bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micronutrient levels and their effect on the prognosis of visceral leishmaniasis treatment; a prospective cohort study.
Authors: feleke berhanu elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu
Published: September 2020

Background: Micronutrients are minerals and vitamins required in small amounts, and they are essential for normal physiological activities. The objectives of the study were to describe the progress and determinants of micronutrients level and to assess the effect of micronutrients in the treatment outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study was implemented. The data were collected using interviews, measuring anthropometric indicators, collecting blood, urine, and stool samples from each patient. The blood samples were collected five times: before starting anti-leishmaniasis treatments, in the first week, in the second week, in the third week, and in the 4th week of anti-leishmaniasis treatments. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the profile of patients and to compare the treatment success rate of visceral leishmaniasis patients. The generalized estimating equation was used to identify the determinants of serum micronutrients.Results: The serum zinc level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by alcohol, DDS, family size, HIV, and sex. The serum iron level of visceral leishmaniasis patients were affected by alcohol, family size, malaria, hookworm, chronic diseases, and HIV. The serum selenium level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV and family size. The iodine level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV, DDS, smoking, chronic illness, and regular physical exercise. The serum vitamin D level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by HIV, alcohol, chronic illness, DDS, malaria, family size, age, residence, and MUAC. The serum vitamin D level of visceral leishmaniasis patients was affected by BMI, DDS, malaria, hookworm, family size, HIV, and age. Conclusion: The Micronutrient levels of visceral leishmaniasis patients were significantly low. Anti-leishmaniasis treatment did not increase the serum micronutrient levels of the patients.
Transgenic and knockout analyses of Masculinizer and doublesex illuminated the unique functions of doublesex in germ cell sexual development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Yuzawa Tomohisa , Matsuoka Misato , Sumitani Megumi , Aoki Fugaku , Sezutsu Hideki , Suzuki Masataka
Published: September 2020

Background: Masculinizer (Masc) plays a pivotal role in male sex determination in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Masc is required for male-specific splicing of B. mori doublesex (Bmdsx) transcripts. The male isoform of Bmdsx (BmdsxM) induces male differentiation in somatic cells, while females express the female isoform of Bmdsx (BmdsxF), which promotes female differentiation in somatic cells. Our previous findings suggest that Masc could direct the differentiation of genetically female (ZW) germ cells into sperms. However, it remains unclear whether Masc directly induces spermatogenesis or if it promotes male differentiation in germ cells indirectly by inducing the expression of BmdsxM. Results: In this study, we performed genetic analyses using the transgenic line that expressed Masc, as well as various Bmdsx knockout lines. We found that Masc-expressing females with a homozygous mutation in BmdsxM showed normal development in ovaries. The formation of testis-like tissues was abolished in these females. On the other hand, Masc-expressing females carrying a homozygous mutation in BmdsxF exhibited almost complete male-specific development in gonads and germ cells. These results suggest that BmdsxM has an ability to induce male development in germ cells as well as internal genital organs, while BmdsxF inhibits BmdsxM activity and represses male differentiation. To investigate whether MASC directly controls male-specific splicing of Bmdsx and identify RNAs that form complexes with MASC in testes, we performed RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) using an anti-MASC antibody. We found that MASC formed a complex with AS1 lncRNA, which is a testis-specific factor involved in the male-specific splicing of Bmdsx pre-mRNA. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that Masc induces male differentiation in germ cells by enhancing the production of BmdsxM. Physical interaction between MASC and AS1 lncRNA may be important for the BmdsxM expression in the testis. Unlike in the Drosophila dsx, BmdsxM was able to induce spermatogenesis in genetically female (ZW) germ cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that the role of dsx in germ cell sexual development is different between insect species.
Influence of maintaining apical patency in post-endodontic pain
Authors: Shubham Snigdha , Nepal Manisha , Mishra Ravish , Dutta Kishor
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe concept of instrumentation beyond the apical foramen by small flexible file to prevent apical blockage is apical patency. However, this procedure might endow postoperative pain, thus to maintain apical patency or not is the matter of dilemma. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain between apical patency and non-patency groups and secondary objective was to evaluate the influence of number of visits, vitality of teeth, group of teeth and preoperative pain on post-operative pain.MethodsOne hundred sixty patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into: Group A (n = 80) contained apical patency maintained and Group B (n = 80) contained those treated without apical patency. Each group was subdivided into equal number of patients treated in single visit (n = 40) and multiple visits (n = 40), including vital (n=20) and non-vital teeth (n=20) and single- rooted (n=10) and multiple-rooted teeth (n=10). Apical patency was maintained with a size 10 K-file during conventional hand filing step-back shaping procedure. Intensity of pain was recorded before treatment and on days 1, 2, and 7 after treatment using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Statistical analysis was done using Mann -Whitney U test, Spearman correlation and Multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe primary outcome of this study showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in postoperative pain scores between patency and non-patency groups with higher pain scores in patency group on 1st, 2nd and 7th day follow up. The secondary outcome showed postoperative pain in patency maintained group was influenced by status of the pulp and preoperative pain only. Vital teeth of patency-maintained group treated in multiple visits showed statistically significant (p=0.02) post-operative pain in day 1 follow up. Pre-operative pain showed positive correlation with postoperative pain with statistically significant difference.ConclusionsOur study concluded that maintenance of apical patency increased postoperative pain. Evaluation of influence of number of visits, status of pulp, group of tooth and preoperative pain revealed status of pulp and preoperative pain as influencing factors for postoperative pain in patency group.
Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients: a cross-sectional study in primary care settings in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Meirong , Jin Guanghui , Wei Yun , Wang Feiyue , Pan Zhaolu , Chen Lifen , Lu Xiaoqin
Published: September 2020

Background: Most schizophrenia patients are supported by main informal caregivers at home in China. This study aims to investigate the further needs of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients and to analyze influencing factors on the awareness and utilization of social supports in Beijing. The results of this study could potentially act as reference for health professionals to implement appropriate and effective support programs.Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers were investigated using questionnaires in 6 urban districts in Beijing. Meanwhile, individual in-depth interviews with 10 main informal caregivers from the urban districts of Beijing were conducted to identify the caregivers’ perspective on social supports and their further needs. Results: Quantitative results showed that although the government provided multi-channel resources for schizophrenia patients and their families, awareness and utilization of the resources such as rehabilitation and relevant subsidies were less than 10.0% and 5.0% respectively. Most caregivers in in-depth interviews expressed that they had negative experiences with respect to obtaining social supports, and they emphasized that more support would be needed in terms of financial support, respect, and rehabilitation institutions.Conclusions: The awareness and utilization of social supports are low for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients. More services and improved public attitudes are needed for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.
Surgical treatment for secondary aortoesophageal fistula
Authors: Sugiyama Kayo , Iwahashi Toru , Koizumi Nobusato , Nishibe Toshiya , Fujiyoshi Toshiki , Ogino Hitoshi
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a relatively rare condition that is often life-threatening. Secondary AEF is a complication of previous surgery, which can be more critical and challenging than primary AEF. The number of secondary AEF is increasing due to increase in the number of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Although TEVAR has become a successful alternative surgical strategy for thoracic aortic aneurysms, secondary AEF after TEVAR might be critical than other secondary AEF because of severe adhesion between the esophagus and residual thoracic aortic wall.MethodsThis study analyzed six patients with secondary AEF who were treated at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between 2011 and 2016. These participants included four patients who had undergone TEVAR and two who had undergone total arch replacement.ResultsAlthough they were subsequently hospitalized for a long period, open surgical repair was completed in two patients who had undergone total arch replacement. TEVAR alone was performed in two patients who had undergone TEVAR and they were discharged without major complications shortly. Combined repair of TEVAR as a bridge to open surgery was planned for two patients who had undergone TEVAR. However, reconstruction of the aorta and esophagus could not be completed in these patients due to severe adhesions, and they died during hospitalization.ConclusionsDefinitive open repair was successfully performed in patients with secondary AEF after total arch replacement. However, in the patients with secondary AEF after TEVAR, severe adhesion between the aorta and esophagus led to difficulty in performing a successful definitive open repair. The strategy for secondary AEF should, therefore, be decided considering the etiology of secondary AEF. In secondary AEF after TEVAR, definitive open repair is difficult to complete because of catastrophic complication, and palliative treatment using TEVAR without reconstruction of aorta and esophagus can be an alternative.
The Effects of Everyday-Life Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Biological Age Indicators
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Campisi Manuela , Mastrangelo Giuseppe , Hoxha Mirjam , Bollati Valentina
Published: September 2020

BackgroundFurther knowledge on modifiable aging risk factors is required to mitigate the increasing burden of age-related diseases in a rapidly growing global demographic of elderly individuals. We explored the effect of everyday exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are fundamental constituents of air pollution, on cellular biological aging. This was determined via the analysis of leukocyte telomere length (LTL), mitochondrial DNA copy number (LmtDNAcn), and by the formation of anti- benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (B[a]PDE–DNA) adducts.MethodsThe study population consisted of 585 individuals living in North-East Italy. PAH exposure (diet, indoor activities, outdoor activities, traffic, and residential exposure) and smoking behavior were assessed by questionnaire and anti-B[a]PDE–DNA] by high-perfomance-liquid-chromatography. LTL, LmtDNAcn and genetic polymorphisms [glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 (GSTM1; GSTT1)] were measured by polymerase chain reaction. Structural equation modelling analysis evaluated these complex relationships.ResultsAnti-B[a]PDE–DNA enhanced with PAH exposure (p=0.005) and active smoking (p=0.0001), whereas decreased with detoxifying GSTM1 (p=0.021) and in female (p=0.0001). Subsequently, LTL and LmtDNAcn reduced with anti-B[a]PDE–DNA (p=0.028 and p=0.018), particularly in males (p=0.006 and p=0.0001). Only LTL shortened with age (p=0.001) while elongated with active smoking (p =0.0001). Besides this, the most significant determinants of PAH exposure that raised anti-B[a]PDE–DNA were indoor and diet (p=0.0001 ), the least was outdoor (p=0.003). Conclusion New findings stemming from our study suggest that certain preventable everyday life exposures to PAHs reduce LTL and LmtDNAcn. In particular, the clear association with indoor activities, diet, and gender opens new perspectives for tailored preventive measures in age-related diseases.Capsule:Everyday life exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons reduces leukocyte telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number through anti-B[a]PDE-DNA adduct formation.
Climatic and topographic changes since the Miocene influenced the diversification and biogeography of tent tortoise (Psammobates tentorius) species complex in Southern Africa
Authors: Zhao Zhongning , Heideman Neil , Bester Phillip , Jordaan Adriaan , Hofmeyr Margaretha D.
Published: September 2020

Background Climatic and topographic changes function as key drivers in shaping genetic structure and cladogenic radiation in many organisms. Southern Africa has an exceptionally diverse tortoise fauna, harbouring one-third of the world’s tortoise genera. The distribution of Psammobates tentorius (Kuhl, 1820) covers two of the 25 biodiversity hotspots of in the world, the Succulent Karoo and Cape Floristic Region. The highly diverged P. tentorius represents an excellent model species for exploring biogeographic and radiation patterns of reptiles in Southern Africa.Results We investigated genetic structure, population dynamics, and radiation patterns against temporal and spatial dimensions since the Miocene in the Psammobates tentorius species complex, using multiple types of DNA markers and niche modelling analyses. Cladogenesis in P. tentorius started in the late Miocene (11.63–5.33 Ma) when populations dispersed from north to south to form two geographically isolated groups. The northern group diverged into a clade north of the Orange River (OR), followed by the splitting of the group south of the OR into a western and an interior clade. The latter divergence corresponded to the intensification of the cold Benguela current, which caused western aridification and rainfall seasonality. In the south, tectonic uplift and subsequent exhumation, together with climatic fluctuations seemed responsible for radiations among the four southern clades since the late Miocene. We found that each clade occurred in a habitat shaped by different climatic parameters, and that the niches differed substantially among the clades of the northern group but were similar among clades of the southern group. Conclusion Climatic shifts, and biome and geographic changes were possibly the three major driving forces shaping cladogenesis, population dynamics, and genetic structure in Southern African tortoise species. Our results revealed that the cladogenesis of the P. tentorius species complex was probably shaped by environmental cooling, biome shifts and topographic uplift in Southern Africa since the late Miocene. The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) may have impacted the population dynamics of P. tentorius substantially. We found the taxonomic diversify of the P. tentorius species complex to be highest in the Greater Cape Floristic Region. All seven clades discovered warrant conservation attention, particularly C1–C3, C5 and C6.
EvoMol: a flexible and interpretable evolutionary algorithm for unbiased de novo molecular generation
Authors: Leguy Jules , Cauchy Thomas , Glavatskikh Marta , Duval Béatrice , Mota Benoit Da
Published: September 2020

The objective of this work is to design a molecular generator capable of exploring known as well as unfamiliar areas of the chemical space.

Our method must be flexible to adapt to very different problems. Therefore, it has to be able to work with or without the influence of prior data and knowledge. Moreover, regardless of the success, it should be as interpretable as possible to allow for diagnosis and improvement.

We propose here a new open source generation method using an evolutionary algorithm to sequentially build molecular graphs. It is independent of starting data and can generate totally unseen compounds. To be able to search a large part of the chemical space, we define an original set of 7 generic mutations close to the atomic level.

Our method achieves excellent performances and even records on the QED, penalised logP, SAscore, CLscore as well as the set of goal-directed functions defined in GuacaMol. To demonstrate its flexibility, we tackle a very different objective issued from the organic molecular materials domain. We show that EvoMol can generate sets of optimised molecules having high energy HOMO or low energy LUMO, starting only from methane. We can also set constraints on a synthesizability score and structural features. Finally, the interpretability of EvoMol allows for the visualisation of its exploration process as a chemically relevant tree.
Smartphone and medical application use among dentists in China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Fan Lin , Chai Zhaowu , Yu Cong , Song Jinlin
Published: September 2020

Background: With the development of information technology, an increasing number of healthcare professionals are using smartphones and mobile medical applications (apps) in their clinical practice. The objective of this study was to survey the use of smartphone-based medical apps among dentists in China and determine dentists’ perceptions of such apps.Methods: All data were collected using anonymous questionnaires. The questionnaires for this cross-sectional study were randomly sent to dentists by email, and 379 dentists responded. Dentists’ demographics and perceptions of WeChat, QQ (the most popular social media apps in China) and other medical apps were assessed; the questionnaire including questions on the purpose, frequency, daily use, and opinion of the apps they used. Questions were answered using a Likert scale (1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree, 3 = not sure, 4 = disagree, and 5 = strongly disagree).Results: A total of 379 valid responses were received; the respondents had a median age of 33.6 years old (63.3% female). All subjects (100%) owned a smartphone, and all of them installed and used WeChat or QQ in their clinical practice. Only 76% of subjects installed medical apps (other than WeChat and QQ) on their smartphones. Male dentists were more likely to install medical apps than female dentists (p < 0.05). With increasing age, the percentage of dentists who installed medical apps decreased (p < 0.001). The frequency and daily use were higher for WeChat and QQ than for medical apps. Medical apps were positively perceived, with dentists reporting that they recommend these medical apps to their peers (Likert score: 1.67 ± 0.68).Conclusion: Medical apps were perceived to have a positive impact on clinical practice, education and patient care in dentistry by providing relevant medical information. However, there will still be much room for improvement in the future.
Natural variation of physiological traits, molecular markers, and chlorophyll catabolic genes associated with heat tolerance in perennial ryegrass accessions
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhang Jing , Li Hui , Jiang Yiwei , Li Huibin , Zhang Zhipeng , Huang Bingru
Published: September 2020

Background: Identification of genetic diversity in heat tolerance and associated traits is of great importance for improving heat tolerance in cool-season grass species. The objectives of this study were to determine genetic variations in heat tolerance associated with phenotypic and physiological traits and to identify molecular markers associated with heat tolerance in a diverse collection of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Results: Plants of 98 accessions were subjected to heat stress (35/30 ℃, day/night) or optimal growth temperature (25/20 ℃) for 24 d in growth chambers. Overall heat tolerance of those accessions was ranked by principal component analysis (PCA) based on eight phenotypic and physiological traits. Among these traits, electrolyte leakage (EL), chlorophyll content (Chl), relative water content (RWC) had high correlation coefficients (−0.858, 0.769, and 0.764, respectively) with the PCA ranking of heat tolerance. We also found expression levels of four Chl catabolic genes (CCGs), including LpNYC1, LpNOL, LpSGR, and LpPPH, were significant higher in heat sensitive ryegrass accessions then heat tolerant ones under heat stress. Furthermore, 66 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to perform association analysis based on the PCA result. The population structure of ryegrass can be grouped into three clusters, and accessions in cluster C were relatively more heat tolerant than those in cluster A and B. SSR markers significantly associated with above-mentioned traits were identified (R2>0.05, p <0.01)., including two pairs of markers located on chromosome 4 in association with Chl content and another four pairs of markers in association with EL. Conclusion: The result not only identified useful physiological parameters, including EL, Chl content, and RWC, and their associated SSR markers for heat-tolerance breeding of perennial ryegrass, but also highlighted the involvement of Chl catabolism in ryegrass heat tolerance. Such knowledge is of significance for heat-tolerance breeding and heat tolerance mechanisms in perennial ryegrass as well as in other cool-season grass species.
Dietary iron intake and anemia: Food frequency questionnaire in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Authors: Cavalcoli Federica , Gandini Alberto , Matelloni Irene Aglaia , Catalano Francesca , Alicante Saverio , Manfredi Guido , Brambilla Gianfranco , Menozzi Fernanda , Perolini Federica , Costi Egon , Bertè Roberto , Buscarini Elisabetta
Published: September 2020

Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a multisystemic inherited vascular disease characterized by a heterogeneous clinical presentation and prognosis. Dietary evaluation is relevant in HHT patients to provide adequate iron and nutrient intake. Additionally, different dietary items have been reported to precipitate epistaxis in this setting.Our primary aim was to investigate the dietary habits of HHT patients through a food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate the presence of precipitants and/or protective factors for epistaxis and the occurrence of possible dietary modifications. The secondary aims were to evaluate the nutritional intake of iron in HHT patients and the self-reported effect of iron treatments on epistaxis.From April 2018 to October 2018, a 138-item FFQ was provided to HHT patients followed up at the HHT Referral Center of Crema Maggiore Hospital. The relationship between food items and epistaxis was ascertained on a separate form. Daily iron intake was calculated to establish the mean iron content of food items reported in the FFQ.Results: One hundred forty-nine questionnaires were evaluated [72 females, median age 54 years (12-76). Overall, 26 (18%) patients reported dietary items that improved epistaxis (mostly blueberries and red fruits, green vegetables and legumes), while 38 (26%) reported some dietary items that exacerbated epistaxis (spices, chocolate, alcohol, strawberries and ginger). Dietary modifications were reported in up to 58% of cases. In HHT patients, the mean daily iron intake was 8.46 ± 2.78 mg, and no differences were observed in the iron intake of patients reporting a diet modification and those who did not.Conclusions: In the comprehensive management of HHT a healthy and balanced diet, with increased consumption of dietary items with a high iron content, should be encouraged.
Recombinant Bacteriophage LysKB317 Endolysin Mitigates Lactobacillus Infection of Corn Mash Fermentations
Authors: Lu Shao- Yeh , Bischoff Kenneth M. , Rich Joseph O. , Liu Siqing , Skory Christopher D.
Published: September 2020

Background Commercial ethanol fermentation facilities traditionally rely on antibiotics for bacterial contamination control. Here we demonstrate an alternative approach to treat contamination using a novel peptidoglycan hydrolase (LysKB317) isolated from a bacteriophage, EcoSau. This endolysin was specially selected against Lactobacillus strains that were isolated as contaminants from a fuel ethanol plant. The LysKB317 gene was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli as a 33 kDa purified enzyme. Results In turbidity reduction assays, the recombinant enzyme was subjected to a panel of 32 bacterial strains and was active against 28 bacterial strains representing one species of Acetobacter, eight species of Lactobacillus, one species of Pediococcus, three species of Streptococcus, and one species of Weissella. The activity of LysKB317 was optimal around pH 6, but it has broad activity and stability from pH 4.5 – 7.5 up to at least 48 h. Maximum activity was observed at 50°C up to at least 72 hrs. In addition, LysKB317 was stable in 30% ethanol up to at least 72 hrs. In experimentally infected corn mash fermentations, 1 µM endolysin reduced bacterial load by 3-log fold change, while 0.01 µM reduced bacteria by 2-log fold change. Concentration of fermentation products (ethanol, residual glucose, lactic acid, and acetic acids) for infected cultures treated with ≥ 0.01 µM LysKB317 were similar to uncontaminated controls. Conclusion Exogenously added LysKB317 endolysin is functional in conditions typically found in fuel ethanol fermentations tanks and may be developed as an alternative to antibiotics for contamination control during fuel ethanol fermentations.
Application Value of a New Lung Ultrasound Scoring Method in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treatment 
Authors: Jiang Qiu-xia , Shi Li-jing , Shen Long-yuan , Li Xiao-qing , Hung Rong-sen , Chen Lin-jun , Li Jiang-bin , Li Ya-ya , Lyu Guo-rong
Published: September 2020

We studied a 14-zone lung ultrasound scoring method to quantify the efficiency of pulmonary surfactant treatment and to determine the timing of mechanical ventilation in neonates with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. In this prospective study, we identified 88 neonates who received pulmonary surfactant replacement therapy. We measured surfactant efficiency using the 14-zone scoring method pre-treatment and at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-treatment. The ultrasound score was inversely associated with pulmonary surfactant treatment. We also identified 67 neonates on mechanical ventilation. We applied the scoring method when the infants met criteria for ventilator withdrawal. A comparison of pre-treatment to 12 h post-treatment showed that scoring method was significantly different (t = 4.08, P < 0.05); other scoring methods did not differ (P > 0.05). Thus, the scoring method performed better on withdrawal time. A score of 41.0 was defined as the threshold for risk of withdrawal failure with 92.36% sensitivity and 93.80% specificity, with an area under the curve of 0.955. Conclusion: The new 14-zone lung ultrasound scoring method improved scoring on the efficacy of pulmonary surfactant and had good diagnostic efficiency for timing the removal of mechanical ventilation in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Mofrad Morvarid Golrokh , Sadigh Zohreh Azita , Ainechi Sanaz , Faghihloo Ebrahim
Published: September 2020

Background: The role of viruses in the aetiology of breast cancer (BC) have been significantly investigated in recent years. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been detected in invasive breast carcinomas, and most studies have only focused on the detection of viral DNA therefore the aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of each papillomaviruses.Methods: We collected and analyzed 70 blocks of Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) including 59 BC samples, and 11 benign breast lesions as control from Iranian patients using nested PCR. Real-time PCR supported nested PCR findings. Genotyping of HPV positive samples was performed, the samples were also subjected to a multiplex PCR to detect herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in BC.Results: Papillomavirus DNA was present in 7 of 59 BC samples (11.8%); while none was detected in control samples. The most prevalent type was HPV18, followed by HPV 6, but we didn’t find HPV16 in these cases. All HPV positive patients had high tumor grades (II/ III), and the age range of them were from 33 to 73 years (average was about 51). Most of HPV positive patients had low levels of education. Histologic diagnosis of all positive cases were ductal carcinoma. On the other hand 5 of 59 BC specimens (8.47%), were positive for HSV-1.Conclusions: Our results suggest that high risk HPVs may play a role in breast carcinogenesis. Also we detected HPV6 and HSV1 in our BC samples, taking into account a carcinogenesis role for low risk HPVs, in addition to high risk HPVs. Further large scale studies are warranted to assess the significance of our findings.
Ultrasonic Detection of Fetal Persistent Right Umbilical Vein and Incidence and Significance of Concomitant Anomalies
Authors: li jingyu , Yuan Qian , Ding Hao , Yang Zeyu , Wang Bing , Wang B
Published: September 2020

Background: Persistent right umbilical vein (PRUV) is characterized by atresia of the left umbilical vein while the right umbilical vein remains open. Given the limited sample size of most studies, the incidence of PRUV and the status of concomitant anomalies may not be fully reflected. Thus, we studied the incidence of fetal PRUV and its concomitant anomalies on a larger scale using our hospital database. This study hoped to address the following questions: Does PRUV increase the risk of fetal anomalies? If the PRUV fetus also has a single umbilical artery (SUA), does the risk of fetal anomaly increase further? What is the positive predictive value of PRUV for fetal anomalies? Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 756 cases of fetal PRUV at our hospital from January 2007 to April 2017. Prenatal ultrasound and color Doppler images were assessed. All PRUV fetuses underwent echocardiography and detailed ultrasound examinations of other systems. Newborn status was obtained via the database or by telephone follow-up. Results: A total of 435,428 pregnant women underwent prenatal ultrasonography at 16–40 weeks, the incidence of fetal PRUV was 0.17%, and 102 fetuses (13.5%) developed other anomalies. Two complicated cases had trisomy 18. PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of fetal anomalies. When fetal anomalies were classified by body systems, PRUV was associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, skeletal, digestive, and respiratory system anomalies. The positive predictive values of a PRUV for any fetal anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies were 13.5% (95%CI, 11.2%–16.2%) and 5.4% (95%CI, 4.0%–7.3%), respectively. SUA further increases the risk of PRUV fetuses with other anomalies and cardiovascular anomalies. Conclusions: Detailed prenatal ultrasonography and echocardiography should be performed in fetuses with PRUV to rule out anomalies in other systems.When the PRUV is combined with SUA, echocardiography is particularly important. Fetuses with complicated PRUV should undergo chromosomal examination. Although isolated fetal PRUV prognosis is good, complicated PRUV prognosis depends on the type and severity of the concomitant anomalies.
Moving towards a competency-based curriculum: Analyses of patients’ information and students’ evaluation in geriatric and special care dentistry
Authors: Limpuangthip Nareudee , Komin Orapin , Tatiyapongpaiboon Teerawut
Published: September 2020

Background: There is no core competency for geriatric dentistry and special patient care (GSP) in Thailand. Therefore, a GSP program was developed as a knowledge-based curriculum. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and architecture of the GSP curriculum by analysing information of the patients attending the GSP clinic and students’ evaluation to move towards a competency-based curriculum. Comparisons with the original GSP curriculum and future direction are discussed.Methods: The development and architecture of the GSP curriculum were described. Information of the 130 patients attending the GSP clinic, and those who participated in a maintenance recall was analysed. Students’ evaluation was performed using a questionnaire comprising 21 items within 7 domains based on the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) checklist. The responses were made using a 5-point ordinal scale ranging from totally agree to totally disagree.Results: Only 50% of the patients attended a maintenance recall to be assessed for their oral and general health. Among the recalled patients, 74.2% reported emerging problems. The AUN-QA questionnaire responses indicated that students mostly agreed with the program specification, teaching and learning approach, students’ assessment methods, student quality, and support domains. Indifferent reactions were predominantly on the expected learning outcomes, a clear contribution of each course, timely student feedback, academic staff quality, and output domains. The modified curriculum was developed based on the patients’ information and students’ evaluation. The original and modified GSP curricula were compared.Conclusions: Information analysis of the patients and students’ evaluation are essential to move a knowledge-based curriculum for geriatric and special patient care dentistry towards a competency-based curriculum that is appropriate for the patients’ condition and serve students’ requirements. Oral health care in elderly and special care patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, and should encompass oral disease problems, behavior and social context.
Interleukin-35 inhibited production of histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines through suppression MAPKs pathway in HMC-1 cells
Authors: Fu Lixin , Chen Tao , Sun Qiaomei , Zhou Peimei , Guo Zai-pei
Published: September 2020

Background: IL-35 is a newly anti-inflammatory cytokine which belong to the IL-12 family. Mast cells, as one of the major effector cells in the immune response system, play important roles in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticarial (CSU). The aim of our study is to explore the inhibited role of IL-35 in HMC-1. Methods: The effects of IL-35 on cell proliferation, cytokine expression and histamine release in human mast cell line (HMC­1) were investigated by CCK8, ELISA or RT-PCR. The phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2, in PMA and A23187 induced HMC-1 cells were detected by Western Blot.Results: We found that IL-35 significantly inhibited the proliferation of HMC-1 cells stimulated by PMA and A23187. IL-35 also down-regulates the released of histamine and the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-17 in activated HMC-1. Furthermore, IL-35 markedly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2, in PMA and A23187 induced HMC-1 cells. Conclusions: This study provides first observations on the inhibitory and anti-inflammtory effect of IL-35 on activated HMC-1 cells. We suggest that IL35 may play an inhibited role in the pathogenesis of CSU.
Establishment and verification of the nomogram that predicts the 3-year recurrence risk of epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Hu Jun , Jiao Xiaobing , Zhu Lirong , Guo Hongyan , Wu Yumei
Published: September 2020

Background As we all know, patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma have poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. It is critical and challenging to screen out the patients with high risk of recurrence. At present, there are some models predicting the overall survival of epithelial ovarian carcinoma, however, there is no widely accepted tool or applicable model predicting the recurrence risk of epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients. The objective of this study was to establish and verify a nomogram to predict the recurrence risk of EOC.Methods We reviewed the clinicopathological and prognostic data of 193 patients with EOC who achieved clinical complete remission after cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy between January 2003 and December 2013 in Peking University First Hospital. The nomogram was established with the risk factors selected by LASSO regression. The medical data of 187 EOC patients with 5-year standard follow-up in Peking University Third Hospital and Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital were used for external validation of the nomogram. AUC curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration.Results The nomogram for 3-year recurrence risk was established with FIGO stage, histological grade, histological type, lymph node metastasis status and serum CA125 level at diagnosis. The total score can be obtained by adding the grading values of these factors together. The C statistics was 0.828 [95% CI, 0.764-0.884] and the Chi-square value is 3.6 (P=0.731>0.05) with the training group. When the threshold value was set at 198, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and concordance index were 88.8%, 67.0%, 71.8%, 86.3% and 0.558 respectively. In the external validation, the C statistics was 0.803 [95%CI, 0.738-0.867] and the Chi-square value is 11.04 (P=0.135>0.05). With the threshold value of 198, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and concordance index of the nomogram were 75.7%, 77.0%, 83.2%, 67.9%, and 0.52 respectively.Conclusions We established and validated a nomogram to predict 3-year recurrence risk of patients with EOC who achieved clinical complete remission after cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. This nomogram with good discrimination and calibration might be useful for screening out the patients with high risk of recurrence.
Investigation the differences between the medical personnel’s and general population’s view on the doctor-patient relationship in China by a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sang Tianqing , Zhou Hongli , Li Muhan , Li Wenting , Shi Haibo , Chen Haibin , Zhou Hongguang
Published: September 2020

Background: Due to economic development and an increase in the aging population, the demand for medical resources is increasing. A good doctor-patient relationship (DPR) can optimize patients’ medical experience and improve treatment efficiency. The DPR, however, is currently in crisis in China. To explore ways to improve DPR, this study assessed the views on the status of the DPR, medical services, and the general situation of medical work among medical personnel (MP) and the general population (GP).Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted between December 2019 and March 2020, targeted the MP and the GP in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, and Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. A total of 154 MP and 329 GP answered a self-administered questionnaire through Questionnaire Star and WeChat apps. Wilcoxon's Sign Rank Test, Chi-square test, and frequency distributions and percentages were used to process the data.Results: Only 11.04% of the MP and 14.89% of the GP believed that the current DPR was harmonious. Moreover, 54.55% of the MP and 71.12% of the GP believed that the medical industry was a service industry. While 14.29% of the MP and 64.44% of the GP thought medical stuff earned high salaries, 19.48% of the MP and 47.11% of the GP wanted their children to be in the medical industry. The recognition of the current status of the DPR did not affect the GP’s preference for their children's practice (p<0.05). Most MP hoped to improve salaries (40.26%), followed by safety (17.53%) and social status (12.99%); only 8.44% of the MP wanted to improve the DPR.Conclusion: The MP’s and GP’s views on the current status of DPR, the importance of medical service attitudes, and the general sense of the medical industry were similar. However, there was a significant difference in the perception of the nature of medical services and the income of the people employed in the medical industry between the two groups. Balancing the expectations of patients in the medical industry and increasing public awareness of the actual situation in the medical industry may be a feasible way to improve the DPR.
Risk Factors for Exposure of Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Implants: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Edo Ayaka , Jian Koji , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: September 2020

Background: Glaucoma drainage implant exposure is one of the serious complications after glaucoma drainage implant surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for exposure of the device after implantation of a Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant.Methods: This is a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients who underwent Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery at the Hiroshima University Hospital between April 1, 2012 and October 31, 2016, and who were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. We examined the risk factors for implant exposure based on data obtained from the medical records, with particular focus on the differences in implant models.Results: A total of 80 eyes from 80 patients were identified; all patients were Japanese. In this study, the rate of Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant exposure was 15.0% (12 of 80). The exposure rate of the BG 102-350 was tended to be higher than that for the BG 101-350 and BG 103-250 (p=0.092; adjusted odds ratio=3.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–13.58). In the patients who had diabetic mellitus, the BG 102-350 showed a significant risk of implant exposure (p=0.038; adjusted odds ratio =15.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–202.59).Conclusions: In Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery in patients with diabetes, using the BG 102-350 was associated with greater risk of implant exposure compared with using BG 101-350 or BG 103-250.
Transcription strategies related to photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism of wheat in response to nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Liu Xin , Yin Chengmiao , Xiang Li , Jiang Weitao , Xu Shaozhuo , Mao Zhiquan
Published: September 2020

Background: It is a great challenge to reduce nitrogen application without yield reduction in agricultural production. Screening response gene related to important pathways will be helpful to understand the physiology, metabolism, and morphology response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under nitrogen deficiency condition. Results: We conducted a hydroponic experiment with two nitrogen levels, which were complete nutrient solution (N1) and nutrient solution without nitrogen (N0). The results showed that the wheat phenotype were greatly changed under nitrogen deficiency, e.g., the decreased crop height, leaf area, root volume, photosynthetic rate, crop weight, and the increased root length, root surface area and root/shoot ratio. After a comprehensive analysis of the phenotype, transcriptome, GO pathways and KEGG pathways of wheat under nitrogen deficiency, we found that, the up-regulated Exp (24 genes) and Nrt (9 genes) families members were the positive response related to the increase of nitrogen absorption; the down-regulated Pet (3 genes), Psb (8 genes), Nar (3 genes) and Nir (1 genes) were related to the limitation of photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Conclusions: This study provides 48 reference genes for improving photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism of wheat under nitrogen deficiency, which can provide molecular markers for gene editing breeding.
The effects of BMMSC treatment on lung degeneration in elderly macaques
Authors: Yang Yukun , Ruan Guangping , Li Ye , Wang Yanying , Tian Chuan , Wang Qiang , He Huanyu , Zhu Gaohong , Fang Dong , Wang Mao , ZHU Xiangqing , Pan Xinghua
Published: September 2020

Background: Age-related degeneration of lung tissues increases the risk of lung injury and exacerbates lung disease. It is also the main risk factor for chronic lung diseases (such as COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cancer, etc.).Methods: we performed systematic screening, evaluation of elderly macaque model. A senile multiple organ dysfunction model was used to explored whether BMMSCS could improve degeneration of lung tissues in an elderly macaque model.Results: Using model evaluation tests, we found that the average alveolar area, Mean linear intercept（MLI） and fibrosis area in the elderly macaque models were significantly larger than in young rhesus monkeys (P <0.05), and the capillary density around the alveoli was significantly lower than in young macaque models (P <0.05). Intraveous infusion of BMMSCS reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly macaque, increased the density of capillaries around the alveoli (P <0.05), and the number of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelium in elderly macaque (P <0.05). BMMSCS infusion reduced lung tissue ROS level, systemic and lung tissue inflammation level and Treg cell ratio in elderly macaque model（P＜0.05）. Indirect co-cultivation revealed that BMMSCS reduced the expression of senescence-related genes, ROS levels, apoptosis rate of aging type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells (A549 cells) and promoted their proliferation (P＜0.05).Conclusions: BMMSC treatment can improve age-related degeneration of macaque lung tissue
Molecular Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Structural Genes: Evidence of Positive Selection in the Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Zhan Xiao-Yong , Zhang Ying , Zhou Xuefu , Huang Ke , Qian Yichao , Leng Yang , Yan Leping , Huang Bihui , He Yulong
Published: September 2020

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic since early 2020 and remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Four structural genes, envelope (E), membrane (M), nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S), play a key role in controlling entry into human cells and virion assembly of SARS-CoV-2. The evolution of these genes may determine infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, but thus far, little is known about them. Methods: We analyzed 3090 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the GenBank database to determine the evolutionary patterns of the four structural genes by employing various molecular evolution algorithms. Results: Phylogenetic analyses showed that global SARS-CoV-2 isolates can be clustered into three to four major clades based upon protein sequence. Although intragenic recombination was not detected among different alleles, purifying selection has affected the evolution of these genes. By analyzing full genomic sequences of these alleles, our result revealed that codon 614 of the S glycoprotein has been subjected to a strong positive selection pressure, and a consistent D614G mutation was identified. Additionally, another potentially positive selection site at codon 5 in the signal sequence of the S protein was also identified with a consistent L5F mutation. The allele containing the D614G mutation has undergone significant expansion during SARS-CoV-2 transmission, implying a better adaptability of isolates with the mutation. Nevertheless, L5F allele expansion was found to be relatively restricted. The D614G mutation is located at subdomain 2 (SD2) of the C-terminal portion (CTP) of the S1 subunit. Protein structural modeling showed that the D614G mutation may cause the disruption of a salt bridge between S protein monomers and increase their flexibility, consequently promoting receptor binding domain (RBD) opening, virus attachment, and ultimately entry into host cells. Located at the signal sequence of S protein, the L5F mutation may facilitate protein folding, assembly, and secretion of the virus. Conclusions: This is the first reported evidence of positive Darwinian selection in the spike gene of SARS-CoV-2. This finding contributes to a broader understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of this virus, and provide insight for the development of novel therapeutic approaches, as well as the creation of effective vaccines, through targeting mutation sites.