bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of leaf morphology, NSCs contents and C:N:P stoichiometry of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Schima superba to shading
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Huang Zhijun , Wang Zhengning , Chen Yanfang , Wen Zhumei , Liu Bo , Tigabu Mulualem
Published: July 2020

Background: The non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) are important energy source or nutrients for all plant growth and metabolism. To persist in shaded understory, saplings have to maintain the dynamic balance of carbon and nutrients, such as leaf NSCs, C, N and P. To improve understanding of the nutrient utilization strategies between shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant species, we therefore compared the leaf NSCs, C, N, P in respond to shade between seedlings of shade-tolerant Schima superba and shade-intolerant Cunninghamia lanceolate. Shading treatments were created with five levels (0%, 40%, 60%, 85%, 95% shading degree) to determine the effect of shade on leaf NSCs contents and C:N:P stoichiometry characteristics.Results: Mean leaf area was significantly larger under 60% shading degree for C. lanceolata while maximum mean leaf area was observed under 85% shading degree for S. superba seedlings, whereas leaf mass per area decreased consistently with increasing shading degree in both species. In general, both species showed decreasing NSC, soluble sugar and starch contents with increasing shading degree. However shade-tolerant S. superba seedlings exhibited higher NSC, soluble sugar and starch content than shade-intolerant C. lanceolate. The soluble sugar/starch ratio of C. lanceolate decreased with increasing shading degree, whereas that of S. superb remained stable. Leaf C:N ratio decreased while N:P ratio increased with increasing shading degree; leaf C:P ratio was highest in 60% shading degree for C. lanceolata and in 40% shading degree for S. superba. Conclusion: S. superba is better adapted to low light condition than C. lanceolata through enlarged leaf area and increased carbohydrate reserves that allow the plant to cope with low light stress. From mixed plantation viewpoint, it would be advisable to plant S. superba later once the canopy of C. lanceolata is well developed but allowing enough sunlight.
Examining Relationship between Occupational Acid Exposure and Oral Health in Workplace
Authors: Chen Wei-Liang , Chen Yuan-Yuei , Wu Wei-Te , Lai Ching-Huang , Sun Yu-Shan , Wang Chung-Ching
Published: July 2020

Background: Acid mist can suspend in the air and enter the body via skin contact, the respiratory tract, or even oral intake, which pose various health hazards. Previous studies have shown that occupational exposure to acid mist or acidic solutions is a major risk factor for oral diseases. However, the findings are inconsistent and do not consider individual factors and lifestyles that may cause the same oral diseases. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive oral health survey and collected detail information to confirm the effect of acidic solution exposure on worker’s oral health. Methods: From 4 acidic solution factories, a total of 309 subjects (157 in control and 152 in exposed group) was enrolled. All participants competed oral examinations and self-report questionnaire, including the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, community periodontal index (CPI), loss of attachment (LA) index, and tooth erosion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the acidic solution exposure and oral health. Results: The results showed that acid exposure was correlated with soft oral tissue injury rather than hard oral tissue in our survey. In the unadjusted analysis, acid exposed workers had 2.92 (95% CI 1.19-7.16) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.26-3.15) fold odds of higher CPITN and LA score. In the adjusted models, significant relationships of acid exposure with LA score were observed in model 1 (OR=3.18, 95% CI 1.65-6.15), model 2 (OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.01-5.11), and model 3 (OR=2.32, 95% CI 1.03-5.26). However, the presence of acid exposure was not significantly associated with tooth erosion, DMFT, and CPITN. Conclusion: Our study highlighted that occupational acid exposure was an independent risk factor for periodontal health, especially LA. It is important to strengthen occupational hazard control, educate workers on oral disease and related factors, and raise the awareness of oral hygiene.
Sarcopenia as a novel prognostic factor in the patients of primary localized gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Song He , Dong Ming
Published: July 2020

Background : Sarcopenia predicts poor prognosis of a variety of gastrointestinal malignancies. However, there is a lack of study on the association between skeletal muscle index (SMI) and the prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The aim of this study is to develop a novel nomogram based on sarcopenia for GIST patients to predict overall survival (OS) Methods : SMI was measured by computed tomography scan of 107 patients who underwent resection for primary localized gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Sarcopenia was defined by cutoff values for SMI as 40.1cm 2 /m 2 and 39.8 cm 2 /m 2 using optimum stratification for males and females respectively. Factors were included in the nomogram were specified by univariate and multiple Cox proportional hazard analysis. Concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves were conducted to measure the discrimination and accuracy of the nomogram. The utility of the nomogram was assessed by the decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Twenty-eight (26.2%) of 107 patients were sarcopenic. Sarcopenia was correlated significantly with BMI, albumin, female sex, resection style, mitotic index, rupture status, survival. Sarcopenia was significantly related to decreased overall survival (p=0.003).The nomogram including sarcopenia status, resection style and mitotic index had an excellent discrimination with C-index 0.794. The calibration curves represented a good accordance between the actual observation and nomogram prediction for overall survival. Decision curve analysis illustrated that the nomogram was helpful in clinic . Conclusions: we developed a nomogram based on sarcopenia to predict overall survival after resection of GISTs which is an effective and favorable prognostication tool.
Developing a model of best practice for teams managing crisis in people with dementia: A consensus approach
Authors: Yates Jen , Stanyon Miriam , Challis David , Coleston-Shields Donna Maria , Dening Tom , Hoe Juanita , Jawahar Kaanthan , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Moniz-Cook Esme , Poland Fiona , Streater Amy , Trigg Emma , Orrell Martin
Published: July 2020

Background: Teams delivering crisis resolution services for people with dementia and their carers provide short-term interventions to prevent admission to acute care settings. There is great variation in these services across the UK. This article reports on a consensus process undertaken to devise a Best Practice Model and evaluation Tool for use with teams managing crisis in dementia. Methods: The Best Practice Model and Tool were developed over a three stage process: (i) Evidence gathering and generating candidate standards (systematic review and scoping survey, interviews and focus groups); (ii) Prioritisation and selection of standards (consultation groups, a consensus conference and modified Delphi process); (iii) Refining and operationalising standards (consultation group and field-testing). Results: 165 candidate standards arose from the evidence gathering stage; were refined and reduced to 90 through a consultation group exercise; and then reduced to 50 during the consensus conference and weighted using a modified Delphi process. Standards were then operationalised through a clinical consultation group and field-tested with 11 crisis teams and 5 non-crisis teams. Scores ranged from 48-92/100. The median score for the crisis teams was 74.5 (range 67-92), and the median score for non-crisis teams was 60 (range 48-72).Conclusions: With further psychometric testing, this Best Practice Model and Tool will be ideal for the planning, improvement and national benchmarking of teams managing dementia crises in the future.
Clinical and imaging characteristics of primary hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma and sarcoma: a comparative study
Authors: Shi Dongli , Sun Jun , Ma Liang , Chang Jing , Li Hongjun
Published: July 2020

Background：Primary hepatic sarcomatous carcinoma (PHSC) and primary hepatic sarcoma (PHS) are rare malignancies with frequent overlap in both the clinic and radiology. No comparative study of these tumors for the restricted cases has previously been undertaken. The purpose of our study was to analyze the clinical and imaging features of PHSCs and PHSs, with an emphasis on particularities and similarities through a comparison of the two tumors.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging features of 39 patients with pathologically proven PHSCs (n=23) and PHSs (n=16) from four university centers over a 9-year period from 2010-2019. Univariate analyses were performed to determine the consistent and distinctive features. Results：The background of chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis was observed with a high frequency in both of PHSCs (73.7%) and PHSs (62.5%). Tumors with a diameter greater than 10cm were significantly more common in PHSs than PHSCs (p=0.043) and cystic masses were more detected in PHSs (P=0.041). Both PHSCs and PHSs mainly presented hypovascularity (78.3% vs 81.3%). The ring hyper enhancement on the arterial phase (AP) and wash out were more frequently seen in PHSCs and the iso-hypo enhancement on the AP followed persistent or progressive enhancement was more commonly detected in PHSs (all, p<0.05). Conclusion：PHSC and PHS generally present as mass lesions with hypovascularity. The ring hyper enhancement on the AP and wash out favor the diagnosis of PHSC. The large size greater than 10cm, cystic lesion, iso-hypo persistent or progressive enhancement pattern might suggest the possibility of PHSs.
Orchestration of signaling by structural disorder in class 1 cytokine receptors
Authors: Seiffert Pernille , Bugge Katrine , Nygaard Mads , Haxholm Gitte W. , Martinsen Jacob H. , Pedersen Martin N. , Arleth Lise , Boomsma Wouter , Kragelund Birthe B.
Published: July 2020

Background: Class 1 cytokine receptors (C1CRs) are single-pass transmembrane proteins responsible for transmitting signals between the outside and the inside of cells. Remarkably, they orchestrate key biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, immunity and growth through long disordered intracellular domains (ICDs), but without having intrinsic kinase activity. Despite these key roles, their characteristics remain rudimentarily understood. Methods: The current paper asks the question of why disorder has evolved to govern signaling of C1CRs by reviewing the literature in combination with new sequence and biophysical analyses of chain properties across the family. Results: We uncover that the C1CR-ICDs are fully disordered and brimming with SLiMs. Many of these SLiMs are overlapping, jointly signifying a complex regulation of interactions, including network rewiring by isoforms. The C1CR-ICDs have unique properties that distinguish them from most IDPs and we forward the perception that the C1CR-ICDs are far from simple strings with constitutively bound kinases. Rather, they carry both organizational and operational features left uncovered within their disorder, including mechanisms and complexities of regulatory functions. Conclusions: Critically, the understanding of the fascinating ability of these long, completely disordered chains to orchestrate complex cellular signaling pathways is still in its infancy, and we urge a perceptional shift away from the current simplistic view towards uncovering their full functionalities and potential.
Maternal influences on oral and faecal microbiota maturation in neonatal calves in beef and dairy production systems
Authors: Barden Matthew , Richards-Rios Peter , Ganda Erika , Lenzi Luca , Eccles Richard , Neary Joseph , Oultram Joanne , Oikonomou Georgios
Published: July 2020

Background: The dam is considered an important source of microbes for the calf; consequently, the development of calf microbiota may vary with farming system due to differences between the contact the calf has with the dam. The objective of this study was to characterise the early changes in the composition of oral and faecal microbiota in beef and dairy calves (N = 10) using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The microbiota of calves was compared to selected anatomical niches on their dams which were likely to contribute to the vertical transfer of microbes. Results: A total of 14,125 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified and taxonomically assigned. The oral microbiota of calves and their dams were composed of more similar microbes after the first four weeks of life than immediately after calving. The faecal microbiota of four-week old calves was composed of microbes which were more similar to those found in the oral microbiota of calves and adult cows than the faecal microbiota of adult cows. Specific ASVs were identified in the oral microbiota of four-week old calves that were also present in cow niches at calving, whereas very few ASVs were present in the calf faecal microbiota at four-weeks of age were present in any adult cow niche at calving. These results were observed in both beef and dairy calves. Conclusions: We did not observe any marked differences in the maturation of the oral and faecal microbiota between beef or dairy calves, despite dairy calves having very limited contact with their dam. This suggests the development of gastrointestinal microbiota in calves may not be affected by continued vertical transmission of microbes from the dam. Although the calf faecal microbiota changed over the first four-weeks of life, it was composed of microbes which were phylogenetically closer to those in the oral microbiota of calves and adult cows than the faeces of adult cows. There was little evidence of persistent microbial seeding of the calf faeces from anatomical niches on the cow at calving in either beef or dairy animals.
A qualitative study on the implementation of Family Health Team: the perspectives of providers and patients
Authors: Hanafiah Ainul Nadziha Mohd , Johari Mohammad Zabri , Azam Syafinas
Published: July 2020

Background: Malaysia has committed to the global call to achieve universal health coverage, and with the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals, is further strengthening the health system through the primary health care services, particularly the family doctor concept. The Enhanced Primary Health Care (EnPHC) initiative was implemented to address the worrying upward trend of non-communicable disease[I1] prevalence, and incorporates the Family Health Team (FHT) concept. The aim of this paper is to describe the implementation of the FHT as part of the EnPHC intervention.Methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with the intervention design team, healthcare providers and patients in two rounds during the implementation period. A total of 121 individuals in the two rounds, split into different groups, where some of the participants of the FGD were also interviewed individually[I2] . Data were analysed using a thematic analysis, with codes being organised into larger themes.Results: Themes that emerged from the data were around the process of FHT implementation and the advantages of the FHT, which included continuity of health care and improved quality of care. Patients and health care providers were receptive to the FHT concept, and took the effort to adapt the concept in the local settings. Conclusions: The FHT concept implemented at 20 public primary health clinics has benefits appreciated by health care providers and patients. Addressing the viable shortcomings would better prepare the current primary healthcare system to scale up the FHT concept nationwide and enhance its feasibility and sustainability.Trial registration: The study is registered with the National Medical Research Register, Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR-17-295-34771).
Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Ren-Chao , Ma Jun , mou yiping , Zhou Yu-Cheng , Jin Wei-Wei , Lu Chao
Published: July 2020

Background：Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) are rare neoplasms associated with a long life expectancy after resection. In this setting, patients may benefit from laparoscopic organ-sparing resection. Studies of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for PNENs are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for PNENs.Methods： A retrospective study was performed for patients with PNENs who underwent laparoscopic organ-sparing pancreatectomy between March 2005 and May 2018. The patients’ demographic data, operative results, pathological reports, hospital courses and morbidity, mortality, and follow-up data (until August 2018) were analysed.Results：Thirty-five patients were included in the final analysis. There were 9 male and 26 female patients, with a median age of 46 years (range, 25-75 years). The mean BMI was 24.6±3.3 kg/m2. Nine patients received laparoscopic enucleation (LE), 20 received laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP), and 6 received laparoscopic central pancreatectomy. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, and postoperative hospital stay were 186.4±60.2 min, 165±73.0 ml, 0 d, and 9 d (range, 5-23 d), respectively. The morbidity rate, grade ≥III complication rate and grade ≥B pancreatic fistula rate were 34.2%, 11.4%, and 8.7%, respectively, with no mortality. The rate of follow-up was 94.3%, and the median follow-up time was 55 months (range, 3-158 months). One patient developed recurrence 36 months after LE and was managed with surgical resection. The other patients survived without metastases or recurrence during the follow-up. One patient had diabetes after laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy, and no patients had symptoms of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Conclusions： Laparoscopic organ-sparing resection for selected cases of PNENs is safe and feasible and has favourable short- and long-term outcomes.
A Cohort Study Evaluating the Association Between Concurrent Mental Disorders, Mortality, Morbidity, and Continuous Treatment Retention for Patients in Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Across Ontario, Canada Using Administrative Health Data
Authors: Morin Kristen A , Eibl Joseph K , Gauthier Graham , Rush Brian , Mushquash Christopher , Lightfoot Nancy E , Marsh David
Published: July 2020

Background: Due to the high prevalence of mental disorders among people with opioid use disorder, the objective of this study was to determine the association between concurrent mental disorders, mortality, morbidity and continuous treatment retention for patients in opioid agonist treatment in Ontario, Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients enrolled in opioid agonist treatment between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. Patients were stratified into two groups: those diagnosed with concurrent mental disorders and opioid use disorder and those with opioid use disorder only, using data from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Database, Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database. The primary outcome studied was all-cause mortality using data from the Registered Persons Database. Emergency Department visits from the National Ambulatory Care Database, hospitalizations Discharge Abstract Database, and continuous retention in treatment, defined as one year of uninterrupted opioid agonist treatment using data from the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database, were measured as secondary outcomes. Encrypted patient identifiers were used to link information across databases.Results: We identified 55,924 individuals enrolled in opioid agonist treatment, and 87% had a concurrent mental disorder diagnosis during this period. We observed that having a mental disorder was associated with an increased likelihood of all-cause mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.2-1.5. For patients diagnosed with mental disorders the estimated rate of ED visits per year was 2.25 times higher and estimated rate of hospitalization per year 1.67 times higher than for patients with no mental disorders. However, there was no association between having a diagnosis of a mental disorder and one-year treatment retention in OAT adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.0; 95%CI 0.9 to 1.1).Conclusion: Our findings highlight the consequences of the high prevalence of mental disorders for individuals with opioid use disorder in Ontario, Canada
Effects of Propofol on Intracranial Pressure and Prognosis in Severe Neuropathy Patients Undergoing Endotracheal Suctioning
Authors: Wu Menghang , Yin Xiaorong , Chen Maojun , Liu Yan , Zhang Xia , Li Tingting , Long Yujuan , Wu Xiaomei , Pu Lihui , Zhang Maojie , Hu Zhi , Ye Ling
Published: July 2020

Background To investigate whether intravenous propofol before endotracheal suctioning (ES) in severe neuropathy patients can reduce the sputum suction response, improve the prognosis, and accelerate recovery.Methods A total of 208 severe neuropathy patients after craniocerebral surgery were enrolled in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into the experimental group (n=104) and the control group (n=104). The experimental group was given intravenous propofol, 0.5-1 mg/kg, before ES, while the control group was subjected to ES only. Changes in vital signs, sputum suction effect, the fluctuation range of intracranial pressure (ICP) before and after ES, choking cough response, short-term complications, and length of stay and hospitalization cost were evaluated. Additionally, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) prognosis score was obtained at six months after the operation.Results At the baseline, the characteristics of the two groups were comparable (P>0.05). The increase of systolic blood pressure after ES was higher in the control group than in the experimental group (P < 0.05). The average peak value of ICP in the experimental group during the suctioning (15.57 ± 12.31 mmHg) was lower than in the control group (18.24 ± 8.99 mmHg; P < 0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing cough reaction and pain during suctioning in the experimental group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the fluctuation range of ICP was increased (P < 0.0001). The effect of ES was achieved in both groups. The incidence of short-term complications in the two groups was comparable (P > 0.05). The difference at 6 months after the surgery, the GOS scores were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (4-5 points, 51.54% vs. 32.64%; 1-3 points, 48.46% vs. 67.36%; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of stay and hospitalization cost between the two groups.Conclusions Propofol sedation before ES can reduce the choking cough response, the pain experience of patients, and the intracranial hypertension response. The use of propofol is safe and improves long-term prognosis.The study was registered on May 16, 2015 at Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (ChiCTR-IOR-15006441).
Did Granny know best? Evaluating the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Efficacy of Acetic Acid for Home Care Procedures.
Authors: Zinn Marc-Kevin , Bockmuehl Dirk
Published: July 2020

Background: Acetic acid has been used to clean and disinfect surfaces in the household for many decades. The antimicrobial efficacy of cleaning procedures can be considered particularly important for young, old, pregnant, immunocompromised people, but may also concern other groups, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 pandemics. This study aimed to show that acetic acid exhibit an antibacterial and antifungal activity when used for cleaning purposes and is able to destroy certain viruses. Furthermore, a disinfecting effect of laundry in a simulated washing cycle has been investigated. Results: At a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid, acetic acid showed a reduction of >5-log steps according to the specifications of DIN EN 1040 and DIN EN 1275 for the following microorganisms: P. aeruginosa , E. coli , S. aureus , L. monocytogenes , K. pneumoniae , E. hirae and A. brasiliensis . For MRSA a logarithmic reduction of 3.19 was obtained. Tests on surfaces according to DIN EN 13697 showed a complete reduction (> 5-log steps) for P. aeruginosa , E. coli , S. aureus , E. hirae , A. brasiliensis and C. albicans at an acetic acid concentration of already 5%. Virucidal efficacy tests according to DIN EN 14476 and DIN EN 16777 showed a reduction of ≥ 4-log-steps against the Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) for acetic acid concentrations of 5% or higher. The results suggest that acetic acid does not have a disinfecting effect on microorganisms in a dosage that is commonly used for cleaning. However, this can be achieved by increasing the concentration of acetic acid used, especially when combined with citric acid. Conclusions: Our results show a disinfecting effect of acetic acid in a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid against a variety of microorganisms. A virucidal effect against enveloped viruses could also be proven. Furthermore, the results showed a considerable antimicrobial effect of acetic acid when used in domestic laundry procedures.
Characteristics of Lawsuits against Physicians Charged with Opioid-Related Crimes in the United States, 1995-2019
Authors: Berman Julia B , Li Guohua
Published: July 2020

Background: Pharmaceutical companies and drug distributors are intensely scrutinized in numerous lawsuits for their role in instigating the opioid epidemic. Many individual physicians have also been held accountable for activities related to prescribing opioid medications. The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiologic patterns of lawsuits against physicians charged with opioid-related crimes in the United States. Methods : We searched the Nexis Uni ® database for newspaper reports on physicians who had been arrested, indicted or criminally charged for illegally prescribing opioids between January 1995 and December 2019. Data collected from the newspaper reports include defendant’s age, sex, clinical specialty, type of crime and legal consequences. Results : The annual number of lawsuits against physicians charged with opioid-related crimes reported by US newspapers increased from 0 in 1995 to 43 in 2019. Of the 384 physician defendants in these lawsuits, 90.4% were male, 28.0% were 65 years and older (mean=59.5 ± 15.8 years), and 23.4% were charged in Florida. Of the 373 physician defendants with known clinical specialty, 243 (65.1%) practiced in internal medicine, family medicine, or pain management. Of the 248 lawsuits with known outcomes, 244 (98.4%) of the defendants were convicted of criminal charges and 4 were acquitted. Drug trafficking was the most commonly convicted crime (accounting for 54.2% of all convicted crimes), followed by fraud (19.1%), money laundering (11.0%) and manslaughter (5.6%). Of the convicted physicians with known sentences, 89.5% were sentenced to jail with an average jail time of 127.3 ± 120.3 months. Conclusions : An increasing number of physicians from a wide variety of clinical specialties is prosecuted for opioid-related crimes with high conviction rates and severe penalties. The most common crime charged is drug trafficking, followed by fraud, money laundering, and manslaughter.
Micromachined Ceramic-based Chipless LC Resonator for High-Temperature Wireless Sensing Application in Harsh Environments
Authors: Idhaiam Kavin Sivaneri Varadharajan , Sabolsky Katarzyna , Redinger Lawrence , Meyer James , Palakurthi Harish , Sabolsky Edward M. , Sierros Konstantinos A. , Reynolds Daryl S
Published: July 2020

The primary objective of this work was the fabrication and testing of a wireless LC resonator based on micro-patterned electroceramic materials for the monitoring of high-temperature systems. The two-dimensional planar LC resonator sensors were designed and simulated using ANSYS Maxwell software, and these sensors were then fabricated from electrically conductive La 2 NiO 4 /Al 2 O 3 particulate inks. The patterning and deposition of the ink were completed using a novel micro-casting process onto Al 2 O 3 ceramic substrates, and the final pattern was bonded onto the substrate at 1200 o C for 2 h. The final patterned materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and four-point conductivity to characterize the phase and microstructure development, and the resultant electrical conductivity (at 500-1200 o C), respectively. The frequency shift with respect to temperature was measured, which is directly related to changes in the sensor’s dielectric permittivity and pattern dimensions. The sensors were characterized at 500 – 1000 o C in an ambient atmosphere with an RF signal ranging from 10 – 80 MHz at 175 kHz·s -1 sweep rate. A new robust and adaptive signal processing approach was introduced to increase the degree of freedom for analyzing the wireless sensors.
Characteristics and outcomes of Stanford type A aortic dissection patients with severe post-operation hyperbilirubinemia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Xiaolan , Bai Ming , Zhao Lijuan , Li Yangping , Yu Yan , Zhang Wei , Ma Feng , Sun Shiren , Chen Xiangmei
Published: July 2020

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common complications after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased mortality. However, to the best of our knowledge, the reports on clinical significance of postoperative severe hyperbilirubinemia in Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) patients were limited. Methods: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for AAD in our center between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively screened. In-hospital mortality, long-term mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), and the requirement of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were assessed as endpoints. Univariate and multivariate regression models were employed to identify the risk factors of these endpoints. Results: After screening, 271 patients were included in our present study. Of the included patients, 222 (81.9%) experienced postoperative AKI, and 50 (18.5%) received CRRT. The in-hospital mortality was 30.3%. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year cumulative mortality were 32.9%, 33.9%, and 35.3%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that age (P < 0.033), AKI stage 3 (P < 0.001), the amount of blood transfusion after surgery (P = 0.019), mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the first postoperative day (P = 0.012), the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (P = 0.02), and the peak total bilirubin (TB) concentration (P = 0.023) were independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality. The optimal cut-off value of peak TB on predicting in-hospital mortality was 121.2 μmol/L. Patients with post-operation TB ≥ 121 μmol/L was associated with worse long-term survival as well. Conclusions: Severe post-operation hyperbilirubinemia is a common clinical situation in patients had AAD repair. In AAD patients with severe post-operation hyperbilirubinemia, older age, lower MAP, increased blood transfusion, stage 3 AKI, the use of ECMO, and the increased peak TB lead to increase in-hospital mortality.
Lung Ultrasound Score Assessing the Pulmonary Edema in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Received Continuous Hemofiltration Therapy: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Chunxia , Shi Jingyi , Shan Yijun , Miao Huijie , Sun Ting , Zhou Yiping , Zhang Yucai
Published: July 2020

Background: Lung ultrasound score is a potential method for determining pulmonary edema in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Continuous renal replacement therapy has become the preferred modality to manage fluid overload during acute respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of lung ultrasound score on assessing the effects of continuous renal replacement therapy on pulmonary edema and pulmonary function in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: We conducted a prospective study in children with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in a tertiary university pediatric intensive care unit from January 2016 to December 2018. Lung ultrasound score was measured within 2 hours identified acute respiratory distress syndrome as the value of 1st，and the following three days as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.Results: A total of 70 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled in this study. Thirty-seven patients received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT group) and thirty-three patients treated by conventional therapy (Non-CRRT group). The 1st lung ultrasound score in CRRT group were significantly higher than Non-CRRT group (P < 0.05), but the lung ultrasound score decreased gradually following the continuous renal replacement therapy (P < 0.001). Lung ultrasound score was significantly correlated with PaO2/FiO2, dynamic lung compliance, and oxygen index based on 1st to 4th values (all P<0.001). Lung ultrasound score decreased from 22 (18 - 25) to 15 (13 - 18) and PaO2/FiO2 promoted from 106.00 (96.00 - 121.50) mmHg to 160.00 (142.50 - 173.00) mmHg after continuous renal replacement therapy for four days (both P < 0.001).Conclusions: Lung ultrasound score is closely correlated with PaO2/FiO2, oxygen index and dynamic lung compliance in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome. The improvement of pulmonary edema in patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome received continuous renal replacement therapy can be assessed by the lung ultrasound score.Trial registration: CCTR, ChiCTR-ONC-16009698. Registered 1 November 2016, prospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=16535&htm=4. This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
Challenges in Management of Bartholin gland Leiomyoma: A Case Report
Authors: Vinturache Angela , Ismail Lamiese , Damato Stephen , Maid Hooman Soleymani
Published: July 2020

Background: Leiomyomas are uncommon vulvar neoplasms often misdiagnosed as other Bartholin gland pathology. Due to their rarity and the absence of guidelines, their diagnosis and management remain challenging, largely based on expert opinion and evidence from case reports. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 44-year-old woman presenting with accelerating growth of a vulvar mass. Based on clinical signs and symptoms, the initial diagnosis was Bartholin cyst. Surgical excision was provided for symptom control and aesthetic reasons. The histopathologic diagnosis was vulvar leiomyoma. The postoperative recovery was complicated by secondary haematoma and dehiscence of the surgical site. There was no recurrence at two years follow up. Therefore, we discuss the dilemma posed by physical examination of a vulvar mass, the challenges of the management, and report on secondary morbidity and long-term follow up, aspects of care for patients with vulvar pathology not commonly addressed in the literature. Conclusions: Bartholin gland neoplasms are rare tumors, commonly misdiagnosed as Bartholin’s cysts. Excision is the treatment of choice. Short time follow up allows prompt management of potential postoperative complications. Continuing long term follow up is recommended due to recurrence risk.
Efficient Wireless Video Communication using Sophisticated Channel Coding and Transmitter Diversity Gain Technique
Authors: Minallah Nasu , Ullah Khadem , Khan Imran Ullah , Khattak Khurram Shahzad
Published: July 2020

This article investigate the performance of various sophisticated channel coding and transmission schemes for achieving reliable transmission of H.264/AVC compressed video. The performance of the proposed schemes, namely Non-Convergent Coding (NCC), Non-Convergent Coding assisted with Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS) and Sphere Packing (SP) modulation (NCDSTS-SP) and Convergent Coding assisted with Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS) and Sphere Packing (SP) modulation CDSTS-SP, is analyzed using Bit Error Ratio (BER) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) performance of the transmitted video stream. Channel codes incorporate artificial residual redundancy in the coded information bits, which is advantageous in the decoder side to overcome error effects and to accomplish the lowest desired BER. To cope with the very high compression ratio efficiency of the H.264/AVC video codec, our proposed system induces artificial redundancy in the compressed video bit-stream with the aid of Over Complete Mapping (OCM) and Recursive Systematic Convolution (RSC) channel codes, in order to improve the error resilience of the transmitted stream. Furthermore, overall BER reduction and improvement in objective quality performance is achieved using sophisticated transceiver design consisting of the advanced Sphere Packing (SP) modulation technique assisted by Differential Space Time Spreading (DSTS). The performance of the Iterative Soft Bit Source Decoding (SBSD) and channel decoding is analyzed using various error protection setups by allocating persistently constant overall bit rate budget. Additionally, the Iterative behavior of the SBSD assisted Recursive Systematic Convolution (RSC) code is analyzed with the aid of Extrinsic Information Transfer (EXIT) Chart. Moreover, it is observed from the experimental results that the sophisticated system design of CDSTS-SP outperforms its counterpart in terms of BER and PSNR. More specifically NCDSTS-SP results in PSNR gain of 6 dB and CDSTS-SP results in PSNR gain of 28 dB for Eb/N0 value of 10 dB, with reference to bench marker system design of NCC.
Competence of Pharmaceutical Mentors: A Survey of the Perceptions of Pharmaceutical Postgraduates and Their Mentors
Authors: Yue Juan-Juan , Chen Gang
Published: July 2020

Background: Although mentorship can bring many benefits to medical education, mentors’ need for professional development is typically ignored. This study aims to acquire insight into the development of pharmaceutical mentors’ competence by comparing differences between mentors’ and postgraduates’ perspectives.Methods: We used ANOVAs, independent sample T-tests and paired-sample T-tests to analyze data collected via an anonymous survey including a prepared questionnaire completed by 118 pharmaceutical mentors and 118 pharmaceutical postgraduates from 8 Chinese universities and colleges.Results: 1. Research competence, professional knowledge, and communication competence exhibited the highest means. 2. Research competence was highly correlated with communication competence and moderately correlated with professional knowledge, educational competence, academic achievement and supportive competence. 3. Mentors’ educational competence was significantly more important to mentors than to postgraduates, and mentors’ supportive competence was significantly more important to postgraduates than to mentors. 4. Educational competence, supportive competence and academic achievement were significantly more important to mentors with a bachelor’s degree than to mentors with a master’s or doctoral degree. 5. Research competence, educational competence and communication competence were significantly more important to female students than male students.Conclusions: Good mentors should possess three core competencies: research competence, professional knowledge and communication competence. They are related rather than independent. The construction of a harmonious mentoring relationship should take full account of the student’s characteristics and expectations because graduate students care more about supportive competence and female students assign greater importance to mentors’ competence than male students. There should be more development opportunities for less educated mentors, as they have a greater need to increase their competence than more qualified mentors.
A Full-length Transcriptome and Gene Expression Analysis Reveal Genes and Molecular Elements Expressed During Seed Development in Gnetum Luofuense
Authors: deng Nan , Hou Chen , He Boxiang , Ma Fengfeng , Song Qingan , Shi Shengqing , Liu Caixia , Tian Yuxin
Published: July 2020

Background: Gnetum is an economically important tropical and subtropical gymnosperm genus with various dietary, industrial and medicinal uses. Many carbohydrates, proteins and secondary metabolic compounds accumulate during the ripening of Gnetum seeds.However, the molecular mechanisms related to this process remain unknown. Results: We therefore assembled a full-length transcriptome from immature and mature G. luofuenseseeds using PacBio sequencingreads. We identified a total of 5,726 novel genes, 9,061 alternative splicing events, 3,551 lncRNAs, 2,160 transcription factors, and 359 fusion genes, and we found that 8,512 genes possessed at least one poly(A) site. In addition, gene expression comparisons of six transcriptomes generated by Illumina sequencing showed that14,323 genes were differentially expressed from an immature stage to a mature stage with 7,891 genes upregulated and 6,432 genes downregulated. The expression of 14 differentially expressed transcription factors from the MADS-box, Aux/IAA and bHLH families was validated by qRT-PCR, suggesting that they may have important roles in seed ripening of G. luofuense. Conclusions:These findings provide a valuable molecular resource for domestication and cultivation of Gnetum species.
First Report of Plum Bark Necrosis and Stem Pitting-Associated Virus Infecting Grapevine in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Sun Yifan , Li Qingliang , Yufeng Wu , Wang Deya
Published: July 2020

Background: Virus disease is one of the main diseases in grapevine, and there has been no report on Plum bark necrosis and stem pitting-associated virus infecting grapevine in China.Objective: The leaf samples of grapevine cultivar 'Cabernet Gernischt' were collected from Shandong province, which the leaves suffered from viral-like symptoms with spotting and crinkle.Methods: Small RNA-seq combined with reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) were performed to detect the potential viruses in these field samples. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor joining method in MEGA 5.1Conclusions: This is the first report of PBNSPaV infecting grapevine in China, contributing to a better understanding of the epidemiology and host range distribution of this pathogen.
Spatiotemporal expression of sonic hedgehog signaling molecules in the embryonic mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Hussein Manal T , Attaai Abdelraheim , Kamel Gamal , Mokhtar Doaa
Published: July 2020

Background
Midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDA) play an important role in controlling the voluntary motor movement, reward behavior and emotion-based behavior. Differentiation of mDA neurons from progenitors depends on a number of secreted proteins, such as sonic hedgehog (SHH), and transcription factors. Different groups from mDA neurons arise from the varied patterns of SHH expression during development. The present study attempted to elucidate 1) the possible role(s) of some SHH signaling components (Ptch1, Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3) in the spatiotemporal development of mDA neurons along the rostrocaudal axis of the midbrain and their possible roles in differentiation (E12, E14) and survival of mDA neurons (E18); 2) the main role of Boc (bioregional Cdon-binding protein), and Gas1 (growth arrest-specific 1) as novel accessory receptors for the SHH in the development of mDA neurons 3) the significance of using the primary culture and/or the dopaminergic cell line (MN9D) for studying the development of mDA neurons.
Results
Mice embryos from embryonic day (E)12 were used for in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. The primary culture and cell line MN9D were used for in vitro investigation. At E12 and E14, but not E18, only Ptch1 and Gli1 were expressed in ventrolateral midbrain domains. All examined SHH signaling molecules were not detected in mDA area. Whereas, in MN9D cells, many SHH signaling molecules were expressed and co-localized with dopaminergic marker; tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and their expression were upregulated with SHH treatment of the MN9D cells.
Conclusion
These results suggest that mDA neurons differentiation and survival are independent of SHH. In addition, MN9D cell line is not the ideal in vitro model for investigating the differentiation of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, and hence, the ventral midbrain primary culture might be favored over MN9D line.
Genomic Regions Associated With Important Seed Quality Traits in Food-grade Soybeans
Authors: Whiting Rachel M. , Torabi Sepideh , Lukens Lewis , Eskandari Milad
Published: July 2020

Background: The production of soy-based food products requires specific physical and chemical characteristics of the soybean seed. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with these traits, such as seed weight,seed protein and sucrose concentrations could accelerate the development of competitive high quality soybean cultivars for the food-grade market through marker-assisted selection (MAS). The objectives of this study were to identify and validate QTL associated with these value-added traits in two high-protein recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. Results:Two RIL populations were derived from the high-protein cultivar ‘AC X790P’ (49% protein, dry weight basis), and two high-yielding commercial cultivars, ‘S18-R6’ (41% protein) and ‘S23-T5’ (42% protein). Fourteen large-effect QTL (R2>10%) associated with seed protein concentration were identified. Five of these protein-related QTLwere co-localized with QTL associated with seed sucrose concentration or seed weight. None of the protein-related QTL did not co-localize with seed yield QTL in either population. Sixteen candidate genes with putative roles in protein metabolism were identified within seven of these protein-related regions: qPro_Gm02-3, qPro_Gm04-4, qPro_Gm06-1, qPro_Gm06-3, qPro_Gm06-6, qPro_Gm13-4 and qPro-Gm15-3.Conclusion:The use of RIL populations derived from high-protein parents created a unique opportunity to identify novel QTL that may have been masked by large-effect QTL segregating in populations developed from diverse parental cultivars. Nine QTL associated with seed protein concentration were identified and validated in both high-protein RIL populations. These QTL may be useful in the curated selection of new soybean cultivars for optimized soy-based food products.
The Effect of Oral Mucosal Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Long-Term Brain Edema and Lesion, Anxiety-Like Behavior, and Cognitive and Motor Outcomes in Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dehghanian Fatemeh , Soltani Zahra , Farsinejad Alireza , Jafari Elham , Bashiri Hamideh
Published: July 2020

In recent years, the use of mesenchymal stem cells as a novel approach in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases including traumatic brain injury has been proposed. In this study, the effect of oral mucosal mesenchymal stem cells (OMSCs) on traumatic brain injury was evaluated in long-term. Animals were divided into 4 groups including sham, TBI, vehicle (Veh) and stem cell (SC). Brain damage was induced by the Marmarou’s method. The number of 2 × 106 OMSCs was intravenously injected 1 and 24 hours after the injury. Brain edema and pathological outcome were assessed at 24 hours and 21 days after the injury. Besides, long-term neurological, motor and cognitive outcomes were evaluated at days 3, 7, 14, and 21 after the injury. inflammation (P < 0.01), reduce axonal damage (P < 0.01, P < 0.05; respectively) and prevent microglia proliferation (P < 0.05, P < 0.01; respectively) at 24 h and 21 days after the injury. Neurological function improvement (P < 0.001), memory enhancement (P < 0.05), anxiety-like behavior reduction (P < 0.001) and motor function amelioration (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05; respectively) at days of 3, 7, 14, 21 after the injury were observed in the treatment group. According to the results of this study, OMSCs administration after TBI reduced brain edema and inflammation, and improved neurologic, memory and motor impairments, and anxiety-like behavior in long-term. Therefore, OMSCs could be a promising and new treatment option for TBI in the future.