bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Prevalence of Metal Resistant Genes in Salmonella enterica MDR Plasmids Correlates Severe Toxicities of Water with higher Typhoid AMR
Authors: Chakraborty Asit Kumar , Roy Asim Kumar
Published: April 2020

AMR and drug void have caused huge panic today with few thousand death per year. MDR Typhoid was a serious old disease and caused serious health hazard in humen and animals demanding an update on molecular biology of the status on transferable genetic elements. R-plasmids combined in F’-plasmid and the new MDR conjugative plasmids were shown abundant in Sanmonella ranging 70-440kb with similarities. BlaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaOXA, blaNDM mdr genes were abundant in >50 plasmids analyzed and metal resistant gene clusters are predominant in most large plasmids. Among the acetyltransferase all catA1, aacA1 and aac-1b-cr genes were located. Abundant streptomycin phosphotransferases (StrAB) and rarely colistin resistant Mcr-5/9 phosphoethanolamine–lipid A transferase were detected. Altered isomeric dihydropterote synthases (Sul1/2/3) were present giving sulfamethoxazole resistance and dhfr gene frequently associated giving trimethoprim resistance. Metal resistant gene clusters like SilABC (CusABC), PcoAB, RcnA, terABC, and merABCXT etc were found in many Salmonella enterica plasmids. Toxin genes like HipA and virulence genes like spvABD were located in few plasmids increasing virulence and pathogenesis. Drug efflux genes tetA or tetB and OqxB, floR, CmlA were frequent where as QepA and EamA genes were rarely seen. Thus, Salmonella metal resistant genes combined with antibiotic resistant genes has tried to overcome the both toxic antibiotics and metalions causing Typhoid AMR. Such acquisition spreads salmoniasis in the live stocks (pig, cow, chicken) where toxic soil and water dominate increasing chance of MDR typhoid in human.
Genomic Diversity and Evolution, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Therapeutics of the Pandemic COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Hoque M. Nazmul , Chaudhury Abed , Akanda Md. Abdul Mannan , Hossain M. Anwar , Islam Md Tofazzal
Published: April 2020

A novel coronavirus COVID-19 was first emerged in Wuhan city of Hubei Province in China in December 2019. The COVID-19, since then spreads to 213 countries and territories, and has become a pandemic. Genomic analyses have indicated that the virus, popularly named as corona, originated through a natural process and is probably not a purposefully manipulated laboratory construct. However, currently available data are not sufficient to precisely conclude the origin of this fearsome virus. Genome-wide annotation of thousands of genomes revealed that more than 1,407 nucleotide mutations and 722 amino acids replacements occurred at different positions of the SARS-CoV-2. The spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 possesses a functional polybasic (furin) cleavage site at the S1-S2 boundary through the insertion of 12 nucleotides. It leads to the predicted acquisition of 3-O-linked glycan around the cleavage site. Although real-time RT-PCR methods targeting specific gene(s) have widely been used to diagnose the COVID-19 patients, however, recently developed more convenient, rapid, and specific diagnostic tools targeting IgM/IgG or newly developed plug and play methods should be available for resource-poor developing countries. Some drugs, vaccines and therapies have shown great promise in early trials, however, these candidates of preventive or therapeutic agents have to pass a long path of trials before being released for the practical application against COVID-19. This review updates current knowledge on origin, genomic evolution, development of the diagnostic tools and the preventive or therapeutic remedies of the COVID-19, and discusses on scopes for further research and effective management and surveillance of COVID-19.
Численное моделирование взаимодействия и эволюции разрывов в канале на основе компактной формы квазигазодинамических уравнений
Authors: Четверушкин Борис Николаевич , Chetverushkin Boris Nikolaevich , Знаменская Ирина Александровна , Znamenskaya Irina Aleksandrovna , Луцкий Александр Евгеньевич , Lutsky Alexander Evgenjevich , Ханхасаева Яна Владиславовна , Khankhasaeva Yana Vladislavovna
Published: April 2020

Выполнено численное моделирование эволюции и взаимодействия разрывов течения в канале, вызванных импульсным объемным разрядом. Алгоритм построен на основе системы квазигазодинамических уравнений в компактной форме. Представлено сравнение с экспериментальными данными и результатами расчетов на основе уравнений Эйлера и Навье-Стокса.
Метод лебеговых моментов для решения уравнения переноса нейтронов
Authors: Шильков Александр Викторович , Shilkov Aleksandr Viktorovich
Published: April 2020

Разработан метод лебеговых моментов для моделирования эффектов обращения резонансов, резонансной самоэкранировки, блок-эффекта в спектрах нейтронов протяженных неоднородных объектов - ядерных реакторов, защит от излучений, установок для исследования вещества. Метод использует более точную процедуру осреднения по энергии нейтронов, чем осреднение в группы. Основные составляющие метода: выделение резонансной структуры нейтронных сечений с помощью разбиения шкалы энергий на ряд множеств - носителей резонансов; выполнение лебеговского осреднения сечений и тока нейтронов в пределах носителей; разложение тока нейтронов в ряд по базисным функциям, зависящим от величины нейтронных сечений. Для расчета коэффициентов разложения (лебеговых моментов) могут применяться известные методы решения уравнения переноса нейтронов.
A MEMS Tactile Sensor with Fingerprint-Like Array of Contactors for High Resolution Visualization of Surface Distribution of Tactile Information
Authors: Watatani Kazuki ,   Faculty of Engineering and Design, Kagawa University 2217-20 Hayashi-cho, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa 761-0396, Japan, Terao Kyohei , Shimokawa Fusao , Takao Hidekuni
Published: April 2020

In the present report, we have developed a tactile sensor with fingerprint-like array of contactors for obtaining the surface distribution of tactile information in high spatial resolutions. Six high resolution sensing modules of contactors with biaxial detectors were integrated in line at a pitch of 500 μm, the typical pitch of fingerprint ridges. Each sensing module independently detected the micro surface shape and locally generated frictional force on the object surfaces. Mechanical analysis of the fabricated sensors showed good sensitivities and highly linear responses. Consequently, the measured detection resolutions of surface shape and frictional force were 0.17 μm and 9.9 μN, respectively. The experimental performance evaluation of fabricated sensor was measured in the distribution of tactile information by sweeping the sensor with a yaw angle. Additionally, the 3D surface shape of weave structure and surface distribution of frictional force in a woven fabric with 0.4 mm pitch of threads in high spatial resolution was clearly visualized/observed. Moreover, the directionality of tactile information of the fabric surface distribution was successfully realized using the tactile sensor with the array of contactors by sweeping in different directions.
Development of a Real-Time Force and Temperature Sensing System with MEMS-LSI Integrated Tactile Sensors for Next-Generation Robots
Authors: Muroyama Masanori , Hirano Hideki , Shao Chenzhong , Tanaka Shuji ,   Microsystem Integration Center, Tohoku University 6-6-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan,   Department of Robotics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University 6-6-1 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
Published: April 2020

This study proposes a sensing system that can sense force and temperature at the same time. The system consists of MEMS-LSI integrated tactile sensor devices called sensor nodes, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based relay node, and a host PC. For real-time temperature and force data acquisition, a time-sharing force and temperature task processing mechanism was implemented with a dedicated computer architecture in the FPGA configuration and the host program. This study firstly reports the temperature dependency analysis of a capacitive sensor readout circuit in the sensor node by circuit-level simulation. With a fabricated sensor node, sensor output data were measured and analyzed with varying temperatures and applied force. Based on the measured data, linear multiple regression equations for temperature compensation of sensed force data were developed. In the temperature range of 24.8°C–60°C, the average/maximum force errors when considering the temperature effect were −0.98%/65% without the compensation, and 0.072%/17% with the compensation, respectively. One cycle time of temperature and force sensing for one sensor node was 113 ms on average. The experimental results showed that real-time temperature and force sensing and temperature compensation for accurate force sensing could be achieved successfully. The study also demonstrated the system with hot-coffee cup and finger touch examples.
Meningkatkan Kosakata Anak Usia Dini Melalui Permainan Chinese Whispers
Authors: Roswati Eva
Published: April 2020

Vocabulary are words that someone has to socialize with other people. The process of acquiring a child's vocabulary can be influenced by external factors as well as from factors within the child itself. The topics contained in this article include the game Chinese whispers to improve vocabulary in children. Chinese whispes game is a game that is done in groups, by whispering to convey messages in sequence until the last player. In principle the game Chinese Whipers is able to train children in improving vocabulary, because in this game the child will mention the words instructed by the teacher or friend.
A Novel RP-HPLC-DAD Method Development for Anti-Malarial and COVID-19 Hydroxy Chloroquine Sulfate Tablets and Profiling of In-Vitro Dissolution in Multimedia.
Authors: DONGALA THIRUPATHI , Ettaboina Santhosh Kumar , Katari Naresh Kumar
Published: April 2020

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is one of a large series of 4-aminoquinolines with antimalarial activity. Moreover, it is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes Hydroxychloroquine sulfate is very effective for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Based on the recent clinical experiments it is exploiting for the treatment of COVID-19, corona virus across the globe. A Reverse phase RP-HPLC method have been developed and validated as per the current ICH guidelines for estimation of Hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets. As part of method validation specificity, linearity, precision and recovery parameters were verified. The concentration and area relationships were linear (R2 > 0.999), over the concentration range of 25 to 300 µg mL-1 for HCQ. The relative standard deviations for precision and intermediate precision were less than 1.5%. The proposed RP-HPLC generic method was applied successfully for evaluation of invitro dissolution profile with different pH conditions like 0.1N HCl, pH 4.5 Acetate buffer and pH 6.8 Phosphate buffers of US marketed reference product.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Rocket Stove for Cleaner Cooking in Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Bassazin Ayalew
Published: April 2020

Background:Many rural households in Ethiopia use traditional three-stone stove which has low energy efficiency and incurs indoor air pollution. Despite the fact that improved cook stoves design variability was seen between producers appears, they have received little or no promotion work to improvements over open fire stoves. The aim of this research work is manufacturing and experimentally testing of rocket stove to make sure that the new design provides a major improvement within the prevailing cooking practices.Method:The rocket stove was developed as per the Aprovecho Research Center (USA) design principle the article focused on investigating the thermal performance, the specific fuel and emission reduction potential of rocket stove as compared to the three-stone stove so as to confirm the duplicability. Water boiling test were conducted to investigate the performance of developed rocket stove and emission characteristics were investigated using portable Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) monitoring device. The parameters and protocols were adjusted as per the Aprovecho design principles.Results:The result revealed that the rocket stove has 29% thermal efficiency, 43% reduction in specific fuel consumption, 42% CO and 81% PM2.5 emission reduction as compared to the well-known utilized traditional three-stone stove in Ethiopia. The experiment revealed that, the rocket stove average emission is 1.8 µg/m3 CO and 10 µg/m3 PM2.5 respectively. The emissions characteristic of our stove satisfies the WHO indoor air quality standard.Conclusion:It can be concluded that the prototype rocket stove has a substantial improvement over the three-stone stove with regards to thermal efficiency, CO and PM2.5 emissions. Furthermore, the stove can be manufactured locally within required thermal efficiency and emission levels. Therefore, shifting to rocket stoves could reduce pressure on forests and mitigate indoor pollutants emission.
The ability of active fraction from Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty Ex.P.C.Silva to Decrease Glucose Levels inhibit advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) Formation and RAGE (AGER) Gene Expression in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wahyuning Mae Sri Hartati , Yulianti Evy - , Sunarti Sunarti -
Published: April 2020

Background. Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C.Silva is a widely used seaweed that has antioxidant and antiglycation activities. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of active fraction from Kappaphycus alvarezii to decrease glucose level and inhibit glycation process. Methods. This study used bioassay-guided fractionation through three stages of the extraction, partition, and fractionation processes that were monitored using Thin Layer Chromatography and BSA-Glucose test. Inhibition of glycation was known by calculating percentage of inhibition and IC50. Selected active fraction was used for in vivo tests using 24 Wistar male rats. Measurement of glucose levels used GOD-PAP method, while levels of glycated albumin (GA) and Nε- (carboxymethyl) lysine (CML) were measured using ELISA. Analysis of RAGE gene expression used qPCR. Results Glycation test showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between all treatments. Chloroform extract showed higher percentage of inhibition (62.4 ± 3.45%) with lower IC50 (0.33 ± 0.01 mg/ml) compared to methanol extract (0.52 ± 0.03 mg/ml). Methanol-soluble extracts had a higher percentage of inhibition (51.10 ± 1.64%) with IC50 0.45 ± 0.05 mg/ml compared to methanol-insoluble extract (1.25 ± 0.05 mg/ml). Fraction II had a higher percentage of inhibition (53.37 ± 1.92%) with IC50 0.12 ± 0.01 mg/ml compared to other fractions. Selected active fraction reduced blood glucose by 1.3% and 5.2% and CML levels by 50.6% and 42.4% at concentrations of 0.17 and 0.255 mg/ml in diabetic rats. RAGE gene expression was lower in the diabetic rat groups treated with active fraction compared to untreated diabetic group. Conclusions The active fraction has ability for reducing blood glucose, antiglycation, or reducing CML levels, and RAGE gene expression.
Combining chain link sampling with a community-based participatory action study of people who smoke drugs in two cities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Elhalifa Sulaf , Jozaghi Ehsan , Marsh Samona , Thomson Erica , Gregg Delilah , Buxton Jane , Jolly Ann
Published: April 2020

Background: The smoking of illicit drugs presents a serious social and economic burden in Canada. People who smoke drugs (PWSD) are at an increased risk of contracting multiple infections through risky drug practices. Peer-led harm reduction activities, and the resulting social networks that form around them, can potentially minimize the dangers associated with the smoking illicit drugs.Goal: The goal of this study is to examine the influence of peer-led harm reduction initiatives on drug behaviour by comparing the attributes and social networks of PWSD in two British Columbia cities with different harm reduction programs.Methods: Using community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) and respondent- driven sampling (RDS), individuals with lived drug experiences were employed from communities in Abbotsford and Vancouver as ‘peer researchers’ to interview ten contacts from their social networks. Contacts completed a questionnaire about their harm reduction networks.Results: We found that PWSD residing in Abbotsford were more likely to report engaging in harm-promoting behaviours, such as sharing, reusing, or borrowing crack pipes. However, PWSD in the Downtown Eastside Community (DTES) of Vancouver were more likely to report engaging in harm-reducing activities, such as being trained in naloxone use and CPR. These differences are likely linked to the greater availability of harm reduction programs in DTES compared to Abbotsford.
Characterization and equilibrium studies for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using activated bone char
Authors: Inam Edu J. , Edet John Bassey , Akpan Patrick E. , Ite Kufre E.
Published: April 2020

The surface characteristics as well as adsorption potential of activated cow bone char for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution were investigated. Physical characteristics of the adsorbent revealed a large surface area, low pore volume, reduced ash and moisture contents, which have been identified as good adsorption characteristics. The surface of the adsorbent was predominated by mesopores with a few microporous structures as well as the presence of carbonates, phosphates, silicates and hydroxyl groups which are characteristic of the apatite phase. Adsorption efficiency for the removal of MB was observed to be influenced by pH, adsorbent dosage as well as initial dye concentrations. Equilibrium adsorption data was best described by the Freundlich isotherm with a good correlation coefficient suggesting multilayer adsorption of the dye molecules on the surface of the adsorbent. Based on the drive for reduced cost, removal efficiency and availability, activated carbon from cow bone could be a promising adsorbent for methylene blue-laden effluent that could be utilized in small and large industrial applications.
Effects of upper cervical translatoric mobilization on headache, quality of life, cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold in patients with cervicogenic headache: A randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Malo-Urriés Miguel , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Estébanez-de-Miguel Elena , Bueno-Gracia Elena , Fanlo-Mazas Pablo , Hidalgo-García César
Published: April 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of upper cervical translatoric spinal mobilization (UC-TSM) on headache, quality of life, cervical mobility and pressure pain threshold in subjects with cervicogenic headache (CEH).
Methods

Eighty-two volunteers (41.5 ± 15.3 years; 20 males and 62 females) with CEH participated in the study and were randomly assigned to control or treatment group. The treatment group received 3 sessions of UC-TSM and the control group remained the same sessions, in the same position and time but received no treatment. Primary outcomes were Headache Impact Test for headache-related quality of life and flexion-rotation test for upper cervical mobility. Secondary outcomes included intensity, frequency and duration of headache, general cervical mobility and pressure pain thresholds over cervical spine. They were measured at baseline, at the end of the treatment and one month after the intervention.
Results

UC-TSM group increased significantly headache-related quality of life (p < .001; d = .857). Headache intensity, frequency and duration improved in UC-TSM group (p = .000-.013), in contrast to control group which did not obtain significant changes (p = .234-.965). UC-TSM group presented significant increases in upper cervical mobility (p < .001). Between-group effect sizes were considered large at T1 (d = 0.90–1.21) and moderate to large at T2 (d = 0.78–1.17).
Conclusions

Three sessions of UC-TSM increased headache-related quality of life and upper cervical mobility in subjects with CEH. Intensity, duration and frequency of headache, cervical mobility and PPT also improved. Further research considering the limitations of the present clinical trial is required to confirm this tendency.
Analysis of differential gene expression of heart failure based on Gene Expression Omnibus database
Authors: Yan Haifeng , Wang Xianliang , Hou Yazhu , Yang Zhihua , Mao Jingyuan
Published: April 2020

Background

To screen and identify key genes involved in heart failure and explore underlying molecular mechanisms.
Methods

The expression profile of GSE26887 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), which contained 24 samples, including 19 left ventricle cardiac tissue of heart failure and 5 controls. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained and got further analysis by bioinformatics methods. The DEGs and volcano plot were acquired with the use of ‘lima’ package in ‘R’ software and heat map was drawn through the ‘heatmap’ package. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis of DEGs were performed by means of Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) online analyses, respectively. The DEGs interaction and network map were constructed through Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING ) database and Cystoscope(v3.6.0)software.
Results

The transcriptome analysis of left ventricle cardiac tissue showed that 236 genes were differentially expressed between heart failure and control, of which 124 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.01) and 101 genes downregulated (P < 0.01). GO analysis uncovered that DEGs were enriched in extracellular space, extracellular matrix, extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, proteinaceous extracellular matrix and heparin binding. Thus, the function of extracellular matrix is mainly affected. The KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that the DEGs were involved in eight pathways, of these pathways, ECM-receptor interaction, Drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 and Pathogenic Escherichia coli infection are dominant. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) revealed the interactions of 30 protein products encoded of DEGs. Of the 30 protein products, the critical gene, called Interleukin-6 (IL6), was identified with the use of Cystoscope software.
Conclusion

Extracellular matrix and IL6 play an important role in the development of heart failure. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of these main genes were identified, which provide the basis for insight into the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and predicting therapeutic targets of heart failure.
The Role of Cognitive Motivation and Personality Traits in EFL Learners’ Group Work Free Riding Tendencies: Teachers’ and Learners’ Attitudes
Authors: Ahmadpour Leila , Asadollahfam Hassan , Kuhi Davud
Published: April 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Epidemiology and microbiology of Gram-negative bloodstream infections in a tertiary-care hospital in Beijing, China: a 9 -year retrospective study
Authors: Liang Zhixin , Zhu Qiang , Zhu Minghui , Li Chunyan , Li Lina , Guo Mingxue , Yang Zhen , Zhang Zhaorui
Published: April 2020

Background

Gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) are serious diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. The following study examines the incidence, clinical characteristics and microbiological features, drug resistance situations and mortality associated with gram-negative BSIs at a large Chinese tertiary-care hospital in Beijing, China.
Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with gram-negative BSIs was performed between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital. The patients’ data were collected and included in the reviewing electronic medical records.
Results

A total of 6867 episodes of gram-negative BSIs occurred among 3199 patients over 9 years, and there were 3032 significant BSI episodes 77% of these cases were healthcare-associated, while 23% were community-associated. The overall incidence of gram-negative BSIs fluctuated from 2.30 to 2.55 episodes per 1000 admissions over 9 years. Malignancy was the most common comorbidity and indwelling central intravenous catheter was the most common predisposing factor for gram-negative BSI. Escherichia coli were the major pathogen (34.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.3%) and other bacterial pathogens (9.9%). The resistance rates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to penicillins were more than 90%. and the resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii to the most antibiotic were more than 70% include the Carbapenem. The resistance of ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli to the most antibiotic was higher than non-ESBLs producing Escherichia coli but to Carbapenems(0.7% VS 5.1%). The rates of Carbapenems resistance of ESBLs-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and non-ESBLs producing Klebsiella pneumoniae were 32.8% and 8.1%. The rates of Carbapenems resistance of Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 1.4% and 27.8% respectively. Between 2010 and 2018, the overall mortality of gram-negative BSIs decreased from 11.41–9.05%(X2 = 6.95, P = 0.434). Moreover, the mortality in the ICU decreased from 27.03–14.93%(X2 = 9.61, P = 0.212), while in the general ward fluctuated from 8.85–8.13% that without obvious decrease change(X2 = 9.29, P = 0.232).
Conclusions

The mortality of gram-negative BSIs have showed downward trends. carbapenem antibiotics is still consider the best treatment for patients with Gram-negative BSIs except Acinetobacter baumannii.
Combination role of DAPK methylation in urinary sediment and B ultrasound in evaluating follow-up of urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Linlin , Jiang Fuquan , Li Changfeng , Han Jiansong
Published: April 2020

Background: Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) is a highly prevalent disease and is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality and cost. This paper aims to explore the combination role of DAPK methylation in urinary sediment and B ultrasound in diagnosing recurrent UBC. Methods: A total of 1021 cases of primary UBC undergone electrocision of bladder tumor through urethra were included and were subjected to follow up every 3 month within 2 years. B ultrasound, DAPK methylation in urinary sediment, examination of exfoliated cells in urine and cystoscopy were performed during the follow up. The data recorded in follow up were subjected to chi-square test and Kappa test. ROC was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic role of each parameter in recurrent UBC. Results: Among the 1021 patients, 115 patients were found with recurrent UBC by cystoscopy and biopsy two years after the operation, and failed to complete the follow up, thus the effective number of follow up was 906. The cystoscopy results were not only consistent with that of B ultrasound (Kappa = 0.785, P < 0.05), but also agreed with that of DAPK methylation in urinary sediment and combination of B ultrasound with DAPK methylation (Kappa = 0.517, P < 0.05, Kappa = 0.593, P < 0.05). ROC curve indicated that the area under curve of combination of B ultrasound with DAPK methylation was 0.922 (sensitivity, 92.86%; specificity, 91.63%; Youden index, 0.845) with negative prediction value of 99.4% which suggested that the recurrent risk would be low in case negative results were obtained. Conclusion: Those data supported that combination of DAPK methylation with B ultrasound has high performance in diagnosing recurrent UBC.
Molecular detection of concurrent infections of Anaplasma sp Omatjenne, Theileria mutans, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in calves and yearlings in a tick endemic Guinea savannah ecosystem in Cameroon
Authors: Achukwi Mbunkah Daniel , Sali Ngam , Madder Maxime , Youssouf Mfopit Mouliom , Waingeh Nain Caroline , Kingsley Manchang Tanyi , Daniel Ndzingu Awa , Geysen Dirk
Published: April 2020

Background

Ticks infesting animals constitute one of the most important factors limiting profitable livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa and the region is beleaguered by a paucity of data on diseases implicated in high morbidity and mortality in most of its livestock production systems.
Methods

In a tick endemic Guinea savannah ecosystem, ticks infesting calves and yearlings during their first eighteen months of life were collected weekly and morphologically identified. PCR, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing were applied on DNA of tick-borne pathogens in animal blood buffy coat to amplify and characterize the 16S rRNA genes of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and 18S rRNA gene for Babesia spp.
Results

Of 31 364 adult ticks, nymphs and larvae collected from the 20 experimental animals, 6525 (20.1%), 7399 (23.6%), 990 (3.2%), 16450 (52.4%) were Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus spp., other genera, and tick larvae respectively. Tick infestation rates during the rainy season for A.variegatum, Rhipicephalus spp. and larvae were 50.3, 12.4 and 28.3, respectively, while in the dry season the proportions were one, 26.2 and 72.8 respectively. A. variegatum had no effect on haematocrit (P > 0.05) but high Rhipicephalus spp. (Boophilus) infestation rates significantly reduced haematocrit (P < 0.01). All animals had mixed infections of haemoparasites. The effect of season on haematocrit was not significant (P > 0.05). The presence of Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne in the blood significantly reduced haematocrit (p < 0.0001) while Babesia bigemina and Theileria mutans had no effect (P > 0.05). No E. ruminantium was detected. We report for the first time in Cameroon, the detection of Anaplasma sp. Omatjenne and T.mutans infecting all and four of the animals, respectively. Babesia bigemina, and Anaplasma sp.Omatjenne concurrently occurred in all 20 experimental animals, A.marginale in 15 and T.mutans in four. The mean first-time contact periods (in weeks) for B.bigemina, T.mutans, Anaplasma sp.Omatjenne and A.marginale were 15(3–37), 30(9–43), 21(5–55) and 25(7–55) respectively; and they were not significantly different (P > 0.05).
Conclusion

The absence of clinical cases of the four pathogens detected during the study demonstrates an endemically stable situation in the region for these infections. With no clinical data on A.sp. Omatjenne and T.mutans infections in this area, further insights into their epizootiology should be of interest.
The Long-Term Outcome of CT-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Idiopathic Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: a preliminary multi-center case series
Authors: Luo Fang , Jia Yitong , Shrestha Niti , Wang Xiaodi , Wang Tao
Published: April 2020

Background: Safer and minimal invasive treatment options with minor side effects are in great demand for glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) is a micro-destructive procedure that could be applied repeatedly without irreversible damage to target tissue. However, few studies have reported the long-term clinical outcomes of PRF in the management of idiopathic GPN patients. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the efficacy and safety of computerTomography (CT)-guided PRF in the treatment of 30 patients with idiopathic GPN in a multi-center clinical study. Numeric rating scale (NRS) score was used to evaluate pain intensity before and after PRF treatment. The effective rate was defined as the percentage of patients with NRS reduction of more than 50%. Baseline characteristics, surgical records, initial pain relief, time to take effect, long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction, the incidence of recurrence as well as subsequent treatment choices, intraoperative and postoperative complications were retrieved from electronic medical records.Results: A total of 30 idiopathic GPN patients who received PRF under CT-guidance were included in our study and the initial effective rate was 93.3%. The cumulative proportion of patients with satisfactory pain relief survival was 93.3% at 12 months, 89.6% at 24 months, 85.3% at 36 months, 79.6% at 48 months, 73.0% at 60 months and 72 months, and 54.8% at 84 months, 108 months as well as 120 months. No serious morbidity or mortality were observed in any of the cases. The median patient satisfaction in Likert scale rating was 4.0 (IQR, 3.0-5.0).Conclusion: According to our results, PRF is an effective and safe therapy for patients with idiopathic GPN. This minimally invasive, micro-destructive, neuro-modulatory technique could be a potential intervention of choice for the treatment of GPN patients who respond poorly to pharmacological treatment.
Strategy to preserve function in lower limbs tumors resection. Vascular competence in multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Marchetti Andrea Ascoli , Giulio Lorenzo Di , Oddi Fabio Massimo , Davila Bernardo Orellana , Ciattaglia Riccardo , Ippoliti Arnaldo
Published: April 2020

IntroductionAll possible strategy should be adopted to preserve limb function during the definitive removal operation in the case of limbs sarcoma. Multidisciplinary perspective seems to be the ideal choice. The aim of the study is to report our experience gained in collaboration with the IFO oncology orthopedic division and with the operating units of Orthopedics A and B of our institution, reporting the type of intervention, results and complications of the procedures performed.Material and methodsFrom 2011 to 2019, were treated 32 patients affected by primitive and secondary musculoskeletal neoplasm with a mean age of 44 years (14-67 years) in 28 cases (87.5%) were required revascularization. Women accounted for 46.9% (15/32), 53.1% were men (17/32). The preoperative study included a biopsy of the lesion and ultrasonography and CTA with multiplanar reconstructions for the evaluation of the vascular anatomy and neoplasia extension.ResultsThe average postoperative follow-up was 20.1 months. The reconstruction of the vessels has been implemented in 14/32 (43.7%) mainly using the autologous saphenous contralateral vein. The use of the prosthesis was performed in the others cases (with PTFE and Dacron K prosthesis). In 5 cases (15.6%) the patients had lower limb edema, with a distance venous patency of 26/32 (81.2%) and arterial patency of 100%. We had no mortality at 30 days. Two patients underwent VAC therapy. No amputations were performed at 30 days. In 14 patients was performed perioperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy.ConclusionsA long-term evaluation is needed to determine the implications at distance, in patients undergoing radical resection of cancer in which are necessary for skills vascular surgery. The long term result is conditioned by the prognosis of neoplasm. The multidisciplinary approach is always requested.
Correlation between CXCR5 expression and prognosis in stage T1 non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Yue , Ding Ningning , Yuan Ligong , Li Feng , Wang Shuaibo , Mao Yousheng
Published: April 2020

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Even if early detection has been applied and proved to be effective, the survival outcomes are still poor. Thus, to find out novel prognostic factors is of great significance to identify high-risk patients and guide individualized precise treatment in order to reduce recurrence and improve survival outcomes.Methods: Tissue samples and clinicopathologic data of 244 stage T1 NSCLC patients were collected. We investigated CXCR5 expression using immunochemical method and analyzed its correlation with pathologic subtypes and prognosis.Results: Elevated level of positive CXCR5 expression was found in tumor tissues (p<0.0001) and patients with positive CXCR5 expression are more likely to have LVIs (p=0.030) and recurrences (p<0.043). Besides, CXCR5 expression is also correlated to histological type and differentiation. Lepidic predominant tumors have significantly lower expression of CXCR5 (p<0.001). Survival analyses showed that patients with positive CXCR5 had a significantly lower DFS (p=0.038) and patients with solid or micropapillary predominant NSCLC had a significantly worse prognosis. CXCR5 expression was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for DFS through multivariate analysis.Conclusions: CXCR5 expression has been proved to be an independent prognostic factor for stage T1 NSCLC patients. In addition, CXCR5 was also found to be relevant to cancer recurrence, and this indicated that CXCR5 may play an important role in lymph node and distant metastasis.
Association between polymorphisms (rs1800896, rs1800872, rs1800871) in IL-10 gene with human immunodeficiency virus 1-infected patients’ susceptibility
Authors: Tai Huiyu , Xiao Li , Zhou Daming , Mi Yuanyuan , Zhang Wei , Yang Song
Published: April 2020

Background

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is considered to play a role in the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infections, and 3 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), perhaps have an association with HIV-1 risk.
Methods

To find out the above doubt, we performed a comprehensive analysis to assess the relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms and HIV-1. The PubMed database were chosen to identify potential articles through Feb 21, 2020. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (OR with 95%CI) was calculated to evaluate the strength of the relationships.
Results

There have 15 different articles including 24 case-control studies including those on three different SNPs in IL-10 for HIV-1 were found. Positive increased or damaged associations were detected for rs1800872C/A with HIV-1 risk in total (such as: OR with 95%CI = 1.22 with 1.02–1.41 for A-allele vs. C-allele model), and Asians (such as: OR with 95%CI = 1.51 with 1.07–1.88 for AA vs. CC model), population-based, PCR-RFLP, sequence subgroups. Moreover, increased associations were also detected between rs1800871C/T SNP (OR with 95%CI = 1.47 with 1.08-2.00 for CC vs. CT + TT model). No association was found for rs1800896.
Conclusion

Our current study indicated that two SNPs (rs1800872C/A and rs1800871C/T) in IL-10 perhaps be potentially associated with the susceptibility for developing HIV-1 infection.
Development and Experimental Research of TBM Integrated Cutter System Based on Topological Structure Theory of Planar Mechanism
Authors: Meng Zhichao , Yang Dongjian , Huo Junzhou , Zhuo Puzhou , Bao Youneng
Published: April 2020

Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is widely used in tunnel construction due to its advantages of high efficiency and environmental friendliness. The cutters distributed on TBM cutterhead are the main tools of TBM for rock breaking. They are easy to wear and need to be replaced frequently. At present, the replacement of TBM cutters entirely depends on manual work. Manual cutters change not only has a terrible operating environment, but also takes a long time, which leads to a large risk of tunnel construction and a long construction period. However, the traditional cutter system (TCS) is not suitable to use robots for disassembly and assembly because it is composed of many parts. Therefore, developing an integrated cutter system (ICS) suitable for robot operation is of great significance to reduce the cycle and cost of tunnel construction, and to facilitate the risk management of tunnel engineering. In this paper, the theory of the planar mechanism topology structure is applied to the early design process of the ICS, and four types of ICS are obtained. Then this article puts forward the evaluation index of the ICS based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which is used to evaluate the above four ICS solutions to obtains the optimal ICS. Finally, this paper proposes a dead-point anti-loosening structure for the ICS, and performs related experimental verification. The experimental results show that compared with the TCS, the novel ICS has a greatly reduced cutters change action and a significantly improved fastening performance, which can meet the robot cutters change requirements.
Endogenous retroviruses transcriptomes in response to four avian pathogenic microorganisms infection in chicken
Authors: Dai Manman , Xie Tingting , Feng Min , Zhang Xiquan
Published: April 2020

Background: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are common in the genomes of vertebrates and have been implicated in a variety of host responses such as immunity, phenotypic character and disease occurrence. However, the impact of ERVs on chicken disease is not well understood. In particular, the expression profiles of chicken ERVs (ChERVs) in the infection of pathogenic microorganisms are not clear. Results: In the present study, we systematically identified 436 full-length ChERVs from the chicken genome and analyzed their neighboring genes. Subsequently, ChERV transcriptomes were analyzed in chicken after subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J), avian influenza virus (AIV), Marek’s disease virus (MDV) and avian pathogenic escherichia coli (APEC) infection. We found that about 50%-68% of ChERVs were transcriptionally active in infected-samples and uninfected-samples, although the abundance of most ChERVs is relatively low. Moreover, compared to uninfected-samples, a few ChERVs were significantly differentially expressed in ALV-J (49 ChERVs), AIV (18 ChERVs), MDV (66 ChERVs) and APEC (17 ChERVs) infected-samples. Of these differentially expressed ChERVs, only ChERV-3 was simultaneously down-regulated in the four ERV transcriptomes analysis after ALV-J, AIV, MDV and APEC infection. Further verification experiments found that both the exogenous and endogenous expression of ChERV-3 env gene was inhibited after ALV-J infection in chicken fibroblasts. However, overexpression of ChERV-3 env could induce the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), but did not affect the replication of ALV-J.Conclusions: ChERV transcriptome was analyzed in chicken tissues after ALV-J, AIV, MDV and APEC infection. ChERV-3 was all significantly down-regulated in 4 ChERV transcriptomes after ALV-J, AIV, MDV and APEC infection. The envelope protein of ChERV-3 can induce the expression of host ISGs, but appears to have no influence on the replication of ALV-J. To our knowledge, this study is the first systematic analysis of the expression profile of chicken endogenous retroviruses after avian pathogens infection. These findings may be of significance for understanding the role and function of ChERVs to response the pathogenic microorganism infection.
Maternal pre-pregnancy underweight as a risk factor for mother and child: analysis of the birth cohort Survey of Neonates in Pomerania I
Authors: Domanski Grzegorz , Lange Anja Erika , Ittermann Till , Fallenberg Jonas , Allenberg Heike , Zygmunt Marek Tadeusz , Heckmann Matthias
Published: April 2020

Background: The prevalence of pre-pregnancy underweight (BMI (body mass index) <18.5 kg/m²) varies between 3% in Europe and 17% in Asia. Illness and low socioeconomic status may be associated with pre-pregnancy underweight which then may result in adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcome.Methods: We analysed pre-pregnancy BMI categories using data from the population-based birth cohort Survey of Neonates in Pomerania 2002-2008 (SNiP) in north-eastern Germany. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for confounding were used to investigate a) socio-economic risk factors for underweight before pregnancy and b) associations of underweight with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.Results: Chronic pre-pregnancy diseases were not more frequent in underweight pregnant women. Bivariate analyses showed that underweight women were younger by three years (p<0.001), smoked twice as often (p<0.001), and less likely graduated from high school (p<0.001) compared to women with normal weight. The former were more often unemployed (p<0.001) and had lower available net-income (p<0.001). However, multivariable regression analysis adjusted for confounders revealed that only a younger age (0.90 (0.88-0.92) and smoking (RR 2.52 (1.89-3.41) remained associated with underweight. Compared to women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI, underweight women had an increased risk of premature labour (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.29-2.36) and a reduced placental weight. No association was found between pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, mode of birth and pre-pregnancy underweight. The offspring of underweight women had an increased risk of late preterm birth (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.17-2.73) or birth with birth weight <2500g (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.24-3.21).Conclusions: Smoking during pregnancy and a younger age were identified as risk factors for maternal pre-pregnancy underweight which then was associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Targeted measures like smoking cessation programs and counselling young women about the risk of staying too slim particularly for the offspring may improve outcome.
Fingolimod alters intrathecal B cell maturation in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Kowarik Markus C. , Astling David , Lepennetier Gildas , Ritchie Alanna , Hemmer Bernhard , Owens Gregory P. , Bennett Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2020

Background: B cells are postulated to play multiple roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) including pathogenic antibody production, antigen-presentation and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Natalizumab and fingolimod are effective MS therapies that disrupt lymphocyte migration but exert differential effects on B cell maturation and trafficking. Herein, we investigated their effects on peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) B cell repertoires.Methods: Paired CSF and peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes were collected from MS patients at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with fingolimod (n = 4) or natalizumab (n = 4). B cell subsets including naïve, CD27+ memory, CD27-IgD- double-negative B cells and plasmablasts were collected by FACS and their respective heavy-chain variable region (VH) repertoires assessed by next generation deep sequencing (Illumina MiSeq).Results: Treatment with fingolimod lead to a distinct contraction of the PB B cell pool whereas natalizumab resulted in an expansion of circulating PB B cells. In contrast, CSF B cell numbers remained stable under treatment with fingolimod but decreased following natalizumab therapy. Clonal overlap between CSF and peripheral blood B cells was reduced following natalizumab treatment (-24% reduction of clonal groups) but remained stable with fingolimod therapy. Lineage analyses of CSF B cell repertoires at baseline and following therapy revealed large, clonally expanded B cell clusters in natalizumab-treated MS patients but no intrathecal clonal expansion following fingolimod therapy. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that natalizumab treatment diminishes the exchange of peripheral and intrathecal B cells but does not impact intrathecal clonal expansion. In contrast, fingolimod treatment fails to alter B cell exchange across the blood-brain-barrier but affects intrathecal clonal expansion. Sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor inhibition may impact MS disease progression by inhibiting intrathecal germinal center activity.