bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat suitability modelling to assess the introductions of Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) in the Netherlands
Authors: Ibañez-Justicia Adolfo , Alcaraz-Hernández Juan Diego , Lammeren Ron van , Koenraadt Constantianus J.M. , Bergsma Aldo , Delucchi Luca , Rizzoli Annapaola , Takken Willem
Published: January 2020

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, Aedes albopictus has been found each year since 2010 during routine exotic mosquito species surveillance at companies that import used tires. We developed habitat suitability models to investigate the potential risk of establishment and spread of this invasive species at these locations. MethodsWe used two methodologies: first, a species distribution model based on the maximum entropy modelling approach (MaxEnt) taking into consideration updated occurrence data of the species in Europe, and second, a spatial logic conditional model based on the temperature requirements of the species and using Land Surface Temperature data (LST model). For model output comparison, we extracted the results of both models accordingly to the spatial extent of the Netherlands. ResultsResults obtained with the MaxEnt model at European level accurately reflect the observed current distribution of the species and also depicts moderately low values in parts of the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the British islands and southern parts of Scandinavia. Winter temperature was the variable that contributed most to the performance of the model (47.3%). The results of the LST model show that 1) coastal areas are suitable for overwintering of eggs, 2) large areas in the northern part of the country have a low suitability for adult survival, and 3) the entire country is suitable for successful completion of the life cycle if the species is introduced after the winter months. Results of the LST model reveal that temperatures in 2012 and 2014 did not limit the overwintering of eggs or survival of adults at the used tire companies where the species was found. By contrast, for the years 2010, 2011 and 2013, overwintering of eggs at these locations is not considered likely.ConclusionsResults using two modelling methodologies show differences in predicted habitat suitability values. Based on the results of both models, the climatic conditions could hamper the successful overwintering of eggs of Ae. albopictus and their survival as adults in many areas of the country. However, during warm years with mild winters, many areas of the Netherlands, including used tire companies locations, offer climatic conditions suitable for developing populations. Regular updates of the models, using updated occurrence and climatic data, are recommended to study the areas at risk.
Spatial variation in the frequency of knockdown resistance genotypes in Florida Aedes aegypti populations
Authors: Mundis Stephanie Jane , Estep Alden S. , Waits Christy M. , Ryan Sadie J.
Published: January 2020

Background The development of insecticide resistance in disease-vectoring mosquito species can lead to vector control failure and disease resurgence. However, insecticide applications remain an essential public health intervention. In Florida, insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti , an anthropophilic mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, is a major concern. Understanding the location, scale, and driving factors of insecticide resistance can enhance the ability of vector control organizations to target populations effectively.Methods We used previously collected data on frequencies of mutations that confer resistance to commonly used pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes aegypti specimens from 62 sites distributed across 18 counties in Florida. To determine the scale of clustering for the most resistant variant, we used a Ripley’s K function. We also used a spatial scanning statistic technique to identify the locations of clusters where higher than expected frequencies of susceptible or resistant mosquitoes occurred. We then tested for associations between landscape, demographic, and insecticide-use factors using a beta regression modelling approach and evaluated the effect of spatial lag and spatial error terms on overall explanatory power of these models.Results The scale at which maximum clustering of the most resistant variant occurs is approximately 20 kilometers. We identified statistically significant clusters of resistance in several coastal cities, although some of these clusters were near significant clusters of susceptible mosquitoes, indicating selection pressures vary at the local scale. Vegetation density, distance from roads, and pyrethroid-use by vector control districts were consistently significant predictors of insecticide resistance frequency in the top-performing beta regression models, although pyrethroid-use surprisingly had a negatively associated with resistance. The incorporation of spatial lags resulted in improvements to the fit and explanatory power of the models, indicating an underlying diffusion process likely explains some of the spatial patterns in resistance observed.Conclusions The genetic mutations that confer resistance to pyrethroids in Aedes aegpyti mosquitoes in Florida exhibit spatial autocorrelation and patterns that can be partially explained by landscape and insecticide-use factors. Further work at local scales should be able to identify the mechanisms by which these variables influence the outcome of resistance.
Evaluation of Performance in Trauma Care: experts’ viewpoints
Authors: Mousazadeh Yalda , Janati Ali , Sadeghi-bazarghani Homayoun , Pouraghaei Mahboub
Published: January 2020

Background: Trauma is one of the leading causes of mortality across the world. Trauma patients had critical status and need timely, adequate and organized care. The different consequences of trauma care among service centers around the world and even within a country reveal the need for care assessment. This study was designed and executed to collect experts’ opinion on the evaluation of trauma care in Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study with conventional content analysis approach, two focus group discussions with 12 participants and 16 face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the required data. Participants were selected through purposive sampling method. The experts’ viewpoints were classified in accordance with the main and sub themes.
Results: Four basic themes extracted from the interviews and focus group discussion including, trauma care importance (sub-themes: the involved Individuals’ being young and productive and the effectiveness of trauma care); trauma care indicators (sub-themes: pre-hospital indicators, in-hospital indicators and post-hospital indicators); stages of trauma care evaluation (sub-themes: evaluation prerequisites, finalization of indicators prior to evaluation, determining evaluation time scope, determining evaluation dimensions, monitoring and evaluation and use of evaluation results); trauma care promotion (sub-themes: balancing workload in trauma centers, enhancement of information system, considering extra-organizational dimensions in trauma care and empowerment of trauma care providers).
Conclusion: Performance evaluation through acceptable indicators is basis of health care improvement. In addition to the evaluation, reforming macro policies, development of infrastructures, enhancement of information system and training care providers should be taken into account too.
Keywords: Performance indicators, Evaluation, Hospital, Trauma care
Validation of The Cipto Triage Method: a single-centre study from Indonesia.
Authors: habib hadiki , Sulistio Septo , Albar Imamul Aziz , Mulyana Radi Muharris , Yundiarto Nova
Published: January 2020

Background A national referral hospital in Indonesia developed a three-category triage acuity method called the Cipto Triage Method (CTM) for emergency departments (ED) in developing countries. This was a validation study to assess the performance of the triage method.Methods This cohort, retrospective, single-centre study was conducted in the ED of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital that receives approximately 30,000 patient visits per year. The ED medical records throughout the year 2017 were randomly selected as the study sample. Completely written forms of triage and ED initial assessment were included in this study. Validation of the CTM decision was done by using expert panel opinion as reference standard, and also using surrogate conditions such as patient outcome for hospital admission and in-hospital mortality.Results There were 1,348 samples assigned to the following three categories: resuscitation (14.9%), urgent (63.8%) and non- urgent (21.3%). Overall accuracy was more than 80%, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for resuscitation category were 99% (95% confident interval [CI], 96.5-99.9) and 96.9% (95% CI, 95.7 -97.8), respectively. Resuscitation category had a relative risk (RR) for admission of 1.341 (95% CI, 1.259-1.429) and a RR for mortality of 4.294 (95%CI, 3.180-5.799). Undertriage increases the risk of mortality compared to correct triage (RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.11-4.54)Conclusion CTM has a good criterion and construct validity; it is also easy to understand and can accommodate a simple ED design in the majority of hospitals in Indonesia.
Bilateral scapular and humeral head fractures after electric shock：A case report
Authors: Ye ChunXiao , Guo YingBin , Zheng YouHui
Published: January 2020

Background：Fractures of the scapula caused directly by electrical shock are very rare, and bilateral fractures of scapula and humeral head induced by an electric shock have not been described previously.Case presentation：We report a patient with bilateral fractures of the scapula and humeral head resulting from an accidental electric shock (220 Volt,50 Hz). This appears to be a previously unreported injury.Conculusions：Fracture of the scapula and humeral head secondary to electrical shock should be suspected in patients with shoulder pain but no dislocation.
Transcriptome co-expression network analysis identifies key genes and regulators of ripening kiwifruit ester biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Aidi , Zhang Qiuyun , Li Jianzhao , Gong Hansheng , Fan Xinguang , Yang Yanqing , Liu Xiaofen , Yin Xueren
Published: January 2020

Background: Aroma is an important organoleptic quality for fruit and has a large influence on consumer preference . Kiwifruit esters undergo rapid and substantial changes contributing to the flavor during fruit ripening. Part of enzymes and their coding genes have been indicated potential candidates for flavor-related esters synthesis. However, there still exist obvious gaps in the biosynthetic pathways of esters and the mechanisms regulating ester biosynthesis in kiwifruit remain unknown. Results: Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), volatile compounds of kiwifruit were quantified in response to ethylene (ETH, 100 µl/l, 24 h, 20 °C) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, 1 µl/l, 24 h, 20 °C). The results indicated that concentrations of alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and esters were enhanced by ETH. Of these, esters showed the most substantial changes enhanced by ethylene and were inhibited by 1-MCP. Correlations between RNA-seq results and concentrations of esters, constructed using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) indicated that three structural genes ( fatty acid desaturase , AdFAD1 ; aldehyde dehydrogenase, AdALDH2 ; alcohol acyltransferase, AdAT17 ) had similar expression patterns that paralled the changes in total ester content, and AdFAD1 transcripts exhibited the highest correlation. In order to search for potential regulators for ester biosynthesis, 14 previously reported ethylene-responsive transcription factors (TFs) were included in the correlation analysis with esters and their biosynthetic genes. Using dual-luciferase assay, the in vivo regulatory activities of TFs on ester biosynthetic gene promoters were investigated and the results indicated that AdNAC5 and AdDof4 (DNA binding with one finger) trans-activated and trans-suppressed the AdFAD1 promoter. Conclusions: The present study advanced the molecular basis of ripening-related ester biosynthesis in kiwifruit by identifying three biosynthetic related genes AdFAD1 , AdALDH2 and AdAT17 by transcriptome analysis, and highlighted the function of two TFs by transactivation studies. Keywords : aroma; kiwifruit; RNA-seq; ester biosynthesis; transcriptional regulation; ripening fruit; NAC; Dof
Spinal cord stimulation for chronic intractable trunk or limb pain: study protocol for a Chinese multicenter randomized withdrawal trial (CITRIP study)
Authors: Lu Yang , Mao Peng , Wang Guihuai , Tao Wei , Xiong Donglin , Ma Ke , Li Rongchun , Feng Dan , Duan Wanru , Li Shun , Fu Zhijian , Feng Zhiying , Jin Yi , Wan Li , Lu Yan , Fan Bifa , Wang James Jin , Li Luming
Published: January 2020

Background Although effective results of many studies support the use of spinal cord stimulation in the chronic pain patients, no randomized controlled trial has been undertaken in China to date. CITRIP is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, withdrawal study designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of spinal cord stimulation plus remote programming management in patients with intractable trunk or limb pain.Method Participants will be recruited in approximately 10 centers across China. Eligible participants with intractable trunk or limb and an average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score ≥5 will undergo spinal cord stimulation test. Participants with VAS score reduction ≥ 50% could move forward to receive implantation of an implanted pulse generator. In the withdrawal period at 3-months follow-up visit, participants randomized to the spinal cord stimulation group (experimental group, EG) will undergo continuous stimulation. The outcome assessment will occur at baseline and at 1, 3 (pre and post randomization) and 6 months. The primary outcome is the difference of maximal visual analog scale (VAS) score between EG and CG in the withdrawal period compared with baseline in the withdrawal period. Additional outcomes include VAS score change at 1, 3 and 6-month follow-ups, responder rate (VAS score improving by 50%), awake times during sleep, Beck Depression Inventory for depression evaluation, short-form 36 for quality of life evaluation, drug usage, satisfaction rating of the device. Adverse events will be collected. The primary analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle.Discussion The CITRIP study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a randomized withdrawal trial of spinal cord stimulation for patients with intractable trunk or limb pain.
Postoperative analgesic effect of acupotomy combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: jiang cai , Li yinyan , Li xiaomei , Guo jinhua , Guo miaomiao , Yu shengxian , lin zhonghua
Published: January 2020

Background: Postoperative acute pain is a common issue following thoracic surgery. Acupotomy is a common and safe intervention method for pain treatment in the clinic. In previous preliminary experiments, we found that acupotomy has a good clinical effect and safety in the treatment of pain after thoracoscopic surgery. However, due to a lack of rigorous design and adequate sample size, the efficacy still needs to be further confirmed. The purpose of this study will be to explore the efficacy and safety of acupotomy combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) for the treatment of pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods: The study will be a single-centre, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Seventy patients with significant pain after thoracoscopic surgery with a visual analogue scale (VAS) score ≥7 will be included and randomly distributed into two groups: G1, the acupotomy combined with PCIA group; or G2, the conventional PCIA group. The primary outcome measure is pain scores at rest and coughing evaluated with the VAS by a blinded observer in the PACU and postoperatively at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. The secondary outcome measures are postoperative requirements for rescue analgesia, the cumulative amount of self-administered analgesics, the level of sedation (LOS), Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS), and functional activity score (FAS) concerning adverse effects and patient satisfaction. Discussion: This trial has the potential to identify a novel strategy for postoperative pain management in VATS. Findings may advocate for the inclusion of the treatment of comorbid pain after thoracoscopy in current pain management practice guidelines.
Peer support for people with severe mental illness versus usual care: study protocol for a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (UPSIDES-RCT)
Authors: Moran Galia Sharon , Kalha Jasmine , Mueller-Stierlin Annabel , Kilian Reinhold , Krumm Silvia , Slade Mike , Charles Ashleigh , Mahlke Candelaria , Nixdorf Rebecca Rebecca , Basangwa David , Nakku Juliet , Mpango Richard , Ryan Grace , Shamba Donat , Ramesh Mary , Ngakongwa Fileuka , Grayzman Alina , Pathare Soumitra , Mayer Benjamin , Puschner Bernd
Published: January 2020

Background: Peer support is an established intervention involving a person in recovery from mental illness being engaged to offering support to others with mental illness. Peers are an under-used resource in global mental health. Building upon comprehensive formative research, this study will rigorously evaluate the impact of peer support at the levels of service users (psychosocial and clinical outcomes), peer support workers (work role, empowerment), services (cost-effectiveness, return on investment), and implementation (adoption, sustainability, organisational change). Methods: UPSIDES-RCT is a pragmatic parallel-group multi-centre randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of UPSIDES at four measurement points over one year (baseline, 4-, 8-, and 12-month follow-up), and embedded process evaluation and cost-effectiveness analysis. Research will take place in a range of high-, middle- and low-income countries (Germany, United Kingdom, Israel, Uganda, Tanzania, India). The primary outcome is social inclusion of service users with severe mental illness (N= 558; N = 93 per site) at 8-month follow-up, measured with the Social Inclusion Scale. Secondary outcomes include empowerment (Empowerment Scale), hope (HOPE scale), recovery (Stages of Recovery), and health and social functioning (Health of the Nations Outcome Scales). Mixed-methods process evaluation will investigate mediators and moderators of effect, and implementation experiences of four UPSIDES stakeholder groups (service users, peer support workers, mental health workers, and policy makers). A cost-effectiveness analysis examining cost-utility and health budget impact will estimate the value for money of UPSIDES peer support. Discussion: By implementing and evaluating a manualized peer support intervention for people with severe mental illness across low-, middle-, and high-income countries, this study will contribute to harmonising core elements of peer support across different cultural and organisational dimensions. The UPSIDES-RCT will explore the essential components necessary to create a peer support model in mental health care, while providing the evidence required to sustain and eventually scale-up the intervention. Performance of mental health services will be maximised by actively involving and empowering service users, generating system changes towards user-centeredness, recovery orientation, community participation, and realising mental health as a human right. Trail registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN26008944. Registered 30 October 2019, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN26008944.
Can we walk away from cardiovascular disease risk or do we have to ‘huff and puff’? A compositional accelerometer data analysis among adults and older adults in the Copenhagen City Heart Study
Authors: Johansson Melker Staffan , Søgaard Karen , Prescott Eva , Marott Jacob Louis , Schnohr Peter , Holtermann Andreas , Korshøj Mette
Published: January 2020

Background: To decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is unclear whether it is enough to walk more, or if high intensity physical activity (HIPA) is needed. It is also unclear if this differs between adults and older adults. We investigated how sedentary behaviour, walking, and HIPA, were associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among adults and older adults in a general population sample using compositional data analysis. Specifically, the measure of association was quantified by reallocating time between sedentary behaviour and 1) walking, and 2) HIPA.Methods: Cross-sectional data from the fifth examination of the Copenhagen City Heart Study was used. We estimated daily time spent in physical behaviours from accelerometer data worn 24 h/day for 7 days (i.e., right frontal thigh and iliac crest; median wear time: 6 days, 23.8 h/day) using the software Acti4. SBP, WC and LDL-C were measured during a physical examination. Eligible participants had to have ≥5 days with ≥16 h of accelerometer recordings per day, and not use antihypertensives, diuretics or cholesterol lowering medicine. The 24-hour physical behaviour composition consisted of sedentary behaviour, standing, moving, walking, HIPA (i.e., sum of climbing stairs, running, cycling and rowing), and time in bed. We used fitted values from linear regression models to predict the difference in outcome given the investigated time reallocations.Results: Among the 1053 eligible participants we found an interaction between the physical behaviour composition and age. Age-stratified (i.e., </≥65 years; 773 adults, 280 older adults) analyses showed that less sedentary behaviour and more walking compared to the group-specific mean composition was marginally associated with lower SBP among older adults, but not among adults. Less sedentary behaviour and more HIPA was among both adults and older adults marginally associated with a lower SBP, associated with a smaller WC among adults (marginally among older adults) and associated with a lower LDL-C in both age groups.Conclusions: Less sedentary behaviour and more walking seems to be associated with lower risk of CVD among older adults, while HIPA types are associated with lower risk among adults.
Geometry optimization, factors screening, and introduce a predicting mathematical model of inhalation exposure chamber’s performance.
Authors: Rajabi-Vardanjani Hassan , Asilian-Mahabadi Hassan , Bayareh Morteza , Sedehi Morteza
Published: January 2020

Background Optimizing the geometry of an inhalation exposure chamber (IEC) results in a uniform and stable distribution of the test atmosphere and enables the modeling of its performance. This study was conducted for the first time to optimize and model the performance of an IEC.Methods The current study was performed on the initial design of the ASRA chamber and to optimize and model it. The matrix of experiments was determined by the design expert software (DE7). The mean of particle concentration (MPC) in the respiratory zone of animals as the response variable, and height of the cylindrical section of the chamber, carrier gas density, inlet concentration, and particle aerodynamic diameter ( da ) as independent variables were considered. Experiments were performed by numerical simulation using ANSYS Workbench package. Particle concentration sampling was measured in 40 points at the opening of each holder in CFD-Post software. To determine the optimal range of the chamber's height, the different of MPC among the holders’ opening was investigated by the ANOVA test. The final mathematical model was achieved by analyzing the response variables in DE7.Results Thirty designs in five geometries with different heights were introduced as the matrix of experiments by DE7. The optimal height was obtained 2-2.5 times the radial of the cylindrical section. Analysis of the results suggested a linear model (2FI) with coefficients of recognition higher than 99%. The final model was significant with the presence of the inlet concentration and da . Gas density and height had no significant effect and were removed ( P >0.05).Conclusion The optimization of the geometry of the ASRA chamber resulted in a uniform and stable distribution of the particles and provided an accurate mathematical model to predict the particle concentration in the target zone.
Identification of virulence tal gene in the cotton pathogen, Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum strain Xss-V2-18
Authors: Haq Fazal , Shah Syed Mashab Ali , Xie Shiwang , Huang Kunxuan , Ma Wenxiu , Cai LuLu , Xu Xiameng , Xu Zhengyin , Wang Sai , Zou Lifang , Zhu Bo , Chen Gongyou
Published: January 2020

Background Bacterial blight of cotton (BBC), which is incited by Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum ( Xcm ), is a destructive disease in cotton. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), encoded by tal -genes, play critical roles in the pathogenesis of xanthomonads. Characterized strains of cotton pathogenic Xcm harbor 6-13 different tal genes and only one of them is functionally decoded. Further identification of novel tal genes in Xcm strains with virulence contributions are prerequisite to decipher the Xcm -cotton interactionsResults In this study, we identified six tal genes in Xss-V 2 -18, a highly-virulent strain of Xcm from China, and assessed their role in BBC. RFLP-based Southern hybridization assays indicated that Xss-V 2 -18 harbors the six tal genes on a plasmid. The plasmid-encoded tal genes were isolated by cloning Bam HI fragments and screening clones by colony hybridization. The tal genes were sequenced by inserting a Tn 5 transposon in the DNA encoding the central repeat region (CRR) of each tal gene. Xcm TALome evolutionary relationship based on TALEs CRR revealed relatedness of Xss-V 2 -18 to MSCT1 and MS14003 from the United States. However, Tal2 of Xss-V 2 -18 differs at two repeat variable diresidues (RVDs) from Tal6 and Tal26 in MSCT1 and MS14003, respectively, inferred functional dissimilarity. The suicide vector pKMS1 was then used to construct tal deletion mutants in Xcm Xss-V 2 -18. The mutants were evaluated for pathogenicity in cotton based on symptomology and growth in planta . Four mutants showed attenuated virulence and all contained mutations in tal2 . One tal2 mutant designated M2 was further investigated in complementation assays. When tal2 was introduced into Xcm M2 and expressed in trans , the mutant was complemented for both symptoms and growth in planta , thus indicating that tal2 functions as a virulence factor in Xcm Xss-V 2 -18.Conclusions Overall, the results demonstrated that Tal2 is a major pathogenicity factor in Xcm strain Xss-V 2 -18 that contributes significantly in BBC. This study provides a foundation for future efforts aimed at identifying susceptibility genes in cotton that are targeted by Tal2.
Articaine and Dexmedetomidine – supplemented Articaine for arteriovenous fistula creation under ultrasound- guided supraclavicular block
Authors: Armanious Simon Halim , Hameed Gamal Adel Abd el
Published: January 2020

Background: Articaine has emerged as local anesthetic, that produce sensory and motor blockade shorter than bupivacaine and lower in neurotoxicity than lidocaine. Studies have shown that adding dexmedetomidine to local anesthetic produce prolongation of sensory and motor bock duration. Early regain of motor power with adequate analgesia is needed in hemodialysis fistula creation, for early start of physiotherapy. We designed this study to test efficacy of adding dexmedetomidine to Articaine on the duration of sensory and motor block. Methods: After university review board approval, informed written consent to participate in the study was obtained. Patients with chronic renal failure undergoing radiocephalic hemodialysis fistula creation were eligible for enrollment in this double blind, randomized trial. Patients receive either 40 ml of 2% Articaine hydrochloride or 40 ml of Articaine 2% mixed with dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg). sensory block duration in minutes is assessed by pinprick test and motor block duration in minutes is tested by Bromage scale, both are recorded as a primary outcome. Secondary outcome included onset of sensory and motor block, time for rescue analgesia, hemodynamic changes, over sedation and possible side effect all were recorded. Results: fifty patients were enrolled in the study (25 in Articaine group A and 25 in Articaine dexmedetomidine group AD). Longer sensory block duration was in group AD (230 to 260 min) than in group A (172 to 185min) with p <0.001. Also, motor block duration was significantly longer in group AD 220±110min than in group A 165±45. The duration of effective analgesia was significantly longer in group AD (363 ± 134 min) versus (244 ± 84) min in group A. The onset of block was short and similar between groups. In group AD one patient didn’t ask for analgesia in 24 h postoperative and another patient showed excessive somnolence. There was no other difference in both groups. Conclusion : The addition of dexmedetomidine to Articaine during ultrasound guided supraclavicular block increase duration of sensory and motor block and prolong time of first analgesia required. Although we didn’t detect significant reduction in onset time of block. Further study is needed with larger sample size.
SIRT3 deficiency is resistant to erastin-induced autophagy-dependent ferroptosis by inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR pathway and promoting glutathione peroxidase 4 levels
Authors: Han Dandan , Jiang Lili , Gu Xiaolong , Huang Shimeng , Pang Jiaman , Wu Yujun , Feng Cuiping , Yin Jingdong , Wang Junjun
Published: January 2020

Background: Ferroptosis, an autophagy-dependent cell death, is characterized by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, closely associated with pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) has positive regulation on phosphorylation of AMPK, related to maintainance of cellular redox homeostasis. However, whether SIRT3 can confer autophagy by activating the AMPK-mTOR pathway and consequently promote induction of ferroptosis is unknown. Methods: We used human trophoblastic cell line HTR-8/SVneo and porcine trophoblastic cell line pTr2 to deterimine the mechanism of SIRT3 on autophagy and ferroptosis. Results: The expression of SIRT3 protein was significantly elevated in trophoblastic cells exposed to high concentrations of glucose and ferroptosis-inducing compounds. Increased SIRT3 expression contributed to classical ferroptotic events and autophagy activation, whereas SIRT3 silencing led to resistance against both ferroptosis and autophagy. In addition, autophagy inhibition impaired SIRT3-enhanced ferroptosis. On the contrary, autophagy induction had a synergistic effect with SIRT3. Based on mechanistic investigations, SIRT3 depletion inhibited activation of the AMPK-mTOR pathway and enhanced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) level, thereby suppressing autophagy and ferroptosis. Furthermore, depletion of AMPK blocked induction of ferroptosis in trophoblasts. Conclusions: We concluded that upregulated SIRT3 enhanced autophagy activation by promoting AMPK-mTOR pathway and decreasing GPX4 level to induce ferroptosis in trophoblastic cells. SIRT3 deficiency was resistant to high glucose- and erastin-induced autophagy-dependent ferroptosis and is therefore a potential therapeutic approach for treating GDM.
Fragmented QRS as an early predictor of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in healthy individuals: A nested case-control study in the era of speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Jamali Zahra , Razeghian-Jahromi Iman , Sayadi Mehrab , Abtahi Firoozeh
Published: January 2020

Background: The burden of cardiovascular diseases have been become a concerning health challenge throughout the world. Stopping this condition needs applying early, yet inexpensive diagnostic methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on 12-lead EKG for detecting left ventricular dysfunction in healthy individuals.Methods: Out of 500 healthy participants without detected cardiovascular disorders from Shiraz Heart Study cohort, 20 subjects diagnosed with fQRS (case) and 20 peers without fQRS (control) were participated. Global longitudinal strain was measured by speckle tracking echocardiography for two groups. Comparison was made between case and control groups by using chi-square or independent sample t-test or ANOVA. P value of less than 5% considered statistical significance. Results: There was no difference between the case and the control groups in terms of age, gender, ejection fraction, left ventricular volume and dimensions. Out of 40 subjects, 14 had reduced GLS (≤20%) with 10 of them had fQRS. GLS in the case group was significantly lower than in the control group.Conclusions: Apparent healthy subjects with fQRS diagnosed with left ventricular systolic dysfunction with respect to GLS despite normal ejection fraction. It seems that EKG, as one of the simplest way toward assessing heart function, could be a prominent informative clue to detect high-risk individuals among healthy population in advance.
Characterization of clinical and genetic spectrum of Chinese patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Liu Keqiang , Xu Wenshuai , Meng Xiao , Zhao Xinyue , Zhang Qianli , Song Jiaxing , Chen Keqi , Tian Xinlun , Liu Yaping , Xu Kai-Feng , Zhang Xue
Published: January 2020

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the CFTR gene. The clinical features and mutation spectrum of CF have been well characterized in Caucasians, while limited studies were conducted in Chinese patients.Subjects and methods A total of 20 individuals from 19 families were diagnosed with CF in this study. We analyzed the clinical features and screened all coding exons of CFTR using a combination of Sanger sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis.Results The median age at onset was 9.3 years in our cohort, while the median age at diagnosis was 19 years. The respiratory system was most frequently affected in this study: all patients (100%, 19/19) presented with diffuse bronchiectasis and 61.1% (11/18) patients showed a forced expiratory volume in 1 s below 80% predicted. Six patients (6/20, 30%) exhibited allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Only 4 (4/20, 20%) patients presented with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PI). Three adult male patients receiving examinations for congenital bilateral absence of vas deference (CBAVD) were all found with CBAVD. A total of 22 distinct mutations were detected in this cohort, with the variant p.G970D as the most common variant (12/38 alleles, 31.6%). Among these mutations, 5 (p.Y109D, p.I203F, p.D572E, p.R1066S and exon 2-3 deletion) were novel mutations, which expanded the mutation spectrum.Conclusions Chinese CF patients showed different clinical features and a distinct CFTR mutation spectrum, compared with Caucasians. There is a significant diagnosis delay, suggesting the current underdiagnosis of CF in China.
Modelling Morquio A syndrome: an anthropometric study of body characteristics and stature
Authors: Różdżyńska-Świątkowska Agnieszka , Szklanny Krzysztof , Marucha Jolanta , Tylki-Szymańska Anna
Published: January 2020

Background: Morquio A syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA is an autosomal recessive, life-limiting lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of the enzyme galactosamine-6-sulfatase. Common early symptoms such as abnormalities of body stature can facilitate timely diagnosis. The aim of this study was to create a pattern of face and body stature based on anthropometric measurements taken from a cohort of Polish patients with MPS IVA. Methods: Analysis of 11 somatometric and 14 craniofacial features was performed on 20 patients with MPS IVA, aged from 3 months to 26 years. Diagnosis of MPS IVA was confirmed by enzymatic and molecular analysis. Two-tailed t-tests were used to compare mean values for body length and weight at birth between the MPS IVA patients and the general population. To show the degree and direction of deviation z-scores were calculated and then used to construct a model of an average MPS IVA patient. Results: Mean values for body height and weight at birth were greater for boys than for the general population. The observed pattern of head and body shape indicated that dwarfism occurred with increasing age as a result of relatively short trunk and lower limbs. Skeletal abnormalities included a bell-shaped chest with ratio of chest depth and chest width was significantly above the norm. The head and neck were relatively elongated in comparison to body height and tucked between narrow shoulders. The head was narrow and elongated, while the nose was short with wide nostrils. Conclusions: Multiple measurements – including age ranges – allowed the creation of a model that showed the most characteristic features of the MPS IVA phenotype.
HIV/AIDS research in Africa and the Middle East: participation and equity in North-South collaborations and relationships.
Authors: González-Alcaide Gregorio , Menchi-Elanzi Marouane , Nacarapa Edy , Ramos-Rincón José-Manuel
Published: January 2020

Background HIV/AIDS has attracted considerable research attention since the 1980s. In the current context of globalization and the predominance of cooperative work, it is crucial to analyze the participation of the countries and regions where the infection is most prevalent, African continent being the hardest hit (67.5% of estimated cases). This study assesses the participation of African countries in publications on the topic, as well as the degree of equity or influence existing in North-South relations.Methods We identified all articles and reviews of HIV/AIDS indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. We analyzed the scientific production, collaboration, and contributions from African and Middle Eastern countries to scientific activity in the region. The concept of leadership was used to determine the equity in research produced through international collaboration.Results A total of 68,808 documents published from 2010 to 2017 were analyzed. Researchers from North America and Europe participated in 82.14% of the global scientific production on HIV/AIDS, compared to just 21.61% from Africa and the Middle East. Furthermore, the research that did come out of these regions was concentrated in a small number of countries, led by South Africa (41% of the documents). Other features associated with HIV/AIDS research from Africa include the importance of international collaboration from the USA, the UK, and other European countries (75%-93% of the documents) and the limited leadership that is evident (30% to 36% of the documents). Finally, the research to which African countries contributed had a notably different disciplinary orientation, with a predominance of research on public health, epidemiology, and drug therapy.Conclusions It is essential to foster more balance in research output, avoid the concentration of resources that reproduces the global North-South model on the African continent, and focus the research agenda on local priorities. To accomplish this, the global North should strengthen the transfer of research skills and seek equity in cooperative ties, favoring the empowerment of African countries. These efforts should be concentrated in countries with low scientific activity and high incidence and prevalence of the disease. It is also essential to foster intraregional collaborations between African countries.
Inference based accuracy of metagenome prediction tools varies across sample types and functional categories
Authors: Sun Shan , Jones Roshonda B. , Fodor Anthony A.
Published: January 2020

Background: Despite recent decreases in the cost of sequencing, shotgun metagenome sequencing remains more expensive compared with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Methods have been developed to predict the functional profiles of microbial communities based on their taxonomic composition. In this study, we evaluated the performance of three commonly used metagenome prediction tools (PICRUSt, PICRUSt2 and Tax4Fun) by comparing the significance of the differential abundance of predicted functional gene profiles to those from shotgun metagenome sequencing across different environments. Results: We selected 7 datasets of human, non-human animal and environmental (soil) samples that have publicly available 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenome sequences. As we would expect based on previous literature, strong Spearman correlations were observed between predicted gene compositions and gene relative abundance measured with shotgun metagenome sequencing. However, these strong correlations were preserved even when the abundance of genes were permuted across samples. This suggests that simple correlation coefficient is a highly unreliable measure for the performance of metagenome prediction tools. As an alternative, we compared the performance of genes predicted with PICRUSt, PICRUSt2 and Tax4Fun to sequenced metagenome genes in inference models associated with metadata within each dataset. With this approach, we found reasonable performance for human datasets, with the metagenome prediction tools performing better for inference on genes related to “house-keeping” functions. However, their performance degraded sharply outside of human datasets when used for inference. Conclusion: We conclude that the utility of PICRUSt, PICRUSt2 and Tax4Fun for inference with the default database is likely limited outside of human samples and that development of tools for gene prediction specific to different non-human and environmental samples is warranted.
Mutational signatures shift induced by chemotherapeutic agents, 5-Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin, in the gut microbiome
Authors: Su Fei , Liu Zhao , Zou Lihui , Xu Xue , Luo Qingfeng , Li Hexin , Jia Wenzhuo , Tang Min , Huang Yingying , Zhao Yunbo , Li Lin , Ai Bin , Chen Meng , Ma Jie , Zhao Gang , Xu Hongtao , Xiao Fei
Published: January 2020

We developed a powerful framework for taxonomy composition and genomic variation analysis to investigate the mutagenesis effect and proliferation influence of chemotherapeutic agents, such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Oxaliplatin (Oxi) on gut microbiota. Using the gut microbiome data of 68 time serial stool samples, we detected 1.45 million variations among the chemotherapy groups and found the drugs significantly affected mutation signatures of gut microbiota. About 786 faecal metagenomes of 755 individuals from 5 different cohorts were analyzed to build the mutation pattern of gut microbiota from health samples. Oxi notably increase transversion rate, while 5-FU reduced the rate. We also performed in vitro experiments to confirm that chemotherapeutic agents could disrupt the pattern of genetic variant in the intestinal microorganisms. Post-chemotherapy samples had specific gut microbiome signatures with higher abundance of Bacilli and a lack of anaerobic bacteria. In addition, drug-associated functional alterations were also found: metabolism changes in the 5-FU group implied that gut microbiota could provide additional NAD + to inhibit cancer cell autophagy; in the Oxi group, the ribosome and lysine biosynthesis genes were obviously enriched. According to molecular evolution analysis, traits related to protein secretion system showed evidence of strong selection pressure from the drugs, which could be a novel potential treatment strategy for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Our study provides a blueprint for characterizing the role of microbes and drug-microbe interaction in the gut microbiota response to chemotherapy.
In vivo and in silico characterization of Lactobacillus reuteri SKKU-OGDONS-01, a potential probiotic from chicken intestine
Authors: Kim Dongjun , Cho Mun-ju , Lee Yongjun , Cho Seungchan , Kil Eui-Joon , Byun Sung June , Lee Sukchan
Published: January 2020

Background: Lactobacillus reuteri SKKU-OGDONS-01 was isolated from chicken intestines for further development as an antiviral feed additive. This study aimed to investigate probiotic properties of chicken isolates in mice model and in silico analysis.Results: Compared to known probiotics, Lactobacillus paracasei ATCC 334, Lactobacillus reuteri SKKU-OGDONS-01 showed immune-boosting effects despite short persistence in the mice intestine. Especially, the expression levels of IFN-β and IFN-γ were increased 4 and 40 times higher than those of the control mice. In proportion to the immune-boosting effects elicited by chicken isolates, the antiviral efficacy against murine norovirus (MNV) was also remarkable. For the purpose of evaluating the potential for development as feed additives, the expression levels of probiotic markers such as long-term acid adaptation, stress response, and adhesion-related proteins were investigated using in silico method, and the results showed that these proteins were expressed at high levels in chicken isolate. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that chicken isolate, Lactobacillus reuteri SKKU-OGDONS-01 can also elicit high probiotic properties in mice even though it originated in chicken. We expect that this chicken isolate will be able to induce much higher probiotic activity in chickens to develop feed additives for poultry.Keywords: Lactobacillus reuteri SKKU-OGDONS-01, probiotics, antiviral efficacy, probiotic marker, cytokine
Who responds? An examination of response rates to a national postal survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, 2018-2019
Authors: Wright Alyson Jane , Thurber Katherine Anne , Yap Mandy , Du Wei , Banks Emily , Walker Jennie , Irwin Faye , Sanders William , Lovett Raymond
Published: January 2020

Background Evidence on the effectiveness of postal recruitment methods for Indigenous peoples is lacking. Mayi Kuwayu, the National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing, uses multi-staged sampling. We aimed to test postal surveys as a primary recruitment method, analysing preliminary response rate data to inform the Study’s ongoing sampling approach.Methods Our sample included 20,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults >16 years enrolled in the Medicare Australia Enrolment Database. We calculated response rates at 4 and 15 weeks, overall and by age group, gender, state/territory and remoteness.Results The overall response rate was 2.3% (n=456/20000). Highest response rates were observed among males and females ≥50 years from major cities (6.0%, 95%CI 4.4–7.9 and 5.5%, 4.1–7.2, respectively) and regional areas (6.0%, 4.6–7.6 and 6.2%, 4.9–7.7, respectively). Younger age groups and remote areas had lower response rates; all remote age groups <50 years had a response rate ≤0.6%. While most participants responded on the paper surveys, online responses were more common among younger age groups and, respondents with higher education levels and whose first language was not English.Conclusion Using a postal survey, we observed response rates of ≥5.5% among older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in major cities and regional areas; response rates were lower in other groups. A two-stage postal distribution approach provided an opportunity to adapt sampling approaches to different demographic groups. Based on initial response rates, the sampling strategy was revised to send postal surveys to groups with higher response rates groups and focus field recruitment strategies on low response groups.