bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dust Emission Source Characterization for Visibility Hazard Assessment on Lordsburg Playa in Southwestern New Mexico, USA
Authors: Pelt Robert Scott Van , Tatarko John , Gill Thomas E. , Chang Chunping , Li Junran , Eibedingil Iyasu , Mendez Marcos
Published: August 2020

Ephemeral lakes (playas) at the termination of drainages are a common feature of drylands. When dry, playa sediments can be highly wind-erodible, becoming potent local and regional sources of dust and PM 10 , airborne particles with diameters less than 10 µm, causing potentially sudden loss of visibility to travelers on downwind roadways. Lordsburg Playa, in southwestern New Mexico, USA is bisected by Interstate Highway 10. Dust storms emanating from the playa have been responsible for numerous visibility-related road closures (including 39 road closures between 2012- 2019) causing major economic losses, as well as hundreds of dust-related vehicle crashes, causing 41 lost lives in the last 53 years. We investigated the critical wind friction velocity thresholds and the dust emissivities of surfaces representing areas typical of Lordsburg Playa’s stream deltas, shorelines, and ephemerally flooded lakebed using a Portable In-Situ Wind ERosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL). Mean threshold friction velocities for PM 10 entrainment ranged from less than 0.30 m s -1 for areas in the delta and shoreline to greater than 0.55 m s -1 for ephemerally flooded areas of the lakebed. Similarly, we quantified mean PM 10 vertical flux rates ranging from less than 500 µ g m -2 s -1 for ephemerally flooded areas of lakebed to nearly 25,000 µg m -2 s -1 for disturbed delta surfaces. The apparently unlimited PM 10 supply of the relatively coarse sediments along the western shoreline however is problematic and indicates that this may be the source area for longer-term visibility limiting dust events and should be a focus area for dust mitigation efforts.
Efficacy and safety of Jie-du-qing-nao granules for first-episode schizophrenics: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Ziyan , Ning Yanzhe , Chen Pei , Zhang Yi , Yin Dongqing , Zhu Hong , Liu Shanshan , Jia Hongxiao
Published: August 2020

BackgroundAt present, the focus and difficulty of schizophrenia (SCZ) treatment is to improve cognitive function and negative symptoms. Jie-du-qing-nao granules(JQG) , a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescription , has a good clinical effectiveness in enhancing the cognition and negative symptoms of patients with SCZ. However, its clear effectiveness and safety have not been adequately supported by clinical studies. The main objective of this study is to explore the efficacy and safety of JQG for first-episode schizophrenics.Methods/designThis trial is a prospective, randomized, single-centered, parallel-controlled clinical study with double-blind design. A total of 96 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the study group or the control group in a ratio of 1:1. Participants allocated to the study group will receive JQG and aripiprazole, control group will receive placebo and aripiprazole. The treatment course will last 12 weeks, with follow-up every 4 weeks. Outcome measurements include Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), self face test , MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, BDNF, vital signs, complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, urinalysis, and electrocardiograph. Adverse reactions will be evaluated using the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS).DiscussionThis study will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of JQG as a complementary approach, which can be initiated following with antipsychotics therapy. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR1900028250 . Registered on December 16, 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=41880&htm=4 .
Delineation of molecular findings by whole exome sequencing for suspected cases of paediatric-onset mitochondrial diseases in the Southern Chinese population
Authors: Tsang Mandy Ho-Yin , Kwong Anna Ka-Yee , Chan Kate Lok-San , Fung Jasmine Lee-Fong , Yu Mullin Ho-Chung , Mak Christopher Chun-Yu , Yeung Kit-San , Rodenburg Richard J.T. , Smeitink Jam A.M. , Chan Rachel , Tsoi Thomas , Hui Joannie , Wong Sheila Suet-Na , Tai Shuk-Mui , Chan Victor Chi-Man , Ma Che-Kwan , Fung Tsiu-Hang Sharon , Wu Shun-Ping , Chan WK , Chung Brian Hon-Yin , Fung Cheuk-wing
Published: August 2020

BackgroundMitochondrial diseases (MDs) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by defects in oxidative phosphorylation. Since clinical phenotypes of MDs may be non-specific, genetic diagnosis is crucial for guiding disease management. In the current study, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for our paediatric-onset MD cohort of a Southern Chinese origin, with the aim of identifying key disease-causing variants in the Chinese patients with MDs.MethodsWe recruited Chinese patients who had paediatric-onset MDs and a minimum mitochondrial disease criteria (MDC) score of 3. Patients with positive target gene or mitochondrial DNA sequencing results were excluded. WES was performed, variants with population frequency ≤1% were analysed for pathogenicity on the basis of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.ResultsSixty-six patients with pre-biopsy MDC scores of 3–8 were recruited. The overall diagnostic yield was 35% (23/66). Eleven patients (17%) were found to have mutations in MD-related genes, with COQ4 having the highest mutation rate owing to the Chinese-specific founder mutation (4/66, 6%). Twelve patients (12/66, 18%) had mutations in non-MD-related genes: ATP1A3 (n=3, two were siblings), ALDH5A1 , ARX , FA2H , KCNT1 , LDHD , NEFL , NKX2-2 , TBCK , and WAC.ConclusionsWe confirmed that the COQ4 :c.370G>A, p.(Gly124Ser) variant was a recurrent founder mutation among the Southern Chinese population. Screening for this mutation should therefore be considered while diagnosing Chinese patients suspected to have MDs. Furthermore, WES has proven to be useful in detecting variants in patients suspected to have MDs because it helps to obtain an unbiased and precise genetic diagnosis for these diseases, which are genetically heterogeneous.
Strategic Management in Local Hospital Markets: Service Duplication or Service Differentiation
Authors: Trinh Hanh Q.
Published: August 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to assess the influences of market structure on hospitals’ strategic decision to duplicate or differentiate services and to assess the relationship of duplication and differentiation to hospital performance. This study is different from previous research because it examines how a hospital decides which services to be duplicated or differentiated in a dyadic relationship embedded in a complex competitive network. Methods: We use Linear Structural Equations (LISREL) to simultaneously estimate the relationships among market structure, duplicated and differentiated services, and performance. All non-federal, general acute hospitals in urban counties in the United States with more than one hospital are included in the sample (n=1726). Forty-two high-tech services are selected for the study. Data are compiled from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals, Area Resource File, and CMS cost report files. State data from HealthLeaders-InterStudy for 2015 are also used.Results: The findings provide support that hospitals duplicate and differentiate services relative to rivals in a local market. Size asymmetry between hospitals is related to both service duplication (negatively) and service differentiation (positively). With greater size asymmetry, a hospital utilizes its valuable resources for its own advantage to thwart competition from rivals by differentiating more high-tech services and reducing service duplication. Geographic distance is positively related to service duplication, with duplication increasing as distance between hospitals increases. Market competition is associated with lower service duplication. Both service differentiation and service duplication are associated with lower market share, higher costs, and lower profits. Conclusions: The findings underscore the role of market structure as a check and balance on the provision of high-tech services. Hospital management should consider cutting back some services that are oversupplied and/or unprofitable and analyze the supply and demand in the market to avoid overdoing both service duplication and service differentiation.
Analysis of Six Chloroplast Genomes Provides Insight into the Evolution of Chrysosplenium (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Wu Zhihua , Liao Rui , Yang Tiange , Dong Xiang , Lan Deqing , Qin Rui , Liu Hong
Published: August 2020

Background: Chrysosplenium L. (Saxifragaceae) is a genus of plants widely distributed in Northern Hemisphere and usually found in moist, shaded valleys and mountain slopes. This genus is ideal for studying plant adaptation to low light conditions. Although some progress has been made in the systematics and biogeography of Chrysosplenium, its chloroplast genome evolution remains to be investigated. Results: To fill this gap, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of six Chrysosplenium species and analyzed their genome structure, GC content, and nucleotide diversity. Moreover, we performed a phylogenetic analysis and calculated non-synonymous (Ka) /synonymous (Ks) substitution ratios using the combined protein-coding genes of 29 species within Saxifragales and two additional species as outgroups, as well as a pair-wise estimation for each gene within Chrysosplenium. Compared with the outgroups in Saxifragaceae, the six Chrysosplenium chloroplast genomes had lower GC contents; they also had conserved boundary regions and gene contents, as only the rpl32 gene was lost in four of the Chrysosplenium chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the Chrysosplenium separated to two major clades (the opposite group and the alternate group). The selection pressure estimation (Ka/Ks ratios) of genes in the Chrysosplenium species showed that matK and ycf2 were subjected to positive selection.Conclusion: This study provides genetic resources for exploring the phylogeny of Chrysosplenium and sheds light on plant adaptation to low light conditions. The lower average GC content and the lacking gene of rpl32 indicated selective pressure in their unique habitats. Different from results previously reported, our selective pressure estimation suggested that the genes related to photosynthesis (such as ycf2) were under positive selection at sites in the coding region.
Serum biomarkers of the calcium-deficient rats identified by metabolomics based on UPLC/Q-TOF MS/MS
Authors: Fanyu Meng , Lina Fan , Lin Sun , Qingli Yu , Wang Maoqing , Changhao Sun
Published: August 2020

Background

We previously identified the urinary biomarkers to diagnose calcium deficiency and nutritional rickets by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS/MS).To further confirm these biomarkers in vivo, we performed serum metabolomics analysis of calcium deficiency.

Methods

A calcium-deficient rat model was established with a low-calcium diet for 12 weeks. Serum-metabolomics-based UPLC/Q-TOF MS/MS and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to identify the alterations in metabolites associated with calcium deficiency in rats.

Results

Bone mineral density, serum parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased in the low-calcium diet group (LCG) compared to the normal calcium diet group (NCG). Serum metabolic-profiling analysis could definitively distinguish between the LCG and NCG andidentified25 calcium-deficient biomarkers. Three metabolites (indoxyl sulfate, phosphate, and taurine) of the 25 biomarkers were found in our previous urinary metabolomics study of rats with a calcium deficiency and nutritional rickets. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of these three biomarkers were greater than 0.8, and the combination of any two biomarkers was higher than 0.95.

Conclusion

Dietary calcium deficiency induced the alterations of metabolites in the serum of rats, and the three identified biomarkers had relatively high diagnostic values for calcium deficiency in rats.
Serum SP-A and KL-6 levels can predict the improvement and deterioration of patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features
Authors: Wang jingxian , Zheng Peiyan , Huang Zhifeng , Huang Huimin , Xue Mingshan , Liao Chenxi , Zhong Nanshan , Sun Baoqing
Published: August 2020

Background: Some patients with interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) showed a progressive course despite therapy. This study aimed to evaluate whether serial changes in the serum levels of surfactant protein-A (SP-A) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) can predict disease progression. Methods: Sixty-four patients with IPAF and 41 patients with non-fibrotic lung disease (non-FLD) were examined. Based on long-term changes in lung function, 36 IPAF patients who were followed up for more than 3 months were divided into a progressive group (n=9), an improvement group (n=13), and a stable group (n=14). Serum KL-6 and SP-A levels were measured. The sensitivity, specificity, cut-off value, and area under the curve (AUC) value for each of the indices were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The expression differences in these biomarkers and their correlation with disease severity were analyzed. Results: Compared with non-FLD patients, serum SP-A and KL-6 levels in IPAF patients were increased significantly [SP-A: (p < 0.001); KL-6: (p < 0.001)] and negatively correlated with DLCO (SP-A: rS = -0.323, p = 0.018; KL-6: rS = -0.348, p = 0.0011). In patients with progressive disease, the posttreatment serum SP-A and KL-6 levels were increased significantly compared with pretreatment levels [SP-A: (p = 0.021); KL-6: (p = 0.008)]. In patients showing improvement, the levels were decreased significantly [SP-A (p = 0.007) and KL-6 (p = 0.002)]. Changes in serum biomarkers (Delta SP-A and Delta KL-6) were significantly negatively correlated with changes in lung function (Delta FVC, Delta DLCO and Delta FEV1) (rS = 0.482, p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between Delta SP-A and Delta KL-6 (rS = 0.482, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Serum SP-A and KL-6 offer high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of IPAF. The decrease in serum SP-A and/or KL-6 levels in patients with IPAF is related to the improvement in pulmonary function. SP-A and KL-6 may be important biomarkers for predicting disease progression in patients with IPAF.
Association between anti-complement factor H antibodies and renal outcome in primary membranous nephropathy
Authors: Kagaya Yu , Hayashi Norifumi , Fujimoto Keiji , Adachi Hiroki , Furuichi Kengo , Yokoyama Hitoshi
Published: August 2020

Background: The complement factor H (CFH) regulates activation of the alternative complement pathway. Autoantibodies against CFH are involved in progressive renal dysfunction in cases with primary membranous nephropathy (MN). However, the prevalence and roles of anti-CFH antibodies in the clinical outcome of MN patients remain unclear.Methods: We retrospectively investigated data of 36 Japanese patients with primary MN (23 men, 13 women; mean age: 64.5 [59-72] years) and 18 healthy normal controls (8 men, 10 women; mean age: 31 [27-38] years). Serum anti-CFH antibody titers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Anti-CFH antibody titers were significantly higher in MN patients than in normal controls (4.69 [3.69-6.38] AU/mL vs. 0 [0-0] AU/mL, p<0.001). The patients were divided into groups: anti-CFH antibody positive group (n=28) and anti-CFH antibody negative group (n=8). No significant difference was observed in the remission rate of proteinuria and the incidence of 30% reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or 50% elevation of serum creatinine (Cr) levels between both groups. Anti-CFH antibody titer was selected as an independent unfavorable predictor of renal dysfunction by Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted by age, gender, serum Cr levels, proteinuria (g/gCr), anti-CFH antibody titer, and immunosuppressive therapy (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.344, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.038 to 1.741, p=0.025 for 30% reduction of eGFR; adjusted HR 1.930, 95% CI 1.108 to 3.363, p=0.020 for 50% elevation of serum Cr).Conclusions: These data suggest that anti-CFH antibodies may be involved in the deterioration of renal function in primary MN.
Association of polymorphisms in CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population
Authors: Jin Li , Huang Yan , Li Yangyang , Xu Bo , Hu Cheng , Zhang Rong
Published: August 2020

Background: CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 are cytochrome P450 epoxygenases that metabolize arachidonic acid into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). EETs are important lipid mediators with many beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 variants with type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population. Methods: We genotyped 9 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP2C8 and 10 tag SNPs in CYP2C9 based on HapMap Chinese and Japanese data. Then, we genotyped the SNPs in a Chinese population that included 3410 type 2 diabetes patients and 3401 normal controls. The association between the SNPs and type 2 diabetes was analysed. Results: In the study population, we found that rs1819173 in the CYP2C9 gene region was associated with type 2 diabetes and the A allele was protective against type 2 diabetes (odds ratio: 0.840, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.780-0.904, P=3.04×10-6). Haplotypes GT and AT (rs2071426-rs6583967) in CYP2C8 were associated with type 2 diabetes (P=0.049 and 0.038, respectively). On the other hand, an interaction effect between rs1819173 in CYP2C9 and rs12766752 in CYP2C8 on type 2 diabetes was found (P=0.003). What’s more, rs1819173 showed significant association with HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol).Conclusions: Our results suggested that common SNPs in the CYP2C8 and CYP2C9 regions were associated with T2DM in a Chinese Han population.
Genetic Population Structure of Sus scrofa in Lithuania before the African Swine Fever Outbreak
Authors: Griciuvienė Loreta , Janeliūnas Žygimantas , Jurgelevičius Vaclovas , Paulauskas Algimantas
Published: August 2020

Background: Wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a widely distributed ungulate whose success can be attributed to a variety of ecological features. The genetic variation and population structure of wild boar population in Lithuania before the spread of African swine fever has not yet been thoroughly studied. To characterize the amount of genetic variation and population structure of wild boar in Lithuania before the African swine fever outbreak, we genotyped and analyzed microsatellite loci for a total of 96 wild boar specimens from nine locations. Results: In the present study, individuals were genetically typed at fifteen microsatellite loci using multiplex PCR amplification. Our data showed that that 85% of the genetic variation originated from individuals, indicating a high gene exchange between the nine subpopulations of wild boar in Lithuania. Bayesian-based clustering analysis in STRUCTURE identified two inferred genetic clusters and each of the 9 subpopulations had more than 1 cluster. A factorial correspondence analysis confirmed homogeneity and no genetic differentiation between subpopulations of S.scrofa in Lithuania.Conclusions: Our results reveal that wild boar subpopulations of Lithuania before the African swine fever outbreak were still not distinguished and admixed. This study highlights the potential contribution for the future study understanding the detailed structure of wild boar population in Lithuania after African swine fever outbreak.
A Study on the Relationship Between Smoking Reasons Evaluation and Smoking Cessation Attempt of Smokers -- Based on a Cross-sectional Survey in Beijing's Community
Authors: Liu Han , Qi Xinran , Jin Qianying , Ma Hanqiao , Li Xingming
Published: August 2020

Background：The reason for smoking causes people to smoke in their daily life. It is the main factor hindering the success of quitting smoking. This study analyzed the differences and characteristics of tobacco dependence patients with different smoking causes in their past smoking cessation behaviors, to understand the relationship between smoking cessation behaviors and smoking causes, and provide a reference for the innovation of the tobacco dependence management model.Methods：Based on a cross-sectional epidemiological study, a total of tobacco dependence patients over 18 years old to quit smoking were recruited from various communities in Beijing. The survey included basic demographic information, tobacco use, attempts to quit, reasons for smoking, etc. Analysis of variance and dichotomous Logistic Regression was used to investigate the relationship between smoking causes and smoking cessation behaviors and their duration.Results：A total of 673 participants were recruited, including 611 males (90.8%), 428 smokers (63.6%) and 245 males (36.4%) who tried to quit smoking. ANOVA was used to find that the attempts to quit smoking were statistically correlated with scores of sedation, stimulation, smoking addiction, and automatism (all p<0.05). Sedation (OR=1.111, 95%CI: 1.011-1.220), smoking addiction, (OR=1.152, 95%CI: 1.034-1.282) and automatism (OR=1.119, 95%CI: 1.000~1.251) were found statistically related the attempts to quit smoking by the Logistic regression model. The mean scores of hand and mouth activity, hedonic sedation, stimulation, smoking addiction, and auxiliary factors were statistically significant in different smoking cessation duration groups (all p<0.05), and sedative factors were negatively related factors for smoking cessation duration (OR=0.911, 95%CI: 0.827-1.002).Conclusion：Most residents try to quit smoking only when they are heavily physiologically dependent or even physically unwell. The success or failure of smoking cessation is closely related to social psychology and physical dependence. Most smokers only try to quit by their own will without professional help. Lack of a supportive environment and other people's understanding is a major cause of smoking cessation failure. Creating a smoke-free supportive environment should be an important part of community tobacco control and smoking cessation efforts.Fund program: Supported by the Foundation of National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC1309400)
Low-concentration sevoflurane inhalation in treating MK801-induced schizophrenia like disease in mice and a feasibility study of schizophrenia patients
Authors: Zhao Tianyun , Ziwen Shi , Ling Nongxi , Xu Ying , Qin Jingwen , Zhou Quancai , Wu Lingzhi , Wang Yuansheng , Wei Wei , Lin Chuansong , Ma Daqing , Song Xingrong
Published: August 2020

GABAergic deficits have been considered to associate with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and hence GABA receptor subtype A (GABAARs) modulators may have therapeutic values for schizophrenia. Sevoflurane, a commonly used volatile anesthetic, enhances GABAergic neurotransmission through the GABAAR. The present study aims to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of low-concentration sevoflurane in MK801-induced schizophrenia-like mice and amongst schizophrenia patients in a single arm trial. Three weeks after administration of MK801 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p. twice a day) for five days, mice were exposed to 1% sevoflurane for 1 hr/day for 5 days. One week after treatment, they were subjected to behavioral tests, and then sacrificed for immunohistochemical stain, western blot assay and electrophysiology recordings in the prefrontal cortex. Ten schizophrenia patients received 5-hr sevoflurane (0.5–1.2%) for 6 days, and were assessed with the PANSS and the BPRS-18 in the 1st and 2nd week after the treatments. MK801 induced hypolocomotion and social deficits, downregulated the expression of NMDARs subunits, and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), reduced parvalbumin- and GAD67-positive neurons, and changed the amplitude and frequency of mEPSC and mIPSC and evenly increased the excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio. All these changes induced by MK-801 were attenuated by sevoflurane administration. Schizophrenia symptoms assessed with the scales were significantly improved in the 1st and 2nd week after treatments. Low-concentration sevoflurane inhalation effectively reversed MK801-induced schizophrenia-like disease in mice and alleviated schizophrenia patients’ symptoms. Our work suggested that sevoflurane may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for treating schizophrenia patients.
Mining influential genes based on deep learning
Authors: Kong Lingpeng , Chen Yuanyuan , Pian Cong , Xu Mingmin , Li Zutan , Fang Jingya , Zhang Liangyun
Published: August 2020

Background: Currently, large-scale gene expression profiling has been successfully applied to the discovery of functional connections among diseases, genetic perturbation, and drug action. To address the cost of an ever-expanding gene expression profile, a new, low-cost, high-throughput reduced representation expression profiling method called L1000 was proposed, with which one million profiles were produced. Although a set of ~ 1,000 carefully chosen landmark genes that can capture ~ 80% of information from the whole genome has been identified for use in L1000, the robustness of using these landmark genes to infer target genes is not satisfactory. Therefore, more efficient computational methods are still needed to deep mine the influential genes in the genome.Results: Here, we propose a computational framework based on deep learning to mine a subset of genes that can cover more genomic information. Specifically, an AutoEncoder framework is first constructed to learn the non-linear relationship between genes, and then DeepLIFT is applied to calculate gene importance scores. Using this data-driven approach, we have re-obtained a landmark gene set. The result shows that our landmark genes can predict target genes more accurately and robustly than that of L1000 based on two metrics (mean absolute error (MAE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC)). This reveals that the landmark genes detected by our method contain more genomic information.Conclusions: We believe that our proposed framework is very suitable for the analysis of biological big data to reveal the mysteries of life. Furthermore, the landmark genes inferred from this study can be used for the explosive amplification of gene expression profiles to facilitate research into functional connections.
Comparison of carbon footprint and net ecosystem carbon budget under organic materials retention combined with reduced mineral fertilizer
Authors: Liu Ying , Tang Haiying , Smith Pete , Zhong Chuan , Huang Guoqin
Published: August 2020

Background: Excessive application of chemical fertilizer has resulted in lower nitrogen uptake and utilization of crops, decreasing soil fertility, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and worse environment pollution and organic fertilizer materials retention is regard as the key to solve these problems. Whether the retention of Astragalus sinicus L. (Chinese milk vetch) and rice straw would induce lower greenhouse gas emissions and higher carbon sink remains unclear. The objective of this study is to conduct an assessment of carbon budget under Astragalus sinicus L. and rice straw retention combined with reduced mineral fertilizer based on the two years field experiment in a paddy field in southern China. Four treatments were designed: control CK (winter follow, 120 kg ha-1 N fertilizer for each rice season) and three treatments with Astragalus sinicus L. and rice straw retention named RA, RB and RC (reduced N fertilizer 15%, 27.5% and 40% in turn during each rice season).Results: Treatments RA, RB and RC increased GHG emissions by 9.30%~101.25%, among which CH4 accounted for more than 60%; Carbon input of crops from Treatments RA, RB and RC increased by 2.25%~12.10% compared with control CK over the two years. Though treatments RA, RB and RC enhanced CO2 emission, however, treatment RB decreased carbon footprint and became C sink.Conclusions: The results of this study reveal that treatment RB is better in reducing chemical fertilizer amount, increasing crop yield and C balance, which is more conductive to sustainable development of agriculture.
Acculturation and adaptation issues among International students: Experiences from the largest Public University of Bangladesh
Authors: Parray Ateeb Ahmad , Sohely Sonia , Mallick Susmita , Zahura Fatema Tuz , Mistry Bijoynee , Sharkar Probir , Nahar Jibun , Sumi Kazi , Islam Akhi , Khan Mohammad Shahin
Published: August 2020

This qualitative study surfaces the kinds of acculturation and adaptation related problems that international students faced while they studied at the largest public university in Bangladesh. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed through face-to-face interviews with 82 international students. Findings show that in terms of acculturation, students faced homesickness, language barriers, socio-cultural issues and academic reactions to their new life. In terms of adaptation related issues, students faced psychological distress, practical issues like financial constraints, perceived discrimination and social exclusion. Considering these findings, it can be inferred that host language, social engagement, academic environment and hostel life play an important role in the acculturation experiences of international students. This study highlights the importance of host language in determining the friendships and overall adaptation of the international students.
Cost-effectiveness analysis for HbA1c test intervals to screen patients with type 2 diabetes based on risk stratification.
Authors: Ohde Sachiko , Moriwaki Kensuke , Takahashi Osamu
Published: August 2020

Background: To determine the best HbA1c test interval strategy for detecting new type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases in a healthy population, HbA1c test characteristics, risk stratification towards T2DM and cost effectiveness were considered.Methods: State transition models were built to study the optimal screening interval for new cases of T2DM among each age- and BMI-stratified health population. Age was stratified into 30-44-, 45-59-, and 60-74-year-old age groups, and BMI was also stratified into underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-25 kg/m2), overweight (25-30 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). In each model, different HbA1c test intervals were compared to evaluate costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). We compared intervals annually (current Japanese strategy), every three years (US and UK recommendations) and tailored to each risk stratification group, based on our previous work. All model parameters, including screening and treatment costs, complications and mortality rates and utilities, were applied from published studies. The willingness-to-pay threshold in the cost-effectiveness analysis was set to US $50,000/QALY.Results: The HbA1c test interval for detecting T2DM in a healthy population varies by age and BMI. Three-year intervals were the most cost effective in obese groups at all ages—30-44: $15,034/QALY, 45-59: $11,849/QALY, 60-74: $8,685/QALY—compared with the other two interval strategies. The three-year interval was also the most cost effective in the 60-74-year-old age groups—underweight: $11,377/QALY, normal: $18,123/QALY, overweight: $12,537/QALY—and in the overweight 45-59-year-old group; $18,918/QALY. In other groups, the screening interval for detecting T2DM was found to be longer than three years, as previously reported. Annual screenings were dominated in many groups with low BMI and in younger age groups. Based on the probability distribution of the ICER, QALY does not show much difference among any groups.Conclusions: Annual screening to detect T2DM was not cost effective and should not apply to any population. The three-year screening interval was optimal among all elderly populations, the obese groups of all ages and the overweight 45-59-year-old group. For the low BMI and younger age groups, the optimal HbA1c test interval can be longer than three years.
Liver transplantation in recipients with class III obesity: post-transplant outcomes and weight gain
Authors: Soma Daiki , Park Yujin , Mihaylov Plamen , Ekser Burcin , Ghabril Marwan , Lacerda Marco , Charasani Naga , Mangus Richard Shane , Kubal Chandrashekhar Avinash
Published: August 2020

BackgroundOver the past decades, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. Several studies have reported conflicting results for the impact of obesity on outcomes of liver transplantation (LT). This study aims to assess the impact of severe obesity on outcomes of LT and change in body mass index (BMI) after transplantation.MethodsAll adult LT performed between July 2001 and December 2018 were reviewed. A retrospective analysis was conducted. BMI of recipients is subdivided into six categories: underweight, normal, overweight, class Ⅰ obesity, class Ⅱ obesity, and class Ⅲ obesity (<18.5; 18.5-24.9; 25‐29.9; 30‐34.9; 35‐39.9; ≥40 kg/m2, respectively). Survival outcomes were compared between each group. Post-transplant BMI was followed up in a sub-group of patients receiving LT from January 2008 to December 2018.ResultsAmong 2024 patients in the analytic cohort, 1.9% were underweight, 24.5% were normal, 32.6% were overweight, 25% were in class Ⅰ obesity, 9.3% were in class Ⅱ obesity, and 1.1% were in class Ⅲ obesity. There was no significant difference in patient and graft survival at 10-year follow-up with respect to recipient obesity. The 1, 3, 5, and 10-year graft and patient survivals in class Ⅲ obesity group were 97.0%, 92.1%, 87.0%, and 79.8% for patient survival and 94.4%, 85.1%, 79.8%, and 72.5% for graft survival.BMI of all groups except the underweight group declined in the first three months postoperatively. After the three months, BMI of all groups except the class Ⅲ obesity group returned to the pre LT level by two years and reached a plateau by five years. In patients with class Ⅲ obesity, there was a significant increase in body weight after long term follow up.ConclusionIn this study, class Ⅲ obesity is not associated with higher mortality. Obesity, including class Ⅲ obesity, should not be considered to be a contraindication to LT in the absence of other contraindications. Post-LT interventions are required to prevent significant weight gain in recipients with class Ⅲ obesity after transplantation.
Barriers to the Cervical Cancer Screening in the Northern Slovakia
Authors: Svihrova Viera , Kocsis Lukas , Svihra Jan , Szaboova Veronika
Published: August 2020

Background

A barrier to screening is a specific attitude, opinion or state that prevents the patient from seeking preventive care. The aim of this study was to identify and compare barriers to cervical cancer screening (CCS) in Northern Slovakia between women seeking and not seeking CCS.
Methods

Data collection was performed in twenty gynaecological departments, each department sending data from five healthy women and five untreated women with cervical cancer. Women completed a validated and standardized questionnaire with 28 statements (the CPC-28 questionnaire: “Creencias, Papanicolaou, Cancer-28” questionaire – Beliefs about Papanicolaou and Cervical Cancer). A four-point Likert scale (item score from 1 to 4) was used to assess responses. A linear transformation was made to calculate the responses. Differences with a p value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results

From the 200 questionnaires, 135 (67.5%) participants were divided into the women seeking CCS (n = 97) and the women not seeking CCS (n = 38). The women not seeking CCS vs seeking CCS had higher barriers according to the CPC-28 domain one (median; interquartile range: 33.33; 28.70-40.74 vs 14.82; 7.41–29.63; p < 0.001). The risk of not seeking CCS was statistically significant in non-working (OR; 95% CI: 2.458; 1.127–5.358; p < 0.024), non-childbearing women (OR; 95% CI: 3.302; 1.421–7.671; p < 0.006) and women without cervical cancer (OR; 95% CI: 4.709; 1.960-11.317; p < 0.001).
Conclusion

We identified barriers to cervical cancer screening in both of our groups but the results were more frequent and statistically significant in the women not seeking CCS.
Discovery of exolytic heparinases and their catalytic mechanism and potential application
Authors: Zhang Qingdong , Cao Hai-Yan , Wei Lin , Lu Danrong , Du Min , Yuan Min , Shi Deling , Chen Xiangxue , Wang Peng , Chen Xiu-Lan , Chi Lianli , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Li fuchuan
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Physicians Views on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prevention Services by Pharmacists and Potential for Collaboration
Authors: Almansour Hadi A. , Aloudah Nouf M. , Alhawassi Tariq M. , Chaar Betty , Krass Ines , Saini Bandana
Published: August 2020

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Early identification and management of modifiable CVD risk factors is highly effective in preventing disease onset and/or improving outcomes in CVD. Pharmacists as highly accessible primary health professionals can assume a role in screening and risk factor management in collaboration with physicians, however such prevention services are not established practice in Saudi pharmacies. Therefore, the aim was to explore physicians’ perceptions about the utility of a role in CVD risk screening and management for Saudi pharmacists. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim in Arabic or English. All transcripts were thematically analysed after translation into English if required. Results: A total of 26 physicians recruited from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres were interviewed. Most were unaware of pharmacists’ potential to undertake a role in CVD risk prevention. Although there was broad support for the concept, they recommended physician-pharmacist collaborative models, extensive provider pharmacist training and strict oversight by the Saudi Ministry of Health/other official authorities to ensure service quality and sustainability, should implementation occur. Healthcare system reform was considered key to expanding private sector (i.e. community pharmacy) involvement in healthcare as was incentivising providers and ‘marketing’ for patient acceptance. Conclusion: Physicians were positive about setting up a collaborative community pharmacist-physician CVD risk screening and management service model with the help of an authorised body within the Saudi Arabian healthcare system.
Assessment of gingival inflammation indexes and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome compared to control group
Authors: Maboudi Avideh , Shafizade Sara , Nasiriamiri Fatemeh , Qujeq Dourdi , Mohammadpour Reza Ali , Moaddabi Amirhosain , Amiri Mania , Bahnemiri Mehdi Gholami , Pasha Sadra Yosefnia
Published: August 2020

Background: There is emerging evidence to support the link between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and periodontal disease, but the mechanisms associated with these two diseases have not been clearly elucidated but relate to different aspects of inflammation. This study aimed to determine the gingival inflammation indexes and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome compared to control group.Methods: This is a case-control study in which 87 women referred to the Babol Clinic Private Hospital were divided into three groups: 26 women with PCOS diagnosed on the basis of Rotterdam criteria with gingivitis, 26 women with PCOS without gingivitis and 26 healthy women who were matched for age and body mass index. After recording the underlying variables, fasting saliva samples were taken from all participants in the morning before any periodontal intervention. The samples, which were transferred to Babol Molecular Cell Research Center under cold-chain conditions to measure the serum levels of MMP-9 using ELISA kits. Periodontal status was evaluated for Gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI). Analysis of variance was used to compare the results for the normal quantitative variables and Chi-square test was used to compare the qualitative variables. Significance level was considered less than 0.05.Results: The highest mean periodontal disease indexes (GI, BOP, PI) were observed in women with PCOS with gingivitis and then in women with PCOS without gingivitis and then in healthy women in control group (p <0.05). The mean salivary MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in PCOS women (388/37 ± 75.05) compared to the control group (166/25 ± 35/43). Even in PCOS patients with healthy gingiva (233.00± 47.76) had higher levels of salivary MMP-9 than the control group and this difference was significant (p <0.05)Conclusions: There is a positive association between periodontal disease and PCOS and that salivary MMP-9 levels are higher in PCOS women with and without gingivitis than healthy women. However, it is recommended that multicenter study with larger sample sizes are to be conducted to establish a clearer association.
Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy in patients with obesity with a novel Chinese domestic MicroHand SⅡ surgical system
Authors: Li Weizheng , Kong Kang , Li Pengzhou , Wang Guohui , Cui Beibei , Zhu Liyong , Zhu Shaihong
Published: August 2020

Background

A new member has been added to the Chinese MicroHand surgical robot family, developed based on the successful application of control algorithms. As a benefit of using these specialized control algorithms, the motion mapping relation can be built up without the help of a built-in image system, resulting in a novel Chinese domestic surgical robot with two arms called MicroHand SⅡ, which is different from the former MicroHand S and da Vinci systems. The analysis technique of clinical practise using the Chinese domestic surgical robot to perform sleeve gastrectomy is not well presented. In this study, we investigate the performance of a novel MicroHand SⅡ robotic platform in patients with obesity.
Methods

From March 2018 to April 2019, a total of 7 patients affected by obesity were operated on with the robot-assisted technique using the MicroHand SⅡ surgical system. Data regarding demography, surgical procedure and the 3-month outcome postoperation were collected.
Results

There were 2 female and 5 male patients with a mean age of 34.0 ± 11.4 years. The mean operative time was 166.4 ± 16.1 minutes. None were converted to open surgery. All anthropometry indices improved significantly at 3 months postoperatively.
Conclusions

In conclusion, the Chinese domestic robot surgical system MicroHand SⅡ could be feasibly and safely applied in sleeve gastrectomy in patients with obesity. This robotic platform has presented its own obvious advantages.
TLR7 promotes smoke-induced lung damage through the activity of mast cell tryptase
Authors: Haw Tatt Jhong , Starkey Malcolm , Pavlidis Stelios , Tam Sheena , Nair Prema M. , Liu Gang , Gomez Henry M. , Hanish Irwan , Hsu Alan , Kim Richard , Fukui Ryutaro , Murakami Yusuke , Horvat Jay , Foster Paul , Oliver Brian , Wark Peter , Adcock Ian , Miyake Kensuke , Sin Don , Hansbro Philip
Published: August 2020

Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 is known for eliciting immunity against single-stranded RNA viruses. TLR7 was increased in both human and cigarette smoke (CS)-induced experimental chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Severity of CS-induced emphysema and COPD was reduced in TLR7-deficient mice whilst inhalation of imiquimod (TLR7-agonist) induced emphysema in naïve mice. Imiquimod-induced emphysema was reduced in mice treated with mast cell stabilizer cromolyn or deficient in mast cell protease-6. Therapeutic treatment with anti-TLR7 monoclonal antibody suppressed CS-induced emphysema, experimental COPD and accumulation of pulmonary mast cells. We demonstrate an unexpected role for TLR7 in mediating emphysema and COPD through mast cell activity.
Circ-CCDC66 Upregulates REXO1 Expression to Aggravate Cervical Cancer Progression Via Restraining miR-452-5p
Authors: Zhang Yun , Li Xing , Zhang Jun , Mao Lin
Published: August 2020

BackgroundCervical cancer is one most common cancer types among females around the world. CircRNAs have been revealed to participate in multiple biological functions, and are involved in many diseases’ progression. In current study, we aimed to elucidate whether circ-CCDC66 participates cervical cancer progression. MethodsReal-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted to measure the expression of circ-CCDC66, miR-452-5p, and REXO1 mRNA. Cell fractionation assay and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to locate circ-CCDC66 in cells. Cell proliferation ability was detected using cell account kit 8 (CCK-8). TRANSWELL assay was applied to evaluate cell migration or invasion ability. Bioinformatics analysis, biotinylated RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to assess the association between miR-452 and circ-CCDC66 or REXO1. Western blot was applied to measure the protein expression of REXO1. Animal tumor model was used to assess the effect of circ-CCDC66 in vivo.ResultsCirc-CCDC66 was upregulated in cervical cancer tumor tissues, and correlated with tumor stage and tumor size. Downregulation of circ-CCDC66 inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Circ-CCDC66 was an efficient molecular sponge for miR-452-5p, and negatively regulated miR-452-5p expression. MiR-452 directly targeted REXO1. The effects of circ-CCDC66 on cervical cancer cells were functioned through miR-452-5p/REXO1 axis. In animal experiment, downregulation of circ-CCDC66 was found to suppress tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionOur results demonstrated the effects of circ-CCDC66/miR-452-5p/REXO1 axis in cervical cancer progression, we might provide a novel therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
WITHDRAWN: Saudi Healthcare Facilities Risk Management and Infection Control Preparedness to Overcome Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aleanizy Fadilah Sfouq , Alqahtani Fulwah Yahya
Published: August 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well prepared Saudi healthcare facilities to overcome COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using online-administered English questionnaire that distributed throughout Saudi commission for health specialities at Saudi hospital during the period of April-June 2020. The questionnaire represent a minimum level of knowledge and practices for all components of risk management and infection control and prevention program which should be known and practiced by all healthcare workers. The study population included all healthcare workers in Saudi hospitals designated to deal with COVID-19 cases. Results: The study revealed that the overall knowledge of risk management plan and infection prevention control was found to be comparatively excellent (80.4%), and there were no discrepancies among the participants according to gender, education, occupation, however, some differences and variation according to age group and the years of experience. Most responses were from hospital located in central province (72.7%), governmental hospital (88%), and mostly provide family services (68%). The majority of hospitals have isolation units (88.2%) either under the authority of Ministry of health or not. Also there were enough training for medical staff which is considered as a base for good practice of risk management and infection control and prevention procedures, policies and guidelines. Conclusion: The study concluded that outstanding knowledge of all healthcare workers at Saudi hospitals regarding risk management plan and pandemic sub-plan of infection control and prevention policies procedures and principles, regardless the variations among the staff, however these base knowledge have helped Saudi Arabia health authority to successfully overcome COVID-19.