bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Characterization of WUPyV in Polarized Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Wei Tianli , Huang Yiman , Guo Qiong , Xie Zhiping , Song Jingdong , Chen Aijun , Zheng Lishu
Published: July 2020

Background: Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) is a novel human polyomavirus detected in childwith acute respiratory infection in 2007. However, the relationship between WUPyV and respiratory diseases has yet to be established for lacking of a suitable in vitro culture system. Methods: To isolate WUPyV with human airway epithelial (HAE) cells, the positive samples were incubated in HAE, and then the nucleic acid, VP1 protein and virions were detected using real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy respectively. Results: The result showed that WUPyV could replicate effectively in HAE cells and virions with typical polyomavirus characteristics could be observed. Additionally, the entire genome sequence of the isolated strain (BJ0771) was obtained and phylogenetic analysis indicated that BJ0771 belongs to gene cluster Ⅰ. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated clinical WUPyV strain was successfully isolated for the first time in the world and this will help unravel the etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of WUPyV in respiratory infection diseases.
Should we remain hopeful? The key 8 weeks: Spatiotemporal epidemic characteristics of COVID-19 in Sichuan Province and its comparative analysis with other provinces in China and global epidemic trends
Authors: Xu Xinyin , Zeng Jing , Liu Runyou , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiaobo , Zhou Lijun , Dong Ting , Cha Yuxin , Wang Zhuo , Deng Ying , Zhang Yu , Feng Liao , Pu Chen , Wu Xianping , Zhong Bo
Published: July 2020

Background: The COVID-19 spread worldwide quickly. Exploring the epidemiological characteristics could provide a basis for responding to imported cases abroad and to formulate prevention and control strategies in areas where COVID-19 is still spreading rapidly. Methods: The number of confirmed cases, daily growth, incidence and length of time from the first reported case to the end of the local cases (i.e., non-overseas imported cases) were compared by spatial (geographical) and temporal classification and visualization of the development and changes of the epidemic situation by layers through maps. Results: In the first wave, a total of 539 cases were reported in Sichuan, with an incidence rate of 0.6462/100,000. The closer to Hubei the population centres were, the more pronounced the epidemic was. The peak in Sichuan Province occurred in the second week. Eight weeks after the Wuhan lockdown, the health crisis had eased. The longest epidemic length at the city level in China (except Wuhan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) was 53 days, with a median of 23 days. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of China showed positive spatial correlation (Moran's Index >0, p<0.05). Most countries outside China began to experience a rapid rise in infection rates 4 weeks after their first case. Some European countries experienced that rise earlier than the USA. The pandemic in Germany, Spain, Italy, and China took 28, 29, 34, and 18 days, respectively, to reach the peak of daily infections, after their daily increase of up to 20 cases. During this time, countries in the African region and Southeast Asian region were at an early stage of infections, those in the Eastern Mediterranean region and region of the Americas were in a rapid growth phase. Conclusions: After the closure of the outbreak city, appropriate isolation and control measures in the next 8 weeks were key to control the outbreak, which reduced the peak value and length of the outbreak. Some countries with improved epidemic situations need to develop a continuous "local strategy at entry checkpoints" to respond to a possible second local epidemic.
Peer navigation for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jail: a randomized trial study protocol
Authors: Hailemariam Maji , Weinstock Lauren M , Johnson Jennifer E.
Published: July 2020

Background: Serious mental illness (SMI) is a prevalent public health problem affecting 25% of individuals in jail. Re-entry to the community following incarceration is a vulnerable time for justice-involved individuals with SMI. SMI requires prompt and ongoing access to mental health and other healthcare services. Methods: The study will: 1) develop a Mentoring And Peer Support (MAPS) intervention for post-release mental health and other service connection among jailed individuals with SMI, and 2) pilot-test the MAPS intervention to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the MAPS intervention. The primary outcomes will be to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the proposed recruitment methods and research design, of the intervention training methods, of delivering the enhanced peer-navigator and control interventions. Study samples include (focus groups, open trial), and a randomized pilot trial in a sample of 40 individuals with SMI re-entering the community after jail release. Secondary outcomes will include post-release enrollment in mental health, medical care, and substance use services. We will also evaluate reduction in psychiatric symptoms, improvements in functioning, adherence to psychiatric medications, fewer substance using days, fewer hospitalizations and suicide attempts, nights unstably housed, and time until rearrest. Discussion: This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a peer navigation intervention for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jails. The study will serve as a formative work for a larger randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of peer navigator intervention for (include the primary outcome) in this population.
Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields Enhance Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation via DNMT1 regulated OCT4/NANOG gene expression
Authors: Li Kejia , Ning Tong , Wang Hao , Jiang Yangzi , Zhang Jue , GE Zigang
Published: July 2020

Background: Multiple strategies have been proposed to promote the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which is the fundamental property in tissue formation and regeneration. However, these strategies are relatively inefficient that limit the application. In this study, we reported a novel and efficient strategy, nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) stimulation, which can enhance the trilineage differentiation potential of MSCs; and further explained the mechanism behind.Methods: We used histological staining to screen out the nsPEFs parameters that promoted the trilineage differentiation potential of MSCs, and further proved the effect of nsPEFs by detecting the functional genes. In order to explore the corresponding mechanism, we examined the expression of pluripotency genes and the methylation status of their promoters. Finally, we targeted the DNA methyltransferase which was affected by nsPEFs. Results: The trilineage differentiation of bone marrow derived MSCs was significantly enhanced in vitro by simply pre-treated with 5 pulses of nsPEFs stimulation (energy levels as 10 ns, 20 kV/cm; 100 ns, 10 kV/cm), due to that the nsPEFs demethylated the promoters of stem cell pluripotency genes OCT4 and NANOG through instantaneous downregulation of DNA methylation transferase 1 (DNMT1), thereby increased the expression of OCT4 and NANOG for up to 3 days, and created a treatment window period of stem cells.Conclusions: In summary, nsPEFs can enhance MSCs differentiation via the epigenetic regulation, and could be a safe and effective strategy for future stem cell application
Research on Position Optimization of Badminton Doubles Based on Wireless Sensor and Human-computer Interactive Training
Authors: Yao Bo , Liang Na
Published: July 2020

In the continuous development process, robot technology based on multimedia interactions has been widely used in aerospace, medical, education and service industries, and the relationship between robots and humans is getting closer. The improvement of robot intelligence is a process of continuously learning the outside world. Since the introduction of multimedia human-computer interaction technology in 1959, it has provided more and more technical support for human research robots. This paper studies the characteristics of badminton competition, the characteristics of technical and tactics and the collection requirements of on-site training, and completes the technical description of the badminton doubles station. Through the digitalization of the gait-based sensation, the automated acquisition of the gait technology, the simultaneously with the video, the high-speed imaging system, the system implement information integration. Subsequently, the statistical analysis of badminton multimedia techniques and tactics was designed. The skills and tactics of athletes were expressed in the form of video, graphics and text. The operators can carry out the technical and tactical analysis implementation process through good human-computer interaction, and increase the end user's game information. Attention and understanding strengthen the strength and depth of technical and tactical ability analysis. Finally, the station optimization plan for badminton doubles is proposed.
Artificial neural networks improve LDCT lung cancer screening: A comparative validation study
Authors: Hsu Yin-Chen , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Weng Hsu-Huei , Hsu Li-Sheng , Tsai Ying-Huang , Lin Yu-Ching , Hung Ming-Szu , Fang Yu-Hung , Chen Chien-Wei
Published: July 2020

Background: This study proposes a prediction model for the automatic assessment of lung cancer risk based on an artificial neural network (ANN) with a data-driven approach to the low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) standardized structure report.Methods: This comparative validation study analysed a prospective cohort from Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. In total, 836 asymptomatic patients who had undergone LDCT scans between February 2017 and August 2018 were included, comprising 27 lung cancer cases and 809 controls. A derivation cohort of 602 participants (19 lung cancer cases and 583 controls) was collected to construct the ANN prediction model. A comparative validation of the ANN and Lung-RADS was conducted with a prospective cohort of 234 participants (8 lung cancer cases and 226 controls). The areas under the curves (AUCs) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the prediction models.Results: At the cut-off of category 3, the Lung-RADS had a sensitivity of 12.5%, specificity of 96.0%, positive predictive value of 10.0%, and negative predictive value of 96.9%. At its optimal cut-off value, the ANN had a sensitivity of 75.0%, specificity of 85.0%, positive predictive value of 15.0%, and negative predictive value of 99.0%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.764 for the Lung-RADS and 0.873 for the ANN (P=0.01). The heatmap plot demonstrates the leading items, i.e., solid nodules, partially solid nodules, and ground-glass nodules, as the significant predictors of malignant outcomes.Conclusions: Compared to the Lung-RADS, the ANN provided better sensitivity for the detection of lung cancer in an Asian population. In addition, the ANN provided a more refined discriminative ability than the Lung-RADS for lung cancer risk stratification with population-specific demographic characteristics. When lung nodules are detected and documented in a standardized structured report, ANNs may better provide important insights for lung cancer prediction than conventional rule-based criteria.Trial registrationNot applicable.
A novel strategy for efficient disaccharides synthesis from glucose by β-glucosidase
Authors: Niu Kangle , Liu Zhengyao , Feng Yuhui , Gao Tianlong , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Piaopiao , Du Zhiqiang , Gao Daming , Fang Xu
Published: July 2020

Oligosaccharides have important therapeutic applications. A useful route for oligosaccharides synthesis is reverse hydrolysis by β-glucosidase. However, the low conversion efficiency of disaccharides from monosaccharides limits its large-scale production because the equilibrium is biased in the direction of hydrolysis. Based on the analysis of the docking results, we hypothesized that the hydropathy index of key amino acid residues in the catalytic site is closely related with disaccharide synthesis and more hydrophilic residues located in the catalytic site would enhance reverse hydrolysis activity. In this study, positive variants TrCel1bI177S, TrCel1bI177S/I174S, and TrCel1bI177S/I174S/W173H, and one negative variant TrCel1bN240I were designed according to the Hydropathy Index For Enzyme Activity (HIFEA) strategy. The reverse hydrolysis with TrCel1bI177S/I174S/W173H was accelerated and then the maximum total production (195.8 mg/mL/mg enzyme) of the synthesized disaccharides was increased by 3.5-fold compared to that of wildtype. On the contrary, TrCel1bN240I lost reverse hydrolysis activity. The results demonstrate that the average hydropathy index of the key amino acid residues in the catalytic site of TrCel1b is an important factor for the synthesis of laminaribiose, sophorose, and cellobiose. The HIFEA strategy provides a new perspective for the rational design of β-glucosidases used for the synthesis of oligosaccharides.
Study on the community structure and function of symbiotic bacteria at different growth and developmental stages of Hypsizygus marmoreus
Authors: sun shujing , Li Fan , Xu Xin , Liu Yunchao , Kong Xuqiang , Chen Jianqiu , Liu Ting , Chen Liding
Published: July 2020

Background: The symbiotic bacteria associated with edible fungi are valuable microbial resources worthy of in-depth exploring. It is of significance to analyze the community structure and succession of symbiotic bacteria in edible fungi, which can also avail the isolating of growth-promoting strains that have an essential relationship with the cultivation cycle, and agronomic traits and yields of fruiting bodies.Results: In all the samples from cultivation bags of Hypsizygus marmoreus, 34 bacterial phyla were detected, and Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum (78.85%). The genus Serratia showed an exponential increase in abundance in the cultivation bags in the mature period, reaching a peak abundance of 55.74% and becoming the dominant symbiotic flora. The most dominant strain was Serratia odorifera HZSO-1, and its abundance increased with the amount of hyphae of H. marmoreus. Serratia odorifera HZSO-1 could reside in the hyphae of H. marmoreus, promote the growth and development, shorten the fruiting cycle by 3-4 days, and further increase the fruiting body yield by 12%. Conclusions: This study is a pioneering demonstration of the community structure of the symbiotic microbiota and bacteria-mushroom interaction in the growth and development of edible fungi. This work lays a theoretical foundation to improve the industrial production of mushrooms with symbiotic bacteria as assisting agents.
Development and Validation of Food Frequency Questionnaire for Food and Nutrient Intake of Adults in Butajira, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Feyesa Ilili , Endris Bilal S , Habtemariam Esete , Hassen Hamid Y , Gebreyesus Seifu H
Published: July 2020

Background: To date, there is no culture-specific and validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) available in Ethiopia. We developed a FFQ and evaluated its validity as compared to estimates of a food group and nutrient intakes derived from two 24-Hour Dietary Recalls (24-HRs).Method: The FFQ has a total of 89 food items. A total of 105 adults aged 20 to 65 years participated in this study. Wilcoxon- signed rank test, Spearman’s correlation, Cross-classification, kappa, and Bland-Altman analysis were used to validate food group intakes and nutrients derived from the FFQ against two 24-HRs.Results: Mean energy and macronutrient intakes obtained from the FFQ were significantly higher than those obtained from the mean of two 24-HRs. For energy and macronutrients, the correlation between two instruments ranged from 0.05 (total fat) to 0.32 (carbohydrate). Whereas, for micronutrients, it ranged from 0.1 (calcium) to 0.49 (vitamin B1). Visual inspection of the Bland-Altman plots for both energy and macronutrients shows no consistent trend across the intake values. For the majority of the food groups, no significant difference was observed in median intake of foods and nutrients between 24-HRs and the FFQ. The correlation coefficients for food groups ranged from 0.12 (egg) to 0.78 (legumes). The FFQ showed a fair classification agreement with the 24-HRs for cereals, legumes, and roots and tubers intake. A systematic trend of overestimation for roots and tubers and under estimation of beverage intakes at higher values was observed when we used FFQ.Conclusion: The FFQ is valid to assess and rank individuals in terms of intakes of most food groups according to high and low intake categories. However, estimates of roots and tuber and beverages should be interpreted with caution.
Novel strategy with the automatic non-coplanar volumetric-modulated arc therapy for angiosarcoma of the scalp.
Authors: Inui Shoki , Ueda Yoshihiro , Ohira Shingo , Tsuru Haruhi , Isono Masaru , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Koizumi Masahiko , Teshima Teruki
Published: July 2020

Background: Total scalp irradiation presents technical and dosimetric challenges. While reports suggest that HyperArc, a new stereotactic radiosurgery planning technique applied to non-coplanar volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique, is associated with high conformity and rapid dose fall-off, the performance of HyperArc for total scalp irradiation has not been explored. The current study aimed to compare the dosimetric performance of HyperArc plans with those of non-coplanar VMAT plans in angiosarcoma of the scalp. Methods: Ten patients with angiosarcoma of the scalp were included in this study. The performance of three different plans administered using TrueBeam Edge were compared: non-coplanar VMAT using flattening filter (FF) beams (VMAT-FF), HyperArc using FF beams (HyperArc-FF), and HyperArc using flattening filter free (FFF) beams (HyperArc-FFF). The dose distribution, dosimetric parameters, and dosimetric accuracy for each of these plans were evaluated. Results: The three plans showed no statistically significant differences in target volume coverage, conformity, and homogeneity. The HyperArc-FF and HyperArc-FFF plans provided significantly lower mean brain doses (12.63 ± 3.31 Gy and 12.71 ± 3.40 Gy) than did the VMAT-FF plans (17.11 ± 5.25 Gy). There were almost no differences in sparing the organs at risk between the HyperArc-FF and HyperArc-FFF plans. The HyperArc-FF and HyperArc-FFF plans provided a shorter beam-on time than did the VMAT-FF plan. The 3%/2 mm gamma test pass rates were above 95% for all three plans. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the HyperArc plan can be potentially used for radiation therapy of target regions with large and complicated shapes, such as the scalp, and that there are no advantages of using FFF beams.
Conservative management of CIN2p16 positive lesions in women with multiple HPV infection
Authors: Bruno Maria Teresa , Scalia Guido , Cassaro Nazario , Costanzo Maria , Boemi Sara
Published: July 2020

BackgroundAccording to the 2006 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines, positive CIN2 p16 in women over the age of 25 should be managed with excisional treatment. However, excisional treatment is associated with physical, psychological and obstetric morbidity and can have a negative impact on sexual function. In our study we sought to identify a clear management strategy, addressing the impact of routine use of p16 immunohistochemistry in this population and identify appropriate criteria for patient selection with the aim of reducing over-treatment.MethodWe studied the medical records of 130 patients who had undergone laser therapy for CIN2. Each patient underwent colposcopy, biopsy and HPV test and were tested for p16 protein,. Patients were divided based on HPV infection into: single infections, multiple infections. All patients underwent ZTA laser therapy with follow-up (2-year follow-up ). Statistical analysis Contingency tables were created to evaluate the correlation between single, multiple and CIN2+ infections. Values with p <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsSingle infections had a histological regression of 61.8% (21/34) and a histological persistence rate of 35.3% (12/34), which was greater than the multiple infection rate. The common characteristic that the women with persistence and progression had was the dimension of the lesion and the genotype 16. Ten cases of histological persistence and the only case of progression had one lesion greater than three quarters of the cervix.ConclusionsWith the progress of our understanding of the natural history of infection from human papillomavirus and the increasing use of colposcopy, thanks to the addition of HPV genotyping and the technique of immunohistochemistry, conservative management of these lesions is now possible.
Lenvatinib Promotes the Antitumor Effect of Doxorubicin in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Su Xi , Liu Jiaxin , Zhang Haihong , Gu Qingqing , Zhou Xinrui , Ji Meiju , Yao Demao
Published: July 2020

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a kind of rare thyroid cancer with very poor prognosis. It is one of the deadliest cancers in human due to the aggressive behavior and resistance to treatment. Doxorubicin has been approved in ATC treatment as a single agent, but monotherapy still shows no improvement of the total survival in advanced ATC. Lenvatinib was investigated with encouraging results in treating the patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, antitumor efficacy of combination therapy with lenvatinib and doxorubicin remains largely unclear. Methods: The antitumor efficacy of combination therapy with lenvatinib and doxorubicin on ATC cell proliferation and was assessed by the MTT assay and colony formation. Flow cytometry were employed to assess ATC cells’ apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in response to combination therapy. Xenograft models were used to test its in vivo antitumor activity. Result: Lenvatinib monotherapy was less effective than doxorubicin in treating ATC cell lines and xenografts model. The combination therapy of lenvatinib and doxorubicin significantly inhibited ATC cell proliferation and tumor growth in nude mice, and induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in compared to lenvatinib or doxorubicin monotherapy. Conclusion: Lenvatinib promotes the antitumor effect of doxorubicin in ATC cell and xenografts model. Lenvatinib/doxorubicin combination may be a potential candidate therapeutic approach for anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Experiences with health care and health-related quality of life of patients with hematologic malignancies in Mexico
Authors: Doubova Svetlana Vladislavovna , Terreros-Muñoz Eduardo , Delgado-Lòpez Nancy , Montaño-Figueroa Efreen Horacio , Infante-Castañeda Claudia , Cuevas Ricardo Perez
Published: July 2020

Background: In Mexico, patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) are characterized by being at high risk and advanced stages at diagnosis and by having a low cure rate; yet information on their experiences with health care and health-related quality of life (HRQL) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate experiences with health care and HRQL of patients with HMs and the association between these patient-reported measures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in two public oncology hospitals in Mexico City. The study included outpatient cancer patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. We used a patient-centered quality of cancer care questionnaire to assess patient experiences with receiving 1) timely care; 2) clear information; 3) information for treatment decision-making; 4) care to address biopsychosocial needs; and 5) respectful and coordinated care. We applied the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) to measure HRQL. We performed a multiple linear regression to evaluate the association between patient-reported experiences (independent variables) and the QLQ-C30 summary score (dependent variable). Results: Of the 515 participating HM patients, 46.6% had lymphoma, 34% leukemia, and 19.4% multiple myeloma; 70.9% were at advanced stages or at high risk. Additionally, 15.1% had anxiety and 12.8% had depression. Over one third (35.9%) reported receiving clear information, 28.5% timely care, 20.6% information for treatment decision-making, 23.7% care that addressed their biopsychosocial needs, and 31% respectful and coordinated care. The mean QLQ-C30 summary score was 71.9 points. Timely care, clear information, and care that addresses biopsychosocial needs were associated with higher HRQL. Conclusions: Health care services for HM patients at public oncology hospitals in Mexico need improvement. Notably, providing timely care, clear information, and care that addresses patients’ biopsychosocial needs can increase the likelihood of better HRQL. Health care providers should measure and improve the experiences of HM patients with health care.
Detection and Isolation of Asymptomatic Individuals Can Make The Difference in COVID-19 Epidemic Management
Authors: Mayorga Lia , Samartino Clara García , Flores Gabriel , Masuelli Sofía , Sánchez María V. , Mayorga Luis S. , Sánchez Cristián G.
Published: July 2020

Background: Mathematical modelling of infectious diseases is a powerful tool for the design of management policies and a fundamental part of the arsenal currently deployed to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We present a compartmental model for the disease where symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals move separately. We introduced healthcare burden parameters allowing to infer possible containment and suppression strategies. In addition, the model was scaled up to describe different interconnected areas, giving the possibility to trigger regionalized measures. It was specially adjusted to Mendoza-Argentina’s parameters, but is easily adaptable for elsewhere. Results: Overall, the simulations we carried out were notably more effective when mitigation measures were not relaxed in between the suppressive actions. Since asymptomatics or very mildly affected patients are the vast majority, we studied the impact of detecting and isolating them. The removal of asymptomatics from the infectious pool remarkably lowered the effective reproduction number, healthcare burden and overall fatality. Furthermore, different suppression triggers regarding ICU occupancy were attempted. The best scenario was found to be the combination of ICU occupancy triggers (on: 50%, off: 30%) with the detection and isolation of asymptomatic individuals. In the ideal assumption that 45% of the asymptomatics could be detected and isolated, there would be no need for complete lockdown, and Mendoza’s healthcare system would not collapse. Conclusions: Our model and its analysis inform that the detection and isolation of all infected individuals, without leaving aside the asymptomatic group is the key to surpass this pandemic.
Long-distance airborne dispersal of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 wards
Authors: Nissen Karolina , Krambrich Janina , Akaberi Dario , Hoffman Tove , Ling Jiaxin , Lundkvist Åke , Salaneck Erik
Published: July 2020

Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can be dispersed and potentially transmitted by aerosols, directly or via ventilation systems. We report detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in COVID-19 ward ceiling vent openings as well as in ventilation exhaust filters and central ducts up to at least 56 meters from patient areas. As this ventilation system provides low air flow, we propose that viral particles may be readily dispersed in air over vast distances and that further investigations of infectivity of airborne SARS-CoV-2 must be performed.
Availability of laboratory diagnosis of gonorrhoea and its meaning in case reporting in Shandong province, China
Authors: Chen Xinlong , Gan Yanling , liu dianchang
Published: July 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to understand the availability of laboratory diagnosis of gonorrhoea in Shandong province and its meaning in case reporting.
Methods

Two surveys were conducted among hospitals providing clinical services for sexually transmitted infection(STI) in Shandong Province in 2012 and 2018. The availability of laboratory tests for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and distribution of reported gonorrhea cases were compared among different hospitals provided clinical services for STI in Shandong province. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square were used for statistical analysis.
Results

Smear, culture and PCR tests for NG were used among 301(74.69%), 123(30.52%), 43(10.67%) hospitals in 2012 and 356(74.48%), 176(36.82%) and 73(15.27%) hospitals in 2018, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the availability of smear among hospitals at different levels (X2 = 12.159, p = 0.000) and with different affiliations(X2 = 4.551, p = 0.033) in 2018. Significant differences were observed in the availability of culture and PCR tests among hospitals at different levels both in 2012 (X2 = 34.532, p = 0.000; X2 = 7.380, p = 0.007) and 2018 (X2 = 49.820, p = 0.000; X2 = 21.658, p = 0.000). The availability of culture and PCR tests for NG among hospitals in 2018 was higher than that in 2012 (X2 = 3.870, p = 0.049; X2 = 4.050, p = 0.044). More hospitals reported gonorrhea cases in 2018 than in 2012 (X2 = 6.768, p = 0.009). A significant difference was observed in distribution of case reporting among hospitals at different levels in 2018 (X2 = 6.975, p = 0.008) and among different types of hospitals both in 2012 (X2 = 52.362, p = 0.000) and 2018 (X2 = 74.478, p = 0.000).
Conclusion

Poor availability of NG laboratory tests affects case reporting and is a crucial reason leading to high sex ratio and underreporting of gonorrhea cases in Shandong province.
Trial registration
Not applicable
In Cervical Arthroplasty Only Prostheses With Flexible Biomechanical Properties Should Be Used for Achieving a Near-physiological Motion Pattern
Authors: Muehlbauer Manfred , Tomasch Ernst , Sinz Wolfgang , Trattnig Siegfried , Steffan Hermann
Published: July 2020

Background:In cervical arthroplasty, qualitative motion analysis generally investigates the position of the Center of Rotation (COR) before and after surgery.But is the prae-op COR suitable as reference? We believe that only a comparison against healthy individuals can answer whether a physiological motion pattern has been achieved. The aim of our study was to examine how the COR for flexion / extension after insertion of 3 biomechanically completely different types of disc prosthesescompares to healthy volunteers,and whether and how prosthesis design contributes to a more natural or maybe even worse motion pattern.Methods: In 15 healthy volunteers MRI in flexion and in extension was taken, and the coordinates for the CORs (COR-HV) from C3 to C7 were determined.Thenprae- and post-op flexion-/extension x-rays from 30 patients with a one-level disc prosthesis underwent analysis for determination of COR from C3 to C7; 10 patients who received a Bryan-, a Prestige STLP- or a Discover prosthesis were chosen, respectively. Change of post-op COR position wasinvestigated in relation to the COR-HV.Results:The pre-operative COR is not congruent with the COR found in healthy subjects and therefore cannot be used as reference for investigation whether a disc prosthesis resembles natural motion. However, the comparison with healthy individuals shows that Prosthesis-insertion can change the coordinates of the COR to any direction in all levels from C3/4 to C6/7 regardless of the operated segment. Prostheses with flexible biomechanical properties can contribute to shift the COR towards normal, but devices with unphysiological biomechanical design, like fixed ball-socket designs, for instance, can make the motion pattern even worse.Conclusions: In cervical arthroplasty, the biomechanical concept of the prosthesis has a significant impact whether a near-physiological motion pattern can be achieved or not.As it is rumor but not scientifically proofed that prosthesis-design has no influence on clinical outcome, surgeons should only choose devices with flexible biomechanical properties for disc replacement.
Improved dynamics of sharing research findings in the COVID-19 epidemic compared with the SARS and Ebola epidemics
Authors: Khanali Javad , Malekpour Mohammad Reza , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: July 2020

Background: When a new or re-emergent pathogen, such as SARS-CoV-2, causes a major outbreak, rapid access to pertinent research findings is crucial for planning strategies and decision making. We asked whether the speed of sharing research results in the COVID-19 epidemic was higher than the SARS and Ebola epidemics. We also asked whether there is any difference in the most frequent topics investigated before and after the COVID-19, SARS, and Ebola epidemics started. Method: We used PubMed database search tools to determine the time-period it took for the number of articles to rise after the epidemics started and the most frequent topics assigned to the articles. Results: The main results were, first, the rise in the number of articles occurred six weeks after the COVID-19 epidemic started whereas, this rise occurred five months after the SARS and seven months after the Ebola epidemics started. Second, etiology, statistics & numerical data, and epidemiology were the three most frequent topics investigated in the COVID-19 epidemic. However, etiology, microbiology, and genetics in the SARS epidemic, and statistics & numerical data, epidemiology, and prevention & control in the Ebola epidemic were more frequently studied compared with other topics. Third, some topics were studied more frequently after the epidemics started. Conclusion: The speed of sharing results in the COVID-19 epidemic was much higher than the SARS and Ebola epidemics and that there is a difference in the most frequent articles’ topics investigated in these three epidemics. Due to the value of time in controlling epidemics spread, the study highlights the necessity of defining more solutions for rapid providing pertinent research findings in fighting against the next public health emergency.
Psychological, Social and Technical Factors Influencing Electronic Medical Records Systems Adoption by U.S. Physicians: A Systematic Model
Authors: El-Yafouri Raghid , Klieb Leslie , Sabatier Valérie
Published: July 2020

Background: Wide adoption of electronic medical records (EMR) systems in the United States can lead to better quality medical care at a lower cost. Despite the laws and financial subsidies by the U.S. government for service providers and suppliers, the adoption has been slow. Understanding the EMR adoption drivers for physicians and the role of policymaking can translate into increased adoption rate and enhanced information sharing between medical care providers. Methods: Physicians across the United States were surveyed to gather primary data on their psychological, social, and technical perceptions toward EMR systems. This quantitative study builds on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the Diffusion of Innovation theory to propose, test, and validate an innovation adoption model for the health care industry. 382 responses were collected and data were analyzed via linear regression to uncover the effects of 12 variables on the intention to adopt EMR systems.Results: Regression model testing uncovers that government policymaking or mandates and other social factors have little or negligible effect on physicians’ intention to adopt an innovation. Rather, physicians are directly driven by their attitudes and ability to control, and indirectly motivated by their knowledge of the innovation, the financial ability to acquire the system, the holistic benefits to their industry, and the relative advancement of the system compared to others.Conclusions: A unidirectional mandate from the government is not sufficient for physicians to adopt an innovation. Government, health care associations, and EMR system vendors can benefit from our findings by working toward increasing the physicians’ knowledge of the proposed innovation, socializing how medical care providers and the overall industry can benefit from EMR system adoption, and solving for the financial burden of system implementation and sustainment.
Identifying Exosomes as a Messenger Unit During Heterochronic Parabiosis for Amelioration of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Lee Mijung , Im Wooseok , Kim Manho
Published: July 2020

Background:Huntington’s disease (HD) starts its pathology long before clinical manifestation, however, there is no therapy to cure it completely and only a few studies have been reported for delaying the progression of HD. We demonstrated the blood sharing effect by heterochronic parabiosis in HD and explored the underlying mechanism for transferring positive factors in the young blood serum.A shared blood circulation by heterochronic parabiosis has improved behavioral performance and HD pathology through mediation of mitochondria dysfunction and cell death. Furthermore, the messenger unit for the effective components in young blood is identified for the first time to the best of our knowledge.Methods:R6/2 mice were surgically connected with young wild-type mice (n=13), old wild-type mice (n=8), or R6/2 mice (n=6) to examine the effect of heterochronic parabiosis.Parabionts composed of 5- to 6-week-old transgenic and wild-type mice were observed for 6 weeks in a single cage. The in vitro cellular model of HD cells were treated by the 200 μg/mlblood serum of the young or old mice, and by the exosomes isolated from thereof. Thein vitro cellular model of HD were developed by differentiating neural stem cells cultured from SVZ of the brain.Results:After the heterochronic parabiosis, the weight loss and survival of HD mice was improved, and also, mutant Huntingtin aggregation (EM48 p<0.005), improvement of mitochondria dysfunction (PGC-1a p<0.05, p-CREB/CREB p<0.005), cell death (p53 p<0.05, Bax p<0.05, Cleaved-caspase3 p<0.05),and cognition (DCX p<0.5) showed a near complete restoration. In addition, treatment of exosomes from young blood serum to thein vitro cellular model of HD improved mutant Huntingtin aggregation (EM48 p<0.05), mitochondria biogenesis (p-CREB/CREB p<0.005), cell death (p53 p<0.05, Bax p<0.005, Cleaved-caspase3 p<0.05, Bcl-2 p<0.05), and cell proliferation (WST-1 p<0.005).Conclusions:We found that the overall pathology of HD is improved by the shared blood circulation through heterochronic parabiosis, furthermore, we demonstrated that the exosomes are messengers for transferring positive factors,showing the potential of exosomes from young bloodfor the amelioration of HD.
Future patient distribution and incidence in hemato-oncology: a study using data from the cancer registry in Kanagawa, Japan
Authors: Narimatsu Hiroto , Nakamura Sho , Sakaguchi Masahiko , Katayama Kayoko
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe distribution of patients with hematological malignancies will probably markedly change because society is aging. We assessed the expected incidence rates of leukemia, malignant lymphoma, and multiple myeloma using estimates of the nation’s population and Kanagawa Cancer Registry data.METHODSTo estimate the future incidence, we multiplied the 2010 rate by the predicted population according to age groups.RESULTS The total number of patients newly diagnosed as having hematological malignancy in Kanagawa in 2010 was 1,970. This was predicted to increase to 2,581 in 2025 and to decrease to 2,712 in 2040. Trends were almost the same for all three hematological malignancies. The incidence rates of the three hematological malignancies were predicted to continuously increase in patients aged ≥65 years: a 169% (450/266) increase in leukemia, 167% (1205/722) increase in malignant lymphoma, and 169% (309/183) increase in multiple myeloma from 2010 to 2040. In the group of patients aged <65 years, the incidence rates of these hematological malignancies were predicted to decrease.CONCLUSIONS The distribution of patients will change in the future: the number of elderly patients will increase, and the number of patients living in urban areas will increase. This prediction may have a great impact on the future health care plan.
Higher Locoregional Recurrence in Hormone Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer Patients with Residual Disease after Neoadjuvant Treatment Undergoing Breast Conservation Surgery
Authors: Chou Hsu-Huan , Chung Wei-Shan , Ding Rong-Yao , Kuo Wen-Ling , Yu Chi-Chang , Tsai Hsiu-Pei , Shen Shih-Che , Chu Chia-Hui , Lo Yung-Feng , Chen Shin-Cheh
Published: July 2020

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been the standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer for the purpose of downstaging or for conversion from mastectomy to breast conservation surgery (BCS). There is still a high locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate after NAC. The aim of this study was to determine predictive factors for locoregional recurrence (LRR) in breast cancer patients after NAC. Materials and Methods: Between 2005 and 2017, 1047 breast cancer patients underwent BCS or mastectomy after NAC in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou. We obtained data regarding patient and tumor characteristics, chemotherapy regimens, clinical tumor response, tumor subtypes and pathological complete response (pCR), type of surgery, and recurrence.Results: The median follow-up time was 45.1 months (range 0.1-160.3 months). The mean initial tumor size was 4.89 cm (SD ±2.95 cm). Of the 1047 NAC patients, 232 (22.2%) achieved pCR. The BCS and mastectomy rates were 41% and 59%, respectively. Overall, 240 patients experienced tumor recurrence (22.9%). Thirty-five cases of LRR (14.3%) were noted following BCS, of which 4.3% achieved pCR. Multivariate analysis indicated that independent factors for the prediction of LRR included hormone receptor negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HR-/HER2+) subtype, HR-/HER2- subtype, and failure to achieve pCR. Further investigation according to the molecular subtype showed that following BCS, HR-/HER2+ non-pCR group had significantly increased LRR compared with the HR+/HER2+ pCR group (22.2% vs 6.3%, p<0.05), and the HR-/HER2-non-pCR group had significantly increased LRR compared with the HR-/HER2-pCR group (0% vs 20.4%, p<0.005). Conclusion: Pathological response after NAC is related to the risk of developing LRR. The LRR rate was higher in non-pCR patients after NAC, especially in hormone receptor-negative patients undergoing BCS. Therefore, both the pathological response status and molecular subtype should be carefully considered when considering candidates for BCS after NAC.
Spinal Epidural Abscess in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Talamonti Giuseppe , Colistra Davide , Crisà Francesco , Cenzato Marco , Giorgi Pietro , D'Aliberti Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Objective: To report the peculiarities of spinal epidural abscess in COVID-19 patients, because we observed an unusually high number of these patients following the outbreak of SARS-Corona Virus-2.Methods: We reviewed the clinical documentation of six consecutive COVID-19 patients with primary spinal epidural abscess that we had to surgically manage during a two-month period. These cases were analyzed for what concerns both the viral infection and the spinal abscess.Results: Abscess was primary in all cases meaning that no evident infective source was found. Primary abscess represents the rarest form of spinal epidural abscess, which is usually secondary to invasive procedures or spreading from adjacent infective sites, such as spondylodiscitis and generally occurs in patients with diabetes, obesity, cancer, or other chronic disease. In all cases, there was mild lymphopenia but the spinal abscess occurred regardless the severity of the viral disease, the immunologic state, and the presence of bacteremia. Obesity was the only risk factor and was reported just in two patients. All patients but one were hypertensive. The preferred localizations were cervical and thoracic, whereas the classic abscess generally occurs at lumbar level. No patient had history of pyogenic infection, even though previous asymptomatic bacterial contaminations were reported in three cases.Conclusion: We wonder about the concentration of this uncommon disease in a so short period. To our knowledge, cases of epidural spinal abscess in COVID-19 patients have been not yet reported. Accordingly, we ignore if the SARS-Corona Virus-2 may really predispose to spinal epidural abscesses. However, we hypothesize that, in our patients, the spinal infection could have depended on the coexistence of an initially asymptomatic bacterial contamination. The well-known COVID-19-related endotheliitis might have created the conditions for retrograde bacterial invasion of the correspondent spinal epidural space. Anyway, the spinal epidural abscess carries significantly high morbidity and mortality. It is difficult to diagnose, especially in compromised COVID-19 patients but it should be kept in mind because early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Type 1 diabetes onset triggered by COVID-19
Authors: Marchand Lucien , Pecquet Matthieu , Luyton Cédric
Published: July 2020

The epidemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Some data describing characteristics and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 and diabetes are now available, for example for hospitalized patients in the CORONADO study. Potential links between diabetes and COVID-19 infection were already described. Indeed Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as the receptor for the coronavirus spike protein, and ACE is expressed on pancreatic beta cells. It was suggested that SARS-CoV2 could induce beta cell damage and new onset diabetes, but the phenotype of these new cases of diabetes has not been described.This observation presented in that paper highlights the fact that COVID-19 infection may also trigger type 1 diabetes onset. Viral infection, in particular by enteroviruses but also by coronaviruses, is a well-known environmental trigger for the development of type 1 diabetes. In the case presented herein, there was a short delay between COVID-19 infection and diabetes onset. It remains to determine if the hyperinflammation/cytokine storm described with this infection could accelerate the onset of type 1 diabetes in genetically susceptible individuals.The relationship between SARS-CoV2 exposition and autoimmune diabetes development must be further studied, and incidence of type 1 diabetes will be carefully observed in the next months.
Regenerative Effect of Mesenteric Fat Stem Cells on ccl4-Induced Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Nazhvani Fatemeh Dehghani , Haghani Iman , Nazhvani Seifollah Dehghani , Namazi Fatemeh , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: July 2020

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease in which normal liver tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue, leads to liver malfunction. Although transplantation is the most certain cure, stem cell therapies are shedding light on efforts to regenerate cirrhotic liver. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of mesenteric fat stem cells in CCL4-induced liver cirrhosis in an animal model.Methods: Thirty rats were treated with the mixture of CCL4 and olive oil intraperitoneally by a dose of 0.2 ml (0.1 ml CCL4 and 0.1 ml olive oil) every other day for 16 weeks till cirrhosis signs appeared. Fifteen rats were randomly selected as control group. Others treated by mesenteric fat derived mesenchymal stem cells transferred into the liver parenchyma.Results: After 5 weeks, rats received stem cells had improved clinically by increased movements, appetite, improvement in overall behavior and decreased abdomen size. Histopathologically, liver cells showed state of regeneration and forming new colonies.Conclusion: Liver cirrhosis was induced successfully. The mesenchymal stem cells derived from mesenteric adipose tissue could improve hepatic status, as cirrhotic livers were regenerated back into normal parenchyma. Rats’ clinical behavior also reached healthy status.