bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Fasting Blood Glucose Level at Admission and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhu Bin , Jiang Chunguo , Feng Xiaokai , Zheng Yanfei , Yang Jie , Wang Feng , Liu Shi , Xu Fenghua , Zhang Liming , Zhao Zhigang , Tang Ziren
Published: May 2020

Background Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly, with a growing number of cases confirmed around the world. This study explores the relationship of fasting blood glucose (FBG) at admission with mortality. Methods In this retrospective, single-center study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wu Han from 29 January 2020 to 23 February 2020. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between FBG and mortality. Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled in our study. The average age was 59.49 ± 13.33 and the FBG at admission was 7.35 ± 3.13 mmol/L. There were 16 people died of COVID-19 with an average age 68.1 ± 9.5 and the FBG was 8.94 ± 4.76 mmol/L. Regression analysis showed that there were significant association between FBG and death (HR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.02-1.24). After adjusting for covariables, the significance still exists. In addition, our result showed that FBG > 7.0 mmol/L or diabetic mellitus can significantly increase mortality after adjusting for the age and gender. Conclusions This study suggests that FBG at admission is an effective and reliable indicator for disease prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
A glycolysis-based 4-mRNA signature correlates with the prognosis and cell cycle process in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Chen , Gou Xin , He Weiyang , Yang Huaan , Yin Hubin
Published: May 2020

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. However, traditional indicators have limited predictive effects on the clinical outcomes of bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a glycolysis-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer that have limited therapeutic options.Methods: mRNA expression profiling was obtained from patients with bladder cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to identify glycolytic gene sets that were significantly different between bladder cancer tissues and paired normal tissues. A prognosis-related gene signature was constructed by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to evaluate the signature. A nomogram combined with the gene signature and clinical parameters was constructed. Correlations between glycolysis-related gene signature and molecular characterization as well as cancer subtypes were analyzed. RT-qPCR was applied to analyze gene expression. Functional experiments were performed to determine the role of PKM2 in the proliferation of bladder cancer cells.Results: Using a Cox proportional regression model, we established that a 4-mRNA signature (NUP205, NUPL2, PFKFB1 and PKM) was significantly associated with prognosis in bladder cancer patients. Based on the signature, patients were split into high and low risk groups, with different prognostic outcomes. The gene signature was an independent prognostic indicator for overall survival. The ability of the 4-mRNA signature to make an accurate prognosis was tested in two other validation datasets. GSEA was performed to explore the 4-mRNA related canonical pathways and biological processes, such as the cell cycle, hypoxia, p53 pathway, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. A heatmap showing the correlation between risk score and cell cycle signature was generated. RT-qPCR revealed the genes that were differentially expressed between normal and cancer tissues. Experiments showed that PKM2 plays essential roles in cell proliferation and the cell cycle.Conclusion: The established 4‑mRNA signature may act as a promising model for generating accurate prognoses for patients with bladder cancer, but the specific biological mechanism needs further verification.
The Lung Microbiota in Korean Patients with Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kang Sung-Yoon , Kim Hyojung , Jung Sungwon , Lee Sang Min , Lee Sang Pyo
Published: May 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
How quarantine and social distancing policy can suppress the outbreak of novel coronavirus in developing or under poverty level countries : a mathematical and statistical analysis.
Authors: Chowdhury Atiqur , Kabir K M Ariful , Tanimoto Jun
Published: May 2020

Background: COVID-19 is a transmissible viral disease that has spread around the world rapidly and is currently a significant thread to developing and impoverished country by the World Bank and WHO’s prediction. Without inventing vaccination or the proper treatment, how we control the transmission of the COVID-19 is one of the most important questions with which peoples are facing right now . By the WHO’s guidelines, some policies termed as isolation, quarantine, lockdown, and social distancing would give a stunning direction to control the epidemic outbreak. Methods: In this paper, we developed a mathematical model named “Social distancing SEIQR model” to reduce the basic reproduction number R0 by combining both quarantine and social distancing parameters based on the real cases where medical equipment and other resources are limited. Results: Our modeling basic reproduction number R 0 is an almost accurate predictor threshold to assess the transmissibility of the COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Our modeling basic reproduction number R0 is an almost accurate predictor threshold to assess the transmissibility of the COVID-19 in Bangladesh. Our study result showed, our model fitted well with the numerically simulated results to the reported COVID-19 cases data for Bangladesh by a linear regression polynomial fit analysis. Conclusion: Our model will help to find strategies to reduce the human-to-human transmission of the virus and protect the nation when a country has limited medical resources.
Exploration of Associations Between Deliberate Self-Poisoning and Psychiatric Disorders in Rural Sri Lanka: A Case Control Study
Authors: Pushpakumara P. H. G. J. , Adikari A. M. P. , Rajapakse T. N. , Thennakoon S. U. B. , Abeysinghe Ranil , Dawson A. H.
Published: May 2020

Background Psychiatric disorders are important predictors of self-harm behaviour. The present study was carried out to determine associations between DSM-IV TR Axis- I & II disorders and deliberate self poisoning (DSP) in a Sri Lankan rural agricultural district.Methods Patients who had attempted DSP, who resided within the district were selected randomly for the study. Both the cases and age, sex and residential area matched controls were assessed for DSM-IV TR Axis- I & II disorders based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I and II Disorders (SCID I & II) conducted by a specialist psychiatrist.Results Cases consisted of 207 (47.3%) males and 231 (52.7%) females. TR axis-I and/or TR axis-II psychiatric diagnoses was found in 89 (25.6%) of cases and 14 (3.2%) controls. Cases with a TR axis-I diagnosis were older (32 and 19 years), p < 0.0001. Having a depressive episode was associated with a 13 time higher risk for DSP. Being a male aged > = 30 years and having an alcohol use disorder carried a 21 time excess risk for DSP. A fivefold excess risk for DSP was found among 10–19 years old females with borderline personality traits.Conclusions Depressive disorder and alcohol related disorders were significantly associated with older participants who had attempted DSP. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among DSP in rural Sri Lanka is significantly lower than reported rates in western countries. Health and research priorities to reduce self-harm in Sri Lanka will also need to address non-psychiatric issues
Design and Experimental Investigation of a Novel Skip Cycle Mechanism
Authors: Günkan Fırat Mehmet , Baykara Cemal , Kutlar Osman Akın
Published: May 2020

The main problem in near future is to increase the eciency of internal combustion engines, which is the most important cause of air pollution in cities and the reduction of exhaust emissions from these engines. When operating conditions are examined in passenger cars, which are the main users of internal combustion engines, it has been seen that high fuel consumption occurs in the partial load area. A new working method for internal combustion engines, skip cycle strategy, which were revealed by Kutlar in 1999 has similarities with the cylinder deactivation systems, but it also has advantages especially in the application to single cylinder engines. The skip cycle strategy is a method of reducing the power taken by the engine, in other words, reducing the pumping losses in the partial load area. In this work, the control process has been provided according to cycle conditions and depending on skip cycle system needs, besides the mechanical valve control. The created mechanism consists of two groups: lock system and control system. In this study, the kinematic analysis of the engine has been carried out and the loads acting on the system have been determined. Finally, mechanism has been manufactured and experiments have been carried out at di erent speeds according to the NS (Normal cycle-Skip cycle) method, which is one of the several skip cycle strategies.
Evaluation of Lumbar Stiffness after Long-Level Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Xinling , Yuan Lei , Zeng Yan , Chen Zhongqiang , Li Weishi , Sun Chuiguo , Zhong Woquan
Published: May 2020

Study Design: a retrospective study.Summary of Background Data: Long-level spinal instrumented fusion for DLS by intention eliminated spinal motion in an attempt to alleviate pain, improve deformity, and reduce disability. However, this surgery considerably impaired performance of activities of daily living (ADL) due to the resulting stiffness. The lumbar stiffness disability index (LSDI) was a validated measure of the effect of lumbar stiffness on functional activity, however, which might not be fully applicable to elderly Chinese population because of their several special lifestyles.Objective: To evaluate the lumbar stiffness in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) after long-level fusion by Chinese-LSDI (C-LSDI).Methods: 129 DLS patients underwent long-level (≧4 levels) fusion surgery with at least one-year follow-up were included. The C-LSDI was designed by modifying LSDI and Korean-LSDI (K-LSDI) considering elderly Chinese lifestyles, and the patient-reported outcome questionnaire measuring the impact of lumbar stiffness on functional abilities in elderly Chinese with DLS was assessed for internal consistency and retest repeatability.Results: All patients showed increased lumbar stiffness with significantly improvement in pain and deformity postoperatively, and for items of performing personal hygiene after toileting and getting out of a car, people performed more inconvenient with increasing fixed levels. Compared with LSDI and K-LSDI, the C-LSDI demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.902) and retest reliability (ICC=0.904) in the elderly Chinese population. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the C-LSDI questionnaire was a reliable and valid instrument for assessing functional limitations due to lumbar stiffness among elderly Chinese patients with DLS after long-level fusion. Although the effects of stiffness did trend toward greater impacts among patients underwent longer fusions, most patients were satisfied with trade-offs of function and pain relief in exchange for perceived increases in lumbar stiffness.
Investigation of the Effects of P1 on Hc-Pro-Mediated Gene Silencing Suppression Through Genetics and Omics Approaches
Authors: Hu Sin-Fen , Wei Wei-Lun , Hong Syuan-Fei , Fang Ru-Ying , Wu Hsin-Yi , Lin Pin-Chun , Sanobar Neda , Wang Hsin-Ping , Sulistio Margo , Wu Chun-Ta , Lo Hsiao-Feng , Lin Shih-Shun
Published: May 2020

Background: Viral suppressor negatively controls posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) byinhibiting microRNA (miRNA) and short-interfering RNA (siRNA)regulation in plants. The first identified viral suppressor-P1/HC-Pro is afusion protein. Upon infecting plants, theP1 protein itself gets released from HC-Pro bythe self-cleaving activity of P1. P1 has an unknown function in enhancing HC-Pro-mediated PTGS suppression.We performed proteomics to identifyP1-interacting proteins and observedwhole gene correlationsin P1/HC-Pro-mediated PTGS suppression through transcriptomic studied comparative networks.Results: First, we demonstrated that P1 enhances HC-Pro function and that the mechanism might workthrough the P1 binding to VERNALIZATION INDEPENDENCE 3/ SUPERKILLER8 (VIP3/SKI8),a subunit of the exosome, to interferewith the 5'-fragment of the PTGS-cleaved RNA degradation product.Second,specifically the AGO1 wasposttranslationaldegraded in transgenic Arabidopsis expressing P1/HC-Pro of turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) (P1/HCTu plant).Third, transcriptomic comparative networkshighlighted critical genes inPTGS, including miRNA targets,calcium signaling, hormone (JA, ET, and ABA) signaling, and defense response.Conclusion: Through thesetransgenic and omics approaches, we revealed an overall perspective and new findings in our understandingof the mechanism of P1/HC-Pro-mediated PTGS suppression. Many of the criticalgenes that weresignificantlyimpacted in the omics profiles will be further investigated by CRISPR-knockoutor gain-of-function to understand PTGS in plant better.
Identification and genetic analysis of EMS-mutagenized wheat mutants conferring lesion-mimic premature aging
Authors: Kong Weiwei , Wang Liming , Cao Pei , Li Xingfeng , Ji Jingjing , Dong Puhui , Yan Xuefang , Wang Chunping , Wang Honggang , Sun Jiaqiang
Published: May 2020

Background: Lesion-mimic and premature aging ( lmpa ) mutant lm pa 1 was identified from the ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutant library in the bread wheat variety Keda 527 (KD527) background. To reveal the genetic basis of l mpa 1 mutant, phenotypic observations and analyses of chlorophyll content and photosynthesis were carried out in l mpa 1 , KD527 and their F 1 and F 2 derivatives. Further, bulked segregation analysis (BSA) in combination with a 660K SNP Chip were conducted on the F 2 segregation population of l mpa 1 /Chinese spring(CS) to locate the l mpa 1 gene.

Results: Most agronomic traits of l mpa 1 were similar to those of KD527 before lesion-like spots appeared. Genetic analysis indicated that the F 1 plants from the crossing of l mpa 1 and KD527 exhibited the l mpa phenotype and the F 2 progenies showed a segregation of normal (wild type, WT) and l mpa , with the ratios of l mpa :WT=124:36（χ 2 =1.008<=3.841), indicating that l mpa is a dominant mutation. The combination of BSA and the SNP Chip analysis of CS, l mpa 1 and l mpa 1 /CS F 2 WT pool (50 plants) and l mpa pool (50 plants) showed that polymorphic SNPs were enriched on chromosome 5A, within a region of 30-40 Mb, indicating that the wheat premature aging gene Lmpa1 was probably located on the short arm of chromosome 5A.

Conclusions: EMS-mutagenized mutant lmpa 1 deriving from elite wheat line KD527 conferred lmpa . lmpa phenotype of l mpa 1 mutant is controlled by a single dominant allele designated as Lmpa1 , which affected wheat growth and development and reduced the thousand grain weight ( tgw ) of single plant in wheat. The gene Lmpa1 was tentatively located within the region of 30-40 Mb near to the short arm of chromosome 5A.
Indocyanine Green Fluorescence-Guided Intraoperative Detection of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Systematic Review.
Authors: Baiocchi Gian Luca , Gheza Federico , Molfino Sarah , Arru Luca , Vaira Marco , Giacopuzzi Simone
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND. To review the available clinical data about the value of Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence imaging for intraoperative detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis. METHODS. We conducted a systematic review, according to the PRISMA guidelines, for clinical series investigating the possible role of ICG fluorescence imaging in detecting peritoneal carcinomatosis during surgical treatment of abdominal malignancies. Key words for search were “indocyanine green”, “carcinomatosis”, “peritoneum”, “fluorescence”. Papers including trials with fluorophores other than ICG were excluded. Papers including in vitro and experimental animals series were also excluded. We extracted data on patients and cancer features, timing, dose and modality of ICG administration, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of fluorescence diagnosis of peritoneal nodules. RESULTS. Out of 192 screened papers, we finally retrieved 7 series reporting ICG-guided detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Two papers reported the same cases, thus only 6 series were analyzed, for a total of 71 patients. The investigated tumors were colorectal carcinomas in 28 cases, hepatocellular carcinoma in 16 cases, ovarian cancer in 26 cases and endometrial cancer in 1 case. In all but 4 cases, the clinical setting was an elective intervention in patients known as having peritoneal carcinomatosis. No series reported a laparoscopic procedure. Technical data of ICG management were consistent across the studies. Overall, 353 lesions were singularly analyzed and evaluated. Sensitivity varied from 72.4–100%, specificity from 54.2–100%. Two series reported that planned intervention changed in 25% and 29% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION. Indocyanine Green based fluorescence of peritoneal carcinomatosis is a promising intraoperative tool for detection and characterization of peritoneal nodules in patients with colorectal, hepatocellular, ovarian carcinomas. Further prospective studies are needed, including stanging laparoscopy for pancreato-biliary, gastric cancer and other abdominal malignancies with frequent spread to peritoneum.
A Simple and Economic Limewater-based Conversion of Spirostanol Saponins: Using Paridis Rhizoma as a case study
Authors: Yu Lizhen , Bu Fengjiao , Shen Xuebin , Xiong Ying , Fan Yong , Liu Limin , Nian Sihui
Published: May 2020

Background

Green and economic conversion of spirostanol saponins in the plant is considered as an attracting area in pharmaceutical applications. We aimed to provide a practical paradigm named limewater-based conversion of spirostanol saponins (LCSS), meanwhile, a widely-used traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Paridis Rhizoma (PR), was selected as a case study.
Methods

Based on single factor experiments, response surface methodology (RSM) using a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was employed to optimize processing time, limewater concentration and solvent volume to obtain a maximum total saponins yield from PR. H1299, A549 and HeLa cell lines was carried out to check pharmacological effect of Crude Paridis Rhizoma (CPR) and Processed Paridis Rhizoma (PPR), and the technology was reconfirmed by another herbal medicine, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (AR).
Results

The optimal conditions were: processing time of 24 h, limewater concentration of 0.12% limewater and solvent volume of 60 mL/30 g. Under these conditions, the contents of polyphyllin VII, polyphyllin II, dioscin, gracillin, and polyphyllin I had 1.131 ± 0.448, 1.835 ± 0.479, 1.430 ± 0.550, 1.761 ± 0.571 and 1.668 ± 0.360 times increasing in four batches of PR, which was responsible for the increasing of total spirostanol saponins (TSS) in PPR. In addition, the extracts of PPR exhibited stronger antitumor potential than that of CPR on H1299, A549 and HeLa cell lines based on MTT test and cell scratch test. The efficiency of proposed LCSS was then reconfirmed by Anemarrhenae Rhizome (AR), indicating its capacity in broader application.
Conclusion

This study depicted a LCSS strategy that may have great potential in achieving effective and economic improvement of spirostanol saponin accumulation in herbal medicines.
Drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Niba Peter Thelma Ngwa , Nji Akindeh M. , Evehe Marie-Solange , Ali Innocent M. , Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Ngwafor Randolph , Moyeh Marcel N. , Ngum Lesley Ngum , Ndum Oliva Ebie , Acho Fon Abongwa , Mbu'u Cyrille Mbanwi , Fosah Dorothy A. , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Achonduh-Atijegbe Olivia , Dadjeu Rosine , Chedjou Jean Paul Kengne , Bigoga Jude D. , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Ajua Anthony , Achidi Eric , Tallah Esther , Leke Rose G. F. , Tourgordi Alexis , Ringwald Pascal , Alifrangis Michael , Mbacham Wilfred F.
Published: May 2020

Background Cameroon remains a country faced with high malaria burden despite enormous efforts made in the control of the disease. The rapid development and dispersal of mutations associated with anti-malarial drug resistance influenced policy changes from the use of chloroquine, amodiaquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine to the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Different studies have identified the frequency of key markers in Plasmodium falciparum associated with drug resistance without a clear picture on the localisation of potential hotspots that may drive the emergence of resistance to the currently used ACTs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of P. falciparum drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon from 1990 to present.Methods The PRISMA, PRISMA-P and STREGA statements will be adopted in the quality assessments of studies to be included in this review. The electronic databases of Medline via Pubmed, Google Scholar and Science Direct will be searched by two independent researchers using different MeSH terms and Boolean operators (AND, OR). More so, unpublished data that will be sourced from academic libraries will also be extracted. Quantitative syntheses will be done using the “metaphor” and “meta” commands in the R statistical software package version 3.5.2. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochrane Q and the I2. The random effect model will be used as benchmark to combine studies showing heterogeneity.Discussion The primary outcome of this review is to identify and describe molecular markers conferring drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites that have been circulating for a period of over 30 years in Cameroon. This review will be able to pool data from previously published and unpublished studies on anti-malarial drug resistance gene mutations. This will provide evidence to support the continuous use of ACTs in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Moreover, it is also hoped that potential hotspots driving the emergence and spread of anti-malarial resistance markers will be identified.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO submission identification number is 162620
Development and implementation of a prototype pilot hydrogen generation plant using solar energy in rural areas
Authors: Torres Roberto , Acuña Claudio , Leiva Claudio , Poblete Diego
Published: May 2020

BackgroundWorldwide, hydrogen is being regarded as a fuel of the future due to its abundance and the byproducts generated by its combustion. However, mass production of hydrogen gas is a problem complex, since it entails large energy costs. In this work, three prototypes, based on standard and low cost materials, for the production of hydrogen were used, varying the way of generating hydrogen by electrolysis and the way of using the hydrogen produced, either by storing it or to be use in burners in kitchen.ResultsIt was found that the operating temperatures oscillate between 60 to 90 degrees Celsius. The system of rectangular plates with bipolar dry cell electrolyzer obtained a H2 generation of 0.1 m3/hr with an energy consumption of 553.6 [kW/m3 H2] operating at 2 [atm], on the other hand, the unipolar collector with points generated 0.02 m3/hr 20/60 standard liters per H2 with a consumption of 144 [kW/m3] operating at 1 [atm] this was the most efficient device with a 26 % efficiency considering the solar energy used.ConclusionA low cost prototype was created which allows the use of solar energy, allowing the energy storage in the form of H2. It can be used in a rural area to be injected in kitchen burners, reducing LPG (liquefied petroleoum gas) consumptions and contributing to the sustainable development.
Triglycerides to Total Cholesterol Ratio: An Early Screening Tool for NAFLD in Chinese Populations
Authors: Chen Jingyuan , Yang Yiping , Wang Jiangang , Chen Zhiheng , Yuan Hong , Lu Yao
Published: May 2020

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) has a high prevalence in the general population worldwide. Both triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) are correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD. The study purpose is to determine whether TG/TC is an effective method to screen NAFLD in the general Chinese population.Methods: 93,449 subjects with average age of 43.7 ± 14.3 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Multiple logistic regressions and receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were performed.Results: Among these subjects, 16,138 (42.7%) men and 9,591 (17.2%) women were diagnosed with NAFLD. Subjects in the higher quartiles of TG/TC had a higher prevalence of NAFLD. After adjusting multiple confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) for NAFLD in the highest compared with the lowest quartile was 4.08 (95%CI 3.64, 4.57) in men and 4.65 (95%CI 4.14, 5.21) in women. Moreover, ROC analyses suggested TG/TC showed high diagnostic ability for detecting NAFLD, and the areas under the curves (AUC) in men and women were 0.920 (95%CI 0.917, 0.923) and 0.863 (95%CI 0.859, 0.867), respectively. Furthermore, the diagnostic ability was significantly higher in younger age groups. The AUC in 18–34 and 35–44 years group were 0.943 (95%CI 0.939, 0.946) and 0.921 (95%CI 0.917, 0.925), respectively. Besides, the women and the young people had a greater negative predictive values (90.84% for women, 93.13% for aged 18–34).Conclusion: TG/TC shows a high diagnostic accuracy for identifying NAFLD in young women, providing an important clue to establish a new tool to screen NAFLD particularly in Chinese young females.
“Having More Women Humanitarian Leaders Will Help Transform The Humanitarian System”: Challenges and Opportunities for Women Leaders in Conflict and Humanitarian Health
Authors: Patel Preeti , Meagher Kristen , Achi Nassim El , Ekzayez Abdulkarim , Sullivan Richard , Bowsher Gemma
Published: May 2020

Background It is estimated that over 40 percent of the half a million humanitarian workers who provide frontline care during emergencies, wars and disasters, are women. Women are at the forefront of improving health for conflict-affected populations through service delivery, education and capacity strengthening, advocacy and research. Women are also disproportionately affected by conflict and humanitarian emergencies. The growing evidence base demonstrating excess female morbidity and mortality reflects the necessity of evaluating the role of women in leadership driving health research, policy and programmatic interventions in conflict-related humanitarian contexts. Despite global commitments to improving gender equality, the issue of women leaders in conflict and humanitarian health has been given little or no attention.Methods A desk-based literature review of academic and grey sources was conducted followed by thematic analysis.Results There is very limited evidence on women leaders in conflict and humanitarian health. But some data shows that women have leadership skills that help to support more inclusive solutions which are incredibly important in this sector. However, deeply imbedded discrimination against women at the organisational, cultural, social, financial and political levels is exacerbated in conflict which makes it more challenging for women to progress in such settings. Building on the available opportunities and initiatives and on inspirational experiences of the limited number of women leaders in this field, recommendations for empowering and supporting women leadership in conflict health are presented.Conclusion Advocating for women leaders in conflict and health in the humanitarian sector, governmental bodies, academia and the global health community is crucial to increasing effective interventions that adequately address the complexity and diversity of humanitarian crises.Key Messages:· More women leaders can transform the humanitarian system to better meet the health needs of those affected by conflict and humanitarian emergencies· Women are significantly under-represented in the most senior humanitarian leadership roles· Patriarchal attitudes restrict women’s aspiration to becoming leaders in several conflict-affected societies· Humanitarian leadership teams that are more diverse and inclusive perform better· Organisational culture across the conflict and humanitarian health domain significantly hinders women pursuing leadership roles· Inclusive environments to enable women to become leaders creates broader understanding of the global health system
A Systematic Review of PTSD to the Experience of Psychosis: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Buswell Georgina , Haime Zoë , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Billings Jo
Published: May 2020

Background Psychosis can be a sufficiently traumatic event to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has focussed on the trauma of first episode psychosis (FEP) and the only review to date of PTSD beyond the first episode period is potentially outdated.Methods We searched electronic databases and reference lists using predetermined inclusion criteria to retrieve studies that reported prevalence rates and associated factors of psychosis-related PTSD across all stages of the course of psychosis. Studies were included if they measured PTSD specifically related to the experience of psychosis. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results were synthesised narratively.Results Six papers met inclusion criteria. Prevalence estimates of psychosis-related PTSD varied from 14–47%. Studies either assessed first-episode samples or did not specify the number of episodes experienced. Depression was consistently associated with psychosis-related PTSD. Other potential associations included treatment-related factors, psychosis severity, childhood trauma, and individual psychosocial reactions to trauma.Conclusions Psychosis-related PTSD is a common problem in people with psychosis. There is a lack of published research on this beyond first episode psychosis. Further research is needed on larger, more generalizable samples. Our results tentatively suggest that prevalence rates of psychosis-related PTSD have not reduced over the past decade despite ambitions to provide trauma-informed care.
Influence of Charging Oil Condition on Torque Converter Cavitation Characteristics
Authors: Liu Cheng , GUO Meng , Yan Qingdong , Wei Wei
Published: May 2020

Cavitation inside a torque converter induces noise, vibration and even failure, and these effects have been disregarded in previous torque converter design processes. However, modern high-capacity torque converter applications require attention to this issue. Therefore, this study investigated the cavitation effect on a torque converter using both numerical and experimental methods with an emphasis on the influence of the charging oil feed location and charge pressure. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were established to simulate the transient cavitation behaviour in the torque converter using different charging oil pressures and inlet arrangements and testing against a base case to validate the results. The CFD results suggested that cavitating bubbles mainly takes place in the stator of the torque converter. The transient cavitation CFD model yielded good aggrement with the experimental data, with an error of 7.6% in the capacity constant and 7.4% in the torque ratio. Both the experimental and numerical studies showed that cavitation induced severe capacity degradation, and that the charge pressure and charging oil configuration significantly affects both the overall hydrodynamic performance and the fluid behaviour inside the torque converter because of cavitation. Increasing the charge pressure and charging the oil from the turbine-stator clearance were found to suppress cavitation development and reduce performance degradation, especially in terms of the capacity constant. This study revealed the fluid field mechanism behind the influence of charging oil conditions on torque converter cavitation behaviour, providing practical guidelines for suppressing cavitation in torque converter.
Multi-sensory feedback therapy combined with task-oriented training on the hemiparetic upper limb in chronic stroke: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Jiali , He Jieying , Shu Beibei , Jia Jie
Published: May 2020

Background An important reason for the difficulty in recovering sensorimotor dysfunction of the upper extremity in chronic stroke survivors, is the lack of sensory function, such as tactile and proprioception feedback. In clinical practice, single sensory training is only for the restoration of sensory function. Increasing evidence suggests that use of task-oriented training (TOT) is a useful approach to hand motor rehabilitation. However, neither approach is optimal since both methods are trained only for specific functional recovery. Our hypothesis is that multi-sensory feedback therapy (MSFT) combined with TOT has the potential to provide stimulating tasks to restore both sensory and motor functions. The objective of the trial is to investigate whether novel MSFT is more effective in improving arm sensorimotor function in chronic stroke phase than single TOT.Methods/Design: The study will be conducted as a multicenter, randomized, double blind controlled trial. Participants (n = 90) will be randomised into three groups to compare the effect of the multi-sensory feedback therapy group against task-oriented training group and conventional group. Participants will receive treatment at the same intensity (60 min, 5 days a week, 4 weeks, 20 hours total). Primary outcome measures for assessment of sensory function are the Semmes Weinstein monofilaments examination (SWME),two-point discrimination test (2PD) test. Secondary measures are the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)༌Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). Outcome mearsures will be evaluated at baseline, post treatment, and two months follow-up. All assessments will be conducted by trained assessors blinded to treatment allocation.Discussion This study will determine the acceptability and efficacy of the intervention on the hemiparetic upper limb, it may be promising tools for sensorimotor functional recovery after stroke.
Overflow of Muscle Activation by Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Standing Position: A Cross-Sectional Electromyographic Investigation in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de , Curtarelli Monica B. , Baptista Cyntia Rogean de Jesus Alves de , Dionisio Valdeci Carlos
Published: May 2020

Background Although in several studies has been observed the principle of overflow of muscle activation, no one explored if this principle occurs in a standing position. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and the condition of the overflow from upper limb migrating to inferior contralateral supported limb in standing position in healthy subjects.Methods Cross-sectional study with one sample. Eleven healthy individuals with a mean age of 22 (± 5.6) years were evaluated during 5 tasks applying the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in left side 1) rest, 2) active diagonal primitive3) isotonic resistive diagonal primitive, 4) isometric resistive diagonal primitive, 5) active primitive diagonal with active extension of the right lower limb. The right side was monitored by electromyography activity of the tibial anterior, soleus, vastus medial oblique, rectus abdominis, tensor fasciae latae, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, adductor longus muscles.Results Results showed a difference between tasks for soleus muscle (p < 0.001), with higher clinical relevance (d = 0.87), and the task with diagonal primitive against isotonic resistance produced more electromyography activity (p < 0.001). For all muscles there was a clinical relevance (d > 0.55). Conclusion The approach used in this study could improve the condition of distal muscles, mainly soleus, facilitating the acquisition of a standing position as soon as possible.
Secreted phosphoprotein 24 kD (Spp24) inhibits growth of human osteosarcoma through the BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Hongfang , Li Chenshuang , Zhou Tangjun , Li Xunlin , Wu Aimin , Duarte Maria Eugenia L. , Tian Haijun , Zhao Jie , Daubs Michael D , Buser Zorica , Brochmann Elsa J. , Wang Jeffrey C. , Murray Samuel S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Autocrine stimulation of tumors cells is an important mechanism for the growth of skeletal tumors. In tumors that are sensitive, growth factor inhibitors can dramatically reduce tumor growth. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Secreted phosphoprotein 24 kD (Spp24) on the growth of osteosarcoma cells induced by BMP-2 both in vitro and in vivo.
Methods

Two osteosarcoma cell lines, 143B and MG63, were used in this study. MTT assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay, Matrigel invasion assay and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate the effects of Spp24 inhibition on the osteosarcoma cells induced by BMP-2 in vitro. Subcutaneous and intratibial tumor models in nude mice were used to evaluate the effects of Spp24 in vivo. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Results

Our study demonstrated that Spp24 can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells as confirmed by MTT assays and immunohistochemical staining. We found that BMP-2 increased the mobility and invasiveness of tumor cells in vitro whereas Spp24 inhibited both effects either in the presence or absence of exogenous BMP-2. Intracellular binding of Spp24 and BMP-2 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Mechanically, phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 was enhanced by treatment with BMP-2 but was significantly inhibited by treatment with Spp24. Subcutaneous and intratibial tumor models in nude mice demonstrated that BMP-2 promoted osteosarcoma growth in vivo, while Spp24 significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced osteolytic lesions in the tibia induced by BMP-2.
Conclusions

From this study, we concluded that the BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma growth, and that Spp24 inhibits the growth of human osteosarcoma induced by BMP-2 both in vitro and in vivo. These results validate the potential of Spp24 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
TSHZ3 is A Prognostic Biomarker with Immune Infiltration in Stomach Adenocarcinoma and Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xi , Wang Ming , Lu Han-qi , He Qiu-xing , You Yan-ting , Zhou Xing-hong , Fu Xiu-qiong , Liang Dong-hui , Kwan Hiu Yee , Zhao Xiao-shan , Zhou Lin
Published: May 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the expressions of Teashirt zinc finger homeobox 3 (TSHZ3) in different cancer types and identify the cancers of which prognosis can be predicted by TSHZ3 expression. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the correlations between tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and TSHZ3 expression in these cancers.Methods: TSHZ3 expression was analyzed by the Oncomine database and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). We examined the influence of TSHZ3 on the clinical prognosis with Kaplan-Meier plotter and TIMER (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource). The correlations between tumor immune infiltrates and TSHZ3 expressions were investigated with TIMER and validated by GEPIA.Results: TSHZ3 expressions were significantly higher in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) when compared to normal tissues. Survival analysis results showed that high TSHZ3 expression was correlated with poor overall survival (OS) in STAD and BLCA. The infiltrations of pro-tumorigenic TIICs (M2 macrophages, monocytes, B cells and pDCs) were positively correlated with TSHZ3 expression in STAD and BLCA. Besides, the infiltration of other pro-tumorigenic TIICs (tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), Th2 cells and Tregs) and expression of T cell exhaustion markers (PD-1 and TIM-3) were positively correlated with TSHZ3 expression in STAD.Conclusions: TSHZ3 expression was up-regulated in STAD and BLCA. High TSHZ3 expression predicted poor prognosis of patients with STAD or BLCA. In addition, TSHZ3 expression potentially contributes to the increased infiltrations of pro-tumorigenic TIICs. TSHZ3 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in STAD and BLCA.
The spectral scalings of magnetic fluctuations upstream and downstream of the Venusian bow shock
Authors: XIAO S. D. , Wu M. Y. , Wang G. Q. , Chen Y. Q. , Zhang T. L.
Published: May 2020

We statistically investigate the spectral scalings of magnetic fluctuations at the upstream and downstream regions near the Venusian bow shock and perform a differentiation by shock geometry. Based on the Venus Express data, 115 quasi-parallel (

{Q}_{\parallel }
) bow shock crossings and 303 quasi-perpendicular (

{Q}_{\perp }
) bow shock crossings are selected. The statistical results suggest that the bow shock tends to modify the upstream spectra flatter to 1/f noise in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) regime and steeper to turbulence in the kinetic regime after the magnetic fluctuations crossing the bow shock, and this modification for the

{Q}_{\parallel }
and

{Q}_{\perp }
bow shock is basically consistent. While the upstream spectral scalings are associated with the shock geometry. The changes of the spectral scalings of magnetic fluctuations near the

{Q}_{\parallel }
bow shocks are not as significant as near the

{Q}_{\perp }
bow shock crossings. That might result from the fluctuations generated by the backstreaming ions which can escape across the

{Q}_{\parallel }
bow shock into the foreshock. Our results suggest that the energy cascade and dissipation near Venus can be modified by the Venusian bow shock, and the

{Q}_{\parallel }
bow shock plays an important role on the energy injection and dissipation in the solar wind interaction with Venus.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress Tgf-β Release to Decrease Α- Sma Expression in Ameliorating Ccl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Putra Agung , Wirastuti Ken , Sadyah Nur Anna Chalimah , Trisnadi Setyo , Muhar Adi Muradi , Pasongka Zenitalia
Published: May 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis (LF) is the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM),produced by overactivated hepatic stellate cells, following prolonged transforming growth factor-β (TGF-b) stimulation.The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to improveLF has been reported. However, the mechanismsof MSCs to ameliorate LF through suppressing TGF-β and α-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) remain unclear.In this study, we investigated the ability of MSCs to ameliorate LF by suppressing TGF-band a-SMA expression.Methods: Twenty-four,male, Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneal (IP) by with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4),twice weekly, for eight weeks, to induce LF. Rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, Control, and MSC-treated groups, at doses of 1´106 (T1) and 2´106 (T2) cells. TGF-blevels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),whereas a-SMA expression was determined by immunohistochemistry staining.Results: This study showed that TGF-bconcentrations significantly decreased in all treatment groupsat day 3 and 14. The T2 group showed lower TGF-blevels than that in the T1 group. This finding was in line with the observed decreasesina-SMA expression andnumber of colagen.Conclusions: MSCs treatmentamelioratedLF by suppressing TGF-b production,leading to decreaseda-SMA expressionin a CCL4-induced LF animal model.
Reversibility of Hat-mscs Phenotypic and Metabolic Changes After Exposure to and Withdrawal Form Hcc-conditioned Medium Through Regulation of the Ros/mapk/hif-1α Signalling Pathway
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Hu Jie , Chen Zheng , Wang Yifan , Lu Sinan , Zhang Yuan , Li Yufeng , Xiang Yucheng , Ji Yutian , Zeng Cheng , Ding Yuan , Wang Weilin
Published: May 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in tumour progression; concomitantly, MSCs also undergo profound changes in thetumour microenvironment (TME). These changes can directly impact the application and efficacy of MSC-based anti-tumour therapy. However, few studies have focused on the regulation of MSC fate in TME, which will limit the progress of MSC-based anti-tumour therapy. Herein, we investigated the effects of conditioned medium from human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC-CM) on the phenotype and glucose metabolism of human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hAT-MSCs).Methods: hAT-MSCs were exposed to conditioned medium from Hep3B, Huh7 and HCCLM3cells for 4-8 weeks in vitro. Then, CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to assess the alterations in cell phenotype in terms of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis. In addition, glucose metabolism was evaluated by related kits. Next,cells were subjected to withdrawal from HCC-CM for 2-4 weeks, andalterations in phenotype and glucose metabolism were reevaluatedin hAT-MSCs.Finally, the molecular mechanism was clarified by Western blotting.Results: The results revealed that after exposure to HCC-CM, hAT-MSCs developed a stellate-shaped morphology. In association with cytoskeleton remodelling, hAT-MSCs showed enhanced capacities for migration and invasion, while cell proliferation was inhibited by regulating the cell cycle by downregulatingcyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases and activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. In terms of glucose metabolism, our results showed mitochondrial dysfunction and elevated glycolysis of hAT-MSCs. However, interestingly, when hAT-MSCs were subjected towithdrawal from HCC-CM, the alterations in phenotype and glucose metabolism could be reversed. Further studies showed that these changes in hAT-MSCs may be regulated bythe ROS/MAPK/HIF-1α signalling pathway.Conclusion:Taken together, the effects of long-term HCC-CM treatment on phenotype and glucose metabolism in hAT-MSCs are modest and largely reversible after withdrawal. This is the first report on the reversal of phenotype and glucose metabolism in tumour-associated MSCs (TA-MSCs), and it is anticipated that new insights into TA-MSCs will lead to the development of novel strategies for MSC-based anti-tumour therapy.