bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia induced metastasis of gastric cancer through HIF1α/ANXA1/MMP-2 pathway
Authors: Liu Qing-Hua , Xia Lei , Lu Chen Chen , Liu Ying
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of hypoxia induced metastasis of gastric cancer (GC). MethodThis study explored the clinical significance of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) 1α and annexin A1 (ANXA1) in human GC by immunohistochemistry of a tissue microarray with 76 surgically resected GC specimens and further examined the mechanism of the role of HIF1α in GC.ResultsOur data demonstrated that HIF1α expression was dramatically increased in GC tissues. High HIF1α expressions were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and with worse survival in GC patients. In addition, HIF1α expression was an independent prognostic factor in GC patients and the combination of HIF1α and ANXA1 might serve as useful prognostic markers in GC patients. Furthermore, HIF-1α could promote GC migration and invasion through HIF1α/ANXA1/MMP-2 (Matrix metal proteinase 2) pathway.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that HIF-1α may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for inhibiting GC metastasis.
Oil Price Shocks and Sectoral Stocks Behaviour in Nigeria: How Relevant is Asymmetry and Structural Breaks?
Authors: Fasanya Ismail , Adekoya Oluwasegun B. , Odudu Temitope F.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we model the relationship between oil price and stock returns for selected sectors in Nigeria using monthly data from January 2007 to December 2016. We employ both the Linear (Symmetric) ARDL by Pesaran et al. (2001) and Nonlinear (Asymmetric) ARDL by Shin et al. (2014) and we also account for structural breaks using the Bai and Perron (2003) test that allows for multiple structural changes in regression models. Our results indicate that the strength of this relationship varies across sectors, albeit asymmetric and breaks. We identify two structural breaks that occur in 2008 and 2010/2011 which coincidentally correspond to the global financial crisis and the Arab spring (Libyan shut-downs), respectively.Moreover, we observe strong supportfor asymmetry and structural breaks for some sectorsin the reaction of sector returns to movement in oil prices.These findings are robust and insensitive when considering different oil proxy.While further extensions can be pursued, the consideration of asymmetric effects as well as structural breaks should not be jettisoned when modelling this nexus.JEL codes: C22; C51; G12; Q43
Incivility towards nurses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan , Moosavi Soolmaz , Balouchi Abbas , Riley Georgina
Published: June 2020

Background
Creation and maintenance of a safe healthy work environment is one part of a nurse’s role. Evidence shows there is a presence of negative behaviors like incivility and violence in the nursing profession. This systematic review and meta-analysis determined the rate of incivility towards nurses and the factors affecting it.
Methods
All observational studies that primarily investigated the rate of incivility towards nurses were selected regardless of sampling method. The electronic databases “PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Magiran, IranDoc, and Scopus” were searched for studies published during the period of January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2019. The quality of the selected studies was assessed with Hoy’s Critical Assessment Checklist. The study was undertaken using the random effects model. Data were analyzed with STATA14.
Results
Data on 61 articles, including data on 30801 individuals that were published during 1997–2019, entered the study. Prevalence of incivility was 50.10% (95%, CI: 48.05, 62.06).
Conclusion
Given the highly important role of nurses in care-giving, they deserve to have a safe working environment similar to other work milieus.
WITHDRAWN: Analysis of the effectiveness of wound closure techniques among surgeons and emergency physicians in Mecca Hospitals: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Felemban Jeehad Mansour , Binyaseen Kenan A , Almalki Waleed S , Altowairqi Fahad S , Sakhakhini Amer O , Alharbi Ziyad
Published: June 2020

Objective: Wound suturing is a procedure performed at many medical specialties. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of wound closure techniques by recognizing the common suturing techniques and materials that used in different type of wounds among surgeons and emergency physicians and to assess the rate of scars formation among their patients in-Mecca City Hospitals, Saudi Arabia.Results:Every participant selects and prefers some methods in wound closure over other methods. Choosing the simple interrupted technique exceeded 50% for all types of studied wounds. The other most common techniques among participants were subcuticular and vertical mattress respectively, also using stabler was limited to some wound types with less percentage than other suture techniques. Regarding suturing material, there are many materials alternatives were selected for the studied wounds such as 23% of participants used Monocryl for eyelid wounds, and 6% for breast wounds, also 9% of participants were using Polypropylene for scalp wounds and 8% for eyelids wounds. This study showed a high level of awareness among participants with a significant p-values regarding the important factors affecting wound healing and scare formation.
Monitoring the decomposition of wealth-related inequality in the use of regular antenatal care in Egypt (1995-2014)
Authors: Khadr Zeinab
Published: June 2020

Background Between 1995 and 2014 Egypt successfully increased the use of regular antenatal care (URAC) among women from 30.4% to 82.9%. The same period saw a decrease in the wealth-based inequality in URAC, with significant decline in its prevalence among the richest and poorest wealth quintiles. This paper investigates the changes in the main determinants contributing to the wealth-based inequality in URAC for the two years of 1995 and 2014, and the determinants that underlined the declines in this inequality. Methods The secondary analysis was based on data from the 1995 and 2014 rounds of the Egypt Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regression was implemented to model URAC for those two years and inequality was measured using the concentration index. Decomposition of the concentration index and Blinder -Oaxaca decomposition were implemented to assess the contribution of the URAC determinants to its inequality and the changes between 1995 and 2014. Results Decomposition of inequalities in URAC in 1995 and 2014 showed that social determinants were the main contributors to these inequalities. More than 90% of the inequalities were explained by the determinants of living in rural Upper Egypt, women and their husbands having attained higher education, the household standard of living, and birth order. These same determinants were also responsible for more than 76% of the decline in the inequality in URAC between 1995 and 2014. Findings show that high concentration of poverty in rural Upper Egypt contributes significantly to the inequality in URAC. There was a relatively smaller change in the relationship between education and URAC, whereby women and their husbands who have secondary or higher education maintain their higher odds of URAC. These findings highlight the importance of the health system and the social determinants to achieve equality in URAC. Conclusion Decomposition of inequality can support prioritization of interventions and can lead to effective and efficient use of the limited resources available in any society. Decomposition of the changes in inequality can aid the assessment of the effectiveness and the monitoring of the impact of these interventions and help identify new policies and interventions needed to tackle these inequalities.
A Covariance Matrix-based Spectrum Sensing Technology Exploiting Stochastic Resonance and Filters
Authors: Lu Jin , Huang Ming , Yang Jingjing
Published: June 2020

Cognitive radio (CR) is a dynamic spectrum sharing technology designed to reduce the negative effect of spectrum scarcity caused by the exponential increase in the number of wireless devices. CR requires that spectrum sensing should detect licenced signals quickly and accurately and enable coexistence between primary and secondary users without interference. However, spectrum sensing with a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is still a challenge in CR systems. This paper proposes a novel covariance matrix-based spectrum sensing method by using stochastic resonance (SR) and filters. SR is implemented to enforce the detection signal of multiple antennas in low SNR conditions. The filters are equipped in the receiver to reduce the interference segment of noise frequency. Then, two test statistics computed by the likelihood ratio test (LRT) or the maximum eigenvalues detector (MED) are constructed by the sample covariance matrix of the processed signals. The simulation results exhibit the spectrum sensing performance of the proposed algorithms under various channel conditions, namely, additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels. The energy detector (ED) is also compared with LRT and MED. The simulation results demonstrate that SR and filter implementation can achieve a considerable improvement in spectrum sensing performance under a strong noise background.
Green synthesis and application of silver nano-biotics for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of glass-ionomer cement against dental biofilm and its effect on compressive strength
Authors: El-Rab sanaa M. F. gad , Enan Enas Tawfik , Ashour Amal A. , Basha Sakeenabi , Felemban Nayef H.
Published: June 2020

Background.
The development of dental caries is associated with various microorganisms and secondary caries formation is the main cause of their failure. The urge for restorative dental materials that have antimicrobial properties has stimulated the introduction of materials containing different antibacterial agents.
Objectives
Present study has been designed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and incorporate AgNPs and amoxicillin into glass ionomer cement (GIC) to synergize its effect on oral microbes. The effect of the added antimicrobial agents on compressive strength of GIC was also evaluated.
Material and methods
Biosynthesis of AgNPs was done using Cupressus macrocarpa extract and AgNPs were charectatrized. A total of 120 disc-shaped specimens were prepared and classified into 4 main groups where Group A include conventional GIC, Groups B and C include GIC with AgNPs or Amoxicillin, respectively, while Group D included GIC with both AgNPs and Amoxicillin. Each group was tested for the antimicrobial activity. The distribution of biofilm was examined via scanning electron microscope. Compressive strength (CS) of the tested material was measured using a Material Test System (MTS).
Results
UV-Visible spectrum showed a peak of 429 nm.TEM, XRD pattern and FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of AgNPs with spherical to oblong polydispersed particles of diameter in the range of 13.5–25.8 nm. The maximum inhibitory zone was recorded for group D against both Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria with a mean of 29 mm at first 24-hour period to 15 mm at three weeks and showed antimicrobial rate 92.2% and 92.56%, against both strains, respectively. Additionally, group D disintegrated the structure of S. aureus biofilm and even kill bacteria in the biofilms. Addition of AgNPs and Amoxicillin caused insignificant effect on compressive strength of GIC.
Conclusion
Cupressus macrocarpa extract biosynthesized AgNPs showed a synergistic effect in combination with amoxicillin and GIC dental restorative material against dental biofilm. The agents can be safely added without impairing mechanical properties of the set cement.
Revisiting MERS-CoV Outbreak Chest Radiographic Initial Findings, Temporal Progression and Correlation to Outcomes: Insights for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ajlan Amr M. , Abourokbah Nesreen H. , Alturkistany Samira , Alharthy Ahmed , Ahyad Rayan A. , Ashour Majed , Madani Tariq A.
Published: June 2020

Objective:Accounts of initial and follow-up chest X-rays (CXRs) of the Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) patients, and correlation with outcomes, are sparse. We retrospectively evaluated MERS-CoV CXRs initial findings, temporal progression and outcomes correlation. Such insights may be valuable during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, given the clinical and imaging similarities described in both entities.Methods:Fifty-three real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)-confirmed MERS-CoV patients with CXRs were retrospectively identified from November 2013 to October 2014. Initial and follow-up CXR imaging findings and distribution were evaluated over 75 days. Findings were correlated with outcomes.Results:Twenty-two of 53 (42%) initial CXRs were normal. In 31 (68%) abnormal initial CXRs, 15 (48%) showed bilateral non-diffuse involvement, 16 (52%) had ground-glass opacities (GGO), and 13 (42%) had peripheral distribution. On follow-up CXRs, mixed airspace opacities prevailed, seen in 16 (73%) of 22 patients 21-30 days after the initial CXRs. Bilateral non-diffuse involvement was the commonest finding throughout follow-up, affecting 16 (59%) of 27 patients 11-20 days after the initial CXRs. Bilateral diffuse involvement was seen in 5 (63%) of 8 patients 31-40 days after the initial CXRs. A bilateral diffuse CXR pattern had an odds ratio for mortality of 13 (95% CI=2-78) on worst and 18 (95% CI=3-119) on final CXRs (P-value <0.05).Conclusion: Initially, normal CXRs are common in MERS-CoV patients. Peripherally located ground-glass and mixed opacities are common on initial and follow-up imaging. The risk of mortality is higher when bilateral diffuse radiographic abnormalities are detected.
​Quantitative Evaluation of Hepatic Integrin Αvβ3 Expression by Positron-emission Tomography Imaging Using 18F-FPP-RGD2 in Rats With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Hiroyama Shuichi , Rokugawa Takemi , Ito Miwa , Iimori Hitoshi , Morita Ippei , Maeda Hiroki , Fujisawa Kae , Matsunaga Keiko , Shimosegawa Eku , Abe Kohji
Published: June 2020

Background Integrin αvβ3, which are expressed by activated hepatic stellate cells in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), play an important role in the fibrosis. Recently, we reported that an RGD peptide positron emission tomography (PET) probe is useful as a predictor of hepatic fibrosis. Kinetic analysis of the RGD PET probe has been performed in tumours, but not in hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to quantify hepatic integrin αvβ3 in a model of NASH by kinetic analysis using 18F-FPP-RGD2, an integrin αvβ3 PET probe.Methods 18F-FPP-RGD2 PET/CT scans were performed in control and NASH rats. Tissue kinetic analyses were performed using a one-tissue, two-compartment (1T2C) and a two-tissue, three-compartment (2T3C) model using an image-derived input function (IDIF) for the left ventricle. We then conducted correlation analysis between standard uptake values (SUVs) or volume of distribution (VT), evaluated using compartment kinetic analysis, and integrin αv or β3 protein expression.Results Biochemical and histological evaluation confirmed the development of NASH rats. Integrin αvβ3 protein expression and hepatic SUV were higher in NASH- than normal rats. The hepatic activity of 18F-FPP-RGD2 peaked rapidly after administration and then gradually decreased, whereas left ventricular activity rapidly disappeared. The 2T3C model was found to be preferable for 18F-FPP-RGD2 kinetic analysis in the liver. The VT (IDIF) for 18F-FPP-RGD2, calculated using the 2T3C model, was significantly higher in NASH- than normal rats and correlated strongly with hepatic integrin αv and β3 protein expression. The strengths of these correlations were similar to those between SUV60–90 min and hepatic integrin αv or β3 protein expression.Conclusions We have demonstrated that the VT (IDIF) of 18F-FPP-RGD2, calculated using kinetic modelling, positively correlates with integrin αv and β3 protein in the liver of NASH rats. These findings suggest that hepatic VT (IDIF) provides a quantitative assessment of integrin αvβ3 protein in liver.
Utilization of Maternity Waiting Homes to Increase Uptake of Immediate Postpartum Family Planning in Primary Health Care Facilities in Ethiopia
Authors: Asnake Mengistu , Tefera Bekele Belayihun , Tilahun Yeowndwossen , Zerihun Habtamu , Moges Fisseha , Tasissa Adeba , Tilahun Zerihun , Taddelle Atsede , Workneh Wondimagegnehu
Published: June 2020

Background: Maternity waiting home (MWH) within primary health care facilities is an ideal platform to reach women with family planning education and counseling. MWH users interact with health care providers on a regular basis throughout their waiting period and can prepare to initiate family planning method of their choice immediately after childbirth. However, to date, there has been no clear evidence about the use of MWHs to increase uptakes of immediate postpartum family planning (IPPFP). Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the contribution of MWHs to increase IPPFP uptake among women who deliver in health facilities in Ethiopia.Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted to collect quantitative data from women who gave birth in the past 12 months. Multi-stage random sampling procedures were employed to select 884 women. Descriptive summary and logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals were conducted in Stata 14 to analyze the data.Result: The prevalence of IPPFP use among women who used MWHs was 44% and 36% among those who did not use MWHs. The use of MWHs significantly contributed to increase immediate postpartum family planning uptake (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.08- 2.04, p=.016).Conclusions: This study showed that, MWHs significantly contributed for improving IPPFP uptake by an average of 8%-point difference for beneficiaries within 48 hours after delivery. Developing a comprehensive package of service for maternal care has the potential to improve family planning uptake of postpartum women. Women’s who have used maternity waiting home more likely utilized postpartum family planning than women who have not used maternity waiting home. Providing a comprehensive package of services, including family planning information and counseling, in maternity waiting homes can have a positive impact on improving postpartum family planning use.
Traditional medicinal plants in South Tyrol (Northern Italy, Southern Alps) – biodiversity and use
Authors: Petelka Joshua , Plagg Barbara , Säumel Ina , Zerbe Stefan
Published: June 2020

Background: Worldwide mountain regions are recognized as hotspots of ethnopharmacologically relevant species diversity. The high plant diversity and isolated population of South Tyrol (Southern Alps, Italy) have prospered a unique traditional botanical knowledge of medicinal plants, which dates back to prehistoric times. However, changes in rural life and culture may threaten the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. Our study aims to collect and analyze information on native plants used in traditional folk medicine, focusing on the preservation of botanical and cultural diversity.Methods: Data was collected by a review of published material documenting traditionally used medicinal plants of South Tyrol, to capture the total diversity of plants and their usage. We evaluated different parameters, comprising the Ethnobotanicity Index (EI), Ethnophytonomic Index (EPI), relative frequency of citation (RFC), Red List status, and regional legislation with regard to the plant species.Results: A total of 275 species, including 3 mushrooms and 3 lichens were identified, belonging to 72 families, most frequently to the Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Lamiaceae. Most cited species were Hypericum perforatum L., Urtica dioica L., and Plantago lanceolata L. According to 12 ICPC-2 disease categories most frequently treated for human health were digestive and respiratory systems as well as the skin. A total of 27 species were listed as endangered, of which 16 are not protected and two are already extinct. Among the 59 predominantly Alpine species, 11 species are restricted to the high altitudes of the Alps and might be threatened by global warming.Conclusions: Our research revealed that ethnobotanical richness of South Tyrol is among the highest in Italy and throughout the Alps. Nevertheless, it is evident that biodiversity and traditional knowledge have been heavily eroded. Furthermore, we point out particularly sensitive species that should be reconsidered in legal regulations for stronger protection.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate IL-4 and INF-γ Expression in AR Mouse Model
Authors: Zhao Chuanliang , Sun Jingwen , Cai Xiaojing , Zou Wentao , Zhang Jiaxiong
Published: June 2020

Background:

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can promote the recovery of immune balance and regulate the balance of Th1/2 cells. Allergic rhinitis is a disease with Th1/2 imbalance mediated by IgE. It’s unclear whether BMSCs could regulate AR disease. In this study, the possible role of BMSCs was explored.
Methods :

AR mouse model was established by ovalbumin (OVA). 18 models were randomly divided into three groups: AR-sensitized, Stem-cell-returned, Medium-returned; six unsensitized mouses named normal-control. IgE, IL-4 and INF-γ levels were measured by Elisa. Observing migration of BMSCs by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry used to detect changes of Th1/2. STAT 4/6 protein level was detected by Western-blot.
Results :

After OVA-sensitization, IgE, IL-4 and STAT6 levels were higher, INF-γ and STAT4 level was lower. Flow cytometry revealed a decrease in Th1 cell and an increase in Th2 cell in AR group. After BMSCs treatment, t IgE, IL-4 and STAT6 levels in SCRg and MRg were lower than that in AR group, and tINF-γ and STAT4 level were higher than hat inAR group. Flow cytometry showed that the content of Th1 cell increased while Th2 cell decreased.
Conclusions:

BMSCs return treatment could decrease the expression of IL-4, promote the expression of INF-γ and regulate the balance of Th cell, and the mechanism was closely related to STAT4/6 signaling pathway. However there was no statistical difference between SCRg and MRg, so the role of BMSCs maybe achieved through paracrine function rather than multi-directional differentiation potential.
Searching for target-specific and multi-targeting organics for Covid-19 in the Drugbank database with a double scoring approach
Authors: Arul Murugan Natarajan , Kumar Sanjiv , Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman , Srivas Vaibhav
Published: June 2020

The current outbreak of Covid-19 infection due to SARS-CoV-2, a virus from the coronavirus family, has become a major threat to human healthcare. The virus has already infected more than 5 M people and the number of deaths reported has reached more than 330 K which may be attributed to lack of medicine. The traditional drug discovery approach involves many years of rigorous research and development and demands for a huge investment which cannot be adopted for the ongoing pandemic infection. Rather we need a swift and cost-effective approach to inhibit and control the viral infection. With the help of computational screening approaches and by choosing appropriate chemical space, it is possible to identify lead drug-like compounds for Covid-19. In this study, we have used the Drugbank database to screen compounds against the most important viral targets namely 3C-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the spike (S) protein. These targets play a major role in the replication/transcription and host cell recognition, therefore, are vital for the viral reproduction and spread of infection. As the structure based computational screening approaches are more reliable, we used the crystal structures for 3C-like main protease and spike protein. For the remaining targets, we used the structures based on homology modeling. Further, we employed two scoring methods based on binding free energies implemented in AutoDock Vina and molecular mechanics - Generalized Born surface area approach. Based on these results, we propose drug cocktails active against the three viral targets namely 3CL-pro, PLpro and RdRp. Interestingly, one of the identified compounds in this study i.e. Baloxavir marboxil has been under clinical trial for the treatment of Covid-19 infection. In addition, we identified a few compounds such as phthalocyanine, Tadalafil, Lonafarnib, Nilotinib, Dihydroergotamine, R-428 which can bind to all three targets simultaneously and can serve as multi-targeting drugs. Our study also included calculation of binding energies for various compounds currently under drug trials. Among these compounds, it is found that Remdesivir binds to targets, 3CLpro and RdRp with high binding affinity. Moreover, Baricitinib and Umifenovir were found to have superior target-specific binding while Darunavir is found to be a potential multi-targeting drug. As far as we know this is the first study where the compounds from the Drug-bank database are screened against four vital targets of SARS-CoV-2 and illustrates that the computational screening using a double scoring approach can yield potential drug-like compounds against Covid-19 infection.
Fast Deep Learning Computer-Aided Diagnosis against the Novel COVID-19 pandemic from Digital Chest X-ray Images
Authors: Al-antari Mugahed A. , Hua Cam-Hao , Lee Sungyoung
Published: June 2020

Background and Objective: The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a harmful lung disease that rapidly attacks people worldwide. At the end of 2019, COVID-19 was discovered as mysterious lung disease in Wuhan, Hubei province of China. World health organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic in the second week of March 2020. Simultaneous deep learning detection and classification of COVID-19 from the entire digital X-ray images is the key to efficiently assist patients and physicians for a fast and accurate diagnosis.Methods: In this paper, a deep learning computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) based on the YOLO predictor is proposed to simultaneously detect and diagnose COVID-19 among the other eight lung diseases: Atelectasis, Infiltration, Pneumothorax, Mass, Effusion, Pneumonia, Cardiomegaly, and Nodule. The proposed CAD system is assessed via five-fold tests for multi-class prediction problem using two different databases of chest X-ray images: COVID-19 and ChestX-ray8. The proposed CAD system is trained using an annotated training set of 50,490 chest X-ray images.Results: The suspicious regions of COVID-19 from the entire X-ray images are simultaneously detected and classified end-to-end via the proposed CAD predictor achieving overall detection and classification accuracies of 96.31% and 97.40%, respectively. The most testing images of COVID-19 and other lunge diseases are correctly predicted achieving intersection over union (IoU) with their GTs greater than 90%. Applying deep learning regularizers of data balancing and augmentation improve the diagnostic performance by 6.64% and 12.17% in terms of overall accuracy and F1-score, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed CAD system presents its feasibility to diagnose the individual chest X-ray image within 0.009 second. Thus, the presented CAD system could predict 108 frames/second (FPS) at the real-time of prediction.Conclusion: The proposed deep learning CAD system shows its capability and reliability to achieve promising COVID-19 diagnostic performance among all other lung diseases. The proposed deep learning model seems reliable to assist health care systems, patients, and physicians in their practical validations.
COVID-19 and Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions: The Greek Paradigm
Authors: Mavragani Amaryllis , Gillas Konstantinos
Published: June 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic originating in China in December 2019, apart from the grave concerns on the exponentially increasing casualties, the affected countries are called to deal with severe repercussions in all aspects of everyday life; from economic recession to national and international movement restrictions. Several regions managed to handle the pandemic more successfully than others in terms of life loss, while ongoing heated debates as to the right course of action for battling COVID-19 have divided the academic community as well as public opinion. To this direction, in this paper, an autoregressive COVID-19 prediction model with heterogeneous explanatory variables is proposed for Greece, taking past COVID-19 data, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), and Google query data as independent variables, from the day of the first confirmed case -February 26th- to the day before the announcement for the quarantine measures’ softening -April 24th. The analysis indicates that the early measures taken by the Greek officials positively affected the flattening of the curve, with Greece having recorded significantly decreased COVID-19 casualties compared to other countries. In specific, the prediction model identifies not only the seven-day lag that is needed in order for the measures’ results to actually show, that is, in sense, the optimal time-intervention framework for managing the disease’s spread, but the appropriate point during the disease spread where restrictive measures should be applied. Present results have significant implications for effective policy making and in the designing of the NPIs, as the second wave of COVID-19 is expected in fall 2020, and such multidisciplinary analyses are crucial in order to understand the evolution of the Daily Deaths to Daily Cases ratio along with its determinants as soon as possible, for the assessment of the respective domestic health authorities’ policy interventions as well as for the timely health resources allocation.
Machine learning prediction for mortality of patients diagnosed with COVID-19: a nationwide Korean cohort study
Authors: An Chansik , Lim Hyunsun , Kim Dong-Wook , Chang Jung Hyun , Choi Yoon Jung , Kim Seong Woo
Published: June 2020

The rapid spread of COVID-19 is likely to result in the shortage of medical resources, which necessitates accurate prognosis prediction to triage patients effectively. This study used the nationwide cohort of South Korea to develop a machine learning model to predict prognosis based on sociodemographic and medical information. Of 10,237 COVID-19 patients, 228 (2.2%) died, 7,772 (75.9%) recovered, and 2,237 (21.9%) were still in isolation or being treated at the last follow-up (April 16, 2020). The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that age > 70, male sex, moderate or severe disability, the presence of symptoms, nursing home residence, and comorbidities of diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic lung disease, or asthma were significantly associated with increased risk of mortality (p ≤ 0.047). For machine learning, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), linear support vector machine (SVM), SVM with radial basis function kernel, random forest (RF), and k-nearest neighbors were tested. In prediction of mortality, LASSO and linear SVM demonstrated high sensitivities (90.3% [95% confidence interval: 83.3, 97.3]and 92.0% [85.9, 98.1], respectively) and specificities (91.4% [90.3, 92.5] and 91.8%, [90.7, 92.9], respectively) while maintaining high specificities >90%. The most significant predictors for LASSO included old age and preexisting DM or cancer; for RF they were old age, infection route (at large clusters or from personal contact with an infected individual), and underlying hypertension. The proposed prediction model may be helpful for the quick triage of patients without having to wait for the results of additional tests such as laboratory or radiologic studies, during a pandemic when limited medical resources have to be wisely allocated without hesitation.
Association between polymorphisms (rs1800896, rs1800872, rs1800871) in IL-10 gene with human immunodeficiency virus 1-infected patients’ susceptibility
Authors: Tai Huiyu , Xiao Li , Zhou Daming , Mi Yuanyuan , Zhang Wei , Yang Song
Published: June 2020

Background

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is considered to play a role in the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infections, three common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), perhaps have an association with HIV-1 risk.
Methods

To find out the above doubt, a comprehensive study to evaluate the association between IL-10 polymorphisms and HIV-1 has been performed. PubMed database was chosen to identify potential articles through Feb 21, 2020. The odd ratio with 95% confidence interval (OR with 95%CI) was applied to evaluate the relationships.
Results

There have 15 different articles including 24 case-control studies including those on three different SNPs in IL-10 for HIV-1 were found. Positive increased or damaged associations were detected for rs1800872C/A with HIV-1 risk in total (such as: OR with 95%CI = 1.22 with 1.02–1.41 for A-allele vs. C-allele model), and Asians (such as: OR with 95%CI = 1.51 with 1.07–1.88 for AA vs. CC model), population-based, PCR-RFLP, sequence subgroups. Moreover, increased associations were also detected between rs1800871C/T SNP (OR with 95%CI = 1.47 with 1.08-2.00 for CC vs. CT + TT model). No association was found for rs1800896.
Conclusion

Our current study indicated that two SNPs (rs1800872C/A and rs1800871C/T) in IL-10 perhaps be potentially associated with the susceptibility for developing HIV-1 infection.
Structure and diversity of native bacterial communities in soils contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Zenteno-Rojas Adalberto , Martínez-Romero Esperanza , Castañeda-Valbuena Daniel , Rincón-Molina Clara Ivette , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel , Meza-Gordillo Rocio , Villalobos-Maldonado Juan José , Vences-Guzman Miguel Ángel , Rincón-Rosales Reiner
Published: June 2020

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of high-risk synthetic substances for human and environmental health. Currently, the study of sites contaminated by the spillage of equipment PCBs containing have been considered targeted areas for the study of bacterial communities with potential for PCBs degradation. There in isolation of bacterial strains is vital for use in biodegradable processes, such as bacterial bioaugmentation, which accelerates the development of phenomena such as natural attenuation of contaminated sites. The objective of this study was to assess biodiversity of bacteria contained in anthropogenic contaminated soils (HS and HP) with PCBs compared to a control sample without contaminant and the modified forest (F) and agricultural (A) soil in the laboratory with 100 mg L-1 PCB. For the analysis of 16S rRNA genes amplified from DNA extracted from the soils evaluated, the latest generation of Illumina Miseq and Sanger sequencing for the cultivable strains were detected. The bacteria identified as the most abundant bacterial phyla for HS and HP soil was Proteobacteria (56.7%) and Firmicutes (22.9%), which decreased in F and A soils. The most abundant bacterial genera were Burkholderia, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Comamonas and Cupriavidus. Several species identified in this study, such as Bacillus cereus, Burkholderia cepacia, Comamonas testosteroni and Acinetobacter pittii have been reported as PCBs degraders. Finally, by means of a principal component analysis (PCA), a correlation between the physical and chemical characteristics of the soils in relation to the relative abundances of the bacteria identified was obtained. The C/N ratio was directly related to the control soil (without contaminant), while SOM maintained a relationship with F and A soils and the bacterial abundances were directly related to Hs and Hp soils due to the presence of aroclor 1260. Bacteria with the ability to tolerate high concentrations of this pollutant are considered for future use in biostimulation and bioaugmentation processes in contaminated soils.
Cyanobacterial taxonomy, metabolism, and cyanophage association in dark and anoxic sediment
Authors: Broman Elias , Holmfeldt Karin , Bonaglia Stefano , Hall Per OJ , Nascimento Francisco JA
Published: June 2020

BackgroundCyanobacteria are photosynthetic ancient bacteria ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Even though they carry a photosynthesis apparatus they are known to survive in dark environments. Cyanophages are viruses that infect and lyse cyanobacterial cells, adding bioavailable carbon and nutrients into the environment. Here we present the first study that investigate the metabolic spectrum of cyanobacteria in dark and anoxic environments, as well as their associated cyanophages. We sampled surface sediments during April 2018 located along a water depth gradient of 60–210 m—representing oxic, hypoxic and anoxic conditions—in the largest dead zone in the world (Baltic Sea). We combined metagenomic and RNA-seq to investigate cyanobacterial taxonomy, activity and their associated cyanophages.ResultsCyanobacteria were detected at all four stations (n = 3 per station) along the sampled gradient, including the anoxic sediment. Top genera in the anoxic sediment included Anabaena (19% RNA data), Synechococcus (16%), and Cyanobium (5%). The mRNA data showed that cyanobacteria were surviving through i) anaerobic carbon metabolism indicated by glycolysis plus fatty acid biosynthesis, and ii) nitrogen (N2) fixation (likely by heterocystous Anabaena). Interestingly, in the mRNA data cyanobacteria were also transcribing photosynthesis, phytochromes, and gas vesicle genes. Cyanophages were detected at all stations, and compared to the oxic sediment had a different beta diversity in the hypoxic-anoxic sediment. Moreover, our results show that these cyanophages can infect cyanobacteria affecting the photosystem and phosphate regulation.ConclusionsCyanobacteria were found to transcribe genes for photosynthesis, phytochromes, and gas vesicles and this suggests that cyanobacteria try to ascend to the surface waters. The difference in cyanophage beta diversity between oxic and hypoxic-anoxic sediment suggests that anaerobic cyanobacteria select for specific cyanophages. Cyanobacteria are known to fuel oxygen depleted benthic ecosystems with phosphorous (so called internal loading), and our study suggests that cyanophage-controlled lysis of cyanobacteria likely provides a source of nitrogen. Our results suggest that cyanobacteria might also provide nutrients via N2 fixation and viral lysis in dark and anoxic environments.
Clinical experience of Umbilical Cord cysts from a Chinese single centre
Authors: Zaigui Wu , Minyue Dong
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe aim of this series was to guide the prenatal management of umbilical cord cysts by summarizing their clinical datas.MethodsA retrospected study from Jan 2012 to May 2019 was conducted in our centre from Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. Clinical datas and pregnancy outcomes of women with umbilical cord cysts were reviewed from the hospital’s electronic record and descriptive information about the umbilical cord cysts were depicted from both the sonograms and macrography.ResultsTwenty-eight women were diagnosed with umbilical cord cysts during the last six years,of whom only three had therapeutic abortion for fetal malformations and twenty-three were diagnosed between 12 + and 38 + gestational week(GW). Eight had only maternal serum screening, six had non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) directly and six had both tests. Three had karyotype analysis while five cases had no record.With maternal serum screening,one had high risk and the other one had middle risk and they both further had NIPT low risk.Still another one had a HCG multiple of median (MoM) up to 2.9 whose fetal had left kidney cyst.Except umbilical cord cysts, six fetus had other sructural defects including multiple malformation,single umbilical artery,acromphalus and kidney absence or cyst.There were still two cases had fetal arrhythmia and atrial premature beats.The mean delivery week was 39 + GW, six women had successful vaginal delivery and the remaing had cesarean section. The mean birth weight was 3120 g and the majority had a good pregnancy outcome.ConclusionsUmbilical cord cysts were rare but might warn fetal structural defects or chromosomal abnormality. Systematic ultrasound assessment and karyotype analysis or NIPT at least should be suggested in their prenatal counseling. More attention should be paid to fetal distress during pregnancy and vaginal delivery could be a choose unless they had other contraindication.
Dairy and fish consumption and the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Chua Denise Qian Ling , Gwee Xinyi , Gao Qi , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Yap Philip , Lee Tih-Shih , Chong Mei Sian , Lim Wee Shiong , Yap Keng Bee , Ng Tze Pin
Published: June 2020

Background

There are inconsistent evidence for the association between fish consumption and dementia risk, and emerging evidence suggesting that dairy consumption is associated with lower dementia risk, based on a limited number of prospective cohort studies.
Methods

We investigated the association of dairy and fish consumption with the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. High intake of daily consumption of milk and dairy products and consumption of fish at least three servings per week were determined at baseline for 1,164 community-living and cognitively normal Chinese individuals aged 55 + in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS-1), who were followed-up (average 3.5 years) for incident cases of MCI and dementia determined by established criteria.
Results

The participants’ mean (SD) age was 65.1 (6.9) years, 66.8% were female. Controlling for sex, age, low or no education, APOE-e4 status, physical, social and productive activity, depression (GDS ≥ 5), central obesity, prediabetes/diabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipids, cardiac diseases, and daily fruit/vegetable intake in multivariable analysis, daily intake of milk and dairy products was significantly associated with lower risk of incident MCI (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.39–0.96) or MCI-dementia (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40–0.95). Fish intake was not significantly associated with lowered risk of incident MCI and MCI-dementia, (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.49–1.13 for MCI; OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.51–1.14 for MCI-dementia).
Conclusions

High dairy intake was associated with approximately 40% reduced risk of MCI or dementia. There is weak support in this study of an association between fish intake and MCI-dementia risk.
Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03405675. Registered 23 January 2018 (retrospectively registered).
RICE CENTRORADIALIS 1, a TFL1-like gene, Responses to Drought Stress and Regulates Rice Flowering Transition
Authors: Wang Yan , Lu Yuyang , Guo Ziyu , Ding Yanfeng , Ding Chengqiang
Published: June 2020

Background: The initiation of flowering transition in rice (Oryza sativa) is a complex process regulated by genes and environment. In particular, drought can interfere with flowering; therefore, many plants hasten this process to shorten their life cycle under water scarcity, and this is known as drought-escape response. However, rice has other strategies; for example, drought stress can delay flowering instead of accelerating it. RICE CENTRORADIALIS 1 (RCN1) is a TERMINAL FLOWER-like gene that influences rice flowering transition and spike differentiation. It interacts with 14-3-3 proteins and transcription factor OsFD1 to form a florigen repression complex that suppresses flowering transition in rice.Results: In this study, we explored the role of RCN1 in the molecular pathway of drought-regulated flowering transition. The rcn1 mutant plants displayed early heading under both normal water and drought stress conditions, and they were more insensitive to drought stress than the wild-type plants. Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling-mediated drought-induced RCN1 and two transcription factors, ABA–RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN 1 and ABA RESPONSIVE ELEMENT–BINDING FACTOR 8, are involved in this process.Conclusions: Thus, under drought stress, RCN1 plays an important role by suppressing the function of HEADING DATE 3a during flowering transition in rice.
Expression profiling of LncRNA and miRNA in SDF-1-induced articular chondrocyte degeneration
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Zheng Jiali , He Lu , Xiang YaoYu , Li Yanlin
Published: June 2020

Background

With the in-depth exploration of the gene regulation network associated with the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), lncRNA has been found to play a major role in regulating the development of osteoarthritis. In this study, the expressions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in chondrocytes (2 days) of SDF-1-induced articular chondrocyte degeneration model and in normal chondrocytes were detected and the difference between them was visualized. The bioinformatics analysis was performed in parallel to elucidate the interactions between miRNAs and protein molecules.
Results

It was found that 186 lncRNA changes had significant statistical differences, of which 88 lncRNA were up-regulated and 98 lncRNA were down-regulated. A total of 684 miRNA had significant statistical differences in their expression changes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes were performed for the gene set enrichment analysis to determine the key biological processes and pathways. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated that CXCL10, ISG15, MYC, MX1, OASL, FIICT1, RSAD2, MX2, IFI44, and LBST2 are the ten core genes. The PPI network identified the most important functional modules to elucidate the differential expression of miRNA.
Conclusions

These data may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis chondrocyte degeneration, and the identification of lncRNA and miRNA can provide potential therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Early identification of carotid vulnerable plaque in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Jiao Yungen , Qin Yahong , Zhang Zhengang , Zhang Hao , Liu Haiwei , Li Chen
Published: June 2020

Background

This study was to explore the influencing factors of atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques, so as to identify the vulnerable plaques at early stage, and then find high-risk group of cardio-cerebrovascular events for early clinical intervention to reduce related mortality and disability.
Methods

A total of 302 enrolled patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques were divided into 3 groups based on the results of carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound: atherosclerotic unstable plaque (UP) group, atherosclerotic stable plaque (SP) group, and control group without plaques. Serum markers were measured by ELISA. χ2 test, t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Logistic multivariate regression analysis were used in the analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results

It revealed that diabetes, high MMP-9, LOX-1and YKL-40 were independent risk factors for unstable plaque formation. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum markers combined with MMP-9, LOX-1 and YKL-40 was 0.850, with sensitivity 87.67%, specificity 81.13%, and diagnostic accuracy 84.92%, which was significantly better than the individual diagnostic efficacy of other three factors. The accuracy rate of Crouse Plaque Score (CPS) in the diagnosis of vulnerable plaques was 61.90%, the 10-year ICVD diagnosis accuracy rate was 56.75%, and the diagnostic accuracy of serum markers was significantly better than CPS and 10-year ICVD.
Conclusion

Serum markers predict potential atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (ASCCVD) patients better than plaque scores and 10-year ICVD. This study provides a new idea for the early identification of high-risk population of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events by combining 10-year ICVD and serum markers.