bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New View into the Silica Deposition Vesicles of Diatoms
Authors: Heintze Christoph , Formanek Petr , Pohl Darius , Hauptstein Jannes , Rellinghaus Bernd , Kröger Nils
Published: April 2020

Diatoms are single-celled microalgae that produce silica-based cell walls with intricate nano- and micropatterns. Biogenesis of diatom biosilica is a bottom-up process that occurs in large intracellular compartments termed silica deposition vesicles (SDVs). Investigating the mechanism of silica morphogenesis has so far been severely limited by the lack of methods for imaging the entire volume of an SDV with high spatial resolution during all stages of development. Here we have developed a method that allows for rapid identification and electron microscopy imaging of many different, full sized SDVs that are in the process of producing biosilica valves. This enabled visualizing the development of characteristic morphological biosilica features with unprecedented spatio-temporal resolution. During early to mid-term development, valve SDVs contained ~ 20 nm sized particles that were primarily associated with the radially expanding rib-like biosilica structures. The results from electron dispersive X-ray analysis suggests that the immature biosilica patterns are silica-organic composites. This supports the hypothesis that silica morphogenesis is dependent on organic biomolecules inside the SDV lumen.
The Fermented Soy Beverage Q-CAN® Plus Induces Beneficial Changes in the Oral and Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Dioletis Evangelos , Paiva Ricardo , Kaffe Eleanna , Secor Eric R. , Weiss Theresa R. , Fields Maxine R. , Ouyang Xinshou , Ali Ather
Published: April 2020

Background
Q-CAN® Plus is a pasteurized soy fermented product rich in isoflavones that has been used for over 30 years to aid in recovery from a wide range of conditions.
Objectives
To identify the changes in the oral and fecal microbiome in lean and obese subjects due to consumption of Q-CAN®, and to assess the expected consequences of these changes based on the published literature.
Methods
Prospective study of lean (10) and obese (9) subjects consuming Q-CAN® twice daily for 4 weeks with 8 weeks follow-up. Microbial DNA was extracted from saliva and stool samples, amplified against the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and data analyzed using QIIME 1.9.1 bioinformatics. 440 samples were collected in total, 424 of which were productive and yielded good quality data.
Results
STOOL. In the lean population Bifidobacteria and Blautia show a significant increase while taking Q-CAN®, and there was a trend for this in the obese population. ORAL. There were relatively fewer major changes in the oral microbiome with an increase in the family Veillonellaceae in the lean population while on Q-CAN®.
Conclusion
Q-CAN® consumption induced a number of significant changes in the fecal and oral microbiome. Most notably an increase in the stool microbiome of Bifidobacteria and Blautia, both of which are associated with positive health benefits, and in the saliva an increase in Veillonellaceae.
Biomechanical evaluation of type p condylar head osteosynthesis using conventional small-fragment screws reinforced by a patient specific two-component plate
Authors: Pavlychuk Tetiana , Chernogorskyi Denis , Chepurnyi Yurii , Neff Andreas , Kopchak Andrii
Published: April 2020

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate via finite element analysis (FEA) the biomechanical behavior of conventional small-fragment screws reinforced by a patient-specific plate in type p condylar head.Methods. A finite element model of the mandible was created using Mimics 12.1 software. A type p condylar head fracture was simulated in the right condyle, and the left condyle was used as a control. Two patterns of fixation were investigated: conventional two-screw fixation and the same fixation system reinforced with a small, patient-specific plate. Surface models were imported into the software Ansys 5.7 for further volume mesh generation.Results. The highest stress gradients were observed in the cortical layer of the lateral fragment, located near the screw. The conventional fixation method resulted in equivalent stresses 2 to 10 times greater than the reinforced method. Rigidity of fixation in the reinforced method increased up to 1.25–3 times compared to the conventional two-screw technique.Conclusion. This study’s findings suggest significant benefits in unfavourable biomechanical conditions from reinforcement of the standard two-screw fixation of condylar head fractures with a small, patient-specific plate acting as a washer.
Bortezomib administration is a risk factor associated with the development of tumor lysis syndrome in male patients with multiple myeloma: A retrospective study
Authors: Kondo Masahiro , Hotta Yuji , Yamauchi Karen , Sanagawa Akimasa , Komatsu Hirokazu , Iida Shinsuke , Kimura Kazunori
Published: April 2020

Background
Many novel medicines such as proteasome inhibitors have been developed during the last decade to treat multiple myeloma. Although multiple myeloma is defined as a low-risk disease for developing tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), treatment with these novel therapies might increase TLS risk. In fact, there have been some prior reports of bortezomib-induced TLS in patients with multiple myeloma. However, almost all of them have been case reports or case series. Thus, we investigated the risk factors for TLS in multiple myeloma patients.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated incidences of laboratory and clinical TLS (LTLS and CTLS, respectively) in patients who received primary therapy for treatment-naive, symptomatic multiple myeloma between May 2007 and January 2018. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses to evaluate the associations between LTLS and several parameters previously reported to be associated with increased risk.
Results
This study included 210 patients, seventeen (8.1%) and seven (3.3%) patients with LTLS and CTLS, respectively. The characteristics of the administered anticancer or prophylactic antihyperuricemic agents were similar between the patients with and without LTLS. Multivariate analyses revealed that LTLS was most strongly associated with bortezomib-containing therapy (odds ratio = 3.40, P = 0.069), followed by male sex (odds ratio = 2.29, P = 0.153). In a subgroup analysis focused on men, treatment with bortezomib-containing therapy was significantly associated with increased risk of LTLS (odds ratio = 8.51, P = 0.046).
Conclusion
In the present study, we investigated the risk factors for developing TLS in 210 multiple myeloma patients, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the largest number of patients reported to date. Furthermore, this study is the first to evaluate TLS risk factors in MM by adjusting for the effects of potential confounding factors in patients’ backgrounds. Consequently, we found that bortezomib-containing therapy increases the risk of TLS in male multiple myeloma patients. TLS risk should be evaluated further in low-risk diseases such as multiple myeloma, as an increasing number of novel therapies can achieve high antitumor responses.
Simulation Training Program of Pediatric Appropriate Technology Improves Knowledge for doctors and nurses in Zanzibar: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: WANG Li , SONG Qing-qing , ZHU Li-hui , DING Xiang , QIU Jun , LIU Shi-ying , WEI Xuan-dong , LIANG You-you
Published: April 2020

Background: Due to the limited human resource and medical materials, the mortality of children under-5 was high in Tanzania. Systematic and effective training programs for pediatric medical staffs are required. Thus, aim of this study was to describe and test a simulation training program of pediatric technology for doctors and nurses in Zanzibar.Methods: A simulation training program of pediatric appropriated technology was designed and performed in this quasi-experimental study, in which pre-post self-reported of pediatric knowledge (scoring 0-100) of participants were calculated to analysis the effectiveness of this simulation training in Apr, 2018 and Oct, 2018. Correctly answering of items≥80% was considered to be a pass. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS 22.0 software to test the hypothesis. Results: 56 participants were finally included in this study with 27 doctors and 29nurses. Pre and post test scores of pediatric knowledge were at mean 44.32 (SD 9.53) versus mean 82.11 (SD 11.06) respectively, p<0.0001. The most effective training domain was (pediatric life support) at 44(78.57). Passing rate of pediatric knowledge increased dramatically after training with p value less than 0.0001. Although there was a mild difference between doctors and nurses at scoring of pre-test (p=0.048), the training effect between them had no statistical differences (p>0.05).Conclusion: The scenario simulation training course of pediatric appropriated technology could significantly improve pediatric knowledge for doctors and nurses in Zanzibar. It might be further promoted as one effective module of training in health foreign aid.
Does the Expensive IOFix implant Improve Union Rates?
Authors: Segal David , Ohana Nissim , Nyska Meir , Palmanovich Ezequiel
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND
First metatarso-phalangeal joint fusion is the current gold standard for severe hallux rigidus. Data regarding the union rate and the re-operation rate when IOFix (an Intra-osseous fixation device, Extremity medical, New Jersey, USA) is used for hallux rigidus fusion is limited but promising. The aim of this study was to review our outcomes with the IOFix implant.
METHODS
We have conducted a retrospective chart review, following the approval of the hospital IRB committee. Exclusion criteria included bilateral operations on the same patient, multiple surgeries, charcot foot or other structural foot abnormalities (except hallux valgus), rheumatoid arthritis and a recent foot trauma. We collected demographic data, physical examination documentation, functional score evaluations (AOFAS), and X-ray radiographic studies.
RESULTS
Thirty patients were included in the study. The mean age was 60.36 ± 9.12 (range 36 to 77) years, 18 (60%) female patients and 12 (40%) male. Fourteen (53.33%) were left side pathologies. The average follow up period was 36.2 ± 12.31 (range 12 to 54) months. Union was obtained in 28 (93.33%) patients, of whom none had requested a hardware removal due to a prominent hardware during a minimum of 2 year follow up period. The mean postoperative AOFAS score was 80.5 ± 10.87 (range 35 to 90). A more stringent inclusion criteria and fusion definitions would have led to an exclusion of two more patients and a dropout of two patients from the “fused” group, which would have led to a fusion rate of 85.71%.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the largest series of hallux rigidus patients that were operated with an IOFix device. The rates of fusion and hardware removal in MTPJ1 arthrodesis performed with an IOFix implant were found to be similar at most when compared to previously described rates that were obtained with other cheaper and more simple fixation devices.
Prediction of Volume Responsiveness by Stroke Volume Variation vs. Central Venous Pressure in Children Undergoing Fontan Operation
Authors: Song Yun'an , Hou Huiyan , Bai Jie , Gu Hongbin
Published: April 2020

Background: Fontan operation is a palliative medical procedure performed on children with single-ventricle defects. As postoperative success of the procedure largely depends on the preload volume, it is necessary to ensure the effective volume of systemic circulation by maintaining an appropriate pressure gradient between the systemic vein and the left atrium. However, there is a lack of effective indexes to evaluate volume responsiveness in Fontan patients. Stroke volume variation (SVV) is a dynamic hemodynamic parameter based on cardiopulmonary interaction in mechanical ventilation. This study is to validate the sensitivity and specificity of SVV vs. central venous pressure (CVP) in assessing volume responsiveness of Fontan patients.Method: 64 children were included in this prospective study with single-ventricle who underwent modified Fontan operation between May 2018 and January 2020. Patients were given 10ml·kg− 1 albumin for volume challenge within 10 min after CPB. Before and after volume challenge, the invasive arterial pressure module was connected to Mostcare™ equipment to collect SBP, MBP, DBP, SVV, CI and SVRI dynamically in a time window of 30 s at a frequency of 1000 Hz. According to the range of CI change, patients with ΔCI ≥ 15% were classified into response (R) group and patients with ΔCI < 15% into non-response (NR) group. Using SVV and CVP as indicators, the ROC of the patients was established, and the AUC, diagnostic threshold, sensitivity and specificity were calculated.Results: The 64 pediatric patients included with a mean age of 4.85 ± 1.20 years, a mean height of 98.00 ± 16.74 cm and a mean weight of 15.65 ± 5.37 kg. The SVV value was 17.15 ± 3.97% and 13.45 ± 2.45% before and after fluid challenge treatment vs. 18.60 ± 1.83 mmHg and 20.20 ± 2.39 mmHg for CVP in responders. The AUC of SVV was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.94, P < 0.05) and the cutoff value was 16%, offering a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 91.7% vs.0.70 (95% CI 0.50–0.92, P > 0.05), 19.5 mmHg, 58% and 76% for CVP.Conclusion: SVV exhibited a good predictive value for volume responsiveness in pediatric Fontan patients. Appropriate volume therapy according to SVV could improve the cardiac function of such patients.Trial registration: This research was registered in Chinese Clinical Trail Registry on Jan 26, 2018. Registration number is ChiCTR1800014654.Registry URL is http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=25019. This observational prospective study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SCMCIRB-K2017035)
Development and Initial Validation of a Scale for Assessing Affecting Factors on Preventive Behaviors of COVID-19 (AFPB-CO): Using the Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Naghibi Seyed Abolhassan , Pashaei Tahereh , Jahangiry Leila , Daneshnia Mahbobeh , Ponnet Koen
Published: April 2020

Background

The protection motivation theory (PMT) is a practical theory for defining how people are interested in responding in a self-protective way concerning a perceived health threat. At present, there is no comprehensive, validated scale for measuring factors affecting on people’ participation on preventive behaviors about COVID-19 in the world. A current study accomplished to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of the theory-based scale using the protection motivation theory (PMT) constructs as a theoretical structure for measuring factors affecting on preventive behaviors of COVID-19.
Design and methods:

A multi-phase scale developmental method was applied to develop a scale for assessing affecting factors on preventive behaviors about COVID-19 (AFPB-CO) in 2020. The items for the AFPB-CO scale were made using three methods: literature review, interview with laypeople, and expert panel. To prepare a draft form of the AFPB-CO scale, we accomplished content and face validity analyses. The AFPB-CO scale validation was accompanied by a sample of laypeople, recruited from cyberspace and social networks. Finally, the construct validity of the AFPB-CO scale was assessed by applying both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency and test-retest methods were used for assessing the reliability of the AFPB-CO scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS.
Results

Results obtained from factor analysis showed that the data were fit to the model (χ2 = 5276.468, P < 0.001), and MPT consisted of 36 items assessing five domains, which describing 58.64% of the common variance. The CFA showed a model with suitable fitness for the data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the domains of the scale ranged from .62 to .84, and the ICC value ranged from .73 to .87, which is within satisfactory ranges.
Conclusions

The results from this study show that the Iranian version of the AFPB-CO has excellent psychometric properties and is appropriate for assessing the affecting factors on preventive behaviors among Iranian people toward COVID-19.
Design and evaluation of an intelligent physical examination system in improving the satisfaction of patients with chronic disease
Authors: Chen Xin , Duan Ruxin , Shen Yao , Jiang Hua
Published: April 2020

Background: The doctor-patient relationship is very important for healthcare quality. Improving the patients satisfaction is important for doctor-patient relationship. The relationship between patients with chronic disease and doctors often established in the process of physical examination in outpatient clinics. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Internet of Health Thing (loHT) introduce the possibility of developing an intelligent system in hospital to establish a good doctor-patient relationship through improving the satisfaction of patients. We aimed to establish an intelligent physical examination system and preliminarily investigate its effect on improving the satisfaction of patients with chronic disease. Methods: An intelligent chronic disease management system based on the AI in the internet of health things was established. This system was combined with traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. A total of 115 patients with chronic disease, who underwent physical examination in our hospital from August, 2019 to November, 2019 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 55 patients were in the intelligent system (intelligent group) and 60 patients were in the traditional system (control group). We collected the satisfaction questionnaire of patients who took physical examination in these two systems. Satisfaction score between intelligent group and control group was compared. Results: A total of 106 patients were finally taken into analyzed . There was no statistical difference in age, gender , education or income level between intelligent group and control group. We found significant differences in the five aspects of satisfaction (1 . the physical examination environment; 2.the attitude and responsiveness of doctors; 3.the attitude and responsiveness of nurses ； 4.the effectiveness of getting results; 5.the information of physical examination and medical advices) (p ＜ 0.05). Moreover, in the logistic regression, the differences were still statistically significant after adjusting age, gender, education and income level. Conclusions: The intelligent physical examination system might be an effective tool in improving the satisfaction of patients with chronic disease. This could play an important role in establishing a good doctor-patient relationship .
Socio-Demographic Characteristics Associated With Emotional and Social Loneliness Among Older Adults in Five European Countries
Authors: Fierloos Irene Noëlla , Tan Siok Swan , Williams Greg , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Koppelaar Elin , Bilajac Lovorka , Verma Arpana , Markaki Athina , Raso Francesco Mattace , Vasiljev Vanja , Franse Carmen Betsy , Raat Hein
Published: April 2020

Background International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness.Methods Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness.Results The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD = 5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2% and 26.7% of the participants. Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73–2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31–2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14–2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35–2.78).Conclusions Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.
The impact of equity factors on receipt of timely appropriate care for children with suspected malaria in eastern Uganda
Authors: Humphreys David , Kalyango Joan Nakayaga , Alfven Tobias
Published: April 2020

IntroductionMalaria accounts for more than one-tenth of sub-Saharan Africa’s 2.8 million annual childhood deaths, and remains a leading cause of post-neonatal child mortality in Uganda. Despite increased community-based treatment in Uganda, children continue to die because services fail to reach those most at risk. This study explores the influence of two key equity factors, socioeconomic position and rurality, on whether children with fever in eastern Uganda receive timely access to appropriate treatment for suspected malaria.MethodsData were collected from 1,094 caregivers of children aged 6-59 months on: illness and care-seeking during the previous two weeks, treatment received, and treatment dosing schedule. Additional data on rurality and household socioeconomic position were extracted from the Iganga-Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) database. A child was considered to have received prompt and appropriate care for symptoms of malaria if they received the recommended drug in the recommended dosing schedule on the day of symptom onset or the next day. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were developed to explore associations of the two equity factors with the outcome.ResultsSeventy-four percent of children had symptoms of illness in the preceding two weeks, of which fever was the most common. Children from rural households were statistically more likely to receive prompt and appropriate treatment with artemisinin-combination therapy than their semi-urban counterparts (OR 2.32, CI 1.17-4.59, p=0.016). This association remained significant following application of an adjusted regression model that included the age of the child, caregiver relationship, and household wealth index (OR 2.4, p = 0.036). Wealth index in its own right did not exert a significant effect for children with reported fever (OR for wealthiest quintile = 1.02, CI 0.48-2.15, p=0.958).ConclusionsThe findings from this study help to identify the role and importance of two key equity determinants on care seeking and treatment receipt for fever in children. Whilst results should be interpreted within the limitations of data and context, further studies have the potential to assist policy makers to target inequitable social and spatial variations in health outcomes as a key strategy in ending preventable child morbidity and mortality.
Dendritic cells transduced with TIPE-2 recombinant adenovirus induces T cells suppression
Authors: Liu Shudong , Li Wenyan , Yang Ling , Shi Hui , Zhang Jiangwei , yang zhao
Published: April 2020

Introduction: TIPE-2 has been identified as a negative regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity and is involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, the role of immune suppression of dendritic cells (DCs) transduced with TIPE-2 has not been well studied. Methods: In this study, DCs were transduced with TIPE-2 recombinant adenovirus, and then were cocultured with allogeneic CD4 + or CD8 + T cells. The proliferation, cytokine production and activation marker levels of CD4 + or CD8 + T cell were detected. Results: The data demonstrated that T cell proliferation, cytokine production and activation marker levels were attenuated after treated with TIPE-2 transduced DCs. Conclusions: These results suggested that TIPE-2 transduced DCs are capable of inducing allogeneic CD4 + or CD8 + T cell immune suppression, which provide a promising way for the therapeutical strategies of transplantation or autoimmune diseases.
Numerical Investigation of Simultaneous Refractive index Sensor using 1D multichannel photonic crystal device
Authors: Bouzidi A. , Bria D. , El-Khozondar Hala J. , Vigneswaran D , Patel Shobhit K. , Ramanujam N.R. , Ahmed Kawsar
Published: April 2020

We present a multichannel sensor for the simultaneous monitoring of three different samples. established from a one-dimensional photonic crystal, this device is formed by an alternating layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) with three defect layers containing the samples to be monitored. Numerical studies claim that three transmission peaks appear in the bandgap, these transmission peaks are caused by the three samples infiltrated in the defect layers. In real-time detection purposes, it is possible to exploit these transmission peaks. In addition, peak frequencies have the advantage of being susceptible to sample concentrations. With this photonic structure, a sensitivity of 800 nm per unit of refractive index (RIU) is reached.
The research of the relationships between patent foramen ovale and ischemic stroke in elderly patients
Authors: Sun Xu Chao , Jiang Wenjing , Zhao Yan , Ma Lin , Lin Yan , Ma Jun
Published: April 2020

Background Research indicates that abnormal embolism caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO) may play an important role in cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, most researches has focused on young patients, and whether abnormal embolism caused by PFO also plays an important role in elderly CS is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with PFO, and to explore the correlation between elderly PFO and ischemic stroke.Methods 62 elderly patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from April 2014 to April 2019 were selected as the Test Group. 62 non-stroke patients in our hospital's physical examination center and outpatient clinic were selected as the Control Group. Collect clinical data of patients for retrospective analysis.Results The incidence of PFO in the Test Group was significantly higher than that in the Control Group, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proportion of large and medium shunt patients in the Test Group was significantly higher than that in the Control Group (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with migraine in the PFO (+) group in the Test Group was significantly higher than the stroke patients in the PFO (-) group (p < 0.05).Conclusions The shunt volume of the PFO is related to ischemic stroke and may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke.
Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Analysis of N-Caproic Acid Production in Ruminococcaceae Bacterium CPB6 with Lactate Supplementation
Authors: TAO YONG , Lu Shaowen , Wang Yi , Wei Cuicui
Published: April 2020

Background: n-Caproic acid (CA) is gaining increased attention due to its high value as a chemical feedstock. Our recent studies have demonstrated that lactate can be an attractive energy substrate for the production of CA. However, little is known about the potential molecular mechanism for CA production triggered by the supplementation of exogenous lactate at the gene transcriptional level. Results: 5% lactate was supplemented into the fermentation with Ruminococcaceae bacterium CPB6 for CA production. Results showed that lactate supplementation led to earlier CA production and higher final CA titer and productivity. Transcriptional analysis was carried out using RNA-Seq for the culture with lactate supplementation compared to the control (without lactate supplementation). It has been indicated that there were only 34 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups at the exponential phase, of which 15 were upregulated, and 19 were downregulated by more than two-fold. A total of 245 DEGs were identified between the two groups at the stationary phase, of which 123 were upregulated and 122 were downregulated. These DEGs cover crucial functional categories. Specifically, 5 genes responsible for the reverse β-oxidation pathway, 11 genes encoding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, 6 genes encoding substrate-binding protein (SBP) and 4 genes encoding phosphotransferase system (PTS) transporters were strikingly upregulated in response to the addition of lactate. These genes would be candidates for future studies aiming at understanding the regulatory mechanism of lactate conversion into CA, as well as for the improvement of CA production in strain CPB6. Conclusion: This study suggested that lactate supplementation can promote CA production by altering the expression patterns of genes involved in the essential metabolic pathways, such as central pyruvate metabolism, the reverse β-oxidation pathway, ABC and PTS transports. The findings presented herein reveal unique insights into the biomolecular effects of lactate on CA production at the gene transcriptional level.
A comparative study of fractional order models on state of charge estimation for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Tian Jinpeng , XIONG Rui , Shen Weixiang , Wang Ju
Published: April 2020

State of charge (SOC) estimation for lithium ion batteries plays a critical role in battery management systems for electric vehicles. Battery fractional order models (FOMs) which come from frequency-domain modelling have provided a distinct insight into SOC estimation. In this article, for the first time, we compare five state-of-the-art FOMs in terms of SOC estimation. Firstly, characterisation tests on lithium ion batteries are conducted, and the experimental results are used to identify FOM parameters. Parameter identification results show that increasing the complexity of FOMs cannot always improve accuracy. The model R(RQ)W shows superior identification accuracy than the other four FOMs. Secondly, the SOC estimation based on a fractional order unscented Kalman filter is conducted to compare model accuracy and computational burden under different profiles, memory lengths, ambient temperatures, cells and voltage/current drifts. The evaluation results reveal that the SOC estimation accuracy does not necessarily positively correlate to the complexity of FOMs. Although more complex models can have better robustness against temperature variation, R(RQ), the simplest FOM, can overall provide satisfactory accuracy and generalisation ability. It can also maintain high accuracy even under the occurrence of sensor drift.
Primary and secondary three-month outcomes of a cluster-randomized trial of home-based postpartum contraceptive delivery in Southwest Trifinio, Guatemala
Authors: Harrison Margo , Bunge-Montes Saskia , Rivera Claudia , Jimenez-Zambrano Andrea , Heinrichs Gretchen , Bolanos Antonio , Asturias Edwin , Berman Stephen , Sheeder Jeanelle
Published: April 2020

Design This a cluster-randomized parallel arm pragmatic trial to observe the association of home-based postpartum contraceptive provision, including the contraceptive implant, with implant utilization rates at 3 months post-enrollment. Methods In a region of rural Guatemala referred to as the Southwest Trifinio, twelve communities are served by a community-based antenatal and postnatal care program. The communities were combined into eight clusters based on 2017 birth rates and randomized to receive the home-based contraceptive delivery (condoms, pills, injection, implant) during the routine 40-day postpartum visit. All participants receive comprehensive contraceptive counseling beginning at the first antenatal visit, so control clusters received this as part of routine care; this education preceded the study intervention. Results Of 208 women enrolled in the study, 108 were in four intervention and 100 in four control clusters. Three-month contraceptive initiation rates were 56.0% in the control clusters compared to 76.8% in the intervention clusters, p < 0.001. Women in control clusters overwhelmingly opted for the injectable contraceptive (94.6%) while women in intervention clusters chose both the injection (61.5%) and the implant (33.7%), p < 0.001. Implant use by 3 months, the primary outcome of the study, was significantly higher in the intervention arm (25.9%) compared to the control arm (2.0%), p < 0.001, OR 18.8 CI [4.3, 81.4]. Conclusion Our study was designed to respond to previously identified barriers to contraceptive uptake, and it was successful. Not only did it increase overall use of contraception by 3 months, but it shifted that contraceptive use away from short-acting methods in favor of longer-acting methods, with high continuation and satisfaction rates and no adverse outcomes reported.
Pathogens in the upper respiratory tract of Congolese children with radiologically confirmed pneumonia
Authors: Birindwa Archippe Muhandule , Kasereka Jerry Kikwaya , Geravandi Shadi , Gonzales-Siles Lucia , Mwilo Mambo , Tudiakwile Léonard Kanku , Mwindja Néné Luhiriri , Muhigirwa Balthazar , Kashosi Théophile Mitima , Manegabe Jeaniere Tumusifu , Mihigo Elie Bugashane Bwa , Mushobekwa Stay Saili , Mungo Clement , Nordén Rickard , Andersson Rune , Skovbjerg Susann
Published: April 2020

Background
Acute pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children below 5 years of age in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), despite introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in 2013. Pathogens in the nasopharynx of hospitalised children with pneumonia have not been studied previously in DR Congo. Here we compare clinical characteristics, risk factors and nasopharyngeal occurrence of bacteria and viruses between children with severe and non-severe pneumonia
Methods
Between June 2015 and June 2017, 116 children aged from 2 to 59 months hospitalised due to radiologically confirmed pneumonia at Panzi referral university hospital, Bukavu, eastern DR Congo were included in the study and sampled from nasopharynx. A multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of 15 different viruses and 5 bacterial species was performed and another multiplex PCR assay was used for pneumococcal serotype/serogroup determination.
Results
During the study period 85 (73%) of the children with radiologically confirmed pneumonia met the WHO classification criteria of severe pneumonia and 31 (27%) had non-severe pneumonia. The fatality rate was 9.5%. Almost all (87%) children were treated with antibiotics before they were hospitalised, in most cases with amoxicillin (58%) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (20%). Children with severe pneumonia were more commonly treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole before hospitalisation than children with non-severe pneumonia (OR 4.75; 95%CI 1.04–21.65, p = 0.043), as were children who died at the hospital as compared to children who recovered (OR 3.98; 95%CI 1.1–14.4, p = 0.035). Any viral or bacterial nucleic acids present at high levels in nasopharynx were significantly associated with severe pneumonia as compared with non-severe cases (52% versus 29%, p = 0.032). High levels of pneumococci or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were associated with fatal outcome. One or more serotypes/serogroups could be identified in 61 patients, and out of all identified pneumococcal serotypes 31/83 (37%) were non-PCV13 serotypes.
Conclusions
The occurrence of any bacteria or any viruses at high levels, irrespective of species, was associated with severe pneumonia. High levels of RSV or pneumococci were associated with higher risk of fatality. Pre-hospitalisation treatments with broad spectrum antibiotics were common but were associated with a more severe outcome.
Association of hypertension and incident diabetes in Chinese adults: a retrospective cohort study using propensity-score matching
Authors: Wu Yang , Hu Haofei , Cai Jinlin , Chen Runtian , Zuo Xin , Cheng Heng , He Yongcheng , Yan Dewen
Published: April 2020

Background

Previous studies have revealed that hypertension is one of major risk factors of incident diabetes. However, reliable quantification of the relationship between hypertension and diabetes risk is limited, especially in Chinese people. We aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and risk of incident diabetes in a large cohort of Chinese population.
Methods

This was a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study. We enrolled 211809 Chinese adults without diabetes at baseline between 2010 and 2016. The target independent and dependent variable were hypertension at baseline and incident diabetes during follow-up respectively. The one to one propensity score matching using a non-parsimonious multivariable logistic regression was conducted to balance the confounders between 28,946 hypertensive patients and 28,946 non-hypertensive participants. The doubly robust estimation method was used to investigate the association between hypertension and incident diabetes.
Result

After propensity-score matching, the cumulative incidence of diabetes among hypertensive and non-hypertensive participants were 1627.690 per 100,000 person-years and 1414.422 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. In the propensity-score matching cohort, compared to the non-hypertensive participants, the risk of incident diabetes increased by 14.0% among hypertensive subjects (HR = 1.140, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.058–1.229, P = 0.00063). After adjusting for the demographic and clinical covariates, diabetes risk increased by 13.1% in the hypertensive group (HR = 1.131, 95%CI: 1.049–1.220, P = 0.00143). And diabetes risk increased by 15.4% among hypertensive subjects after adjusting for the propensity score (HR = 1.154, 95%CI:1.070–1.244, P = 0.00019).In the subgroup analysis, compared to non-hypertensive participants with low propensity score, the risk of incident diabetes increased by 2.6 times among hypertensive patients with high propensity score (HR = 3.610,95%CI: 2.604–5.005,P < 0.00001). In the sensitivity analysis, the risk of diabetes in the hypertensive group increased by 11.7% in the original cohort (HR = 1.117༌95%CI: 1.044–1.196,P = 0.00134) and 19.9% in the weighted cohort(HR = 1.199༌95%CI: 1.149–1.250,P < 0.00001), respectively.
Conclusion

Hypertension was associated with a 13.1% increase in the risk of developing diabetes in Chinese adults. Additionally, compared to non-hypertensive participants with low propensity score, the risk of incident diabetes increased by 2.6 times among hypertensive patients with high propensity score.
Pediatric hypophosphatasia: lessons learned from a retrospective single-center chart review of 50 children
Authors: Vogt Marius , Girschick Hermann , Schweitzer Tilmann , Benoit Clemens , Holl-Wieden Annette , Seefried Lothar , Jakob Franz , Hofmann Christine
Published: April 2020

Background
Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene that encodes the tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase TNAP (ORPHA 436). Its clinical presentation is highly heterogeneous with a remarkably wide-ranging severity. HPP affects patients of all ages. In children HPP-related musculoskeletal symptoms may mimic rheumatologic conditions and diagnosis is often difficult and delayed. To improve the understanding of HPP in children and in order to shorten the diagnostic time span in the future we studied the natural history of the disease in our large cohort of pediatric patients.
Sex differences in Alzheimer’s-related Tau biomarkers and a mediating effect of testosterone
Authors: Sundermann Erin , Panizzon Matthew S. , Chen Xu , Andrews Murray , Galasko Douglas , Banks Sarah J.
Published: April 2020

Women show greater pathological Tau biomarkers than men along the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum, particularly among apolipoprotein ε-E4 (APOE4) carriers; however, the reason for this sex difference in unknown. Sex differences often indicate an underlying role of sex hormones. We examined whether testosterone levels might influence this sex difference and the modifying role of APOE4 status. Analyses included 172 participants (25 cognitively normal, 97 mild cognitive impairment, 50 AD participants) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (34% female, 54% APOE4+, aged 55–90). We examined the separate and interactive effects of plasma testosterone levels and APOE4 on cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated-tau181 (p-Tau) levels in the overall sample, and the sex difference in p-Tau levels before and after adjusting for testosterone. A significant APOE4-by-testosterone interaction revealed that lower testosterone levels related to higher p-Tau levels among APOE4 carriers regardless of sex. As expected, women had higher p-Tau levels than men among APOE4 carriers only, yet this difference was eliminated upon adjustment for testosterone. Results suggest that testosterone is protective against p-Tau particularly among APOE4 carriers. The lower testosterone levels that typically characterize women may predispose them to pathological Tau, particularly among female APOE4 carriers.
High-throughput sequencing-based analysis of the composition and diversity of endophytic bacterial community in seeds of upland rice
Authors: Wang Zhishan , Zhu Yongqiang , Jing Ruixue , Wu Xianyu , Li Ni , Liu Hai , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Weiping , Liu Yang
Published: April 2020

Upland rice is an ecotype crop formed by long-term domestication and evolution of rice in the dry land without water layer. Generally, its stem and leaf are thick and luxuriant, its leaf is wide and light, its root system is developed, its root hair is abundant, its osmotic pressure of root and cell juice concentration of leaf are high, and it is drought resistant, heat-resistant and water absorbing. The purpose of this study is to reveal the “core flora” of endophytes in upland rice seeds by studying the diversity and community structure of endophytes in upland rice seeds, and to reveal the impact of soil environment on the formation of endophyte community structure in upland rice seeds by comparing with soil environment microorganisms in upland rice habitats. In this study, the high-throughput sequencing technology based on the Illumina Hiseq 2500 platform was used to study the structure and diversity of endophytic bacterial communities using upland rice varieties collected in different places and soil samples from their unified planting sites as materials. There are 42 endophytic OTUs coexisted in the 14 samples. At the phylum level, the first dominant phyla was Proteobacteria (93.81–99.99%) in all 14 samples. At the genus level, Pantoea (8.77% -87.77%), Pseudomonas (1.15–61.58%), Methylobacterium (0.40–4.64%), Sphingomonas (0.26–3.85%), Microbacterium (0.01–4.67%) and Aurantimonas (0.04–4.34%), which are probably the core microflora in upland rice seeds, served as the dominant genera that coexisted in all upland rice seeds tested. Compared with the soil microbial community structure in the upland rice uniform planting site, it was found that it had little effect on the endophytic community structure in upland rice seeds. This study is of great significance for the isolation, screening, functional evaluation and re-action of some functional microorganisms in upland rice in order to improve its agronomic traits. It also provides a certain reference for the interaction between microorganisms and plants.
Total marrow and lymphoid irradiation with helical tomotherapy: A practical implementation report
Authors: Chilukuri Srinivas , Sundar Sham , Thiyagarajan Rajesh , Easow Jose , Sawant Mayur , Krishanan Ganapathy , Panda Pankaj Kumar , Sharma Dayananda S , Jalali Rakesh
Published: April 2020

Objective To standardize the technique and resources for total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) as part of the conditioning regimen before allogenic bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) using helical tomotherapy.Methods We used this technique in our first 5 patients requiring TMLI. Patients were immobilized using a mask and a whole-body vacuum cushion. CT scanning was performed in head first supine (HFS) and feet first supine (FFS) orientations with an overlap at mid-thigh. Target consisted of the entire skeleton, spleen, sanctuary sites and major lymphatics whereas lungs, kidneys, aero-digestive tract, bowel, parotids, heart and liver were defined as organs at risk (OAR). Treatment was performed in two parts based on 2 different plans generated in HFS and FFS orientations with an overlap at the mid thigh. Patients along with the immobilization device were manually rotated by 180° to change the orientation after the delivery of HFS plan. The dose at the junction was contributed by a complementary dose gradient from each of the plans. Plan was to deliver 95% of 12Gy to 98% of CTV with dose heterogeneity < 10% and pre-specified OAR doe constraints. Megavoltage-CT was used for position verification before each fraction. Patient specific quality assurance and an in-vivo film dosimetry to verify junction dose were performed in all patients.Results Treatment was delivered in two daily fractions of 2Gy each for 3 days with at least 8-hours gap between each fraction. The target coverage goals were met in all the patients. The average person-hours per patient were 16.5, 21.5 and 25.75 for radiation oncologist, radiation therapist and medical physicist respectively. Average in-room time per patient was 9.25 hours with an average beam-on time of 3.32 hours for all the six fractions. Conclusion This report comprehensively describes technique and resource requirements for TMLI and would serve as a practical guide for departments keen to start this service. Despite being time and labor intensive, it can be implemented safely and robustly. We will be using this methodology in a prospective phase II trial to study safety and feasibility of dose escalated TMLI as part of conditioning regimen before ABMT.
Contribution of glutaredoxin-1 to Fas s-glutathionylation in ethanol-induced liver injury
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Deng Qin , Zhang Yunfei , Chen Jingyu , guo chunbao
Published: April 2020

Background

The reversible glutathionylation modification (PSSG) of Fas augments apoptosis, which can be reversed by the cytosolic deglutathionylation enzyme glutaredoxin-1 (Grx1), but its roles in alcoholic liver injury remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of genetic ablation of Grx1 on Fas-SSG in regulating ethanol-induced injury.
Methods

The role of Grx1 in alcoholic liver injury was investigated in Grx1 knockout mice. Alcoholic liver injury was achieved by feeding mice with a liquid diet containing 5% ethanol for 2 weeks.
Results

We demonstrated that ethanol-fed mice had increased Grx1 activity and oxidative damage in the liver. On the other hand, Grx1-deficient mice had more serious liver damage when exposed to ethanol compared to that of wild-type mice, accompanied by increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, Fas-SSG, cleaved caspase-3 and hepatocyte apoptosis. Grx1 ablation resulted in the suppression of ethanol-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, its downstream signal, and Akt signaling cascades, which are required for protection against Fas-mediated apoptosis. Accordingly, blocking NK-κB prevented Fas-induced apoptosis in WT mice but not Grx1-/- mice. Furthermore, the number of Kupffer cells and related proinflammatory cytokines, including Akt, were lower in Grx1-/- livers than those of the controls.
Conclusions

Grx1 is essential for adaptation to alcohol exposure-induced oxidative injury by modulating Fas-SSG and Fas-induced apoptosis.