bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Gut Microbiota Associated with Clinical Parameters in Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnant Patients
Authors: Li Rong , chen xuehai , Liu Zhongzhen , Chen Yan , Liu Chuan , Ye Lingfei , Xiao Liang , Yang Zhenjun , He Jian , Wang Wen-Jing , Qi Hongbo
Published: March 2020

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a liver disorder that specifically occurs in pregnancy. Elevated levels of liver transaminases aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum bilirubin levels are common biochemical characteristics in ICP. The disorder is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery and stillbirth. We hypothesized that there was a link between gut microbiota and the progression of ICP and characterization of the potential microbiota could go a long way in the prevention and treatment of ICP.Methods: A total of 58 patients were recruited for our study; 27 ICP patients and 31 healthy pregnant subjects with no ICP. The V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA region of DNA collected from fecal samples of both diseased and control groups were amplified. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was then performed on gut microbiota from fecal samples obtained. Sequencing data were analyzed and the correlation between components of microbiota and patient ICP status was found. Related metabolic pathways, relative abundance and significantly different OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) between ICP and controls were also identified.Results: Elevated levels of total bile acid, ALT, AST, Dbil and Tbil were recorded or observed in ICP subjects as compared to the control. Gut microbiota in pregnant women was dominated by four major phyla and 27 core genera. PCoA analysis results indicated that there was no significant clustering in Bray-Curtis distance matrices. Our results showed that there was a correlation between specific OTUs and measured clinical parameters of pregnant women. Comparison at the different taxonomy levels revealed high levels of abundance of Blautia and Citrobacter in ICP patients. At the family level, Enterobacteriaceae and Leuconostocaceae were higher in ICP patients. 638 KEGG Orthologs and 138 pathways significantly differed in the two groups; ICP patients and control group and PLS-DA model with VIP plots indicated a total of eight genera and seven species were key taxa in ICP and control groups.Conclusions: Our research indicated that patients with ICP have altered phylogenetic gut microbiota profiles compared to controls, and illustrated that there are significant differences in KEGG pathways.
Community based programs to improve the oral health of Australian Indigenous adolescents: A systematic review and recommendations to guide future strategies.
Authors: Gwynn Josephine , Skinner John , Dimitropoulos Yvonne , Masoe Angela , Rambaldini Boe , Christie Vita , Sohn Woosung , Gwynne Kylie
Published: March 2020

Background

To review the international literature on community-based interventions aiming to improve the oral health of Indigenous adolescents and identify which demonstrate a positive impact.

Methods

Data sources were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, the COCHRANE library and the Australian Indigenous Health Info Net. Articles were included where they: were published in English from 1990 onwards; described oral health outcomes for Indigenous adolescents aged 10 to 19 years; implemented a community based oral health intervention. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies from the Effective Public Health Practice Project was applied.

Results

Nine studies met inclusion criteria; two rated strong in quality; only one study was conducted with an urban community; five reported moderate community engagement. Five intervention strategies were identified, and schools were the most common setting reported. Statistically significant improvements were described in eight studies with the most frequently reported outcome being change in decayed missing or filled teeth.

Conclusions

Few good quality peer reviewed international studies of community-based oral health interventions which address the needs of Indigenous adolescents exist. Studies must include strong Indigenous community leadership and governance at all stages of the research, adopt participatory action-based research approaches, and are required in urban communities.

Registration

The PRISMA checklist of items to include when reporting a systematic review were followed and this review was registered with the PROSPERO register (number: CRD42018084673).
The Consequences of methamphetamine regular use in Tehran: qualitative content analysis
Authors: Lebni Javad Yoosefi , Ziapour Arash , Qorbani Mostafa , Baygi Fereshteh , Mirzaei Amin , Safari Omid , Rastegarimehr Babk , Khosravi Bahar , Mansourian Morteza
Published: March 2020

Background: In recent years, methamphetamine regular use has increased noticeably in Iran, and this can have harmful consequences for the health of individuals and society. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the consequences of methamphetamine regular use in Tehran.Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was carried out by using conventional approach. Date were collected through observation and in-depth interview with 20 regular users of methamphetamine adult in Tehran (15 males and 5 female). Participants were selected through snowball and purposeful sampling method which continued until data saturation. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to assess the strength of the research.Results: The extraction of the codes resulted in three main categories, including: 1. The short-term consequences, consisting of the sub-categories of individual and social consequences 2. The long-term consequences, consisting of the sub-categories of psychological and physical consequences, high risk behaviors, severely decayed memory and changes in the eating pattern. 3. hallucinations and delusions including the sub-categories of visual and auditory hallucinations, delusion of suspicion and delusion of having supernatural power.Conclusion: Methamphetamine regular use has serious adverse effects on overall health of individuals. Therefore, implementing educational programs in order to raise awareness and changing attitudes about the short and long term consequences of using methamphetamine in high risk group is highly recommended.
An updated explanation of ancestral karyotype changes and reconstruction of evolutionary trajectories to form Camelina sativa chromosomes
Authors: Zhang Zhikang , Meng Fanbo , Sun Pengchuan , Yuan Jiaqing , Ge Ke , Liu Chao , Wang Weijie , Wang Xiyin
Published: March 2020

Background: Belonging to lineage Ⅰ of Brassicaceae, Camelina sativa is formed by two hybridizations of three species (three sub-genomes). The three sub-genomes were diverged from a common ancestor, likely derived from lineage Ⅰ (Ancestral Crucifer karyotype, ACK). The karyotype evolutionary trajectories of the C. sativa chromosomes are currently unknown. Here, we managed to adopt a telomere-centric theory proposed previously to explain the karyotype evolution in C. sativa . Results: By characterizing the homology between A. lyrata and C. sativa chromosomes, we inferred ancestral diploid karyotype of C. sativa (ADK), including 7 ancestral chromosomes, and reconstructed the evolutionary trajectories leading to the formation of extant C. sativa genome. The process involved 2 chromosome fusions. We found that sub-genomes Cs-G1 and Cs-G2 may share a closer common ancestor than Cs-G3. Together with other lines of evidence from Arabidopsis, we propose that the Brassicaceae plants, even the eudicots, follow a chromosome fusion mechanism favoring end-end joining of different chromosomes, rather than a mechanism favoring the formation circular chromosomes and nested chromosome fusion preferred by the monocots. Conclusions: The present work will contribute to understanding the formation of C. sativa chromosomes, providing insight into Brassicaceae karyotype evolution.
Comparison of Bacterial Communities in Soil Samples with and without Tomato Bacterial Wilt Caused by Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hu Anna , Zhou Jianuan , Zhang Wenfei , Li Peng
Published: March 2020

Background: Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most notorious soil-borne phytopathogens. It causes a severe wilt disease with deadly effects on many economically important crops. The microbita of disease-suppressive soils are thought that they can contribute to the disease resistance of crop plants, thus, to conduct the microbial community and their interaction characteristics between suppressive soil (SS) and conducive soil (CS) will help to understand resistance mechanism. Here, the bacterial community structure, correlation analysis with soil chemical properties, interaction network of SS (nearly no disease in three years), and CS (suffered heavy bacterial wilt disease) were analyzed.
Results: Compared with CS, a higher bacterial community diversity index was found in SS , and the relative abundance of main genera Bacillus , Gaiellales , Roseiflexus , Gemmatimonadaceae , Nocardioides , and Anaerolineacear reached significant levels. Redundancy analysis at the genus level indicated that the available phosphate played a key role in the bacterial community distribution, and its role was negatively correlated with soil pH, organic matter content, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium contents. Interaction network analysis further demonstrated that greater diversity at the genus level existed in the SS network and formed a stable network. Additionally, the species of Mycobacterium , Cyanobacteria , and Rhodobiaceae are the key components that sustain the network stability. Seven clusters of orthologous groups exhibited significant differences between SS and CS. Moreover, 55 bacterial strains with distinct antagonistic activities to R. solancearum were isolated and identified.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the bacterial diversity and interaction network differed between the CS and SS samples, providing a good foundation in the study of bacterial wilt.
Sarcopenia is associated with hypertension in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bai Tingting , Fang Fang , Li Feika , Ren Yan , Hu Jiaan , Cao Jiumei
Published: March 2020

Background: Sarcopenia and handgrip strength have been observed and correlated in association with hypertension among the old-age people. However, the results reported in different studies were inconsistent. In the current study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the significant association between sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and hypertension in older adults.
Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to 15 November, 2019 to retrieve the original research studies that addressed the association between sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and hypertension. All the relevant data were retrieved, analyzed, and summarized.
Results: 19 studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 21301 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Eight eligible studies have reported the odd ratios (ORs) of hypertension and the ORs ranged from 0.41 to 4.38. When pooled the ORs together, the summarized ORs was 1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI) =1.00-1.67]. The summarized ORs for the Asian group 1.50 (95% CI=1.35-1.67) was significantly higher than that of Caucasian group 1.08 (95% CI=0.39-2.97). Eleven studies have provided the data on association between handgrip strength and hypertension. The overall ORs and 95% CI was 0.99 (95% CI=0.80-1.23), showing no significant association.
Conclusion: Sarcopenia was associated with hypertension, but no correlation was found between handgrip strength and hypertension in older adults.
Cause and predictors of neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia: A facility-based prospective follow-up study
Authors: Desalew Assefa , Sintayehu Yitagesu , Teferi Nardos , Amare Firehiwot , Geda Bifitu , Worku Teshager , Abera Kebebush , Asefaw Abiyot
Published: March 2020

Background: The first month is the most crucial period for child survival. Neonatal mortality continues to remain high with little improvement over the years in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. This region shows the least progress in reducing neonatal mortality and continues to be a significant public health issue. In this study setting, the causes and predictors of neonatal death in the neonatal intensive care units are not well documented. Hence, this study aimed to determine the causes and predictors of neonatal mortality among infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based prospective follow-up study was conducted among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia from November 1 to December 30, 2018. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and a follow-up checklist. The main outcomes and causes of death were set by pediatricians and medical residents. Epi-Data 3.1 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of facility-based neonatal mortality.Results: The proportion of facility-based neonatal mortality was 20%(95% CI:16.7-23.8%). The causes of death were complications of preterm birth (28.58%), birth asphyxia (22.45%), neonatal infection (18.36%), meconium aspiration syndrome (9.18%), respiratory distress syndrome (7.14%), and congenital malformation (4.08%). Low birth weight, preterm births, length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, low 5 minutes APGAR score, hyperthermia, and initiation of feeding were predictors of neonatal death among infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia.Conclusions: The proportion of facility-based neonatal deaths was unacceptably high. The main causes of death were preventable and treatable. Hence, improving the timing and quality of antenatal care is essential for early detection, anticipating high-risk newborns, and timely interventions. Furthermore, early initiation of feeding and better referral linkage to tertiary health facilities could lead to a reduction in neonatal death in this setting.
Etiology and Clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis in Suzhou
Authors: Tan Jiahong , Wu Jinfeng , Jiang Wujun , Huang Li , Ji Wei , Yan Yongdong , Wang Meiuan , Shao Xuejun
Published: March 2020

Background

Bronchiolitis is a clinical syndrome commonly encountered in practice, particularly among infants and young children. To investigate the prevalence of pathogens in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis and study the relationship between the clinical characteristics and pathogens.

Methods

We investigated the respiratory specimens and clinical data of 1012 children with bronchiolitis who were treated at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between November 2011 and December 2018. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined by direct immunofluorescence assay or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viruses and by PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP).

Results

Of the 1012 children with bronchiolitis, 842 (83.2%) were detected at least a pathogen. 614 (60.7%) had single viral infections, 91 (9.0%) had MP infections, 70 (6.9%) had multiple viral infections, and 67 (6.6%) had mixed viral and MP infection. The most common pathogens detected were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (44.4%), MP (15.6%), and human rhinovirus (HRV) (14.4%). RSV was the most common pathogen detected in children less than 6 months. Coinfection was detected in 13.5% (137/1012) of the children, but it was less common in children less than 6 months. The age of children with single virus infection was the youngest. Children with single virus infection had a higher proportion of oxygen therapy compared with single MP infection.

Conclusions

The most common pathogen detected in children with bronchiolitis is RSV, followed by MP and HRV. Co-infections lead to prolonged illness and worsening of the symptoms

Keywords: Etiology, Bronchiolitis, Infant, Respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Real-world comparative effectiveness of second-line ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma: a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dai Wei Fang , Beca Jaclyn , Croxford Ruth , Isaranawatchai Wanrudee , Menjak Ines B. , Petrella Teresa M. , Mittmann Nicole , Earle Craig C. , Gavura Scott , Hanna Timothy P. , Chan Kelvin K.W.
Published: March 2020

Background

For novel cancer treatments, effectiveness in clinical practice is not always aligned with clinical efficacy results. As such it is important to understand a treatment’s real-world effectiveness. We examined real-world population-based comparative effectiveness of second-line ipilimumab versus non-ipilimumab treatments (chemotherapy or targeted treatments).

Methods

We used a cohort of melanoma patients receiving systemic treatment for advanced disease since April 2005 from Ontario, Canada. Patients were identified from provincial drug databases and the Ontario Cancer Registry who received second-line ipilimumab from 2012 to 2015 (treated) or second-line non-ipilimumab treatment prior to 2012 (historical controls). Historical controls were chosen, to permit the most direct comparison to pivotal trial findings. The cohort was linked to administrative databases to identify baseline characteristics and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess overall survival (OS). Observed potential confounders were adjusted for using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

We identified 329 patients with MM who had received second-line treatments (189 treated; 140 controls). Patients receiving second-line ipilimumab were older (61.7 years vs 55.2 years) compared to historical controls. Median OS were 6.9 (95% CI: 5.4-8.3) and 4.95 (4.3-6.0) months for ipilimumab and controls, respectively. The crude 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS probabilities were 34.3% (27%-41%), 20.6% (15%-27%), and 15.2% (9.6%-21%) for ipilimumab and 17.1% (11%-23%), 7.1% (2.9%-11%), and 4.7% (1.2%-8.2%) for controls. Ipilimumab was associated with improved OS (IPTW HR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.49-0.78; p <0.0001).

Conclusions

This real-world analysis suggests second-line ipilimumab is associated with an improvement in OS for MM patients in routine practice.
Daily variations of gut microbial translocation markers in ART-treated HIV-infected people
Authors: Ouyang Jing , Isnard Stéphane , Lin John , Fombuena Brandon , Chatterjee Debashree , Salinas Tomas Raul Wiche , Planas Delphine , Cattin Amelie , Fert Augustine , Gabriel Etiene Moreira , Marchand Laurence Raymond , Zhang Yonglong , Finkelman Malcolm , Chen Yaokai , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Cermakian Nicolas , Ancuta Petronela , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2020

Background: Increased intestinal barrier permeability and subsequent gut microbial translocation are significant contributors to inflammatory non-AIDS comorbidities in people living with HIV (PLWH). Evidence in animal models have shown that markers of intestinal permeability and microbial translocation vary over the course of the day and are affected by food intake and circadian rhythms. However, daily variations of these markers are not characterized yet in PLWH. Herein, we assessed the variation of these markers over 24 hours in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a well-controlled environment. Methods: As in Canada, PLWH are predominantly men and the majority of them are now over 50 years old, we selected 11 men over 50 receiving ART with undetectable viremia for more than 3 years in this pilot study. Blood samples were collected every 4 hours over 24 hours before snacks/meals from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 the next day. All participants consumed similar meals at set times, and had a comparable amount of sleep, physical exercise and light exposure. Plasma levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and fungal (1→3)-β-D-Glucan (BDG) translocation markers, along with markers of intestinal damage fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and regenerating islet-derived protein-3α (REG3α) were assessed by ELISA or the fungitell assay.Results: Participants had a median age of 57 years old (range 50 to 63). Plasma levels of BDG and REG3α did not vary significantly over the course of the study. In contrast, a significant increase of LPS was detected between 12:00 and 16:00 (Z-score: -1.15 ± 0.18 vs 0.16 ± 0.15, p=0.02), and between 12:00 and 24:00 (-1.15 ± 0.18 vs 0.89 ± 0.26, p<0.001). The plasma levels of I-FABP at 16:00 (-0.92 ± 0.09) was also significant lower, compared to 8:00 the first day (0.48±0.26, p=0.002), 4:00 (0.73±0.27, p<0.001) or 8:00 on secondary day (0.88±0.27, p<0.001). Conclusions: Conversely to the fungal translocation marker BDG and the gut damage marker REG3α, time of blood collection matters for the proper evaluation for LPS and I-FABP as markers for the risk of inflammatory non-AIDS co-morbidities. These insights are instrumental for orienting clinical investigations in PLWH.
Conversion of haemodialysis patients from iron sucrose to iron isomaltoside: a real-world experience
Authors: Silva Jorge Antonio Jesus , Lamplugh Archie , Dhada Sameera , Burton James O , Bhandari Sunil
Published: March 2020

Background
Anaemia is common in haemodialysis (HD) patients and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Intravenous (IV) iron combined with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) is the mainstay treatment of anaemia in these patients. The comparative efficacy and risk of adverse events with IV iron preparations have been assessed in only a few trials.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study in 2 centres designed to compare the safety and efficacy of iron sucrose (IS-Venofer®) versus iron isomaltoside (IIM-Diafer®) in haemodialysis patients. The study included patients currently on dialysis and receiving Venofer who were switched to Diafer® and monitored for at least 12 months for each iron preparation.

Results
A total of 190 patients were included and had a mean age of 65.8 years (SD ± 15.5). Non-inferiority was confirmed with no change in mean haemoglobin per mg of iron administered over a 12-month period.
In total there were 41,295 prescriptions of iron isomaltoside and 14,685 of iron sucrose with no difference in the number of reported adverse events during the study period (7 each, none were severe).
There was a statistically significant effect on Hb over time after conversion, including after adjustment for multiple comparisons. There were significant improvements in ferritin over time, which remained at 6 months (P<0.01). The weekly iron dose was similar after adjustment (P=0.02). The EPO dose did not differ significantly after month 0 in patients switched to IIM.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the comparative safety and efficacy of iron isomaltoside versus iron sucrose, with similar dosing schedules in dialysis patients. Iron isomaltoside is non-inferior to iron sucrose in maintaining Hb in patients on regular haemodialysis/haemodiafiltration with no difference in the number of reported adverse events.
Association of plasma chromium with metabolic syndrome among Chinese adults: a case-control study
Authors: Chen Sijing , Zhou Li , Guo Qianqian , Fang Can , Wang Mengke , Peng Xiaobo , Yin Jiawei , Li Shuzhen , Zhu Yalun , Yang Wei , Zhang Yan , Shan Zhilei , Chen Xiaoyi , Liu Liegang
Published: March 2020

Background Chromium has been suggested playing a role in alleviating diabetes, insulin resistance and lipid anomalies, but the effect on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in humans remains controversial. Methods We conducted a matched case-control study in a Chinese population, involving 2,141 MetS cases and 2,141 healthy controls, which were 1:1 matched by age (±2 years) and sex. Plasma chromium was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results Plasma chromium levels were lower in MetS group than in control group (mean: 4.36 μg/L and 4.66 μg/L, respectively, P < 0.001), and progressively decreased with the number of MetS components ( P for trend < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MetS across increasing quartiles of plasma chromium levels were 1 (reference), 0.84 (0.67-1.05), 0.76 (0.61-0.95), and 0.62 (0.49-0.78), respectively ( P for trend < 0.001). For the components of MetS (high waist circumference, high triglycerides and high blood glucose), the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the highest quartiles were 0.77 (0.61-0.95), 0.67 (0.55-0.80), and 0.53 (0.44-0.64), respectively ( P for trend < 0.05). Conclusions Our results indicated that plasma chromium levels were inversely associated with MetS in Chinese adults. The association may be explained by the relations between plasma chromium levels and high waist circumference, and the triglycerides and blood glucose levels.
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: March 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 detected 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 expression of HCMV-IE protein was associated with higher stage of EOC. Reactivation of latent HCMV within the tumor at interval debulking surery 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 of HCMV in ovarian cancer. Keywords: Epithelial ovarian cancer, Human cytomegalovirus, Viral carcinogenesis, Survival
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Silver Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) Nanoflakes with effective Photocatalytic Activity for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Raza Ali , Imran Muhammad , Ul-Hamid Anwar , Shahbaz Atif , Ali Salamat
Published: March 2020

Graphene oxide (GO) was obtained through modified hummers method and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was acquired by employing heat treatment. Various concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) of silver (Ag) were incorporated in GO nanosheets by adopting hydrothermal approach. Synthesized Ag decorated rGO photocatalyst Ag/rGO was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine phase purity and crystal structure. XRD patterns showed the formation of GO to Ag/rGO. Molecular vibration and functional groups were determined through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Optical properties and a decrease in bandgap with insertion of Ag were confirmed with UV-visible (Uv-vis.) spectrophotometer and Photoluminescence (PL). Electronic properties and disorders in carbon structures were investigated through Raman spectroscopy that revealed the existence of characteristic bands (D and G). Surface morphology of prepared samples was examined with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Homogeneous distribution, size and spherical shape of Ag NPs over rGO sheets were further confirmed with the help of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM). Dye degradation of doped and undoped samples was examined through Uv-vis. spectra. Experimental results indicated that photocatalytic activity of Ag@rGO enhanced with increased doping ratio owing to diminished electron-hole pair recombination. Therefore, it is suggested that Ag@rGO can be used as a beneficial and superior photocatalyst to clean environment and wastewater.
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treating novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuxi , Liu Xiaobo , Guo Liuxue , Li Juan , Zhong Dongling , Clarke Mike , Zhang Yonggang , Jin Rongjiang
Published: March 2020

Background A new type of coronavirus, novel coronavirus (COVID-19), is causing an increasing number of cases of pneumonia and was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization on 30 January 2020. The virus first appeared in Wuhan, China in late December 2019 and traditional Chinese herbal medicine is being used for its treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess studies of the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods We will search electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wanfang database using keywords related to COVID-19 and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Reference lists of relevant trials and reviews will be searched. We will manually search grey literature, such as conference proceedings and academic degree dissertations, and trial registries. Two independent reviewers will screen studies (XL and DZ), extract data (YL and LG) and evaluate risk of bias (YL and DZ). Data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager software (version 5.3.5) and R software (version 3.6.1). Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed using a standard Chi-square test with a significance level of P < 0.10. Biases associated with study size (e.g. publication bias) will be investigated using funnel plots, the Egger 's test and Begg 's test and Trim and Fill analysis. Discussion This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for COVID-19. The use of traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treatment or prevention of these novel viral infections affecting the pneumonia will be investigated. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020168004
A Dynamic Taint Tracking Optimized Fuzz Testing Method based on Multi-modal Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Li Qianmu , Meng Shunmei , Zhang Hanrui , Liu Yaozong , Shen Haiyuan , Long Huaqiu
Published: March 2020

The safety of Industrial Internet Control Systems has been a hotspot in the information security. To meet needs of communication, a large variety of proprietary protocols have emerged in the field of industrial control. The protocol field is often trusted in the implementation of industrial control terminal code. If attackers modify the data of these fields using the protocol defect, the operation of the program can be controlled and the entire system will be affected. To cope with such security threats, academia and industry generally adopt fuzzy test methods. However, the current industrial control protocol fuzzy test methods generally have low code coverage, where unified description models are missing and test cases are not targeted. A method of fuzzification processing combined with dynamic multi-modal sensor communication data is proposed. To track the program execution, the dynamic pollution analysis is used to search for the input fields that affect the execution of the conditional branch, and capture the dependencies between the conditional branches to guide the grammar generation of test cases, which can increase the chances of executing deep code. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the validity and code coverage of test cases to a certain extent, and greatly increases the probability of anomaly detection in the protocol implementation.
Efficacy and safety of wait and see strategy versus surgery for rectal cancer with cCR/near-cCR response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Guo-hua , Deng Li , Ye Dong-man , Wang Wen-hui , Yan Yan , yu tao
Published: March 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety between wait and see strategy (WS) and surgery of rectal cancer patients with cCR/near-cCR response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI(China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wanfang databases to compare wait and see strategy with surgery for rectal cancer with cCR/near-cCR response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy up to January 2020. We collected the data of local recurrence, distant metastasis, cancer related death, overall survival and diseasr-free survival and compared the advantages and disadvantages of the two groups.Results: 14 English studies with 3932 patients were included. There were 700 patients in WS group and 3232 patients in surgical group. WS group had higher local recurrence rate than surgery group(OR:3.55, 95% CI :2.35 to 5.36, P<0.001). WS group had better 2-year DFS(OR:0.74, 95% CI :0.56 to 0.96, P=0.03) and 2-year OS (OR:0.38, 95% CI :0.28 to 0.52, P<0.001) than surgery group. Subgroup analysis of WS group and radical surgery group also obtained the similar results. Eastern studies also supported the conclusion. There was no significant difference of other data between the two groups.Conslusion: Compared with surgery group, WS group would increase the risk of local recurrence rate, but WS group had better 2-year DFS and OS than surgery group. However, WS group did not increase the possibility of distant metastasis and cancer related death of the patients.
Determination of Length of (Earth) Day [LOD] in the past geologic epochs
Authors: Sharma Bijay_Kumar
Published: March 2020

The protocol describes the algorithm of arriving at LOD in a given past geologicel Epoch. First the lunar orbital radius of the given geologic epoch has to be determined. For this the velocity of recession of Moon for the accelerated phase has to be determined. The spatial integral of the reciprocal of Velocity of recession gives the transit time of Moon from desired orbit to the present orbit.Through several iterations the transit time is made to converge on the geologic epoch. Once we determine the desired orbital radius it has to be substituted in the LOD expression to determine the LOD in the given geologic epoch.
Metabolic diversity and co-occurrence of multiple Ferrovum species at an acid mine drainage site
Authors: Grettenberger Christen , Havig Jeff , Hamilton Trinity
Published: March 2020

Background

Ferrovum spp. are abundant in acid mine drainage sites globally where they play an important role in biogeochemical cycling. All known taxa in this genus are Fe(II) oxidizers. Thus, co-occurring members of the genus could be competitors within the same environment. However, we found multiple, co-occurring Ferrovum spp. in Cabin Branch, an acid mine drainage site in the Daniel Boone National Forest, KY.

Results

Here we describe the distribution of Ferrovum spp. within the Cabin Branch communities and metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) of two new Ferrovum spp.. In contrast to previous studies, we recovered multiple 16S rRNA gene sequence variants suggesting the commonly used 97% cutoff may not be appropriate to differentiate Ferrovum spp. We also retrieved two nearly-complete Ferrovum spp. genomes from metagenomic data. The genomes of these taxa differ in several key ways relating to nutrient cycling, motility, and chemotaxis.

Conclusions

Previously reported Ferrovum genomes are also diverse with respect to these categories suggesting that the genus Ferrovum contains substantial metabolic diversity. This diversity likely explains how the members of this genus successfully co-occur in Cabin Branch and why Ferrovum spp. are abundant across geochemical gradients.
Medical cannabis for the reduction of opioid dosage in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Okusanya Babasola , Asaolu Ibitola O. , Ehiri John E. , Kimaru Linda Jepkoeach , Okechukwu Abidemi , Rosales Cecilia
Published: March 2020

Background: Medical cannabis (MC) is currently being used as an adjunct to opiates given its analgesic effects and potential to reduce opiate addiction. This review assessed if MC used in combination with opioids to treat non-cancer chronic pain would reduce opioid dosage.Methods: Four databases - Ovid (Medline), Psyc-INFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and grey literature – were searched to identify original research that assessed the effects of MC on non-cancer chronic pain in humans. The search yielded 4,316 articles and 24 reports from the databases and grey literature, respectively. Results: Nine studies involving 7,222 participants were included. There was a 64%-75% reduction in opioid dosage when used in combination with MC. Use of MC for opioid substitution was reported by 32%-59.3% of patients with non-cancer chronic pain. One study reported a slight decrease in mean hospital admissions in the past calendar year (P=.53) and decreased mean emergency department visits in the past calendar year (P=.39) for patients who received MC as an adjunct to opioids in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain compared to those who did not receive MC. Conclusions: While this review indicated the likelihood of reducing opioid dosage when used in combination with MC, the optimal MC dosage to achieve opioid dosage reduction remains unknown. More research is needed to elucidate whether MC used in combination with opioids in the treatment of non-cancer chronic pain is associated with health consequences that are yet unknown.Systematic review registration: This systematic review was not registered.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Nanjing
Authors: Chen Wei , Hu Chunmei , Huang Lili , Cai Min , Zhang Yongchen , Wei Hongxia , Chi Yun , Hu Zhiliang , Zeng Yi , Zheng Yishan , Liu Ying , Cheng Cong , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Weixiao , Zhang Xia , Yi Yongxiang
Published: March 2020

Background: Since December 2019, the outbreak of COVID-19 has spread quickly and thumped many countries and regions. The epidemic of central China was under the spotlight and attracted much more attentions. However, there are few reports describing COVID-19 patients in the regions outside of Wuhan, which are undergoing the change from sporadic imported cases to community-acquired transmission.Methods: The electronic medical records of 74 laboratory-confirmed patients of COVID-19 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Their epidemiological, demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics were systematically summarized. The difference between severe patients and non-severe patients were also analyzed statistically.Results: The 74 COVID-19 patients were composed of 4 (5.4%) mild patients, 56 (75.7%) common patients, 13 (17.6%) severe patients and 1 (1.4%) critical patient. 43 were male, and 31 were female, with the average age 48.1±17.5. No significant difference of susceptibility was observed between genders, and almost people with all age were susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Before Jan 26, only imported sporadic cases were observed. However, from that day onward, family cluster infection cases increased dramatically, up to 70.3% (52/74), which were mainly from 15 family. The incubation period spanned from 0 to 19 days, with the median 5, and 81.4% had symptom onset within 7 days. At admission, 31.1% of patients had underlying diseases and the most common underlying diseases were hypertension (13.5%) and diabetes (5.4%). The most common symptoms were fever (90.5%), cough (75.7%), fatigue (36.5%) and chest distress (32.4%). 36.5% and 16.2% of patients had leukopenia and lymphocytopenia. 43.2% of patients had increased C reactive protein (CRP), and 40.5% had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and 21.6% had higher calcitonin. 74.3% of patients had obvious lesions in both lung lobes and 56.8% of lesions manifested as ground glass opacity. Compared with non-severe group, the severe/critical group were significantly older and had more underlying diseases. After treatment, all patients improved and were discharged. No medical professional infection and death case were reported.Conclusion: The epidemic of COVID-19 in Nanjing were mainly caused by family cluster infection. The entire prevalence and illness were much milder than those of Wuhan. The disease of COVID-19 could be controlled and cured.
Molecular Investigation for Matrix Gene of Newcastle Disease Virus in Non-vaccinated Village Chickens in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Milkesa Ashenafi , Dinka Hunduma , Belaineh Redeat , Aliy Abde
Published: March 2020

Background Newcastle disease (ND) is a major infectious disease of poultry caused by a virulent strain of Avian Paramyxovirus – 1. It is a major threat to the poultry industry in many countries of the world including Ethiopia. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is an enveloped, non-segmented, single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus with a helical morphology whose genome has six open reading frames (ORF) which encode for the following proteins: nucleoprotein (NP), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), fusion protein (F), hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). The aim of this study was to detect matrix gene (M-gene), for NDV by molecular tools and identify its risk factors in non-vaccinated village chicken in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia.Methods A total of 84 pooled in five swab samples from 420 cloacal and tracheal chickens were sampled and RNA was extracted from the 84 pooled samples to carry out real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) along with the quantification was also done for 10 positive qRT-PCR samples that were having high concentration of viral load Ct. value.Results Out of the 84 pools of five swab samples tested for M-gene using qRT-PCR, 16.7% (14/84) samples were detected which included 13 positives and 1 negative for NDV. The prevalence of ND in males was found to be 16.10% and that in females was 14.67%. Although the overall ND prevalence was 15.48% (13/84), the highest score was recorded in Adama, 42.86% (6/14), and no positive case was detected in Bote and Bishoftu (p <0.05) while intermediate scores were obtained from Batu, Arsi-negelle and Shashemene.Conclusions In general, the present study provides important information on the epidemiology of NDV based on M-gene assay in Central Rift Valley of Oromia, Ethiopia, and highlights the importance of implementing surveillances and biosecurity practices in live poultry markets and village chickens.
Linagliptin, when compared to placebo, improves CD34+ve Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Type 2 diabetes subjects with chronic kidney disease taking metformin and/or insulin, a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Awal Hassan B , Nandula Seshagiri Rao , Domingues Cleyton C , Dore Fiona J , Kundu Nabanita , Brichacek Beda , Fakhri Mona , Elzarki Adrian , Ahmadi Neeki , Safai Shauna , Fosso Magan , Amdur Richard L. , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Endothelial Progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be dysfunctional in both Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) leading to poor regeneration of endothelium and renal perfusion. EPCs have been shown to be a robust cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk indicator. Cellular mechanisms of DPP4 inhibitors such as Linagliptin (LG) on CVD risk, in patients with Type 2 Diabetes with established CKD has notbeen established. Hypothesis : Linagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor when added to insulin, metformin or both may improve endothelial dysfunction in a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) population. Methods : 31 subjects taking metformin and/or Insulin were enrolled in this 12 weeks, double blind, randomized placebo matched trial, with 5 mg LG compared to placebo. Type 2 diabetes subjects (30-70 years old), HbA1c of 6.5-10%, CKD Stage 1-3 were included. CD34+ cell number, migratory function, gene expression along with vascular parameters such as Arterial stiffness, biochemistry, resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 6 and 12. A mixed model regression analysis was done with p value <0.05 considered significant. Results : A double positive CD34/CD184 cell count had a statistically significant increase (p<0.02) as determined by flow cytometry in LG group where CD184 is SDF1a cell surface receptor. Though mRNA differences in CD34+ve was more pronounced CD34- cell mRNA analysis showed increase in antioxidants (SOD2, Catalase and CPX) and prominent endothelial markers (PECAM1, VEGF-A, vWF and NOS3). Arterial stiffness measures such as augmentation Index (AI) (p<0.04) and pulse wave analysis (PWV) were improved (reduced in stiffness) in LG group. A reduction in LDL: HDL ratio was noted in treatment group (p <0.04). Urinary exosome protein examining podocyte health (Podocalxyin, Wilms tumor and Nephrin) showed reduction or improvement. Conclusions : In DKD subjects, Linagliptin promotes an increase in CXCR4 expression on CD34+ progenitor cells with a concomitant improvement in vascular and renal parameters at 12 weeks
Genome-wide association mapping reveals novel genes associated with coleoptile length in a worldwide collection of barley
Authors: Luo Hao , Hill Camilla Beate , Zhou Gaofeng , Zhang Xiao-Qi , Li Chengdao
Published: March 2020

BackgroundDrought is projected to become more frequent and severe in a changing climate, which requires deep sowing of crop seeds to reach soil moisture. Coleoptile length is a key agronomic trait in cereal crops such as barley, as long coleoptiles are linked to drought tolerance and improved seedling establishment under early water-limited growing conditions. ResultsIn this study, we detected large genetic variation in a panel of 328 diverse barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) accessions. To understand the overall genetic basis of barley coleoptile length, all accessions were geminated in the dark and phenotyped for coleoptile length after 2 weeks. The investigated barleys had significant variation for coleoptile length. We then conducted genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with more than 30,000 molecular markers and identified 8 genes and 12 intergenic loci significantly associated with coleoptile length in our barley panel. The Squamosa promoter-binding-like protein 3 gene (SPL3) on chromosome 6H was identified as a major candidate gene. The missense variant on the second exon changed serine to alanine in the conserved SBP domain, which likely impacted its DNA-binding activity. ConclusionThis study provides genetic loci for seedling coleoptile length along with candidate genes for future potential incorporation in breeding programmes to enhance early vigour and yield potential in water-limited environments.