bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
­­­Can Combination of UAV-derived Vegetation Indices with Biophysical Variable(s) Improve Yield Variability Assessment in Smallholder Farms?
Authors: Adewopo Julius , Peter Helen , Kamara Alpha , Mohammed Ibrahim , Vanlauwe Bernard , Craufurd Peter
Published: October 2020

Rapid assessment of maize yields in smallholder farming system is important to understand its spatial and temporal variability and for timely agronomic decision-support. Imageries acquired with unmanned air vehicles (UAV) offer opportunity to assess agronomic variables at field scale, however, it is not clear if this can be translated into reliable yield assessment on smallholder farms where field conditions, maize genotypes, and management practices vary within short distances. This study was conducted to assess the predictability of maize grain yield using UAV-derived vegetation indices (VI), with(out) biophysical variables, in smallholder farms. High-resolution images were acquired with UAV-borne multispectral sensor at 4 and 8 weeks after sowing (WAS) on 31 farmers’ managed fields (FMFs) and 12 nearby Nutrient Omission Trials (NOT), all distributed across 5 locations within the core maize region of Nigeria. The NOTs included non-fertilized and fertilized plots (with and without micronutrients), sown with open pollinated or hybrid maize genotypes. Acquired multispectral images were post-processed into several three (s) vegetation indices (VIs), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference red-edge (NDRE), green-normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI). Biophysical variables, plant height (Ht) and percent canopy cover (CC), were measured with the georeferenced plot locations recorded. In the NOTs, the nutrient status, not genotype, influenced the grain yield variability and outcome. The maximum grain yield observed in NOTs was 9.3 tha-1, compared to 5.4 tha-1 in FMF. Without accounting for between- and within-field variations, there was no relationship between UAV-derived VIs and grain yield at 4WAS (r<0.02, P>0.1), but significant correlations were observed at 8WAS (r≤0.3; p<0.001). Ht was positively correlated with grain yield at 4WAS (r=0.5, R2=0.25, p<0.001), and more strongly at 8WAS (r=0.7, R2=0.55, p<0.001), while relationship between CC and yield was only significant at 8WAS. By accounting for within- and between-field variations in NOTs and FMF (separately) through linear mixed-effects modeling, predictability of grain yield from UAV-derived VIs was generally (R2≤0.24), however, the inclusion of ground-measured biophysical variable (mainly Ht) improved the explained yield variability (R2 ≥0.62, RMSEP≤0.35) in NOTs but not in FMF. We conclude that yield prediction with UAV-acquired imageries (before harvest) is more reliable under controlled experimental conditions (NOTs), compared to actual farmer-managed fields where various confounding agronomic factors can amplify noise-signal ratio.
Wastewater Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in Human Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chau Kevin , Barker Leanne , Sims Natalie , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara , Budgell Eric , Harriss Elinor , Crook Derrick , Read Daniel , Walker Sarah , Stoesser Nicole
Published: October 2020

Wastewater-based surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may facilitate convenient monitoring of population-level AMR prevalence without the healthcare-associated bias and data collection restrictions inherent to clinically oriented systems. However, differences in study design and methodology likely contribute to differences in outcomes and interpretation, limiting reproducibility, reliability and meta-analysis. We therefore systematically reviewed studies using wastewater for AMR surveillance in human populations to identify optimal practices to detect wastewater-human AMR correlations. We evaluated 7,063 records and 174 full-text methods in a two-stage screen; 20 studies were included. Risk of bias assessment divided studies into high-risk (n=3), low-risk (n=3) and unclear-risk (n=14). Most studies detected wastewater-human AMR correlations (n=15) but only six studies identified statistically significant associations, most via culture-independent approaches (n=5). Genomic approaches also facilitated higher-resolution AMR monitoring whereas culture-based studies primarily undertook observational comparisons of specific organisms and phenotypic AMR profiles. Studies identifying wastewater-human AMR correlations were consistently associated with sampling wastewater influent irrespective of other methodological approaches. For longitudinal studies, a timeframe of >=6 months was similarly associated. Most influent studies identifying wastewater-human AMR correlations used composite (n=5) or flow-proportional wastewater sampling methods (n=4); however, grab sampling was commonest overall (n=6) and generally appeared similarly effective.Wastewater-based surveillance of AMR in human populations appears relatively robust, with most included studies reporting a correlation despite high diversity in study design and methodology. Our review supports sampling of wastewater influent using composite sampling (at a minimum) as a standard. Impacts of other methodological approaches are less clear; however, a minimum timeframe of six months for longitudinal studies, and increased sampling coverage for culture-independent studies to enable adequate biostatistical analyses appear sensible. As this relatively new field grows, more studies with clear wastewater-based population-level AMR surveillance aims are needed to better determine the impact of confounding features and validate comprehensive “best practice” protocols.
ТВЁРДЫЕ БЫТОВЫЕ ОТХОДЫ И COVID-19 (ОБЗОР ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ)
Authors: Журавлев Петр , Калюжин Александр , Алексанина Наталья , Кулак Мария , Гапон Марина , Твердохлебова Татьяна
Published: October 2020

В обзоре рассмотрены различные аспекты обращения с твёрдыми бытовыми и медицинскими отходами в период пандемии. Показана роль медицинского сектора в общемировом увеличении отходов и их влияния на загрязнение окружающей среды. Отражены современные методы противодействия биологической угрозе загрязнения бытовыми и медицинскими отходами, контаминированными возбудителем COVID-19. Показано, что во время пандемии коронавирусной инфекции резко выросло производство одноразовых изделий. Помимо влияния на экологию при неправильной утилизации предметов, контаминированных SARS-CoV-2, повышается риск распространения коронавирусной инфекции. Многочисленными исследованиями подтверждена трёхдневная жизнеспособность вируса COVID-19 на пластике, что увеличивает риск заражения и является важным для эпидемиологической оценки ситуации. Представлены разработанные в Российской Федерации и других странах мира меры по утилизации твёрдых бытовых и медицинских отходов.
Solar Collectors Based оn Copper Two-Phase Thermosyphons
Authors: Marynenko V. I. , Kulynych V. S.
Published: October 2020

Thermosyphons and heat pipes offer great opportunities for creating pas sive heat and mass transfer systems. Various design solutions using heat pipes (thermosyphons) in solar energy systems are known. Solar energy is one of the promising energy sources, a step towards reducing dependence on other energy resources. To date, there is already an industrial production of solar collectors based on thermosyphons (heat pipes). In solar collectors, the use of thermosyphons (heat pipes) makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the structure, ensures its high modularity, maintainability and reliability. In the course of research, the authors have developed and justified the design of a solar collector based on thermosyphons fixed on panels that absorb solar rays. In order to analyze the efficiency of the solar collector based on two-phase copper thermosyphons, two models of solar collectors were created, viz. the one with a flat absorbing panel and the one with a cylindrical absorbing panel. The areas of the absorbing surfaces were the same. Both models were studied by the method of thermophysycal experiment. The results of studies of the effectiveness of the above-mentioned solar collectors have been obtained. The efficiency of the solar collector based on a copper two-phase thermosyphon, which is fixed on a cylindrical absorbing panel is 2–5 % more than the efficiency of the solar collector based on a copper two-phase thermosyphon, which is fixed on a flat absorbing panel. The maximum efficiency value obtained at low initial water temperatures for solar collectors with a cylindrical and flat absorbing surface was 60 %.
Quality of Life and mortality in the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Phyo Aung Zaw Zaw , Freak-Poli Rosanne , Craig Heather , Gasevic Danijela , Stocks Nigel , Gonzalez-Chica David A. , Ryan Joanne
Published: October 2020

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is multi-dimensional concept of an individual’ general well-being status in relation to their value, environment, cultural and social context in which they live. This study aimed to quantitatively synthesise available evidence on the association between QoL and mortality in the general population.Methods: An electronic search was conducted using three bibliographic databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Inclusion criteria were studies that assessed QoL using standardized tools and examined mortality risk in a non-patient population. Qualitative data synthesis and meta-analyses using a random-effects model were performed.Results: Of 4,184 articles identified, 47 were eligible for inclusion, involving approximately 1,200,000 participants. Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of QoL measures, population characteristics and data analysis. In total, 43 studies (91.5%) reported that better QoL was associated with lower mortality risk. The results of four meta-analyses indicated that higher health-related QoL (HRQoL) is associated with lower mortality risk, which was consistent for overall HRQoL (HR 0.633, 95% CI: 0.514 to 0.780), physical function (HR 0.987, 95% CI: 0.982 to 0.992), physical component score (OR 0.950, 95% CI: 0.935 to 0.965), and mental component score (OR 0.980, 95% CI: 0.969 to 0.992). Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that better QoL/HRQoL was associated with lower mortality risk. The utility of these measures in predicting mortality risk indicates that they should be considered further as potential screening tools in general clinical practice, beyond the traditional objective measures such as body mass index and the results of laboratory tests.
Feature-driven classification reveals potential comorbid subtypes within childhood apraxia of speech
Authors: Stein Catherine , Benchek Penelope , Miller Gabrielle , Hall Noémi B. , Menon Dhanya , Freebairn Lisa , Tag Jessica , Vick Jennell , Taylor H. Gerry , Lewis Barbara A. , Iyengar Sudha K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with heterogeneous communication and other comorbid manifestations. While previous studies have characterized speech deficits associated with CAS, few studies have examined variability in reading and language and/or other developmental comorbidities. We sought to identify comorbid subgroups within CAS that could be clinically relevant as well as genetically distinctive.

Methods

In a group of 31 children with CAS and 8 controls, we performed hierarchical cluster analysis utilizing measures of articulation, vocabulary, and reading. We also conducted a chart review of the children with CAS to examine other clinical characteristics in these children and their association with subgroup membership.

Results

We identified 3 comorbid subgroups within CAS of varying severity. The high severity subgroup was characterized by poor reading and vocabulary, and the moderate severity subgroup by poor reading and non-word repetition but average vocabulary, compared to the mild severity subgroup. Subgroups were indistinguishable with respect to speech sound production, the hallmark of CAS, all demonstrating poor articulation. Children in the most severe subgroup were more likely to have early problems feeding (p=0.036).

Conclusions

Children with CAS may potentially be classified into comorbidity groups based on performance on vocabulary and reading measures, providing additional insight into the heterogeneity within CAS with implications for educational interventions.
Trends of multimorbidity in 15 European countries: a population-based study in community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over
Authors: Souza Dyego L. B. , Oliveras-Fabregas Albert , Minobes-Molina Eduard , Cancela Marianna de Camargo , Galbany-Estragués Paola , Roig Javier Jerez
Published: October 2020

Background: The objective of this work was to analyse the prevalence trends of multimorbidity among European community-dwelling adults.Methods: A temporal series study based on waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ (n=274,614) from 15 European countries were selected for the period 2004-2017. Prevalence, adjusted by age, Average Annual Percentage Change (APC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were all calculated. Trend analyses were realised by period, age groups and groups of diseases.Results: The results showed a large variability in the prevalence of multimorbidity in adults aged 50 and over among European countries. Increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity in the countries of central Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany and Switzerland) and Spain in both sexes, and in the Netherlands among men. Stability was observed in northern and eastern European countries. Musculoskeletal and neurodegenerative groups showed more significant changes in the trend analyses.Conclusions: This information can be useful for policy makers when planning health promotion and prevention policies addressing modifiable risk factors in health.
Comparing the reliability and validity of the SF-36 and SF-12 in measuring quality of life among adolescents in China: a large sample cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Yanwei , Yu Yulan , Zeng Jiayong , Zhao Xudong , Wan Chonghua
Published: October 2020

Objective: We compare the reliability and validity of the Short Form 36 (version 1, SF-36) and the Short Form 12 (version 1, SF-12) in adolescence, the period of life when a child develops into an adult, i.e., the period from puberty to maturity terminating legally at the age of majority (10-19 years), thus supplying evidence for the selection of instruments measuring the quality of life (QOL) and decision-making processes of adolescents in China. Methods: Stratified cluster random sampling was adopted according to geographical location, and the SF-36 was administered to assess QOL. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to show correlation. Cronbach’s alpha and construct reliability (CR) were used to evaluate the reliability of SF-36 and SF-12, while criterion validity and average variance extracted (AVE, convergence validity) were used to evaluate validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to calculate the load factors for the items of the SF-36 and SF-12, then to obtain the CR and AVE. The Semejima grade response model (logistic two-parameter module) in item response theory was used to estimate item discrimination, item difficulty, and item average information for the items of the SF-36 and SF-12. Results: 19,428 samples were included in the study. The mean age of respondents was 14.78 years (SD = 1.77). Reliability of each domain of the SF-36 was better than for the corresponding domain of the SF-12. The domains of PF, RP, BP, and GH in SF-36 had good construct reliability (CR > 0.6). The criterion validities of some domains of the SF-36 were a little higher in some corresponding dimensions of the SF-12, except for PCS. The convergence validities of the SF-12 were higher than the SF-36 in PF, RP, BP, and PCS. The items of BP, SF, RP, and VT in the SF-12 had acceptable discrimination of items that were higher than in the SF-36. The items’ average amounts of information on BP, VT, SF, RE, and MH in the SF-36 and SF-12 were poor. Conclusion: Two component (PCS and MCS) measurements of the SF-12 appeared to perform at least as well as the SF-36 in cross-sectional settings in adolescence, but the reliability and validity of the 8 domains of the SF-36 were better than those of the SF-12. Some domains, for instance SF and BP, were not suitable for adolescents or need to be studied further.
Configurations for obtaining in-consultation assistance from supervisors in general practice training, and patient-related barriers to trainee help-seeking: a survey study.
Authors: Sturman Nancy , Tapley Amanda , Driel Mieke van , Holliday Elizabeth , Ball Jean , Davey Andrew , Fielding Alison , Fitzgerald Kristen , Spike Neil , Magin Parker
Published: October 2020

BackgroundGeneral practice (GP) trainees may seek supervisor assistance to complete their patient consultations. This in-consultation assistance plays a key role in the supervisory oversight of trainees and in trainee learning. It may be obtained face-to-face, or using phone or messaging systems, and either in front of patients or outside their hearing. Trainee concerns about decreased patient impressions of their competence, and discomfort presenting patients within their hearing, act as barriers to seeking help during consultations. Little is known about the frequency and associations of trainee concerns about these patient-related barriers, or the various trainee-supervisor-patient configurations used to obtain in-consultation assistance.MethodsAustralian GP trainees rated their frequency of use of five specific configurations for obtaining in-consultation assistance, perceived change in patient impressions of their competence after this assistance, and relative trainee comfort presenting patients outside, compared to within, patients’ hearing. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsResponses were received from 778 Australian GP trainees (response rate 89%). Help-seeking configurations did not differ between trainees at different training stages, except for greater use of electronic messaging in later stages. In-consultation assistance was most commonly provided by phone between trainee and supervisor consulting rooms, or outside the trainee’s patient’s hearing. Supervisor assistance in the trainee’s room face-to-face with the patient was reported as either never or rarely obtained by 12% of respondents. More trainees (25%) perceived that patient impressions of their competence increased after help-seeking than perceived that these impressions decreased (19%). Most trainees (55%) preferred to present patients outside their hearing. Trainee age was the only variable associated with both patient-related barriers.ConclusionSupervisors appear to have considerable influence over trainee help-seeking, including which configurations are used and trainee perceptions of patient-related barriers. In-consultation supervision may actually increase trainee perceptions of patient impressions of their competence. Many supervisors and trainees may benefit from additional educational and workplace interventions to facilitate comfortable and effective trainee help-seeking in front of patients. More work is required to understand the clinical and educational implications of different help-seeking configurations when trainees require ‘just in time’ supervisor assistance.
Identification of ALDH3A2 as a novel prognostic biomarker in gastric adenocarcinoma using integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yin Zhenhua , Wu Dejun , Shi Jianping , Wei Xiyi , Jin Nuyun , Lu Xiaolan , Ren Xiaohan
Published: October 2020

Background: Extensive research has revealed that genes play a pivotal role in tumor development and growth. However, the underlying involvement of gene expression in gastric carcinoma (GC) remains to be investigated further.
Methods: In this study, we identified overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by comparing tumor tissue with adjacent normal tissue using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.
Results: Our analysis identified 79 up-regulated and ten down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis and prognosis analysis were conducted on the identified genes, and the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) gene, ALDH3A2, was chosen for more detailed analysis. We performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and immunocorrelation analysis (infiltration, copy number alterations, and checkpoints) to elucidate the mechanisms of action of ALDH3A2 in depth. The immunohistochemical (IHC) result based on 140 paraffin-embedded human GC samples indicated that ALDH3A2 was over-expressed in low-grade GC cases and the OS of patients with low expression of ALDH3A2 was significantly shorter than those with high ALDH3A2 expression. In vitro results indicated that the expression of ALDH3A2 was negatively correlated with PDCD1, PDCD1LG2, and CTLA-4.
Conclusion: We conclude that ALDH3A2 might be useful as a potential reference value for the relief and immunotherapy of GC, and also as an independent predictive marker for the prognosis of GC.
Determination of the ED95 of intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine with sufentanil for scheduled cesarean delivery: A dose-finding study based on the continual reassessment method
Authors: Goffard Philippe , Vercruysse Yoann , Leloup Renaud , Fils Jean-François , Chevret Sylvie , Kapessidou Yota
Published: October 2020

Background – Scheduled cesarean section is routinely performed under spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine. The current study was undertaken to determine the clinically relevant 95% effective dose of intrathecal 2% hyperbaric prilocaine co-administered with sufentanil for scheduled cesarean section, using continual reassessment method.Methods – We conducted a dose-response, prospective, double-blinded study to determine the ED95 values of intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine used with 2,5 mcg of sufentanil and 100 mcg of morphine for cesarean delivery. Each parturient enrolled in the study received an intrathecal dose of hyperbaric prilocaine determined by the CRM and the success or failure of the block was assessed as being the primary endpoint.Results – The doses given for each cohort varied from 35 to 50 mg of HP, according to the CRM, with a final ED95 lying between 45 and 50 mg of Prilocaine after completion of the 10 cohorts. Few side effects were reported and patients were globally satisfied.Conclusions – The ED95 of intrathecal hyperbaric prilocaine with sufentanil 2.5 μg and morphine 100 μg for elective cesarean delivery was found to be between 45 and 50 mg. It may be an interesting alternative to other long-lasting local anesthetics in this context.Trial registration – The study was registered on January 30, 2017 – retrospectively registered – and results posted at the public database clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03036384 – https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03036384).
“Who is watching the watchdog?”: ethical perspectives of sharing health-related data for precision medicine in Singapore
Authors: Lysaght Tamra , Ballantyne Angela , Xafis Vicki , Ong Serene , Schaefer Gerald Owen , Ling Jeffrey , Newson Ainsley J , Khor Ing Wei , Tai E Shyong
Published: October 2020

Background We aimed to examine the ethical concerns Singaporeans have about sharing health-data for precision medicine (PM) and identify suggestions for governance strategies. Just as Asian genomes are under-represented in PM, the views of Asian populations about the risks and benefits of data sharing are under-represented in prior attitudinal research.Methods We conducted seven focus groups with 62 participants in Singapore from May to July 2019. They were conducted in three languages (English, Mandarin and Malay) and analysed with qualitative content and thematic analysis. Results Four key themes emerged: nuanced understandings of data security and data sensitivity; trades-offs between data protection and research benefits; trust (and distrust) in the public and private sectors; and governance and control options. Participants were aware of the inherent risks associated with data sharing for research. Participants expressed conditional support for data sharing, including genomic sequence data and information contained within electronic medical records. This support included sharing data with researchers from universities and healthcare institutions, both in Singapore and overseas. Support was conditional on the perceived social value of the research and appropriate de-identification and data security processes. Participants suggested that a data sharing oversight body would help strengthen public trust and comfort in data research for PM in Singapore.Conclusion Maintenance of public trust in data security systems and governance regimes can enhance participation in PM and data sharing for research. Contrary to themes in much prior research, participants demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the inherent risks of data sharing, analysed trade-offs between risks and potential benefits of PM, and often adopted an international perspective.
Study on the community structure and function of symbiotic bacteria from 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: October 2020

Background: The symbiotic bacteria associated with edible fungi are valuable microbial resources worthy of in-depth exploration. It is important to analyze the community structure and succession of symbiotic bacteria in mushrooms. This can assist in the isolation of growth-promoting strains that have an essential relationship with the cultivation cycle as well as the agronomic traits and yields of fruiting bodies.Results: In all of the samples from cultivation bags of Hypsizygus marmoreus, 34 bacterial phyla were detected. Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum (78.85%). The genus Serratia showed an exponential increase in abundance in samples collected from the cultivation bags in the mature period, reaching a peak abundance of 55.74% and the dominant symbiotic flora. The most predominant 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 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.
Clinical Trial Protocol to Evaluate the Efficacy of Cefixime in the Treatment of Early Syphilis
Authors: Mehta Shivani N. , Stafylis Chrysovalantis , Tellalian David M. , Burian Pamela L. , Okada Cliff M. , Millner Carl E. , Mejia Christopher M. , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: October 2020

Background: Syphilis rates have been increasing both in the US and internationally with incidence higher among men-who-have-sex-with-men and people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Currently, benzathine penicillin is the recommended treatment for syphilis in all patients. Global shortages and cost increases in benzathine penicillin call for alternative treatment options. This study evaluates the efficacy of oral cefixime for the treatment of early syphilis. Methods: We are conducting a randomized, multisite, open-label, non-comparative clinical trial in Los Angeles and Oakland, California. Eligible participants are ≥18 years old, with primary, secondary or early latent syphilis (Rapid Plasma Reagin [RPR] titer ≥1:8). Patients with HIV infection must have a viral load ≤200 copies/mL and CD4+ T cell count ≥350 cells/μl during the past 6 months. Participants are randomized to receive either 2.4M IU benzathine penicillin G intramuscularly once or cefixime 400mg orally twice a day for 10 days. Participants return at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment for follow-up RPR serological testing. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants who achieve ≥4-fold RPR titer decrease at 3- or 6-months post-treatment.Discussion: Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of alternative antibiotics to penicillin are urgently needed. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03660488. Registered September 4, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03660488
Synergistic effects of EMPs and PMPs on pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury after ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Jie , Zhu Yu , Wu Yue , Yan Qing-Guang , Peng Xiao-Yong , Xiang Xin-Ming , Xue Ming-Ying , Li Qing-Hui , Liu Liang-Ming
Published: October 2020

Background : Vascular leakage is an important pathophysiological process of critical conditions such as shock and ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)-induced lung injury. Microparticles (MPs), including endothelial cell-derived microparticles (EMPs), platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and leukocyte-derived microparticles (LMPs), have been shown to participate in many diseases. Whether and which of these MPs take part in pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury after I/R and whether these MPs have synergistic effect and the underlying mechanism are not known. Methods: Using hemorrhage /transfusion (Hemo/Trans) and aorta abdominalis occlusion-induced I/R rat models, the role of EMPs, PMPs and LMPs and the mechanisms in pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury were observed. Results: The concentrations of EMPs, PMPs and LMPs were significantly increased after I/R. Intravenous administration of EMPs and PMPs but not LMPs induced pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury. Furthermore, EMPs induced pulmonary sequestration of platelets and promoted more PMPs production, and played a synergistic effect on pulmonary vascular leakage. MiR-1, miR-155 and miR-542 in EMPs, and miR-126 and miR-29 in PMPs, were significantly increased after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Of which, inhibition of miR-155 in EMPs and miR-126 in PMPs alleviated the detrimental effects of EMPs and PMPs on vascular barrier function and lung injury. Overexpression of miR-155 in EMPs down-regulated the expression of tight junction related proteins such as ZO-1 and claudin-5, while overexpression of miR-126 up-regulated the expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the trans-cellular transportation related protein such as caveolin-1(Cav-1). Inhibiting EMPs and PMPs production with blebbistatin (BLE) and amitriptyline (AMI) alleviated I/R induced pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury. Conclusions: EMPs and PMPs contribute to the pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury after I/R. EMPs mediate pulmonary sequestration of platelets, producing more PMPs to play synergistic effect. Mechanically, EMPs carrying miR-155 that down-regulates ZO-1 and claudin-5 and PMPs carrying miR-126 that up-regulates Cav-1, synergistically mediate pulmonary vascular leakage and lung injury after I/R.
Prediction and Evolution of B Cell Epitopes of Surface Protein in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lon Jerome Rumdon , Bai Yunmeng , Zhong Bingxu , Cai Fuqiang , Du Hongli
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIn order to obtain antibodies that recognize natural proteins, it is possible to predict the antigenic determinants of natural proteins, which are eventually embodied as polypeptides. The polypeptides can be coupled with corresponding vectors to stimulate the immune system to produce corresponding antibodies, which is also a simple and effective vaccine development method. The discovery of epitopes is helpful to the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.MethodsThe analyses were related to epitopes on 3 proteins, including spike(S), envelope(E) and membrane(M) proteins, which are located on the lipid envelope of the SARS-CoV-2. Based on the NCBI Reference Sequence: NC_045512.2, the conformational and linear B cell epitopes of the surface protein were predicted separately by various prediction methods. Furthermore, the conservation of the epitopes, the adaptability and other evolutionary characteristics were also analyzed, the sequences of the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from the GISAID.Results7 epitopes were predicted, including 6 linear epitopes and 1 conformational epitope. One of the linear and one of the conformational consist of identical sequence, but represent different forms of epitopes. It is worth mentioning that all 6 identified epitopes were conserved in nearly 3500 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, showing that it is helpful to obtain stable and long-acting epitopes under the condition of high frequency of amino acid mutation, which deserved further study at the experiment level.ConclusionThe findings would facilitate the vaccine development, had the potential to be directly applied on the prevention in this disease, but also have the potential to prevent the possible threats caused by other types of coronavirus.
The first evidence for SLFN11 expression as an independent prognostic factor for patients with esophageal cancer after chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kagami Takuma , Yamade Mihoko , Suzuki Takahiro , Uotani Takahiro , Tani Shinya , Hamaya Yasushi , Iwaizumi Moriya , Osawa Satoshi , Sugimoto Ken , Miyajima Hiroaki , Baba Satoshi , Sugimura Haruhiko , Murai Junko , Pommier Yves , Furuta Takahisa
Published: October 2020

Background: Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) was recently identified as a dominant determinant of sensitivity to DNA-targeting agents including platinum-based drugs. SLFN11 also reportedly enhances cellular radiosensitivity. In this study, we examined the prognostic value of SLFN11 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT), including the platinum derivative nedaplatin. Methods: Seventy-three patients with ESCC who received dCRT were examined. SLFN11 expression was analyzed in pre-dCRT biopsies using immunohistochemistry and evaluated using a histo-score (H-score). Correlation between the H-score and overall survival was analyzed. An H-score ≥ 51 was provisionally defined as indicating high SLFN11 expression. Viability assays were performed using previously established isogenic human cell lines differentially expressing SLFN11 to test the usefulness of SLFN11 as marker of response to the dCRT regimen. Results: High SLFN11 expression was independently associated with better prognosis in ESCC patients (hazard ratio = 0.295, 95% CI = 0.143–0.605, p = 0.001 for multivariate analysis). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the prognostic value of high SLFN11 expression was most evident in patients at clinical stages II and III (p = 0.004). In in vitro study, SLFN11-proficient cells were highly sensitive to platinum derivatives compared to SLFN11-deficient cells. Conclusion: SLFN11 expression is an independent prognostic factor for ESCC patients treated with dCRT and a potential biomarker for treatment selection of ESCC. Examination of SLFN11 may be particularly useful for clinical Stage II–III patients who wish to choose dCRT (instead of surgery) to preserve esophageal function.
The development of Legal Framework on blood donation and blood safety of China in 24 years
Authors: Gao Dajun , Li Heng , Wang Kang
Published: October 2020

Background This study analyzes the regulation of and developments in blood donation in China from 1996 to 2019, and demonstrates the government’s efforts to improve blood safety.Results Since the implementation of the Blood Donation Law in 1998, the number of blood donors in China increased by 275% from 1998 to 2018 (from 4 million to 15 million). The principle of no-fault liability was proposed and has been applied since 2010 to the tort liability related to blood transfusion malpractice. In 2015, mutual blood donation accounted for 4.2% of the national collection. However, in some provinces of China, the percentage of mutual blood donation increased from 9.3% to 35.6% in 2016. The National Health Commission canceled mutual blood donation in March of 2018. Since 2015, nucleic acid amplification testing has become a routine test item for screening blood.Conclusions The Chinese government institutionalized the voluntary non-remunerated donation principle, enacted regulations for the management of blood transfusion, and adopted advanced blood testing technology to sustain blood supply and ensure blood safety. Despite increased blood donation, blood shortages persist. The quality and safety of blood collection can be further improved through the cancellation of mutual blood donation and incentive measures for voluntary non-remunerated donation of blood, which needs facilitation by governmental legislation.
Risk factors for perineal and vaginal tears in primiparous women – the prospective POPRACT-cohort study
Authors: Jansson Markus Harry , Franzén Karin , Hiyoshi Ayako , Tegerstedt Gunilla , Dahlgren Hedda , Nilsson Kerstin
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of second-degree perineal tears, obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), and high vaginal tears in primiparous women, and to examine how sociodemographic and pregnancy characteristics, hereditary factors, obstetric management and the delivery process are associated with the incidence of these tears.MethodsAll nulliparous women registering at the maternity health care in Region Örebro County, Sweden, in early pregnancy between 1 October 2014 and 1 October 2017 were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study. Data on maternal and obstetric characteristics were extracted from questionnaires completed in early and late pregnancy, from a study-specific delivery protocol, and from the obstetric record system. These data were analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted multinomial and logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 644 women were included in the study sample. Fetal weight exceeding 4000 g and vacuum extraction were found to be independent risk factors for both second-degree perineal tears (aOR 2.22 (95% CI: 1.17, 4.22) and 2.41 (95% CI: 1.24, 4.68) respectively) and OASI (aOR 6.02 (95% CI: 2.32, 15.6) and 3.91 (95% CI: 1.32, 11.6) respectively). Post-term delivery significantly increased the risk for second-degree perineal tear (aOR 2.44 (95% CI: 1.03, 5.77), whereas, maternal birth positions with reduced sacrum flexibility significantly decreased the risk of second-degree perineal tear (aOR 0.53 (95% CI 0.32, 0.90)). Heredity of pelvic floor dysfunction and/or connective tissue deficiency, induced labor, vacuum extraction and fetal head circumference exceeding 35 cm were independent risk factors for high vaginal tears (aOR 2.32 (95% CI 1.09, 4.97), 3.16 (95% CI 1.31, 7.62), 2.53 (95% CI: 1.07, 5.98) and 3.07 (95% CI 1.5, 6.3) respectively).ConclusionThe present study corroborates previous findings of vacuum extraction and fetal weight exceeding 4000 g as risk factors of OASI. We found that vacuum extraction is a risk factor for second-degree tear, and vacuum extraction, fetal head circumference exceeding 35 cm and heredity of pelvic floor dysfunction and/or connective tissue deficiency were associated with increased risk of high vaginal tears. These findings have not been documented previously and should be confirmed by additional studies.
Imaging analysis of 13 rare cases of renal collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma patients in northern China: a case series and literature review.
Authors: Lyu Zhehao , Liu Lili , Li Huimin , Wang Haibo , Liu Qi , Chen Tingting , Xu Meiling , Tian Lin , Fu Peng
Published: October 2020

Background: Collective duct carcinoma (CDC) is a highly malignant kidney tumor which is rare in clinical. We report our 12-year experience of Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) and retrospectively analyzed patients and tumour characteristics, clinical manifestations, different imaging characteristics including CT, MRI and PET/CT. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2019, we retrospectively examined all renal tumors and identifed 13 cases of CDC from 3 medical centers in the northern China. All 13 patients underwent CT scan, 8 of whom underwent dynamic enhanced CT scan, 2 underwent PET/CT scan and 1 underwent MRCP examination. The lesions were divided into nephritis type and mass type according to the morphology of the tumors.Results: The study group included 10 men and 3 women, with an average age of 64.23±10.74 years old. Of these 13 patients, the main clinical manifestations include gross hematuria, flank pain or waist discomfort. The mean tumour size was 8.48 ± 2.48 cm. In this group of cases, 6 (46.2%) cases are cortical-medullary involved type, 7 (53.8%) cases are cortex-medullary-pelvis involved type. 11 (84.6%) cases were nephritis type and 2 (15.4%) cases were mass type. The lesions appeared solid or complex solid and cystic on CT and MRI. The parenchymal part of 13 CDC tumors showed isodensity or slightly higher density on unenhanced CT scan. the parenchymal part of 13 CDC tumors showed isodensity or slightly higher density on unenhanced CT scan. Two patients with PET/CT showed increased radioactivity intake. Evidence of intra-abdominal metastatic disease was present on CT in 9 ( 69.2% ) cases. The incidence of metastasis reached 69%.Conclusions: The Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma has its certain imaging characteristics which were different from the other renal cell carcinoma. A renal tumor should be considered as CDC when it locates in the junction zone of the renal cortex and medulla, with unclear border, slight enhancement and metastases in early stage. PET/CT can greatly enrich the key information of diagnosis, surgery and treatment options, which provide significant help to the clinic.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Chronic Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Zhengrong , Cheng Gui , Huang Lingfei , Zhang Tao , Yang Haidi , Jia Haiying
Published: October 2020

Background: Although the clinical efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of chronic tinnitus have been frequently examined, the results remain controversial. Therefore, we systematically meta-classified clinical trials concerning the effects of rTMS to evaluate its clinical efficacy and safety. Methods: Studies of rTMS for chronic tinnitus were retrieved in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library due April 2020. Review Manager 5.3 software was employed for data synthesis and Stata 13.0 software for analyses of publication bias and sensitivity. Results: Twenty-nine randomized studies representing 1,228 chronic tinnitus patients were included. Compared with sham-rTMS, rTMS exhibited significant improvements in the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) score 1-week (mean difference [MD] -7.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] -14.18,-1.66), 1-month (MD -8.52, 95% CI -12.49, -4.55), and 6-month post-intervention (MD -6.53, 95% CI -11.406,-1.66), the mean change in THI scores 1- (MD -14.86, 95% CI -21.42,-8.29) and 6-month post-intervention (MD -16.37, 95% CI -20.64,-12.11), and the tinnitus questionnaire (TQ) score 1-week post-intervention (MD -8.54, 95% CI -15.56,-1.52). Non-significant efficacy of rTMS was found concerning the THI score 2-week post-intervention (MD -1.51, 95% CI -13.42,-10.40), the mean change in TQ scores 1-month post-intervention (MD -3.67, 95% CI -8.56,1.22), the TQ score 1- (MD -8.97, 95% CI -20.41,2.48) and 6-month post-intervention (MD -7.02, 95% CI -18.18,4.13), and adverse events (odds ratios [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 0.51,2.42). The Egger's and Begg's tests indicated no publication bias ( P = 0.925). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that rTMS is effective for chronic tinnitus; however, its safety needs more validations. Restrained by the limited number of included studies and the small sample size, more large randomized double-blind multi-center trials are needed for further verification.
Prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among pregnant women vising ANC clinics in Silte zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Muze Mohammed , Yesse Mubarek , Kedir Shemsu , Mustefa Abdilmejid
Published: October 2020

Background: Maternal undernutrition is highly prevalent in underdeveloped countries. Hence, this study was intended to determine the prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among pregnant women visiting ANC follow up clinics of health facilities.Method: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to January 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 422 study participants from 11 randomly selected health facilities. Data was collected by using a structured-interviewer administered questionnaire. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by standard non stretchable MUAC tape. Data was entered into a computer using Epi data 3.1 and edited, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Both bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with maternal undernutrition.Result: This study found 21.8% prevalence of undernutrition among study subjects. Age greater than 31 years of women (AOR=0.15; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.93), Birth intervals > 2 years (AOR= 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.76), good nutritional knowledge (AOR=0.34; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.67), and having no dietary change as a result of current pregnancy AOR=6.02; 95% CI: 2.99, 12.14) were significantly associated with undernutrition.Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women was 21.8 % current estimate is lower than previously reported in the study area but higher than reported in developed country. Age of women, Birth intervals, and Dietary change as a result of current pregnancy and Nutrition knowledge were important risk factors/ predictors of undernutrition (MUAC < 23 cm). Interventions targeting maternal nutrition education and child spacing with giving special emphasis to adolescent pregnant women are recommended.
Draft Genome Assembly of Passalora sequoiae a Needle Blight Pathogen on Leyland Cypress
Authors: Copes Warren , Caballero Jorge Ibarra , Babiker Ebrahiem , Stewart Jane , Orner Valerie , Windham Alan , Arias Renee
Published: October 2020

Objective: Passalora sequoiae (family Mycosphaerellaceae) causes a twig blight on Leyland cypress that requires numerous fungicide applications annually to minimize economic losses for ornamental plant nursery and Christmas tree producers. The objective was to generate a high-quality draft assembly of the whole genome of P. sequoiae as a resource for primer development and to investigate genotype diversity. Data description: We report here the genome sequence of P. sequoiae 9LC2 that was isolated from Leyland cypress 'Leighton Green' in 2017 in southern Mississippi, USA. The draft genome was obtained using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing. Illumina reads were mapped to PacBio assembled contigs to determine base call consistency. Based on a total of 44 contigs with 722 kilobase (kb) average length (range 9.4 kb to 3.4 Mb), the whole genome size was estimated at 31,768,716 bp. Mapping of Illumina reads to PacBio contigs resulted in a 1000 x coverage and were used to confirm accuracy of the consensus sequences.