bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of group A streptococcus recovered from patients in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Hongxin , Zhou Lin , Zhao Yong , Ma Lijuan , Liu Xiaoyan , Hu Jin
Published: April 2020

Background: Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important human pathogen responsible for a broad range of infections. Epidemiological surveillance has been crucial to detect changes in the geographical and temporal variation of the disease pattern. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular epidemiological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of GAS isolates from patients in Children’s Hospital in Beijing.
Methods: From 2016 to 2017, pharyngeal swab samples were collected from the outpatients in Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, who were diagnosed with scarlet fever. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed according to the distribution of conventional antibiotics and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. The distribution of the macrolide-resistance genes (ermB, ermA, mefA), emm (M protein-coding gene) typing, and superantigens (SAg) gene profiling were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: A total of 297 GAS isolates were collected. The susceptibility of the isolates to penicillin, ceftriaxone, and levofloxacin was 100%. The resistance rate to erythromycin and clindamycin was 98.3% and 96.6%, respectively. The dominant emm types were emm12 (65.32%), emm1 (27.61%), emm75 (2.69%), and emm89 (1.35%). Of the 297 isolates, 290 (97.64%) carried the ermB gene, and 5 (1.68%) carried the mefA gene, while none carried the ermA gene. The most common superantigen genes identified from GAS isolates were smeZ (96.97%), speC (92.59%), speG (91.58%), ssa (85.52%), speI (54.55%), speH (52.19%), and speA (34.34%). Isolates with the genotype emm1 possessed speA, speC, speG, speJ, speM, ssa, and smeZ, while emm12 possessed speC, speG, speH, speI, speM, ssa, and smeZ superantigens.
Conclusions: The prevalent strain of GAS isolates in Beijing has a high resistance rate to macrolides; however, penicillin can still be the preferred antibiotic for treatment. Erythromycin resistance was predominantly mediated by ermB. The common emm types were emm12 and emm1. There was a correlation between emm and the superantigen gene. Thus, long-term monitoring and investigation of the emm types and superantigen genes of GAS prevalence are imperative.
Mutations in domain V of Mycoplasma pneumoniae 23S rRNA are not associated with clinical characteristics of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a case control study
Authors: Deng Huan , Zhu Yifan , Zhang Jiamin , Rong Qiangquan , Quan Yao , Tang Heng , Zhao Deyu
Published: April 2020

Background
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common agent of community-acquired pneumonia in children and young adults that can lead to refractory or persistent Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Macrolide-resistant MP harbors point mutations in domain V of 23S ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid (rRNA) with substitutions detected at positions 2063, 2064, 2067 and 2617. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of mutations in domain V of MP 23S rRNA.
Methods
We sequenced the 23S rRNA domain V of MP strains collected from children with MPP. Clinical and laboratory data were also obtained, including gender, age, duration of fever, duration of fever after the start of macrolide therapy, MP-Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) load at enrollment, leukocyte count, neutrophil, and lymphocyte count, immunomodulators treatment and pulmonary complications.
Results
Of 276 strains, 255 (92.39 %) harbored A to G transition at the position 2063 (A2063G), and 21 (7.61 %) were not mutated. There were no significant differences in gender, age, duration of fever, duration of fever after the start of macrolide therapy, MP-DNA load at enrollment, hospitalization days, lymphocyte count and pulmonary complications when patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of domain V mutations. We also found that children with refractory MPP experienced higher MP-DNA load than the non-refractory MPP, but the prevalence of domain V mutations was no statistical difference.
Conclusions
We found that clinical MP strains harbored very high mutation rate in 23S rRNA domain V, especially A2063G mutation. However, these mutations were not associated with clinical symptoms, laboratory results, pulmonary complications and development of refractory MPP. Instead, MP-DNA load was significantly different between refractory and non-refractory MPP.
Evaluation on prognostic ability of serum uric acid for very old acute coronary syndrome patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiao Yang , Wang Jihang , Xi Qing , Yang Xia , Shen Mingzhi , Xue Hao , Guo Jun , Dong Wei , Chen Yundai , Fu Zhenhong
Published: April 2020

Background and aims

This study sought to evaluate the prognostic power of serum uric acid (UA) in predicting adverse events of very old acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Patients and methods

This analysis involved 718 ACS patients >80 years old who were collected general clinical data and baseline blood biochemical indicators prospectively from January 2006 to December 2012, and these patients were classified into two groups based on DM, then followed up after discharge. Kaplan–Meier method was performed for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates and all-cause mortality. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to analyze the relationship between UA level and long-term clinical prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was analyzed to predict the cutoff value of UA of the very old ACS patients with DM.

Results

There were 242 and 476 patients in groups DM and non-DM(NDM) and the follow-up time after discharge was 40-120 months (median: 63 months; interquartile range: 51–74 months). The differences in all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality and MACE rates in DM and NDM patients between the control group were statistically significant (P=0.001). All-cause mortality, cardiac mortality and MACE incidence in DM patients with moderate and high UA level were significantly higher than those in control group (P=0.001). There were statistically significant differences in long-term survival rates among the ACS groups (P=0.001), and long-term survival rates decreased significantly with the increase of UA level. UA (OR=2.106, 95%CI=1.244-3.568, P=0.006) was found to be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and MACE in very old ACS patients with DM. The cutoff value of UA was 353.6μmol/L (sensitivity: 67.4%; specificity: 65.7%). The elevation of serum UA level play an important role in predicting the development of all-cause mortality in elderly ACS patients with DM.

Conclusion

Serum UA level is a strong independent predictor of long-term all-cause death and MACE in very old ACS patients with DM.
Plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and tocopherol statuses and their relationships with aging-related diseases
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Liu Meilin , Chen Xiahuan , Huang Bo , Ou Weimei
Published: April 2020

Background: The beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and tocopherols remain controversial. This study was conducted to examine the plasma levels of different analogues of omega-3 PUFAs and tocopherols, and to evaluate their relationships with aging-related diseases. Methods: 136 consecutive men with the median age of 70 (ranging from 50 to 97) years old were recruited. Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol were measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Plasma omega-3 PUFAs were positively correlated with α- and γ-tocopherol (p<0.01), while the relationships between omega-3 PUFAs and δ-tocopherol were not significant (p>0.05). Increasing age was the most profound risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), hypertension and these comorbidities (p<0.01). Age had positive associations with certain atherosclerotic parameters, including carotid intima-media thickness (p=0.046), carotid artery plague area (p<0.001) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (p<0.001). In these observed isoforms, only γ-tocopherol had a mild inverse correlation with age (p=0.002). High plasma α-tocopherol concentration served as a potential protective factor for CAD (odds ratio [OR] 0.65; 95% CI 0.48-0.89; p=0.006), and was inversely associated with maximum systolic internal carotid artery (ICA) velocity (p=0.011). Plasma DHA concentration was negatively associated with carotid artery plague area (p=0.028) and ICA velocity (p=0.006), while its correlations with atherosclerosis diseases, including CAD and CAS, were not significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: Age is positively correlated with atherosclerosis, hypertension and comorbidities. Alpha-tocopherol may be a protective factor for atherosclerosis, while the correlations between omega-3 PUFAs and atherosclerosis were not significant.
Market orientations, product innovation and organizational performance: A case study on selected beer factories found in Ethiopia
Authors: Fentaw Nigist Kelemu
Published: April 2020

Overview was led to explore the relationship between advertise direction, creation process, item execution, authoritative execution and budgetary execution. The motivation behind this overview was to research connections among showcase direction, dispatch technique, item execution, hierarchical execution, gainfulness and budgetary execution. Target populaces were representatives of chose Ethiopian lager processing plants BGI Ethiopia who are as of now devouring the item; from which test was resolved through critical inspecting strategy. Asked information was gathered by means of study poll, direct relapse examination was led to check the relationship among driving variable. At last it was discovered that organizations' gainfulness and money related execution are being impacted by advertise direction, dispatch technique, item execution and hierarchical execution. Firms are prescribed to concentrate on improving business sector direction, dispatch system, item execution and hierarchical execution to support productivity and budgetary execution.
Genome-wide analysis of NAAT, DMAS, TOM, and ENA gene families in maize reveals their roles in regulating iron homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhou Xiaojin , Li Suzhen , Huang Jiaxing , Pang Sen , Chen Rumei
Published: April 2020

Background: Nicotianamine (NA) serves as not only the major chelator for iron transport but also the intermediate for synthesizing mugineic acid family phytosiderophores (MAs) which are secreted by graminaceous plants for Fe uptake. Therefore, the production and secretion of MAs are key steps for maintaining iron homeostasis in plants. Nicotianamine aminotransferase (NAAT), 2’-deoxymugineic acid synthase (DMAS), MAs efflux transporter (TOM), and efflux transporter of NA (ENA) were identified to be involved in these processes in rice and barley, whereas little systematic study has been performed in maize (Zea mays.L). Results: Here, we identified five ZmNAAT, nine ZmDMAS, eleven ZmTOM, and two ZmENA genes in maize by genome mining. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the expression of these genes exhibited diverse tissue specificity and different responses to environmental iron conditions. Moreover, the expression patterns were related to their evolution relationships. In particular, the ZmNAAT family can be classified into two subgroups, with one group showed inhibited expression in root under iron excess status and another subclass were repressed in shoot under both iron deficiency and excess. Likewise, the expression of ZmDMAS1 was stimulated under iron deficiency, while the remaining genes fell into two sub-clades with different expression patterns. Significant up-regulation of ZmTOM1, ZmTOM3 and ZmENA1 were observed under iron starvation, while ZmTOM2 was induced under both iron-excess and deficiency. These results reflect changing demands for the synthesis and secretion of NA/MAs to balance iron homeostasis under fluctuating conditions. All the examined ZmNAAT and ZmDMAS proteins localized in cytoplasm, while plasma and tonoplast membrane, endomembrane, and vesicle localization were observed for ZmTOM and ZmENA proteins. These results indicate that ZmTOM and ZmENA proteins may contribute to not only intercellular export but also intracellular sequestration of NA and MAs to facilitate iron homeostasis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that different gene expression profiles and subcellular localization of ZmNAAT, ZmDMAS, ZmTOM, and ZmENA members may enable dedicate regulation of NA and phytosiderophores (PS) metabolism, shedding light on the understanding of iron-homeostasis in maize. Additionally, we also provided candidate genes for breeding iron-rich maize varieties.
Impact of HIV-1 Vpr manipulation of the DNA repair enzyme UNG2 on B lymphocyte class switch recombination
Authors: Eldin Patrick , Péron Sophie , Galashevskaya Anastasia , Denis-Lagache Nicolas , Cogné Michel , Slupphaug Geir , Briant Laurence
Published: April 2020

Background
HIV-1 Vpr encodes a 14 kDa protein that has been implicated in viral pathogenesis through modulation of several host cell functions. In addition to pro-apoptotic and cytostatic properties, Vpr can redirect cellular E3 ubiquitin ligases (such as DCAF1-Cul4A E3 ligase complex) to target many host proteins and interfere with their functions. Among them, Vpr binds the uracil DNA glycosylase UNG2, which controls genome uracilation, and induces its specific degradation leading to loss of uracil removal activity in infected cells. Considering the essential role of UNG2 in antibody diversification in B cells, we evaluated the impact of Vpr on UNG2 fate in B lymphocytes and examined the functional consequences of UNG2 modulations on class switch recombination (CSR).
Methods
The impact of Vpr-induced UNG2 deregulation on CSR proficiency was evaluated by using virus-like particles able to deliver Vpr protein to target cells including the murine model CSR B-cell line CH12F3 and mouse primary B-cells. Co-culture experiments were used to re-examine the ability of Vpr to be released by HIV-1 infected cells and to effectively accumulate in bystander B cells. Vpr-mediated UNG2 modulations were monitored by following UNG2 protein abundance and uracil removal enzymatic activity.
Results
In this study we report the ability of Vpr to reduce immunoglobulin class switch recombination (CSR) in immortalized and primary mouse B cells through the degradation of UNG2. We also emphasize that Vpr is released by producing cells and penetrates bystander B lymphocytes.
Conclusions
This work therefore opens up new perspectives to study alterations of the B-cell response by using Vpr as a specific CSR blocking tool. Moreover, our results raise the question of whether extracellular HIV-1 Vpr detected in some patients may manipulate the antibody diversification process that engineers an adapted response against pathogenic intruders.
The comparison of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy versus portal vein embolization in postoperative outcomes and complications for the treatment of liver cancer with insufficient future liver remnant: a Meta analysis and systematic review
Authors: Zhou Quanyu , Xia Yuxiao , Lei Zehua
Published: April 2020

Background: This study evaluated the feasibility, safety and effectiveness in patients treated with associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and portal vein embolization (PVE) for the treatment of liver malignant tumors with insufficient future liver remnant (FIR). Method: We performed a computer search on the PubMed databases to retrieve the RCT or clinical trials comparing ALPPS and PVE published from January 2010 to January 2020. The quality of the included trials was assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two researchers independently. The RevMan 5.3 and STATA 12.0 software were used to extract and analyze the data. Result: A total of 11 retroprospective clinical trial articles comprising 867 patients were included in the study. The number of patients who underwent ALPPS were 247 and 620 for PVE. There were significant differences (P <0.05) in the second stage hepatectomy［OR=11.25, 95%CI: 5.64~22.43, Z=6.87, P＜0.001］, the sufficient FLR growth［MD=46.85, 95% CI:4~89.70, Z=2.41, P=0.03］, the time to stage II operation (MD=-22.85, 95% CI:-33.87~-11.84, Z=4.07, P＜0.001) and rate of R0 resection［OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.07~4.90, Z=2.13, P=0.03］between the two groups. However, no significant differences were observed between ALPPS and PVE in terms of mortality within 90 days of perioperative period, overall postoperative complication rate, incidence of postoperative liver failure and postoperative hospital stay (P＞0. 05). Conclusion: Compared with PVE, The ALPPS procedure was associated with good postoperative outcomes with insufficient FLR. However, the clinical application of ALPPS and PVE has some limitations. Large, multicenter prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.
Role for ovarian hormones in purinoceptor-dependent natriuresis
Authors: Gohar Eman , Kasztan Malgorzata , Zhang Shali , Inscho Edward W , Pollock David M
Published: April 2020

Background: Premenopausal women have a lower risk of hypertension compared to age-matched men and postmenopausal women. P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 purinoceptor can be considered potential contributors to hypertension due to their emerging roles in regulating renal tubular Na + transport. Activation of these receptors inhibits epithelial Na + channel activity (ENaC) via a phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent pathway resulting in natriuresis. We recently reported that activation of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 receptors in the renal medulla by UTP promotes natriuresis in male and ovariectomized (OVX) rats, but not in ovary-intact females. This led us to hypothesize that ovary-intact females have greater basal renal medullary activity of P2 (P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 ) receptors regulating Na + excretion compared to male and OVX rats. Methods: To test our hypothesis, we determined (i) the effect of inhibiting medullary P2 receptors by suramin (750 μg/kg/min) on urinary Na + excretion in anesthetized male, ovary-intact female and OVX Sprague Dawley rats, (ii) mRNA expression and protein abundance of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 receptors and (iii) mRNA expression of their downstream effectors (PLC-1d and ENaCa) in renal inner medullary tissues obtained from these three groups. We also subjectedcultured mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells (segment 3, mIMCD3) to different concentrations of 17ß-estradiol(E 2 , 0, 10, 100 and 1000 nM) to test whether E 2 increases mRNA expression of P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 receptors. Results: Acute P2 inhibition attenuated urinary Na + excretion in ovary-intact females, but not in male or OVX rats.We found that P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 mRNA expression was higher in the inner medulla from females compared to males or OVX. Inner medullary lysates showed that ovary-intact females have higher P2Y 2 receptor protein abundance, compared to males, however, OVX did not eliminate this sex difference. We also found that E 2 dose-dependently upregulated P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 mRNA expression in mIMCD3. Conclusion: These data suggest that females have enhanced P2Y 2 and P2Y 4 -dependent regulation of Na + handling in the renal medulla, compared to male and OVX rats. We speculate that the P2 pathway contributes to facilitated renal Na + handling in premenopausal females.
Plasma metabolic profiling of the patients with silicosis and asbestosis: a case-control study
Authors: Zhou Mi , Xue Changjiang , Fan Yali , Wu Na , Ma Jing , Ye Qiao
Published: April 2020

Background Silicosis and asbestosis are types of pneumoconiosis with distinct clinical characteristics and underlying metabolisms, induced by inhalation of silica and asbestos, respectively. However, metabolic profiling involved in the diseases is still unknown. The plasma metabolic profiling was compared among silicosis, asbestosis and healthy controls.Methods In a case-control study, plasma was collected from 30 patients with silicosis, 30 patients with asbestosis and 20 healthy controls. Metabolic profiling was carried out using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Metabolic networks and the biological relevances of the identified metabolic derangements were identified using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database.Results Compared with the healthy controls, 37and 39 metabolites were detected in the plasma of patients with silicosis and asbestosis, respectively, of which 22 metabolites were present in both silicosis and asbestosis. These metabolites were mainly lipid, amino acid and carnitine. The plasma metabolites in silicosis included 23 lipids, 6 amino acids and 8 carnitines, of which 13 lipids, 4 amino acids and 7 carnitines were up-regulated, respectively. Similarly, 11 out of 13 lipids, 11 out of 14 amino acids, and 12 out of 12 differentially expressed carnitines were up-regulated in asbestosis patients. The expression levels of 22 metabolites differed significantly between the patients with silicosis and asbestosis. Three major common pathways were identified among the three groups, including arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and alanine, aspartateand glutamate metabolism.The KEGG database identified arginine and proline metabolism as the most closely related metabolic pathway.Conclusions Metabolic profiling of silicosis and asbestosis identified lipids, aminoacids and carnitines that were common to both groups, but the types and quantities of the up-regulated substances differed between the groups. Pathways inducing lung inflammation and fibrosis are common in both diseases, while pathways related to oxidative stress and tumorigenic are different between silicosis and asbestosis.
Distinct immunoreactions after microwave ablation of primary tumor with different heating parameters in VX2 tumor model
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Hui , Qian Mengjia , Chen Hao , Ma Ge , Yu Muxin , Pan Hong , Xie Hui , Zhao Yi , Ling Lijun , Wang Shui , Zhou Wenbin
Published: April 2020

Background: Thermal ablations of solid tumors in situ can activate the immune system and produce a specific immune response against tumor. Microwave ablation (MWA) with different parameters can ablate tumors with similar sizes and cause different local inflammatory effects. Our aim was to determine whether MWA of primary tumor in different energy modes can induce different immunological effects. Methods: Seventy rabbits with VX2 tumors implanted subcutaneously underneath the right second nipple were treated with high-power MWA (40W×1 minute), low-power MWA (20W×2 minutes), surgical resection, or left without treatment as control. Survival time was evaluated by log-rank test. On day 14 after ablation, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the T-cell immune responses. Besides, the cytokine patterns were also identified from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Tumor eradication was achieved completely in MWA groups as proven by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diapforase (NADH-diaphorase) staining. The rabbits in the control group showed significantly more pulmonary metastases and poorer survival than the three treatment groups; however, no significant difference was observed among three treatment groups. MWA groups induced more intratumoral and systemic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than the control group. MWA caused more systemic CD4+ T cells than operation. High-power MWA induced more intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and systemic CD4+ T cells than low-power MWA. MWA induced increased levels of IL-2, IL-12 and decreased levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 compared with control group. Importantly, a significant higher level of serum IL-12 was found in high-power MWA than that in low-power MWA group. Conclusions: High-power MWA induced enhanced Th1-type immune response in comparison to low-power MWA. High-power MWA may be selected for the treatment of solid tumors, although future studies are still needed to confirm our results.
WITHDRAWN: Exploratory Study of [18F]fluciclovine PET/CT for Response Assessment to Docetaxel in Patients with Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Akintayo Akinyemi A , Bilen Mehmet A , Abiodun-Ojo Olayinka A , Kucuk Omer , Carthon Bradley , Chen Zhengjia , Jani Ashesh B , Parent Ephraim E , Schuster David M
Published: April 2020

Background The ability to accurately monitor response to treatment in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) on chemotherapy has been a challenge. Conventional methods of therapy response assessment have limitations and molecular imaging has been explored as an important alternative. We set out t o determine if anti-1-amino-3-anti-1-amino-3-[18F]-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid ([18F]fluciclovine) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) changes reflect response to docetaxel chemotherapy in mCRPC. Results Seven patients with mCRPC were enrolled. Each patient was scheduled to have [18F]fluciclovine PET/CT at baseline, and after 1 and 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Uptake parameters were recorded in the prostate/bed and up to 10 metastatic lesions. Decrease in uptake of ≥30% was considered response (R); appearance of new lesions or >30% increase in uptake was progressive disease (PD); and change of < 30% uptake was stable disease (SD). Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was obtained at baseline and before each cycle. Bone scintigraphy and CT were acquired at baseline and after the 6th cycle. Assessment of response was based on Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial Working Group 3 recommendations. Correlation between [18F]fluciclovine uptake and time to PSA progression was also determined. All patients completed the 1 st and 2 nd [18F]fluciclovine PET/CT, while 4/7 patients completed all 3 scans. PET response correlated with PSA response in 3/7 (42.9%) patients and 3/4 (75%) patients after 1 and 6 cycles of docetaxel, respectively. Bone scan and CT correlated with PSA response in 1/4 (25%) patients. Mean SUVmax and SUVmean were significantly higher in patients with progressive disease versus non-progressive disease after 6 cycles of docetaxel (p<0.05), but not at baseline or after 1 cycle of docetaxel. There was non-significant correlation of changes in [18F]fluciclovine uptake with changes in PSA after 1 and 6 cycles of docetaxel. There was no significant correlation between PET parameters and time to PSA progression. Conclusion [18F]fluciclovine PET/CT has better correlation than CT or bone scan with PSA response for patients with mCRPC treated with docetaxel. [18F]fluciclovine PET/CT did not predict time to PSA progression. Larger studies exploring the utility of [18F]fluciclovine PET for response assessment are recommended.
Acute bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis as an extra-hepatic manifestation of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection: A case report
Authors: Azimi Ali , Shirvani Mohammad , Hosseini Shahla , Bazojoo Vahid , Masihpour Nasrin , mohaghegh sahar
Published: April 2020

Infections are the most important and vision-threatening causes of anterior uveitis which should be rule out by history taking and detailed physical examination combined with guided work up. We report a rare case of bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis following hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in an immunocompetent patient. A 35-year-old male presented to our center with chief complaints of pain and redness of both eyes from 3 days prior to presentation. The patient’s medical and drug history were unremarkable. He had history of river water consumption 20 days prior to presentation. Acute bilateral granulomatous anterior uveitis was diagnosed and all routine work up for finding the etiology of the disease was unremarkable except for the serology for acute HAV infection which was positive. The patient was managed with the topical steroid and cycloplegic for two weeks without recurrence in one-year follow up. Extra-hepatic complications of HAV were reported in previous studies include arthritis, urticaria, myocarditis, nephritis, and myositis. The mechanism of extra-hepatic complication of hepatitis A is unknown, however immune-complex deposition is most likely etiological cause. Our report represents a rare condition of sudden onset with limited duration anterior granulomatous uveitis as a presented manifestation of HAV infection. Previous studies do not provide a direct evidence of granulomatous uveitis associated with the HAV infection.
Propofol inhibits inflammatory response by regulating the miR-494/ Nrdp1 pathway in ICH mice model
Authors: Liu Shudong , Li Wenyan , Shi Hui , Tang Ge , Zhang Jiangwei , Yang Zhao
Published: April 2020

Background: Propofol is an anesthetic agent with neuro-protective effect in neuronal injury. However, the mechanism of propofol in M1 macrophage polarization following ICH has not been well studied. Ubiquitination mediated M1/M2 macrophage polarization plays important roles in pathogenesis of immune disease. The experiment analyzed anti-inflammatory effects of propofol in macrophages following ICH. Methods: In the experiment, macrophages were administrated with erythrocyte lysates, and then miR-494, Nrdp1 and M1 related markers were analyzed. In addition, brain inflammatory response, brain edema, and neurological functions of ICH mice were also assessed. Results: We found that propofol decreased miR-494 levels while increased Nrdp1 levels in macrophages after ICH. We also demonstrated that miR-494 inhibited Nrdp1 expression by directly binding its 3′-untranslated region. MiR-494 attenuated Nrdp1 levels and downstream proinflammatory factors production. Upregulation of Nrdp1 in macrophages significantly decreased M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that propofol can attenuate the neuroinflammatory response of macrophages after ICH through regulation of the miR-494/Nrdp1 pathway.
Mobile cancer preventive and early detection clinic in Uganda: Working with local communities as partners towards bridging the cancer health disparity
Authors: Jatho Alfred , Mugisha Noleb Mugume , Kafeero James , Holoya George , Okuku Fred , Niyonzima Nixon
Published: April 2020

Background As high-income countries experience over-diagnosis of cancer diseases, the low-income countries are characterized by under-diagnosis or no diagnosis of even the most prevalent cancers. The Comprehensive Community Cancer Program (CCCP) is a community health unit of the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) that coordinates and implements primary prevention of cancer and early detection in Uganda. CCCP provides cancer information and screening services at UCI, in rural communities through mobile outreaches, mass media cancer awareness and training health workers on cancer prevention and early detection. We explored the feasibility and benefit of conducting outreaches in partnership with local communities.Methods We analyzed the quarterly UCI-CCCP cancer health education and screening output report data form July 2016 to June 2019 to compare UCI-hospital-based and community outreach cancer awareness and screening services.Results From July 2016 to June 2019, we worked with 107 local partners and conducted 151 outreaches. Out of the total number of people who attended cancer health education sessions, 77.9% were reached through outreaches. Ninety-two (95%) cancer awareness TVs and radio talk-shows conducted were sponsored by local partners. Out of the total people screened; 63.0% cervical, 64.4% breast and 38.7% prostate screening clients were screened through outreaches. The screen-positive rates were higher in hospital-based screening except for Prostate screening; cervical, 8.8%, breast, 8.4% prostate, 7.1 than in outreaches; cervical, 3.2%, breast, 2.2%, prostate, 8.2%). Out of the screened positive clients who were eligible for pre-cancer treatment like cryotherapy for treatment of pre-cervical cancer lesions, thousands-folds monetary value and productive life saved relative to the market cost of cancer treatment and survival rate in Uganda. When the total number of clients screened for cervical, breast and prostate cancer are subjected to the incremental cost of specific screening, a greater portion (98.7%) of the outreach cost was absorbed through community partnership.Conclusions Outreaching and working in collaboration with communities as partners help in cost-sharing and leverage for scarce resources to promote primary prevention and early detection of cancer. This contributes to bridging cancer health disparity in the population.
Agricultural Pesticides used by small-scale farmers in Kenya: What are the experiences of the farmers?
Authors: Soko Jacob Jeketule
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Several crops are grown in Kenya for commercial and subsistence purposes. However, pests have become a major threat to farming. To address this, farmers use different kinds of pesticides. While it is a fact that pesticides are heavily used, there is scanty literature on the nature and types of pesticides used by small scale farmers in Kenya. Further, the extent to which the integrated pest management plan is used is not known. Therefore, this survey sought to explore major crops grown in Kenya, pests affecting them, nature of agricultural pesticides used, and finally, the effectiveness of the agricultural pest control methods used by small scale farmers.Methods: This was a descriptive study. 95 respondents from different counties in Kenya participated in this study. A self-administered questionnaire which comprised of open-ended and close-ended questions were used in data collection.Findings: The studies revealed that farmers practiced subsistence farming. Major pests affecting crops were insects and rodents. Pests majorly affected crops while they were on the farm. Most of the agricultural pesticides used by the respondents were insecticides and rodenticides. The study established that artificial pesticides are more effective and most preferred than home-made pesticides.Recommendations: The study recommends the adoption of integrated pest management, organic farming, and communal approaches to pest control. It further recommends training on best practices of agriculture.
D-dimer as a biomarker for disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients: a case control study
Authors: Yao Yumeng , Cao Jiatian , Wang Qingqing , Liu Kai , Luo Zhe , Yu Kaihuan , Chen Xiang , Hu Bijie , Huang Zheyong
Published: April 2020

Background: Over 240000 cases of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been reported since Dec. 2019. We aim to assess the use of D-dimer as a biomarker for disease severity and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of 248 consecutive cases of COVID-19 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China from Jan 28 to Mar 08, 2020. Correlations of D-dimer upon admission with clinical staging, radiological staging, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff level for D-dimer that discriminated those survivors versus non-survivors during hospitalization. Results: D-dimer elevation (≥0.50mg/L) was seen in 74.6% (185/248) of the patients. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were ruled out in patients with high probability of thrombosis. D-dimer levels significantly increased with increasing severity of COVID-19 as determined by clinical staging (Kendall's tau_b = 0.374, P=0.000) and chest CT staging (Kendall's tau_b = 0.378, P=0.000). In-hospital mortality rate was 6.9%. Median D-dimer level in non-survivors (n=17) was significantly higher than in survivors (n=231) [6.21 (3.79-16.01) mg/L versus 1.02 (0.47-2.66) mg/L, P=0.000]. D-dimer level of >2.14 mg/L predicted in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 88.2% and specificity of 71.3% (AUC 0.85; 95% CI=0.77-0.92).Conclusions: D-dimer is commonly elevated in patients with COVID-19. D-dimer levels correlate with disease severity and is a reliable prognostic marker for in-hospital mortality in patients admitted for COVID-19.
Clinical course and features of critical patients with COVID-19: a single-center, retrospective study from Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital
Authors: He Huisi , Jin Zhichao , Ren Yibin , Wang Junxue , Wen Wen , Miao Yushan , Qi Xuewei , Shang Taiyu , Zhang Chenxu , Wang Hongyang , Li Weiqin , Zhang Xijing , Tang Hao
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims: The coronavirus pandemic has become a growing public health concern worldwide, and there are insufficient epidemiological data on critical illness. We sought to investigate the clinical course and features of critical patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Method: The data on 94 critical patients from 8th February through 16th March 2020, including demographic and clinical information, were obtained from the intensive care unit (ICU) of Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital. A cross-sectional survey and comparisons of key biomarkers between survivors and nonsurvivors were performed.Results: Over the study period, 42 nonsurvivors and 52 survivors were included. The overall case fatality rate for critical patients with COVID-19 was approximately 45%. The average age was 69.17±9.55 years, and the majority had underlying health problems such as hypertension (56[60%]) and diabetes (18[19%]). The median length of ICU stay was 8 days (IQR 4, 13). Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors were more likely to develop sepsis (42[100%] vs. 34[65%]), acute respiratory distress syndrome (40[95%] vs. 28[54%]) and organ dysfunction. In addition, the dynamic changes in some biomarkers were significantly different between the two groups. The trajectories of temperature revealed that the group with a high temperature on admission that steadily declined had the highest percentage of deaths (93.33%).Conclusion: Patients aged 60 years or older with many concomitant diseases were at highest risk, and the fatality rate started to increase with age. Lymphocyte, platelet, C-reactive protein and hypersensitivity troponin I were revealed to have potential as prognostic factors, whereas some other biomarkers, such as hepatic enzymes, may not offer additional information. Moreover, patients with high temperatures on admission should receive extra care.
GENETIC DIAGNOSTICS AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF WILSON’S DISEASE IN CHILDREN
Authors: Haiboniuk Ivanna , Dats-Opoka Marta , Makukh Halyna , Boyko Yaryna , Kiselyk Igor
Published: April 2020

A disorder of copper metabolism at Wilson’s disease (WD), conditioned by a mutation of adenosine thriphospate P-type gene (ATP7B), results in irreversible changes in the liver and in the nervous system. Mortality is high at WD, but it is one of hereditary diseases, well subjected to the therapy. The disease is manifested in the early age, but its clinical course in children is symptomless that essentially complicates diagnostics. A single reliable method is genetic analysis for revealing mutations in ATP7B gene.

The aim of the work was to analyze clinical manifestations and course of Wilson’s disease cases, genetically verified in children by detecting mutations of ATP7B gene.

The research group included children of 6-17 years old with different injury degrees of the hepatobiliary system. According to results of the molecular-genetic analysis, the most spread allele variant of ATP7B gene (H1069Q) in Europe was confirmed in 10 patients of child age, including 4 cases of homozygosity.

In 10 cases of the confirmed diagnosis of Wilson’s disease in child age in 100% (in all 10) of persons, a clinical manifestation was characterized by disorders from the hepatobiliary system, and only in 1 (10 %) – changes from the nervous system. At raising the level of transaminase in children, even at the normal bilirubin level and negative tests for viral hepatitis, it is recommended to carry out genetic testing for Wilson’s disease
Field theories with a vector global symmetry
Authors: Seiberg Nathan
Published: April 2020

Motivated by recent discussions of fractons, we explore nonrelativistic field theories with a continuous global symmetry, whose charge is a spatial vector. We present several such symmetries and demonstrate them in concrete examples. They differ by the equations their Noether currents satisfy. Simple cases, other than the translation symmetry, are an ordinary (relativistic) one-form global symmetry and its nonrelativistic generalization. In the latter case the conserved charge is associated with a codimension-one spatial manifold, but it is not topological. More general examples involve charges that are integrated over the entire space. We also discuss the coupling of these systems to gauge fields for these symmetries. We relate our examples to known continuum and lattice constructions.
Gendered perceptions of professional development in academia: evidence from a Ukrainian university
Authors: Tsymbaliuk Svitlana , Kurchenko Lina , Tokar Volodymyr , Vinska Oksana , Shkoda Tetiana
Published: April 2020

The aim of the article is to study the impact of gender on the professional development of university teachers and their motivation for professional advancement. The article analyzes gendered perceptions of the professional development in the Ukrainian academic sector based on the survey of teachers from Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman (KNEU) (Ukraine). The respondents provided their assessment of conditions that support or destroy their academic careers. The findings showed significant divergence in gendered perceptions and attitudes toward motives, conditions and results of professional development at the university. Although all staff members were unanimously confident in their professionalism, the degree of satisfaction, perception of fairness and willingness to engage in management through initiatives was significantly lower among women. Female academics expressed a greater need for mentoring, while men showed greater interest in material incentives. Impressively, 11% of women versus 0% of men believe that their gender is an obstacle to their career. The study findings require the inclusion of gender aspects in the university’s development strategy and ensuring equal opportunities at all stages of HR management in academia.
Oxidation of salicylic acid in water by the O3 and UV/O3 processes: removal and reaction byproducts
Authors: Jing Chang , Shaopo Wang , Yaxue Zhang , Yibo Wang , Wenjuan Zhang , Jinfeng Lu , Zhe Wang
Published: April 2020

In this study, the removal of salicylic acid (SA) in water by ozone (O3) and ultraviolet/ozone (UV/O3) processes was investigated. Results showed that more than 50% of SA (10 mg/L) could be effectively removed after 1 min during these two processes. However, the UV/O3 process was much more effective than the O3 process for SA mineralization, and the total organic carbon reduction after 30 min was 69.5% and 28.1%, respectively. In the two processes, the optimum pH value for SA removal was 4.3, while that for SA mineralization was 10.0. Both bicarbonate and dissolved organic carbon significantly inhibited SA removal during the two processes. Eleven oxidation byproducts were detected in O3 process, but only four byproducts were observed in UV/O3 process. Three hydroxylation aromatic products were identified as the initial byproducts during SA degradation. Glyoxylic acid monohydrate, glycolic acid, and oxalic acid were accumulated in O3 process but not observed in UV/O3 process. Oxalic acid was the only detected small molecular byproduct in UV/O3 process, and it could be further mineralized, thereby indicating that UV/O3 had a greater potential for degrading both SA and its reaction byproducts.
Satisfacción de necesidades básicas en Baja California: mitos y realidades
Authors: Ortega Villa Guadalupe
Published: April 2020

Este trabajo tiene como propósito revisar los estudios que evalúan la satisfacción de necesidades básicas en nuestro país, destacando la posición que guarda Baja California en el contexto nacional, para después contrastar los resultados con un estudio que aborda exclusivamente el caso bajacaliforniano, y matizar los resultados que para esta entidad se reportan en los estudios de cobertura nacional. Finalmente, se presentan algunos comentarios en torno a la posición de dicha entidad en el conjunto del país y a los indicadores utilizados.
Los intermediarios financieros en México: posibles escenarios en el marco TLC
Authors: Boncheva Antonina
Published: April 2020

La posibilidad que abre el TLC a las instituciones financieras de Estados Unidos y Canadá para penetrar al mercado mexicano, es muy importante, su presencia puede aumentar la competencia en el sector financiero elevando la eficiencia y bajando los márgenes financieros. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los lineamientos del Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte en lo que se refiere a las instituciones financieras y la incidencia que puede tener la penetración de éstas al mercado financiero mexicano, con un énfasis particular sobre los intermediarios financieros no bancarios. El artículo llega a la conclusión de que, con la entrada en vigor del TLC empieza una nueva fase de internacionalización del sistema financiero mexicano, que implica la entrada a instituciones financieras extranjeras, la mayor parte de las cuales son intermediarios financieros no bancarios, que gozan de mayores beneficios dentro de los reglamentos de este tratado.
La reforestación de tijuana, Baja California como un mecanismo de reducción de riesgos naturales
Authors: Ojeda Revah Lina , Álvarez Guadalupe
Published: April 2020

El medio físico en el que se asienta la ciudad de Tijuana presenta ciertas características que hacen muy compleja su problemática ambiental. Es una zona vulnerable a inundaciones, en la que por su formación geológica existen derrumbes potenciales, los cuales aumentan debido a que también es una zona sensible desde el punto de vista sísmico. Asimismo, la vegetación que rodea a la ciudad ha evolucionado adaptándose a incendios naturales frecuentes por lo que requiere de ellos para su permanencia. El estilo de desarrollo urbano al igual que el concepto restringido de lo que constituyen las áreas verdes de Tijuana han acrecentado el grado de riesgo a este tipo de perturbaciones naturales. De hecho, según el XIV Ayuntamiento de Tijuana, 40% de la población de la ciudad vive en zonas de alto riesgo. Con base en lo anterior se propone una estrategia de forestación urbana, orientada especialmente hacia las laderas, creando una red de áreas verdes, con la finalidad de disminuir los riesgos a los que la población está expuesta por inundaciones, deslaves y derrumbes, a la vez que se mantengan los flujos naturales y se reduzca el actual déficit de áreas verdes.
La autogestión de usuarios hidroagrícolas del valle de Mexicali. Efectos del proceso de transferencia
Authors: Cortez Lara Alfonso Andrés
Published: April 2020

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados parciales de investigación sobre las implicaciones agroproductivas y ambientales de la política de modernización del campo en el valle de Mexicali. La vertiente analizada, arroja que el proceso de transferencia del distrito de riego a los usuarios tomó distintos significados en los diferentes periodos de inicio, estabilización y consolidación después de cinco años de su formalización. Contraria a la postura inicial, en la actualidad los usuarios consideran que fue benéfico y que tiende a desarrollar su capacidad de autogestión, sobre todo para operar el agua y la infraestructura. No obstante, se encuentra que aún existen diversas limitaciones de índole organizacional principalmente, referidas a capacitación gerencial de los usuarios, coordinación interna e institucional, desarrollo organizativo y normatividad, aspectos que resultan determinantes del lento avance en el logro de los objetivos centrales de la transferencia: autosuficiencia y uso eficiente del agua.