bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliable Wolf-Dog Hybrid Detection in Europe Using a Reduced SNP Panel Developed for Non-Invasively Collected Samples
Authors: Harmoinen Jenni , von Thaden Alina , Aspi Jouni , Kvist Laura , Cocchiararo Berardino , Jarausch Anne , Gazzola Andrea , Sin Teodora , Lohi Hannes , Hytönen Marjo K. , Kojola Ilpo , Stronen Astrid Vik , Caniglia Romolo , Mattucci Federica , Galaverni Marco , Godinho Raquel , Ruiz-González Aritz , Randi Ettore , Muñoz-Fuentes Violeta , Nowak Carsten
Published: December 2020

BackgroundUnderstanding the processes that lead to hybridization of wolves and dogs is of scientific and management importance, particularly over large geographical scales, as wolves can disperse great distances. However, a method to efficiently detect hybrids in routine wolf monitoring is lacking. Microsatellites offer only limited resolution due to the low number of markers showing distinctive allele frequencies between wolves and dogs. Moreover, calibration across laboratories is time-consuming and costly. In this study, we selected a panel of 96 ancestry informative markers for wolves and dogs, derived from the Illumina CanineHD Whole-Genome BeadChip (174K). We designed very short amplicons for genotyping on a microfluidic array, thus making the method suitable also for non-invasively collected samples. ResultsGenotypes based on 93 SNPs from wolves sampled throughout Europe, purebred and non-pedigree dogs, and suspected hybrids showed that the new panel accurately identifies parental individuals, first-generation hybrids and first-generation backcrosses to wolves, while second- and third-generation backcrosses to wolves were identified as advanced hybrids in almost all cases. Our results support the hybrid identity of suspect individuals and the status of individuals regarded as wolves to be wolves. We also show the adequacy of these markers to assess hybridization at a European-wide scale and the importance of including samples from reference populations, as migrants are increasingly more common.ConclusionsCompared to microsatellites, this method is faster to implement, economically more feasible and results are directly comparable across laboratories. The new panel is thus suitable as a new tool for wolf-dog hybrid assessments and monitoring on a continental scale.
Circadian Variations in the Occurrence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage from Different Sources of Income: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wang Yan-Yue , Yan Ning , Wang En-Yuan , Pu Yun-Tao
Published: December 2020

Background: The onset time of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may be closely related to the working style and living habits of people, which are determined by different income sources in China. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the Circadian Variations in the occurrence of ICH from different sources of income. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 4,327 patients with ICH. Based on the time of a day at which the patients developed symptoms, the classifiable onset time was assigned to one of eight three-hour intervals. And based on different income sources, they were categorized into three groups: Farmers, Wage-earners and Freelancers. Characteristics and risk factors of patients were then summarized, and the circadian variation of three groups of patients’ known time of onset and those stratified by gender and age were analyzed.Results: The frequency of ICH onset exhibited significant circadian variation among the three income groups, demonstrating a bimodal distribution in the daytime, with a nadir during the night (all P < 0.001). Three groups showed a significant initial peak between 06:01 and 09:00, with a smaller second peak that between 15:01 and 18:00 for Farmers and Wage-earners and 18:01 and 21:00 for Freelancers. After stratification by gender and age, all demonstrated a bimodal distribution except women in Wage-earners and under 65 years of age in Wage-earners. Conclusions: Different circadian variations of ICH onset time were found in patients with different income sources in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality cohort. Moreover, the frequency and distribution pattern of peak hours were closely related to the working style and living habits of people with different income sources.
Discontinuation of Prophylactic Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wong Yi-Sin , Wu Chi-Shun , Ong Cheung-Ter
Published: December 2020

Background: The risk factors for seizures in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) stroke and the effect of prophylactic anticonvulsant are not well understood. Limited studies investigated the risk of seizure after discontinuing prophylactic antiepileptic drugs in patients with ICH. This study aimed to investigate the role of valproic acid (VA) for seizure prevention and to access the risk of seizure after anticonvulsant withdrawal in patients with spontaneous ICH.Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, 177 patients with ICH were enrolled in this 3-year retrospective study. Seizure was classified as early seizure (first seizure within 1 week of ICH), delayed seizure (first seizure after 1 week), and late seizure (any seizure after 1 week). Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline clinical factors and late seizure between study VA was prescribed or discontinued based on the decision of the physician in charge.Results: Seizures occurred in 24 patients, including early seizure in 6.78% (12/177) of the patients, delayed seizure in 7.27% (12/165) of the patients without early seizure, and late seizure in 9.60% (17/177) of the patients. Most seizures occurred within the first year. Binary logistic regression analysis showed ICH with cortex involvement as the independent risk factor for seizures. VA did not decrease the risk of seizure. Patients with ICH with cortical involvement using prophylactic anticonvulsant for longer than 3 months did not decrease risk of seizure (Odds ratio 1.86, 95% CI: 0.43-8.05).Conclusion: Spontaneous ICH with cortex involvement is the risk factor for seizure. Most seizures occurred within 1 year after stroke onset over a 3-year follow up. Discontinuation Prophylactic antiepileptic drug within 3 months in patients do not increase risk of seizure. VA cannot prevent seizure in patients with ICH.
Drought Tolerant Wheat Varieties Enrich Seed Microbiomes For Beneficial Microbes Under Drought Conditions
Authors: Hone Holly , Mann Ross , Yang Guodong , Kaur Jatinder , Tannenbaum Ian , Li Tongda , Spangenberg German , Sawbridge Timothy
Published: December 2020

Climate change is predicted to increase the incidence and severity of drought conditions, posing a significant challenge for agriculture globally. Plant microbiomes have been demonstrated to aid crop species mitigate drought stress. In this study the wheat seed microbiomes from lines with contrasting drought tolerances were interrogated for microbes that alleviate drought stress. Metagenomic and culture-based methods were used to profile and characterise the seed microbiome composition of four drought tolerant and three drought susceptible wheat lines under rainfed and drought conditions. Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens (Cf D3-25) and Arthrobacter sp. (Ar sp. D4-14) were isolates enriched in drought tolerant lines under drought conditions and demonstrated the ability to promote wheat growth under drought conditions. Members of Triticeae inoculated with Cf D3-25 and Ar sp. D4-14 showed a biostimulation affect. This study indicates seed microbiomes from genetically distinct wheat lines enrich for beneficial bacteria in ways that are both line-specific and responsive to environmental stress. As such, seed from stress-phenotyped lines represents an invaluable resource for the identification of beneficial microbes with plant growth promoting activity that could improve commercial crop production, particularly under drought stress.
Effectiveness of Interventions for Prevention of Common Infections in People Who Use Opioids: A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Kudrina Irina , Puzhko Svetlana , Filion Kristian B. , Gore Genevieve , Paraskevopoulos Elena , Windle Sarah , Martel Marc O , Eisenberg Mark J.
Published: December 2020

Background. The North American opioid crisis is driven by opioid-related mortality and morbidity, including opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs), resulting in a substantial burden for society. Users of legal and illegal opioids are at an increased risk of OUAIs compared to individuals not using opioids. As reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), bacterial, fungal, and other infections, OUAIs transmission and acquisition risks may be modifiable. Several systematic reviews (SRs) synthetized data regarding interventions to prevent infections in persons using drugs (e.g., opioid substitution therapy, needle and syringes exchange programs, psycho-social interventions); however, their conclusions varied. Therefore, SR of published SRs is needed to synthesize the highest level of evidence on the scope and effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs in people using opioids legally or illegally. Methods. We will comprehensively search for SRs in the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2020. Data selection and extraction for each SR will be performed independently by two researchers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. All SRs regarding interventions with evaluated effectiveness to prevent OUAI in legal and/or illegal opioid users will be eligible. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using the AMSTAR2 tool. The results will be qualitatively synthesized, and a typology of interventions’ effectiveness with a statement on the strength of evidence for each category will be created. Discussion. Our pilot search of PubMed resulted in 379 SRs analyzing the effectiveness of interventions to prevent HCV and HIV in persons who inject different types of drugs, including opioids. Of these 379 SRs, eight evaluated primary studies where participants used opioids and would therefore be eligible for inclusion. The search results thus justify the application of SR of SRs approach. Comprehensive data on the scope and effectiveness of existing interventions to prevent OUAIs will help policy makers to plan and implement preventive interventions and will assist clinicians in the guidance for their patients using opioids. SR registration: Registered in PROSPERO on July 30, 2020 (#195929).
Application of Mediastinal Drainage Tube in Intrathoracic Esophageal Anastomotic Leakage for Early Diagnosis and Effective Treatment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ma Hainong , Song Xu , Li Jie , Zhao Guofang
Published: December 2020

Background: Intrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most fatal complications after esophagectomy. In this study, we tried to place an additional drainage tube in esophagus bed and evaluate its effect in early diagnosis and treatment of AL.Methods: From January 2010 to August 2020, a total of 312 patients, who suffered from esophageal or cardia carcinoma, underwent esophageal resection with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomosis. Among them, we identified 138 patients with only one pleural drainage tube as “Control Group” and 174 patients with a pleural drainage tube and an additional mediastinal drainage tube (MDT) as “Tube Group”. The incidence of postoperative AL, time to diagnosis, time to recovery, and patient outcome were analyzed.Results: There were no significant differences in the AL rate (P = 0.837) and postoperative pain between two groups. However, in the Tube Group, almost all the patients were definitely diagnosed prior to the appearance of hyperpyrexia, which was regarded as the earliest and most common symptom after AL. Moreover, in the Tube Group, there was significant decrease in the incidence of uncurable fistula, which required re-operation or variable treatments under gastroscopy, when compared to the Control Group (P = 0.032). Finally, patients in the Tube Group were associated with reduced post AL hospital day (P = 0.015) and lower mortality, although there was no significant difference (P = 0.188), than in the Control Group.Conclusions: Placement of a MDT can not prevent the AL, but it is an effective method to diagnose AL earlier and facilitate the fistula healing and patient recovery.
Early Single-Stage Surgical Revascularization of Pulmonary Artery in Unilateral Absence of a Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Li Wenlei , Ma Li , Xia Shuliang , Zou Minghui , Chen Weidan , Chen Xinxin
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThis research aims to summarize the findings of the early single-stage revascularization of remnant pulmonary artery in unilateral absent intrapericardial pulmonary artery. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 10 patients with unilateral absent pulmonary artery, in which 7 were right and 3 were left, the median age and median weight at surgery was 4 months and 5.2 kg, respectively. The patients received operation from January 2009 to June 2020. ResultsTen patients, 1 case associated with atrial septal defect, 2 cases with tetralogy of Fallot, and 1 case with aortopulmonary window. The median diameter of the affected hilar pulmonary artery remnants was 3.1mm (1.6-5mm), and the Z value was -3.66±1.86 (range, -6.7 to -1.75). All the patients received single-stage revascularization: tube graft interposition in 3 patients, autologous pericardial roll in 4, direct anastomosis in one, and main pulmonary artery flap angioplasty in the rest 3. No hospital deaths occurred. The follow-up period was 1 month to 5.6 years. One case underwent percutaneous balloon dilatation due to new pulmonary artery stenosis. Nonetheless, the results were encouraging, symptoms have improved in all patients. The Z value of the latest ipsilateral pulmonary artery diameter was -2.34±1.18 (range, -4.52 to -1.35), a significantly improvement when compared to the preoperative value.ConclusionsSingle-stage pulmonary artery revascularization is effective at restoring normal antegrade flow to the affected lung, resulting in improved diameter of the PA, and patient’s symptoms. However, transcatheter intervention may diminish the new pulmonary artery stenosis temporarily, reoperation is still needed in the long-term follow-up.
Time until treatment initiation is associated with catheter survival in peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis
Authors: Oki Rikako , Tsuji Shiho , Hamasaki Yoshifumi , Komaru Yohei , Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Matsuura Ryo , Yamada Daisuke , Doi Kent , Kume Haruki , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: December 2020

Introduction: For peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), we investigated the relation between duration from the sign (PD effluent abnormalities) to treatment with appropriate antibiotics (ST time) and catheter removal. Design, setting, participants: For 62 PD hospital patients, data of PD-related peritonitis (n=109) were collected retrospectively. We examined ST time and PD catheter removal times using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: The catheter removal rate in the delayed ST time group (>=24 hr) was higher than that in early ST time group (<24 hr) (38 vs. 16%, p= .02). Concomitant tunnel infection and delayed ST time were associated with catheter removal (OR[95%CI]: 32.3 [3.15–329] and 3.52 [1.11–11.1]). Rates of catheter removal and re-development of peritonitis within 1 month after starting treatment were higher in the delayed ST time group (p= .02). PD duration at peritonitis and the first peritonitis episode were associated with delayed ST time (1.02 [1.00–1.04] and 3.42 [1.09–10.7]). Conclusion: Significant association was found between PD catheter removal and the start of treatment more than 24 hrafter appearance of abnormal effluent. Education for patients about prompt visitation at the onset of peritonitis with long PD duration might improve outcomes.
High-Performance Polymer Ion Conductors Enabled by Decoupled Fast Ions in Molecular Channels
Authors: Hu Liangbing , Yang Chunpeng , Wu Qisheng , Xie Weiqi , Zhang Xin , Zheng Jin , Garaga Mounesha , Ko Byung Hee , Mao Yimin , Brozena Alexandra , He Shuaiming , Dai Jiaqi , Tyagi Madhu Sudan , Jiao Feng , Greenbaum Steve , Hu Yan-Yan , Briber Robert , Isogai Akira , Xu Kang , Qi Yue
Published: December 2020

While solid-state batteries are tantalizing for achieving improved safety and higher energy density, solid ion conductors currently available fail to satisfy the rigorous requirements for battery electrolytes and electrodes. Inorganic ion conductors allow fast ion transport, but their rigid and brittle nature prevents good interfacial contact and impedes device integration and stability. Conversely, flexible polymeric ion conductors provide better interfacial compatibility and mechanical tolerance, but suffer from inferior ionic conductivity (< 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature) due to the coupling of ion transport with the polymer chain motion1-3. In this work, we report a general design strategy for achieving one-dimensional (1D), high-performance polymer solid-state ion conductors through molecular channel engineering, which we demonstrate via Cu2+-coordination of cellulose nanofibrils. The cellulose nanofibrils by themselves are not ionic conductive; however, by opening the molecular channels between the cellulose chains through Cu2+ coordination we are able to achieve a Li-ion conductivity as high as 1.5×10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature—a record among all known polymer ion conductors. This improved conductivity is enabled by a unique Li+ hopping mechanism that is decoupled from the polymer segmental motion. Also benefitted from such decoupling, the cellulose-based ion conductor demonstrates multiple advantages, including a high transference number (0.78 vs. 0.2–0.5 in other polymers2), low activation energy (0.19 eV), and a wide electrochemical stability window (4.5 V) that accommodate both Li metal anode and high-voltage cathodes. Furthermore, we demonstrate this 1D ion conductor not only as a thin, high-conductivity solid-state electrolyte but also as an effective ion-conducting additive for the solid cathode, providing continuous ion transport pathways with a low percolation threshold, which allowed us to utilize the thickest LiFePO4 solid-state cathode ever reported for high energy density. This approach has been validated with other polymers and cations (e.g., Na+ and Zn2+) with record-high conductivities, offering a universal strategy for fast single-ion transport in polymer matrices, with significance that could go far beyond safe, high-performance solid-state batteries.
Experimental Study on Variation Laws of Electrical Parameters and Surface Temperature Rise Effect of Coal Samples in An Applied Direct Current Field
Authors: Yang yunpeng , Wen zhihui , Si leilei , Xu xiangyu
Published: December 2020

Joule heats which are generated by coals in an applied electric field are directly correlated with variation laws of electrical parameters of coals. Moreover, the joule heating effect is closely related with microstructural changes and relevant products of coal surface. In the present study, a self-developed applied direct current (DC) field was applied onto an experimental system of coals to investigate variation laws of electrical parameters of highly, moderately and lowly metamorphic coal samples. Moreover, breakdown voltages and breakdown field intensities of above three coal samples with different metamorphic grades were tested and calculated. Variation laws of electrical parameters of these three coal samples in 2kV and 4kV DC fields were analyzed. Results show that internal current of all coal samples increases continuously and tends to be stable gradually after reaching the “inflection point” at peak. The relationship between temperature rise effect on anthracite coal surface in an applied DC field and electrical parameters was discussed. The temperature rise process on anthracite coal surface is composed of three stages, namely, slowly warming, rapid warming and slow cooling to stabilize. The temperature rise effect on anthracite coal surface lags behind changes of currents which run through coal samples. There’s uneven temperature distribution on anthracite coal surface, which is attributed to the heterogeneity of coal samples. In the experiment, the highest temperature on anthracite coal surface 65.8℃ is far belower than the lowest temperature for pyrolysis-induced gas production of coals 200℃. This study lays foundations to study microstructural changes and relevant products on coal surface in an applied DC field.
Changes in complement activation products after anti-VEGF injection for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration and pachychoroid disease
Authors: Tanaka Keiichiro , Oguchi Yasuharu , Oomori Tomoko , Ishida Yumi , Shintake Hiroaki , Tomita Ryutaro , Kasai Akihito , Ogasawara Masashi , Sugano Yukinori , Itagaki Kanako , Ojima Akira , Machida Takeshi , Sekine Hideharu , Sekiryu Tetsuju
Published: December 2020

We evaluated changes in the complement system resulting from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in eyes with age-related choroidal neovascularization (CNV) including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, and polypoidal choroidal neovasculopathy. We measured the concentrations of the complement activation products (C3a, C4a), VEGF, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the aqueous humor during intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for CNV. The VEGF level decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while the C3a and C4a levels increased significantly (P < 0.001 for both comparisons) 1 month after two monthly anti-VEGF injections. The VEGF level was correlated with the C3a (R = 0.328, P = 0.007) and C4a (R = -0.237, P = 0.055) levels at baseline, but the correlation between the VEGF and C3a levels (R = -0.148, P = 0.242) changed significantly (P = 0.028 by analysis of covariance) after anti-VEGF treatment. The C3a increase after anti-VEGF therapy did not change the visual outcomes in eyes with CNV for 1 year. Dysregulation of the complement system can be induced by excessive reduction of intraocular VEGF after anti-VEGF therapy.
Putrescine-functionalized carbon quantum dot nanoparticles (Put-CQD) effectively prime grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Sultana) against salt stress
Authors: Gohari Gholamreza , Panahirad Sima , Sadeghi Mostafa , Akbari Ali , Zareei Elnaz , Zahedi Seyed Morteza , Bahrami Mohammad Kazem , Fotopoulos Vasileios
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSalinity is an important global problem with destructive impacts on plants leading to different biochemical and metabolic changes in plants through induced oxidative stress that disturbs metabolism, growth, performance and productivity of plants. Given that putrescine (Put) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), individually, have promising effects on different plants processes, the idea of their combination in a nano-structure “Put-CQD” caused to its synthesizing for doubled positive effects. The current study aimed to investigate the application of newly-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of CQDs and Put on grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Sultana) under salinity stress conditions. For this purpose, Put, CQDs and Put-CQD NPs at 5 and 10 mg L-1 concentrations were applied as chemical priming agents on ‘Sultana’ grapes 48 h prior salinity imposition (0 and 100 mM NaCl). ResultsSalinity significantly decreased (P≤0.05) morphological parameters, photosynthesis pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and membrane stability index. In addition, salinity enhanced MDA, H2O2, proline and antioxidant enzymes activity. The results revealed that Put-CQD NPs, particularly at 10 mg L-1 concentration, alleviated the destructive impacts of salinity stress by improving leaf fresh and dry weights, K+ content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence and SPAD parameters, free proline content, total phenolics and antioxidant enzymatic activities (CAT, APX, GP and SOD), while decreasing Na+ content, EL, MDA and H2O2 levels. ConclusionTo conclude, Put-CQD NPs represent an innovative priming treatment that could be effectively applied on grapevine to improve plant performance under salinity stress conditions.
A Homogeneous Split-Luciferase Assay for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Anti-SARS CoV-2 Antibodies
Authors: Stagljar Igor , Owen Shawn , Yao Zhong , Drecun Luka , Aboualizadeh Farzaneh , Kim Sun Jin , Li Zhijie , Valcourt Emelissa J , Manguiat Kathy , Wood Heidi , Plenderleith Simon , Yip Lily , Li Xinliu , Zhong Zoe , Yue Feng Yun , Snider Jamie , Tomic Jelena , Drebot Michael A. , McGeer Allison , Ostrowski Mario , Mubareka Samira , Rini James
Published: December 2020

To meet the urgent demand for better diagnostic tools to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a homogeneous immunoassay to detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. This assay is based on a tri-part Nanoluciferase (tNLuc) approach, in which the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and protein G, fused respectively to two different tNLuc tags, are used as antibody probes. Target engagement of the probes allows reconstitution of a functional luciferase in the presence of the third tNLuc component. The assay is performed directly in liquid phase of patient sera and enables rapid, quantitative and low-cost detection. We show that tNLuc maintains a similar sensitivity to ELISA, while its readouts are highly consistent with various neutralizing antibody assays. This proof-of-principle study suggests potential applications in diagnostics and disease and vaccination management.
The Correlation Between Tumor-associated Macrophage Infiltration and Progression in Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Fan , Kong Wei na , Zhao Gang , Cheng Zhen zhen , Ai Le , Lv Jie , Feng Yang chun , Ma Xiu min
Published: December 2020

Background: Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a particularly important role in the progression, invasion and metastasis of cervical carcinoma (CC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant components of cervical cancer microenvironment. However, the result of studies on the correlation between TAMs and progression in CC is still controversial. This research is aimed at investigating the relationship between TAMs and progression in CC.Method: A total of 100 patients with CC were included in this study. The correlation between TAMs and clinicopathologic features was studied. Also, a systematic literature search was conducted from legitimate electronic databases. This is the first meta-analysis to specifically evaluate the role of different types of TAMs in TME of cervical cancer.Results: In the meta-analysis, high stromal CD68+ TAMs density was relevant to lymph node metastasis (WMD = 11.89, 95% CI 5.30 to 18.47). At the same time, CD163+ M2 TAM density was associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.09 to 5.37; WMD = 39.37, 95% CI 28.25 to 50.49) and International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) stage (WMD = -33.60, 95% CI -45.04 to -22.16). This was confirmed in 100 experimental studies of CC. It supported a critical role of TAMs as a prospective predictor for cervical cancer.Conclusion: Taken together, CD68+ TAM and CD163+ M2 TAM infiltration in cervical cancer was association with tumor progression. And CD163+ M2 TAM infiltration was associated with more advanced FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis in CC.
Predictive Effect of Triglyceride‑Glucose Index on Clinical Events In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Acute Myocardial Infarction: Results From an Observational Cohort Study In China
Authors: Zhang Yue , Ding Xiaosong , Hua Bing , Liu Qingbo , Gao Hui , Chen Hui , Zhao Xue-Qiao , Li Weiping , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2020

Background: Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is considered a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance and an independent predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. However, the prognostic value of TyG index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains unclear. Methods: A total of 1932 consecutive patients with T2DM and AMI were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into tertiles according to their TyG index levels. The incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs), including all-cause death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, cardiac rehospitalization and revascularization, were recorded. The TyG index was calculated as the ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) ×fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2].Results: Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the incidences of cardiac rehospitalization (p=0.001), revascularization (p<0.001) and composite MACCEs (p=0.027) increased with TyG index tertiles. Multivariable Cox regression models revealed that the TyG index was positively associated with all-cause death, cardiovascular death, cardiac rehospitalization, revascularization and composite MACCEs. The addition of TyG index to a baseline risk model had an incremental effect on the predictive value for composite MACCEs [AUC: 0.663 vs. 0.708, p<0.001].Conclusions: The TyG index was significantly associated with MACCEs, suggesting that the TyG index may be a valid marker for risk stratification and prognosis in patients with T2DM and AMI.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Bupivacaine inhibits a small-conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channel (SK2) in HEK293 cells
Authors: Chen Hongfei , Xia Fangfang , Jin Zhousheng , Fu Zhijian
Published: December 2020

Background: Bupivacaine blocks many ion channels in the heart muscle, which could cause severe cardiotoxicity. Small conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channels (SK2 channels) are widely distributed in the heart cells and are involved in relevant physiological functions. However, whether bupivacaine can inhibit SK2 channels is still unknown. This study investigated the effect of bupivacaine on SK2 channels.Methods: The SK2 channel gene was transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-293 cells) with Lipofectamine 2000. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to study the effect of bupivacaine on SK2 channels. Concentration-response relationship of bupivacaine for inhibiting SK2 current (0 mV) was fitted to a Hill equation, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was determined.Results: Bupivacaine inhibited the SK2 channels reversibly in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 value of bupivacaine, ropivacaine and lidocaine on the SK2 current was 16.5, 46.5, and 77.8 µM, respectively. The degree of SK2 current inhibition by bupivacaine was dependent on the intracellular concentration of free calcium.Conclusions: The results of this study suggested a new inhibitory effect of bupivacaine on SK2 channels. Future studies should be concerned with the effects of SK2 on bupivacaine cardiotoxicity.
Knowledge of face masks and attitudes to re-sterilisation among healthcare workers
Authors: O'Byrne Ciara , Kenny Fred , Eustace Sarah , Gibbons John
Published: December 2020

Introduction: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. With the sudden surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), significant concerns regarding the ongoing availability emerged. One solution proposed is re-sterilization of respirator masks and this has been commenced in some parts of the world. On review of the literature, very little is documented regarding knowledge of masks and the attitudes of healthcare workers towards using re-sterilised masks.Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was used to assess general knowledge and attitudes around facemasks and respirators.Results: There were 190 respondents. There were significant gaps in knowledge and understanding of when particular face masks should be worn. One third had significant concerns about ongoing availability. One third had concerns about the quality of the masks as the pandemic continued. Only 10% of respondents underwent formal face-fitting. 80% of respondents stated they would wear a re-sterilised mask. A further 15% would use a re-sterilised mask but required certain reassurances. 5% of our respondents would not use a re-sterilised mask under any circumstances.Discussion: Ensuring an adequate understanding of face masks is crucial among HCWs and this study highlights a need for further education. It also demonstrates a general acceptability among HCWs towards the use of re-sterilised face masks.
Deficiencies in the formation and regulation of anther cuticle and tryphine contribute to male sterility in cotton PGMS line
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Ji , Ma Qiang , Qin Yuan , Wang Hantao , Chen Pengyun , Ma Liang , Fu Xiaokang , Zhu Longfu , Wei Hengling , Yu Shuxun
Published: December 2020

Background: Male sterility is a simple and efficient pollination control system that is widely exploited in hybrid breeding. In upland cotton, CCRI9106, a photosensitive genetic male sterile (PGMS) mutant isolated from CCRI040029, was reported of great advantages to cotton heterosis. However, little information concerning the male sterility of CCRI9106 is known. Here, comparative transcriptome analysis of CCRI9106 (the mutant, MT) and CCRI040029 (the wild type, WT) anthers in Anyang (long-day, male sterile condition to CCRI9106) was performed to reveal the potential male sterile mechanism of CCRI9106.Results: Light and electron microscopy revealed that the male sterility phenotype of MT was mainly attributed to irregularly exine, lacking tryphine and immature anther cuticle. Based on the cytological characteristics of MT anthers, anther RNA libraries (18 in total) of tetrad (TTP), late uninucleate (lUNP) and binucleate (BNP) stages in MT and WT were constructed for transcriptomic analysis, therefore revealing a total of 870,4 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By performing gene expression pattern analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks construction, we found down-regulation of DEGs, which enriched by the lipid biosynthetic process and the synthesis pathways of several types of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids, flavonoids and steroids, may crucial to the male sterility phenotype of MT, and resulting in the defects of anther cuticle and tryphine, even the irregularly exine. Furthermore, several lipid-related genes together with ABA-related genes and MYB transcription factors were identified as hub genes via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Additionally, the ABA content of MT anthers was reduced across all stages when compared with WT anthers. At last, genes related to the formation of anther cuticle and tryphine could activated in MT under short-day condition.Conclusions: We propose that the down-regulation of genes related to the assembly of anther cuticle and tryphine may lead to the male sterile phenotype of MT, and MYB transcription factors together with ABA played key regulatory roles in these processes. The conversion of fertility in different photoperiods may closely relate to the functional expression of these genes. These findings contribute to elucidate the mechanism of male sterility in upland cotton.
Genome-wide association mapping reveals potential novel loci controlling stripe rust resistance in a Chinese wheat landrace diversity panel from the southern autumn-sown spring wheat zone
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Yu Can , Cheng Yukun , Yao Fangjie , Long Li , Wu Yu , Li Jing , Li Hao , Wang Jirui , Jiang Qiantao , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jian , Deng Mei , Wei Yuming , Chen Xianming , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Jiang Yunfeng , Zheng Youliang
Published: December 2020

Background: Stripe rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a serious foliar disease of wheat. Identification of novel stripe rust resistance genes and cultivation of resistant varieties are considered to be the most effective approaches to control this disease. In this study, we evaluated the infection type (IT), disease severity (DS) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of 143 Chinese wheat landrace accessions for stripe rust resistance. Assessments were undertaken in five environments at the adult-plant stage with Pst mixture races under field conditions, in addition, IT was assessed at the seedling stage with two prevalent Pst races (CYR32 and CYR34) under controlled greenhouse conditions.Results: Seventeen accessions showed stable high-level resistance to stripe rust across all environments under field tests, while four accessions showed resistance to the Pst races CYR32 and CYR34 at the seedling stage. Combining phenotypic data from the field and greenhouse trials with 6404 markers covering the whole genome, we detected 17 quantitative trait loci (QTL) on 11 chromosomes for IT associated with seedling resistance and 15 QTL on seven chromosomes for IT, final disease severity (FDS) or AUDPC associated with adult-plant resistance. Four stable QTL detected on four chromosomes, which explained 9.99%–23.30% of the phenotypic variation, were simultaneously associated with seedling and adult-plant resistance. Integrating a linkage map of stripe rust resistance in wheat, 27 QTL overlapped with previously reported genes or QTL, while four and one QTL conferring seedling and adult-plant resistance respectively were mapped distantly from previously reported stripe rust resistance genes or QTL and may be novel resistance loci.Conclusions: Our results provided an integrated view of stripe rust resistance resources in a Chinese wheat landrace diversity panel from the southern autumn-sown spring wheat zone. The identified resistant accessions and resistance loci will be useful in the ongoing effort to develop new wheat cultivars with strong resistance to stripe rust.
Effectiveness of interventions to increase uptake and completion of treatment for diabetic retinopathy in low- and middle-income countries: a rapid review protocol.
Authors: Bascaran Covadonga , Mwangi Nyawira , D’Esposito Fabrizio , Cleland Charles , Gordon Iris , Ulloa Juan Alberto Lopez , Maswadi Ranad , Md Shaffi , Ramke Jacqueline , Evans Jennifer R , Burton Matthew
Published: December 2020

BackgroundVision loss due to diabetic retinopathy can largely be prevented or delayed through treatment. Patients with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy are typically offered laser or intravitreal injections which often require more than one treatment cycle. However, treatment is not always initiated, or it is not completed, resulting in poor visual outcomes. Interventions aimed at improving the uptake or completion of treatment for diabetic retinopathy can potentially help prevent or delay visual loss in people with diabetes. MethodsWe will search MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and Cochrane Register of Studies for studies reporting interventions to improve the uptake of treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and/or diabetic macular oedema (DMO), compared with usual care, in adults with diabetes. The review will include studies published in the last 20 years in the English language. We will include any study design that measured any of the following outcomes in relation to treatment uptake and completion for DR and/or DMO: 1) Proportion of patients initiating treatment for DR and/or DMO among those to whom it is recommended, 2) Proportion of patients completing treatment for DR and/or DMO among those to whom it is recommended, 3)Proportion of patients completing treatment for DR and/or DMO among those initiating treatment, 4) Number and proportion of DR and/or DMO rounds of treatment completed per patient, as dictated by the treatment protocol. For included studies we will also report any measures of cost-effectiveness when available. Two reviewers will screen search results independently. Risk of bias assessment will be done by two reviewers and data extraction will be done by one reviewer with verification of 10% of the papers by a second reviewer. The results will be synthesised narratively.DiscussionThis rapid review aims to identify and synthesise the peer-reviewed literature on the effectiveness of interventions to increase uptake and completion of treatment for DR and/or DMO in LMICs. The rapid review methodology was chosen in order to rapidly synthesise the available evidence to support program implementers and policy makers in designing evidence-based health programs, public health policy, and inform the allocation of resources. Rapid review registration: OSF: osf.io/h5wgr
The impact of individual creativity, psychological capital, and leadership autonomy support on hospital employees’ innovative behaviour
Authors: Slåtten Terje , Mutonyi Barbara Rebecca , Lien Gudbrand
Published: December 2020

Background: There is growing interest in and focus on healthcare services research to identify factors associated with innovation in healthcare organizations. However, previous innovation research has concentrated primarily on the organizational level. In contrast, this study focuses on innovation by individual employees. The specific aim is to examine factors with potential impact on individual employee innovation in hospital organizations. Thus, the study significantly deepens and broadens previous research on innovation in the domain of health services.Methods: A conceptual model was developed and tested on a sample of hospital employees (n=1008). Partial least-squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data with SmartPLS 3 software in two steps involving a measurement model and a structural model. Mediation analysis was used to test the proposed indirect effects.Results: Hospital employees’ individual innovative behaviour is directly and positively associated with individual creativity (b = 0.440), psychological capital (b = 0.34) and leadership autonomy support (b = 0.07). The relationships between leadership autonomy support, psychological capital and individual innovative behaviour are all mediated by employees’ creativity. Psychological capital mediates the relationship between leadership autonomy support and individual innovative behaviour. Overall, the proposed model explains 50% of the variance in hospital employees’ innovative behaviour.Conclusions: This study reveals a complex pattern of links between innovative behaviour and leadership autonomy support, employees’ creativity and employees’ psychological capital. However, the findings indicate that leadership autonomy support has an influential and multifaceted impact on hospital employees’ innovative behaviour.
Safely reducing haemodialysis frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lodge Michelle da Silva , Abeygunaratne Thilini , Alderson Helen , Ali Ibrahim , Brown Nina , Chrysochou Constantina , Donne Rosie , Erekosima Ibi , Evans Philip , Flanagan Emma , Gray Simon , Green Darren , Hegarty Janet , Hyde Audrey , Kalra Philip A , Lamerton Elizabeth , Lewis David , Middleton Rachel , New David , Nipah Robert , O’Donoghue Donal , O’Riordan Edmond , Poulikakos Dimitrios , Rainone Francesco , Raman Maharajan , Ritchie James , Sinha Smeeta , Wood Grahame , Tollitt James
Published: December 2020

Background:Patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk of developing worse outcomes if they contract COVID-19. In our renal service we reduced HD frequency from thrice to twice-weekly in selected patients with the primary aim of reducing COVID 19 exposure and transmission between HD patients.Methods:Dialysis unit nephrologists identified 166 suitable patients (38.4% of our HD population) to temporarily convert to twice-weekly haemodialysis immediately prior to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in our area. Changes in pre-dialysis weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and biochemistry were recorded weekly throughout the 4-week project. Hyperkalaemic patients (serum potassium > 6.0mmol/L) were treated with a potassium binder, sodium bicarbonate and received responsive dietary advice.Results:There were 12 deaths (5 due to COVID-19) in the HD population, 6 of which were in the twice weekly HD group; no deaths were definitively associated with change of dialysis protocol. A further 19 patients were either hospitalised and/or developed COVID-19 and thus transferred back to thrice weekly dialysis as per protocol. 113 (68.1%) were still receiving twice-weekly HD by the end of the 4-week project. Indications for transfer back to thrice weekly were; fluid overload (19), persistent hyperkalaemia (4), patient request (4) and compliance (1). There were statistically significant increases in SBP and pre-dialysis potassium during the project. Conclusions:Short term conversion of a large but selected HD population to twice-weekly dialysis sessions was possible and safe. This approach could help mitigate COVID-19 transmission amongst dialysis patients in centres with similar organisational pressures.
Frequent avoidable admissions amongst Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with chronic conditions in New South Wales, Australia: a historical cohort study
Authors: Jayakody Amanda Anne , Oldmeadow Christopher , Carey Mariko , Bryant Jamie , Evans Tiffany , Ella Stephen , Attia John , Towle Simon , Sanson-Fisher Robert
Published: December 2020

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have high rates of avoidable hospital admissions for chronic conditions, however little is known about the frequency of avoidable admissions for this population. This study examined trends in avoidable admissions among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with chronic conditions in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: A historical cohort analysis using de-identified linked administrative data of Aboriginal patients and an equal number of randomly sampled non-Aboriginal patients between 2005/06 to 2013/14. Eligible patients were admitted to a NSW public hospital and who had one or more of the following ambulatory care sensitive chronic conditions as a principal diagnosis: diabetic complications, asthma, angina, hypertension, congestive heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The primary outcomes were the number of avoidable admissions for an individual in each financial year, and whether an individual had three or more admissions compared with one to two avoidable admissions in each financial year. Poisson and logistic regression models and a test for differences in yearly trends were used to assess the frequency of avoidable admissions over time, adjusting for sociodemographic variables and restricted to those aged ≤75 years.Results: Once eligibility criteria had been applied, there were 27,467 avoidable admissions corresponding to 19,025 patients between 2005/06 to 2013/14 (71.2% Aboriginal; 28.8% non-Aboriginal). Aboriginal patients were 15% more likely than non-Aboriginal patients to have a higher number of avoidable admissions per financial year (IRR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.20). Aboriginal patients were almost twice as likely as non-Aboriginal patients to experience three or more avoidable admissions per financial year (OR=1.90; 95% CI=1.60, 2.26). There were no significant differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in yearly trends for either the number of avoidable admissions, or whether or not an individual experienced three or more avoidable admissions per financial year (p=0.859; 0.860 respectively). Conclusion: Aboriginal people were significantly more likely to experience frequent avoidable admissions over a nine-year period compared to non-Aboriginal people. These high rates reflect the need for further research into which interventions are able to successfully reduce avoidable admissions among Aboriginal people, and the importance of culturally appropriate community health care.