bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlation between dietary fat quality indices and lipid profile with Atherogenic Index of Plasma in obese and non-obese Volunteers
Authors: javardi Maryam sadat Mousavi , Madani Zahra , Karandish Majid , Movahedi Ariyo , Abbasi Behnood
Published: June 2020

Background and aim:
Abnormalities in lipid metabolism are very commonly observed in patients who were obese. Alongside dyslipidemia, one of the markers in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease is the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), which is related to dietary intake. Healthy fat quality indices, including Atherogenicity (AI) and Thrombogenicity (TI) hypo/hypercholesterolemic ratio (h/H), the Cholesterol-Saturated Fat Index (CSI) and ω-3/ω-6 ratio might have effect on AIP. The purpose of this study is to find the possible relationship between dietary fat quality, and AIP and comparison of these indices among obese and non-obese volunteers.
Methods
This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic case-control study with 157 normal and overweight and obese volunteers (n = 71 normal vs n = 86 overweight and obese) in the age range of 18–65 years. Food intake, anthropometric indices, body composition, and lipid profile were measured.
Results
Based on the present results, higher but not significant biochemical parameters including TC (P = 0.580), TG (P = 0.362) and LDL (P = 0.687) and HDL (P = 0.151) among overweight/obese volunteers as compared to normal ones. Results of dietary fat quality showed significantly higher AI (P = 0.012) in the overweight/obese group as compared to normal group. Whereas, h/H (P = 0.034) and ω-6/ω-3 ratio (p = 0.004) were higher significantly in normal weight volunteers. There was a positive correlation between AI, TI, CSI, SFA, MUFA, PUFA and ω-6/ω-3 ratio with AIP and negative correlation between h/H with AIP in both groups. These correlations were significant just for the AI (cc = 0.859, p = 0.014), h/H (cc=-0.596, p = 0.033) and SFA (cc = 0.602, p = 0.043) in overweight/obese group and were significant just for the AI (cc = 0.701, p = 0.031) and h/H (cc=-0.710, p = 0.023) in normal group.
Conclusions
In summary, the present study suggest a direct relationship between dietary fat quality, increased BMI, and lipid abnormalities with AIP. However, further large-scale studies are needed to have a clear conclusion in this regard.
Climate change causes changes in biochemical markers of renal disease
Authors: Ephraim Richard Kobina Dadzie , Asamoah Christopher Amey , ABAKA-YAWSON ALBERT , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah , Adusei Samuel
Published: June 2020

Background: Climate change is a significant threat to the health of the Ghanaian people. Evidence abounds in Ghana that temperatures in all the ecological zones are rising, whereas rainfall levels have been generally reducing and patterns are increasingly becoming erratic. The study estimated the impact of climate change on biochemical markers of renal disease.Methods: This study recruited 50 conveniently sampled apparently health peasant farmers and hawkers at the market place at Wa in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A pre-study screening for hepatitis A and C, diabetes, hypertension, was done. Serum creatinine and urea levels were analyzed to rule out kidney defects. Baseline data was collected by means of analysing blood samples for renal function (i.e. urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, eGFR) as well as for hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations. Anthropometric data such as height, weight and blood pressure were measured. The study participants were closely followed and alerted deep in the dry season for the second data collection as the baseline.Results: This study recruited more males (58.82%) than females (41.15%) , majority (52.92%) of which were aged 25-29 years with the youngest being 22 years and the elders being 35 years. The study found body mass index (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (p=0.019), creatinine (p<0.001), urea (p=0.013) and eGFR (p<0.001) to be significantly influenced by climate change. Stage 1 hypertension was predominant among the study participants during the dry season, 8 (15.69%) than was observed during the rainy season, 4 (7.84%) nonetheless the number of participants with normal BMI rose from 49.02% in the rainy season to 62.75% during the dry reason. Additionally, the study observed that the impact of climate change on systolic blood pressure and urea varied based on age and sex. Conclusion: This study revealed that climatic changes cause variations in various biochemical parameters which could lead to renal disease. Public health education on climatic changes and its implication including precautionary measures should be done among inhabitants of Wa and its environs to reduce its effect. Additionally, appropriate dietary patterns should also be advised to avoid the development of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and obesity that are known principal causes of CKD.
An Improved Triangle Centroid Localization Algorithm Based on PIT Criterion
Authors: Li Mao , Jiang Feng , Pei Cong
Published: June 2020

Considering that the traditional triangle centroid localization algorithm based on RSSI is susceptible to surrounding environment, this paper improves the algorithm from two aspects of positioning accuracy and response speed also proposes an improved triangle centroid localization algorithm based on PIT criterion. Combined with actual positioning situation, the algorithm treats the calculated coordinates of the intersection points as the new beacon nodes. Thus, the area of triangle in the intersection region is reduced. Repeat positioning process until the predicted position of node is outside the triangle according to the PIT criterion. Compared with traditional triangle centroid localization algorithm, it showed from the simulation results that the improved triangle centroid localization algorithm can increase the localization accuracy up to 5 times based on the guaranteed response time when communication distance is 15 ~ 30 m, and this algorithm has higher localization accuracy and faster response speed than centroid iterative estimation algorithm in larger communication range. In additions, the experimental platform is built to verify that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the positioning error.
Feasibility study of using simultaneous multi-slice RESOLVE diffusion weighted imaging to assess parotid gland tumors: comparison with conventional RESOLVE diffusion weighted imaging
Authors: Jiang Jia-Suo , Zhu Liu-Ning , Wu Qian , Sun Yi , Liu Wei , Xu Xiao-Quan , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: June 2020

Background To evaluate the feasibility of using simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to assess parotid gland tumors, compared with conventional RESOLVE DWI Methods From September 2018 to December 2018, 20 consecutive patients with parotid tumors who underwent MRI scan for pre-surgery evaluation were enrolled. SMS-RESOLVE DWI and conventional RESOLVE DWI were scanned with matched imaging parameters, respectively. The scan time of two DWI sequences was recorded. Qualitative (anatomical structure differentiation, lesion display, artifact, and overall image quality) and quantitative (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC; ratio of signal-to-noise ratio, SNR ratio; ratio of contrast-to-noise ratio, CNR ratio) assessments of image quality were performed, and compared between SMS-RESOLVE DWI and conventional RESOLVE DWI. Paired t-test was used for statistical analyses. Results The scan time was 3 minutes and 41 seconds for SMS-RESOLVE DWI, and 5 minutes and 46 seconds for conventional RESOLVE DWI. SMS-RESOLVE DWI produced similar qualitative image quality with RESOLVE DWI (anatomical structure differentiation, P = 0.164; lesion display, P = 0.193; artifact, P = 0.330; overall image quality, P = 0.083). Meanwhile, there were no significant difference on ADCLesion (P = 0.298), ADCMasseter (P = 0.122), SNR ratio (P = 0.584) and CNR ratio (P = 0.217) between two DWI sequences. Conclusion Compared with conventional RESOLVE DWI, SMS-RESOLVE DWI could provide comparable image quality using markedly reduced scan time. SMS could increase the clinical usability of RESOLVE technique for DWI of parotid gland.
The Relationship Between Nurses' Perceptions of Caring Behaviors based on Watson's Theory and of Professional Ethics: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Heydari Naval , Torkaman Mahya , Torabizadeh Camellia
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose: Caring is a central concept in nursing. It is essential that nurses adhere to ethics toward improving the quality of their performance as nurses. This study aims to explore the relationship between nurses' perceptions of caring behaviors and of nursing professional ethics.Methods: 210 nurses from hospitals in Shiraz, Iran, participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were selected via stratified random sampling. The data collection tool consisted of demographics, Watson's caring dimensions inventory, and Petty's work ethics scale. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 25 using descriptive and analytical statistics.Results: There was not a statistically significant relationship between the nurses' demographics on the one hand and their perceptions of caring behaviors or of nursing professional ethics on the other. The mean of the participants' perception of caring behaviors scores was 142.49±10.71 and the mean of their professional ethics scores was 102.21±5.32. A significant positive correlation was found to exist between the two variables under study (P<0.001, r=0.46).Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between nurses' perceptions of caring behaviors and of professional ethics. This finding can be used by nursing administrators and policy-makers to design interventions to improve the quality of nursing care.
An increased pretreatment C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio predicts severe novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Xu Yan , Huang Huang , Jiang Desheng , Zhou Chunlei , Liao Hui , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify early warning signs for severe novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (COVID-19).
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 90 patients with COVID-19 from Guanggu District of Hubei Women and Children Medical and Healthcare Center comprising 60 mild cases and 30 severe cases. The demographic data, underlying diseases, clinical manifestations and laboratory blood test results were compared between the two groups. The cutoff values was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factor that predicted the severe COVID-19.
Results

The patients with mild and severe COVID-19 showed significant differences in terms of cancer incidence, age, pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and pretreatment C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) (P < 0.05). The severity of COVID-19 was correlated positively with the comorbidity of cancer, age, NLR, and CAR (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, NLR and CAR were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19 (OR = 1.086, P = 0.008; OR = 1.512, P = 0.007; OR = 17.652, P = 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion

An increased CAR can serve as an early warning sign of severe COVID-19 in conjunction with the NLR and age.
Antibiogram of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates from Patients with Diabetic Septic Wounds Attending Two Public Hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan.
Authors: Omer Thweaba Hassan Salih , Mustafa Samia Ali Mohammed , Mohamed Sagad Omer Obeid
Published: June 2020

Objectives: Treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is challenging. In addition to its intrinsic ability to develop resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, it also produces Extended Spectrum β lactamases (ESBL). This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and to determine the ESBL status among the P. aeruginosa isolates from patients at two public military hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan.Results: A total of 34 isolates of P. aeruginosa obtained from patients with diabetic septic foot wounds were tested for their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Resistance occurred most commonly to Ceftazidime (35%), followed by Ciprofloxacin (20.6%) and Piperacillin (14.7%). We found that 17.6% of the P. aeruginosa isolates were ESBL producers and all of these isolates were sensitive to Meropenem. The chi-squared test showed a significant association between the ESBL status and antimicrobial resistance to Amikacin, Ceftazidime, and Piperacillin. The independent T-test showed a significant association between the ESBL status and resistance to Cefepime. The presence of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa poses a serious health problem. This study suggests sparing the Carbapenems for the ESBL producing P. aeruginosa in our setting. Our findings highlight the need for effective surveillance and antibiogram-guided antibiotic prescription.
Sleep and Tau Pathology in Vietnam War Veterans with Preclinical and Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Andrews Murray John , Ross Ryan , Malhotra Atul , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Brewer James , Banks Sarah
Published: June 2020

Background
The increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and lack of effective medications has led to a need to identify modifiable risk factors as targets for interventions. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to determine whether worse sleep quality is associated with increased pathological tau, and whether this relationship is affected by amyloid pathology.
Methods
66 male participants underwent Florbetapir (AV45) Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Flortaucipir (FTP) PET and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) as part of the Department of Defense Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, a multicenter study collecting data from Vietnam War veterans, some of whom have a history of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or non-penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). AV45 PET was used to determine the presence of significant amyloid pathology, and t-tests were used to assess differences in tau deposition in Braak regions associated with AD progression between amyloid positive and amyloid negative individuals. We used regression models to determine the effects of amyloid pathology and PSQI on tau deposition in Braak regions.
Results
Among the 66 participants, the average (SD) age was 71.04 (0.99) years. 14 individuals were amyloid positive (21%), and 52 were amyloid negative (79%). The amyloid positive and amyloid negative groups did not differ in tau in the regions investigated. There were no significant main effects of amyloid status or PSQI on FTP Standardized Uptake Value ratio (SUVr) in any of the regions investigated. However, in Braak stages III-IV, there was a significant interaction of amyloid status on PSQI (β = 0.039, p = 0.035) with higher PSQI correlating with higher FTP SUVr in amyloid-positive individuals only (β = 0.031, p = 0.017).
Conclusions
Our study found that an AD profile of tau deposition was associated with an interaction between self-reported sleep quality and amyloid pathology such that worse self-reported sleep was related to higher tau in regions associated with AD progression, but only in individuals with high cerebral amyloid deposition. Our study suggests that sleep quality may be a modifiable risk factor in preclinical and prodromal populations of AD.
Factors Affecting the Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Lungworms in Dogs and Assessment of Antiparasitic Drugs use Patterns
Authors: Vernerova Eva , Dvorakova Nela , Svobodova Vlasta , Bures Jiri
Published: June 2020

Background Endoparasites of the canine gastrointestinal and respiratory tract represent a wide range of protozoans and helminths. They are causative agents of different serious diseases of animals and many of them also pose zoonotic risks to human health. The education of dog owners and their families with the principles of human and animal health protection may especially prevent the spread of zoonoses such giardiosis, toxocarosis, echinococcosis and Taenia crassiceps infection. Pulmonary nematods are not zoonotic but they can cause serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs.MethodsThree hundred ninety-one samples of canine faeces and 398 completed questionnaires were collected. The questionnaires comprised of description of individual dogs and detailed data about the way the dogs were kept and their deworming. Samples were examined by flotation, larvoscopy by Baermann and PCR method.ResultsWe confirmed infection of Giardia spp., Isospora ohioensis, Neospora caninum/Hammondia heydorni, Ancylostoma spp., Angiostrongylus vasorum, Capillaria spp., Crenosoma vulpis, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris spp. and Taenia spp. Sequences were obtained for 3 of them confirming T. crassiceps. No deworming treatment was recorded for insignificant number of dogs. Dog owners most often used multicomponent endoparasitics.ConclusionsMost of the dogs were dewormed irregularly and antiparasitics were administered namely twice a year, so monthly intervals were not performed in the group of dogs at risk for e.g. possibility of predation. Consumption of antiparasitic drugs cannot ensure the protection of dogs, their owners and other people, unless not applied purposefully, with appropriate knowledge and on the basis of the veterinarian's advice.
Genomic and Proteomic Comparative Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 versus SARS-CoV-GD01
Authors: Hassanin Abdallah A. , Mahgoub EL-Sayed I. , Sitohy Basel , Sitohy Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

Background

Since the emergence of the pandemic novel pneumonia (COVID-19) disease in Wuhan city in China in November 2019, it is becoming holistically urgent to discover and definitely determine the potential origin of causative virus of this disease, SARS-CoV2 to understand its pathogenic action an better design proper remedies.
Methods

Using bioinformatics analysis, the whole genome of SARS-CoV2 emerging in 2020 and its deduced proteome were compared with the corresponding information on SARS-CoV-GD01 having emerged in 2003 in China. The genomes squences of the two viruses were obtained from NCBI. Alignment of protein sequences for all genes of both genomes were performed and displayed using Clustal Omega data base.
Results

Bioinformatics analysis revealed 10 genes encoding 10 proteins in the SARS-CoV2 genome instead of 11 genes encoding 12 proteins in the case of SARS-CoV-GD01, where the first gene is uniquely encoding two glycoproteins. Additionally, bio-informatics analysis disclosed variations in SARS-CoV2 genome size as a result of nucleotides insertion and deletion in all genes of the virus especially orf1ab gene, spike gene, and ORF10 gene. The most conspicuous alteration is apparently noticed in the spike gene, encoding for a novel protein enabling the virus to attach to the cell membrane via the interaction with host cell receptor, initiating probably a new pathway of infection and a specific pathogenic action. This alteration is
Conclusions

The big alterations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 from that of SARS-CoV-GD01 may be potentially responsible for the worldwide witnessed high virulence and accelerated spread. The qualified and quantified information presented in the current study on the SARS-CoV-2, detailing the specificity and the magnitude of genomic and proteomic alterations from SARS-CoV-GD01, developed probably during 16 years will not only enable designing right drugs and strategies of confronting the current viral version, but it may rather allow to extrapolate and foresee potential outbreaks of newer versions during the coming decades. At the time of epidemics, nonspecific ways and drugs should be resorted to for confronting emergent viral infections. Chemically modified positively charged proteins and peptides can offer a wealth of potential antiviral agents but need more clinical research.
Prevalence of home delivery and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Asteray Assmie , Nigussie Azezu , Zewdu Biruk
Published: June 2020

BackgroundGlobally, maternal morbidity and mortality remained a major public health challenge. Delivering at home is associated with a higher risk of maternal deaths. Findings on the prevalence and associated factors of home delivery are highly variable and inconsistent across Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of home delivery and its associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed. The databases used were; PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Ethiopian's university research repository online library, and manual searching. The search was further limited to studies conducted in Ethiopia and reported in English. Two authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. STATA 11 software was used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Q and I2 test were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies. The pooled estimate prevalence and the odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed by a random effect model.ResultA total of 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis with a sample size of 13,535. The national pooled prevalence of home delivery was 48.53 % (95% CI:35, 62). The pooled adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of home delivery for Place of rural residence was 4.3(AOR = 4.3; 95% CI 2.7, 6.8), husband preference was 5(AOR=5.1 95%CI:1.1, 22), not having ANC follows up was 3.3(AOR= 3.3,95%CI:2,6), Women who cannot read & write was 4(AOR=4.36,95% CI:3.1, 6.12), Primary level was 4(AOR=4.21, 95%CI:1.5, 11.6) ,and secondary & above was 1.9(AOR=1.9,95%CI:1.1, 3.45), distance from the health facility was 7(AOR= 7.33, 95%CI:5.75, 9.35), age of mothers 15-24 was 4(AOR =3.7,95%CI:2, 6.6), knowledge of danger sign of pregnancy was 4(AOR=4.60 95%CI:3, 6.8), and no media access was 3.4(AOR=3.495%CI: 1.5, 7.5).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis showed that home delivery was high in Ethiopia. Place of residence, husband preference, no having ANC follows up, educational status of mothers, distance from health facility, age of mothers, knowledge of danger sign of pregnancy, and no media access increased the risk of home delivery.
Self-esteem instability and affective instability in everyday life after remission from borderline personality disorder
Authors: Santangelo Philip Samuel , Kokler Tobias D. , Zeitler Marie-Luise , Knies Rebekka , Kleindienst Nikolaus , Bohus Martin , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W.
Published: June 2020

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is defined by a pervasive pattern of instability. According to prior findings and clinical theories, self-esteem instability and affective instability are key features of BPD. Previous e-diary studies showed that instability in self-esteem is heightened and that it is highly intertwined with affective instability in BPD in comparison to healthy controls (HC). The present study sought to extend these findings by adding symptomatologically remitted BPD patients (BPD-REM), i.e. former patients with BPD who met four or fewer BPD criteria within the past year, as a comparison group.Methods: To examine differences regarding self-esteem instability and affective instability, we used e-diaries for repeatedly collecting data on self-esteem, valence, and tense arousal 12 times a day for four consecutive days while participants underwent their daily life activities. Determining three different state-of-the-art instability indices and applying multilevel analyses, we compared 35 BPD-REM participants with previously reported 60 acute BPD patients (BPD-ACU) and 60 HC.Results: Our results revealed that self-esteem instability was significantly lower in the BPD-REM compared to the BPD-ACU group, irrespective of the instability index. In contrast, there were no significant differences regarding affective instability between the BPD-REM participants and those in the BPD-ACU group. The comparison between the BPD-REM with the HC indicated both a significantly higher instability in self-esteem as well as significantly heightened affective instability in the BPD-REM participants. Moreover, even though the associations were not significant, we found tentative support for the assumption that affective changes that are accompanied by changes in self-esteem are experienced as more burdensome and negatively impact the quality of life of remitted BPD participants.Conclusions: This study builds on growing evidence for the importance of self-esteem instability in BPD. Whereas affective instability has been reported in various psychiatric disorders and might indeed constitute a transdiagnostic marker of affective dysregulation, our results indicate that self-esteem instability might be a specific symptom that construes the unique pathology in BPD.
Subunits of ARID1 serve as novel biomarkers for the sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors and prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: sun dantong , Tian Lu , Zhu Yan , Wo Yang , Liu Qiaoling , Liu Shihai , Li Hong , Hou Helei
Published: June 2020

IntroductionPatients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Biomarkers such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), the tumor mutational burden (TMB) and the mismatch repair (MMR) status are used to predict the prognosis of ICI therapy. Nevertheless, novel biomarkers need to be further investigated, and a systematic prognostic model is needed for the evaluation of the survival risks of ICIs.MethodsA cohort of 240 patients who received ICIs from the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics was evaluated in this research. Clinical information and targeted sequencing data were acquired for analyses. The Kaplan-Meier plot method was used to perform survival analyses, and selected variables were then confirmed by a novel nomogram constructed by the “rms” package of R software.ResultsSeven percent of the NSCLC patients harbored ARID1A mutations, while 4% of the NSCLC patients harbored ARID1B mutations. Mutations in ARID1A or ARID1B were confirmed to be associated with sensitivity to ICIs. Patients harboring these mutations were found to have a better response to treatment (ARID1A: P=0.045; ARID1B: P=0.034) and prolonged progression-free survival (ARID1B: P=0.032). Here, a novel nomogram was constructed to predict the prognosis of ICIs. Elevation of the TMB, enhanced expression of PD-L1 and activation of the antigen presentation process and cellular immunity were found to be correlated with ARID1A or ARID1B mutations.ConclusionARID1A and ARID1B could serve as novel biomarkers for the prognosis and sensitivity to ICIs of advanced NSCLC.
Transcriptome analysis identifies signaling pathways related to meat quality in broiler chickens – the ECM receptor interaction signaling pathway
Authors: Du Yanting , San Jishuang , Wu Gaofeng , Xu Rifeng , Yang Jiancheng , Hu Jianmin
Published: June 2020

Background Meat quality characteristics, including juiciness, flavor, and tenderness, can be mostly attributed to the total muscle fat content, intramuscular fat (IMF), and the composition of its fatty acids (FAs), which are regulated by the balance between lipid uptake, transport, synthesis, and subsequent metabolism, involving many genes and pathways. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Results The present study reports the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of chest muscle and leg muscle tissue of the Zhuanghe dagu chicken (ZD chicken) and the Arbor Acres Broiler chicken (AA chicken). We identified certain differentially expressed genes that affect IMF deposition , such as EHHADH , TECRL , NDUFAB1 , PCCB , and HIBCH , which were upregulated in ZD chickens, and GCDH , TPI1 , ABHD13 , PSMC1 , MYST2 , and FBXO11 , which were upregulated in AA chickens. Pathway analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes indicated that the extracellular matrix (ECM)–­receptor interaction pathway is co-enriched in both tissues, and forms a sub-pathway of other enriched pathways. Intriguingly, the ECM–receptor interaction pathway genes are regulated differently in different gene pools. Collagens, which are main ECM constituents, and laminin and integrinβ1 transmembrane receptors were significantly downregulated in both tissues of the AA chicken. Conclusions RNA-seq analysis of two tissues from two breeds of chicken hinted that interactions between transmembrane receptors and ECM components of fat cells affect breed-specific adipogenesis, which would affect quality and flavor of chicken meat. These findings will contribute to improving the quality attributes of chicken meat.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Prone Position Ventilation on Critically ill COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Jingchen , He Xujian , Hu Jia , Chen Chenkan , Ye Xuesheng , Li Tong
Published: June 2020

Background: COVID-19 broke out all over the world, and the mortality rate is extremely high. We report the successful experience of a critically ill COVID-19 patient who underwent long-term extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and multiple prone position ventilation (PPV) treatments.Case presentation: A 53-year-old male patient was sent to our hospital after 11 days of cough and 9 days of fever. According to his CT scan and real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay to throat swap, his nucleic acid was positive, confirming that he was infected with COVID-19. Subsequently, he was sent to ICU for respiratory failure. Afterwards, the patient received antiviral drug, tiny amount of glucocorticoid, and respiratory support, including mechanical ventilation, but the affect was poor. In the 28th day of his admission, veno-venous ECMO and PPV were used, combining with awake ECMO and other comprehensive rehabilitation. In the 17th day of ECMO, the patient started getting better and his chest CT and lung compliance improved. The ECMO was removed in the 27th days, after which the mechanical ventilation was gotten rid of in the 9th day. Then he was transferred to rehabilitation department.Conclusions: COVID-19 can damage lung tissues and cause evident inflammatory exudation, affecting oxygenation function. It is effective to use PPV, awake ECMO, and comprehensive rehabilitation to cure patients with critical COVID-19 and respiratory failure. Our experience hopes to be promoted to play a positive role.
Nanocomposites-Based Targeted Oral Drug Delivery Systems with Infliximab in a Murine Colitis Model
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Kim Da Hye , Park Hyo Jeong , Ma Hyun Woo , Park I Seul , Son Mi jeong , Ro So Youn , Hong SeokMann , Han Hyo Kyung , Lim Soo Jeong , Kim Seung Won , Cheon Jae Hee
Published: June 2020

Infliximab (IFX), a TNF-α blocking chimeric monoclonal antibody, induces clinical response and mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, systemic administration of this agent causes unwanted side effects. Oral delivery of antibody therapeutics might be an effective treatment strategy for IBD compared to intravenous administration. We developed a colon-specific drug delivery system for the oral administration of IFX using ternary nanocomposite carriers. Nanocomposite carriers consisting of liposomes, aminoclay-coated liposomes (AC-L), Eudragit S100 AC-L (EAC-L) or those carrying IFX (IFX-L, AC-IFX-L, and EAC-IFX-L) were orally administered to mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. We evaluated the effects of nanocomposite carriers on lymphocytes and monocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of IBD patients. We studied the therapeutic effects of the nanocomposites themselves and nanocomposites with IFX at target sites in vivo and in vitro . All three carriers had a high encapsulation efficiency, narrow size distribution, and minimal systemic exposure. There was a higher interaction between nanocomposite carriers and monocytes compared to lymphocytes in the PBMC of IBD patients. Orally administered nanocomposite carriers targeted to inflamed colitis minimized systemic exposure. All IFX delivery formulations with nanocomposite carriers had a significantly less colitis-induced body weight loss, colon shortening and histomorphological score, compared to the DSS-treated group. AC-IFX-L and EAC-IFX-L groups showed significantly higher improvement of the disease activity index, compared to the DSS-treated group. In addition, AC-IFX-L and EAC-IFX-L alleviated pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions ( Tnfa , Il1b , and Il17 ). We present orally administered antibody delivery systems which improved efficacy in murine colitis while reducing systemic exposure. These oral delivery systems suggest a promising therapeutic approach for treating IBD.
Struvite stones causing recurrent pain in a child with cerebral palsy: a lesson for a pragmatic approach to pain in children with cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment.
Authors: Trombetta Andrea , Benvenuto Simone , Peri Francesca , Grasso Antonio Giacomo , Magnolato Andrea , Barbi Egidio , Cozzi Giorgio
Published: June 2020

Background

Children with severe cognitive impairments (CI) from any cause, such as cerebral palsy (CP), dysmorphic or chromosomal syndromes, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, and epileptic syndromes, experience pain more frequently than healthy peers. Although it is a common problem, pain is many times unrecognized because these patients are often unable to self- verbalize it or exhibit uncommon behaviors when they experience it, leading to a delay in the recognition and management of pain by the physicians. Untreated chronic or recurrent pain profoundly affects the quality of life of these children and interferes with their performance and adaptive function. Recognition, measurement, and treatment of pain in this population is challenging, and a clinical diagnosis of urinary tract infection or lithiasis may not be immediate.
Case presentation:

We report the case of an eight-year-old child with cerebral palsy who was admitted for recurrent abdominal pain lasting for one month. While blood laboratory tests were all in the normal range, the diaper examination revealed multiple stones. Urine culture tested positive for Providencia stuartii, a Gram-negative bacteria, and an antibiotic treatment with ceftibuten was started for two weeks. The patient fully recovered in three days without any recurrence.
Conclusions

urine analysis, to detect an infection, and renal and bladder US, to rule out stones, should be systematically considered in patients with cognitive impairment with unexplained pain. In a pragmatic, concise approach, the basic principles of diagnosis and treatment of pain in children with cognitive impairment are reviewed.
Four-year Follow up of Atherogenicity in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: From Nationwide Korean College of Rheumatology Biologics Registry
Authors: Min Hong Ki , Kim Hae-Rim , Lee Sang-Heon , Shin Kichul , Kim Hyoun-Ah , Park Sung-Hwan , Kwok Seung-Ki
Published: June 2020

Background: To evaluate the impact of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) on lipid profile and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to compare the occurrence of dyslipidaemia between patients using bDMARDs, tsDMARDs, or conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs).Methods: Data for lipid profile, AIP, and occurrence of dyslipidaemia were collected from the Korean College of Rheumatology BIOlogics registry. A comparison was conducted between patients using bDMARDs (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor, tocilizumab, abatacept), janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis), and cDMARDs. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the occurrence of dyslipidaemia between groups, and hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using the cox proportional hazard method.Results: Data of a total of 917, 826, 789, 691, and 520 RA patients were eligible for analysis at the baseline, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year follow ups, respectively. Baseline total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) were higher in the cDMARDs group, whereas AIP was comparable. During the 4-year follow up, AIP was comparable between the groups. Occurrence of dyslipidaemia did not show a significant difference when comparing the bDMARDs/tsDMARDs and cDMARDs groups (P=0.06), or the TNF-α inhibitor, tocilizumab, abatacept, JAKi, and cDMARD user groups (P=0.3). In the multivariate cox proportional hazard model, older age (HR=1.03, P=0.005) and concomitant hypertension (HR=2.21, P=0.013) were significantly associated with dyslipidaemia occurrence.Conclusion: Long term use of bDMARDs and tsDMARDs is relatively safe with regards to lipid profile, AIP, and the occurrence of dyslipidaemia in RA patients.
A novel peptide analogue of spike glycoprotein shows antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dutta Kunal
Published: June 2020

At the very beginning of the new decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has badly hit the globe. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 carries dozens of new mutations in its genome. Multiple countries are now in the race to find a defined treatment and vaccine against COVID-19. Herein, we made an effort to find antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2. Gladly, with the help of Machine Learning algorithms and Supported Vector Machine, we have found three potential antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral peptides namely, Seq12 and Seq12m showed very low cytotoxicity. All antiviral peptides were able to block the RBD of the spike glycoprotein. Besides, antiviral peptides retain their properties even in case of in silico multi-point mutant models (Rosetta and FoldX based) of RBD. Moreover, Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m can bind with the viral membrane protein (M) and eventually interfere with viral re-packaging. In conclusion, this study suggests Seq12, Seq12m, and Seq13m holds the potential for possible therapeutics use after formal clinical trials. Besides, these antiviral peptides could aid a new diagnostic tool.
Cotton N rate could be reduced further under the planting model of late sowing and high-density in Yangtze River Valley
Authors: song xinghu , Huang Ying , Yuan Yuan , Tung Shahbaz Atta , Souliyanonh Biangkham , Yang Guozheng
Published: June 2020

Background
An optimal N rate is one of the basic determinants for high cotton yield. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal N rate on a new cotton cropping pattern with late-sowing, high density and one-time fertilization at first flower in Yangtze River Valley China. A 2-year experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 with a randomized complete blocks design, and cotton growth process, yield and biomass accumulation were examined.
Results
The results showed that N rate had no effect on cotton growing progress or periods. Cotton yield was increased with N rate increasing from 120–180 kg ha− 1, while the yield was not increased when N was beyond 180 kg ha− 1, or even decreased (9–29%). Cotton had the highest biomass at N180 due to its highest accumulation speed during the fast accumulation period (FAP).
Conclusions
The result suggests that cotton N rate could be reduced further to be 180 kg ha− 1 under the new cropping pattern in Yangtze River Valley China.
Green Synthesis of Nano-Liposomes Containing Bunium Persicum and Trachyspermum Ammi Essential Oils Against Trichomonas Vaginalis
Authors: Mirzaei Farzaneh , Norouzi Roghayeh , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Haghirosadat Bibi Fatemeh , Rezaei Fatemeh , Nissapatorn Veeranoot , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Nawaz Muhammad , Pereira Maria L. , Hosseini Seyed Abdollah , Montazeri Mahbobeh , Majdizadeh Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasitic flagellated protozoan, is one of the main non-viral sexually-transmitted diseases worldwide. Treatment options for trichomoniasis are limited to nitroimidazole compounds. However, resistance to these drugs has been reported, which requires the development of new anti-Trichomonas agents that confer suitable efficacy and less toxicity.Methods: In the present work, we assessed the effectiveness of the liposomal system containing essential oils of Bunium persicum and Trachyspermum ammi against T. vaginalis in vitro. Liposomal vesicles were prepared with phosphatidylcholine (70%) and cholesterol (30%) using the thin-film method. The essential oils of B. persicum and T. ammi were loaded into the liposomes using the inactive loading method. Liposomal vesicles were made for two plants separately. Their physicochemical features were tested using Zeta-Sizer, AFM and SEM. The anti-Trichomonas activity was determined after 12 and 24 hours of parasite cultures in TYI-S-33 medium.Results: After 12 and 24 hours of administration, the IC50 of the B. persicum essential oil nano-liposomes induced 14.41 µg/mL and 45.19 µg/mL, respectively. The IC50 of T. ammi essential oil nano-liposomes induced 8.08 µg/mL and 25.81 µg/mL, respectively.Conclusions: These data suggested that nano-liposomes of the essential oils of B. persicum and T. ammi may be a promising alternative to current treatments for Trichomonas infection.
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 by an unusual genome reconstitution
Authors: Hong Seong-Tshool , Hassan Md. Mehedi , Sharmin Shirina , Hong Jinny , Lee Hoi-Seon , Kim Hyeon Jin
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2 has been spreading remarkedly fast around the world since its emergence while the origin of the virus remains ambiguous. Here, we constructed all of the original prototype genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 by selecting the common nucleotide among the different virus strains with species. Phylogenetic analysis on the prototype sequences showed that SARS-CoV-2 was a direct descendant of Bat-CoV and was closely related to Pan-CoV, Bat-SL-CoV, and SARS-CoV. The pairwise comparison of SARS-CoV-2 with Bat-CoV showed an unusual replacement of the motif consisting of 7 amino acids within the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Database searches showed that the motif originated from a surface protein of Plasmodium malariae, suggesting that the SARS-CoV-2 was emerged after acquiring the motif of the malaria surface protein.
Automatic Quantification for Phantom-based Image Quality Assessment in Bone Spect: Computerized Self-classification of Detectability Using a Novel Index
Authors: ICHIKAWA Hajime , Kawakami Kazunori , Onoguchi Masahisa , Shibutani Takayuki , Nagatake Kazuki , Hosoya Tetsuo , Ito Toshimune , Kato Toyohiro
Published: June 2020

Background: We have previously developed a custom-design thoracic bone scintigraphy-specific phantom (hereafter referred to as “SIM2 bone phantom”) to assess image quality in bone single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This study aimed to develop an automatically assessment system for imaging technology in bone SPECT and to demonstrate the validity of this system.Methods:We were able to generate more realistic phantom configurations of the thorax, spine, mediastinum, and lung. Four fillable spheres as bone metastases with diameters of 13, 17, 22, and 28 mm were inserted in the vertebral body. The newly developed software with statistical parametric mapping version 2 was automatically calculated for quantitative indexes (e.g., contrast-to-noise ratio, % coefficient of variance, % detectability equivalence volume, sharpness index). The repeatability and reproducibility of the contrast-to-noise ratio was assessed and compared between the automatic and manual methods. A detectability score (DS) was used to define the four observation types to score the hot spherical lesions whichwere classified with the quantitative indexes using decision tree analysis. The gold standardfor DSs was independently classified by three expert board-certified nuclear medicine technologists using a 4-point classification (1, poor; 2, average; 3, adequate; 4, excellent); thereafter, a consensus was reached. To assess the validity of the DS, the DS classified with Hone Graph was compared to the visual evaluation by 11 technologists (using the same score).Results: The repeatability and reproducibility of the software were shown to be excellent. Decision tree analysis produced seven terminal groups, and four quantitative indexes were used to classifying the DS. The automatically classified DSs exhibited an almost perfect agreement with the gold standard. The agreement between the Hone Graph and the experienced (n = 4), moderately experienced (n = 3), and inexperienced (n = 4) observerswas almost perfect, substantial, and moderate, respectively.Conclusions: The developed software could automatically classify the detectability of hot lesions in the SIM2 bone phantom using the self-calculated quantitative indexes. These findings suggest that this novel software could provide a means to automatically perform analysis after data input that is both excellent in convenience and repeatability.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in patients with diabetes undergoing joint arthroplasty
Authors: Deng Wei , Huo Lili , Yuan Qiang , Huang Deyong , Li Quan , Chen Jia , Lan Ling , Zuo Qingyao , Li Wei , Tian Wei
Published: June 2020

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant complication after joint arthroplasty. Diabetes is related to a few changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis that may lead to thrombophilia. We aim to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for VTEs in patients with diabetes undergoing total hip (THA) or total knee anthroplasty (TKA) in a single centre in China. Methods: Patients with diabetes who underwent THA or TKA from January 2016 to December 2018 (n=400) at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital were recruited in this study. Lower limb venous Doppler ultrasound was performed before and after surgery to confirm deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Computer tomography pulmonary angiography was done to confirm pulmonary embolism (PE) for those with new postoperative DVT and typical symptoms of PE. A multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to examine factors associated with the development of postoperative VTE. Results: The overall incidence of postoperative VTE in patients with diabetes after THA or TKA was 46.8% (187 of 400). Female patients and patients undergoing TKA had higher incidence of postoperative VTE. Patients who developed postoperative VTE were older, and had higher levels of preoperative D-Dimer level and Caprini score. Increased VTE risks were associated with high level of preoperative D-Dimer (OR=2.11, 95%CI=1.35-3.30) and TKA (OR=2.29, 95%CI=1.29-4.01). Postoperative initiation of concomitant mechanical prophylaxis and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was protective for postoperative DVT (OR=0.56, 95%CI=0.37-0.86). Conclusions: VTE is common in patients with diabetes undergoing joint arthroplasty. Patients undergoing TKA or with a high level of preoperative D-Dimer are at a considerable risk of developing postoperative VTE. There may be a protective role of postoperative initiation of concomitant mechanical prophylaxis and LMWH for VTE.