bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Atropine to Control Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Congling , Cai Chunyan , Ding Qiang , Dai Hongbin
Published: July 2020

Background: The effect and safety of atropine on delaying the progression of myopia has been extensively studied, but its optimal effect dose is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia, and to explore the relationship between the dose of atropine and the effect of controlling the progression of myopia. Methods: This work was done through the data search from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of these included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software. Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Myopia progression was mitigated greater in the atropine treatment group than the control group, with MD = -0.80, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.66) during the whole observation period. There was a statistical difference between 0.05%, 0.5%, and 1.0% atropine (P = 0.004). In addition, less axial elongation was showed, with MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.33, -0.18) during the whole observation period. Conclusion: The effect of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia was dose related. A 0.05% atropine was likely to be the optimal dose.
Differential susceptibility of Onchocerca volvulus microfilaria to ivermectin in two areas of contrasting history of mass drug administration in Cameroon: Relevance of microscopy and molecular techniques for the monitoring of skin microfilarial repopulation within six months of direct observed treatment
Authors: Abong Raphael Awah , Amambo Glory N. , Ndongmo Patrick W. Chounna , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Manuel Ritter , Beng Amuam Andrew , Esum Mathias Eyong , Deribe Kebede , Cho Jerome Fru , Fombad Fanny Fri , Nji Theobald Mue , Enyong Peter Ivo , Poole Catherine B. , Pfarr Kenneth , Hoerauf Achim , Carlow Clotilde K.S. , Wanji Samuel
Published: July 2020

Background. Ivermectin is an excellent microfilaricide against Onchocerca volvulus. However, in some regions, long term use of ivermectin has resulted in sub-optimal responses to the treatment. More data to properly document the phenomenon in various contexts of ivermectin mass drug administration (IVM-MDA) is needed. Also, there is a need to accurately monitor a possible repopulation of skin by microfilariae following treatment. Skin snip microscopy is known to have a low sensitivity in individuals with light infections, which can be the case following treatment. This study was designed with two complementary objectives: (i) to assess the susceptibility of O. volvulus microfilariae to ivermectin in two areas undergoing IVM-MDA for different lengths of time, and (ii) to document the repopulation of skin by the O. volvulus microfilariae following treatment, using 3 independent diagnostic techniques.Method. Identified microfilaridermic individuals were treated with ivermectin and re-examined after 1, 3, and 6 months using microscopy, real-time PCR and LAMP assays. Susceptibility to ivermectin and trends in detecting reappearance of skin microfilariae were determined using three techniques. Microscopy was used as an imperfect gold standard to determine the performance of real-time PCR and LAMP.Results. In Bafia with over 20 years of IVM-MDA, 11/51 (21.6%) treated microfilaridemic participants where still positive for skin microfilariae after 1 month. In Melong, with 10 years of IVM-MDA, 2/29 (6.9%) treated participants were still positive. The microfilarial density reduction per skin biopsy within one month following treatment was significantly lower in participants from Bafia.In both study sites, the molecular techniques detected higher proportions of infected individuals than microscopy at all monitoring time points. LAMP demonstrated the highest levels of sensitivity and real-time PCR was found to have the highest specificity.Conclusion. Patterns in skin mirofilarial clearance and repopulation were established. O. volvulus worms from Bafia with higher number of annual MDA were less susceptible to ivermectin. Molecular assays displayed higher sensitivity in monitoring O. volvulus microfilaridemia within six months following treatment.
Monoclonal and polyclonal immunoglobulin G deposits on tubular basement membranes of native and pretransplant kidneys: A retrospective study
Authors: Sawada Anri , Okumi Masayoshi , Horita Shigeru , Tamura Tomomi , Taneda Sekiko , Ishida Hideki , Hattori Motoshi , Tanabe Kazunari , Nitta Kosaku , Honda Kazuho , Koike Junki , Nagashima Yoji , Shimizu Akira
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Co-encapsulation of HNF4α Overexpressing UMSCs and Human Primary Hepatocytes Ameliorates Mouse Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Kong Defu , Xu Huiming , Chen Mo , Yu Yeping , Qian Yongbing , Qin Tian , Tong Ying , Xia Qiang , Hang Hualian
Published: July 2020

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is a complicated condition that is characterized by global hepatocyte death and often requires immediate liver transplantation. However, this therapy is limited by shortage of donor organs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hepatocytes are two attractive sources of cell-based therapies to treat ALF. The combined transplantation of hepatocytes and MSCs is considered to be more effective for the treatment of ALF than single-cell transplantation. We have previously demonstrated that HNF4α-overexpressing human umbilical cord MSCs (HNF4α-UMSCs) promoted the expression of hepatic-specific genes. In addition, microencapsulation allows exchange of nutrients, forming a protective barrier to the transplanted cells. Moreover, encapsulation of hepatocytes improves the viability and synthetic ability of hepatocytes and circumvents immune rejection. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of microencapsulation of hepatocytes and HNF4α-UMSCs in ALF mice.Methods: Human hepatocytes and UMSCs were obtained separately from liver and umbilical cord , followed by co-encapsulation and transplantation into mice by intraperitoneal injection. LPS/D-gal was used to induce ALF by intraperitoneal injection 24 h after transplantation. In addition, Raw 264.7cells (a macrophage cell line) were used to elucidate the effect of HNF4α-UMSCs-hepatocyte microcapsules on polarization of macrophages. The protein chip was used to define the important paracrine factors in the conditioned mediums (CMs) of UMSCs and HNF4α-UMSCs and investigate the possible mechanism of HNF4α-UMSCs for the treatment of ALF in mice.Results: HNF4α-UMSCs can enhance the function of primary hepatocytes in alginate–poly-L-lysine–alginate (APA) microcapsules. The co-encapsulation of both HNF4α-UMSCs and hepatocytes achieved better therapeutic effects in ALF mice by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and reducing inflammatory response t mainly mediated by the paracrine factor HB-EGF secreted byHNF4α-UMSCs.Conclusions: The present study confirms that the co-encapsulation of HNF4α-UMSC and hepatocytes could exert therapeutic effect on ALF mainly by HB-EGF secreted by HNF4α-UMSCs and provides a novel strategy for the treatment of ALF.
Association of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) neutralizing antibodies with antibodies to the HCMV glycoprotein complexes
Authors: Shibamura Miho , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Yamada Souichi , Inagaki Takuya , Nguyen Phu Hoang Anh , Fujii Hikaru , Harada Shizuko , Fukushi Shuetsu , Oka Akira , Mizuguchi Masashi , Saijo Masayuki
Published: July 2020

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes asymptomatic infections, but also causes congenital infections when women were infected with HCMV during pregnancy, and life-threatening diseases in immunocompromised patients. To better understand the mechanism of the neutralization activity against HCMV, the association of HCMV NT antibody titers was assessed with the antibody titers against each glycoprotein complex (gc) of HCMV. Methods: Sera collected from 78 healthy adult volunteers were used. HCMV Merlin strain and HCMV clinical isolate strain 1612 were used in the NT assay with the plaque reduction assay, in which both the MRC-5 fibroblasts cells and the RPE-1 epithelial cells were used. Glycoprotein complex of gB, gH/gL complexes (gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/UL128-131A [PC]) and gM/gN were selected as target glycoproteins. 293FT cells expressed with gB, gM/gN, gH/gL/gO, or PC, were prepared and used for the measurement of the antibody titers against each gc in an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA). The correlation between the IIFA titers to each gc and the HCMV-NT titers was evaluated.Results: There were no significant correlations between gB-specific IIFA titers and the HCMV-NT titers in epithelial cells or between gM/gN complex-specific IIFA titers and the HCMV-NT titers. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the IIFA titers to gH/gL complexes and HCMV-NT titers.Conclusions: The data suggest that the gH/gL complexes might be the major target to induce NT activity against HCMV.
Neural defects caused by total and Wnt1-Cre mediated ablation of p120ctn in mice
Authors: Pieters Tim , Sanders Ellen , Tian Huiyu , Hengel Jolanda van , Roy Frans Van
Published: July 2020

Background p120 catenin (p120ctn) is an important component in the cadherin-catenin cell adhesion complex because it stabilizes cadherin-mediated intercellular junctions. Outside these junctions, p120ctn is actively involved in the regulation of small GTPases of the Rho family, in actomyosin dynamics and in transcription regulation. We and others reported that loss of p120ctn in mouse embryos results in an embryonic lethal phenotype, but the exact developmental role of p120ctn during brain formation has not been reported. Results We combined floxed p120ctn mice with Del-Cre or Wnt1-Cre mice to deplete p120ctn from either all cells or specific brain and neural crest cells. Complete loss of p120ctn in mid-gestation embryos resulted in an aberrant morphology, including growth retardation, failure to switch from lordotic to fetal posture, and defective neural tube formation and neurogenesis. By expressing a wild-type p120ctn from the ROSA26 locus in p120ctn-null mouse embryonic stem cells, we could partially rescue neurogenesis. To further investigate the developmental role of p120ctn in neural tube formation, we generated conditional p120ctn fl/fl ;Wnt1Cre knockout mice. p120ctn deletion in Wnt1-expressing cells resulted in neural tube closure defects (NTDs) and craniofacial abnormalities. These defects could not be correlated with misregulation of brain marker genes or cell proliferation. In contrast, we found that p120ctn is required for proper expression of the cell adhesion components N-cadherin, E-cadherin and β-catenin, and of actin-binding proteins cortactin and Shroom3 at the apical side of neural folds. This region is of critical importance for closure of neural folds. Surprisingly, the lateral side of mutant neural folds showed loss of p120ctn, but not of N-cadherin, β-catenin or cortactin. Conclusions These results indicate that p120ctn is required for neurogenesis and neurulation. Elimination of p120ctn in cells expressing Wnt1 affects neural tube closure by hampering correct formation of specific adhesion and actomyosin complexes at the apical side of neural folds. Collectively, our results demonstrate the crucial role of p120ctn during brain morphogenesis.
Analysis of Six Chloroplast Genomes Provides Insight into the Evolution of Chrysosplenium (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Wu Zhihua , Liao Rui , Yang Tiange , Dong Xiang , Lan Deqing , Qin Rui , Liu Hong
Published: July 2020

Background: Chrysosplenium L. (Saxifragaceae) is a genus of plants widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere and usually found in moist, shaded valleys and mountain slopes. This genus is ideal for studying plant adaptation to low-light conditions. Although some progress has been made in the systematics and biogeography of Chrysosplenium, its chloroplast genome evolution remains to be investigated. Results: To fill this gap, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of six Chrysosplenium species and analyzed their genome structure, GC content, and nucleotide diversity. Moreover, we performed a phylogenetic analysis and calculated non-synonymous (Ka) /synonymous (Ks) substitution ratios using the combined protein-coding genes of 29 species within Saxifragales and two additional species as outgroups, as well as a pair-wise estimation for each gene within Chrysosplenium. Compared with the outgroups in Saxifragaceae, the six Chrysosplenium chloroplast genomes had lower GC contents; they also had conserved boundary regions and gene contents, as only the rpl32 gene was lost in four of the Chrysosplenium chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the Chrysosplenium separated to two major clades (the opposite group and the alternate group). The selection pressure estimation (Ka/Ks ratios) of genes in the Chrysosplenium species showed that matK and ycf2 were subjected to positive selection.Conclusion: This study provides genetic resources for exploring the phylogeny of Chrysosplenium and sheds light on plant adaptation to low-light conditions. The lower average GC content and the lacking gene of rpl32 indicated selective pressure in their unique habitats. Different from results previously reported, our selective pressure estimation suggested that the genes related to photosynthesis (such as ycf2) were under positive selection at sites in the coding region.
Hemodynamics during the 10-Minute NASA Lean Test: Evidence of circulatory decompensation in a subset of ME/CFS patients
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Vernon Suzanne D , Jeys Patricia , Ali Weam , Campos Andrea , Unutmaz Derya , Yellman Brayden , Bateman Lucinda
Published: July 2020

Background. Lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, heart palpitations, cognitive dysfunction, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance are some of the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI). There is substantial comorbidity of OI in ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The 10-minute NASA Lean Test (NLT) is a simple, point-of-care method that can aid ME/CFS diagnosis and guide management and treatment of OI. The objective of this study was to understand the hemodynamic changes that occur in ME/CFS patients during the 10-minute NLT. Methods. A total of 150 ME/CFS patients and 75 age, gender and race matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. We recruited 75 ME/CFS patients who had been sick for less than 4 years (<4 ME/CFS) and 75 ME/CFS patients sick for more than 10 years (>10 ME/CFS). The 10-minute NLT involves measurement of blood pressure and heart rate while resting supine and every minute for 10 minutes while standing with shoulder-blades on the wall for a relaxed stance. Spontaneously reported symptoms are recorded during the test. ANOVA and regression analysis were used to test for differences and relationships in hemodynamics, symptoms and upright activity between groups.Results. At least 5 minutes of the 10-minute NLT were required to detect hemodynamic changes. The <4 ME/CFS group had significantly higher heart rate and abnormally narrowed pulse pressure compared to >10 ME/CFS and HCs. The <4 ME/CFS group experienced significantly more OI symptoms compared to >10 ME/CFS and HCs. The circulatory decompensation observed in the <4 ME/CFS group was not related to age or medication use. Conclusions. Circulatory decompensation characterized by increased heart rate and abnormally narrow pulse pressure was identified in a subgroup of ME/CFS patients who have been sick for <4 years. This suggests inadequate ventricular filling from low venous pressure. The 10-minute NLT can be used to diagnose and treat the circulatory decompensation in this newly recognized subgroup of ME/CFS patients. The >10 ME/CFS group had less pronounced hemodynamic changes during the NLT possibly from adaptation and compensation that occurs over time. The 10-minute NLT is a simple and clinically useful point-of-care method that can be used for early diagnosis of ME/CFS and help guide OI treatment.
Sphingomyelin(d35:1) as a novel predictor for lung adenocarcinoma recurrence after a radical surgery: a case-control study
Authors: Takanashi Yusuke , Funai Kazuhito , Sato Shumpei , Kawase Akikazu , Tao Hong , Takahashi Yutaka , Sugimura Haruhiko , Setou Mitsutoshi , Kahyo Tomoaki , Shiiya Norihiko
Published: July 2020

Background: To improve the postoperative prognosis of patients with lung cancer, predicting the recurrence high-risk patients is needed for the efficient application of adjuvant chemotherapy. However, predicting lung cancer recurrence after a radical surgery is difficult even with conventional histopathological prognostic factors, thereby a novel predictor should be identified. As lipid metabolism alterations are known to contribute to cancer progression, we hypothesized that lung adenocarcinomas with high recurrence risk contain candidate lipid predictors. This study aimed to identify candidate lipid predictors for the recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma after a radical surgery.Methods: Frozen tissue samples of primary lung adenocarcinoma obtained from patients who underwent a radical surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrent and non-recurrent cases were assigned to recurrent (n = 10) and non-recurrent (n = 10) groups, respectively. Extracted lipids from frozen tissue samples were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The average total lipid levels of the non-recurrent and recurrent groups were compared. Candidate predictors were screened by comparing the folding change and P-value of t-test in each lipid species between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups.Results: The average total lipid level of the recurrent group was 1.65 times higher than that of the non-recurrent group (P < 0.05). A total of 203 lipid species were increased (folding change, ≥2; P < 0.05) and 4 lipid species were decreased (folding change, ≤0.5; P < 0.05) in the recurrent group. Among these candidates, increased sphingomyelin (SM)(d35:1) in the recurrent group was the most prominent candidate predictor, showing high performance of recurrence prediction (AUC, 9.1; sensitivity, 1.0; specificity, 0.8; accuracy, 0.9).Conclusion: We propose SM(d35:1) as a novel candidate predictor for lung adenocarcinoma recurrence. Our finding can contribute to precise recurrence prediction and qualified postoperative therapeutic strategy for lung adenocarcinomas.Abbreviations: AUC, area under the ROC curve; ROC, receiver operating characteristic.
Nasal decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus and the risk of surgical site infection after surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Jia , Hui Jiangjin , Ma Jing , Chen Mingquan
Published: July 2020

Aim: To assess the effects of nasal decontamination on preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in people who are Staphylococcus aureus carriers undergoing different types of surgeries and diverse measures of decolonization. Methods: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through systematic searches of the PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and the Cochrane Library databases. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and the effects model was chosen according to the heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were performed according to different types of surgeries and measures of decolonization that Staphylococcus aureus carriers were applied.Results: Twenty RCTs published between 1996 and 2019 involving 10526 patients were included. Pooled results showed that the overall SSIs and pulmonary surgery SSIs presented with a statistical difference in measures of nasal decontamination (RR=0.59 and 0.47, respectively, both p<0.01). However, the associations between nasal decolonization and increased risks of SSIs in orthopedics surgery or cardiovascular surgery remained insignificant in studies. As for the diverse measures of nasal decontamination, 50% used mupirocin, 15% used chlorhexidine, 30% used different types of antimicrobial drugs, and 5% use others. The SSIs rate were decreased after chlorhexidine (RR=0.474, 95% CI: 0.259-0.864), while no significant difference was shown in the use of mupirocin (RR=0.871, 95% CI: 0.544-1.394).Conclusion: It seems that nasal decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus may be associated with a reduction of SSIs in these patients, especially in patients who have been administered by pulmonary surgeries or treated with chlorhexidine.
Systematic modification of N-glycosylation sites in cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from Trichoderma reesei reveals higher activity and binding affinity on crystalline cellulose
Authors: Kołaczkowski Bartłomiej Maciej , Schaller Kay S. , Sørensen Trine Holst , Peters Günther H. J. , Jensen Kenneth , Krogh Kristian B. R. M. , Westh Peter
Published: July 2020

Background: Cellobiohydrolase from glycoside hydrolase family 7 is a major component of commercial enzymatic mixtures for lignocellulosic biomass degradation. For many years, Trichoderma reesei Cel7A (TrCel7A) has served as a model to understand structure-function relationships of processive cellobiohydrolases. The architecture of TrCel7A includes an N-glycosylated catalytic domain, which is connected to a carbohydrate-binding module through a flexible, O-glycosylated linker. Depending on the fungal expression host, glycosylation can vary not only in glycoforms, but also in site occupancy, leading to a complex pattern of glycans, which can affect the enzyme’s stability and kinetics. Results: Two expression hosts, Aspergillus oryzae and Trichoderma reesei, were utilized to successfully express wild-types TrCel7A (WTAo and WTTr) and the triple N-glycosylation site deficient mutants TrCel7A N45Q, N270Q, N384Q (ΔN-glycAo and ΔN-glycTr). Also, we expressed single N-glycosylation site deficient mutants TrCel7A (N45QAo, N270QAo, N384QAo). The TrCel7A enzymes were studied by steady-state kinetics under both substrate- and enzyme-saturating conditions using different cellulosic substrates. The Michaelis constant (KM) was consistently found to be lowered for the variants with reduced N-glycosylation content, and for the triple deficient mutants, it was less than half of the WTs value on some substrates. The ability of the enzyme to combine productively with sites on the cellulose surface followed a similar pattern on all tested substrates. Thus, site density (number of sites per gram cellulose) was 30-60 % higher for the single deficient variants compared to the WT, and about two-fold larger for the triple deficient enzyme. Molecular dynamic simulation of the N-glycan mutants TrCel7A reveled higher number of contacts between CD and cellulose crystal upon removal of glycans at position N45 and N384. Conclusions: The kinetic changes of TrCel7A imposed by removal of N-linked glycans reflected modifications of substrate accessibility. The presence of N-glycans with extended structures increased KM and decreased attack site density of TrCel7A likely due to steric hindrance effect and distance between the enzyme and the cellulose surface, preventing the enzyme from achieving optimal conformation. This knowledge could be applied to modify enzyme glycosylation to engineer enzyme with higher activity on the insoluble substrates.
HIV and Development of Epithelial Cell Abnormalities in women with prior normal cervical cytology in Nigeria
Authors: Musa Jonah , Mehta Supriya D. , Achenbach Chad J. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Jordan Neil , Magaji Francis A. , Pam Victor C. , Daru Patrick H. , Silas Olugbenga A. , Sagay Atiene S. , Anorlu Rose , Zheng Yinan , Maiga Mamoudou , Adewole Isaac F. , Murphy Robert L. , Hou Lifang , Simon Melissa A.
Published: July 2020

Background HIV-associated cellular immune dysfunction has been linked to higher risk of cervical dysplasia and cancer in HIV infected women. We sought to understand the relationship between HIV and development of epithelial cell abnormalities (ECA) at follow-up in women with prior normal cervical cytology (NCC).Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of women who received a Pap test at the Operation Stop Cervical Cancer Unit in Jos, Nigeria over a 10-year period (2006-2016). We analyzed the data of women with NCC at first Pap who had at least one follow-up cytology result for time-to-detection of ECA. We determined follow-up time in years from date of first NCC to date of first ECA report or date of last NCC follow up report with censoring at last follow-up date or December 31st, 2016 whichever came first. The primary outcome was development of any ECA as defined by the Bethesda 2001 reporting system. We identified demographic and clinical factors associated with incident ECA using multivariable Cox regression. Results A total of 1,599 women were eligible for this analysis. Overall, 3.7% (57/1,556) of women reported being HIV infected. The median age at first Pap was 39 years (IQR; 33-45). The HIV infected women were younger (36.3 ± 8.1) compared to those uninfected (39.3 ± 6.6), p=0.005. After an accrued follow-up time of 3,809 person-years (PYs), 243 women (15%) had an ECA with an event rate of 6.38 per 100 PYs. Women ≥35 years at first Pap were more likely to have an ECA compared to those <35 years (7.5 per 100 PYs vs 3.8 per 100 PYs, HR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.8). HIV status was not significantly associated with developing ECA in either unadjusted (7.4 per 100 PYs vs 6.4 per 100 PYs, HR=1.17; 95% CI: 0.53, 2.3) or adjusted analyses (aHR=1.78; 95% CI: 0.87, 3.65).Conclusion Women living with HIV and on successful antiretroviral treatment may not have a differential hazard in the development of ECA during follow up after a prior normal Pap. Offering a repeat CCS to women who are 35 years or older irrespective of HIV status is likely an effective strategy in resource limited settings.
Characterization of a rhodanese homologue from Haemonchus contortus and its immune-modulatory effects on goat immune cells in vitro
Authors: Wang Yujian , Ehsan Muhammad , Huang Jianmei , Aimulajiang Kalibixiati , Yan RuoFeng , Song XiaoKai , Xu LiXin , Li Xiangrui
Published: July 2020

Background: Modulation of the host immune response by nematode parasites has been widely reported. Rhodaneses (thiosulfate: cyanide sulfurtransferases) are present in a wide range of organisms, such as archaea, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Previously, it was reported that a rhodanese homologue could be bound by goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vivo.Methods: In the present study, we cloned and produced a recombinant rhodanese protein originating from Haemonchus contortus (rHCRD), a parasitic nematode of small ruminants. rHCRD was co-incubated with goat PBMCs to assess its immunomodulatory effects on proliferation, apoptosis and cytokine secretion.Results: We verified that the natural HCRD protein localized predominantly to the bowel wall and body surface of the parasite. We further demonstrated that serum produced by goats artificially infected with H. contortus successfully recognized rHCRD, which bound to goat PBMCs. rHCRD suppressed proliferation of goat PBMCs stimulated by concanavalin A but did not induce apoptosis in goat PBMCs. The production of TNF-α and IFN-γ decreased significantly, whereas secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β1 increased, in goat PBMCs after exposure to rHCRD. rHCRD also inhibited phagocytosis by goat monocytes. Moreover, rHCRD down-regulated the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II on goat monocytes in a dose-dependent manner, but did not alter MHC-I expression. Conclusions: These results propose a possible immunomodulatory target that may help illuminate the interactions between parasites and their hosts at the molecular level and reveal innovative protein species as candidate drug and vaccine targets.
Co-teaching Model Promotes True Integration for Integrated Curriculum of Urology
Authors: Zhang HaiMin , Mei AiHong , Wang Fang , Wang Ling , Wen Jing , Gu WenYu , Yu Zhen , Yao XuDong
Published: July 2020

Background Currently, the integrated curriculum of urology is still on the road of complete integration. Co-teaching, an existing concept in education, however, may be used to promote the integration of urology. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the effect of co-teaching method compare with the traditional teaching method.Methods Co-teaching and traditional teaching in the topics hematuria and acute kidney injure (AKI) were prepared and validated. 98 undergraduate medical students of Tongji University were randomly assigned to groups A and B. Group A was taught hematuria by Co-teaching (CT) and AKI by traditional teaching (TT) and Group B was taught hematuria by TT and AKI by CT. A knowledge assessment tool of 20 multiple choice items was administered to assess the pre, post and retention knowledge scores. Change between knowledge scores was analyzed using inferential statistics. One students’ questionnaire and one tutors’ questionnaire were designed and used to investigate the perception on teaching-learning experience.Results Both traditional teaching and co-teaching were significantly effective in increasing the knowledge scores with no significant difference in learning outcomes between these two methods. However, co-teaching showed better knowledge retention compared to conventional teaching. At the same time, the feedback from students’ questionnaire showed co-teaching method better than traditional teaching; otherwise, the feedback from tutors’ questionnaire showed it needs more time and cooperation for the co-teaching. ConclusionsCo-teaching can promote the curriculum to be deeply integrated, achieve comparatively better retention of knowledge and improve the teaching effect as revealed by the findings.
In-vitro Seed Germination Biology of Milicia Excelsa Population Collected from Benchi-Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia
Authors: SEID MOHAMMED ADEFA , Mulatu Yigardu , Anjulo Agena , Ayalew Semaigzer , Nigatu Marshet , Kebede Wondu
Published: July 2020

Background: In Ethiopia, species used for timber production are limited to few species. So, it is becoming necessary to find innovative ways of maintaining and improving the genetic quality of species such as Milicia excelsa by domesticating them into a wider scale of ecological and social environment. Hence, the main objective of this study was to investigate the seed germination biology and behavior of Milicia excelsa under in-vitro laboratory conditions so as to promote the domestication and establishment of seed production areas (SPA) in-situ. Methods: Seeds collected from Benchi district of Benchi-Maji zone of southwestern Ethiopia were subjected to germination biology in-vitro to determine the germination responses of M. excelsa seeds under laboratory conditions. So, a total of 1200 seeds were randomly selected, treated and prepared using four treatments procedures with six replications for paper method and 3 replications for sand method, and tested using paper methods in CRD design. So, 600 seeds were tested using paper and sand methods each where 25 seeds were tested for each replication in paper and 50 seeds for each replication in sand method. The germination process was lasted between 19 March 2020 and 15 May 2020. Result: The mean germination percentage of seeds of M. excelsa was noticed to be lower than 20%. This is below the expected (45%) germination rate of mature and healthy seed lot. Overall, seeds that were not treated using any pre-sowing treatments has shown relatively better germination percentage (19%) followed by seeds rubbed by hand (15%). Analysis of one-way t-test shows that the effects untreated (control –T1) and rubbing by hand treatments (T4) is significant at p < 0.05 compared to the effects of the other pre-sowing treatments (T2- seeds only washed with normal tap water, and T3- seeds washed and soaked in hot water for 15 minutes) on the germination capability of seeds of M. excelsa . However, no significance difference was observed between control (T1) and hand scarification (T2). Conclusions: The average germination of M. excelsa seeds combined for all treatments is lower than 20% which is lower germination when comparing with other similar research reported in other countries. Therefore, it required to include and test other pre-sowing treatments including tissue culture micro-propagation of seeds to maximize the germination of M. excelsa seeds helping to get enough seedlings required for the domestication project.
Superior component position during robotic-assisted Oxford unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) compared with conventional technique: A 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Zhang Tianwei , Cai E , Zhang Zhenxiang , Dou Hongmei
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe purpose of our present work was to compare robotic-assisted UKA and conventional UKA regarding the clinical and radiographic results at 5-year follow-up.MethodsForty-one medial UKAs were conducted with robotic assistance (group ROA) between January 2010 and January 2015, and these subjects were matched with 44 subjects undergoing medial UKAs using the same prosthesis, implanted by conventional technique (group CON). In a 5-year follow-up, subjects were clinically evaluated by using Knee Society functional (KSF), Knee Society clinical (KSC), and Knee Society pain (KSP) scores. Radiographic assessments with regards to coronal mechanical axis (CMA) and condylar twist angle (CTA) were compared between group ROA and group CON.ResultsIn the evaluation, the mechanical limb alignment was significantly increased after operation in each group. The implantation accuracy of the coronal mechanical axis was similar in both groups. As for the evaluation of femoral rotation, the internal rotation in group ROA was remarkably less than that in group CON. The difference was not significant in KSP, KSF, KSC scores between group ROA and group CON.ConclusionOur results showed that robotic assistance improves component position without gaining superior CMA or increasing clinical results versus conventional UKA at 5-year follow-up. To conclude, using robotic assistance in UKA is recommended as compared to conventional UKA. Long-term follow-up will be needed to draw conclusion about the overall outcomes of robotic assistance as compared with conventional technique.Trial registration﻿Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR2000033918. Registered 16 June 2020.
Comparison of the effectiveness of existential, cognitive-existential, and humanistic-existential group psychotherapy on psychosomatic complaints in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hanis Ghaffar Nasiri , Sadeghi Masoud , Gholamrezaei Simin
Published: July 2020

Background and aims: A significant amount of previous studies has confirmed the positive effect of existential, cognitive-existential, and humanistic-existential interventions on psychosocial problems with different populations. However, research on the effectiveness and comparison of the effect of these three independent variables on the problem of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is novel. So, the purpose of this research is to study the comparison of the effectiveness of existential, cognitive-existential, and humanistic-existential group psychotherapy on psychosomatic complaints among women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods: The method of the research was semi-experimental, and its experimental design includes the pretest, post-test, and two-month follow-up tests with experimental and control parallel groups. Cases of this study included women with type 2 diabetes mellitus referring to the Specialist Diabetes Clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj in the first three months of 2019. The main criterion for entry participants to research was the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus by specialists of the Diabetes Clinic of Tohid Hospital in Sanandaj. 32 subjects selected by simple random sampling method of this society and were assigned to three experimental and one control group by substituting random method. The data collected based on the scale of psychosomatic complaints Takata & Sakata (2004). After the pre-test, the experimental groups participated in 120-minute sessions for 9 weeks. Data analyzed by the statistical test of repeated measures of the General Linear Model. Results: The results of repeated measures analysis showed that the effect of the interventions in experimental groups of psychosomatic complaints was significant and stable compared to the control group (computed using alpha = 0, 05). The effect of the group humanistic-existential psychotherapy on reducing psychosomatic complaints about women with type 2 diabetes mellitus is stable and significant compared to existential and cognitive-existential psychotherapy (The mean difference is significant at the 0,05 level).Conclusion: The findings show applying humanistic-existential psychotherapy more benefits than the other two method. So, humanistic-existential group psychotherapy could be a selective therapy for reducing psychosomatic complaints about women with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Impact of Infertility on Various Aspects of Women's Lives in Comparison With Tubal Ligation Control: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ashrafi Mahnaz , Sadatmahalleh Shahideh Jahanian , Mirzaei Negin , Jahangiri  , Youseflu Samaneh
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to assess anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, sexual function (SF), and quality of life (QoL) in infertile women in Iran and to compare the results with fertile women (used a condom) and those with tubal ligation (TL) (as control groups).
Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out on infertile women, women who had undergone TL (control 1), and women who had used a condom (control 2) (200 women in each group). They were selected from the Royan Institute in Tehran (Iran) and a number of health care centers in Tehran (Iran) from May 2017 to February 2019. The subjects were asked to fill out the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), and Rosenberg’ Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). One-way ANOVA was used to find the statistical differences between the three groups.
Results

All mean values FSFI were found to be lower in the TL women and the differences between the three groups were statistically significant in all domains. Women with TL had more female sexual dysfunction (FSD) (22.43 ± 5.30 vs 24.79 ± 4.74 vs 28.03 ± 3.29, P˂0.001). There was a significant difference between the three groups in SF-12 scores (76.59 ± 13.14 vs 68.49 ± 14.47 vs 78.87 ± 12.62, P˂0.001). Also, there was a significant difference between the three groups in anxiety, depression, and total scores HADS (P˂0.001). Infertile women had lower body image (P˂0.05) and self-esteem was lower in the TL group (P˂0.05).
Conclusions

Our findings reveal the adverse effects of TL on the anxiety and depression, sexual life, body image, and QoL of women. It is recommended that the awareness and knowledge of health-care professionals regarding the side-effects of TL in the above-mentioned aspects of women’s lives should be increased and discussed with patients.
Correlation Between 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D and Parkinson's Disease:A Case-Control study
Authors: xia ming , Xiu wenjuan , Wang Xuliang , Wu Tingting , Zheng Yingying , Ma Yitong , Xie Xiang , Zhou Jiuqing
Published: July 2020

Background: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have lower serum 25- hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations than controls. whether the research in other regions findings are generalizable to China populations remains untested in other studies. In this case-control study we examined the Correlation between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and Parkinson's disease.Methods:We establish an association between deficiency of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and PD in a case-control study of 100 PD patients and 100 control subjects free of neurologic disease in the First Affliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University.Results:Total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels, were deficient in 21% of patients with PD compared with 4% of controls. In univariate analyses Plasma levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D were associated with PD(p<0.001), respectively. In multivariate analyses, Vitamin D deficiency(25(OH)D <20 ng/mL) were significant associated with PD (p=0.008,OR=17.13,95% CI, 2.082-141.075). Individuals with levels in the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D values had the highest prevalence of PD(p =0.026,OR=11.786,95%CI,1.342-103.51)compared with individuals with values in the highest quartile.Conclusions:Our study reveals an association between 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and PD.Patients with incident PD had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations than age-matched controls, High-risk PD patients with vitamin D deficiency who have not yet developed exercise impairment, these populations should undergo vitamin D measurement and vitamin D treatment as soon as possible.
Chronic Disease Multimorbidity Among the Canadian Population: Prevalence and Associated Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Geda Nigatu Regassa , Janzen Bonnie , Pahwa Punam
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Dexmedetomidine intravesical instillation reduces postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in male patients under general anesthesia: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Chen Hong , Wang Bin , Li Qin , Zhou Juan , Li Rui , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2020

Background

The catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) of male patients is a common clinical problem, albeit lacking effective solutions. The present study aimed to investigate whether dexmedetomidine intravesical instillation alleviates the postoperative urinary discomfort in male patients with catheter under general anesthesia.

Methods

This single-blinded, prospective, randomized study included a total of 167 male patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-II scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia were allocated to two groups: 84 in the dexmedetomidine (Dex) group and 83 in the control group. Dex group patients received intravesical instillation of the drug 0.5 μg/kg and normal saline 20 mL, while the control group received intravesical instillation of 20 mL normal saline. The catheter was clamped for 30 min after intravesical instillation for all patients. Bladder stimulation scales and urethra pain numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were measured at admittance to post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (T0), intravesical instillation (T1), 30 min (T2), 60 min (T3), 2 h (T4) after intravesical instillation, discharged from PACU (T5), and 6 h (T6) and 24 h (T7) after the operation. Patient satisfaction at discharge from PACU and 24 h post-operation were compared between the two groups.

Results

Bladder stimulation scales and urethra pain NRS scores after 30 min of dexmedetomidine intravesical instillation to 24 h post-operation were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001), and patient satisfaction was higher at discharge from PACU and 24 h post-operation (p<0.001). No diﬀerences were detected in Steward score out of PACU (p=0.213) and from the time of the end of operation to fully awake (p=0.417).

Conclusion

Dex intravesical instillation reduces postoperative urinary discomfort and urethra pain and improves satisfaction in male patients under general anesthesia.
A Socio-Ecological Approach To Understanding The Factors Influencing The Uptake Of Intermittent Preventive Treatment Of Malaria In Pregnancy (IPTp) In South Western Nigeria.
Authors: Nyaaba Gertrude Nsorma , Olaleye Atinuke O , Obiyan Mary O , Walker Oladapo , Anumba Dilly OC
Published: July 2020

Background: Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) remains a key cause of poor maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Two key strategies globally promoted to address MiP require pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions to sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and take at least three doses of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) during pregnancy. Particularly in the African region where weak health systems grapple with prevailing socio-cultural and traditional practices, several multilevel factors influence the effective uptake of these strategies. This study explores the factors for the poor uptake of IPTp and use of ITNs in lower socio-economic communities in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews (SSI) and focus group discussions (FGD) with a total of 201 key stakeholders in 6 communities in Ogun State, South-western Nigeria. Twelve SSIs were conducted with traditional birth attendants (TBAs), faith-based birth attendants and healthcare providers operating in public health facilities. Community leaders (7), pregnant women (30) and 20 caregivers were also individually interviewed. Sixteen FGDs were conducted with multi- and first- time pregnant women grouped by location and pregnancy experiences. A thematic approach were used for data analysis. Results: At the individual and social levels, there is high general awareness of MiP, its consequences and ITNs but a low awareness of IPTp, with type of antenatal care (ANC) provider being a key factor influencing access to IPTp. Choice of type of ANC provider, which facilitates access to IPTp and ITNs, is influenced by experiences of relatives with ANC providers, attitudes of ANC providers and community perceptions of the type of ANC providers. Concurrent use of multiple ANC providers and ANC providers’ relationships further influence acceptability and coverage for IPTp and ITN use. At the health sector level, there is low awareness about preventive malarial strategies including IPTp among TBAs and faith-based birth attendants, in contrast to high IPTp awareness among public healthcare providers. Conclusion: The findings highlight several factors that influence the utilisation of IPTp services and call for greater synergy and sensitisation between the three groups of healthcare providers towards improving access to and acceptability of IPTp for improving maternal and child outcomes.
Ultrafast molecular orbital tomography of a pentacene thin film using time-resolved momentum microscopy at a free-electron laser
Authors: Scholz Markus , Baumgärtner Kiana , Metzger Christian , Kutnyakhov Dmytro , Heber Michael , Pressacco Federico , Min Chul-Hee , Peixoto Thiago , Reiser Mario , Kim Chan , Lu Wei , Shayduk Roman , Izquierdo Manuel , Brenner Günter , Roth Friedrich , Schoell Achim , Molodtsov Serguei , Wurth Wilfried , Reinert Friedrich , Madsen Anders
Published: July 2020

Understanding and control of photon-induced dynamics of molecules on solid surfaces, including atomic rearrangements as well as charge transfer and non-equilibrium electron dynamics, are of essential importance for surface chemistry but also for the development of new devices. We use time-resolved momentum microscopy at a free-electron laser (FEL) and extend orbital tomography to time-resolved imaging of electronic wave functions of excited molecular orbitals. This technique will provide unprecedented insight into the ultrafast interplay between structural and electronic dynamics. In this work we prove general applicability and establish the experimental conditions at FEL sources to minimize space charge effects and radiation damage. We investigate a bilayer pentacene film on Ag(110) by optical laser pump and FEL probe experiments. From the momentum microscopy signal, we obtain time-dependent momentum maps of the molecular valence states that can be related to the molecular initial states by simulations of the involved photoemission matrix elements. A state above the Fermi level is identified which is temporarily occupied after optical excitation.