Effect of Angelica Gigas Root in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Brain Injury through MAPK Signaling Pathway Regulation
Authors: Lee Se-Eun , Kim Jung-Hoon , Lim Chiyeon , Cho Suin
Published: July 2020

Background: The root of Angelica gigas Nakai (Apiaceae) has been traditionally used as an important herbal medicine to treat blood-deficiency-related disorders in Eastern Asian countries, and recently, it has been recognized as a potential candidate for improving cardiovascular diseases. Methods: In this study, the neuroprotective effect of a methanol extract of A. gigas root (RAGE) was investigated in a mouse stroke model induced by a 90 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Infarction volumes and morphological changes in brain tissues were measured using TTC, cresyl violet, and H&E staining. The neuroprotective mechanism of RAGE was elucidated through investigation of protein expression levels using western blotting, IHC, and ELISA assays. The plasma concentrations of decursin, a major compound in RAGE, were measured after oral administration of RAGE to SD rats. Results: The infarction volumes in brain tissues were significantly reduced and the morphological deteriorations in the brain neuron cells were improved in tMCAO mice when pre-treated with RAGE at 1,000 mg/(kg bw·d) for two consecutive days. The neuroprotective mechanism of RAGE was confirmed to attenuate ERK-related MAPK signaling pathways in the ipsilateral hippocampus hemisphere in mice. The concentrations of decursin in rat plasma samples showed peak absorption and elimination in vivo after oral administration of RAGE at 100 mg/rat.Conclusion: Mice administered RAGE before the tMCAO operation had less neuronal cell death than those that were not administered RAGE prior to the operation, and this study provides preclinical evidence for use of A. gigas in ischemic stroke.
m5CPred-SVM: A Novel Method for Predicting m5C Sites of RNA
Authors: Chen Xiao , Xiong Yi , Liu Yinbo , Chen Yuqing , Bi Shoudong , Zhu Xiaolei
Published: July 2020

Background: As one of the most common post-transcriptional modifications (PTCM) in RNA, 5-cytosine-methylation plays important roles in many biological functionssuch as RNA metabolism and cell fate decision. Through accurate identification of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) sites on RNA,researcherscanbetter understandthe exact role of 5-cytosine-methylation in these biological functions. In recent years, computational methods of predicting m5C sites have attracted lots of interests because of its efficiency and low-cost.However, both the accuracy and efficiency of these methods are not satisfactory yet and need further improvement.Results: In this work, we have developed a new computational method, m5CPred-SVM, to identify m5C sites in three species, H. sapiens, M. musculus and A. thaliana. To build this model, we first collected benchmark datasets following three recently published methods. Then, six types of sequence-based features were generated based on RNA segments and the sequential forward feature selection strategy was used to obtain the optimal feature subset. After that, the performance of models based on different learning algorithms were compared, and the model based on the support vector machine provided the highest prediction accuracy. Finally, our proposed method, m5CPred-SVM was compared with several existing methods, and the result showed that m5CPred-SVMoffered substantially higher prediction accuracy thanpreviously published methods. It is expected that our method, m5CPred-SVM, can become a useful tool for accurate identification of m5C sites.Conclusion: In this study, by introducing position-specific propensity related features, we built a new model, m5CPred-SVM, to predict RNA m5C sites of three different species.The result shows that our model outperformed the existing state-of-art models.Our model is available for users through a web serverat http://zhulab.ahu.edu.cn/m5CPred-SVM.
Successful Refractory of Acute Myocardial Infarction-induced Electrical Storm by Defibrillations and Amiodarone: A Case Report
Authors: Guo Huanhuan , Gan Quan
Published: July 2020

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) often complicated with multiple arrhythmias, especially ventricular arrhythmias, including sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are often presages progressive heart failure in 48 hours. The present study reports a case of electrical storm (ES) occurring in an 84-year-old woman with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Case presentation: With the defibrillations or amiodarone, the recurrence of ventricular tachycardia inhibited and the electrocardiographic pattern normalized.Conclusions: The results suggest that defibrillations and amiodarone may be able to improve the survival rate of patients with ES with AMI and would be considered as an alternative treatment for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and invasive catheter ablation in the management of cardiac ES.
Exclusive Peripheral Overexpression of 5-HT5A Receptors is Involved in 5‑HT‑Induced Cardiac Sympatho-Inhibition in Type 1 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Garcia-Pedraza Jose Ángel , Hernández-Abreu Oswaldo , Morán Asunción , Carretero José , García-Domingo Mónica , Villalón Carlos M
Published: July 2020

Background: In normoglycaemic pithed rats, cardiac sympathetic control is modulated by serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5‑HT), which inhibits the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow via the activation of 5-HT 1B , 5-HT 1D and 5-HT 5A receptors. Notwithstanding, type 1 diabetes impairs the functionality of the cardiac sympathetic innervation and leads to cardiovascular complications including cardiac autonomic neuropathy. On this basis, the present study investigated whether the influence of 5-HT on cardiac noradrenergic neurotransmission is altered in type 1 diabetic rats, by analysing the profile of the 5-HT receptors involved and their peripheral expression.

Methods: Type 1 diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with a single injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Four weeks later, the rats were anaesthetized, pithed and prepared for producing tachycardic responses by either electrical preganglionic stimulation (C 7 ‑T 1 ) of the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow or i.v. bolus injections of exogenous noradrenaline. Immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to study the expression of 5‑HT 1B , 5-HT 1D and 5-HT 5A receptors in the stellate (sympathetic) ganglion obtained from normoglycaemic and diabetic rats.

Results: The increases in heart rate evoked by both cardiac sympathetic stimulation and exogenous noradrenaline were not modified after saline in diabetic rats. Moreover, i.v. continuous infusions of 5‑HT induced a cardiac sympatho-inhibition that was mimicked by the 5‑HT 1/5A receptor agonist 5‑carboxamidotryptamine, but not by the agonists indorenate (5-HT 1A ), CP 93,129 (5‑HT 1B ), PNU 142633 (5-HT 1D ), or LY344864 (5‑HT 1F ) in the diabetic group. In contrast, the above agonists at 5-HT 1B , 5-HT 1D and 5-HT 1/5A receptors mimicked 5-HT-induced sympatho-inhibition in normoglycaemic rats. In diabetic animals, i.v. administration of SB 699551 (1 mg/kg; 5‑HT 5A receptor antagonist) abolished 5‑CT-induced cardiac sympatho-inhibition. Finally, the immunohistochemistry analysis in the stellate ganglion showed that, as compared to normoglycaemic rats, in diabetic rats (P<0.05): (i) the expression of 5-HT 1B receptors was slightly higher, whereas that of 5-HT 1D receptors was slightly lower; and (ii) there was a clear overexpression of 5-HT 5A receptors.

Conclusions: Taken together, these results show the prominent role of the peripheral overexpression of prejunctional 5-HT 5A receptors in the inhibition of the cardiac sympathetic drive in type 1 diabetic rats. These findings may represent a new pharmacological strategy for the treatment of diabetes-related cardiac abnormalities.
The Influence of Preoperative Psychological States on Postoperative Outcomes Following Percutaneous Kyphoplasty(PKP)
Authors: Xu Jia-Jing , Lin Yan , Wang Yi-Han , Zhu Ding-Chao , Wu Yao-Sen
Published: July 2020

Background: Psychological disorder is widespread in patients with spinal conditions. There is limited investigation into the association between preoperative psychological symptoms(PPS) and postoperative outcomes following percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) in patients suffered osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF) . Methods: This is a retrospective study performed on 224 patients undergoing PKP due to OVCF. Patients are divided into two cohorts base on preoperative psychological states described by Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA). Pre- and postoperative physical function were evaluated by Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function(PROMIS PF), and Visual Analogue Scales(VAS) was used to to evaluate patients' back pain. Multiple linear regression model was used to investigate the association between preoperative psychological symptoms and postoperative outcomes.Results: 133(59.4%) patients have PPS, manifested as HAMD score ≥7 and/or HAMA score＞7. Patients with PPS have significantly worse PROMIS PF scores preoperatively (26.6±7.6 vs. 34.2±6.9, p=0.000), as well as within 6 monthes postoperatively, 1-week (31.1±6.5 vs. 37.4±7.2, p=0.000), 1-month (35.3±6.2 vs. 41.1±7.4, p=0.023), 3-months (38.5±8.3 vs. 45.8±8.5, p=0.005), and 6-months (42.8±8.0 vs. 51.2±9.1, p=0.000). Patients with PPS have higher VAS scores preoperatively(8.3±1.6 vs. 6.9±1.9, p=0.001), as well as within 1 month following operation, 1-week (6.2±1.7 vs. 4.1±1.2, p=0.000), 1-month (4.0±1.1 vs. 2.5±1.0, p=0.015).Conclusion: Psychological symptoms are widespread in OVCF patients undergoing PKP. Patients with poor preoperative psychological states not only demonstrated worse preoperative physical function and back pain, but also continued to have significantly worse postoperative outcomes.
An Exploratory Study of Consumers’ Social Behavior Towards Role of Malaysian Community Pharmacists in Providing Healthcare
Authors: Alabid Alamin Hassan Mohamed Alamin , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Palaian Subish
Published: July 2020

Background: Consumers awareness, perceptions, expectations and experiences are integral components of their satisfaction towards the quality of care provided by community pharmacists. The study aims to assess consumers’ awareness, perceptions, expectations and experiences about the role of community pharmacists in providing healthcare.Methods: The study was carried out in the state of Penang, in the north of Malaysia. A survey was carried out by conveniently selecting the consumers patronizing the community pharmacies. A pretested and validated survey tool with different domains (Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.577 to 0.774) was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests) were used for analyzing the data using SPSS program, Version 26.Results: Of the total 424 questionnaires distributed, 195 (46%) were returned and usable. The median age of the consumers was 30 (IQR = 28-38). The majority of them were female, Chinese, living in urban area and having a bachelor degree. The mean awareness score was 8.39 (± 2.00), mean perception score was 2.95 (± 0.83), mean expectation score was 3.70 (± 0.13), and mean experience score was 3.17 (± 0.97). Trusting a pharmacist’s advice about medicines was significantly associated with the consumer’s age (p= 0.030). age of the consumers was a significant determinant in their perception of CP suggestions about the use of certain prescription medicines to patients and physicians (p = .001 and p = 0.014, successively). The strongly anticipated that CPs should monitor responses to drug therapy and be more concerned with the patient rather than being profit-oriented (medians = 5 and 4, respectively).Conclusions: The consumers in this study were aware of the role of community pharmacists in community pharmacies and healthcare settings. They were also showed high perception, expectation and positive experience with the community pharmacists.
TERT Mutation was Associated with the Risk of Recurrence in Lung Adenocarcinoma with A Micropapillary Pattern
Authors: Wang Fenfang , Xu Lu , Hao Qing , Li Chenghui , Wu Qihuan , Lu Hongyang
Published: July 2020

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma with a micropapillary pattern (MPPAC) is the histological subtype of lung cancer. It has attracted increasing attention, especially regarding its association with poor prognosis, including the predisposition towards recurrence and metastasis. Although MPPAC has been described in early-stage cases, only a few studies have reported the correlation between disease-specific prognosis and gene mutation of MPPAC. This study aimed to clarify the common genetic mutations and the prognostic characteristics in MPPAC patients.Methods: A total of 17 patients whose surgical pathology was defined as MPPAC were followed up, the molecular characteristics were elucidated by next-generation sequencing, and the prognostic characteristics were analyzed. Results: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations were identified in 11/17 (65%) of patients. TP53 alterations were identified in 10/17 (59%). Other common mutations include ATM (18%), KRAS (18%), SDHA (18%), and TERT (18%). MPPAC patients harboring EGFR and TERT mutations were at a high risk of tumor recurrence, while TP53 might be associated with a low risk of recurrence. Conclusions: TERT mutation was more frequently harbored in MPPAC patients than in the other histological type of lung cancer, and such patients were at a high risk of recurrence. So TERT mutation might be associated with adverse prognosis in MPPAC patients.