bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Human Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and its Impacts on Survival
Authors: Yin Min , Chen Aiping , Zhao Fei , Ji Xuechao , Li Chuan , Wang Guangning
Published: April 2020

Background: The cause of epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is not elucidated. Viral infection may induce chronic inflammatory infection and play a role in the pathogenesis of cancers. Some viruses are considered to be oncomodulatory, modulating cellular pathways such as cell proliferation, tumor progression, vascular disease development, and immune evasion. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in several types of cancers including ovarian cancer. However, the role of HCMV in ovarian carcinogenesis remains controversial.Objective: To investigate the potential role of HCMV infection in EOC, we evaluated the prevalence of HCMV proteins in EOC tissue and its impacts on patients’ survival.Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 66 patients with EOC and 30 patients with benign ovarian cystadenoma were studied. Specimens were analyzed for expression of HCMV immediate early protein (IE) and HCMV tegument protein (pp65) by immunohistochemistry. Results: HCMV-IE protein expression was detected in 82% of EOC and 36% of benign tumors; pp65 was detected in 97% of EOC and 63% of benign tumors. Extensive HCMV-IE protein expression was associated with higher stage of EOC. Reactivation of latent HCMV within the tumor at interval debulking surgery may be induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Extensive HCMV-IE expression was associated with shorter median overall survival than focal or negative expression (39 versus 41 months, P=0.03). Multivariate analysis indicated that HCMV-IE expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.034). Conclusions: This study demonstrate a high prevalence of HCMV proteins in tissue sections from patients with EOC. HCMV infection can be potential risk factor for EOC development. Extensive HCMV-IE expression indicated a poor prognosis. The relationship between HCMV and clinical outcomes highlight the need for further researches on the oncomodulatory role of HCMV in ovarian cancer.
Unlocking community capabilities for addressing social norms/practices: Behavioural change intervention study to improve birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in rural Nigeria
Authors: Eze Irene Ifeyinwa , Mbachu Chinyere Ojiugo , Ossai Edmund Ndudi , Nweze Celestina Adaeze , Uneke Chigozie Jesse
Published: April 2020

Background

Maternal mortality is attributed to combination of contextual factors that cause delay in seeking care, leading to poor utilization of skilled health services. Community participation is one of the acknowledged strategies to improve health services utilization amongst the poor and rural communities. The study aimed at assessing the potentials of improving birth preparedness and complication readiness (BP/CR) using community-driven behavioural change intervention among pregnant women in rural Nigeria.

Methods

A pre-post intervention study was conducted from June 2018 to October 2019 on 158 pregnant women selected through multi-stage sampling technique from 10 villages. Data on knowledge and practices of birth preparedness and utilization of facility health services were collected through interviewer-administered pre-tested structured questionnaire. Behavioural change intervention comprising of stakeholders’ engagement, health education, facilitation of emergency transport and fund saving system, and distribution of educational leaflets/posters were delivered by twenty trained volunteer community health workers. The intervention activities focused on sensitization on danger signs of pregnancy, birth preparedness and complication readiness practices and emergency response. Means, standard deviations, and percentages were calculated for descriptive statistics; and T-test and Chi square statistical tests were carried out to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05

Results

The result showed that after the intervention, mean knowledge score of danger signs of pregnancy increased by 0.37 from baseline value of 3.94 (p < 0.001), and BP/CR elements increased by 0.27 from baseline value of 4.00 (p < 0.001). Mean score for BP/CR practices increased significantly by 0.22 for saving money. The proportion that attended ANC (76.6%) and had facility delivery (60.0%) increased significantly by 8.2% and 8.3% respectively. Participation in Community-related BP/CR activities increased by 11.6% (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

With the improvements recorded in the community-participatory intervention, birth preparedness and complication readiness should be promoted through community, household and male-partner inclusive strategies. Further evaluation will be required to ascertain the sustainability and impact of the programme.
A neglected problem in the utilization of free anterolateral thigh flap towards reconstructing complicated wounds of extremities: the obliteration of deep dead space
Authors: Ren Gao-hong , Xiang Dayong , Wu Xiaohu , Chen Yunbiao , Li Runguang
Published: April 2020

Objective To investigate the clinical application of chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap in the treatment of complex wounds complicated with deep dead space of the extremities. Methods From January 2014 to December 2018, 56 cases (38 males and 18 females) with wounds complicated with deep dead space received treatment of chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap. The average age was 33.4 years, ranged from 3 to 72 years. Causes of injury: 34 cases of vehicle or motorcycle bruise injuries, 12 cases of falling related injuries, and 10 cases of heavy objects crush injuries. All of these patients were experiencing severe limb injuries accompanied with varying levels of tissue necrosis, tissue infection and deep tissue exposure. Residual deep dead space was observed after debridement, including 41 cases of dead space caused by tendon and muscle exposure, 29 cases formed by bone and joint exposure, as well as 5 cases induced by exposure of internal fixators such as plates. The wound sized were from 8 cm×6 cm to 30 cm×15 cm. Forty-one cases were complicated with the ipsilateral fractures, and 21 cases were complicated with fractures in other bone parts or systematic injuries. Following thorough debridement and treatment with vacuum sealing drainage, the granulation tissues of the wound surface grew well with well-controlled infection, and then we used the chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap to obliterate the deep dead space and repair the wounds. The postoperative flap survival and infection condition were evaluated.Results Among 56 patients, 2 cases developed vascular crisis, which was alleviated with timely vascular exploration. One case had excessive bleeding after flap grafting, which was resolved with surgical exploration. Three patients experienced partial necrosis of the flaps, leaving residual local wound, which were completely eliminated by secondary skin grafting in one case and by proactive dressing changes in the other 2 cases. Overall, the infection was effectively controlled, without persistent exudation or sinus tract formation after wound healing. While 5 cases lost to follow-up, the remaining 51 patients were followed up until 15 months, ranged from 9-24 months. Generally, the affected extremities recovered satisfactorily with normal appearances and texture of the flaps, along with normal functions. Importantly, no recurrence of infection was observed.Conclusion During the grafting of chimeric perforator flap pedicled with descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery and lateral thigh muscle flap, the muscle flap is recommended to obliterate the deep dead space while the skin flap being used to cover the wound surface. The combination of these two methods performed well in the repair and reconstruction of the complex wounds of the extremities, possessing potential for broader clinical application.
Catheter Ablation or Surgical Therapy in Moderate-Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Caused by Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Wang Jiangang , Li Songnan , Ye Qing , Ma Xiaolong , Zhao Yichen , Han Jie , Li Yan , Zheng Shuai , Meng Xu
Published: April 2020

Background This study aimed to describe the mid-term outcomes of different treatments in patients with atrial fibrillation caused tricuspid regurgitation. Methods A retrospective study of patients diagnosed as atrial fibrillation caused moderate-severe tricuspid regurgitation undergoing ablation (n = 411) were reviewed. The surgical cohort (n = 114) underwent surgical ablation and tricuspid valve repair; the catheter cohort (n = 279) was selected from those patients who had catheter ablation. Results The estimated actuarial 5-year survival rates were 96.8% (95% CI: 92.95-97.78) and 92.0% (95% CI: 85.26-95.78) in the catheter and surgical cohort, respectively. Tethering height was showed as independent risk factors for recurrent atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation in both cohorts. A matched group analysis using propensity-matched was conducted after categorizing total patients by tethering height < 6mm and >= 6mm. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed in patients with tethering height < 6mm, there were no differences in survival from mortality, stroke, recurrent atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation between two groups. In patients with tethering height >= 6mm, there were significantly higher cumulative incidence of stroke (95% CI, 0.047–0.849; P = 0.029), recurrent atrial fibrillation (95% CI, 0.357–09738; P = 0.039) and tricuspid regurgitation (95% CI, 0.359–0.981; P = 0.042) in catheter group. Conclusions Atrial fibrillation caused tricuspid regurgitation resulted in less leaflets coaptation, which risk the recurrence of atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation. Patients whose tethering height was less than 6mm showed satisfying improvement in tricuspid regurgitation with the restoration of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation. However, in patients with severe leaflets tethering, the results favored surgical over catheter.
A pan-cancer analysis of the clinical and genetic portraits of somatostatin receptor expressing-tumor as a potential target of peptide receptor imaging and therapy
Authors: Lee Hyunjong , Suh Minseok , Choi Hongyoon , Ha Seunggyun , Paeng Jin Chul , Cheon Gi Jeong , Kang Keon Wook , Lee Dong Soo
Published: April 2020

Purpose Although somatostatin receptor (SST) is a promising theranostics target and is widely expressed in tumors of various organs, the indication for therapies targeting SST is limited to typical gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Thus, broadening the scope of the current clinical application of peptide receptor radiotherapy (PRRT) can be supported by a better understanding of the landscape of SST-expressing tumors. Methods SST expression levels were assessed in data from The Cancer Genome Atlas across 10,701 subjects representing 32 cancer types. As the major target of PRRT is SST subtype 2 (SST2), correlation analyses between the pan-cancer profiles, including clinical and genetic features, and SST2 level were conducted. The median SST2 expression level of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PCPG) samples was used as the threshold to define ‘high-SST2 tumors’. The prognostic value of SST2 in each cancer subtype was evaluated by using Cox proportional regression analysis. Results We constructed a resource of SST expression patterns associated with clinicopathologic features and genomic alterations. It provides an interactive tool to analyze SST expression patterns in various cancer types. As a result, eight of the 31 cancer subtypes other than PCPG had more than 5% of tumors with high SST2 expression. Low-grade glioma (LGG) showed the highest proportion of high-SST2 tumors, followed by breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA). LGG showed different SST2 levels according to tumor grade and histology. IDH1 mutation was significantly associated with high-SST2 status. In BRCA, the SST2 level was different according to the hormone receptor status. High-SST2 status was significantly associated with good prognosis in LGG patients. High-SST2 status showed a trend for association with poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer subjects. Conclusion A broad range of SST2 expression was observed across diverse cancer subtypes. The SST2 expression level showed a significant association with genomic and clinical aspects across cancers, especially in LGG and BRCA. These findings extend our knowledge base to diversify the indications for PRRT as well as SST imaging.
Burden of Occupational Accident and Injury in South Nation Nationalities and Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia.
Authors: Gore Temesgen Kelaye
Published: April 2020

Background: Burden of occupational accident and injury is the impact of a health problem in an area measured by premature mortality and morbidity. Poor OHS practice is one of huge public health, economic and social problems. There is a dearth of studies describing the burden of OAI. However, this study has determined the burden of occupational accident and injures in Southern Ethiopia in January 2011 - December 2015. Method: Retrospective descriptive study design was used to analysis administrative data. All data were available in the database. A total of 215 OAI reports was identified from recorded data base. Reports have been collected from SMSM. All accidents and injure report format were observed. Data entered and cleaned using EPI Info version7 statistical software and were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Result: In this study revealed an increasing magnitude of OAI over three years of 65% were found. But, next two years data were declining. More OAI occurred in male (83.3 %), probation period (48.8%) and daily laborers (67.4%) and 57.7% during morning and 35.8% evening time. The seven hundred twenty one leave days and Eighteen thousand six hundred ninety nine Ethiopian Birr paid 62 permanents employments. Causes of OAIs 20.9% hand tools, 17.2%, falling & slippers, 11.2% collision, 10.2% miss handling, 6.5% relate to transport, 1.4% fire and explosive, 3.3% splinters, only 0.9% work related mistakes. A location of accident and injuries on 6% eye, 33% upper back, 43% lower back of body. A type of OAI 51.6% abrasion, 3.3% ear injury, 0.5% death, 15.3% cuts, 9.8% piercing, 1.4% punctured, 7% fractured and 7.4% dislocation. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed an increasing magnitude of OAI were found. Basic educational level, probation period, daily laborers, working during the morning and evening time more injure and accidents. Upper and lower back were highly affected body part. Abrasion, cuts, piercing, fracture and dislocation were observed as a common type of OAIs. Therefore, interventions should be on a basic educational level, probation period, and daily laborers, working morning and evening time.
Medical student perceptions of curricular influences on their wellbeing: a qualitative study
Authors: Byrnes Christine , Ganapathy Anu , Lam Melinda , Mogensen Lise , Hu Wendy CY
Published: April 2020

Background
Medical student mental health and wellbeing is highly topical worldwide. Research has tended to be either large-scale, quantitative, prevalence studies of wellbeing and associated factors such as burnout, or evaluations of single institution interventions. While theoretically informed definitions of wellbeing abound, how do medical students themselves understand and perceive wellbeing? What aspects of the curriculum do they regard as affecting their wellbeing and mental health? This study explored these questions, and aimed to identify factors associated with student acceptability of wellbeing programs and interventions.

Methods
All students at an Australian undergraduate medical school were invited to complete a qualitative online questionnaire between 2017 and 2018 following the introduction of several wellbeing initiatives, including “Wellbeing Days” (WBD). WBD allow students to take single absence days for self-care. Open-ended questions were asked about perceptions and experience of wellbeing and mental health, and views on interventions to improve wellbeing such as WBD. Thematic analysis was performed , initially by three authors who developed preliminary themes, then confirmed by all researchers . Thematic saturation was achieved within the 68 responses, which included participants from all cohorts.

Results
Participants described wellbeing as positively experienced work/life balance, impacted by four factors; contact hours, peer relationships, staff relationships, and trust in how wellbeing initiatives were used. Long course contact hours were deemed incompatible with self-care activities, maintaining employment, and seeking professional medical/psychological help. Peers could promote wellbeing by offering social and academic support, but also undermine wellbeing by being competitors. Degree of trust, engagement and communication with staff influenced acceptability of interventions. Participants viewed initiatives such as WBD favourably, but distrust of peers, and of staff, led to perceptions that WBD could be prone to misuse, or used for surveillance rather than support.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that wellbeing days which allow self-care, reduction in contact hours, and peer support may promote student wellbeing, but the acceptability of any interventions is influenced by relationships between students and staff, and with peers. Further research is recommended to investigate the relationship between trust, perceptions of wellbeing in self and peers, and the effectiveness of wellbeing interventions.
A low cartilage formation and repair endotype predicts radiographic progression of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Luo Yunyun , Samuels Jonathan , Krasnokutsky Svetlana , Byrjalsen Inger , Kraus Virginia B. , He Yi , Karsdal Morten A. , Abramson Steven B. , Attur Mukundan , Bay-Jensen Anne C.
Published: April 2020

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with multiple endotypes. A hallmark of OA is loss of cartilage; however, it is evident that the rate of cartilage loss differs among patients, which may partly be attributed to differential capacity for cartilage repair. We hypothesize that a low cartilage repair endotype exists and that such endotypes are more likely to progress radiographically. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of level of cartilage formation with OA severity and radiographic OA progression. We used the blood-based marker PRO-C2, reflecting type II collagen formation, to assess levels of cartilage formation. Methods: The type II collagen propeptide PRO-C2 was measured in the serum/plasma of knee OA subjects from New York University (NYU, n=106) and a subcohort of the phase III oral salmon calcitonin (sCT) trial SMC021-2301 (SMC, n=147). The risk of radiographic medial joint space narrowing (JSN) over 24 months was compared between quartiles (very low, low, moderate, and high) of PRO-C2. Progression was defined as two-year JSN > 0.35 mm. Associations were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, race, baseline pain levels, and baseline joint space width.Results: In both the NYU and SMC cohorts, subjects with low PRO-C2 levels had greater JSN compared to subjects with high PRO-C2. The mean difference in JSN between subjects with very low and high levels of PRO-C2 was 0.65 mm (p = 0.002), corresponding to a 3.4 [1.4 – 8.6]-fold higher risk of progression. There was no significant effect of sCT treatment, compared to placebo, on JSN over two years before stratification based on baseline PRO-C2. However, there were proportionately fewer progressors in the sCT arm of the very low/low PRO-C2 group compared to the moderate/high group (chi-squared = 6.5, p = 0.011). Conclusions: Serum/plasma level of type II collagen formation, PRO-C2, may be an objective indicator of a low cartilage repair endotype, displaying radiographic progression and superior response to a proanabolic drug.
Establishment of Z score reference of growth parameters for Egyptian school children and adolescents aged from 5 to 19 years: a cross sectional study
Authors: El-Shafie Ali M , Omar Zein A , elbazzar ahmed N , Kasemy Zeinab A , Bahbah wael A
Published: April 2020

Background: Growth charts are an important method for evaluating a child's health, nutrition and development. Objective: To establish Lambda – Mu- Sigma (LMS) and Z score references for assessment of growth and nutrition in Egyptian school children and adolescents. Methods: A total of 31,416 Egyptian school children and adolescents from 5years to 19 years were enrolled in a cross sectional randomized study from December 2017 to November 2019 to create LMS and Z score references for weight, height and body mass index (BMI) corresponding to ages. They were selected from different districts in Egypt. Apparent Healthy children with good nutritional history and not suffering from any chronic diseases were included in the study. Results: Egyptian children of both sexes (56.7% boys and 43.3% girls) from 5 years to 19 years old were studied. Then LMS and Z scores for weight for age, height for age, BMI for age of both sexes were represented in detailed tables and graphs. There was no statistically significant difference between the Egyptian Z score charts and the reference values of WHO for weight, height and BMI corresponding to age (P>0.05). Conclusion: This is the first reference for growth and nutritional assessment in Egyptian school children and adolescents, this tool is essential for healthcare and research. In case of absence of these local charts, we recommend to use the WHO references values rather than other local charts. Key words: Adolescent - Egyptian Z score -Growth parameters- School children
Metabolic enzyme clustering by coiled coils improves the biosynthesis of resveratrol and mevalonate
Authors: Fink Tina , Stevović Bojana , Verwaal René , Roubos Johannes A. , Gaber Rok , Benčina Mojca , Jerala Roman , Gradišar Helena
Published: April 2020

The clustering of biosynthetic enzymes is used in nature to channel reaction products and increase the yield of compounds produced by multiple reaction steps. The coupling of multiple enzymes has been shown to increase the biosynthetic product yield. Different clustering strategies have particular advantages as the spatial organization of multiple enzymes creates biocatalytic cascades with a higher efficiency of biochemical reaction. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as misfolding and the variable stability of interaction domains, which may differ between particular biosynthetic reactions and the host organism. Here, we compared different protein-based clustering strategies, including direct fusion, fusion mediated by intein, and noncovalent interactions mediated through small coiled-coil dimer-forming domains. The clustering of enzymes through orthogonally designed coiled-coil interaction domains increased the production of resveratrol in Escherichia coli more than the intein-mediated fusion of biosynthetic enzymes. The improvement of resveratrol production correlated with the stability of the coiled-coil dimers. The coiled-coil fusion-based approach also increased mevalonate production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , thus demonstrating the wider applicability of this strategy.
Acetate Ringer's solution versus 0.9% saline for septic patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter crossover trial
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Jing , Zhu Yuan , Su Lianjiu , Li Yiming , He Li , Yu Li , Peng Zhiyong
Published: April 2020

Background: The previous study demonstrated that there were no significant differences between saline and balanced crystalloid solution infused in critical illness. However, the sepsis subgroup analysis showed the statistical difference. Thus, we will specifically focus on septic patients in this study to compare the effects of saline and balanced solution. We hypothesize that effects of saline on acute kidney injury (AKI) are related to the underline AKI severity and total volumes of infusion. Methods/design: The investigators designed a pragmatic, multi-centered crossover trial recruiting 312 patients who are diagnosed as sepsis/septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) and will be assigned with either acetate Ringer's solution or saline in the corresponding month. Patients with an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or who need renal replacement therapy (RRT) prior to or at the time of enrollment are excluded. Enrolled patients will be regarded as with mild, moderate or severe sepsis on the basis of the severity of their illness, and will be divided into subgroups according to their initial renal function and various intravenous infusion volumes when being analyzed. The primary outcome is major adverse kidney events (MAKE), including the composite of in-hospital death, receipt of new renal replacement therapy, or persistent renal dysfunction. Secondary outcomes include 28 days-mortality, internal environment disturbance, incidence and duration of vasoactive drug treatment, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of RRT and ICU and hospital length of stay. Results and Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study will be the first to focus on septic patients and provide credible and evident data on the comparison of outcome between acetate Ringer’s solution and saline for intravenous infusion in adult septic patients on the basis of baseline renal function and infusion volumes taken into consideration. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifiers: NCT03685214. Registered on August 15, 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03685214 Keywords: sepsis; septic shock; acute kidney injury; saline; acetate Ringer's solution.
The mental health of neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Chen Changqing , Ning Xianjun , Yu Fang , Huang Qin , Li Xi , Luo Yunfang , Huang Qing
Published: April 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province, China, during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among neurological doctors and nurses in Hunan Province. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed by the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety scale (SAS) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).Results: The average SAS standard scores of neurological physicians were 41.33 ± 8.98, higher than Chinese national norms. The prevalence of anxiety (defined as a total score ≥50 on the SAS) and depression (defined as a total score ≥53 on the SDS) in nurses (20.3%, 30.2%) was higher than in doctors (12.6%, 20.2%). Logistic regression analysis showed that attitude toward the risk of infection due to the shortage of protective equipment was independently associated with anxiety among neurological staff (OR = 2.004, 95% CI: 1.257 - 3.193).Conclusions: Symptoms of anxiety and depression were more prevalent among neurological nurses than doctors in Hunan Province. The shortage of protective equipment led to anxiety in the medical staff of neurology departments, which merits attention during the battle against COVID-19.
A rapid screening model for early predicting novel coronavirus pneumonia in Zhejiang Province of China: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Dai Yi-Ning , Zheng Wei , Wu Qing-Qing , Hui Tian-Chen , Bao Su-Xia , Tong Yong-Xi , Chen Guo-Bo , Sun Nan-Nan , Wu Wen-Hao , Huang Yi-Cheng , Yin Qiao-Qiao , Wu Li-Juan , Yu Li-Xia , Shi Ji-Chan , Fang Nian , Shen Yue-Fei , Xie Xin-Sheng , Ma Chun-Lian , Yu Wan-Jun , Tu Wen-Hui , Yan Rong , Wang Ming-Shan , Chen Mei-Juan , Zhang Jia-Jie , Ju Bin , Gao Hai-Nv , Huang Hai-Jun , Li Lan-Juan , Pan Hong-Ying
Published: April 2020

Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) has been widely spread in China and several other countries. Early finding of this pneumonia from huge numbers of suspects gives clinicians a big challenge. The aim of the study was to develop a rapid screening model for early predicting NCP in a Zhejiang population, as well as its utility in other areas. A total of 880 participants who were initially suspected of NCP from Jan 17 to Feb 19 were included. Potential predictors were selected via stepwise logistic regression analysis. The model was established based on epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, white blood cell count, and pulmonary imaging changes, with the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.920 (95% confidence interval: 0.902-0.938; AUROC=0.915, and its standard deviation of 0.028, as evaluated in 5-fold cross-validation). At a value of whether the predicted score >4.0, the model could detect NCP with a specificity of 98.3%; at a cut-off value of < -0.5, the model could rule out NCP with a sensitivity of 97.9%. The study demonstrated that the rapid screening model was a helpful and cost-effective tool for early predicting NCP and had great clinical significance given the high activity of NCP.
Lettuce Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Energy Use Efficiency as Affected by Red–Blue Light Combined with Different Monochromatic Wavelengths
Authors: Li Lie , Tong Yu-xin , Lu Jun-ling , Li Yang-mei , Yang Qi-chang
Published: April 2020

Light, as the energy and signal sources for plant growth and development, is one of the most important environment factors in recently developed plant factories with artificial light (PFALs). To find the optimal combination of light wavelengths for lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Tiberius’) plant growth in a PFAL, four treatments, each using red (R; 662 nm) and blue light (B; 447 nm) with a ratio of 4:1 and photon flux density (PFD) of 150 μmol·m−2·s−1, and mixing, respectively, with 50 μmol·m−2·s−1 of green light (G; 525 nm; RBG), yellow light (Y; 592 nm; RBY), orange light (O; 605 nm; RBO) and far-red light (FR; 742 nm; RBFR), were set up during this experiment. A combination of R and B with a ratio of 4:1 and PFD of 200 μmol·m−2·s−1 was set as the control (RB). The responses of lettuce growth, morphology, anatomical structure of the lettuce leaf, photosynthetic performance, lettuce nutritional quality, and energy use efficiency were investigated. The results showed that RBG, RBO, and RBFR increased the shoot fresh weight of lettuce by 20.5%, 19.6%, and 40.4%, and they increased the shoot dry weight of lettuce by 24.2%, 13.4%, and 45.2%, respectively, compared with those under RB. The Pn under RBY was significantly lower than that under RB, although no significant differences in chlorophyll or carotenoid content were found between RBY and RB. RBG increased the lettuce leaf area, the thickness of the leaf palisade tissue, Pn, and light use efficiency compared with those under RB. Plants grown under RBO showed better photosynthetic capacity, such as higher Pn, ΦPSII, and other photosynthetic parameters. RBFR caused an increase in lettuce leaf area and energy use efficiency, but a decrease in leaf thickness and Pn of the single leaf. Moreover, tipburn injury was observed under RBFR. Therefore, these results demonstrate that RBG and RBO can be considered optimal combinations of light wavelengths for lettuce growth in a PFAL in this experiment, although plant growth can also be improved by using RBFR.
Edible Horticultural Therapy for the Rehabilitation of Long-term Hospitalized Female Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: He Hui , Yu Yanwei , Li Jiamin , Hu Luyun , Zhou Fan
Published: April 2020

We quantitatively assessed the effects of a six-session edible horticultural therapy (EHT) program on long-term-hospitalized (LTH) female patients with schizophrenia. A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the project and randomly divided into an experimental group (30 patients, received EHT) and a control group (30 patients, did not receive EHT). The two groups were evaluated before and after EHT using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Chinese version Scale of Social Functioning for Psychotic Inpatients (SSFPI), and the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA). The clinical symptoms of patients with schizophrenia improved significantly and they recovered social function, but there was no significant change in life satisfaction. In the control group, clinical symptoms recovered but there was no improvement in social function and life satisfaction significantly decreased. In addition, patients in the EHT group expressed satisfaction with the program. In conclusion, EHT can improve the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and promote recovery of social function; however, its impact on life satisfaction remains unclear.
Let there be water: How hydration/dehydration reactions accompany key Earth and life processes#
Authors: Brovarone Alberto Vitale , Butch Christopher J. , Ciappa Alessandra , Cleaves Henderson J. , Elmaleh Agnès , Faccenda Manuele , Feineman Maureen , Hermann Jörg , Nestola Fabrizio , Cordone Angelina , Giovannelli Donato
Published: April 2020

Water plays a key role in shaping our planet and making life possible. Given the abundance of water on Earth's surface and in its interior, chemical reactions involving water, namely hydration and dehydration reactions, feature prominently in nature and are critical to the complex set of geochemical and biochemical reactions that make our planet unique. This paper highlights some fundamental aspects of hydration and dehydration reactions in the solid Earth, biology, and man-made materials, as well as their connections to carbon cycling on our planet.
Root traits and carbon input by sweet sorghum genotypes differs in two climatic conditions
Authors: Ahmed Ibrahim. A. M. , Ortaş Ibrahim , Yucel Celal , Oktem Abdullah , Yucel Derya , Iqbal Md Toufiq
Published: April 2020

Response of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] root traits and carbon (C) input under two different climatic condition is not well understood. The aims of this study were to characterize and compare root biomass and root traits of several sweet sorghum genotypes at field condition and to estimate their C input to into soil. Roots and shoots were analyzed for C concentration and CO2 was calculated. Root samples were collected through monolith root sampling techniques. Root morphological characteristics like root surface area and root volume were differed between locations as well as locations × genotypes interactions. Root surface area varies from 423,800 to 887,800 m2 ha-1 in Mediterranean soil and 339,100 to 579,600 m2ha-1 for Harran soil. All sweet sorghum genotypes inputs root and shoot C as well as CO2 higher in Mediterranean than Harran soil. Root C input varies from 140 to 386 Mg ha-1 in Mediterranean soil and 112 to 224 Mg ha-1 for Harran soil. A greater diversity of root traits was found on several sweet sorghum genotypes irrespective to plant biomass C inputs into the soil. However, compared to several sweet sorghum genotypes, their lower C input to soil needs to be recognized to ensure a balanced C budget. This study concluded that several sweet sorghum genotypes can be a good source of soil C sequestration under different climatic conditions of Turkey.
Simulation of scenarios considering different stump and pre-bucking disc heights in mechanized timber harvesting operations in Pinus spp. stands after the fourth thinning
Authors: Oliveira Gustavo Silva , Soares Philipe Ricardo Casemiro , Sampietro Jean Alberto , Silva Maycon Thuan Saturnino da , Nicoletti Marcos Felipe , Schneider Chaiane Rodrigues , Stepka Thiago Floriani , Silva Julio Peretti da
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to quantify scenarios, considering different stump and pre-bucking disc heights, in order to search for alternatives to optimize the mechanized timber harvesting process in a Pinus spp. forest. In this way, the simulation of six scenarios was carried out after the fourth thinning. The situation defined by the company in its planning was considered and applied to scenario 1 (S1), with stump heights and pre-bucking disc heights of up to 15 cm and 10 cm, respectively. The scenario 2 (S2) included the real situation, that is, the measurements made in sample units installed on the field, scenario 3 (S3) included stump heights of 10 cm and pre-bucking disc heights of 5 cm and, in the other scenarios (S4, S5 and S6), stump and pre-bucking disc heights with values higher than the ones specified by the company were included. To that end, taper functions were used to quantify the assortments and the economic returns for each scenario. Results showed that scenario 3 presented the highest economic gain (5434.27 USD ha-1) followed by scenario 2 (5431.97 USD ha-1), surpassing the production expectations (S1). Therefore, the company must seek to improve and optimize the mechanized harvesting process by increasing investments for improvements in the planning of the operations, establishing measures throughout the production process and training the employees. These changes can reduce the non-conformities, expand revenues and result in better use of natural resources.
Leaf composition and productivity of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims. “Guinezinho”) in soil with bovine biofertilizer and nitrogen
Authors: Diniz Adriana Araújo , Cavalcante Lourival Ferreira , Souto Antônio Gustavo de Luna , Cardoso Eudes de Almeida , Souto Patrícia Carneiro , Mendonça Rejane Maria Nunes , Dias Nildo da Silva
Published: April 2020

The use of alternative inputs, derived from the fermentation of fresh organic matter, exerts significant importance in the pasiculture in partial substitution to synthetic commercial fertilizers. An experiment was conducted in the period from 2013 to 2014 to evaluate the effects of bovine biofertilizer and nitrogen, on leaf mineral composition of macronutrients, micronutrients and sodium and productivity of yellow passion fruit. The treatments were arranged in randomized blocks with three replicates and nine plants per plot. We arranged a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, referring to the bovine biofertilizer applied to the soil in the liquid form (B) in the proportions in water (W) of 0 (0B + 4W); 25 (1B + 3W); 50 (2B + 2W); 75 (3B + 1W) and 100% (4B + 0W), in the soil without and with nitrogen. The seedlings were developed from fruit seeds with large size, oblique shape and mass. The bovine biofertilizer was applied at 4 L plant-1 in water, 7 days before and 90 days after transplanting of 50-day-old seedlings. The nitrogen was applied to the relevant plots every 30 days after transplantation of the seedlings until the end of the experiment. The resulrs showed that plants were adequately supplied in N, Mg, S, B, Cu and Zn, but deficient in P, K, Ca, Cu, Fe and Mn at the beginning of flowering. The highest fruit production of 30.75 t ha 1 were obtained from the plants in soil with 100% of bovine biofertilizer and with nitrogen. Due to the higher fruit productivity in plants with biofertilizer bovine + nitrogen, compared to those treated with only bovine biofertilizer, it is verified that the organic input does not substitute the nitrogen for the cultivation of the yellow passion fruit.
Impact of inflation on economic growth: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Olugbenga Adaramola Anthony , Dada Oluwabunmi
Published: April 2020

In an attempt to examine the influence of inflation on the growth prospects of the Nigerian economy, the study employs the autoregressive distributed lag on the selected variables, i.e. real gross domestic product (GDP), inflation rate, interest rate, exchange rate, degree of economy`s openness, money supply, and government consumption expenditures for the period 1980–2018. The study findings indicate that inflation and real exchange rate exert a significant negative impact on economic growth, while interest rate and money supply indicate a positive and significant impact on economic growth. Other variables in the model depict no influence on the economic growth of Nigeria. The causality result shows the unidirectional relationships between interest rate, exchange rate, government consumption expenditures and gross domestic product. However, inflation and the degree of openness show no causal relationship with gross domestic product. As a result, the study recommends that a more pragmatic effort is needed by the monetary authorities to target the inflation vigorously to prevent its adverse effect by ensuring a tolerable rate that would stimulate the economic growth of Nigeria.
Calculation of water environmental capacity of large shallow lakes – a case study of Taihu Lake
Authors: Hu Kaiming , Wang Yunyan , Feng Bin , Wu Dan , Tong Yifan , Zhang Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2020

Lake currents have an important impact on distribution of pollutant concentrations in large shallow lakes. Taking Taihu Lake as an example, in view of the characteristics of wind-driven water flow in the lake, this paper puts forward a water environmental capacity calculation method that uses wind direction and wind speed combined frequency to provide joint correction and pollution zone control for the designed hydrological conditions. In the study, the total length of the pollution belt was controlled to be 10% of the length of the study area, and a mathematical model of two-dimensional unsteady water quantity and quality in Taihu Lake was established. By analyzing the hydrological water quality characteristics and measured data of Taihu Lake in recent years, the flow field and concentration field were simulated and verified, the mathematical model and the plausibility of the parameters were calibrated. The water environmental capacity of Taihu Lake basin was calculated by this method. The calculated results showed that the water environmental capacity of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) in Taihu Lake were 113,331 t·a−1, 479 t·a−1 and 6,521 t·a−1. By providing a technical basis for total pollutant control and management in Taihu Lake basin, this study is conducive to the planning and management of water environment.
Pricing of grid electricity of reservoir power plants based on quantification of the values of positive externality factors
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Shijun , Huang Weibin , Ma Guangwen , Hu Yanlong , Ye Yujian
Published: April 2020

Hydropower is a clean, low-carbon renewable energy source with the merits of mature technology and flexible operation. Moreover, hydropower plants provide comprehensive utilization functions in many areas, including flood control, shipping, and emission reduction. In the current contradictive situation between power supply and demand, China's hydropower grid pricing mechanism does not reflect the positive externality of hydropower, which is not conducive to fair competition between hydropower and other power sources. This study proposed the concept of the positive external electricity price (PEEP) and a pricing mechanism that considered, for the first time, the values of hydropower positive externality factors by using the positive externality theory. A representative quasi-public welfare power plant of the Sichuan power grid was used to empirically evaluate the model. The pricing mechanism of reservoir power plants proposed in this paper considered the power grid benefits, flood control benefits, shipping benefits, and emission reduction benefits of hydropower, and allowed for the internalization of the positive externality. The hydropower grid prices based on our recommendations did not cause a dramatic impact on the local power grid; furthermore, the model helped promote the social responsibility of power companies through the pricing guidance for improving economic benefits by increasing positive externalities.
Proteomics-Based Characterization of the Effects of MMP14 on the Protein Content of Exosomes from Corneal Fibroblasts
Authors: Han Kyu-Yeon , Chang Jin-Hong , Azar Dimitri T.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Exosomes secreted by corneal fibroblasts contain matrix metalloproteinase
(MMP) 14, which is known to influence pro-MMP2 accumulation on exosomes. Accordingly,
we hypothesized that the enzymatic activity of MMP14 may alter the protein content of corneal fibroblast-
secreted exosomes.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MMP14 on the composition and
biological activity of corneal fibroblast-derived exosomes.

Methods:

Knock out of the catalytic domain (ΔExon4) of MMP14 in corneal fibroblasts was used
to determine the effect of MMP14 expression on the characteristics of fibroblast-secreted exosomes.
The amount of secreted proteins and their size distribution were measured using Nano
Tracking Analysis. Proteins within exosomes from wild-type (WT) and ΔExon4-deficient fibroblasts
were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) proteomics
analysis. The proteolytic effects of MMP14 were evaluated in vitro via MS identification
of eliminated proteins. The biological functions of MMP14-carrying exosomes were investigated
via fusion to endothelial cells and flow cytometric assays.

Results:

Exosomes isolated from WT and ΔExon4-deficient fibroblasts exhibited similar size distributions
and morphologies, although WT fibroblasts secreted a greater amount of exosomes. The
protein content, however, was higher in ΔExon4-deficient fibroblast-derived exosomes than in WT
fibroblast-derived exosomes. Proteomics analysis revealed that WT-derived exosomes included proteins
that regulated cell migration, and ΔExon4 fibroblast-derived exosomes contained additional
proteins that were cleaved by MMP14.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that MMP14 expression influences the protein composition of
exosomes secreted by corneal fibroblasts, and through those biological components, MMP14 in
corneal fibroblasts derived-exosomes may regulate corneal angiogenesis.
Anticancer Mechanisms of Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Soon Tsuey Ning , Chia Adeline Yoke Yin , Yap Wei Hsum , Tang Yin-Quan
Published: April 2020

:

Despite technological advancement, there is no 100% effective treatment against metastatic
cancer. Increasing resistance of cancer cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs along with
detrimental side effects remained a concern. Thus, the urgency in developing new anticancer
agents has been raised. Anticancer peptides have been proven to display potent activity against a
wide variety of cancer cells. Several mode of actions describing their cytostatic and cytotoxic effect
on cancer cells have been proposed which involves cell surface binding leading to membranolysis
or internalization to reach their intracellular target. Understanding the mechanism of action of
these anticancer peptides is important in achieving full therapeutic success. In the present article,
we discuss the anticancer action of peptides accompanied by the mechanisms underpinning their
toxicity to cancer cells.
Biomedical Applications of Hemicellulose-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Liu Haitang , Chen Ting , Dong Cuihua , Pan Xuejun
Published: April 2020

Background:

Hydrogel has a three-dimensional network structure that is able to absorb
a large amount of water/liquid and maintain its original structure. Hemicellulose (HC) is the second
most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose in plants and a heterogeneous polysaccharide
consisting of various saccharide units. The unique physical and chemical properties of hemicellulose
make it a promising material for hydrogels.

Methods:

This review first summarizes the three research hotspots on the hemicellulose-based
hydrogels: intelligence, biodegradability and biocompatibility. It also overviews the progress in
the fabrication and applications of hemicellulose hydrogels in the drug delivery system and tissue
engineering (articular cartilage, cell immobilization, and wound dressing).

Results:

Hemicellulose-based hydrogels have many unique properties, such as stimuliresponsibility,
biodegradability and biocompatibility. Interpenetrating networking can endow appropriate
mechanical properties to hydrogels. These properties make the hemicellulose-based hydrogels
promising materials in biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue
engineering (articular cartilage, cell immobilization, and wound dressing).

Conclusion:

Hydrogels have been widely used in biomedicine and tissue engineering areas, such
as tissue fillers, drug release agents, enzyme encapsulation, protein electrophoresis, contact lenses,
artificial plasma, artificial skin, and tissue engineering scaffold materials. This article reviews the
recent progress in the fabrication and applications of hemicellulose-based hydrogels in the biomedical
field.