bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sex/gender perspective on interventions to promote children’s and adolescents’ overall physical activity: Results from genEffects systematic review
Authors: Schulze Carolin , Demetriou Yolanda , Emmerling Sandra , Schlund Annegret , Phillips Susan P. , Puil Lorri , Coen Stephanie E. , Reimers Anne K.
Published: October 2020

Background To evaluate the effects of interventions on children’s and adolescents’ overall physical activity (PA) for boys and girls separately and to appraise the extent to which the studies haven taken sex/gender into account. Methods Systematic review and semi-quantitative analysis. Eleven electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. Studies had to report overall PA as the main outcome to be eligible for inclusion in the review. The main outcomes of the studies is a quantified measure of overall PA. Additionally, all studies had to report sex/gender disaggregated overall PA at baseline and/or follow up and/or explain how they dealt with sex/gender during outcome analysis (i.e., sex/gender adjusted analyses) and/or report that there were no differences in the outcome when looking at sex/gender. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility and assessed the risk of bias. Semi-quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate intervention effects, taking into account the extent to which studies have considered sex/gender aspects. To evaluate sex/gender considerations in primary studies, a newly developed sex/gender checklist was used. The study was registered previously (registration number CRD42018109528). Results In total, 97 articles reporting 94 unique studies with 164 outcomes for overall PA were included in the present review. Average sample size was 829 participants, ranging from five to 9,839. Participants’ ages ranged from three to 19 years. Our review shows that overall 35% of PA outcomes had significant effects in increasing overall PA of children and adolescents. Not including single sex/gender studies, 105 out of 120 PA outcomes resulted in same intervention effects for boys and girls. The interventions reported to have similar effects on PA outcomes for boys and girls showed higher quality of reporting sex/gender aspects of measurement instruments, participant flow and intervention content and materials than PA outcomes with effects only in boys or only in girls. Overall, consideration of sex/gender aspects in intervention studies is low. Conclusions There is still a need to address sufficient consideration of sex/gender aspects in developing and implementing interventions in the context of PA.
Long non-coding RNA H19 deficiency ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: WAN XIAOYU , TIAN XINBEI , DU JUN , LU YING , XIAO YONGTAO
Published: October 2020

Background: The poor understanding of pathogenesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) impaired development of effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of the current study is to investigate the roles of long non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) in the pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis of IPF. Methods: Bleomycin was used to induce pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in mice. The mRNAs and proteins expression in lung tissues was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. H19 knockout (H19-/-) mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9.Results: The expression of H19 mRNA was up-regulated in fibrotic lungs patients with IPF as well as in lungs tissues that obtained from bleomycin-treated mice. H19-/- mice suppressed bleomycin-mediated pulmonary inflammation and inhibited the Il6/Stat3 signaling. H19 deficiency ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and repressed the activation of TGF-β/Smad and S1pr2/Sphk2 in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice. Conclusions: Our data suggests that H19 is a profibrotic lncRNA and a potential therapeutic target for IPF.
Predicting the Incidence of Brucellosis in Western Iran using Markov switching model
Authors: Mohammadian-Khoshnoud Maryam , Sadeghifar Majid , Cheraghi Zahra , Hosseinkhani Zahra
Published: October 2020

Objective Brucellosis is a zoonosis almost chronic disease. Brucellosis bacteria can remain in the environment for a long time. Thus, climate irregularities could pave the way for the survival of the bacterium Brucellosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of climatic factors as well as predicting the incidence of Brucellosis in Qazvin province using the Markov switching model. This study is a secondary study of data collected from 2010 to 2019 in Qazvin province. The data include Brucellosis cases and climatic parameters. Two state Markov switching model with time lags of zero, one and two was fitted to the data. The Bayesian information criterion was used to evaluate the models. Results According to the Bayesian information criterion, the two-state Markov switching model with a one-month lag is a suitable model. The month, the average wind speed, the minimum temperature have a positive effect on the number of Brucellosis, the age and rainfall have a negative effect. The results show that the probability of an outbreak for the third month of 2019 is 0.30%.
When to resume bariatric surgery after COVID-19 pandemic? – results of patients’ and surgeons’ survey.  
Authors: Dudek Alicja , Wysocki Michał , Walędziak Maciej , Szeliga Jacek , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Pedziwiatr Michał , Major Piotr
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCoronavirus Disease 2019 is affecting most countries around the world, including Poland. In response, all elective surgeries have been postponed. We asked patients and surgeons when they want bariatric surgery to resume after pandemic. The main aim of the study was to determine patients’ and surgeons’ expectations about when to resume bariatric surgery regarding COVID-19 pandemic state.MethodsThe study was conducted in two groups: Group 1 – bariatric patients; Group 2 – bariatric surgeons. Two online surveys were distributed.Results A total of 895 patients, 299 before, 596 after surgery and 32 surgeons took part in survey. All patients and surgeons declared willingness to resume bariatric surgeries after pandemic and responded that they should be resumed immediately the World Health Organization announces end of pandemic (42%). The majority of patients before surgery answered that bariatric procedures should be resumed immediately the number of daily incidents begins to decrease (53%). In the patient group, current body mass index (p<0.001) and contact with COVID+/quarantined persons (p<0.001) had impact on the response to resumption of bariatric procedures. ConclusionsPatients opted to wait for bariatric surgery until the oncological queue has become shorter. Surgeons presented a readiness to resume both procedures in parallel. Trial registration: 1072.6120.103.2020
Hydration Status, Body Composition and Anxiety Status in Aeronautical Military Personnel from Spain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Carretero-Krug Alejandra , Velasco Carlos , Medina-Font Juan , Laguna Trinidad Trujillo , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Úbeda Natalia , Montero Ana
Published: October 2020

Background: An adequate hydration status is critical to ensure efficiency during mental and physical activities. Our goal was to assess the hydration status of a Spanish group of aeronautical military men and to determine the association of hydration status with body composition and anxiety.Methods: 188 men were evaluated through a validated hydration questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and an anxiety questionnaire. According to that, criteria of hydration was established.Results: 81% of the total sample met hydration criteria (urine color = Well hydrated, Water Balance ≥ 0 mL, and total water intake/weight ≥35 mL/kg) and 19% did not meet hydration criteria (urine color = Not enough hydrated or Dehydrated, Water Balance < 0 mL, and total water intake/weight < 35 mL/kg). Subjects not meeting the hydration criteria had lower urine pH, negative water balance, and lower water intake. The latter also had higher anxiety status (score= 4 vs 3, p=0.026), weight (84.7 ± 10.5 vs 80.5 ± 10.2 Kg), Body Mass Index (26.3 ± 3.1 vs 25.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2), body fat (22.3 ± 5.6 vs 18.3 ± 6.5 %), urine specific gravity and urine color. The Hydration Status, in a logistic binary regression model was related significantly with the percentage of body fat (p=0.004), but no relation was found with age, comorbidity and medication. Furthermore, total water intake/weight was positively correlated with percentage of body water (rho=0.357, p=0.000) and negatively with body fat (kg) (rho= -0.427, p=0.000), percentage of body fat (rho= -0.405, p=0.000) and waist/hip ratio (rho= -0.223, p=0.002). The total water intake/weight, in a linear regression model was related significantly with the percentages of body fat (p=0.019) and body water (p= 0,035). No relation was found, however, with waist/hip ratio, age, comorbidity and medication.Conclusion: All these findings suggest a relationship between hydration status and body composition, but also set the bases for future studies that relate hydration status and anxiety status. These results can be used to improve the hydration status and body composition of military personnel.
The burden of anxiety among people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pune, India
Authors: Marbaniang Ivan , Sangle Shashikala , Nimkar Smita , Zarekar Kanta , Salvi Sonali , Chavan Amol , Gupta Amita , Suryavanshi Nishi , Mave Vidya
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Globally, India has the third largest population of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and the second highest number of COVID-19 cases. Anxiety is associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence. It is crucial to understand the burden of anxiety and its sources among Asian Indian PLHIV during the COVID pandemic, but data are limited.Methods: During the first month of government mandated lockdown, we administered an anxiety assessment via telephone among PLHIV registered for care at a publicly funded antiretroviral therapy (ART) center in Pune, India. Generalized anxiety was defined as GAD-7 score ≥10. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were compared by anxiety status (GAD-7 score≥10 vs GAD-7 score<10). Qualitative responses to an open-ended question about causes of concern were evaluated using thematic analysis. Results: Among 167 PLHIV, median age was 44 years (IQR 40–50); the majority were cisgender women (60%) and had a monthly family income <200 USD (81%). Prior history of tuberculosis and other comorbidities were observed in 38% and 27%, respectively. Overall, prevalence of generalized anxiety was 25% (n=41). PLHIV with GAD-7 score ≥10 had fewer remaining doses of ART than those with lower GAD-7 scores (p=0.05). Thematic analysis indicated that concerns were both health related and unrelated, and stated temporally. Present concerns were often also projected as future concerns. Conclusions: The burden of anxiety was high during COVID lockdown in our population of socioeconomically disadvantaged PLHIV in Pune and appeared to be influenced by concerns about ART availability. The burden of anxiety among PLHIV will likely increase with the worsening pandemic in India, as sources of anxiety are expected to persist. We recommend the regular use of short screening tools for anxiety to monitor and triage patients as an extension of current HIV services.
Diagnostic capability of different morphological parameters for primary open-angle glaucoma in the Chinese population.
Authors: Li Ruoshi , Wang Xia , Wei Yahui , Fang Yuan , Tian Tian , Kang Lei , Li Mei , Cai Yu , Pan Yingzi
Published: October 2020

Background: To assess the diagnostic capability of novel Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO)-based disc parameters, the BMO-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and the BMO-minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) in the Chinese population and compare them to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) from optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the rim area (RA) from the Heidelberg retinal tomograph-III (HRT-III).Methods: In total, 200 eyes of 77 healthy and 123 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent the visual field test and structural measurements by OCT and HRT-III. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of different structural parameters were calculated to assess their diagnostic power and compared using the DeLong test.Results: In populations with different characteristics, the BMO-MRW and BMO-MRA had better diagnostic power than the RA. In discriminating between all POAG subjects and healthy controls and between early-stage patients and controls, the global BMO-MRW had comparable AUCs with the RNFL, but the BMO-MRA had lower AUCs than the RNFL. In healthy subjects with macrodiscs, both the global and sectoral BMO-MRW were thinner than those in healthy subjects with normal disc size. The AUCs of BMO-MRA, BMO-MRW and RNFL in subjects with macrodiscs were comparable. Additionally, in the myopic population, the BMO-MRA and BMO-MRW had comparable AUCs with the RNFL.Conclusions: The BMO-MRW had comparable diagnostic power with the RNFL, and compared with BMO-MRW, the BMO-MRA might have advantages in certain populations, such as macrodiscs. All OCT-derived parameters exceeded the RA in diagnostic capability.
A cohort study to identify risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection in Burkinabe children: implications for other high burden high impact countries
Authors: Yaro Jean Baptiste , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Ouedraogo Z Amidou , Diarra Amidou , Lankouande Malik , Agboraw Efundem , Worrall Eve , Toe Kobié Hyacinthe , Sanou Antoine , Guelbeogo W Moussa , Sagnon N’Fale , Ranson Hilary , Tiono Alfred B. , Lindsay Steven W , Wilson Anne L
Published: October 2020

Background Progress in controlling malaria has stalled in recent years. Today the malaria burden is increasingly concentrated in a few countries, including Burkina Faso, where malaria is not declining. A cohort study was conducted to identify risk factors for malaria infection in children in southwest Burkina Faso, an area with high insecticide-treated net (ITN) coverage and insecticide-resistant vectors.Methods Incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection was measured in 252 children aged 5 to 15 years, using active and passive detection, during the 2017 transmission season, following clearance of infection. Demographic, socio-economic, environmental, and entomological risk factors, including use of ITNs and insecticide resistance were monitored. Results During the six-month follow-up period, the overall incidence of P. falciparum infection was 2.78 episodes per child (95% CI= 2.66-2.91) by microscopy, and 3.11 (95% CI= 2.95-3.28) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was 80.4 infective bites per child over the six-month malaria transmission season. At baseline, 80.6% of children were reported as sleeping under an ITN the previous night, although at the last survey, 23.3% of nets were in poor condition and considered no longer protective. No association was found between the rate of P. falciparum infection and either EIR (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.00, p=0.08) or mortality in WHO tube tests when vectors were exposed to 0.05% deltamethrin (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.73-1.50, p=0.79). Travel history (IRR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.45-1.59, p<0.001) and higher socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of P. falciparum infection (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11, p=0.04).Conclusions Incidence of P. falciparum infection remains overwhelmingly high in the study area. The study findings suggest that because of the exceptionally high levels of malaria transmission in the study area, malaria elimination cannot be achieved solely by mass deployment of ITNs and additional control measures are needed.
Influence of environmental factors on the detection of blood in sheep faeces using visible-near infrared spectroscopy as a measure of Haemonchus contortus infection
Authors: Kho Elise Ai Hwee , Fernandes Jill N. , Kotze Andrew C. , Fox Glen P. , Sikulu-Lord Maggy T. , Beasley Anne M. , Moore Stephen S. , James Peter J.
Published: October 2020

Background: Existing diagnostic methods for the parasitic gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus, are time consuming and require specialised expertise, limiting their utility in the field. A practical, on-farm diagnostic tool could facilitate timely treatment decisions, preventing production and welfare loss in the flock. We previously demonstrated the ability of visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy to detect and quantify blood in sheep faeces with high accuracy. Here we investigate whether variation in sheep type and environment affect the prediction accuracy of vis-NIR spectroscopy in quantifying blood in faeces. Methods: Vis-NIR spectra were obtained from worm-free sheep faeces collected from different environments and sheep types in South Australia (SA) and New South Wales (NSW), Australia and spiked with various sheep blood concentrations. Spectra were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA), and calibration models were built around the haemoglobin (Hb) wavelength region (387 – 609 nm) using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Models were used to predict Hb concentrations in spiked faeces from SA and naturally infected sheep faeces from Queensland (QLD). QLD samples were quantified using Hemastix® and FAMACHA © scores. Results: PCA showed that location, class of sheep and pooled/individual samples were factors affecting the Hb predictions. The models successfully differentiated ‘healthy’ SA samples from those requiring anthelmintic treatment with moderate to good prediction accuracy (sensitivity: 57 – 94%, specificity: 44 – 79%). The models were not predictive for blood in naturally infected QLD samples, which may be due in part to variability of faecal background and blood chemistry between samples, or the difference in validation methods used for blood quantification. PCA of QLD samples, however, identified a difference between samples containing high and low quantities of blood. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of vis-NIR spectroscopy for estimating blood concentration in faeces from various types of sheep and environmental backgrounds. However, the calibration models developed here did not capture enough environmental variation to accurately predict Hb in faeces collected from environments different to those used in the calibration model. Consequently, it will be necessary to establish models that incorporate samples that are more representative of areas where H. contortus is endemic.
A Non-Synonymous Variant rs12614 of Complement Factor B Associated with Risk of Chronic Hepatitis B in a Korean Population
Authors: Seo Jung Yeon , Shin Joong Gon , Youn Byeong Ju , Namgoong Suhg , Cheong Hyun Sub , Kim Lyoung Hyo , Kim Ji On , Shin Hyoung Doo , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatitis B is known to cause several forms of liver diseases including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and hepatocellular carcinoma. Previous genome-wide association study of CHB risk has demonstrated that rs12614 of complement factor B (CFB) was significantly associated with CHB risk. In this study, fine-mapping study of previously reported GWAS single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; CFB rs12614) was performed to validate genetic effect of rs12614 on CHB susceptibility and identify possible additional causal variants around rs12614 in a Korean population. This association study was conducted in order to identify genetic effects of CFB single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to identify additional independent CHB susceptible causal markers within a Korean population.Methods: A total of 10 CFB genetic polymorphisms were selected and genotyped in 1,716 study subjects comprised of 955 CHB patients and 761 population controls. Results: A non-synonymous variant, rs12614 (Arg32Trp) in exon2 of CFB, had significant associations with risk of CHB (odds ratio = 0.43, P = 5.91×10-10). Additional linkage disequilibrium and conditional analysis confirmed that rs12614 had independent genetic effect on CHB susceptibility with previously identified CHB markers. The genetic risk scores (GRSs) were calculated and the CHB patients had higher GRSs than the population controls. Moreover, OR was found to increase significantly with cumulative GRS. Conclusions: rs12614 showed significant genetic effect on CHB risk within the Korean population. As such rs12614 may be used as a possible causal genetic variant for CHB susceptibility.
Loss of ATRX Sensitizes HeLa Cells in Response to Ionizing Irradiation in a Manner Dependent on the ATM/Chk2 Pathway
Authors: Tang Geng , Yang Yanming , Liu Yuxin , Han Bing , Xu Weiqiang , Qin Lijing , Fang Fang , Wang Zhicheng
Published: October 2020

Background: Alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked (ATRX), a member of the SWI/SNF-like chromatin remodeling protein family, functions in the maintenance of genomic integrity, alternative lengthening of telomeres, and the regulation of apoptosis and senescence. However, whether ATRX is directly involved in the DNA damage response (DDR) remains unknown. Here, we Identify novel targets for molecular radiosensitization for cancer radiotherapy.Methods: ATRX-depleted HeLa cell lines were obtained by RNAi, after radiation, DNA damage repair were implied by γH2AX foci and expressions of γH2AX and Rad51. The survival fraction (SF), cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and cell senescence were measured to demonstrate the radiosensitization. In addition, IL-6, -8 and CXCL-1 mRNAs and apoptotic protein and cell cycle-regulated protein expressions were measured to analyze the molecular mechanisms. Results: IR-induced DNA damage was greater and G2/M arrest was less efficient in ATRX knockdown cells. ATRX downregulation caused defects in apoptosis and senescence, indicating that ATRX has a biological function in the DDR. ATRX loss led to failure to trigger ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) auto-phosphorylation, inhibiting the activation of ATM/Chk2 downstream effectors. Conclusions: These data identify ATRX as a novel target for radiosensitization, and its effect depends on inhibition of the ATM/Chk2 pathway in the DDR.
Predictive value of clinical toxicities of chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidines and oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer by DPYD and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms
Authors: Deng Xunwei , Hou Jingyuan , Deng Qiaoting , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: October 2020

Background: Fluoropyrimidines and platinum are still widely used for colorectal cancer (CRC) management. Several studies have reported that mutations of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) and glutathione S-transferase pi-1 (GSTP1) polymorphisms are related to Chemotherapy-related adverse events. In the present study, we purposed to assess the impact of DPYD and GSTP1 variants on toxicity of chemotherapy risk among the Hakka population, minimize adverse events, and to maximize therapy outcome for individualized treatment.Methods: Genotyping was examined in 104 patients diagnosed with CRC cases and receiving fluoropyrimidine and platinum drugs based chemotherapy regimen by direct sequencing of DPYD and GSTP1 polymorphisms. Three DPYD variants including *2A, *5A, *9A, and GSTP1 c.313A>G were analyzed and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: The data suggest that the incidence of DPYD*5A, DPYD*9A, and GSTP1 c.313A>G variants were 37.5%, 24%, and 31.7%, respectively. DPYD*2A variant was not found. A total of 38 patients (36.5%) suffered severe neutropenia and 23 patients (22.1%) suffered severe vomiting. DPYD*5A polymorphism was found significantly associated with grade 3/4 ulceration (p = 0.001). GSTP1 was determined to be an independent risk factor for severe neutropenia and ulceration (p = 0.010 and p = 0.034, respectively). Patients with GSTP1 c. 313A>G wild type contributed to a higher risk for grade severe toxicity compared with A/G + G/G genotype (p = 0.024). Nevertheless, no significant difference was found between patients with DPYD*9A T/T and T/C + C/C genotype for chemotherapeutic toxicity.Conclusions: The results demonstrated that DPYD*5A and GSTP1 polymorphisms were useful predictors of severe events. Screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms of DPYD and GSTP1 in colorectal cancer patients prior to chemotherapy may help to realize personalized therapy.
Laparoscopic Bridge Choledochoduodenostomy as a Novel Reliable Palliative Procedure for Advanced Malignant Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Zou Xuxiang , Xiao Hongsheng , Lei DaZhao , Tao Lianyuan , Li Deyu
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel surgical procedure called laparoscopic bridge choledochoduodenostomy (LBCDD) for patients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice (AMOJ).Methods: Patients with AMOJ who had LBCDD between January 2017 and August 2020 were identified from databases of two institutions in China. Results: A total of 35 patients (male 12; female 23) with an average age of 64 (±10.65) years were enrolled. All patients undertook LBCDD within an average operation time of 75(±31) min with a mean blood loss of 32(±14) ml. One patient had controlled bile leakage after operation and two developed SSI involving the epigastric orifices. All of them were solved by conservative treatment. All patients were discharged smoothly after an average hospital stay of 5.5 days, and no conversion to open surgery required. Conclusion: LBCDD is a safe and efficient palliative surgery, which has a good therapeutic effect on patients with AMOJ.
Mortality Rate and Years of Life Lost, Due to Premature Death Caused by COVID-19, In Iran, Ahwaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Azarbakhsh Habibollah , Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Rostami Maryam , vali Mohebat
Published: October 2020

Background: The emerging and evolving situation of COVID-19 threatens the health of all human beings.The aim of this study is to measure the mortality rate and years of life lost, due to premature death caused by COVID-19 in Iran, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods: In this study, all definite deaths due to COVID-19 were used. First, descriptive analysis including mean and standard deviation and number were performed, then raw and age-standardized (ASR) mortality rates were calculated. The analysis of the number of years of life lost due to premature death due to COVID-19 was performed using the YLL template of 2015, from the World Health Organization, in the Excel spreadsheet software version 2007.Results: During the study period (from March 2020 to June 2020), 629 definite deaths due to COVID-19 occurred (men 59.14% and women 40.86 %). The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in men and women was 16.24 and 17.17 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Total years of life lost (YLL) during the study period was 4722 (3.06 per thousand persons) in men, 3691 (2.46 per thousand persons) in women and 8413 (2.77 per thousand persons) in both sexes.Conclusion: This study is one of the first studies to measure the years of life lost due to COVID-19 in Iran. The results of this study show that due to the high mortality of this disease, decision makers should focus on reducing mortality in order to stop the possibly next waves of COVID-19.
Personality Traits Predict Regression of Pelvic Girdle Pain after Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Follow-up Study.
Authors: Xiangsheng Tang , Yao Zhang Yao , Yingying Shi , Xiao An , Ping Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a multifactorial condition with a partly unknown etiology. This condition can be mentally and physically compromising both during and after pregnancy. To provide all-round preventive measures to improve the recovery from PGP, it is of a necessity for obstetricians and orthopaedists to develop predictive studies about the worse prognosis for this condition. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether personality traits can predict the consequences of long-term pregnancy-related PGP.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted from January 2015 to August 2018. A total of 387 pregnant women were enrolled in this study. According to whether they had experienced PGP during the past four weeks, the subjects were classified into no PGP and PGP groups. Persistent PGP after the pregnancy was deﬁned as a recurrent or continuous visual analog score (VAS) pain rating of ≥ 3 for more than one week. The Quick Big Five Personality Test (QBFPT) was used to assess personality traits. Data were obtained by mail or in the clinic. The authors collected data including age, BMI, educational level, annual household income, cesarean delivery, breastfeeding, unexpected sex of the baby, parity, sick leave, no or rare ability to take rest breaks at work, and LBP in the previous pregnancy. Results: Of 387 included women, 264 subjects experienced PGP during the pregnancy with the mean age of 26.3 ± 4.5 years. A total of 80 of 264 (30.3%) women experienced persistent PGP after the pregnancy. Persistent PGP after the pregnancy was associated with higher levels of neuroticism (OR= 2.12, P=0.001). Compared to persistent PGP after the pregnancy, women who reported higher levels of extraversion and conscientiousness were more likely to recover from this condition (OR=0.65, P = 0.001; OR= 0.82, P = 0.01, respectively). Besides, neuroticism was positively associated with higher pain scores (r=0.52, P=0.005). However, extraversion and conscientiousness domains showed negative correlations with pain score (r=-0.48, P=0.003; r=-0.36, P=0.001).Conclusions: Personality traits were significantly associated with the outcomes of PGP.
Relationship of Socio-Demographics, Comorbidities, Symptoms and Healthcare Access with Early COVID-19 Presentation and Disease Severity
Authors: Vaughan Laura , Veruttipong Darlene , Shaw Jonathan G. , Levy Noemie , Edwards Lauren , Winget Marcy
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID-19 studies are primarily from the inpatient setting, skewing towards severe disease. Race and comorbidities predict hospitalization, however, ambulatory presentation of milder COVID-19 disease and characteristics associated with progression to severe disease is not well-understood. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review including all COVID-19 positive cases from Stanford Health Care (SHC) in March 2020 to assess demographics, comorbidities and symptoms in relationship to: 1) their access point of testing (outpatient, inpatient, and emergency room (ER)) and 2) development of severe disease.Results: 257 patients tested positive: 127 (49%), 96 (37%), and 34 (13%) at outpatient, ER and inpatient, respectively. Overall, 61% were age < 55; advanced age, > 75, was rarer in outpatient setting (11%) than ER (14 %) or inpatient (24%). Most patients presented with cough (86%), fever/chills (76%), or fatigue (63%). 65% of inpatients reported shortness of breath compared to 30-32% of outpatients and ER patients. Ethnic/minority patients had a significantly higher risk of developing severe disease (Asian OR=4.1 [1.5-10.9], Hispanic OR=3.1 [1.1-8.8]) as did Medicare-insured patients (OR=3.9 [1.0-14.8]), even after adjusting for age. Co-morbidities associated with developing severe disease included cardiovascular disease (OR=6.4 [1.7-24.5] and hypertension alone (OR=3.8 [1.4-10.6]). Among symptoms, shortness of breath predicted severe disease (OR=5.5 [2.3-13.0]). Conclusions: Early widespread symptomatic testing for COVID-19 in Silicon Valley included many less severely ill patients. Thorough manual review of symptomatology reconfirms the heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms, and challenges in using clinical characteristics to predict decline. We re-demonstrate that socio-demographics are consistently associated with severity.
Frailty and sarcopenia in elderly non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5: a cross sectional study
Authors: Chang Jing , Wang Yan-Fei , Hou Wen-Wen , Li Yan-Chun , Qi Zhuo-Ran , Sun qianmei
Published: October 2020

Background

With the aging of the population, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sarcopenia are the common diseases among the elderly. Non-dialysis patients with CKD account for a relatively high proportion, and the analysis of their general clinical characteristics has been more familiar. However, the study of sarcopenia in non-dialysis with CKD is not enough.
Methods

This is a cross sectional study. Non-dialysis patients with CKD stage 3–5 were continuously selected. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the Fried scale, Non-frail group, Pre-frail group and Frail group. At the same time, muscle mass of the hospitalized patients was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and according to the test results, they were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia group. Baseline data and the measurement of the sarcopenia of the two groups were analyzed.
Results

A total of 102 elderly patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5 were continuously enrolled. There were 21 patients (20.6%) categorized as sarcopenia, 81 patients (79.4%) categorized as non-sarcopenia according to the measurement results of DXA. Frailty was assessed by the criteria of frailty phenotype, there were 13 patients of sarcopenia in the frail group, 6 patients of sarcopenia in the pre-frail group, and 2 patients of sarcopenia in the non-frail group, accounting for 31.7%, 20.0%, 6.5%, respectively. Moreover, the analysis of the related risk factors of sarcopenia showed that body mass index (BMI)༜23 kg/m2(OR = 3.82, 95%CI 1.33–10.97, P = 0.013), MNA-SF ≤ 11(OR = 3.97, 95%CI 1.08–14.58, P = 0.038) were the independent risk factors for sarcopenia in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5.
Conclusions

The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5 was high, and sarcopenia was common in the frail patients. BMI༜23 kg/m2 and MNA-SF ≤ 11were the independent risk factors for sarcopenia in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–5.
Scale Invariance of Cell Size Fluctuations in Starving Bacteria
Authors: Shimaya Takuro , Okura Reiko , Wakamoto Yuichi , Takeuchi Kazumasa
Published: October 2020

In stable environments, cell size fluctuations are thought to be governed by simple physical principles, as suggested by recent findings of scaling properties. Here, by developing a novel microfluidic device and using E. coli, we investigate the response of cell size fluctuations against starvation. By abruptly switching to non-nutritious medium, we find that the cell size distribution changes but satisfies scale invariance: the rescaled distribution is kept unchanged and determined by the growth condition before starvation. These findings are underpinned by a model based on cell growth and cell cycle. Further, we numerically determine the range of validity of the scale invariance over various characteristic times of the starvation process. Combining theory and simulations, we reveal the number of multifork replications is crucial for the scale invariance. Our results emphasize the importance of intrinsic cellular cycle processes in this problem, suggesting different distribution trends for bacteria and eukaryotes.
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease Mpro causes microvascular brain pathology by cleaving NEMO in brain endothelial cells
Authors: Lampe Josephine , Wenzel Jan , Müller-Fielitz Helge , Müller Kristin , Schuster Raphael , Zhang Linlin , Zille Marietta , Krohn Markus , Özorhan Ümit , Jiang Yun , Neve Vanessa , Fähnrich Anke , Ott Fabian , Binder Sonja , Busch Hauke , Collin Ludovic , Villasenor Roberto , Jöhren Olaf , Altmeppen Hermann , Pasparakis Manolis , Nogueiras Ruben , Prevot Vincent , Hilgenfeld Rolf , Glatzel Markus , Schwaninger Markus
Published: October 2020

Several lines of evidence suggest that neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients are partially due to damage to small vessels. However, the potential mechanisms are unclear. Here, we show that brain endothelial cells express SARS-CoV-2 receptors. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) cleaves NEMO, the essential modulator of NF-κB signaling. By ablating NEMO, Mpro induces the death of human brain endothelial cells and a microvascular pathology in mice that is similar to what we find in the brain of COVID-19 patients. Importantly, the inhibition of receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 3, a mediator of regulated cell death, blocks the vessel rarefaction and disruption of the blood-brain barrier due to NEMO ablation. Our data suggest RIPK as a therapeutic target to treat the neuropathology of COVID-19.
Role of Melatonin in Monochromatic Light Affecting the Expression of Somatostatin in Hypothalamus and Pituitary of Chicks
Authors: Qin Xiaojing , Liu Xinfeng , Yan Xingyue , Long Meizhen , Wang Zixu , Dong Yulan , Chen Yaoxing , Cao Jing
Published: October 2020

Background: Melatonin (MEL) plays an important role in regulating the growth and development of organism and the metabolism of cells. A study was conducted to explore the effect of MEL-mediated monochromatic light on the secretion of somatostatin (SST) in the hypothalamus and pituitary.Results: The newly hatched broilers were exposed to white (WL), red (RL), green (GL) and blue (BL) lights through the pinealectomy model. The results showed that SST immunoreactive neurons and fibers were distributed in hypothalamus. The mRNA and protein levels of SST and SST receptor 2 (SSTR2) in hypothalamus and pituitary in RL were higher than those of in GL and BL. After pinealectomy, mRNA and protein levels of SST and SSTR2 in hypothalamus and pituitary in different light groups were increased and the differences were disapeared. Meanwhile, the trend of SSTR5 mRNA in pituitary is the same as the SSTR2 mRNA in pituitary. In vitro, the exogenous SST inhibited the growth hormone (GH) secretion, and SSTR2 and SSTR5 selective antogonists promoted GH secretion. While, melatonin receptor 1b (Mel1b) and Mel1c selective antagonists increased relative concentraitons of SST in adenohypophysis cells.Conclusion: Monochromatic light affected the expression of SST in chick hypothalamus and pituitary. MEL via Mel1b and Mel1c decreased SST secretion under GL, which is related to inhibiting the combination of SST, SSTR2 and SSTR5 in adenohypophysis cells.
PMSG Pretreatment Before Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Improves the Reproductive Performance in Replacement Gilts
Authors: Zhao Qianqian , Tao Chenyu , Wei Qiaoli , Zhu Zhiwei , Wang Longyan , Liu Mingzhi , Huang Jing , Yu Fuxian , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Liang , Li Junjie , Pan Jianzhi
Published: October 2020

Background: Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) uses exogenous reproductive hormones to regulate the sexual cycle of sows and realize the mating of pigs at a fixed-time without estrus identification. There is a great difference in litter size following FTAI, which may be due to the ovarian status before treatment. However, the specific underlying mechanism remains unclear.Results: We selected replacement gilts (n=104) and divided them into four groups: CON (n=35), EST (n=16), pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG)-15D (n=26), and PMSG-20D (n=27). The PMSG-15D and PMSG-20D groups were pretreated with PMSG for 15 and 20 days, respectively. The four groups were then subjected to the same FTAI treatment. Pretreatment with PMSG causes ovulation in the gilts, to artificially promote an estrus cycle. At 42 hours after ALT feeding stopped, The follicular diameter of PMSG-15D group (2.94±0.24 mm) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other groups.，and the proportion of gilts with follicular diameter greater than 3 mm in the PMSG-15D group was significantly higher than that in the CON group (37.50% vs 5.88%). The maximum follicular diameter before ovulation in the PMSG-15D group (6.28±0.23 mm) was significantly larger (P<0.05) than that of the PMSG-20D group (5.98±0.59 mm) and EST group (5.60±0.47 mm), indicating that the follicular development of the PMSG-15D group was better than that of the other groups. The ovulation time of the PMSG-15D group was concentrated on the 25th to 26th day of FTAI. The ovulation rate was as high as 94.5% in the optimal insemination window period and was more suitable for FTAI. Compared with the CON (52.70±12.71 h) and the PMSG-20D (47.88±13.98 h) groups, the GnRH to ovulation interval (42.33±5.87 h) was significantly shortened in the PMSG-15D group. The level of follicle-stimulating hormone of gilts in the PMSG-15D group was more uniform and significantly lower than that in the CON group (P<0.01) at 42 h after Altrenogest feeding. The pregnancy rate (80.77%), total litter size (10.44±2.83), and live litter size (10.00±2.61) of the PMSG-15D group were higher than those of the other groups.Conclusions: We feasibly optimized FTAI using PMSG pretreatments. When the ovaries of replacement gilts were in the luteal stage owing to PMSG pretreatment for 15 days, the follicular development and reproductive performance of replacement gilts were significantly improved.
SELEX-Based Direct Enzyme-Linked Aptamer Assay(DELAA) for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis by Detection of SAG1 Antigen in Sera of Mice and Humans
Authors: Shen Xuhang , Cui Wen , Wang Cong , Cudjoe Obed , Zhao Liang , Tao Qing , Yu Li , Du Jian , Wang Wei , Shen Jilong
Published: October 2020

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite commonly found in mammals. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis largely depends on measurements of the antibody and/or antigen and Toxoplasma-derived DNAs due to the presence of tissue dwelling quiescent cysts and latent infection of the parasite. As a major surface antigen of T.gondii tachyzoites, SAG1 is a key marker for laboratory diagnosis. However, at present, there are no methods available for SAG1 detection using aptamer-based technology.Methods: Recombinant truncated SAG1（r-tSAG1）of Toxoplasma WH3 strain (type Chinese 1) was prokaryotically expressed and subjected to the synthetic oligonucleotide library for selection of nucleic acid aptamer which targets the r-tSAG1, with systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy. The screened specific aptamer-2 was used in direct enzyme-linked aptamer assay (DELAA) to detect native SAG1 obtained from tachyzoite lysates, mouse sera of acute infection, and human sera that had been verified to be positive for ToxoDNAs by PCR amplification. Results: The soluble r-tSAG1 protein was obtained from E.coli lysates by using 0.01M Tris-Cl in PBS, and was purified and identified by immunoblotting, and then labelled with biotin. The screened aptamers were amplified by PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results showed that the aptamer-2, with the highest affinity to nSAG1 among the four aptamer candidates, has a higher specificity and sensitivity when used in detection of nSAG1 in the sera of both animals and humans when compared with the commercial Toxoplasma circulating antigen testing kit.Conclusions: A new direct enzyme-linked aptamer assay (DELAA), with aptamer-2 as the recognition probe, was developed for detection of native SAG1 protein secreted by T.gondii. With increased sensitivity and specificity, stability during storage, easy and cheaper production, the aptamer-based technique is considered as a efficient method for the diagnosis of active and reactivated toxoplasmosis.
Safe and Effective Performance of Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery in Patients Unwilling to Accept Blood Transfusion: A Clinical Study and Review of Literature
Authors: Mihas Alexander , Subaraman Ramchandran , Rivera Sebastian , Mansour Ali , Asghar Jahangir , Shufflebarger Harry , George Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background: Pediatric deformity surgery traditionally involves major blood loss. Patients refusing blood transfusion add extra clinical and medicolegal challenges; specifically the Jehovah’s witnesses population. The objective of this study is to review the safety and effectiveness of blood conservation techniques in patients undergoing pediatric spine deformity surgery who refuse blood transfusion Methods: After obtaining institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed 20 consecutive patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery and refused blood transfusion at a single institution between 2014 and 2018.We collected pertinent preoperative, intraoperative and most recent clinical and radiological data with latest follow-up (minimum two-year follow-up).Results: Twenty patients (13 females) with a mean age of 14.1 years were identified. The type of scoliotic deformities were adolescent idiopathic (15), neuromuscular (3) and congenital (2). The major coronal Cobb angle was corrected from 55.40 to 11.20 (80% correction, p< 0.001) at the latest follow-up. A mean of 11.4 levels were fused, 5.6 levels of Pontes osteotomies and 2.8 levels of thoracoplasty performed. 1 patient underwent L1 VCR and 3 patients had fusion to pelvis. Estimated blood loss and cell saver returned an average of 307.9 ml and 80ml, respectively. Operative times average at 214 min. The average drop in hemoglobin after surgery was 2.1mg/dl. The length of hospital stay averaged 5.1 days. There were no intraoperative complications. Three postoperative compilations were identified, none related to their refusal of transfusion. One patient had in-hospital respiratory complication, one patient developed a late infection, and one patient developed asymptomatic radiographic distal junctional kyphosis.Conclusions: Blood conservation techniques allow safe and effective spine deformity surgery in pediatric patients refusing blood transfusion without major anesthetic or medical complications.Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Morphological Analysis of Posterior-Medial Intertrochanteric Fracture Patterns Using Fracture-Mapping Technique
Authors: Ren Hanru , Wu Lianghao , Ao Rongguang , Jian Zheng , Jiang Xinhua , Yu Baoqing
Published: October 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the fracture patterns of different posterior-medial wall types of intertrochanteric fractures by 3-D fracture-mapping technique and to further assess their clinical utility.Methods: In a retrospective analysis of interochanteric fractures treated in a large trauma center, fractures were classified into predesigned groups based on 3D-CT imaging techniques, and a 3-D template of the intertrochanteric region was graphically superimposed on the fracture line. Fracture characteristics were then summarized based on fracture-mapping. Finally, radiographic parameters, function, and range of motion were recorded in different fracture classification states.Results: A total of 348 intertrochanteric fractures were included. There were 111 patients (31.9%) in the posterolateral + posteromedial + medial group, with the most severe fracture displacement (typically characterized by fragmentation of the posteromedial wall into three isolated fragments). There were 102 cases (29.3%) in the posterolateral + posteromedial + simple medial group, and the most common fracture feature was a complete fragment posteromedially. A total of 81 cases (23.3%) were classified into the posterolateral + medial group, with the medial fracture line extending the anterior fracture line but leaving the lesser trochanter intact. In the isolated medial group of 33 cases (9.5%), the fracture type was similar to type IV, but the integrity of the greater trochanter was ensured. In the posteromedial + medial group of 12 cases (3.4%), the fracture was characterized by an interruption when the fracture line of the anterolateral wall extended to the posteromedial wall, often resulting in a complete isolated fragment posteromedially and medially. There were 9 patients (2.6%) in the isolated posterolateral group. In addition, we found significantly different radiographic scores and range of motion scores between groups.Conclusions: This morphometric study helps us to further characterize posterior-medial fracture patterns of intertrochanteric fractures, which may be closely related to different clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to verify the reliability of this classification scheme in clinical application.Study Design: Crossover Study Design; Level of evidence, 3.