bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Epidemiology, Cause, and Prognosis of Painful Tic Convulsif Syndrome: An Individual Patient Data Analysis of 192 Cases
Authors: Yin Zixiao , Liu Yuye , Bai Yutong , Zhang Hua , Liu Huanguang , Yu Feng , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Ruen , Yang Anchao
Published: October 2020

Background Characterized by the coexistence of trigeminal neuralgia and ipsilateral hemifacial spasm (HFS), painful tic convulsif (PTC) is a rare entity not yet been systematically studied.Objective To systematically explore the epidemiology, cause, prognosis, and prognosis predictors of PTC.Method We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published between the library establishment time and July 1st, 2020. Information on demographics, causes, specific interventions, and intervention outcomes was extracted. We first made descriptive analyses for demographics, causes, and surgical outcomes of PTC. Univariate and multivariate regression methods were utilized to explore potential prognosis predictors. Further, a two-step meta-analysis method was employed to validate the identified factors.Results Overall, 57 reports including 192 cases with PTC were included in the analysis. The median age of PTC patient is 54 (44-62), with more patients being female (p < 0.001), initiated as HFS (p = 0.005), and affected left side (p = 0.045). Vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) contributes to over-65% of the causes of single vascular compression for PTC. Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)/posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) involvement (OR = 4.050, 95% CI = 1.091-15.031) and older age (p = 0.008) predicts symptom-free and recurrence after microvascular decompression (MVD), respectively.Conclusions PTC more occurs in middle-age women between 40 to 60, initiates as HFS, and affects left side. VBA compression is the most common single cause for PTC. MVD could effectively treat PTC with an over-80% cure rate. AICA/PICA involvement predicts successful surgery and older age predicts recurrence.Registration: the protocol of this study is registered in the Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/X9G3R) on July 10th, 2020.
High-Performance RNS Modular Exponentiation by Sum-Residue Reduction
Authors: Wu Tao
Published: October 2020

Modular exponentiation is fundamental in computer arithmetic and is widely applied in cryptography such as ElGamal cryptography, Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol, and RSA cryptography. Implementation of modular exponentiation in residue number system leads to high parallelism in computation, and has been applied in many hardware architectures. While most RNS based architectures utilizes RNS Montgomery algorithm with two residue number systems, the recent modular multiplication algorithm with sum-residues performs modular reduction in only one residue number system with about the same parallelism. In this work, it is shown that high-performance modular exponentiation and RSA cryptography can be implemented in RNS. Both the algorithm and architecture are improved to achieve high performance with extra area overheads, where a 1024-bit modular exponentiation can be completed in 0.567 ms in Xilinx XC6VLX195t-3 platform, costing 26,489 slices, 87,357 LUTs, 363 dedicated multipilers of $18\times 18$ bits, and 65 Block RAMs.
Effects of Solvents and Al Doping on Structure and Physical Properties of BiFeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Liang Xia-Li , Dai Jian-Qing , Zhang Chang-Chang , Cao Tian-Fu
Published: October 2020

In this study, structure, optical character, morphology, element-valence and characteristic ferroelectricity of BiFeO3 (BFO) and BiFe0.96Al0.04O3 (BFAO) thin films were investigated experimentally. BFO and BFAO thin films were prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates via spin coating with two acid solvents. One solvent was aqueous solution of nitric acid (solvent Ⅰ), and the other one was mixture of 2-methoxyethanol and glacial acetic acid (solvent Ⅱ). X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that films maintained their rhombic perovskite structures, which were R3c. Raman spectra showed that Al doping causes structural distortion. Al doping solves the problem of porosity and improves the density of BFO film. Average grain size of BFAO-Ⅱ sample is about 110 nm, and, its thickness is the smallest (~714 nm). This indicates that BFAO-Ⅱ sample is highly compact. Energy spectrum shows that Al has doped in the film, uniformly. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that the presence of Al inhibited the floating of Fe valence. BFAO-Ⅱ sample has excellent ferroelectricity (2Pr ~ 110 μC/cm2), and leakage current density (~ 10-2 A/cm2) is lower than that of undoped BFO film. Al doping can reduce the band gap width (Eg) of BFO films, specifically, values of Eg are 2.28 (BFO-Ⅰ), 2.26 (BFO-Ⅱ), 2.17 (BFAO-Ⅰ) and 2.21 (BFAO-Ⅱ) eV. This work provides new idea for the application of Al-doped BFO films in photocatalysis and photovoltaic devices.
Investigation of the association between eNOS gene promoter polymorphism (-786 T>C) and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian women
Authors: Jalili Maryam , Asadollahi Samira , Seifati Seyed Morteza , Ashrafzadeh Hamid Reza , Ghasemi Nasrin
Published: October 2020

Background: Repeated Pregnancy Loss (RPL) is defined as 2 or more consecutive spontaneous losses of pregnancy before 20 weeks. Some genetic polymorphisms such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene, which lead to the synthesis of nitric oxide, could be the reasons for RPL. This case-control study was investigated the frequency of -786 T>C variant in eNOS gene promoter in Iranian women with RPL. Methods : Blood samples were obtained from 100 unrelated women affected by recurrent pregnancy loss and 100 unaffected women as controls. Genomic DNA was extracted and -786 T>C polymorphism in eNOS gene promoter investigated by PCR-RFLP method in all of the samples. Statistical analysis in the group patients and controls were performed by chi-square test and P-values of <0.05 were considered significant.Results: Frequency of homozygous TT was 40% in cases and 46% in control group and frequency of CC was 6% in cases and 5% in the control group and frequency heterozygote TC was 54% in cases and 46% in control group. Genotype frequencies between the two groups showed no significant differences (P>0/05).Conclusion: The result of this study showed that this polymorphism is not more frequent in recurrent pregnancy loss in this population.
Anatomical footprint reconstruction for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy with heterotopic ossification
Authors: Ma Li , Zhou Binghua , Wang Zhenyu , Zheng Guo , Tao Xu , Tang Kang-lai
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to investigate the clinical outcomes of anatomical footprint reconstruction for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) with heterotopic ossification and to provide an effective surgical method for the treatment of this condition.MethodsFrom October 2016 to October 2019, 10 patients underwent anatomical footprint reconstruction for the treatment of IAT with heterotopic ossification at our institution. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were recorded. X-ray and MRI examinations of the calcaneus were performed after the operation. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), visual analog scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) scores were used to evaluate the clinical effects on the patients; the time to normal walking and exercise recovery was recorded; and the recovery rate of exercise was recorded at 6 months after the operation.ResultsThe average operation time was 64.4 min (45-74 min), the average bleeding volume was 29.7 ml (5-100 ml), and the average follow-up time was 22.4 months (12-48 months). The patients' wounds healed without infection, splitting, necrosis of the skin margin or other complications. The mean AOFAS score (± SD) was 70.3 ± 11.39 preoperatively and 94.2 ± 5.00 at the last follow-up, showing a significant difference between timepoints (P = 0.00; t = 7.657). The VAS score was 5.4 ± 1.71 preoperatively and 0.4 ± 0.51 at the last follow-up; this decrease was statistically significant (P = 0.00; t = 11.859). The mean VISA-A scores at the preoperative baseline and the last follow-up were 37.6 ± 16.39 and 81.4 ± 8.83, presenting a significant difference between the two timepoints (P = 0.00; t = 9.906). The average time to recover normal walking ability was 9.1 weeks (4-15 weeks), and the average time to resume exercise was 10 weeks (8-12 weeks). At 6 months after the operation, the rate of exercise recovery was 80%.ConclusionIn IAT with heterotopic ossification, anatomical footprint reconstruction enables patients to return to normal life and exercise quickly. The rate of return to sports is high, and the procedure offers satisfactory clinical effects.
Clinical Outcomes of Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy with or without Platelet-rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Jiang Yi , Zuo Rujun , Yuan Shuai , Li Jian , Liu Chang , Zhang Jiexun , Ma Ming , Li Dasheng , Hai Yong
Published: October 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in lumbar disc herniation treatment. Additionally, we aimed to identify whether the PRP injection could improve annulus fibrosus defects based on magnetic resonance imaging data.Methods: Sixty patients with lumbar disc herniation were recruited and randomized to receive either transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy with (PRP group, n=30) or without (control group, n=30) PRP injection. The visual analog scale score of back/leg pain and Oswestry disability index were recorded at 3 days, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging data were examined to determine the effects of PRP injection.Results: No adverse events were reported in our study following the injection of PRP. Clinical improvement was noted in both groups. The visual analog scale score for leg pain at 3 days post-operation and back pain at 6 months post-operation were lower in the PRP group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The magnetic resonance imaging data indicated the disc height decreased by 12% in the PRP group and 17% in the control group, whereas the spinal cross-sectional area increased by 15% in the PRP group and 6% in the control group after a 1-year follow-up. However, no statistically significant differences were found.Conclusions: Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy with PRP injection around the annulus fibrosus defect was safe and could improve the clinical outcomes at the early postoperative stage. Moreover, PRP injection exerted no negative effects.Trial Registration: ChiCTR 1800017228
Flexibility Analysis and Design of Heat Exchanger Network for Syngas-to-methanol Process
Authors: Liu Jinchang , Zhang Pingping , Xie Qiang , Liang Dingcheng , Bai Lei
Published: October 2020

The heat exchanger network (HEN) of syngas-to-methanol process was designed and optimized based on pinch technology under the stable operation conditions to balance the energy consumption and economic gain. Inevitably, the fluctuations of production affect the stable operation of HEN in real industrial processes. The flexibility analysis of HEN was carried out in this study to minimize such disturbances by using the downstream paths method. The results show that 2/3 downstream paths cannot meet flexibility requirements, indicating that HEN doesn’t have enough flexibility to accommodate the disturbances in the actual production. The flexible HEN was then designed with the methods of dividing and subsequent merging, which led to 13.89% and 20.82% reduction in energy consumption and total cost, respectively. Thanks to enough area margin and additional alternative heat exchangers, the flexible HEN is found to be able to resist interferences and maintain the production stability and safety, only sacrificing the increase of total cost increase by 4.08%.
SLC39A1 Contribute to Malignant Progression and Have Clinical Prognostic Impact in Gliomas
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhang Jingjing , He Shuai , Xiao Boan , Peng Xiaobin
Published: October 2020

Background: Gliomas are one of the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, and have an unfavorable prognosis. SLC39A1 is a zinc ion transport protein which inhibits the progression of prostate cancer. By studying the role and mechanism of SLC39A1 in the progression of gliomas, perhaps a new therapeutic target can be provided for their treatment. Method: The TCGA, CCGA, GSE16011, GSE44971 and GSE11260 data sets were employed to evaluate the expression level of SLC39A1 in paracancerous and glioma tissues. In addition, Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox analysis, and the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were used to analyze its prognostic value and immune infiltration correlation. A CCK-8 and flow cytometer were used to measure the effects of SLC39A1 on U87 cell proliferation or apoptosis; RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect its effects on the expression of MMP2\MMP9. Results: SLC39A1 has up-regulated expression in glioma tissues. It is an independent prognostic factor for patients with glioma, and is significantly correlated with clinical pathological parameters such as Grade, IDH mutation status, and 1p19q codeletion status. In vitro experimental results show that SLC39A1 promotes proliferation of glioma cells, inhibits their apoptosis, and promotes expression of MMP2\MMP9. In addition, it may affect infiltration of immune cells into the glioma microenvironment.Conclusion: SLC39A1 is a new biomarker, an independent prognostic factor for gliomas, and can be used as a potential target for their treatment.
Development of A Vitamin-Related Gene Signature to Predict the Immune Characteristics and Prognosis of Glioma
Authors: Zhang Qing , Liang Qingyu , Guan Gefei , Cheng Wen , Yang Lianhe , Wu Anhua
Published: October 2020

Background: Vitamins not only play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis of the body, but also have complex impacts on the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, the effects of vitamins on glioma and the underlying mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Methods: Vitamin -related genes were extracted from the Molecular Signature Database v7.1 (MSigDB). The overlapping overall survival (OS)-related genes in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and GSE16011 cohorts screened out by univariate COX regression analysis were utilized to construct a risk model based on the TCGA cohort via random survival forest analysis and multivariate COX regression analysis. The powerful prognostic predictive potential of the vitamin-related risk signature was verified by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in the three datasets. The ssGSEA method of the GSVA package was used for functional enrichment and immune cell component analyses. ESTIMATE score analysis was used for auxiliary analysis of glioma immune characteristics. A nomogram was constructed and assessed based on the TCGA dataset.Results: The vitamin-related six-gene (POSTN, IRX5, EEF2, RAB27A, MDM2, and ENO1) risk signature constructed based on the TCGA dataset accurately predicted the outcomes of glioma patients and credibly distinguished between different levels and molecular subtypes of glioma in the TCGA, CGGA, and GSE16011 cohorts. Gliomas with high risk scores exhibited high immune scores, low tumor purity, and immunosuppressive features. The nomogram constructed by combining the vitamin-related risk signature and clinicopathological factors precisely predicted the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS of glioma patients.Conclusions: Our study revealed that the vitamin-related six-gene risk signature, as an independent prognostic factor, could accurately distinguish the grade, molecular subtype, and immune characteristics of glioma.
Management of Oxygen Saturation Monitoring in Preterm Newborns in the NICU: The Italian Picture
Authors: Perrone Serafina , Giordano Maurizio , Bernardo Giuseppe De , Lugani Paola , Sarnacchiaro Pasquale , Stazzoni Gemma , Buonocore Giuseppe , Esposito Susanna , Tataranno Maria Luisa
Published: October 2020

Background: Although many studies emphasize the importance of using oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets in the NICUs, there is a wide variability in used saturation ranges among centers. Primary aim was to draw a representative picture on how the management of oxygen monitoring is performed in the Italian NICUs. Second aim was to identify healthcare-professionals related factors associated with oxygen targeting in the preterm population. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data collection via an electronic survey form. A questionnaire containing pre-piloted and open questions on monitoring and management of the SpO2 was administered to neonatologists across the network of the Italian Society of Neonatology. The questions focused on: the infrastructure, specific training, healthcare professionals and patients-related factors. The results of the survey were anonymously collected, summarized and analyzed. Results: Out of 378 questionnaires, 93 were correctly filled. Thirty-six different SpO2 ranges were observed. Centers using written standard operating procedures on oxygen management and SpO2 monitoring maintained a correct average range of SpO2 90-95%, avoided hyperoxia and reconsidered saturation targets in relation to comorbidities. 39.8% of responders disabled alarms during neonatal care. One center used biomarkers for complete monitoring of neonatal oxygenation status. Conclusions: There is considerable variation in SpO2 targets for preterm infants in the Italian NICUs. Standard operating procedures and specific training for health care personnel are the main factors playing a role for the correct maintenance of the recommended oxygen targets in preterms.
Rac Inhibition As A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for EGFR/HER2 Targeted Therapy Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Borrero-Garcia Luis D , Maldonado Maria del Mar , Medina-Velázquez Julia I , Troche-Torres Angel , Velazquez-Vega Luis , Grafals-Ruiz Nilmary , Dharmawardhane Suranganie
Published: October 2020

Background Even though targeted therapies are available for cancers expressing oncogenic epidermal growth receptor (EGFR) and (or) human EGFR2 (HER2), acquired or intrinsic resistance often confounds therapy success. Common mechanisms of therapy resistance involve activating receptor point mutations and (or) upregulation of signaling downstream of EGFR/HER2 to Akt and (or) mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. However, additional pathways of resistance may exist thus, confounding successful therapy. Methods To determine novel mechanisms of EGFR/HER2 therapy resistance in breast cancer, gefitinib or lapatinib resistant variants were created from SKBR3 breast cancer cells. Syngenic therapy sensitive and resistant SKBR3 variants were characterized for mechanisms of resistance by mammosphere assays, viability assays, and western blotting for total and phospho proteins. Results Gefitinib and lapatinib treatments reduced mammosphere formation in the parental cells, but not in the therapy resistant variants, indicating enhanced cancer stem cell-like and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics in therapy resistant cells. The therapy resistant variants did not show significant changes in established therapy resistant pathways of Akt and MAPK activities downstream of EGFR/HER2. However, these cells exhibited elevated expression and activation of the small GTPase Rac, which is a pivotal intermediate of GFR signaling in EMT and metastasis. Therefore, the potential of the Rac inhibitors EHop-016 and MBQ-167 to overcome therapy resistance was tested and found to inhibit viability and induce apoptosis of therapy resistant cells. Conclusions Rac inhibition may represent a viable strategy for treatment of EGFR/HER2 targeted therapy resistant breast cancer.
COLGALT1 is a Prognostic Biomarker in Clear Renal Cell Carcinoma Correlated with Immune Infiltrates: A Study Based on TCGA Data
Authors: Han Bangmin , Liu Shiwei , Xing Qianwei , Yu Yang , Wang Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: COLGALT1, as one gene enriched in metabolic pathways, which may be related to the tumorigenesis and progression. We aim to explore the potential value of COLGALT1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) through the study.Methods: We searched The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to collecte ccRCC patients’ information including clinicopathologic parameters and COLGALT1 gene expression. We also validiated the COLGALT1 mRNA expression by qRT-PCR. Then, We evaluated the relationship between COLGALT1 and overall survival (OS) by the Cox regression analyses. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was utilized to compare between tissues with different COLGALT1 expression levels. Microsatellite Instability (MSI), Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) and Neoantigen were evaluated through different tools. By TIMER, correlations between COLGALT1 and immune cell infiltrations were analyzed. The ESTIMATE algorithm was used to calculate the estimate, stromal and immune scores for ccRCC. Finally, CIBERSORT was carried out to explore the connection between the COLGALT1 and the tumor immune microenvironment.Results: Significant gene expression of COLGALT1 was identified between normal and ccRCC tissues. Multivariate analysis indicated that high expression of COLGALT1 was linked to poor OS (P = 0e+00). GSEA results demonstrated that high COLGALT1 expression was associated with metabolic pathways. COLGALT1 was identified to be one independent prognostic factor through the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. One nomogram was integrated including both the clinicopathologic variables and COLGALT1 expression to provide a quantitative approach to clinicians for predicting prognostic risk. Futher more, we find out some genes which are significantly correlated with COLGALT1. Besides, MSI and TMB showed strong correlations with COLGALT1 in ccRCC. Also, the correlations between COLGALT1 with immune infiltrations were found in ccRCC. Finally, immune microenvironment including immune checkpoint molecules, immune cells and mismatch repair protein were proved to be linked to COLGALT1 in ccRCC.Conclusions: Our results revealed that COLGALT1 could act as a favorable prognostic factor for ccRCC. Besides, this study also provided one method to determine the immune infiltration of patients and some signal pathways which are potential regulated by COLGALT1 in ccRCC.
A Competing Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival Among Patients with Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Zhou Xianghong , Qiu Shi , Jin Di , Jin Kun , Zheng Xiaonan , Li Jiakun , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: October 2020

Background: We aimed to develop a detailed individual survival prognostication tool based on competing risk analyses to predict the risk of 5-year cancer-specific death after radical prostatectomy for patients with prostate cancer (PCa).Methods: We obtained the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2016). The main variables obtained included age at diagnosis, marital status, race, pathological extension, regional lymphonode status, prostate specific antigen level, Gleason Score biopsy. In order to reveal the independent prognostic factors. The cumulative incidence function was used as the univariable competing risk analyses and The Fine and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard approach was used as the multivariable competing risk analyses. With these factors, a nomogram and risk stratification based on the nomogram was established. Concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves were used for validation.Results: A total of 95,812 patients were included and divided into training cohort (n = 67,072) and validation cohort (n = 28,740). Seven independent prognostic factors including age, race, marital status, pathological extension, regional lymphonode status, PSA level, and GS biopsy were used to construct the nomogram. In the training cohort, the C-index was 0.828 (%95CI, 0.812-0.844), and the C-index was 0.838 (%95CI, 0.813-0.863) in the validation cohort. The results of the cumulative incidence function showed that the discrimination of risk stratification based on nomogram is better than that of the risk stratification system based on D'Amico risk stratification.Conclusions: We successfully developed the first competing risk nomogram to predict the risk of cancer-specific death after surgery for patients with PCa. It has the potential to help clinicians improve postoperative management of patients
Sex-specific Effect and Disconnect Between Plasma Levels of FXII and FXIIa-C1-esterase Inhibitor Complexes in Pneumonia
Authors: Ehrlich Kristin , Wilhelm Jochen , Wolff Jens-Christian , Markart Philipp , Bein Gregor , Pak Oleg , Barreto Guillermo , Weissmann Norbert , Seeger Werner , Schaefer Liliana , Kuebler Wolfgang , Wygrecka Malgorzata
Published: October 2020

Background: Sex-dependent differences in immunity and coagulation play an active role in 28 the outcome of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Factor XII acts at the crossroads 29 between inflammation and coagulation thus representing a point of convergence in host 30 defense against infection. Here, we evaluated FXII/FXIIa levels in plasma of CAP patients 31 and correlated them to clinical disease severity.Methods and Results: FXII was activated in CAP plasma as evident by the presence of 33 FXIIa-C1-esterase inhibitor (C1INH) complexes. The levels of FXIIa-C1INH complexes 34 were elevated in plasma of CAP patients (n=140) as compared to age- and sex-matched 35 healthy controls (n=58; p<0.001). No simultaneous decrease in FXII levels, indicating its 36 consumption, was observed. Stratification by sex revealed augmented levels of FXII in 37 plasma of CAP women as compared to healthy females (p=0.008) yet no apparent differences 38 in men (p=0.619). This sex-specific difference was, however, attributable to the lower levels 39 of FXII in healthy females relative to healthy men (p=0.011). Upon contact with CAP plasma, 40 isolated blood neutrophils released FXII and female blood neutrophils were able to re-induce 41 FXII mRNA synthesis (p=0.031). Despite this sex-specific effect, exposure of female blood 42 neutrophils to estradiol did not induce FXII mRNA expression. Finally, although we observed 43 accumulation of FXIIa-C1INH complexes in plasma of severe CAP patients, the relationship 44 between the levels of FXIIa-C1INH complexes and CAP severity, as assessed by CRB65 45 score, did not reach statistical significance (p=0.057). 46Conclusions: Our study identifies age- and sex-dependent differences in FXII expression that 47 may contribute to specific clinical outcomes in CAP in different patient subgroups.
Bacteriophage cocktail supplementation improves growth performance, gut microbiome and production traits in broiler chickens
Authors: Upadhaya Santi Devi , Ahn Je Min , Cho Jae Hyoung , Kim Hyeun Bum , Kim Jin Young , Kang Dae Kyung , Kim Sung Woo , Kim Inho
Published: October 2020

Background: Effective antibiotic alternatives are the urgent need of poultry industry to control disease outbreaks. Phage therapy mainly utilizes lytic phages to kill their respective bacterial hosts and can be attractive solution to combating the emergence of antibiotic resistance in livestock. Methods: Five hundred and four one-day--old broilers (Ross 308) were allotted into 1 of 4 treatment groups according to a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of CON (basal diet), PC (CON + 0.025% Avilamax®(antibiotics), TR1 (CON + 0.05% bacteriophage), and TR2 (CON + 0.10 % bacteriophage) groups. Results: A significant linear effect on body weight gain (BWG) was observed during day 1-7, day 22-35, and overall experiment in bacteriophage (BP) supplemented groups. The BWG tended to be higher (P = 0.08) and the feed intake (FI) was increased (P = 0.017) in birds fed PC than CON diets. A greater (P = 0.016) BWG and trends in increased FI (P = 0.06) were observed during the overall experiment period in birds fed PC than CON diet. A trend in linear (P = 0.0833) increment in excreta Lactobacillus counts was observed in birds fed graded level of BP supplemented diets. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was decreased in PC (65.28%), while it was similar in TR1, 2, (90.65%, 86.72%, 81.44%) compared to CON (90.19%). At the species level, relative abundance of Lactobacillus salivarus was higher in TR1 (40.15%) and TR2 (38.58%) compared with CON (20.04%) and PC (18.05%). A linear reduction in the weight of Bursa of Fabricus (P = 0.022) and spleen (P = 0.052) was seen in birds fed increasing level of BP diets and a trend in increment (P = 0.059) in the weight of gizzard was observed in birds fed PC than BP diets. Linear and quadratic responses were observed in redness of breast muscle color in birds fed graded level of BP. Conclusions:The increase in dietary BP supplementation linearly increased BWG, Lactobacillus counts and enhanced beneficial microbiota in the gut, and 0.05% BP addition was sufficient for supporting immune organs, bursa and spleen.
Effects of melatonin on Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) of Holstein cow with mastitis
Authors: Wu Hao , Yao Songyang , Wang Tiankun , Wang Jun , Ren Kang , Yang Hai , Ma Wenkui , Ji Pengyun , Lu Yongqiang , Ma Hui , Zhang Lu , Liu Guoshi
Published: October 2020

Background: Mastitis is a common disease in cows breeding. The milk quality will be significantly reduced with increased milk somatic cells which often occur in cows with mastitis. In the current study, we reported that melatonin significantly reduced the milk somatic cell count in Holstein cow with mastitis. In addition, the nutritional value of the milk also significantly improved by melatonin treatment. Results: The results showed that melatonin significantly suppressed the milk somatic cell score under any of the tested conditions. A long term of melatonin application (one year) to the cows with mastitis suppressed the somatic cell score by roughly 63% which was more efficiency than that of some antibiotic treatments. Melatonin treatment also improved the milk nutritional value by reducing its fat but increasing its lactose and protein contents. Conclusions: Melatonin application significantly improved DHI. The beneficial effects of melatonin on DHI are likely attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of melatonin.
Dialogic Discussion as a Platform for Constructing Knowledge: Student-teachers’ Interaction Patterns and Strategies in Learning to Teach English
Authors: Zhang Lawrence , Zhang Donglan
Published: October 2020

Beginning teachers are frequently heard making observations that the knowledge and skills they have acquired on the training programmes do not come handy when they want to apply them in their real-work situations. They have also reported lacking the ability to integrate theory and practice in reality. Henceforth, teacher-educators are faced with challenges of how to balance proportionally the two strands of pivotal knowledge that are necessarily connected with teacher-education curricula in pre-service teacher preparation. One of the approaches to examining the issue is to investigate student teachers’ dialogues for knowledge-construction to uncover the interaction patterns and strategies they use in negotiating lesson objectives. Against such a background, this paper reports on a study of 24 student teachers receiving training in English language teaching on the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme at a teacher education institute in Singapore. It was intended to find out the negotiation processes in relation to lesson-planning objectives and how student teachers positioned themselves and others in the processes in the pre-service teacher-education classroom. Results show that student teachers were more concerned about surviving the first lesson than about promoting pupil learning in constructing knowledge about language teaching. The stronger peers’ dominance in the discussion process was taken for granted, suggesting that learning took place in a mutually beneficial and constructive manner and that student teachers’ willingness to cooperate and readiness to express themselves were indicative of their intention to maintain group cohesion and dynamics. These, in turn, are necessary prerequisites for student teachers to become collaborative and reflective practitioners.
Efficient SARS-CoV-2 detection in unextracted oro-nasopharyngeal specimens by rRT-PCR with the Seegene AllplexTM 2019-nCoV assay
Authors: Freppel Wesley , Merindol Natacha , Rallu Fabien , Bergevin Marco
Published: October 2020

The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need to detect and isolate infected people. The challenge for clinical laboratories has been finding a high throughput, cheap, and efficient testing method in the context of extraction reagent shortages on a planetary scale. To answer this need, we studied SARS-CoV-2 detection in nasopharyngeal swabs stored in UTM (Universal Transport Media) or RNAse-free water by rRT-PCR with the Seegene Allplex TM 2019-nCoV assay without RNA extraction. Optimal results were obtained with 1/2 dilution for swabs in RNAse free water (30/30 detected) and 1/5 dilution for swabs in UTM (29/30 detected) followed by thermal lysis. In addition, a proteinase K (PK) treatment allows a significant reduction of invalid results and increases sensitivity for detection of low viral load specimens. In a panel of 90 known positives with all 3 viral genes present and N gene Ct values from 15 to 40, our detection rate was 98.9% with PK and 94.4% without. In a panel of 60 low positives with only the N gene detectable at Ct values > 30, the detection rate was 76.7% with PK vs 53.3% without it and the invalid rate fell off from 18.3% to 0%. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our method reliably detects specimens with Ct values up to 35, however false negatives become frequent above this range. Finally, we show that swabs should be stored at -70 o C rather than 4 o C when testing cannot be performed within 72 hours of collection when laboratories are overwhelmed.
Effects of Moxibustion on Amygdala -HPA Axis in Rats with Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome Induced by Hydrocortisone Injection
Authors: Ye Wen-guo , Yao Hai-hua , Min You-jiang , Luo Kai-tao , Sun Jie , Yuan Zheng , Wu Hui-qi , Cheng Li-hong
Published: October 2020

Background: The syndrome of kidney-yang deficiency is one of the main syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern evidences prove that the hypothalamus - pituitary - adrenal axis (HPA axis) function disorder is the main material basis of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome. The upper regulating center, such as hippocampus and amygdala can affected HPA axis. Although moxibustion have a therapeutic effect for kidney-yang deficiency syndromes, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of suspended moxibustion on amygdala and HPA axis and elucidated the possible molecular mechanism of moxibustion in improving kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.Methods: 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal group ( n=12) and the model-building group (n=48). Rats in the model-building group were given intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone to establish the model of kidney-yang deficiency. The 48 rats successfully modeled were then randomly divided into model group (model, n=12) , carbenoxolone intraperitoneal injection group (CBX, n=12), moxibustion group (moxi, n=12) and moxibustion plus carbenoxolone intraperitoneal injection group (moxi+CBX, n=12). In the moxibustion group, Shenshu (BL23) and Guanyuan (CV4) points were treated with moxibustion for 14 days. After treatment, the level of corticostesone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in serum, the expressions of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and ACTH in rats’ amygdala and (or) hypothalamus, pituitary were detected. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance.Results: Compared with the normal group, the level of CRH, ACTH and CORT in serum, and the mRNA and protein expressions of MR, GR and 11β-HSD1in amygdala, the mRNA and protein expressions of 11β-HSD1 in hypothalamus and CRF mRNA expression in amygdala and hypothalamus, and ACTH mRNA expression in pituitary of rats in the model group were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or 0.01). After treatment with moxibustion, except for 11β-HSD1 mRNA expression, the observation index mentioned above were increased to different degrees compared with those in the model group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion: Suspended moxibustion can effectively improve the serum levels of ACTH, CRH and CORT, and can up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of MR, GR , 11β-HSD1, CRF and ACTH in amygdala and hypothalamus of kidney-yang deficiency rats, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms of moxibustion in improving kidney-yang deficiency syndrome.
Addressing Unmet Basic Needs for Children with Sickle Cell Disease: Clinic and Staff Perspectives
Authors: Loo Stephanie , Brochier Annelise , Wexler Mikayla Gordon , Long Kristin , Kavanagh Patricia , Garg Arvin , Drainoni Mari-Lynn
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to assess pediatric hematology clinic staff’s perspectives regarding barriers and facilitators in addressing unmet basic needs for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Six focus groups were held at four urban pediatric hematology clinics in New England from November to December 2019. Discussion questions were developed to align with the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) implementation science framework, focusing on the domains of context and recipient and how clinics address adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) in their patient populations. A summative content analytical approach was taken to identify major themes in the data. We discerned the following themes: (1) families of children with SCD experience numerous unmet basic needs; (2) clinic staff believed they had a role to play in addressing these unmet basic needs; (3) staff felt their ability to address families’ unmet basic needs depended upon caregivers’ capacity to act on staff’s recommendations; and (4) clinic staff’s ability to address these needs was limited by organizational and systemic factors beyond their control. These findings have important implications for how best to address adverse SDoH for this vulnerable pediatric population so that urban-based pediatric hematology clinics can more equitably support families.
Implementation of Sustainable Complex Interventions in Health Care Services: The Triple C Model
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Kynoch Kate
Published: October 2020

Background The changing and evolving healthcare means organisations are under increasing pressure to deliver value-based, high quality care to patients through enabling access, reducing costs and improving outcomes. These factors result in an increased pressure to deliver efficient and beneficial interventions to improve patient care and ensure sustainability beyond the scope of the implementation of such interventions. This paper discusses the development of a triple C model for implementation that ensures sustainability of complex interventions in health care services. Methods In order to develop the proposed implementation model, we adapted the formal tradition of theory building that is described in sociology. Firstly, through a review of the literature on complex interventions and the available implementation models used to embed these interventions. Secondly, devising a framework that encompassed these findings into a simple and workable model that can be easily embedded into everyday practice. This proposed model uses clear, systemic explanation, adds to the current knowledge in this area and is fit for purpose, providing healthcare workers with a simple easy-to-follow framework to embed practice change. Results A three-stage implementation model was devised based on the findings of the literature and named the Triple C model (Consultation, Collaboration and Consolidation). The three stages are interconnected and overlap to ensure sustainability is considered at all levels of the project ensuring its greater success. This model considers the sustainability within any implementation project. Sustainability of interventions are a key consideration for continuous and successful change in any health care organisation. A set of criteria were developed for each of the three stages to ensure adaptability and sustainment of interventions are maintained throughout the life of the intervention.Conclusion Ensuring sustainability of interventions requires continuing effort and embedding the need for sustainability throughout all stages of an implementation project. The Triple C model offers a new approach for healthcare clinicians to ensure sustainability of organizational change.
Embedding Active Pedagogies into Pre-Service Teacher Education: Implementation Considerations and Recommendations
Authors: Lander Natalie , Mazzoli Emiliano , Cassar Samuel , Symington Naomi , Salmon Jo
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The physical activity levels of children in Australia are critically low and correlate with reduced academic achievement and poor health outcomes. Schools provide an ideal setting for physical activity interventions to help children move more. Instead of targeting in-service teachers, this study embedded an evidence-based active pedagogy program called Transform-Ed! into pre-service teacher education. Methods: Surveys, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders, lecturers and pre-service teachers involved with the 12-week program. The design, implementation and evaluation of the study were systematically guided by all five dimensions of the RE-AIM framework – reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Linear mixed models, descriptive analysis and a framework approach were used to analyse the data. Results: Significant improvements were observed in pre-service teachers’ willingness, confidence, and competence to implement physically active pedagogic strategies following the intervention. Pre-service teacher perceived effectiveness of such strategies on student outcomes also significantly increased and perceived barriers decreased. High adherence was consistently reported and the program was maintained by all lecturers. Four key themes spanning multiple dimensions and participant levels informed recommendations for program scalability: an ‘inter-systemic approach’, a ‘co-design’ approach, ‘embedded in professional practice’ and ‘evidence of impact’ on teacher practice. Anchored in real-world settings and tethered by implementation science, Transform-Ed! could have the potential to advance the capability of teachers and transform the learning experience and physical and academic outcomes of future primary school students.
Effect of patellar tendon release on squatting characteristics of tibiofemoral joint after total knee arthroplasty: a simulation analysis
Authors: Wang Jian-ping , Wang Shihua , Yang Yongqiang , Guo Dong , Liu Jinlai , Chen Xu , Wang Yangqing , Chen Jiwu , Li Yu
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe objective of this paper was to study the patellar tendon release’s effect on the squat movement characteristics of the tibiofemoral joint after TKA (total knee arthroplasty).MethodsThe dynamic FEM(finite element model) of the human knee joint with 30% release of the upper end, lower end and both ends of the patellar tendon after TKA was established respectively, and the knee tibiofemoral joint of the squat movement simulation analysis.ResultsThe results of simulation show that in the release of three different parts, comparing with the results of no release simulation, the average of lateral translation, superior translation, posterior translation, and the adduction of the femur relative to the tibia decreased by 20%, 17%, 17%, and 12%, respectively.ConclusionThe average of external rotation of the femur relative to the tibia increased 24%. By comparing the data after patellar tendon release and no release one, it can be concluded that the flexion degree of femur relative to the tibia was 4° on average more than no release. Moderate release of the patellar tendon during TKA surgery is beneficial to improve the range of motion (ROM) of the femur relative to the tibia.
Taurine Decreases Cellular Cholesterol Level in HepG2 Cells Partly through Upregulating Calcineurin
Authors: Guo Junxia , Gao Ya , Zhao Yuxing , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yanzhen , Chen Wen
Published: October 2020

Objective: Taurine exerts cholesterol-lowering effect through inducing CYP7A1 and promoting the biotransformation of cholesterol into bile acids in livers, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Taurine also suppresses the expression of MCIP1, a calcineurin inhibitory protein. Here we aimed to explore whether calcineurin involves in the cholesterol-lowering effect and upregulation of CYP7A1 by taurine. Methods: High cellular cholesterol conditions were obtained by incubating with 0.2mM cholesterol contained DMEM in HepG2 cells. FK506, a calcineurin inhibitor, was used to depress cellular calcineurin. CnAb-/- cells are the HepG2 cells of which calcineurin was knocked down. Taurine was cultured in wild type, high-cholesterol conditions, calcineurin inhibition or deficiency HepG2 cells respectively for 24h or 48h. The levels of intracellular total cholesterol were determined by an enzymatic method and the expressions of CYP7A1, calcineurin, MEK1/2, c-Jun/p-c-Jun and SHP-1 were detected by western blotting. Results: High cellular cholesterol conditions in HepG2 cells were established and resulted in increased CYP7A1 and calcineurin expression. Taurine exhibited the decreasing-cholesterol effects on HepG2 cells regardless of whether cells with high cholesterol conditions or inhibited / deleted intracellular calcineurin. However, the extent of decreasing cholesterol after calcineurin repression or deficiency was much less than that of controls. Taurine could induce the expression of CYP7A1 but this induction was abolished when the cellular calcineurin was inhibited or deleted. Taurine was able to suppress MEK1/2, p-c-Jun and SHP-1, which are several key molecules in one inhibitory pathway of CYP7A1 transcription, whereas this suppression on MEK1/2 but not p-c-Jun or SHP-1 was reversed after completely knocking down calcineurin. Conclusions: Calcineurin was found to be required partly in taurine-decreasing cholesterol effect through inhibiting MEK1/2 which resulted in CYP7A1 upregulation.