bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isometric Strength Database for Muscle Maximal Voluntary Endurance Field Tests: Normative Data.
Authors: Janik Frédérick , Toulotte Claire , Seichepine Anne Laure , Masquelier Bernadette , Barbier Fabienne , Fabre Claudine
Published: August 2020

Background: Different field tests are used to evaluate muscular capacity, in particular maximal voluntary endurance. However, although there are some normative values for a few muscle endurance tests, these do not consider the mass, size or age of individuals, which are well-known factors that influence muscle performance.Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of 8 field tests and establish muscle endurance norms, in an healthy population, based on their anthropometric characteristics which could permit to evaluate at best the entire muscle function in a quick manner.Design:Case series. Methods:This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was to check the reproducibility inter- and intra-assessor for 8 isometric muscle fields tests on twenty volunteered subjects age of 40.9 ± 11.6 years old. The second part was to establish muscle maximal voluntary endurance norms according of these tests on a total of 400 healthy participants segmented by age (50 males and females by age bracket: 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59 years old, for a total of 200 males and 200 females).Results:The intra and inter-assessor reproducibility tests was very high for all muscle measurements (the ICC varied between 0.915 and 0.996). Good sensitivity is observed for all isometric tests highlights with simple linear regression test demonstrating a significant impact for the variable age for all tests (p<0.001). Each muscle belt presents same ratio regardless of the age and gender group. The simultaneous multiple regression analyses highlight that the anthropometric characteristics of subjects influence significantly the performance of isometric tests. Conclusion:This study has permitted to established prediction equations in an healthy population according to their anthropometric characteristics as well as agonist/antagonist ratios for eight muscle isometric field tests after to be demonstrated an excellent reproducibility of all tests.
A Novel “Three-port” Trocar Placement Technique for Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Xu Ben , Song Hai-feng , Luo Cheng , Zhang Qian
Published: August 2020

Background: To introduce a novel “three-port” trocar placement technique for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 300 patients with PCa who received surgical treatment between November 2010 and June 2015 at our institution. They were divided into group A: three-port LRP, group B: conventional four-five port LRP, group C: open RP (ORP) and group D: robotic-assisted RP (RARP). A learning curve was analyzed by dividing patients of group A into the early and late stages.Results: All groups were comparable with regard to the preoperative characteristics except for the relatively smaller prostate volume in group A. The three-port LRP operations were performed successfully with only 8 cases conversion to the conventional LRP. None of any severe complications or conversion to ORP occurred. In group A, the mean operative time (OT) duration was 113.8 min, the mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 94.2 ml, the mean drainage days was 4.0d, the mean hospitalization was 5.1 d, and 27.8% of the prostate specimen margins (PSM) were positive. The differences of OT, EBL, drainage days, hospitalization and transfusion in group A were statistically significant among the majority of the other groups (p<0.05). After undergoing the early stages of a learning curve analysis in three-port LRP, the EBL was obviously decreased.Conclusions: Three-port LRP is a novel technique that exhibits superior intraoperative advantages to the conventional LRP. Due to its less OT, EBL, drainage days, hospitalization and transfusion with a shorter learning curve, it should be recommended and popularized in the clinical practice!
Effects of Continuous Cropping on Bacterial Community Structure in Rhizospheric Soil of Sweet Potato
Authors: Gao Zhiyuan , Hu Yaya , Han Meikun , Xu Junjie , Wang Xue , Liu Lanfu , Tang Zhonghou , Jiao Weijing , Jin Rong , Liu Ming , Guan Zhengjun , Ma Zhimin
Published: August 2020

Background: Continuous cropping obstacles from sweet potato are widespread, which seriously reduce the yield and quality, restrict the sustainable development of sweet potato industry. Bacteria are the most abundant in rhizospheric soil and have a certain relationship with continuous cropping obstacles. However, there are few reports on how continuous cropping affected the bacterial community structure in the rhizospheric soil of sweet potato. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technique was used to explore the changes of rhizospheric soil bacterial community structure of different sweet potato varieties, and the correlation between soil characteristics and this bacterial community after continuous cropping, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of sweet potato continuous cropping obstacles.Results: After two years of continuous cropping, the results showed that (1) the dominant bacteria phlya in rhizospheric soils from both Xushu18 and Yizi138 were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The most dominant genus was Subgroup 6_norank. Significant changes in the relative abundance of rhizospheric soil bacteria were observed for two sweet potato varieties. (2) Bacterial richness and diversity indexes of rhizospheric soil from Xushu18 were higher than those from Yizi138 after continuous cropping. Moreover, the beneficial Lysobacter and Bacillus were more prevalent in Xushu18, but Yizi138 contained more harmful Gemmatimonadetes. (3) Soil pH decreased after continuous cropping, and redundancy analysis showed that soil pH was significantly correlated with bacterial community. Spearman’s rank correlations coefficients analysis demonstrated that pH was positively correlated with Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria, and negatively correlated with Actinobacteria and Firmicutes.Conclusions: After continuous cropping of sweet potato, the bacterial community structure and physicochemical properties in the rhizospheric soil were unbalanced, and the changes of different sweet potato varieties were different. The contents of Lysobacter and Bacillus were higher in the sweet potato variety resistant to continuous cropping. It provides a basis for the development of special microbial fertilizer for sweet potatoes to alleviate continuous cropping obstacle.
Study on the COVID-19 infection status, prevention and control strategies among entry people in Shenzhen
Authors: Wang Jing-Zhong , Zou Xuan , Xu Zi-Qian , Wang Hai-Rui , Wang Bi-Xin , He Jian-Fan
Published: August 2020

Background

The overseas COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to rise for months, while people overseas prefer to return China at present. It is risky to have a large number of imported cases which may cause a relapse of COVID-19 outbreak. In order to prevent imported infection, Shenzhen government has implemented the closed-loop management strategy by taking nucleic acid testing (NAT) for severe acute respiratory syndromes coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and requiring14-days medical observation for individuals with overseas tour history (Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan province and other countries) within 14 days. Our study aim to describe the status of COVID-19 infection among entry people in Shenzhen, and evaluate the effect of closed-loop management strategy.
Methods

We made a descriptive study and risk analyze by the entry time, reported time, local confirmed cases in origin countries. The NAT were completed in Shenzhen center for disease control and prevention (CDC), ten district-level CDCs, as well as fever clinics.
Results

A total of 86,844 people overseas entered Shenzhen from January 1 to April 18, 2020, there were 39 imported cases and 293 closed contacts. The infection rate of entry people was 4.49‰ (95% CI: 3.26‰ − 6.05‰). 14 imported cases (35.9%) came from the UK, 9 (23.08%) came from the US. Entry people from the US since Mar 9 or from the UK since Mar 13 are the high-risk population. As of July 17, there have been no new confirmed cases in Shenzhen for 153 days, and the number of confirmed case, close contact, and asymptomatic case are 0. So the closed-loop management is effective to prevent imported infection and control domestic relapse. The distribution of entry time and report time for imported cases overseas was similar. So it is important to take closed-loop management at the port.
Conclusions

The risk of imported infection from the US and UK were higher that other countries and regions in Shenzhen. The closed-loop management is effective to prevent imported infection and control domestic relapse. Every country is closely connected under the background of globalization. In order to control COVID-19 outbreak, we need the collaboration and cooperation at the global, national, and subnational levels to prevent, detect, and respond effectively.
Sub-millimeter Light Detection and Ranging Using Perovskites
Authors: Sargent Edward , najarian Amin morteza , Vafaie Maral , Johnston Andrew , Zhu Tong , Wei Mingyang , Saidaminov Makhsud , Hou Yi , Hoogland Sjoerd , de Arquer F. Pelayo Garcia
Published: August 2020

Resolving the distance and velocity of objects with high accuracy is needed in 3D vision, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) provides this via the temporally-resolved detection of backscattered short-pulsed light from imaged objects1,2. Simultaneous improvements in the speed and signal-to-noise ratio of photodetectors are needed to enable demanding ranging applications. Silicon, in view of its low cost and ease of monolithic integration, has been a primary option for LiDAR photodetectors in the range of 850 to 950 nm; however its indirect bandgap leads to low absorption coefficient in the NIR3,4 and a trade-off between speed and efficiency. Here we report solution-processed PbSn binary perovskite photodetectors that unite external quantum efficiency of 85% at 850 nm with a dark current below 10-8 A/cm2 and response faster than 100 picoseconds. The combined efficiency×speed is >2x higher than in fast silicon photodetectors and >100x higher than in the best previously-reported solution-processed photodetectors. We develop self-limiting self-reduced Sn precursors that enable perovskite crystallization at the desired stoichiometry and prevent the formation of interfacial defects with the hole transport layer. The approach removes oxygen from the solution, converts Sn4+ to Sn2+ through comproportionation, and leaves neither Sn nor SnOx. We resolve sub-mm distances, highlighting the potential of solution-processed perovskite photodetectors in LiDAR.
Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm Arising in A Patient with Pancreaticobiliary Maljunction: A Case Report
Authors: Iwasaki Toshimitsu , Otsuka Yasuhiro , Miyata Yoichi , Einama Takahiro , Tsujimoto Hironori , Ueno Hideki , Ogata Sho , Kishi Yoji
Published: August 2020

Background: Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a congenital abnormality in which the pancreatic and biliary ducts join anatomically outside the duodenal wall resulting in the regurgitation of pancreatic juice into the biliary tract (pancreatobiliary reflux). Persistent pancreatobiliary reflux causes injury to the epithelium of the biliary tract and promotes the risk of biliary cancer. Intracholecyctic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) has been highlighted in the context of a cholecystic counterpart of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and the bile duct, but the tumoriogenesis of ICPNs remains unclearCase presentation: A 52-year-old Japanese woman was referred for the assessment of dilation of the bile duct. Computed tomography revealed an enhanced mass in the gallbladder and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography confirmed that the confluence of main pancreatic duct and extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) was located outside the duodenal wall. Under the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer with PBM, cholecystectomy with full thickness dissection, EHBD resection, lymph node dissection, and hepaticojejunostomy were performed. Macroscopic examination of the resected specimen showed that the cystic duct was dilated and joined into the EHBD just above its confluence with the pancreatic duct, and the inflamed change of noncancerous mucosa of gallbladder indicating that there was considerable mucosal injury due to pancreatobiliary reflux to the gallbladder. Histopathological examination revealed that the gallbladder tumor was a gastric-type ICPN with non-invasive component. Either KRAS gene mutation or p53 protein expression that were known to be associated with the carcinogenesis of biliary cancer under the condition of pancreatobiliary reflux was not detected in the tumor cells of ICPN.Conclusion: The analyses of KRAS gene mutation and p53 protein expression were helpful to elucidate the tumorigenesis of ICPN and indicated there was no apparent association between ICPN and PBM.
Reevaluation of Oral Adjuvant Chemotherapy for T3 Lower Rectal Cancer: A Multicenter Collaborative Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kawahara Hidejiro , Ogawa Masaichi , Suwa Katsuhito , Eto Ken
Published: August 2020

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of oral adjuvant chemotherapy (OAC) for T3 lower rectal cancers without lateral lymph node metastasis.Methods: Between 2010 and 2014, 110 patients with T3 lower rectal cancer without lateral lymph node metastasis, 80 years of age or younger, who underwent curative resection at four Jikei University Hospitals were enrolled in this retrospective study. Of these, 94 patients underwent neither preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) nor intensive chemotherapy after surgery: 47 patients who did not receive OAC for a pathological diagnosis of stage II cancer and 47 patients who did receive OAC for a pathological diagnosis of stage III cancer. The remaining 16 patients received intensive oxaliplatin-based combination chemotherapy after surgery without preoperative CRT.Results: The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) of the 47 patients in stage II was 82.6%, whereas that of the 63 patients in stage III was 63.1% (p=0.033). The 5-year DFS of the 16 patients who received intensive chemotherapy after surgery was 81.3%, which was similar to the DFS of stage II patients, whereas that of the 47 patients with OAC alone was 58.2% (p=0.048).Conclusion: Intensive oxaliplatin-based combination chemotherapy after surgery was better for 5-year DFS than OAC among stage III patients. OAC is not suitable as adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage III lower rectal cancer even if no lateral lymph node metastasis is detected.
Cross-sectional Study on Traditional Pork Rearing Practices and Cysticercosis in the South Part of Ivory Coast 
Authors: Eugène Koffi Kouassi , Man-Koumba Soumahoro , Marcel Boka O. , Jihen Melki , Borel Ndri , André Touré O. , Joseph Djaman A. , Elieser N’goran K. , Jambou Ronan
Published: August 2020

In West africa, pig meat know as pork is often supplied by traditional farms in rural areas. This pratice causes important sanitary risk by lack of veterinary control of farms and slaughterhouses in rural areas. The objective of this study was to describe pig husbandry practices used in southern Côte d'Ivoire in order to establish a surveillance system for cysticercosis disease. This survey was carried out among traditional pig breeders living in villages of the district of Dabou, Aboisso and Agboville. The data collected focused on the profile of producers and on the characteristics of the farms. A total of 321 breeders have been identified (Dabou 72 (22.4%), Aboisso 26 (8.1%) and Agboville 223 (69.5%)). Most of the herders were male (87.8%). A total of 3663 heads of pigs were counted with a majority of young pigs (60.2%) and females (29.3%) for 10.5% of male breeders. The local race was predominant (80.6 %) for only 15.5% of half-caste races. Most of the farms used permanent divagation rearing (53.3%). Following investigation of the herds, pigs were randomly samples in all the villages of the three areas using quota methods. Animals were blood sampled and serums were analyzed using Ac-ELISA and Western Blot. Among 639 animals selected, 13,20 % had antibodies against cysticercosis with large variations from one village to another. The study highlights that, in this region, pig farming remains essentially traditional, with free grazing of animals which constitutes a major sanitary risk especially for Taenia solium.
Characteristics of Lymphocyte Subsets and Cytokine Profiles of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Pan Peng-Fei , Du Xin-Xin , Shi Wei-Hua , Li Li , Zhou Qi-Long , Deng Xiao-Chun , Liu Chao , Hu ZongJun , Chen Jian-Guo , Cui Yong , Yu Xiang-You
Published: August 2020

Background: To explore the changes in lymphocyte subsets and cytokine profiles in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their relationship with disease severity. Methods: This study included 228 patients with COVID-19 who were treated at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from January 1, 2020 to February 20, 2020. The characteristics of lymphocyte subsets and cytokine profiles of severe and mild COVID-19 patients were compared. Of the 228 patients enrolled, 48 were severe patients and 180 were mild patients. Results: Lymphocyte counts, absolute number of total T lymphocytes, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, and total B lymphocytes were significantly lower in severe patients (0.8×109/L, 424.5×106/L, 266×106/L, 145.5×106/L, 109.5×106/L, respectively) than in mild patients (1.2×109/L, 721×106/L, 439.5×106/L, 281.5×106/L, 135×106/L, respectively). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were independent risk factors for developing into severe condition. The lymphocyte subsets decreased and cytokine profiles increased more significantly in severe patients than in mild patients. Conclusions: CRP, NLR, and age may serve as powerful factors for early identification of severe patients.
Social vulnerability of children aged 5 to 15 years to malaria in Madagascar: 3 anthropological studies LLIN use
Authors: NJATOSOA Ammy Fiadanana , Mattern Chiarella , Pourette Dolorès , Kesteman Thomas , Rakotomanana Elliot , Rahaivondrafahitra Bakoly , Andriamananjara Mauricette , Harimanana Aina , Razafindrakoto Jocelyn , Raboanary Emma , Andrianasolo Andry , Rogier Christophe
Published: August 2020

BackgroundAlthough it is accepted that long lasting insecticide bed net (LLIN) use is an effective means to prevent malaria, children aged 5 to 15 years do not appear to be sufficiently protected in Madagascar; malaria prevalence is highest in this age group. The purpose of this article is to summarize recent qualitative studies describing LLIN use among children aged 5–15 years and explore options to increase their use in this age group.MethodsQualitative data from three anthropological studies on malaria conducted between 2012 and 2016 in 10 districts of Madagascar were analyzed. These studies cover all malaria epidemiological profiles and 10 of the 18 existing ethnic groups in Madagascar. A thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data from semi-structured interviews, direct observation data, and informal interviews.ResultsA total of 192 semi-structured interviews were conducted. LLINs are generally perceived positively because they protect the health and well-being of users. However, regional representations of mosquito nets may contribute to LLIN nonuse by children over 5 years of age including the association between married status and LLIN use, which leads to the refusal of unmarried young men to sleep under LLINs; the custom of covering the dead with a mosquito net, which leads to fear of LLIN use; and taboos governing sleeping spaces for siblings of opposite sexes, which leads to LLIN shortages in households. Children under 5 years of age are known to be the most vulnerable age group for acquiring malaria and therefore are prioritized for LLIN use when there are limited supplies in households. In contrast, children over 5 years of age, who are perceived to be at less risk for malaria, often sleep without LLINs.ConclusionsPerceptions, social practices and regional beliefs regarding LLINs s and vulnerability to malaria contribute to the nonuse of LLINs among children over 5 years of age in Madagascar. Modifying LLIN policies to account for these factors may increase LLIN use in this age group and reduce disease burden.Trial registrationNot applicable
Susceptibility of Cyclin-dependent Kinase Inhibitor-1–deficient Mice to Rheumatoid Arthritis From IL-1β–induced Inflammation
Authors: Takashima Yoshinori , Hayashi Shinya , Fukuda Koji , Maeda Toshihisa , Tsubosaka Masanori , Kamenaga Tomoyuki , Kikuchi Kenichi , Fujita Masahiro , Kuroda Yuichi , Hashimoto Shingo , Nakano Naoki , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: August 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic inflammatory disorder whose progression is modulated by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor 1 (p21) regulates the activation of other CDKs, and we recently reported that p21 deficiency induces susceptibility to osteoarthritis. Here, we focused on joint inflammation to determine the mechanisms associated with p21 function in synovial and cartilage tissues in RA.Methods: p21-knockout (p21-/-) mice and wild-type C57BL/6 (WT p21+/+) mice were used to establish a collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model. The severity of arthritis was evaluated visually, and histological and immunohistological analyses performed 7, 14, and 28 days after injection with a cocktail of five monoclonal antibodies that recognize conserved epitopes on various species of type II collagen. The response of p21 siRNA-treated human RA FLSs to IL-1β stimulation was also determined.Results: Arthritis scores were higher in p21-/- mice than those in p21+/+ mice. More severe and prolonged synovitis of the knee joints and earlier loss of staining and cartilage destruction were observed in p21-/- mice than in p21+/+ mice. p21-/- mice expressed higher levels of IL-1β, F4/80, p-IKKα/β, and MMPs in cartilage and synovial tissues at each time point, except for before injection of the monoclonal antibodies, via IL-1β-induced NF-kB signaling. IL-1β stimulation significantly increased MMP expression and enhanced IKKα/β phosphorylation in human FLSs.Conclusion: p21-deficient CAIA mice are susceptible to alterations in the RA phenotype, including joint cartilage destruction and severe synovitis, via IL-1β-induced inflammation. Therefore, p21 regulation may constitute a possible strategy for RA treatment.
Interaction between early-life pet exposure and methylation pattern of ADAM33 on Allergic Rhinitis among a cohort of kindergartens in China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Tan Meiyu , Qian Xiaoqiong , Li Cong , Yue Lei , Liu Yuehong , Shi Song
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent research has pointed out the important role of epigenetic modifications in the development and persistence of Allergic Rhinitis (AR), especially DNA methylation. We investigated whether AR susceptibility genes are epigenetically regulated, and whether methylation modulation of these genes in response to early-life environment could be a molecular mechanism underlying the risk of AR in a cohort of kindergartens in China.
Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) samples were collected from 130 kindergarten patients, aged 3–6 years with AR and 154 matched healthy controls to detect promoter methylation in 25 AR susceptibility genes with the MethylTarget approach. Methylation level was compared for each CpG site, each amplified region, and each gene. In addition, the relationship among DNA methylation, early-life environment risk factors and AR were assessed.
Results

Maternal allergic history (P = 0.0390) and exposure to pet (P = 0.0339) were significantly associated with increase AR risk. Differential methylation analyses were successfully performed for 507 CpG sites, 34 amplified regions and 17 genes and significant hypomethylation was observed in the promoter region of ADAM33 in AR patients [multiple test-corrected (FDR) P-value < 0.05]. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the hypermethylation of ADAM33 was significantly associated with lower serum total eosinophil counts (Spearman's ρ: -0.187, P-value = 0.037). According to the results of the multiple regression analysis, after adjusting for cofounders, the interaction of early-life pet exposure and methylation level of ADAM33 increased the risk of AR 1.423 times in kindergartens (95% CI = 0.0290–4.109, P-value = 0.005).
Conclusion

This study provides evidence that early-life pet exposure and low methylation level of ADAM33 increase AR risk in kindergartens, and the interaction between pet exposure and methylation level of ADAM33 may play an important role in the development of AR.
Loco-Regional Recurrence Trend and Prognosis in Young Women With Breast Cancer According to Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Li Yang , Lu Su , Zhang Yuhan , Wang Shuaibing , Liu Hong
Published: August 2020

Purpose The number of young patients diagnosed with breast cancer is on the rise. We studied the rate trend of local recurrence (LR) and regional recurrence (RR) in young breast cancer (YBC) patients and outcomes among these patients based on molecular subtypes. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted based on data from Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital for patients ≤35 years of age with pathologically-confirmed primary invasive breast cancer surgically treated between 2006 and 2014. Patients were categorized according to molecular subtypes on the basis of hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. The 5-year rates for LR, RR, and distant metastases were estimated by Kaplan-Meir statistics. Nelson-Aalen cumulative-hazard plots were used to describe local recurrence- and distant metastases-free intervals. Results We identified 25,284 patients with a median follow-up of 82 months, of whom 1099 (4.3%) were YBC patients ≤35 years of age. The overall 5-year local, regional, and distant recurrence rates in YBC patients were 6.7%, 5.1%, and 16.6%, respectively. The LR and RR rates demonstrated a decreasing trend over time (P=0.028 and P=0.015, respectively). We found that early-stage breast cancer and less lymph node metastases increased over time (P=0.004 and P=0.007, respectively). Patients with HR-/HER2+ status had a significantly higher LR (HR 20.4; 95% CI,11.8-35.4) and DM (HR 37.2; 95% CI, 24.6-56.3) at 10 years. In the overall population, the 5-year survival of YBC patients exceeded 90%. Conclusion The rates of LR and RR with YBC patients demonstrated a downward trend and the proportion of early-stage breast cancer increased between 2006 and 2014. We report that the outcomes varied with molecular subtypes and patients with HR-/HER2+ status had the worst survival.
Impact of overweight and obesity on women with urinary incontinence: pilot study
Authors: Brilhante Magdalena Muryelle Silva , Micussi Maria Thereza Albuquerque Barbosa Cabral , Dantas Diego de Sousa , Neves Ana Isabele Andrade , Oliveira Camila Vasconcelos de Arruda , Oliveira Jaine Maria De Pontes , Magalhães Adriana Gomes , Correia Grasiéla Nascimento
Published: August 2020

IntroductionTo assess whether obesity has a greater impact than overweight on urinary incontinence severity, pelvic floor muscle function, and quality of life in women with urinary incontinence. MethodsA pilot cross-sectional study using a convenience sample. Twenty-six volunteers were evaluated and divided into: Overweight Group (n=11) with BMI (body mass index) between 25.0-29.9kg/m²; Obesity Group (n=15) BMI≥30.0kg/m². The volunteers performed the urogynecological evaluation, Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), 1-hour pad test and evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function. Statistical analysis: Shapiro–Wilk test and the Mann-Whitney test for intergroup analysis. The significance level: p≤0.05. ResultsThe average age was 61.09(12.51) in the Overweight Group and 55.93(9.03) years in the Obesity Group. The Overweight Group presented better fast fiber contraction (p=0.03) of the pelvic floor muscle. There were no differences in the ISI and quality of life between the groups. ConclusionsThere was no difference in the impact caused by being overweight or obese in relation to urinary incontinence severity, pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life, except for fast fiber contraction in which Overweight Group showed better results.
Non-invasive monitoring of fiber fermentation in healthy volunteers by analyzing breath volatile metabolites: lessons from the FiberTAG intervention study
Authors: Neyrinck Audrey , Rodriguez Julie , Zhang Zhengxiao , Seethaler Benjamin , Mailleux Florence , Vercammen Joeri , Bindels Laure B. , Cani Patrice D. , Nazare Julie-Anne , Maquet Véronique , Laville Martine , Bischoff Stephan C. , Walter Jens , Delzenne Nathalie
Published: August 2020

Background: The fermentation of dietary fibers (DF) leads to the production of bioactive metabolites, the most volatile ones being excreted in the breath. The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of exhaled breath volatile metabolites (BVM) and gastro-intestinal symptoms in healthy volunteers after a single ingestion of maltodextrin (placebo) versus chitin-glucan (CG), an insoluble DF previously shown to be fermented into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by the human microbiota in vitro.Methods: 4.5 g maltodextrin (day 0) or 4.5 g CG (day 2) were added to a standardized breakfast in fasting healthy volunteers (n=15). BVM were measured using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) throughout the day, as well as gastrointestinal tolerance by using validated visual analogue scale. Faecal gut microbiota (Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing) and SCFA (gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection) were analyzed prior to intervention. Results: A single ingestion of 4.5 g CG did not induce significant gastrointestinal discomfort. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of breath highlighted that 13 MS-fragments (among 408 obtained from ionizations of breath) discriminate CG versus maltodextrin acute intake in the postprandial state. Targeted analysis revealed that CG increased exhaled butyrate, but also 5 other BVM – including the microbial metabolites 2,3-butanedione and 3-hydroxybutanone – with a peak observed 6h after CG intake. Correlation analyses spotlighted Mitsuokella as a potential genus responsible for the presence of butyric acid, triethylamine and 3-hydroxybutanone in the breath.Conclusion: Measuring BMV in the breath reveals the microbial signature of the fermentation of DF after a single ingestion. This standardized protocol allows to analyze the time-course of released bioactive metabolites that could be proposed as new biomarkers of DF fermentation, potentially linked to their biological properties.
Performance of Bidimensional Location Quotients for Constructing Input-Output Tables
Authors: Pereira-López Xesús , Sánchez-Chóez Napoleón Guillermo , Fernández-Fernández Melchor
Published: August 2020

This article seeks to verify the extent at which the formulation of two-dimensional location quotients (2D-LQ) entails a methodological advance in building or generating economic accounts related to sub-territories drawing from basic information. The input-output tables of the Euro Area 19 for 2010 and 2015 are taken as a reference for analysis, and five statistics are used to measure the degree of similarity between the true domestic coefficient matrices for ten countries (namely Austria, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain) and the matrices generated from them using non-survey techniques CILQ, FLQ, AFLQ and 2D-LQ. Focus is substantially centred on comparing the results from the four aforementioned techniques to rank methodological efficiency. Standard parameters (associated with 2D-LQ) are also provided as a guide in this scope of work with a view to ascertaining optimal parameters.
External Stenting of Vein Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Grating: Interim Results from a Two Centers Prospective Study
Authors: Weltert Luca , Audisio Katia , Bellisaro Alessandro , Bardi Gianluca , Flocco Roberto , De Paulis Ruggero , Centofanti Paolo
Published: August 2020

Background – Previous studies evaluating external stents for saphenous vein grafts (SVG) in CABG were limited to on-pump isolated CABG and single grafting technique with one external stent per patient. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and the short-term performance of external stents in heterogeneous group of patients which underwent on and off-pump CABG, single and sequential grafting.Methods - 102 patients undergoing CABG were enrolled in two centers. All patients received internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery and additional arterial and/or venous grafts. In each patient, at least one SVG was supported with an external stent. Grafts’ patency and SVG lumen uniformity were assessed using CT angiography at a pre-defined time window of 6-12 months post procedure. All patients were prospectively followed-up via phone call and/or visit every 6 months for Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events.Results - 51 patients (50%) underwent off-pump CABG and 23 patients (23%) were grafted with bilateral internal mammary arteries. Each patient received one or more SVG grafted in a sequential technique (44%) or as single graft (56%). All SVG were externally stented in 84% of patients and in 16% (n=16) one SVG was stented and one remained unsupported. At 6-12 months, patency rates of LIMA, RIMA, externally stented SVG and none-stented SVG were 100%, 100%, 98% and 87.5% respectively. 90% of the externally stented SVG had uniform lumen compared to 37% of the non-stented SVG. Clinical follow-up was completed for all patients with a mean duration of 20 months (range 6-54 months). During follow up period, one patient experienced myocardial infarction due to occlusion of the LIMA-LAD graft and one patient experienced transient ischemic attack.Conclusions - External stenting of SVG is feasible and safe in CABG setting which includes off pump CABG and sequential SVG grafting and associated with acceptable early patency rates.Study registration- Study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT01860274 (initial release 20.05.2013)
Findings and Feasibility of Major Salivary Gland Ultrasound in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Pilot Study
Authors: McDonald Joseph , Vega-Fernandez Patricia , Ting Tracy
Published: August 2020

Background: Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder with multi-organ manifestations and can be associated with other rheumatic diseases including Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). Salivary gland ultrasound (SGUS) represents a noninvasive tool to screen for salivary gland disease in rheumatic disease patients. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to determine feasibility of major SGUS in a clinic setting and to identify characteristics in a cohort of cSLE patients (without confirmed SS) that may be associated with salivary gland abnormalities consistent with secondary SS.Methods: Patients with SLE onset prior to age 18 were recruited. Patients completed questionnaires rating symptoms and underwent major SGUS examination. Disease and demographic differences were compared between cSLE patients with abnormal SGUS vs. cSLE patients with normal SGUS using t-tests and Fisher’s exact tests.Results: 31 cSLE patients were recruited, 84% were female, 55% were Caucasian. The average disease duration among all patients was 5 years. Average time to complete the SGUS examination and scoring protocol was 7 minutes. 35% of SGUS scores were abnormal and significantly associated with IgG level at diagnosis, and anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies.Conclusions: This is the first study to assess major SGUS in a cohort of patients with cSLE without prior diagnoses of SS. The SGUS protocol was feasible to perform by rheumatologists in a clinic setting. Although the sample size was small, SGUS abnormalities were identified in one-third of patients. IgG level at diagnosis and anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies may be associated with SGUS abnormalities.
Investigating the Effects of COVID-19 Quarantine in Migraine: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study from the Italian National Headache Registry (RICe)
Authors: Delussi Marianna , Gentile Eleonora , Coppola Gianluca , Prudenzano Addolorata Maria Pia , Rainero Innocenzo , Sances Grazia , Abagnale Chiara , Caponnetto Valeria , De Cesaris Francesco , Frattale Ilaria , Guaschino Elena , Marcinno' Andrea , Ornello Raffaele , Pistoia Francesca , Putorti' Alessia , Roca Maria Elena , Roveta Fausto , Trojano Maria , Pierelli Francesco , Geppetti Pierangelo , Sacco Simona , De Tommaso Marina
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Previous studies during SARS and Ebola pandemics have shown that quarantine is associated with several negative psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion and anger. These conditions may affect the course of many diseases, including migraine. Although it is possible that the quarantine measures for the current COVID-19 pandemic affect migraine burden, no information is currently available on this issue. AIM: In this study, we aimed to: 1) explore the possible changes in migraine frequency, severity, and days with acute medication intake during quarantine period; 2) evaluate possible differences in migraine outcomes in consideration of lifestyle changes, emotions, pandemic diffusion, and COVID-19 infection. METHODS : We interviewed patients who were included in the observational Italian Headache Registry (Registro Italiano Cefalee, RICE), retrospectively collecting information on main headache features, lifestyles factors, emotions, individual infection status, and perception of COVID-19 for two months before (pre-quarantine) and after the beginning of the quarantine (quarantine). Inclusion criteria were: age > 18, diagnosis of migraine without aura, migraine with aura and chronic migraine, last in-person visit more than 3 months preceding the beginning of quarantine. RESULTS: A total of 433 migraine subjects agreed to be interviewed. We found an overall reduction in headache frequency and intensity during the quarantine, compared to pre-quarantine. There was a correlation between improvement and number of days of stay-at-home. When results were stratified for geographic area, we found a tendency towards worsening of headache frequency in northern Italy. Disgust regarding viral infection corresponded to a minor improvement in migraine.CONCLUSIONSMigraine patients showed resilient behavior toward pandemic distress. Disgust regarding the contagion whereas potentially favoring defensive behavior, could potentially worsen migraine.
Level of Stress in Ganale Dawa Hydropower Dam construction workers: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Yenealem Dawit Getachew , Dagne Henok , Hussen Jemal
Published: August 2020

Background:Stress is the harmful physical and emotional response caused by an imbalance between the perceived demands and the perceived resources and abilities of individuals to cope with those demands. In the developing world, work-related stress is an issue of growing concern. Work-related stress can severely impact workers' general achievement levels in a negative way concerning both efficiency and accuracy. Thus striving to determine the level of stress at a job and its contributory factors will be insatiable input for intervention.Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence and associated factors of job stress among Ganale Dawa 3D Hydropower Dam construction workers from April1-22, 2018. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on 405 workers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the factors significantly associated with a good level of food hygiene knowledge. P-value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significant association.Result: A quarter of construction workers,24.7% [95% CI: (20.5%, 28.0%)]suffered from stress in their workplace. Being at young (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.45, 6.47) and middle (AOR: 3.94 95% CI: 1.27, 12.24)ages; sustain injury in 12 months (AOR: 2.6095% CI: 1.40, 4.80), shiftwork (AOR: 2.22 95% CI: 1.03, 4.79) and working over 48 hours per week (AOR: 4.5495% CI: 2.40, 8.56)were significantly associated with stress. Conclusion: This study showed that construction work is one of the most stressfuloccupations. It also suggeststhat age of workers, history of injury within 12 months of the study, shift work, and working over 48 hours per week were significantly associated with stress. Therefore, much has to be done by introducing flexible working hours that do not exceed 48 hours per week, avoiding long hours of shift work longer than 8hours and protecting the workers from work-related injury.
Yield and survival rate of ‘Gigante’ cactus pear under regulated deficit irrigation using wastewater
Authors: Souza José Alberto Alves de , Santos Delfran Batista dos , Donato Sérgio Luíz Rodrigues
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the yield and survival rate of 'Gigante' cactus pear (Opuntia fícus indica) cultivated with regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) using wastewater under semiarid soil and climatic conditions. The experiment was carried out between October 2015 and August 2017 at Instituto Federal Baiano, campus Guanambi, Brazil. The treatments were as follows: no fertilization and no irrigation (T1); no fertilization and RDI with wastewater (0.6 L plant-1 week-1) (T2); no fertilization and RDI with wastewater (1.2 L plant-1 week-1, applied once a week) (T3); no fertilization and RDI with wastewater (1.2 L plant-1 week-1, divided into two applications per week) (T4) with organic fertilization (60 Mg ha-1 of bovine manure) and RDI with common water (1.2 L plant-1 week-1) (T5) and with organic fertilization (60 Mg ha-1 of bovine manure) and no irrigation (T6). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replicates. Based on the results, we concluded that (i) regulated deficit irrigation using wastewater increased the productivity of 'Gigante' cactus pear when compared to the rainfed crop and (ii) the application of 0.6 L plant-1 week-1 was sufficient to increase the survival rate of 'Gigante' cactus pear under prolonged drought conditions.
HIV-1 versus SARS-CoV-2 infection: understanding the population genetic aspects of drug inefficacy (especially ivermectin) in the integrase-importin complex
Authors: Felix Pierre Teodosio
Published: August 2020

Therapies with new drugs have been appearing in tests worldwide as potential inhibitors of sars-cov-2 virus replication. Recently, one of these drugs, Ivermectin, was reported as an inhibitor of the nuclear import of HIV-1 proteins in vitro, soon becoming the target of an international prospecting work (not yet published), with patients tested for COVID-19. However, understanding the evolutionary aspects of the biological components involved in the complex drug-nuclear import helps in understanding how these relationships exist in the deactivation of viral infections. Thus, 153 sequences of the HIV-1 integrase gene were analyzed for their genetic structure and molecular diversity and the presence of two distinct groups for the Gene and not only one, was detected; As well as different degrees of structuring for each of these groups. These results support the interpretation of the lack of conservation of the HIV-1 gene and that the number of existing polymorphisms, only for this structure of the complex, implies the non-efficiency of a drug at population levels. Thus, the molecular diversity found in HIV-1 can be extrapolated to other viruses, such as Including, SARS-CoV-2 and the functionality of the drug, interacting with the integrase-importin complex, can be further decreased.
Association of the Non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol Rate and the Risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Among Children and Adolescence: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Shouxing , Zhong Jinwei , Ye Mengsi , Miao Le , Lu Guangrong , Xu Changlong , Xue Zhanxiong , Zhou Xinhe
Published: August 2020

Background: The non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-c/HDL-c) rate shows a close relationship to multiple dyslipidemia related disease. This paper aims at investigating the association of the non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate and the risk of NAFLD among children and adolescence in China.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 7759 eligible children and adolescence (5692 boys, 2067 girls) having received regular medical examination were recruited. We collected anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests data of subjects. The binary logistics regression was employed for the assessment of the associations of the non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate with NAFLD. Sex-specific ROC curve analysis was conducted for comparing the predictive value of non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate, non-HDL-c and HDL-c for NAFLD.Results: The total NAFLD prevalence was 4.36%, higher in boys than that in girls (5.61% vs. 1.9%, P<0.001). It is noteworthy that NAFLD prevalence displayed positive correlation with the non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate（Chi-square test, P<0.001). The binary logistics regression analysis shows that the OR were 8.61 (95% CI = 5.90-12.57, P< 0.001) in the maximum tertiles (maximum non-HDLc/HDLc ratio) compared with the minimum tertiles. When potential confounders were regulated, compared with the minimum tertiles, the OR for the maximum tertiles (OR=3.94, 95%CI=2.33-6.66, P< 0.001) was still significantly higher. AUC values of the non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate ( 0.787 in boys and 0.763in girls) noticeably reached over non-HDL-c (0.719 in boys and 0.661 in girls) and HDL-c (0.726 in boys and 0.732 in girls). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff value of the non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate for NAFLD was 2.475 in boys and 2.695 in girls.Conclusions: The present study indicate that a higher non-HDL-c/ HDL-c rate caused a higher risk of NAFLD among children and adolescence. Moreover, the non-HDL-c/HDL-c rate showed a better predictive value for NAFLD than the non-HDL-c and HDL-c in both boys and girls.