bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motives of contributing personal data for health research: (Non-)participation in a Dutch biobank
Authors: Broekstra Reinder , Maeckelberghe Els , Aris-Meijer Judith , Stolk Ronald , Otten Sabine
Published: July 2020

Background: Large-scale, centralized data repositories are playing a critical and unprecedented role in fostering innovative health research, leading to new opportunities as well as dilemmas for the medical sciences. Uncovering the reasons as to why citizens do or do not contribute to such repositories, for example, to population-based biobanks, is therefore crucial. We investigated and compared the views of existing participants and non-participants on contributing to large-scale, centralized health research data repositories with those of ex-participants regarding the decision to end their participation. This comparison could yield new insights into motives of participation and non-participation, in particular the behavioural change of withdrawal. Methods: We conducted 36 in-depth interviews with ex-participants, participants, and non-participants of a three-generation, population-based biobank in the Netherlands. The interviews focused on the respondents’ decision-making processes relating to their participation in a large-scale, centralized repository for health research data. Results: The decision of participants and non-participants to contribute to the biobank was motivated by a desire to help others. Whereas participants perceived only benefits relating to their participation and were unconcerned about potential risks, non­-participants and ex-participants raised concerns about the threat of large-scale, centralized public data repositories and public institutes, such as social exclusion or commercialization. Our analysis of ex-participants’ perceptions suggests that intrapersonal characteristics, such as levels of trust in society and public goods, participation conceived as a social norm, and basic societal values account for differences between participants and non-participants. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the fluidity of motives centring on helping others in decisions to participate in large-scale, centralized health research data repositories. Efforts to improve participation should focus on enhancing the trustworthiness of such data repositories and developing layered strategies for communication with participants and with the public. Accordingly, personalized approaches for recruiting participants and transmitting information along with appropriate regulatory frameworks are required, which have important implications for current data management and informed consent procedures.
Stacked genetically modified soybean harboring herbicide resistance and insecticide rCry1Ac shows strong defense and redox homeostasis disturbance after glyphosate-based herbicide application
Authors: Zanatta Caroline Bedin , Benevenuto Rafael Fonseca , Nodari Rubens Onofre , Agapito-Tenfen Sarah Zanon
Published: July 2020

Background World agricultural production of genetically modified (GM) products, in particular, the combination of different traits/genes in the same plant has been a trend over the last decade. There has been concerns raised over stacking multiple herbicide and insect-resistant transgenes that could result in fitness costs depending on the type and strength of selection pressures exerted by the environment. Here, we report the results of transcriptomic analysis comparing the effect of glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) in the single-transgene versus stacked, herbicide resistant soybean varieties on various biological processes, metabolic pathways, and key shikimic enzymes.Results Gene expression data showed that defense metabolism and redox homeostasis were equally modulated in single-transgene and stacked variety samples. Carbon accumulation and energy metabolisms were distinct between the varieties and photosynthesis metabolism was found negatively affected in the single-transgene variety only. In the stacked variety, the shikimate pathway was modulated by the accumulation of transcripts from phenylalanine gene and other cascade genes. As expected, the expression of native EPSPS was upregulated in both varieties when herbicide was applied. On the other hand, transgenic EPSPS expression was down regulated in both GM varieties upon herbicide application which cannot be explained. Conclusion Glyphosate-based herbicides toxicity suggests its effects on carbon central metabolism and flux, redox metabolism, photosynthesis, and to hormone and defense response in plants. The observed unintended effects in GM herbicide-tolerant varieties unravels the deleterious effects previously observed on GM tolerant varieties growth and production. The impact of GBH on shikimate and cascade pathways was observed in terms of both native and transgenic insensitive EPSPS modulation, alteration of jasmonic acid and lignin metabolism in both single-transgene and stacked variety. The energy metabolism and carbon flux were differently affected in these varieties. Oxidative stress, more specifically glutathione metabolism, induced by GBH, was also observed in this study. The stacked variety showed a more pronounced stress response (activation of specific stress defense proteins, Rboh, WRKY) and secondary compounds (β-glucosidase, isoflavone 7-O-methyltransferase). Omics profiling techniques, such as transcriptomics, can be considered tools to support risk assessment in detecting unintended effects due to the GBH application.
Distinct clinicopathological differences between early gastric cardiac and non-cardiac carcinomas: A single-center retrospective study of 329 radical resection cases
Authors: wang yaohui , Li Xiu Qing , Gao Li Li , Wang Chen Xi , Zhang Yi Fen , Huang Qin
Published: July 2020

Background: Early gastric carcinoma is heterogeneous and can be divided into early gastric cardiac carcinoma (EGCC) and early gastric non-cardiac carcinoma (EGNCC) groups. At present, differences in clinicopathology remains obscure between EGCC and EGNCC fundus-corpus and antrum-angularis-pylorus subgroups, especially between EGCC with and without oesophageal invasion.Methods : In this study, we studied 329 consecutive early gastric carcinoma radical gastrectomies with 70 EGCCs and 259 EGNCCs.Results : Compared to the EGNCC antrum-angularis-pylorus (n=181), but not fundus-corpus (n=78), sub-group, EGCC showed significantly older age, lower prevalence of the grossly depressed pattern, better tumor differentiation, higher percentage of tubular/papillary adenocarcinoma, but lower frequency of mixed poorly cohesive carcinoma with tubular/papillary adenocarcinoma, and absence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in tumors with invasion up to superficial submucosa (SM1). In contrast, pure poorly cohesive carcinoma was less frequently seen in EGCCs than in EGNCCs, but mixed poorly cohesive carcinoma with tubular/papillary adenocarcinomas was significantly more common in the EGNCC antrum-angularis-pylorus sub-group than in any other group. No significant differences were found between EGCC and EGNCC sub-groups in gender, tumor size, H. pylori infection rate, and lymphovascular/perineural invasion. EGCC with oesophageal invasion (n=22), compared to EGCC without (n=48), showed no significant differences in the H. pylori infection rate and oesophageal columnar, intestinal, or pancreatic metaplasia, except for a higher percentage of the former in size > 2 cm and tubular differentiation. Conclusions : There exist distinct clinicopathologic differences between EGCC and EGNCC sub-groups; EGCC was indeed of gastric origin. Further investigations with larger samples are needed to validate these findings.
Systematic Human Rights Violations, Traumatic Events, Daily Stressors and Mental Health of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
Authors: Riley Andrew , Akther Yasmin , Noor Mohammed , Ali Rahmat , Welton-Mitchell Courtney
Published: July 2020

Background: Almost 900,000 Rohingya refugees currently reside in refugee camps in Southeastern Bangladesh. Prior to fleeing Myanmar, Rohingya experienced years of systematic human rights violations, in addition to other historical and more recent traumatic events such as the burning of their villages and murder of family members, friends and neighbors. Currently, many Rohingya struggle to meet basic needs in refugee camps in Bangladesh and face mental health-related concerns that appear linked to such challenges. The purpose of this study is to describe systematic human rights violations, traumatic events, daily stressors, and mental health symptoms and to examine relationships between these factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data was collected from a representative sample of 495 Rohingya refugee adults residing in camps in Bangladesh in July and August of 2018. Results: Respondents reported high levels of systematic human rights violations in Myanmar, including restrictions related to expressing thoughts, meeting in groups, travel, religious practices, education, marriage, childbirth, healthcare, and more. Events experienced in Myanmar included exposure to gunfire (99%), destruction of their homes (93%), witnessing dead bodies (92%), torture (56%), forced labor (49%), sexual assault (33%), and other events. More than half (61%) of participants endorsed mental health symptom levels typically indicative of PTSD, and more than two thirds (84%) endorsed levels indicative of emotional distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). Historic systematic human rights violations, traumatic events, and daily stressors were associated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress, as well as depression and anxiety. Respondents reported numerous stressors associated with current life in the camps in Bangladesh as well as previous stressors, such as harassment, encountered in Myanmar. Conclusions: Findings underscore the impact of systematic human rights violations, targeted violence, and daily stressors on the mental health of Rohingya in Bangladesh. Those working with Rohingya should consider the role of such factors in contributing to poor mental health. This research has the potential to inform interventions targeting such elements. Future research should examine the relationships between mental health and human rights violations over time.
Investigation on microstructure and mechanical properties of short-carbon-fiber/Ti3SiC2 composites
Authors: He Guangqi , Guo Rongxiu , Li Meishuan , Yang Yang , Wang Linshan , Qian Yuhai , Zuo Jun , Xu Jingjun , Liu Changsheng
Published: July 2020

In this paper, short-carbon-fibers (Csf) reinforced Ti3SiC2 matrix composites (Csf/Ti3SiC2, the Csf content was 0, 2, 5 and 10 vol.%) were fabricated by spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) using Ti3SiC2 powders and Csf as starting materials at 1300 oC. The effects of Csf addition on the phase compositions, microstructures and mechanical properties (including hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness) of Csf/Ti3SiC2 composites were investigated. The Csf, with a bi-layered transition layers, i.e. TiC and SiC layer, were homogeneously distributed in the as-prepared Csf/Ti3SiC2 composites. With the increase of Csf content, the fracture toughness of Csf/Ti3SiC2 composites increased, but the flexural strength decreased, while the Vickers hardness decreased initially then increased steadily when the Csf content was higher than 2 vol.%. These changed performances could be attributed to the introduction of Csf and the formation of much stronger interfacial phases.
Tensor Recovery from Noisy and Multi-Level Quantized Measurements
Authors: Wang Ren , Wang Meng , Xiong Jinjun
Published: July 2020

Higher-order tensors can represent scores in a rating system, frames in a video, and images of the same subject. In practice, the measurements are often highly quantized due to the sampling strategies or the quality of devices. Existing works on tensor recovery have focused on data losses and random noises. Only a few works consider tensor recovery from quantized measurements but are restricted to binary measurements. This paper, for the first time, addresses the problem of tensor recovery from multi-level quantized measurements by leveraging the low CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (CP) rank property. We study the recovery of both general low-rank tensors and tensors that have tensor singular value decomposition (TSVD) by solving nonconvex optimization problems. We provide the theoretical upper bounds of the recovery error, which diminish to zero when the sizes of dimensions increase to infinity. We further characterize the fundamental limit of any recovery algorithm and show that our recovery error is nearly order-wise optimal. A tensor-based alternating proximal gradient descent algorithm with a convergence guarantee and a TSVD based projected gradient descent algorithm are proposed to solve the nonconvex problems. Our recovery methods can also handle data losses and do not necessarily need the information of the quantization rule. The methods are validated on synthetic data, image datasets, and music recommender datasets.
Immediate Effects of First-line Thrombectomy Devices for Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Occlusion: Stent Retriever versus Contact Aspiration
Authors: Yoo Joonsang , Lee Seong-Joon , Hong Jeong-Ho , Kim Yong-Won , Hong Ji Man , Kim Chang-Hyun , Kang Dong-Hun , Choi Jin Wook , Kim Yong-Sun , Sohn Sung-Il , Hwang Yang-Ha , Lee Jin Soo
Published: July 2020

Background: Although stent retriever (SR) is recommended as a frontline device of endovascular treatment (EVT) for embolic large artery occlusion causing acute ischemic stroke, contact aspiration (CA) device showed similar efficacy in the recent trials. However, the efficacy of the both devices as first-line therapy for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion has not yet been established. Therefore, we compared the immediate effects and final outcomes of SR and CA as first-line devices for treating ICAS-related occlusions.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent EVT for acute ischemic stroke from the registry of three Korean hospitals. Patients with ICAS-related occlusion who were treated within 24 hours of onset of the symptoms were included. We investigated immediate reperfusion performance, immediate safety outcomes, and 3-month clinical outcomes for the two first-line devices.Results: Of the 720 registered patients, 111 were eligible for this study. Forty-nine patients (44.1%) used SR and 62 (55.9%) used CA as the first-line device. Achieving successful reperfusion immediately after first-line thrombectomy was more frequent in the SR group than that in the CA group (77.6% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.001), with fewer additional rescue treatments (12.2% vs. 59.7%, p < 0.001). The incidence of iatrogenic dissection or rupture was lower in the SR group than that in the CA group (8.2% vs. 29.0%, p = 0.012). After additional rescue treatments, however, the final successful reperfusion rate did not differ between the two groups (SR 87.8% vs. CA 77.4%, p = 0.247), and there was no significant difference in the 3-month good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, p = 0.524).Conclusions: First-line SR thrombectomy showed higher immediate reperfusion and less vessel injury for ICAS-related occlusions than CA. However, there was no significant difference in the final reperfusion status or 3-month outcomes from additional rescue treatments.
A novel STS mutation and an Xp22.3 microdeletion from one Chinese family with X-linked ichthyosis
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Luo Sukun , Zhao Peiwei , Tan Li , Fu Guili , He Xuelian
Published: July 2020

Background X-linked ichthyosis (XLI, OMIM# 308100) is a relatively common type of skin disorder, characterized by widespread, dark brown, polygonal scales and generalized dryness. Most patients (90%) are contributed to genomic deletion of the entire STS (steroid sulfatase) gene encoding steroid sulfatase, with the remaining cases being caused by point mutations or partial deletions. The patient carrying genomic deletion comprising the entire STS gene and adjacent genes often manifests neurological symptoms. Methods Herein, we reported a large four-generation Chinese family with 5 individuals with XLI with/ without mental delay. Genetic analysis was conducted by whole exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing and quantitative Real-time PCR. Results These patients present generalized dryness and scaling of the skin with dark scales of the skin on trunk, and limbs. Two pathogenic variants, a novel STS mutation (c.1532A > G, p.E511G, NM_000351) and a ~ 2 Mb genomic microdeletion at Xp22.3 (6,451,785-8,434,424) embracing entire STS gene were identified in this family. In addition, an individual with Xp22.3 deletion has mental delay. Conclusion Our study expands the genetic profile of the STS gene in XLI patients and highlights the clinical application of exome sequencing.
Histological study of sheep skin transformation during the recreation of historical parchment manufacture
Authors: Fourneau Marc , Canon Caroline , Vlaender Daniel Van , Collins Matthew J. , Fiddyment Sarah , Poumay Yves , Deparis Olivier
Published: July 2020

We report a simple histological study on skin biopsies from young domestic sheep following each step in transformation from skin to parchment production. During the recreation of historical parchment manufacture, histological analyses were conducted; before and after lime treatment, hair removal, and stretching. Sections were fixed and stained using a variety of histological stains to identify the presence of different molecular classes and the fibrous proteins, collagen and elastin. The results reveal surprisingly few histological changes in most steps in the production process. However, very visible changes in the supramolecular ordering of skin macromolecules (elastin, collagen) occur during the final stage of parchment production when stretched on the frame. Collagen fibres and hair follicles were all strongly re-oriented in the direction of strain. Surprisingly despite the thinness of the lambskin and the exhaustive treatment in lime, not all fats were saponified and even in the final product Oil Red O stained fat bodies were detectable on the hair side of the skin. We believe this study will help compensate for the lack of sources on microscopic changes in parchment during the recreation of its historical manufacture.
High-entropy (Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Y0.2Yb0.2)4Al2O9 with good high temperature stability, low thermal conductivity and anisotropic thermal expansivity
Authors: Zhao Zifan , Xiang Huimin , Chen Heng , Dai Fu-zhi , Wang Xiaohui , Peng Zhijian , Zhou Yanchun
Published: July 2020

The critical requirements for the environmental barrier coating (EBC) materials of silicon-based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) including good tolerance to harsh environments, thermal expansion match with the interlayer mullite, good high-temperature phase stability and low thermal conductivity. Cuspidine-structured rare-earth aluminates RE4Al2O9 have been considered as candidates of EBCs for their superior mechanical and thermal properties, but the phase transition at high temperatures is a notable drawback of these materials. To suppress the phase transition and improve the phase stability, a novel cuspidine-structured rare-earth aluminate solid solution (Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Y0.2Yb0.2)4Al2O9 was designed and successfully synthesized inspired by entropy stabilization effect of high entropy ceramics. The as-synthesized (Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Y0.2Yb0.2)4Al2O9 exhibits close thermal expansion coefficient (6.96×10-6 /K at 300-1473 K) to that of mullite, good phase stability from 300 K to 1473 K, and low thermal conductivity (1.50 W·m-1·K-1 at room temperature). In addition, strong anisotropic thermal expansion has been observed compared to Y4Al2O9 and Yb4Al2O9. The mechanism for low thermal conductivity is attributed to the lattice distortion and mass difference of the constituent atoms while the anisotropic thermal expansion is due to the anisotropic chemical bonding enhanced by the large size rare earth cations.
N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as a Prognostic Indicator for 30-Day Mortality Following Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A prospective observational study.
Authors: Aarsetøy Reidun , Omland Torbjørn , Røsjø Helge , Strand Heidi , Lindner Thomas Werner , Aarsetøy Hildegunn , Staines Harold , Nilsen Dennis Winston Trygve
Published: July 2020

Background: Early risk stratification applying cardiac biomarkers may prove useful in sudden cardiac arrest patients. We investigated the prognostic utility of early-on levels of high sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT), copeptin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).Methods: We conducted a prospective observational unicenter study, including patients with OHCA of assumed cardiac origin from the southwestern part of Norway from 2007 until 2010. Blood samples for later measurements were drawn during cardiopulmonary resuscitation or at hospital admission.Results: A total of 114 patients were included, 37 patients with asystole and 77 patients with VF as first recorded heart rhythm. Forty-four patients (38.6 %) survived 30-day follow-up. Neither hs-cTnT (p = 0.49), nor copeptin (p = 0.39) differed between non-survivors and survivors, whereas NT-proBNP was higher in non-survivors (p < 0.001) and significantly associated with 30-days all-cause mortality in univariate analysis, with a hazard ratio (HR) for patients in the highest compared to the lowest quartile of 4.6 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1 – 10.1), p < 0.001. This association was no longer significant in multivariable analysis applying continuous values, [HR 0.96, (95% CI, 0.64 - 1.43), p = 0.84]. Similar results were obtained by dividing the population by survival at hospital admission, excluding non-ROSC patients on-scene [HR 0.93 (95% CI, 0.50 - 1.73), P = 0.83]. We also noted that NT-proBNP was significantly higher in asystole- as compared to VF-patients, p < 0.001.Conclusions: Early-on levels of hs-cTnT, copeptin and NT-proBNP did not provide independent prognostic information following OHCA. Prediction was unaffected by excluding on-scene non-ROSC patients in the multivariable analysis. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials. gov, NCT02886273.
Predictive accuracy of biomarkers for survival among cardiac arrest patients with hypothermia: A prospective observational cohort study in Japan
Authors: Okada Yohei , Kiguchi Takeyuki , Irisawa Taro , Yoshiya Kazuhisa , Yamada Tomoki , Hayakawa Koichi , Noguchi Kazuo , Nishimura Tetsuro , Ishibe Takuya , Yagi Yoshiki , Kishimoto Masafumi , Shintani Hiroshi , Hayashi Yasuyuki , Sogabe Taku , Morooka Takaya , Sakamoto Haruko , Suzuki Keitaro , Nakamura Fumiko , Nishioka Norihiro , Matsuyama Tasuku , Matsui Satoshi , Shimazu Takeshi , Koike Kaoru , Kawamura Takashi , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Iwami Taku
Published: July 2020

Background: There is little limited information on the predictive accuracy of commonly used predictors, such as lactate, pH or serum potassium for the survival among out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with hypothermia. This study aimed to identify the predictive accuracy of these biomarkers for survival among OHCA patients with hypothermia.Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data from a multicenter, prospective nationwide registry among OHCA patients transported to emergency departments in Japan (the JAAM-OHCA Registry). We included all adult (≥18 years) OHCA patients with hypothermia (≤32.0°C) who were registered from June 2014 to December 2017 and whose blood test results on hospital arrival were recorded. We calculated the predictive accuracy of pH, lactate, and potassium for 1-month survival.Results: Of the 34,754 patients in the JAAM-OHCA database, we included 754 patients from 66 hospitals. The 1-month survival was 5.8% (44/754). The areas under the curve of the predictors and 95% confidence interval were as follows: pH 0.829 [0.767–0.877] and lactate 0.843 [0.793–0.882]. On setting the cutoff points of 6.9 in pH and 120 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) in lactate, the predictors had a high sensitivity (lactate: 0.91; pH 0.91) and a low negative likelihood ratio (lactate: 0.14; pH 0.13), which are suitable to exclude survival to 1 month. Furthermore, in additional analysis that included only the patients with potassium values available, a cutoff point of 7.0 (mmol/L) for serum potassium had high sensitivity (0.96) and a low negative likelihood ratio (0.09).Conclusion: This study indicated the predictive accuracy of serum lactate, pH, and potassium for 1-month survival among adult OHCA patients with hypothermia. These biomarkers may help define a more appropriate resuscitation strategy. pH 6.9 and lactate 120 mg/dL can predictively rule out 1-month survival.
Detection of subclinical skin manifestation in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by fluorescence optical imaging
Authors: Schmidt Angelique , Glimm Anne-Marie , Haugen Ida Kristin , Hoff Paula , Schmittat Gabriela , Burmester Gerd Ruediger , Klotsche Jens , Ohrndorf Sarah
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To investigate the frequency of subclinical skin inflammation in both hands by fluorescence optical imaging (FOI) in patients with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (Pso/PsA) vs. rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy individuals, and to correlate these findings with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors.Patients and Methods: The FOI scans were analyzed retrospectively to detect clinically invisible skin enhancement (0-3 scale) in both hands without relationship to underlying joints or blood vessels. We further characterized the FOI patterns and sorted the scans into groups based on the assumed diagnosis (Pso/PsA, RA and healthy controls), which was compared with the physician’s diagnosis. Furthermore, the associations between CV risk factors and imaging findings were investigated by regression analyses.Results: We included FOI scans of patients with Pso/PsA (n=80), RA (n=78) and healthy controls (n=25). Subclinical skin enhancement on the back of their hands was more common in Pso/PsA (72.5%) than in RA patients (20.5%) and healthy individuals (28.0%) (p<0.001). Based on the FOI pattern, the majority of patients with Pso/PsA (72.5%), RA (76.9%) and healthy controls (68.0%) were classified correctly using the physician-based diagnosis as reference (overall agreement of 74%, kappa=0.57). No CV risk factors except body weight (kg) was associated with subclinical skin enhancement (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06; p<0.001). Conclusion: Subclinical subdermal skin inflammation was common in Pso/PsA patients using FOI. Based on the FOI pattern, most patients with Pso/PsA and were classified with the correct diagnosis. We demonstrated an important influence of the body weight on our FOI results. FOI may be a helpful novel tool to study microcirculation in rheumatic diseases with skin involvement.
Risk factors for the critical illness in SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cheng Sijing , Wu Dingfeng , Li Jie , Zou Yifeng , Wan Yunle , Shen Lihan , Zhu Lixin , Shi Mang , Hou Linlin , Xu Tao , Jiao Na , Li Yichen , Huang Yibo , Tang Zhipeng , Xu Mingwei , Jiang Shusong , Li Maokun , Yan Guangjun , Lan Ping , Zhu Ruixin
Published: July 2020

Background: Prior studies reported that 5~32% COVID-19 patients were critically ill, a situation that poses great challenge for the management of the patients and ICU resources. We aim to identify independent risk factors to serve as prediction markers for critical illness of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods : Fifty-two critical and 200 non-critical SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid positive patients hospitalized in 15 hospitals outside Wuhan from January 19 to March 6, 2020 were enrolled in this study. Multivariable logistic regression and LASSO logistic regression were performed to identify independent risk factors for critical illness.Results: Age older than 60 years, dyspnea, respiratory rate > 24 breaths per min, leukocytosis >9.5 X109/L, neutrophilia >6.3 X109/L, lymphopenia <1.1 X109/L, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >3.53, fibrinogen >4g/L, d-dimer >0.55 µg/mL, blood urea nitrogen >7.1 mM, elevated aspartate transaminase, elevated alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin >21 µM, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score ≥2 were identified as risk factors for critical illness. LASSO logistic regression identified the best combination of risk factors as SOFA score, age, dyspnea, and leukocytosis. The Area Under the Receiver-Operator Curve values for the risk factors in predicting critical illness were 0.921 for SOFA score, 0.776 for age, 0.764 for dyspnea, 0.658 for leukocytosis, and 0.960 for the combination of the four risk factors.Conclusions: Our findings advocate the use of risk factors SOFA score ≥2, age >60, dyspnea and leukocytosis >9.5 X109/L on admission, alone or in combination, to determine the optimal management of the patients and health care resources.
Genotype Classification and Fluorescence Visual Identification of the Rhizoma Paridis of Paris Polyphylla Var. Yunnanensis based on the SNPs of ITS Sequence
Authors: Gao Chi , Zhang Kaiyuan , Wang Qinghe , Zhao Ling , Chen Rong , Yin Hongxiang
Published: July 2020

A fluorescent visual identification system of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis was established based on internal transcribed spacer barcoding. It is proposed for the first time that P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis should be divided into two types of genotypes: YN-I and YN-II according to single nucleotide polymorphism of internal transcribed spacer. In order to avoid false-negative results, two pairs of specific primers for YN-I and YN-II were designed, respectively, and specific visual fluorescent identification systems was established by SYBR Green I fluorescent dye was directly introduced into the PCR system which can be observed directly with the naked eye for the green fluorescent color of PCR system. Therefrom, it has realized the rapid and directly visual identification of two genotypes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis from its common nine adulterants. This study proposed for the first time the existence of different genotypes on the legal basis of Rhizoma Paridis, and provided a model for the accurate identification of different genotypes.
The impact of COVID-19 on the chiropractic profession: a cross-sectional survey on opinions, professional changes, and personal hardships of U.S. chiropractors
Authors: Neff Shawn M , Deyo Rebecca L. , Auley Annabelle L. Mac , Lawrence Dana J.
Published: July 2020

Background: Currently, there are few studies analyzing how COVID-19 has impacted the chiropractic profession. A recent paper, however, analyzed changes made to chiropractic practice by comparing the 7 different international regions represented by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). In overall healthcare, there is limited research on specialty-based stress levels both before and during COVID-19. Our survey was conducted to collect self-reported data on how COVID-19 has affected U.S. doctors of chiropractic.Methods: An electronic survey was sent to U.S. chiropractors nationwide via social media and email. The survey collected personal and practice demographic information, office protocols, changes made during COVID-19, chiropractic profession opinions/stances, information related to stress, and personal beliefs/opinions. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: 750 U.S. chiropractors responded. Just over half of respondents reported moderate levels of stress, and just over 30% reported severe levels due to a variety of reasons related to both personal and professional circumstances. The primary stressors were financial and business concerns. The highest stress levels were among employers responsible for others. A majority reported beliefs that the chiropractic profession should not advertise that spinal manipulation provides any immune system benefit. 13% of the respondents believed chiropractors should be marketing immune benefits during this time. A shift toward telehealth was reported, with 18% adding it to their services.Conclusion: Stress levels were high across the population. A range of opinions existed regarding spinal manipulation and immunity benefits. The majority reported there was not sufficient evidence to support such a belief; however, a group of respondents believed that chiropractors should be marketing immune-enhancing benefits to the population. A logical next step would be to study why such beliefs persist. This information may be useful in better understanding how chiropractors have experienced the global effects of COVID-19 across the United States.
First absolute seasonal temperature estimates for greenhouse climate from clumped isotopes in bivalve shells
Authors: Winter Niels de , Müller Inigo , Kocken Ilja , Thibault Nicolas , Ullmann Clemens Vinzenz , Farnsworth Alexander , Lunt Daniel , Claeys Philippe , Ziegler Martin
Published: July 2020

The seasonal variability of sea surface temperatures plays a fundamental role in climate dynamics and species distribution. As such, it is essential to better understand seasonal variability in warm climates of the past. Previous reconstructions of seasonality in deep time are relatively unconstrained, relying on unsupported assumptions such as estimates of seawater composition and negligible seasonal bias. This work presents the first absolute seasonal temperature reconstructions based on clumped isotope measurements in bivalve shells which, critically, do not rely on these assumptions. Our new approach reconstructs highly precise mid-latitude (~50°N) monthly temperatures from individual oyster and rudist shells of the Campanian (78 million years ago) greenhouse period (15—27 °C seasonal range). Our analysis demonstrates that seasonal bias and previous assumptions about sea water oxygen isotope composition can lead to highly inaccurate temperature reconstructions, distorting our understanding of the behavior of greenhouse climates and our ability to model them. Our results agree remarkably well with fully coupled climate model simulations showing greenhouse climates outside the tropics were warmer with higher seasonality than previously thought.
Deep Venous Thrombosis in COVID-19 Patients: A Cohort Analysis
Authors: Guo Yi , You Yun , Hu Ke , Cai Fei , Li Yiqing , Xie Mingxing , Yang Lu , Ye Dawei , Ling Ken , Misra Sanjay , Wang Weici , cai chuanqi
Published: July 2020

BackgroundDeep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a severe complication of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It may interfere with COVID-19 treatment and delay the recovery, but there is less data about the anticoagulant therapy and sex difference of VTE in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this study is to study the prevalence, risk factors, anticoagulant therapy and sex difference of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with COVID-19.MethodsThe enrolled 121 patients were confirmed positive for COVID-19. All suspected patients with a high Caprini index (≥4) or PADUA index (≥4) received color Doppler Ultrasound (US) to screen DVT in both lower extremities. Clinical characteristics of DVT-COVID-19 patients were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors related to DVT in COVID-19 patients. The distribution of DVT locations, anticoagulation therapy with sex difference, and the outcomes were also analyzed.ResultsDVT was found in 48% asymptomatic COVID-19 patients with increased PAUDA index or Caprini index by US scanning. Multivariate logistic regression determined that age, CRP and baseline D-dimer were risk factors among COVDI-19 patients. Although the most common DVT location was infrapopliteal (Class I and Class II), higher mortality in DVT-COVID-19 patients was confirmed. DVT-COVID-19 patients presented significant increases in the CRP, neutrophil count and D-dimer throughout the whole inpatient period compared to non-DVT-COVID-19 patients. Although anticoagulation therapy accelerated the recovery of lymphocytopenia condition in DVT patients, men DVT-COVID-19 patients showed higher CRP and neutrophil count vs. lymphocyte count (N/L) ratio but lower lymphocyte count compared to women DVT-COVID-19 patients. ConclusionsDVT is common in COVID-19 patients with high risk factors, especially for older age, higher CRP and baseline D-dimer populations. It is important to consider sex differences in the anticoagulant therapy among DVT-COVID-19 patients.
Highly predictive regression model of active cases of COVID-19 in a population by screening wastewater viral load
Authors: Vallejo Juan , Rumbo-Feal Soraya , Conde Kelly , López-Oriona Ángel , Tarrío Javier , Reif Rubén , Ladra Susana , Rodiño-Janeiro Bruno , Nasser Mohammed , Cid Angeles , Veiga Maria , Acevedo Antón , Lamora Carlos , Bou Germán , Cao Ricardo , Poza Margarita
Published: July 2020

The quantification of the SARS-CoV-2 load in wastewater has emerged as a useful method to monitor COVID-19 outbreaks in the community. This approach was implemented in the metropolitan area of A Coruña (NW Spain), where wastewater from the treatment plant of Bens was analyzed to track the epidemic’s dynamic in a population of 369,098 inhabitants. We developed statistical regression models that allowed us to estimate the number of infected people from the viral load detected in the wastewater with a reliability close to 90%. This is the first wastewater-based epidemiological model that could potentially be adapted to track the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic anywhere in the world, monitoring both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. It can help to understand with a high degree of reliability the true magnitude of the epidemic in a place at any given time and can be used as an effective early warning tool for predicting outbreaks.
High-throughput Screening and Experimental Identification of Potent Drugs Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Jinyong , Wang Ning , Zhang Yanjing , Yang Yongjun , Yuan Yue , Jing Haiming , Liu Xin , Wu Sisi , Luo Ping , Zhang Weijun , Lu Dongshui , Zeng Hao , Guo Gang , Zou Quanming
Published: July 2020

The main protease (Mpro) is one of the best-characterized drug targets among coronaviruses. In the current study, we adopted a multiple cross-docking strategy against different crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to perform computer-based high-throughput virtual screening of possible inhibitors from a drug database using Autodock Vina and SeeSAR software, combined with our in-house automatic processing scripts. The KDs between screened candidates and Mpro were determined using Biacore. Seven drugs were found to fit the substrate-binding pocket of Mpro with a stable conformation, showing high KDs that ranged from 6.79E-7 M to 5.20E-5 M. Finally, mutagenesis studies confirmed that these drugs interact with Mpro specifically, suggesting that our method was reliable and convincing. Given the safety of these old drugs, they may serve as promising candidates to treat the infection of SARS-CoV-2. Our results also provide rational explanations for the behaviour of five drugs evaluated in clinical trials.
Pyroelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction for methanol driven by temperature-variation
Authors: Xiao Lingbo , Xu Xiaoli , Jia Yanmin , Hu Ge , Hu Jun , Yuan Biao , Yu Yi , Zou Guifu
Published: July 2020

Taking the advantages of pyroelectric nanostructured materials, we use the temperature-variation, a ubiquitous phenomenon in our daily life, to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) for methanol through pyroelectrocatalytic process. Layered-perovskite bismuth tungstate nanoplates harvest heat energy from temperature-variation, driving pyroelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction for methanol at temperatures between 15 °C and 70 °C. The methanol yield can be as high as 55.0 µmol·g−1 after experiencing 20 cycles of temperature-variation. This efficient, cost-effective, and environmental-friendly pyroelectrocatalytic CO2 reduction route provides a new thought towards utilizing natural diurnal temperature-variation for future methanol economy.
Dietary Phenotype and Advanced Glycation End-Products Predict WTC-Obstructive Airways Disease: a Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Lam Rachel , Kwon Sophia , Riggs Jessica , Sunseri Maria , Crowley George , Schwartz Theresa , Zeig-Owens Rachel , Colbeth Hilary , Halpren Allison , Liu Mengling , Prezant David J , Nolan Anna
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND. Diet is a modifier of metabolic syndrome which in turn is associated with World Trade Center Obstructive Airways Disease(WTC-OAD). We have designed this study to 1.assess the dietary phenotype(food types, physical activity, and dietary habits) of the Fire Department of New York(FDNY) WTC-Health Program(WTC-HP) cohort and 2.quantify the association of dietary quality and its advanced glycation end product(AGE) content with the development of WTC-OAD.METHODS. WTC-OAD, defined as developing WTC-Lung Injury(WTC-LI;FEV1<LLN) and/or airway hyperreactivity(AHR;positive methacholine and/or positive bronchodilator response). Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Participants-Short Version(REAP-S) deployed on 3/1/2018 in the WTC-HP annual monitoring assessment. Clinical and REAP-S data of consented subjects was extracted(7/17/2019). Diet quality[low-(15-19), moderate-(20-29), and high-(30-39)] and AGE content per REAP-S questionnaire were assessed for association with WTC-OAD. Regression models adjusted for smoking,hyperglycemia,hypertension,age on 9/11,WTC-exposure,BMI and job description. RESULTS. N=9,508 completed the annual questionnaire, while N=4,015 completed REAP-S and had spirometry. WTC-OAD developed in N=921, while N=3,094 never developed WTC-OAD. Low- and moderate-dietary quality, eating more (processed meats,fried foods,sugary drinks), fewer(vegetables,whole-grains),and having a diet abundant in AGEs were significantly associated with WTC-OAD. Smoking was not a significant risk factor of WTC-OAD. CONCLUSIONS. REAP-S was successfully implemented in the FDNY WTC-HP monitoring questionnaire and produced valuable dietary phenotyping. Our observational study has identified low dietary quality and AGE abundant dietary habits as risk factors for pulmonary disease in the context of WTC-exposure. Dietary phenotyping, not only focuses our metabolomic/biomarker profiling but also further informs future dietary interventions that may positively impact particulate matter associated lung disease.
“Micro Hand S” Surgical Robot vs Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Yao Yuan-Bing , Wang Guo-Hui , Liu Yong , Yi Bo , Li Zheng , Zhu Shai-Hong
Published: July 2020

Background Expensive cost of surgery has limited the use of surgical robot in China. The emergence of “Micro Hand S” surgical robot provides more choices for surgical treatment. Our study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of “Micro Hand S” surgical robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods Perioperative data of 75 patients who underwent “Micro Hand S” surgical robotic gastrectomy (RG) or laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) at the Department of General Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from June 2017 to January 2019 were collected to compare the short-term outcomes between the two groups. Results No statistically significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). RG group had longer operation time (P < 0.01). The harvested lymph nodes were comparable between the two groups (P = 0.084). There were five positive margins in the LG group, and the R0 resection rate was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.247). 16 complications occurred in the RG group according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system, 6 in grade I, and 10 in grade II. 68 complications happened in the LG group, 22 in grade I, 44 in grade II, 1 in grade IIIa and 1 in grade IVa. The comprehensive complications index (CCI) was similar between the two groups (P = 0.895). Intraoperative blood loss, surgical resection, reconstruction of the digestive tract intraoperative blood transfusion, Chemoradiotherapy, pathological type, degree of differentiation, proximal resection margin, time of first flatus, time of liquid diet, time of abdominal drainage tube extraction, and hospital stay for RG and LG were similar too (P > 0.05). Conclusion “Micro Hand S” surgical robotic gastrectomy is safe and feasible. Keywords Surgical robot; Gastric cancer; Gastrectomy; Safety; Feasibility
Long-Term Metformin Effect on Endometrial Cancer Development Depending on Glucose Environment in vitro
Authors: Weber Amanda Machado , Lange Carsten , Jauckus Julia , Strowitzki Thomas , Germeyer Ariane
Published: July 2020

Background: The incidence of endometrial cancer has increased worldwide over the past years. Common risk factors include obesity and metabolic disturbances, like hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, as well as prolonged and elevated estrogen exposure. Metformin, an anti-hyperglycemic and insulin-sensitizing biguanide, displayed anti-proliferative effects in recent studies. Therefore, metformin may act as a therapeutic and prophylactic anti-cancer agent in several tissues, including endometrium. Methods: Two different endometrial cancer cell lines, reflecting type I (Ishikawa) and type II endometrial cancer (HEC-1A) were cultured under normoglycemic (5.5mM) or hyperglycemic (17.0mM) conditions and treated with different concentrations of metformin (0.01–5.0mM). Results: Effects of metformin on proliferation, cell viability, clonogenicity and migration were investigated after treatment for 7d. Long-term treatment with metformin showed effects on cellular viability, proliferation and migration of endometrial cancer cells in a concentration- dependent manner in vitro. Additionally, glucose levels affected the outcome of the experiments. Conclusion: Our in vitro findings support the hypothesis that metformin has a direct effect on endometrial tissues and reflects the importance of the local glucose environment, suggesting that metformin may be considered as a potential adjuvant agent in endometrial cancer therapy due to its direct and indirect effects on endometrial development.
Ketamine can be produced by Pochonia chlamydosporia: an old molecule and a new role
Authors: Ferreira Sebastiao Rodrigo , Machado Alan Rodrigues T. , Furtado Luís Fernando , Gomes Jose Hugo de S. , de Almeida Raquel M. , Mendes Thiago de Oliveira , Maciel Valentina N. , Barbosa Fernando Sergio , Carvalho Lorendane M. , Bueno Lilian Lacerda , Bartholomeu Daniella Castanheira , de Araújo Jackson Victor , Rabelo Elida M. L. , de Pádua Rodrigo Maia , Pimenta Lucia Pinheiro Santos , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio
Published: July 2020

Background: Infection by nematodes is a problem for human health, livestock, and agriculture, as it causes deficits in host health, increases production costs, and incurs less food supply. The control of these parasites is usually done using anthelmintics, which, in most cases, have not been fully effective. Therefore, the search for new molecules with anthelmintic potential is necessary. Methods: In the present study, we isolated and characterized molecules from the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia and tested these compounds on three nematodes: Caenorhabditis elegans, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, and Ascaris suum. Results: The ethyl acetate extract showed nematicidal activity on the nematode model C. elegans. We identified the major substance present in two subfractions of this extract as ketamine. Then, we tested this compound on C. elegans and the parasites A. ceylanicum and A. suum using hamsters and mice as hosts, respectively. We did not find a difference between the animal groups when considering the number of worms recovered from the intestines of animals treated with ketamine and albendazole (P ˂ 0.05). The parasite burden of larvae recovered from the lungs of mice treated with ketamine was similar to those treated with ivermectin. Conclusion: These results presented here demonstrate the nematicidal activity of ketamine in vitro and in vivo. Thus, confirming the nematicidal potential of the molecule present in the fungus P. chlamydosporia may consist a new method of controlling parasites.