bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement While Drilling Mud Pulse Signal Denoising and Extraction Approach Based on Particle-Swarm-Optimized Time-Varying Filtering Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Zhong Xianyou , Cen Li , Zhao Yankun , Huang Tianwei , Shi Jinjin
Published: December 2020

At present, mud pulse transmission is widely used in underground wireless transmission. To extract more accurately the original drilling fluid pulse signals while drilling, in this paper, we developed an algorithm for optimal denoising shaping based on particle-swarm-optimized time-varying filtering empirical mode decomposition (TVFEMD). The performance of TVFEMD heavily depends on its parameters (i.e., B-spline order and bandwidth threshold). In the traditional TVFEMD method, the parameters are given in advance and may not be optimized, so it is difficult to achieve satisfactory decomposition results. To tackle this issue, the correlation coefficient was used as the objective function, and the particle-swarm-optimization algorithm was used to optimize the parameters of TVFEMD in this paper. First, the particle swarm optimization was used to search for the best combination of parameters. Then, the TVFEMD was applied to obtain a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Subsequently, the optimal denoising and shaping algorithm was used to determine the best reconstructed signal by low-pass filtering. Permutation entropy was taken as the evaluation index to obtain a reconstruction signal. Finally, the reconstructed signal was processed by square wave shaping to obtain accurate drilling fluid pulse signals. The approximation of the algorithm is 0.7581, and relevance is as high as 0.8535. The simulation signal and drilling fluid pulse signal analysis results showed that the proposed approach can extract the original pulse signal accurately.
Age-dependence of healthcare interventions for COVID-19 in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Papst Irena , Li Michael , Champredon David , Bolker Benjamin , Dushoff Jonathan , Earn David
Published: December 2020

Background: Patient age is the most salient clinical indicator of risk from COVID-19. Age-specific distributions of known SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19-related deaths are available for many regions. Less attention has been given to the age distributions of serious medical interventions administered to COVID-19 patients, which could reveal sources of potential pressure on the healthcare system should SARS-CoV-2 prevalence increase. Methods: We analysed 97,957 known SARS-CoV-2 infection records for Ontario, Canada, from 23 January 2020 to 26 November 2020 and estimated the age distributions of hospitalizations, Intensive Care Unit admissions, intubations, and ventilations. We quantified the probability of hospitalization given known SARS-CoV-2 infection, and of survival given COVID-19-related hospitalization. Results: The distribution of hospitalizations peaks with a wide plateau covering ages 54–90, whereas deaths are concentrated in very old ages. The estimated probability of hospitalization given known infection reaches a maximum of 30.9% at age 80 (95% CI 28.0%–33.9%). The probability of survival given hospitalization is near 100% for adults younger than 40, but declines substantially after this age; for example, a hospitalized 54-year-old patient has a 91.5% chance of surviving COVID-19 (95% CI 87.0%–94.9%). Conclusions: Ontario’s healthcare system has not been overstretched by COVID-19 thanks to wide-spread infection control efforts, yet the probability of survival given hospitalization for COVID-19 is lower than is generally perceived for patients over 40. As pervalence continues to increase during this most recent wave of infection, healthcare capacities are at risk of being exceeded. Survival of individuals in the broad age range requiring acute care could decrease, potentially expanding the distribution of COVID-19-related deaths toward younger ages.
Transcriptome profiling provides new insights into florets number difference of inflorescence in L.angustifolia
Authors: Hao Hai-Ping , Dong Yan-Mei , Zhu Xiao-Pei , Bai Hong-Tong , Li Hui , Gong Jian , Shi Lei , Farooq Amjad
Published: December 2020

Background Lavender flowers essential oil had been used for a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, and had been popular for centuries. The previous studies of lavender mainly focused on essential oil composition and extraction methods, ignoring the factors that affected the production of essential oils, such as the floret number. This study aims to get a deep insight into the mechanism of florets number difference. Results 1.Hormone profile showed positive correlation between ABA content and the number of florets, while IAA was negatively correlated. 2. RNA-Seq results showed that 2848 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were screened by comparing different florets samples in one plant. By analyzing dynamic changes of differentially expressed genes, many potentially interesting genes that encoded putative regulators or key components of ABA metabolism and signaling transduction were identified, such as NCED, PYL, PP2C, SnRK2. 3.Common network analysis showed that the key genes of ABA pathway metabolism were negatively related to the DEG of IAA, especial IAA18. 4. Exogenous IAA significantly inhibited the number of lavender florets and affected the expression of ABA pathway metabolism genes, such as NCED, PP2C.Conclusions 1. The different concentrations of ABA lead to florets number difference in the L.angustifolia “JX-2” clusters; 2. ABA may affect the florets number by regulating IAA transport and accumulation.The results will be useful for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism on florets number difference, which will lay the foundation for molecular breeding of muti-flortes varieties.
Collision Occurrence of Sinonasal Carcinosarcoma and Pituitary Adenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Liu Yufei , Yang Jihu , Zhang Xiejun , Sun Yanhua , Chen Fanfan , Ji Nan , Zhang Liwei , Huang Guodong
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Collision occurrences of sinonasal carcinosarcoma and pituitary adenoma are rarely reported. Sinonasal carcinosarcomas represent rare neoplasms with invasive characteristics and unfavorable prognoses.CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a rare case of a collision occurrence of sinonasal carcinosarcoma and pituitary adenoma in a 45‐year‐old male patient. MRI demonstrated a large mass involving the sellar region, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and anterior cranial base. Total surgical resection with a pure endoscopic expanded endonasal approach was performed successfully with neuronavigational assistance. Histopathologic results were a carcinosarcoma in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and anterior cranial base and a pituitary adenoma in the intrasellar zone. The Ki-67 index of the carcinosarcoma was high (more than 95%). Although the patient received chemotherapy, he died 6 months after surgery because of in situ recurrence and extensive metastatic growth.CONCLUSIONS: Collision occurrences of sinonasal carcinosarcoma and pituitary adenoma are rare events. Such tumor could be removed successfully by neuronavigational guidance with a pure endoscopic expanded endonasal approach. A contralateral nasal septum mucosa flap without tumor invasion can be used as a kind of skull base repair material. A high Ki-67 index may be a biomarker of rapid tumor progression and poor prognosis in such patients.
Association of the Anemia and COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Chen Chong , Zhou Wenhui , Fan Wenliang , Ning Xianying , Yang Shuai , Lei Ziqiao , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become an extensive pandemic worldwide since it is firstly broken out in Wuhan in December 2019. As of July 26, 2020, this disease has resulted in more than 600,000 of death and the numbers remains increasing. Pneumonia is commonly developed in COVID-19 confirmed patients, and it weakens lung functions and decreases the oxygen levels of blood. As an oxygen carrier, hemoglobin transport oxygen from lung to other organs and meanwhile plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of blood oxygen. Therefore, we speculate that a decrease of hemoglobin, also known as anemia, would weaken the oxygen transport and aggravates the illness of COVID-19. Moreover, anemia is commonly observed in a large proportion of COVID-19 confirmed patients. Taken together, anemia might be associated with the COVID-19. The aim of this study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 confirmed patients with anemia and to further investigate the relationship between anemia and COVID-19.
Alleviating Continuous Monocropping Obstacle in Melon: Biological Elimination of Phenolic Acid
Authors: Xie Huiqin , Ku Yongli , Yang Xiangna , Cao Le , Mei Xueli , Yang Nan , Cao Cuiling
Published: December 2020

Background: Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is one of the most important fruit crops grown in China. However, the yield and quality of melon have significantly declined under continuous cropping. Phenolic acids are believed to be associated with the continuous monocropping obstacle (CMO) and can influence plant microbe interactions. Coumaric acid (CA) is one of the major phenolic acids found in melon root exudates. The objectives of this study were to estimate the elimination of CA by the soil bacterium K3 as well as its effects on mitigating melon CMO. CA degradation was investigated by monitoring the CA retained in the growth medium using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of CA and K3 on rhizosphere soil microbial communities were investigated by the spread plate method and Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Furthermore, the effects of CA and K3 on melon seedling growth were measured under potted conditions. The changes in soil enzymes and fruit quality under K3 amendment were examined in a greenhouse experiment. Result:The results suggest that the addition of CA had the same result as the CMO, such as deterioration of the microbial community and slower growth of melon plants. HPLC and microbial analysis showed that K3 had a pronounced ability to decompose CA and could improve the soil microbial community environment. Soil inoculation with K3 agent could significantly improve the fruit quality of melon.Conclusion: Our results show that the effects of K3 in the soil are reflected by changes in populations and diversity of soil microbes and suggest that deterioration of microbial communities in soil might be associated with the growth constraint of melon in continuous monoculture systems.
New Vectors That Are Early Feeders for Plasmodium Knowlesi and Other Simian Malaria Parasites in the Betong Division of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
Authors: Ang Joshua , Yaman Khatijah , Kadir Khamisah , Matusop Asmad , Singh Balbir
Published: December 2020

Plasmodium knowlesi is the main cause of malaria in Sarawak, where studies on vectors of P. knowlesi have been conducted in only two districts. Anopheles balabacensis and An. donaldi were incriminated as vectors in Lawas and An. latens in Kapit. We studied a third location in Sarawak, Betong, where of 2,169 mosquitoes collected over 36 days using human-landing catches, 169 (7.8%) were Anopheles spp. PCR and phylogenetic analyses identified P. knowlesi and/or P. cynomolgi, P. fieldi, P. inui, P. coatneyi and novel Plasmodium spp. in salivary glands of An. latens and An. introlatus from the Leucosphyrus Group and in An. collessi and An. roperi from the Umbrosus Group. Phylogenetic analyses of cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences indicated three P. knowlesi-positive An. introlatus had been misidentified morphologically as An. latens, while An. collessi and An. roperi could not be delineated using the region sequenced. Almost all vectors from the Leucosphyrus Group were biting after 1800 hr but those belonging to the Umbrosus Group were also biting between 0700-1100 hrs. Our study incriminated new vectors of knowlesi malaria in Sarawak and underscores the importance of including entomological studies during the daytime to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics of malaria.
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Dietary Selenium Supplementation on Gene Expression in Oviduct Tissues and, Antioxidant Capacity of Laying Hens
Authors: Muhammad Aliyu , Dalia Abdul-Alla , Loh Teck , Akit Henny , Samsudin Anjas Asmara
Published: December 2020

Some functional genes were investigated for their involvement in egg (eggshell biomineralization) formation and selenoproteins in the oviduct and liver of laying hens fed different organic and inorganic selenium source. A total of 24 hens were selected randomly from the four treatments and slaughter. Uteri and liver tissue samples were collected from hens during the active growth phase of calcification (15 - 20 h post-ovulation) for RT-PCR. The basal diets supplemented with 0.3mg/kg of different organic Se sources and sodium selenite upregulate uterine and selenoproteins mRNA levels. This research reaps the advantage of tissue sampling from specialized segments of the oviduct that consecutively form different egg components. Expression of OC-17 and OC-116, and OC-17 were significantly higher in the uterus and magnum of laying hens, respectively. Their higher expression was observed with organic Se (bacterial selenoprotein or Se-yeast) fed-hens. The results may postulate the efficacy of organic Se in enhancing the expression of functional genes involved in the egg (eggshell biomineralization) formation and selenoproteins compared to inorganic and non-Se supplemented hens. This study proposed the efficacy of bacterial selenoprotein in the upregulation of the uterine genes and hepatic selenoproteins in laying hens.
Pet Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia Porcellus) are Vehicles of Pathogenic and Allergenic Fungi
Authors: Abreu Raquel , Pereira Soraia , Ramos Anabela , Cunha Eva , Reisinho Ana , Marques Tiago , Oliveira Manuela
Published: December 2020

Background: Nowadays, rabbits and guinea pigs are frequently adopted as companion animals, representing a vehicle for the dissemination of potentially pathogenic and allergenic fungi to their tutors. This study aimed to characterize the cutaneous mycobiota of these species and evaluate the association between mycological cultures results and several variables related to these animals’ husbandry. Hair and scales samples (n=102) were collected from 32 rabbits and 19 guinea pigs: 51 by pulling hairs surrounding lesions and collecting scales (if lesions present) or along the body of the animal (if absent); the other 51 samples were collected using Mackenzie’s technique. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Agar and Dermatophyte Test Media and observed daily during the incubation period. Isolated fungal species were identified based on their macro and microscopic morphology. A questionnaire was provided to the animal’s tutors to collect information on animal husbandry.Results: Most frequently isolated species corresponded to saprophytic fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Scopulariopsis spp.; Candida sp. and Rhodotorula sp. were also found. Statistical analysis showed that a positive mycological culture was related with animal’s age and the administration of ongoing medication, while the number of isolated fungal species was related with animal’s species and outdoor access.Conclusions: These fungi have already been reported as responsible for mycotic infections in humans and animals, including dogs and cats, although they usually affect immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, these animals can represent a zoonotic risk, which may be related with animals age, species, ongoing medication and outdoor access.
Cost-Effective Synthesis of 2D Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanocrystals: An Exploration of The Influence on Cellular Uptake, Cytotoxicity, and Bio-Imaging
Authors: Sahoo Dhirendra
Published: December 2020

Ultra-small MoS2 nanocrystals possess unique optoelectronic and catalytic properties, which have earned significant recognition and encourage their application in so many areas. Herein, we suggest a simple and cost-effective method to synthesize luminescent MoS2 nanocrystals using the hydrothermal technique. Moreover, as-synthesized MoS2 nanocrystals show size-dependent tunable photoluminescence. MoS2 nanocrystals have many advantages, such as stable dispersion, low toxicity, and luminescent feature, offering them encouraging applicability in biomedical disciplines. In this study, the A549 cells are employed to assess the fluorescence imaging of MoS2 nanocrystals. MTT assays, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry, and confocal imaging results revealed that the MoS2 nanocrystals could selectively target and ruin lung cancer cells, especially drug-resistant cells (A549).
Carbohydrate-controlled Serine Protease Inhibitor (Serpin) Production in Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum
Authors: Duboux Stéphane , Golliard Mireille , Muller Jeroen , Bergonzelli Gabriela , Bolten Christoph , Mercenier Annick , Kleerebezem Michiel
Published: December 2020

The Serine Protease Inhibitor (serpin) protein has been suggested to play a key role in the interaction of bifidobacteria with the host. By inhibiting intestinal serine proteases, it might allow bifidobacteria to reside in specific gut niches. In inflammatory diseases where serine proteases contribute to the innate defense mechanism of the host, serpin may dampen the damaging effects of inflammation. In view of the beneficial roles of this protein, it is important to understand how its production is regulated. Here we demonstrate that B. longum NCC 2705 serpin production is tightly regulated by carbohydrates. Galactose and fructose increase the production of this protein while glucose prevents it, suggesting the involvement of catabolite repression. We identified that di- and oligosaccharides containing galactose (GOS) and fructose (FOS) moieties, including the human milk oligosaccharide Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), are able to activate serpin production. Moreover, we show that the carbohydrate mediated regulation is conserved within B. longum subsp. longum strains but not in other bifidobacterial taxons harboring the serpin coding gene, highlighting that the serpin regulation circuits are not only species- but also subspecies- specific. Our work demonstrates that environmental conditions can modulate expression of an important effector molecule of B. longum, having potential important implications for probiotic manufacturing and supporting the postulated role of serpin in the ability of bifidobacteria to colonize the intestinal tract.
Association of Serum Uric Acid with Biventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Liu Ju-Hua , Wu Mei-Zhen , Li Si-Min , Chen Yan , Ren Qing-Wen , Lin Qing-Shan , Ng Ming-Yen , Tse Hung-Fat , Yiu Kai-Hang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIncreased serum uric acid (SUA) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. Nonetheless the association of SUA with right ventricular (RV) function in patients with T2DM has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the association of SUA with biventricular myocardial function in patients with T2DM.MethodsA total of 560 patients with T2DM were enrolled and divided into four groups according to quartile of SUA. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed and two-dimensional speckle tracking used to measure biventricular myocardial strain, including LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (CS), radial strain (RS), and RV free wall longitudinal stra in (RV-FWLS).Results The absolute value of all biventricular strain parameters showed a stepwise decrease across SUA quartiles (all P<0.01). In particular, LV assessment by GLS, CS and RS demonstrated that those in the 4th quartile were impaired compared with the other quartiles (all P<0.05). Similarly, RV-FWLS of the 4th quartile was significantly impaired compared with the 1st and 2nd quartiles (all P<0.05). The same reduction in biventricular strain across SUA quartiles was observed in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate＜or ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and glycated hemoglobin < or ≥7.0% (all P<0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher quartile of SUA was independently associated with impaired biventricular myocardial strain (all P<0.05). ConclusionsSUA was independently associated with biventricular myocardial dysfunction in asymptomatic T2DM patients, regardless of renal function or diabetic control.
Influence of Genetic Background and Dietary Oleic Acid on Gut Microbiota Composition in Duroc and Iberian Pigs.
Authors: López-García Adrián , Benítez Rita , Núñez Yolanda , Gómez-Izquierdo Emilio , Mercado Eduardo de , Casco Juan María García , González-Recio Óscar , López-Bote Clemente , Estellé Jordi , Óvilo Cristina
Published: December 2020

Background: Phenotypic variability for productive and meat quality traits has been largely studied in Iberian pigs, especially in genetic selection and nutritional experiments. Complex interactions among genetic background, diet composition and gut microbiota difficult the evaluation of true effects of each factor on phenotypes. In order to disentangle these interactions, we evaluated changes in gut microbiota composition comparing Iberian and Duroc pigs fed diets with different energy source.Results: Gut microbiota composition was analysed in feces from 48 pigs (Iberian and Duroc) fed a standard diet or a sunflower oil-enriched diet with high oleic acid content (6%). A higher richness was observed for Iberian pigs (p < 0.05) and compositional analysis was applied for beta-diversity, differential abundance and pairwise log-ratio analyses. We found significant differences in overall microbiota composition between breeds, and also between diets inside breeds, to a lesser extent. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Duroc animals have more proportion of Actinobacteria and Prevotella, while Iberian replace those microorganisms with other more variable taxa. According to dietary differences, high-oleic fed animals were richer in Prevotella. We also found microbial ratios capable of separating animals by breeds and diets, mostly related to Actinobacteria.Conclusion: This study reveals that both genetic background and diet composition might have a relevant impact in gut microbiota composition. The application of compositional data analysis has facilitated the identification of microorganisms and ratios as possibly related to metabolic changes due to genetic background and, to a lower extent, to dietary changes. This may lead to a relevant progress in the knowledge of interactions between pig genetics, environment and gut microbiota.
Analysis of lipid distribution characteristics in a health examination population in Chengdu (2009–2017)
Authors: Liang Shanshan , Zhao Yanhua , Zhang He , Gan Wei , Li Guixing
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiovascular disease is rapidly increasing in the recent years. Dyslipidemia associated atherosclerosis and other complications are posing a serious threat to human health. The present study aimed to analyze the blood lipids distribution characteristics within a large size of health examination population of Sichuan province, China.MethodThis was a retrospective study conducted in 888,143 subjects (495,599 males and 392,544 females) aged more than 18 years old from the Health Examination Center at West China Hospital, Sichuan University during 2009 to 2017. The blood lipids levels were compared in different age groups and different years.ResultThe blood lipids levels were significantly increased in recent years. The percentage of cases with high lipids levels was significantly higher in males than that in females since 2009 to 2017. Moreover, the blood lipids levels and the percentage of dyslipidemia in aged 51–60 individuals were significantly higher than those in other population every year.ConclusionThe health examination population showed increased percentage of blood lipids levels, and so regular physical examination and lipids control are highly important in aged population.
Impact of Seasonality and Malaria Control Interventions on Anopheles Density and Species Composition From Three Areas of Uganda With Differing Malaria Endemicity.
Authors: Mawejje Henry , Kilama Maxwell , Kigozi Simon P. , Musiime Alex K. , Kamya Moses , Lines Jo , Lindsay Steven W. , Smith David , Dorsey Grant , Donnelly Martin J. , Staedke Sarah G.
Published: December 2020

Background Long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are malaria control interventions primarily responsible for reductions in transmission intensity across sub-Saharan Africa. These interventions, however, may have differential impact on Anopheles species composition and density. Here, we studied the changing pattern of Anopheles species in three areas of Uganda with markedly different transmission intensities and different levels of vector control.Methods From October 2011 to June 2016 mosquitoes were collected monthly using CDC light traps from 100 randomly selected households in three areas: Walukuba (low transmission), Kihihi (moderate transmission) and Nagongera (high transmission). LLINs were distributed in November 2013 in Walukuba and Nagongera and in June 2014 in Kihihi. IRS was implemented only in Nagongera, with three rounds of bendiocarb delivered between December 2014 and June 2015. Mosquito species were identified morphologically and by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Results In Walukuba, LLIN distribution was associated with a decline in Anopheles funestus vector density (0.07 vs 0.02 mosquitoes per house per night, density ratio [DR] 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.65, p=0.001), but not An. gambiae s.s. nor An. arabiensis. In Kihihi, over 98% of mosquitoes were An. gambiae s.s. and LLIN distribution was associated with a decline in An. gambiae s.s. vector density (4.00 vs 2.46, DR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.94, p=0.02). In Nagongera, the combination of LLINs and multiple rounds of IRS was associated with almost complete elimination of An. gambiae s.s. (28.0 vs 0.17, DR 0.004, 95% CI: 0.002-0.009, p<0.001), and An. funestus s.l. (3.90 vs 0.006, DR 0.001, 95% CI: 0.0005-0.004, p<0.001), with a less pronounced decline in An. arabiensis (9.18 vs 2.00, DR 0.15 95% CI: 0.07-0.33, p<0.001). Conclusions LLIN distribution was associated with reductions in An. funestus s.l. in the lowest transmission site and An. gambiae s.s. in the moderate transmission site. In the highest transmission site, a combination of LLINs and multiple rounds of IRS was associated with the near collapse of An. gambiae s.s. and An. funestus s.l. Following IRS, An. arabiensis, a behaviorally resilient vector, became the predominant species, which may have implications for malaria vector control activities.
A Comparative Study on the Therapeutic Effect of en Bloc Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors with Needle Electrode and Traditional Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor on Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Tumor
Authors: Li Jiashuo , Shang Panfeng , He Yidi , Shang Yichao , Zheng Xu
Published: December 2020

Background: En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) as an improved method of traditional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), has not been standardized. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the technology.Methods: We divide non-muscle invasive bladder cancer into an experimental group receiving ERBT and a control group receiving traditional TURBT, and compared the recurrence rate by Kaplan-Meier curve adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. In addition, we analyzed the independent risk factors affecting the recurrence rate of NMBIC by COX risk regression.Discussion: Compared with traditional transurethral resection of bladder tumor treatment, En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumors has less intraoperative bleeding and high surgical safety. Moreover, this technique can obtain high-quality pathological specimens, which has obvious advantages in postoperative pathological assessment.
Disseminated Pulmonary Mucormycosis Involving the Jejunum in an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient
Authors: Wang Lan-lan , Zou Liang , Chen Zhong-ju , Yi Yang , Meng Qin-bin , Feng Yan , Wang Yong-tao , Hu Zhi-min
Published: December 2020

Background: Pulmonary mucormycosis and aspergillosis with disseminated mucormycosis involving gastrointestinalin is a very rare but lethal infection leading to extreme mortality. Case presentation: A 51-year-old female was admitted in the hematology clinic following persistent fever. Bone marrow pathology was done on the third day and the common type of acute B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) with the IKZF1 mutation was diagnosed. IVCP program was prescribed as initial treatment. After five days, broad spectrum antibiotics and voriconazole were started due to febrile neutropenia. Forty-nine days after admission, based on characteristics of the clinical pulmonary symptoms, the feature of the computed tomography (CT) and the morphological profile of the hyphae, we switched the antifungal therapy to intravenous amphotericin B (AmB) with an initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg/d. On day sixty-two, according to the abdominal CT and clinical symptoms, intestinal perforation was diagnosed and emergency surgical management was performed. Histopathology of specimens from the jejunum and ileum showed broad septate fungal hyphae. L-AmB was added to 1.0 mg/kg/d for one week, followed by fever resolution. Considering the relief of symptoms and regression of lesions on imagery, our strategy switched to oral posaconazole 0.8 g/d. The patient was discharged in good condition for continuous therapy with antifungal agents and for follow-up at the outpatient clinic.Conclusions: Direct microscopic testing with calcofluor white is the key to rapid diagnosis of mucormycosis, and early administration of active antifungal agents at optimal doses and complete resection of all infected tissues led to improved therapeutic outcomes.
Pentoxifylline Restores T Cell Viability in Hyper-inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Park Sung-Jun , Choi Sung-Hyuk , Cho Young-Duck , Kim Jung-Youn , Cho Han-Jin , Lim Chae-Seung , Kim Kyung-Hwan , Kim Won-Young
Published: December 2020

Background: Immunity is the state of having sufficient biological defenses to avoid infection, trauma, or other unwanted biological invasions. T-cells and macrophages play important role in cell-mediated immunity. Pentoxifylline (PTX) is known to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). However, the effect on the immune system is not known well. This study aims to investigate the effect of PTX on inflammation. Methods: THP-1 derived macrophages were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or indicated concentration of PTX for 8hr and wash with PBS to eliminate the effect of LPS. In this media, Jurkat cells were plated into trans-well plate and co-culture was done at 12hr. The T cell viability was measured by MTT. Also, the expression of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blots. Results: PTX restored the increased concentration of MIF, TLR4 protein level and mRNA expression of TLR4 in LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages. However, PTX did not restore the decreased T cell proliferation with PGE2 in Jurkat cells. In the co-culture study, The T cell viability was decreased in the THP-1 derived macrophage cells stimulated with LPS. The additional PTX restored the T cell's viability. Besides, PTX restored the decrease in the IL-2 expression of Jurkat cells in the LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages. Conclusion: LPS stimulated THP-1 derived macrophages inhibited the T cell viability in hyper-inflammation conditions. However, PTX restored the T cells viability with increase IL-2. PTX influenced the cell-cell interaction, therefore, had its immunomodulatory effects.
Association of Opium Consumption and Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Propensity Score-matched Study
Authors: Shafie Mahan , Aminorroaya Arya , Vasheghani-Farahani Ali , Jalali Arash , Baradaran Abdolvahab
Published: December 2020

Background: Opium consumption is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and a hyper-inflammatory state that are suggested as contributing factors to the development of coronary artery ectasia (CAE). We aimed to determine if opium consumption is an independent risk factor of CAE. Methods: In this propensity score-matched study, we enrolled patients who underwent elective coronary angiography between September 2004 and March 2017 in Tehran Heart Center. We studied patients with CAE and without coronary artery disease as cases. The control group, patients with normal coronary angiograms, were selected after applying the propensity score matching to match for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease, and cigarette smoking.Results: We studied 242 patients with pure CAE and selected 968 control patients. The prevalence of opium consumption was not significantly different across these groups, 17 (7.5%) in the pure CAE group compared to 76 (8.6%) in the control group (Odds ratio: 0.81; p=0.455). Amongst the patients with pure CAE, Markis scores were not significantly different between opium consumers and non-consumers (p=0.136).Conclusions: We found no significant difference regarding opium consumption between patients with pure CAE and patients with normal coronary angiograms. In addition, there is no correlation between opium consumption and Markis scores in patients with pure CAE.
Evaluation of uterine scar healing by transvaginal ultrasound in 607 nonpregnant women with a history of cesarean section
Authors: Zhou Xingchen , Zhang Tao , Qiao Huayuan , Zhang Yi , Wang Xipeng
Published: December 2020

Background: Caesarean scar defect (CSD) seriously affects female reproductive health. In this study, we aim to evaluate uterine scar healing by transvaginal ultrasound（TVS）in nonpregnant women with cesarean section（CS）history and to build a predictive model for cesarean section defects is very necessary. Methods: A total of 607 nonpregnant women with previous CS who have transvaginal ultrasound measurements of the thickness of the lower uterine segment . The related clinical data were recorded and analyzed. Results: All patients were divided into two groups according to their clinical symptoms: Group A (N=405) who had no cesarean scar symptoms, and Group B (N=141) who had cesarean scar symptoms. The difference in frequency of CS, uterine position, detection rate of CSD and the the residual muscular layer (TRM) of the CSD were statistically significant between groups; the TRM measurements of the two groups were (mm) 5.39±3.34 vs 3.22±2.33, P<0.05.All patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had CSDs: Group C (N=337) who had no CSDs , Group D (N=209) who had CSDs on ultrasound examination. The differences in frequency of CS, uterine position, TRM between groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). In the model predicting CSDs by TRM with TVS, the area under the ROC curve was 0.771, the cut-off value was 4.15 mm. The sensitivity and specificity were 87.8% and 71.3%,respectively.Conclusions: Patients with no clinical symptoms had a mean TRM on transvaginal ultrasonography of 5.39 ± 3.34 mm, which could be used as a good reference to predict the recovery of patients with CSDs after repair surgery.
Clinical File Management, Translational Research and Continuing Education for Cancer: a Single-unit Experience
Authors: Tong Dali
Published: December 2020

Background: Cancer is considered clinically heterogeneous. Some cancers are indolent and localized, while others are aggressive and easily spread to other parts of the body with metastasis. Whether diagnosis methods or therapy selection has moved towards combination, personalization and diversity. Therefore, it is important to standardize clinical file management, biospecimen collection and translational research of cancer.Methods: Data were retrieved from the Clinical Study Project on Cancer in XXXX, an ongoing longitudinal study including more than 1500 genitourinary cancer people.Results: The standard clinical diagnosis, treatment and translational research workflow was built based on current medical administration technology, molecular research method and triangle coordination relationship among doctor, patient and researcher. Raised awareness of warning signs and improved healthy styles showed high-quality follow-up and clinical outcome. At last, the system helps research ability improvement based on the skills proficiency and achieve medicine-research-education integration. Conclusion: Our analysis will help ensure patient health, enhance doctor-patient relationship, improve research efficiency and support continuing education. The goal of sustainable work participation in cancer survivors can be improved by the delivery of a personalised clinical management and education intervention. Furthermore, successful work outcomes often involve the cooperation of doctors, cancer survivors and clinical researchers.
High Burden of Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites in Catfishes: Clarias gariepinus and Heteropneustes fossilis
Authors: Shah Gayatri , Labh Shyam Narayan
Published: December 2020

Objective: Catfishes harbour a greater variety and occurrence of larval helminth parasites because they are exposed to more infective helminth larvae in their diet due to their predatory habit which makes them more susceptible to higher parasitic burden. This study was conducted at department of zoology in Post Graduate Campus, Biratnagar, Nepal to determine the prevalence of helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of two species of catfishes i.e Clarias gariepinus and Heteropneustes fossilis collected from the different water resources of Biratnagar, Eastern Nepal.Results: Out of 280 fish examination, 264 (94.28%) fishes were found to be infected with helminths parasites. Clarias gariepinus infection rate was 84.0% with three species of parasites, one each of nematode i.e. Procamallanus laevionchus, cestode i.e. Proteocephalus species, and trematode i.e. Allocreadium species. Heteropneustes fossilis have prevalence rate of 100% with five species of helminth parasites i.e. two nematode species namely Procamallanus heteropneustes and Eustrongyloides species, one cestode namely Lytocestus indicus, one trematode i.e. Phyllodystomum folium and an acanthocephalan i.e. Pomphorhynchus species were detected.
Culture as an Obstacle for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Morales Gloria Leonor Ortiz , Aguilar Juan Carlos Ramos , Morales Katherin Yineth Lozada
Published: December 2020

This research was aimed to identify the main reasons why entrepreneurs in the city of Ibagué, who structure business ideas and participate in contests and/or calls, do not continue the entrepreneurial process until the creation of their companies. After applying the beforehand validated instrument to more than 100 students from the Universidad de Ibagué and expert advisers from the department of Tolima, made up of universities, entrepreneurs, and public-private institutions, with interests in entrepreneurship; it was possible to recognize that the main reason, why entrepreneurs generate ideas, but not companies, is the cultural factor. The foregoing is based on the fact that Tolima has been a quintessential agricultural department and this situation has contributed greatly to the fact that the entrepreneurial spirit has not been developed in people. Within the research results it was detected that in contrast with other cities of Colombia, like Manizales and Medellín, Ibagué has not been able to consolidate a solid entrepreneurial ecosystem due to the lack of coordination among private, public and academic sectors, and on the other side, the majority of people from Ibagué do not have family support for the development of their initiatives, being fundamental components for the creation of enterprises. Among the recommendations proposed in the study is the construction of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, because it will allow the participation of the Triple Helix by providing opportunities to all entrepreneurs in the region; in addition, it is considered important that educational institutions, both schools and universities, promote the development of entrepreneurial skills and competencies in individuals involving their families.
Results of Favipiravir Combined Treatment in Intensive Care Patients With Covid-19
Authors: Yilmaz Habip , Güner Emre , Altuntas Murat
Published: December 2020

Aim: Covid-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease that has already taken place in human history. Although there is still no effective treatment and vaccine protocol, different treatment options are being tried. In this study, it was aimed to determine the basic characteristics and changes in laboratory findings of patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of Covid-19 in the intensive care unit and underwent treatment protocol containing favipiravir.Material and Method: It was carried out with the data of 179 inpatients in an intensive care unit between 01.06.2020 - 30.06.2020. The inclusion criterias of the study are to have a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by PCR test, to be hospitalized in the intensive care unit, receiving therapy combined with favipravir and to have access to its data through the automation system. According to literature; the sociodemographic characteristics, some basic characteristics and some laboratory findings of the patients were evaluated. Statistical analyzes were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 (IBM Corp .; Armonk, NY, USA).Findings: The average age of the study group is 60.9±16.4 years and 65.9% (n:118) of them are male. According to the clinical classification, more than half (50.8%, n: 91) are included in the "high" clinical classification. The most common chronic disease is "hypertension (HT)" (42.5%, n:76) and the most common symptom is "fever" (57.5%, n: 103). While 82.7% (n: 148) have widespread CT (Computed tomography) findings, CPR (C-Reactive protein) positivity rate is 65.4% (n: 117). Statistical significant difference was detected between three measurements of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartat aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransfrase (ALT), CRP between the 1st and the 3rd day. Conclusion: Favipiravir demonstrates a proper safety profile. However, its side effects teratogenicity, hyperuricaemia and QTc (corrected QT interval) prolongation have not yet been adequately studied. It may be safe and tolerable in short-term use, but more evidence is needed to assess the longer-term effects of treatment.
Aged Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Did Not Induce Cytotoxicity Through Apoptosis Signaling Pathway as Fresh NPs
Authors: Wang Juan , Wang Lei , Zhao Wenting , Cheng Meiling , Su Mingqin , Hu Jian , Yu Na , Du Hua , Wang Meimei
Published: December 2020

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are being used in a wide range of applications including industry, commercial products and medicine field. Numerous mechanistic studies for ZnO NPs’ toxicity are performed on pristine (fresh) NPs. However, the cytotoxicity induced by the transformed (aged) ZnO NPs and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we firstly confirmed the physicochemical transformation of ZnO NPs underwent over time and compared the cytotoxicity induced by fresh and aged NPs. Then, we found that fresh NPs induced higher apoptosis levelthan aged NPs. Accordingly, RNA sequencing data from aged ZnO NP-treated human-hamster hybrid (AL) cells showed that p53, PI3k-Akt, FoXO, Glutathione, ErbB, HIF-1, Oxytocin and Jak-STAT signaling pathway were enriched but no apoptosis pathway. Quantitative PCR results confirmed the significantly higher mRNA level of IL1B and CD69 in fresh NP-treated groups compared to that of aged ZnO NP- and zinc chloride-treated groups. Our data indicated that the lower cytotoxicity of aged ZnO NPs is closely related to the low level of apoptosis induced by it and that the transcriptional regulation of the multiple pathways activated by aged NPs helps to build the cellular homeostasis. Our results highlight the aging (environmental transformation) process to the toxicity and safety assessment of ZnO NPs.
Leaf and community photosynthetic carbon assimilation of alpine plants under in-situ warming
Authors: Zijuan Zhou , Peixi Su , Xiukun Wu , Rui Shi , Xinjing Ding
Published: December 2020

Background: The Tibetan Plateau is highly sensitive to elevated temperatures and has experienced significant climate warming in the last decades. While climate warming is known to greatly impact alpine ecosystems, the gas exchange responses at the leaf and community levels to climate warming in alpine meadow ecosystems remain unclear.Results: In this study, the alpine grass, Elymus nutans, and forb, Potentilla anserina, were grown in open-top chambers (OTCs) for three consecutive years to evaluate their response to warming. Gas exchange measurements were used to assess the effects of in-situ warming on leaf- and community-level photosynthetic carbon assimilation based on leaf traits and photosynthetic physiological parameters. We introduced a means of up-scaling photosynthetic measurements from the leaf level to the community level based on six easily-measurable parameters, including leaf net photosynthetic rate, fresh leaf mass per unit leaf area, fresh weight of all plant leaves, the percentage of healthy leaves, the percentage of received effective light by leaves in the community, and community coverage. The community-level photosynthetic carbon assimilation and productivity all increased with warming, and the net photosynthetic rate at the leaf level was significantly higher than at the community level. Under elevated temperature, the net photosynthetic rate of E. nutans decreased, while that of P. anserina increased.Conclusions: These results indicated that climate warming may significantly influence plant carbon assimilation, which could alter alpine meadow community composition in the future.