bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of Cellulolytic Marine Bacteria for Litopenaeus Vannamei Aquaculture Using Sugarcane Bagasse as Carbon Source
Authors: Ren Wei , Xu Xueni , Long Hao , Zhang xiang , Cai Xiaoni , Huang Aiyou , Xie Zhenyu
Published: September 2020

Background: In aquaculture system, it is essential to adjust the inherent disadvantage of C/N ratio by adding a lot of additional carbon sources, such as sugarcane molasses, organic acids, and organic acid salts, which will greatly increase the cost of shrimp aquaculture. Herein, we aimed to isolate cellulolytic marine bacteria to hydrolyze sugarcane bagasse (SB) for reducing the cost of addition of external carbon sources in industrial Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture.Results: A total of 97 cellulolytic marine bacterial strains belonged to 6 genera were isolated from 2,585 indigenous bacteria, indicating that seagrass bed can be used as an important place for screening the cellulolytic bacteria. The hydrolysis capacity (HC) of 58 cellulolytic marine bacterial strains was ranged from 1.1–4.0. MW-M5 displayed the largest HC value, followed by MW-M10 and MW-M14. The cellulase contents of 30 strains were more than 3 U/g in the supernatant of fermentation broth after 24 h, which was significantly higher than that of commercial cellulose. 26 cellulolytic marine bacteria with HC greater than 2 were safe for L. vannamei. MW-M19 with the lowest multiple antibiotic resistance index, 0.1, had a highest SB enzyme activity, 4.14 U/mL. The SB decomposition rates of CFW-C18 and MW-M15 were up to about 63.81% and 48.57% after fifteen days, respectively. Conclusions: These results provide valuable information for further construction of a shrimp aquaculture system based on low-cost external carbon sources using cellulolytic bacteria, and even for other biotechnological applications.
Impact of Culture Sensitivity Reports on the Pattern of Antibiotics use and Cost of Therapy: A Prospective Observational study
Authors: Altaf Ummara , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Ahmad Bashir , Yasir Hassan Mehmood , Godman Brian , Hashmi Furqan K , Saeed Hamid , Saleem Zikria
Published: September 2020

Background: There are concerns with inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in hospitals especially broad spectrum in Pakistan and the subsequent impact on antimicrobial resistance rates. One recognized way to reduce inappropriate prescribing is for empirical therapy to be adjusted according to the result of culture sensitivity reports.Objective: To find the impact of culture sensitivity reports on the use of antibiotics and cost in a leading tertiary care hospital in Lahore.Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in Ghurki trust teaching hospital. A total of 465 positive culture patients were taken over an 8 month study period using convenient sampling techniques and immediately sent to the microbiology laboratory for pathogen identification and susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Additional data was collected from the patient medical file which included demographic data, sample type, causative microbe, anti-microbial treatment given in empirical and definitive treatment as well as medicine costs. Results: Total of 497 isolates were detected from the 465 patient samples, which included 309 gram-negative rods and 188 gram-positive cocci. Out of 497 isolates, the most common Gram-positive pathogen isolated was MSSA (28.4%) and Gram-negative was E. coli (23.8%). Most of the gram-negative isolates were found to be resistant to ampicillin and co-amoxiclav. Most of the A. baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenems. Gram-positive microorganism showed the maximum sensitivity to linezolid and vancomycin. The most widely used antibiotics in empirical therapy were cefoperazone+sulbactam, ceftriaxone, amikacin, vancomycin and metronidazole whereas high use of linezolid, clindamycin, meropenem and piperacillin + tazobactam was evidenced in definitive treatment. Empiric therapy was adjusted in 222 (71.8%) cases of Gram-negative infections and 131 (69.6%) cases of gram-positive infections (p-value <0.0001). Compared with empirical therapy, there was a 13.8% reduction in the number of antibiotics in definitive treatment. The average costs of antibiotics in definitive treatment was less than the empirical treatment (8.2%) and the length of hospitalization also decreased.Conclusion: Culture sensitivity reports helped reduce antibiotic utilization, hospital stay and costs as well as helping select the most appropriate treatment. We also found an urgent need for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and the development of hospital antibiotic guidelines within the hospital to reduce future unnecessary prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Predicts in-hospital Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Community-acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Authors: Kang Yu , Fang Xiang-Yang , wang dong , Wang Xiao-juan
Published: September 2020

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important problem with significant mortality. Activity of daily living (ADL) function decline is associated with increased mortality in elderly patients. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of ADL at admission on the in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients with pneumonia. Methods: Patients over 65 years old admitted to Beijing Chao-yang hospital due to CAP from June 2012 through June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed by electronic medical records. Risk factors for mortality in pneumonia patients described in literature were included in our study. ADL evaluation at admission was performed by Barthel index (BI). Results: 4880 patients were included, 131 patients (2.7%) died during their admission. 69.5% patients in Dead group had a BI scores < 60. Mean BI score in the Dead group and Alive group were 49.89±30.20 and 81.57±22.14, respectively. Dead group had lower BI scores than Alive group (p＜0.001). A low BI was associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that ADL function at admission was significantly and independently associated with the in-hospital mortality, either in younger (age 65-74years) or very elderly (age≥75years) patients. Receiver operating characteristic ( ROC ) curve analysis revealed that BI at admission is an predictor related to in-hospital mortality in elderly patients, The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of BI in predicting in-hospital mortality was 0.81 (with 95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.85).Conclusion: ADL decline is associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality among elderly patients hospitalized with CAP. ADL function at admission can predict in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients with CAP. Barthel Index (BI) can be used as a simple and convenient method for the assessment of the ADL functional status at admission in geriatric patients with CAP to identify patients at high risk and conducive to clinical decision making.
Chidamide Combined with Doxorubicin Induced p53-Driven Cell Cycle Arrest and Cell Apoptosis Reverse Multidrug Resistance of Breast Cancer
Authors: CAO Lixia , Zhao Shaorong , Yang Qianxi , Shi Zhendong , Liu Jingjing , Pan Teng , Zhou Dongdong , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2020

Background The multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype is usually accompanied by an abnormal expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC). Given that HDAC is vital in chromatin remodeling and epigenetics, inhibiting the role of HDAC has become an important approach for tumor treatment. However, the effect of HDAC inhibitors on MDR breast cancer has not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance of two MDR breast cancer cell lines to the HDAC-selective inhibitor chidamide (CHI). Methods Cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by CCK8, crystal violet staining, EDU staining, TUNEL assay, flow cytometry. The expression of HDAC1, H3K9, H3K18, p53, p21, caspase3/7/9 and the Bcl family was analyzed by western blotting and Quantitative real-time PCR. MDR breast cancer growth suppression by CHI and/or doxorubicin (DOX) in vivo was investigated in a tumor xenograft mouse model. Results The results showed that, CHI combined with DOX showed significant cytotoxicity to MDR breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo compared with the CHI monotherapy. The cell cycle distribution results showed that CHI caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell growth regardless of the addition of DOX. At the same time, Annexin V staining and TUNEL staining results showed that CHI enhanced the number of cell apoptosis in drug-resistant cells. The western blot analysis found that p53 as a tumor suppressor was in a silent state in drug-resistant cells. However, p53 was activated in the CHI-treated and combined treatment groups, which, in turn, activated the p53 up-regulated apoptosis regulator recombinant protein (Puma) and pro-apoptotic protein Bax, downregulated the apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL and Bcl-2, and activated the caspase cascade to induce apoptosis. Conclusion The irreversible cell stress induced by CHI combined with DOX reduced the expression of HDAC1 and activated caspase-dependent apoptosis and p21-mediated growth arrest pathway, which might have been driven by the activation of p53. This provided a strong theoretical basis for exploring the treatment strategy of the combined use of CHI in patients with breast cancer who did not respond to chemotherapy or had cancer progression.
Physician-Patient Communication in Decision-Making about Caesarean Sections in Eight District Hospitals in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Doraiswamy Sathyanarayanan , Billah Sk Masum , Karim Farhana , Siraj Md. Shahjahan , Buckingham Alan , Kingdon Carol
Published: September 2020

Background: Caesarean sections (CS) in Bangladesh have risen eight-fold in the last 15 years. Few studies have explored why. Anecdotally, physicians suggest maternal request for CS is a reason. Women and families suggest physicians influence their decision-making. The aim of this research was to understand more about the decision-making process surrounding CS by exploring physician-patient communication leading to informed-consent for the operation. Methods: We conducted a mixed-method study using structured observations with the Option Grid Collaborative’s OPTION5 tool and interviews with physicians and women between July and December 2018. Study participants were recruited from eight district public-sector hospitals. Eligibility criteria for facilities was ≥80 births every month; and for physicians, was that they had performed CSs. Women aged ≥18 years, providing consent, and delivering at a facility were included in the observation component; primigravid women delivering by CS were selected for the in-depth interviews. Quantitative data from observations were analysed using descriptive statistics. Following transcription and translation, a preliminary coding framework was devised for the qualitative data analysis. We combined both inductive and deductive approaches in our thematic analysis. Results: In total, 306 labour situations were observed, and interviews were conducted with 16 physicians and 32 women who delivered by CS (16 emergency CS; 16 elective CS). In 92.5% of observations of physician-patient communication in the context of labour situations, the OPTION5 mean scores were low (5-25 out of 100) for presenting options, patient partnership, describing pros/cons, eliciting patient preferences and integrating patient preferences. Interviews found that non-clinical factors prime both physicians and patients in favour of CS prior to the clinical encounter in which the decision to perform a CS is documented. These interactions were both minimal in content and limited in purpose, with consent being an artefact of a process involving little communication.Conclusions: Insufficient communication between physicians and patients is one of many factors driving increasing rates of caesarean section in Bangladesh. While this single clinical encounter provides an opportunity for practice improvement, interventions are unlikley to impact rates of CS without simultaneoulsy addressing physician, patient and health system contextual factors too.
The Nexus of ‘Music, Mind, and Well-being’: Effects of Harmony in the Bush Music Intervention for Residents with Advanced Dementia in Australian Rural Nursing Homes
Authors: Hamiduzzaman Mohammad , Kuot Abraham , Greenhill Jennene , Strivens Edward , Parajuli Daya Ram , Isaac Vivian
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPersons with dementia often show aggression, depression, and anxiety and these symptoms and behaviours escalate overtime without treatment. Music has been found to be useful for managing these symptoms and behaviours and can significantly improve well-being. This paper reports the effect of music on residents with advanced dementia in rural nursing homes, as a key part of the Harmony in the Bush study.MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental research in five Australian rural nursing homes. Managers of nursing homes were contacted to select residents with advanced dementia, resulted in 74 residents who participated in person-centred music and culturally-appropriate group music sessions. Staff (104) and musicians (6) participated in 65 interviews and 20 focus groups. One-Way ANOVA and paired-samples t-test were performed to understand Music in Dementia Assessment Scale (MiDAS) scores. Qualitative data were thematically analysed.ResultsSeventy-four residents participated in an average of 9.5 [SD 4.73] person-centred music sessions and most of them were female (n = 52/70%). Analysis revealed the overall mean effect of the person-centred music at two-time points as 67% [during-70% {351.22 (SD:93.51)}; and after-63% {315.09 (SD:98.52)}]. The residents with (moderate to severe) pain, anxiety, sadness, and agitation at pre-intervention, presented an improvement in their levels of interest, response, initiation, involvement, and enjoyment at different time-points. The t-test showed that the MiDAS sub-categories’ mean scores differed significantly between the time-points: interest [t = 2.75, p = 0.001]; response [t = 2.94, p = 0.005]; initiation [t = 2.41, p = 0.019]; and involvement [t = 2.78, p = 0.007]. Additionally, the residents were observed at post-intervention with a reduction of agitation (87.5%), low in mood (87.5%), and anxiousness (70.3%); and an improvement in relaxation (75.5%), attentiveness (56.5%), and smiling (56.9%). Themes from qualitative data were behavioural change, meaningful interaction, being initiative, increased participation, and contentment.ConclusionFindings suggest the music intervention probably reduce the residents’ psychiatric symptoms and behaviours and improve well-being.Clinical RegistrationThe study is registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical. Trials Registry (ANZCTR) on 20/2/2018 (Registration No: ACTRN12618000263291p; http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12618000263291p.aspx).
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Nasal and Oropharyngeal Carriage of Staphylococcus Aureus in Insulin-Dependent Diabetics Individuals
Authors: Teixeira Nathalia Bibiana , Fortaleza Carlos Magno Castelo Branco , de Souza Matheus Cristovam , Pereira Thais Aline Monteiro , Colenci Bibiana Prada de Camargo , Cunha Maria de Lourdes Ribeiro de Souza da
Published: September 2020

Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes are a risk group for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for nasal and oropharyngeal carriage of S. aureus and MRSA in insulin-dependent diabetic individuals from Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, susceptibility profiling, detection of the mecA gene, SCCmec typing and molecular typing by PFGE and MLST were performed in nasal and oropharyngeal swabs of 312 subjects. The prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA was 30.4% and 4.8%, respectively. SCCmec type IV was the predominant type among isolates, although some carried SCCmec types I and II. MRSA and MSSA clones were detected among the isolates of this population. In addition, an important clonal lineage (ST398) was identified among resistant and susceptible isolates. Age and lung disease were negatively associated with S. aureus carriage, while lower-extremity ulcers were a risk factor for S. aureus carriage. For MRSA, only male gender was a risk factor. These data suggest widespread dissemination of MRSA in the insulin-dependent diabetic population studied, as well as the emergence of important lineages among these individuals.
Electric Modulation of Conduction in MAPbBr3 Single Crystals
Authors: Ke Shanming , Luo Shangyu , Gong Jinhui , Qiu Liwen , Liang Renhong , Zhou Yangbo , Luo Bingcheng , Cheng Baochang , Wang Li , Shu Longlong
Published: September 2020

The resistive switching (RS) mechanism of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites is an open question until now. Here, a switchable diode-like RS behavior in MAPbBr3 single crystals using Au (or Pt) symmetry electrodes is reported. Both the high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance state (LRS) are electrode-area dependent and light responsive. We propose an electric-field-driven inner p-n junction accompanied by an interface trap-controlled SCLC mechanism to explain this switchable diode-like RS behavior in MAPbBr3 single crystals.
Under nutrition and Associated Factors Among Adult People Attending Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Health Facilities of Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia, 2018.
Authors: Regassa Tilahun Mekonnen , Gudeta Tesfaye Abera
Published: September 2020

Background - Malnutrition is a condition in which a nutrition deficiency, excess or imbalance of energy, protein, and other nutrients causes adverse effects on tissue/body form. Nutritional issues are common in HIV disease. At some point, almost everyone living with HIV will face challenges in maintaining good nutrition. Objective - To assess under nutrition and associated factors among Adult Clients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Health Facilities of Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia,2018. Methods - Institutional based cross sectional study design with quantitative data collection was employed from May 01 – June 30/2018 . A total sample size was 1007 and the participants were selected by using consecutive sampling technique from selected health facilities. EpiData Statistical software version 3.1 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0 were used for data entry and analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated to under nutrition in adults attending ART. Odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were used to examine associations between dependent & independent variables. P. value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Result: The magnitude of under nutrition among peoples on ART in this study was 154 (16.0%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors contributing to under nutrition were identified; Age [AOR 2.4, 95% CI (1.1-5.4)], marital status[AOR 2.2, 95% CI (1.3-3.7)], occupational status[AOR 0.4,95% (0.2-0.9)], developing GI symptoms [AOR 2.6, 95% CI (1.5-4.5)] and WHO clinical stage [AOR 3.1, 95% CI (1.4-6.8)].were found to have statistically significant association with among peoples on ART. Conclusion: Significant numbers of peoples on ART drugs in the study area were under nutrition .Age, marital status, occupational status, WHO clinical stage of disease and developing gastro intestinal symptoms were identified factors of under nutrition among adult people on ART. The health care workers and experts work on the ART clinic should focuses on patient counseling about early prevention, detection and treatment of opportunistic infection, early health seeking behaviors before AIDs stage.
Comparison of Length and Transport of Entrapped Woody Debris in Coniferous and Broadleaf Forests Based on Mapping Using Ortho-Photographs Acquired by Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Tsunetaka Haruka , Mtibaa Slim , Asano Shiho , Okamoto Takashi , Kurokawa Ushio
Published: September 2020

Landslides and debris flows often result in woody debris from initiation and riparian zones, through their runout. Considering that woody debris is one of the main components of watershed ecosystems, the importance of quantifying its properties and transport is evident. However, the low accessibility of disturbed channels after landslides and debris flows generally impedes the accurate and quick investigation of woody debris. The recent advances in photogrammetry techniques and technology may overcome such issues. In this study, we used ortho-photographs acquired by a small uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) for measuring the lengths of woody debris entrapped mainly by closed-type check-dams. We focused on two channels, located in coniferous and broadleaf forests and affected by two different landslides events. The measurement accuracy was analyzed by comparing the lengths derived from the UAV method with direct measurements. When both edges of woody debris were satisfactorily extracted from an ortho-photograph acquired via UAV, the length of the woody debris with respect to coniferous trees can be measured with an accuracy of approximately ±0.5 m. However, some coniferous trees were captured by stand trees in the riparian zone, and the coverage by tree-crowns led to the underestimation by several meters of the extracted length of the entrapped woody debris. For broadleaf trees, most of the extracted lengths were shorter than the directly measured lengths. This is probably caused by the low visibility of both edges due to the complex structures of the root-wad and the tree-crown. Our results showed that there were no significant changes in the lengths and locations of the entrapped woody debris, in both sites, after seven months of the first UAV flight. In the coniferous forests, the rainfall that triggered landslides in 2017 exceeded the 100-year return level, which was obviously an abnormal intense rainfall. Although the 2019 rainfall event that occurred between UAV flights was not as much to the rainfall triggering landslides, rainfall intensities with different durations reached the second-highest value from 1976 to 2019, exceeding the 30-years return period. This suggests that most of the entrapped woody debris rarely migrate even under extreme rainfall.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health at Age 5-6 years and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Preadolescence
Authors: Westerink Hester Jaspers Faijer - , Stavnsbo Mette , Hutten Barbara A. , Chinapaw Mai , Vrijkotte Tanja GM
Published: September 2020

Background- The American Heart Association (AHA) developed a definition of ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) based on the presence of both ideal health behaviours (diet, physical activity, weight status and smoking) and ideal health factors (glucose, total cholesterol and blood pressure levels). However, research of ICH in the paediatric population is scarce. We aimed to study ICH at age 5-6 years by extending the original ICH score with the health behaviours: sleep duration, screen time and prenatal smoke exposure, and to evaluate its association with cardiometabolic outcomes at age 11-12.Methods- A total of 1,666 children aged 5-6 years were selected from the prospective ABCD-cohort study. Data on health behaviours and factors were used to calculate the ICH scores (original and extended) by adding the frequency of scoring ‘healthy’ on each indicator, based on international cut-offs. The children were followed up for 6 years and cardiometabolic outcomes (carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), blood pressure, glucose and lipids) were measured. Associations between ICH (both original and extended) and cardiometabolic outcomes were examined using multivariable regression models. Results- At age 5-6 years, 11% scored poor (score 1-5), 56% intermediate (score 6-7) and 33% good (score 8-9) on extended ICH. Healthy diet and normal total cholesterol concentrations were the least prevalent. Neither the original nor the extended ICH scores were associated with CIMT at age 11-12. A higher score on the extended ICH was associated with lower total cholesterol (p for trend <0.001), lower systolic (p for trend=0.012) and diastolic blood pressure (p for trend=0.011), and lower body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001) at age 11-12. The original ICH score was associated with lower total cholesterol (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001) only. Conclusion- Our findings suggest that extending the ICH score in young children with additional health behaviours improves prediction of some cardiometabolic outcomes, but not CIMT in preadolescence, compared to the original ICH score. Further research with longer follow-up is needed to find out whether associations persist into adulthood.
Catastrophic Health Expenditures for Children with Disabilities in Iran: A National Survey
Authors: Moradi Ghobad , Bolbanabad Amjad Mohamadi , Abdullah Farman Zahir , Safari Hossein , Rezaei Satar , Aghaei Abbas , Hematpour Siros , Farshadi Salahaddin , Naleini Nima , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: September 2020

Background: Higher health costs and financial burden are imposed on people with disabilities due to their health status associated with their disability. Measuring the incidence of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) can provide good evidence for health policymakers to assess the current state of financial protection of the health system. The aim of this study was to investigate the percentage of households with disabled children aged 0 to 8 years who had faced CHE due to the health costs of these children in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 2000 households with disabled children aged 0 to 8 years in five provinces of Iran in 2020. Data were collected using the World Health Survey questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Households whose health expenditures for disabled members in the family were more than 40% of the household payment capacity were included in the group of households with CHE. Determinants of CHE were identified using regression analysis.Findings: 32.7% of households with disabled children had faced CHE. Head of household being female, poor economic status of the household, lack of supplementary insurance by a child with disabilities, having a child with mental disability and type of basic health insurance significantly increased the chances of facing CHE.Conclusion: A significant percentage of households with disabled children had faced CHE because of their disabled child's health costs. More financial protection of these households against health costs should be on the agenda of health policy makers. Implementation of payment exemption programs, direct and indirect financial support programs and having prepaid mechanisms are suggested to reduce out-of-pocket payments for health services.
Pharmacological Activation of RXR-α Promotes Hematoma Absorption in a PPAR-γ-Dependent Pathway After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Xu Chaoran , Chen Huaijun , Zhou Shengjun , Sun Chenjun , Xia Xiaolong , Peng Yucong , Zhuang Jianfeng , Fu Xiongjie , Zeng Hanhai , Zhou Hang , Li Jianru , Cao Yang , Yu Qian , Li Yin , Zhou Guoyang , Huang Peiyu , Yan Feng , Chen Gao
Published: September 2020

Background: Endogenously eliminating the hematoma is a favorable strategy in addressing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study sought to determine the role of retinoid X receptor-α (RXR-α) in the context of hematoma absorption after ICH.Methods: ICH mouse models were established by the stereotactic injection of autologous arterial blood into the right basal ganglia. The selective RXR-α agonist bexarotene and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) antagonist GW9662 were administered intraperitoneally at 1 h after ICH. Post-ICH assessments were in the form of magnetic resonance imaging scans, neurological tests, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and immunofluorescence. Results: Pharmacologically activating RXR-α with bexarotene significantly accelerated hematoma clearance and alleviated neurological dysfunction after ICH. RXR-α was expressed in the microglia/macrophages, neurons, and astrocytes. Mechanically, bexarotene promoted the nuclear translocation of RXR-α and PPAR-γ, alongside reducing neuroinflammation by modulating microglia/macrophages reprograming into the M2 phenotype from M1 phenotype. However, all the beneficial effects of RXR-α in ICH were reversed by the PPAR-γ inhibitor GW9662.Conclusion: The pharmacological activation of RXR-α conferred robust neuroprotection against ICH by accelerating hematoma clearance and repolarizing microglia/macrophages towards the M2 phenotype through PPAR-γ-related mechanisms. Our data support the notion that RXR-α might be a promising therapeutic target for ICH.
Transplantation of Neuregulin1-Overexpressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells Accelerates Motor Functional Recovery by Facilitating Neurite Outgrowth and Reducing Cell Apoptosis in Rat after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wu Geng , Liu Herui , Zhu Mei , Wu Yang , Bai Yunlong , Liu Yan , Wang Jinfeng , Yu Jianbo , Zhao Fusheng
Published: September 2020

Background: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation offers an attractive strategy for treating multiply neurological diseases. Neuregulin1 (NRG1) plays fundamental roles in nervous system development and nerve repair. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether transplantation of NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs could alleviate spinal cord injury (SCI), and to explore the possible underling mechanisms. Methods: In vitro, NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs were constructed via plasmid transfection, and co-cultured with PC12 cells subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Neurite outgrowth, cell viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were evaluated. In vivo, BMSCs, empty-vector BMSCs and NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs were transplanted respectively into rats with SCI. Rat locomotor functions, neuronal chromatolysis, neurite outgrowth and cell apoptosis were assessed respectively. Results: The results showed that NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs in vitro significantly expedited neurite growth, elevated growth-associated protein 43 expression, enhanced cell viability and rescued ODG-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. In vivo, transplantation of NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs notably accelerated rat motor functional recovery, attenuated neuronal chromatolysis, promoted neurite outgrowth and reduced cell apoptosis after SCI. Moreover, NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs were also able to regulate apoptosis-related proteins expression after SCI. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs can accelerate motor functional recovery by facilitating neurite outgrowth and reducing cell apoptosis after SCI, suggesting that NRG1-overexpressing BMSCs may be a promising candidate for the treatment of SCI.
Multivariate Analysis of COVID-19 on Stock, Commodity & Purchase Manager Indices: A Global Perspective
Authors: Sharma Nonita , Yadav Sourabh , Mangla Monika , Mohanty Anee , Mohanty Sachi Nandan
Published: September 2020

The whole world is going through an unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 leading to huge economy disruption across the globe. Moreover, the alarming pace of COVID-19 is quite upsetting to the leading financial stakeholders as it has resulted in the fleeing away of the customers, investors, and foreign trading partners. Resultantly, global markets succumbed leading to erosion of more than the US $6 trillion within just one week in February 2020. During the same week, alone S&P 500 index also experienced a loss of more than $5 trillion value in the US. This manuscript attempts to perform multivariate analysis of the global economy during the COVID-19 period. An empirical evaluation of the effect of containment policies on financial activity, stock market indices, purchasing manager index and commodity prices are also carried out. The obtained results reveal that the number of lockdown days, overseas travel ban and fiscal stimulus significantly influence the economic activity.
Role of ASM/Cer/TXNIP Signaling Module in the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Yang Jin , Shi Yining , Cao Jiyu , Lu Youjin , Sun Gengyun
Published: September 2020

Background: The NLRP3 inflammasome serves as a crucial component in an array of inflammatory conditions by boosting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β and IL-18. Hence, a thorough investigation of the underlying mechanism of NLRP3 activation could ascertain the requisite directionality to the ongoing studies, along with the identification of the novel drug targets for the management of inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have established the vital role of the Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM)/Ceramide (Cer) pathway in the functional outcome of cells, with a particular emphasis on the inflammatory processes. ASM mediates the ceramide production by sphingomyelin hydrolysis. Furthermore, the participation of the ASM/Cer in NLRP3 activation remains ambiguous. Methods: We employed lipopoysaccharide (LPS)/Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in J774A.1 cells as an in vitro inflammatory model. Results: We observed that imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited ASM activity & increased ceramide accumulation, which indicates ASM activation. Besides, it also suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of proteins and mRNA: Thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation; however, it did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activity and ceramide production. Further examination showed that the exogenous C2-ceramide-treated J774A.1 cells induce the overexpression of TXNIP, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18. Furthermore, verapamil inhibited C2-Ceramide mediated TXNIP overexpression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings infer that TXNIP overexpression leads to Cer mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusion: Our study validated the crucial role of the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway in NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
The Analysis of Fertility Quality of Life and the Influencing Factors of Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure
Authors: Ni Ying , Tong Chenye , Huang Limin , Zhou Wenjie , Zhang Aijun
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAt present, the incidence of RIF reaches 5% -10% during IVF/ICSI assisted pregnancy treatment. RIF causes heavy financial burden and mental stress on patients and families and affects the quality of their lives. This study is aimed to investigate the current status of fertility quality of life (feritility QOL) and explore the factors influencing in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF), thereby providing scientific basis for effective clinic interventional measures and helping to improve the feritility QOL of RIF patients.MethodsRIF patients were selected from the Reproductive Medical Center of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2019 to December 2019. The General information questionnaire, FertiQoL scale, perceived social support scale (PSSS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to analyze the feritility QOL and related factors of RIF patients. ResultsThe total score of feritility QOL of RIF patients is (60.44 ± 11.60). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that residence, financial difficulties, male infertility, BMI index, depression, family social support are the main factors that influence the feritility QOL of RIF patients (adjusted R2 = 0.762). ConclusionAmong the factors influencing the feritility QOL of RIF patients, residence, financial difficulties, male infertility, BMI index, depression and family social support are the main factors. Therefore, medical practioners should take specific interventional measures to improve the RIF patients’ feritility QOL.
Exploration of the Effect of Oil and Non-Oil Export on Economic Growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Uzma , Khan Aarif Mohammad , Alam Md. Shabbir
Published: September 2020

The tactical master plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to resolve the Kingdom's economy from its reliance on oil revenues by diversifying its economy. Therefore, this research explores the impact of oil and non-oil export revenue on economic growth. Unit root test analysis illustrates that the series becomes stationary when level and first difference is considering and having a one lag length. Johansen co-integration test indicates the presence of both periods among the models. The outcomes indicate a short-run causal effect from both oil and non-oil export to economic growth. Additionally, Impulse Response Function and Variance Decomposition also indicated that non-oil export revenue could act better than the revenue generated by oil export. However, the granger causality test indicates no causal relationship among any parameters. Policies recommend that by promoting the non-oil export will enhance the economic progress.
MicroRNA miR-29a inhibits colon cancer progression by downregulating B7-H3 expression: potential molecular targets for colon cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Jin , Chen Xiaojuan , Xie Chen , Sun Mingbing , Hu Chenrui , Zhang Zhe , Luan Lipeng , Zhou Jin , Zhou Jian , Zhu Xinguo , Ouyang Jun , Dong Xiaoqiang , Li Dechun , Zhang Jianglei , Zhao Xin
Published: September 2020

BackgroudMiR-29a belongs to one of the subtypes of miRNAs known as non-coding single-stranded RNAs, and is preferentially expressed in normal tissues. B7-H3, a member of the B7/CD28 immunoglobulin superfamily, was shown to be overexpressed in several solid malignant tumors, including colon cancer. In addition, it is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis.MethodsWe used immunohistochemical and western blotting to assess B7-H3 protein expression levels in colon cancer and adjacent normal tissues, and then compared their relationships with clinicopathological factors. Quantitative real time reverse transcription PCR was used to assess B7-H3 and miRNA-29a mRNA expression levels, and then their relationship and clinical significance were evaluated. In addition, colon cancer Caco-2 cells, which constitutively overexpress B7-H3, were transfected with lentivirus particles for miR-29a upregulation. Invasion and migration assays were carried out in vitro along with the establishment of a subcutaneous xenograft model in vivo to determine the role of miRNA-29a in colon cancer progression.ResultsThe B7-H3 protein showed elevated expression in colon carcinoma, and was relevant to TNM staging, lymph node metastasis and reduced survival. Meanwhile, miR-29a was preferentially expressed in normal colon tissues while B7-H3 transcript levels had no marked differences between tumor and normal tissue specimens. In vitro, miR-29a upregulation resulted in reduced B7-H3 expression. Furthermore, miR-29a upregulation reduced the invasive and migratory abilities of colon carcinoma cells. In animal models, upregulation of miR-29a slowed down the growth of subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumors, and resulted in prolonged survival time.ConclusionMiR-29a downregulates B7-H3 expression and accordingly inhibits colon cancer progression, invasion and migration, indicating miR-29a and B7-H3 might represent novel molecular targets for advanced immunotherapy in colon cancer.
Redox-sensitive Polymeric Micelles With Aggregation-induced Emission for Bioimaging and Delivery of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Sun Changzhen , Lu Ji , Wang Jun , Hao Ping , Li Chunhong , Qi Lu , Yang Lin , He Bin , Zhong Zhirong , Hao Na
Published: September 2020

Background: Nano-drug delivery systems show considerable promise for effective cancer therapy. Polymeric micelles have attracted extensive attention as practical nanocarriers for target drug delivery and controlled drug delivery system, however, the distribution of micelles and the release of the drug are difficult to trace in cancer cells. Therefore, the construction of a redox-sensitive multifunctional drug delivery system for intelligent release of anticancer drugs and simultaneous diagnostic imaging and therapy remains an attractive research subject.Results: To construct a smart drug delivery system for simultaneous imaging and cancer chemotherapy, mPEG-ss-Tripp was prepared and self-assembled into redox-sensitive polymeric micelles with a diameter of 105 nm that were easily detected within cells using confocal laser scanning microscopy based on aggregation-induced emission. Doxorubicin-loaded micelles rapidly released the drug intracellularly when GSH reduced the disulfide bond. The drug-loaded micelles inhibited tumor xenografts in mice, while this efficacy was lower without the GSH-responsive disulfide bridge. These results establish an innovative multi-functional polymeric micelle for intracellular imaging and redox-triggered drug deliver to cancer cells.Conclusions: A novel redox-sensitive drug delivery system with AIE property was constructed for simultaneous cellular imaging and intelligent drug delivery and release. This smart drug delivery system opens up new possibilities for multifunctional drug delivery systems.
Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for Predicting Cardiac Arrest Using Electrocardiography
Authors: Kwon Joon-myoung , Kim Kyung-Hee , Jeon Ki-Hyun , Lee Soo Youn , Park Jinsik , Oh Byung-Hee
Published: September 2020

Background: In-hospital cardiac arrest is a major burden in health care. Although several track-and-trigger systems are used to predict cardiac arrest, they often have unsatisfactory performances. We hypothesized that a deep-learning-based artificial intelligence algorithm (DLA) could effectively predict cardiac arrest using electrocardiography (ECG). We developed and validated a DLA for predicting cardiac arrest using ECG. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included 47,505 ECGs of 25,672 adult patients admitted to two hospitals, who underwent at least one ECG from October 2016 to September 2019. The endpoint was occurrence of cardiac arrest within 24 hours from ECG. Using subgroup analyses in patients who were initially classified as non-event, we confirmed the delayed occurrence of cardiac arrest and unexpected intensive care unit transfer over 14 days.Results: We used 32,294 ECGs of 10,461 patients and 4,483 ECGs of 4,483 patients from a hospital were used as development and internal validation data, respectively. Additionally, 10,728 ECGs of 10,728 patients from another hospital were used as external validation data, which confirmed the robustness of the developed DLA. During internal and external validation, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the DLA in predicting cardiac arrest within 24 hours were 0.913 and 0.948, respectively. The high risk group of the DLA showed a significantly higher hazard for delayed cardiac arrest (5.74% vs. 0.33%, P < 0.001) and unexpected intensive care unit transfer (4.23% vs. 0.82%, P < 0.001). A sensitivity map of the DLA displayed the ECG regions used to predict cardiac arrest, with the DLA focused most on the QRS complex. Conclusions: Our DLA successfully predicted cardiac arrest using diverse formats of ECG. The results indicate that cardiac arrest could be screened and predicted not only with a conventional 12-lead ECG, but also with a single-lead ECG using a wearable device that employs our DLA.
Comparison of postoperative effectiveness of less invasive short external rotator sparing approach versus standard posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Tianbao , Zhou Yongwei , Li Xiaofei , Gao Siqi , Yang Qining
Published: September 2020

Background
Studies assessing corrective posterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) mostly focused on the mini-incision approach, with few exploring the short external rotator sparing approach. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of standard posterior approach versus short external rotator sparing approach.
Methods
This prospective observational study included patients treated in the Orthopedics Department of Jinhua Central Hospital in 06/2017-06/2018. Patient grouping was based on the surgical methods. Surgical data were recorded postoperatively. Postoperative hip joint recovery was assessed by the times to ambulation and independent stair use, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Harris score and Oxford hip score (OHS) at 2 and 8 postoperative weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain assessment.
Results
Postoperative changes of creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin, CRP, and prosthesis position were similar in both groups. However, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative 6-h drainage volume, hospital stay, and blood transfusion rate were significantly reduced in the corrective (short external rotator sparing) group, as well as times to ambulation and independent stair use. Oxford and WOMAC scores in both groups decreased significantly postoperatively. The VAS score was more overtly decreased postoperatively in the corrective group compared with the standard group.
Conclusions
The corrective THA causes less damage and reduces perioperative blood loss, shortening functional recovery time, maintaining prosthesis stability and improving pain postoperatively.
Acute Transverse Myelitis After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Complicated Case of Rapid Onset Paraplegia in a Male Veteran 
Authors: Hazrati Ebrahim , Farahani Ramin Hamidi , Asl Amir Nezami , Shahali Hamze
Published: September 2020

Background: SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a new human pathogen, and currently, the world has been plagued by its pandemic and there are no specific treatment options, mostly affects the respiratory system, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), but extra respiratory multi-systemic involvement has also been reported.Case presentation: A 63-yr-old Caucasian male veteran (retired army colonel), known case of controlled Type 2 diabetes, chronic renal failure and ischemic heart disease, about 4 days after the onset of flu-like syndrome (with no trauma history) experienced loss of control over both lower limbs, absent sensation from the chest below with constipation and urinary retention. Due to world SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak, his nasopharyngeal specimen was tested for COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and positive result obtained. Chest x-ray and HRCT suggested severe pulmonary involvement. Immediately, he was admitted at emergency ward, treated based national COVID-19 protocol and a series of diagnostic procedures were started up to find out the cause of his non-heterogeneous peripheral (spinal) neuromuscular manifestations. Brain CT scan and MRI were normal, but spinal MRI with gadolinium contrast agent showing extensive increased T2 signal involves central grey matter and dorsal columns, extension between C7 and T12 with linear sagittally oriented enhancement posteriorly within the cord in the mid and lower thoracic cord. The CSF specimen obtained from LP shown pleocytosis, positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and elevated IgG index. Clinical presentations, MRI, CSF and laboratory findings, after ruled out the other numerous possible causes with specific methods, suggested the Acute Transverse Myelitis (ATM) as a probably complication of COVID-19 infection. Intravenous methylprednisolone and then human immunoglobulin was added to treatment regimen. At the end, complete resolution of dysaesthesia, urinary retention and constipation were achieved. After continuous and long respiratory and motor rehabilitation programs, he was discharged home asymptomatic. Conclusions: We believe that SARS-CoV-2 has a potential to produces different extra respiratory multi-systemic involvement as immune-mediated process and complexes, and this should be kept in mind whenever encounter a patient with acute onset of neurological manifestations, especially after microbial infections or vaccinations.