bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) imaging of bacteria: A sample preparation guide
Authors: Gunasinghe Sachith D. , Elgass Kirstin D. , Bell Toby D. M. , Lithgow Trevor
Published: October 2020

In recent years Super-resolution microscopy has become an invaluable tool to noninvasively interrogate the membrane architecture of bacteria to study the spatial organization of proteins associated with membranes, which in turn help us to understand how bacteria have evolved to exploit environmental niches. Model systems like Escherichia coli and Caulobacter cresentus have been used to study the spatiotemporal organization of membrane proteins. Like most gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane of E.coli is populated with β-barrel proteins, which serve as selective channels where exchange of small molecules take place. Surface exposed domains in these channels provide means to fluorescently label and utilise them for fluorescent microscopy studies to investigate their spatial organization at the outer membrane. Here, we describe a methodology to fluorescently label outer membrane proteins in E.coli and study their spatial organization using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM).
Perinatal exposure to diesel exhaust origin secondary organic aerosol induces autism-like behavior in rats
Authors: Shwe Tin Tin Win , Thu Chaw Kyi Tha , Fujitani Yuji , Tsukahara Shinji , Hirano Seishiro
Published: October 2020

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication, poor social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The exact cause and mechanism of autism remains unknown. Both genetic and environmental factors may involve in ASD. In this study, we used diesel exhaust (DE) origin secondary organic aerosol (DE-SOA) as environmental pollutants. DE-SOA was generated by oxidative reaction of mixing DE with ozone. The aim of present study is to examine autism-like behaviors and related gene expressions in rats exposed to DE-SOA perinatally. Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were exposed to clean air (control), DE and DE-SOA in the exposure chamber for 5 h per day (from 10:00 pm to 3:00 am), 5 days a week excluding weekends from gestational day 14 to postnatal day 21 with their pups. At postnatal day 21, the male and female offspring rats were allocated into three different groups as follows: 1) rats exposed to clean filtered air; 2) rats exposed to DE; 3) rats exposed to DE-SOA. Social behaviors were investigated at 10~13-weeks-old rats using a 3-chambered social behavior test, social dominance tube test and marble burying test. Prefrontal cortex was collected to examine neurological and immunological markers, and glutamate concentration, using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA methods. Results: DE-SOA-exposed male and female rats showed poor sociability and social novelty preference, socially dominant behavior and increased repetitive behavior compared with the control rats. The mRNA expression levels of serotonin receptor (5-HT(5B)) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were down-regulated whereas interleukin 1 b　(IL-b), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were upregulated in the prefrontal cortex of male and female rats exposed to DE-SOA compared to the control rats. Glutamate concentration was increased significantly in the prefrontal cortex of both male and female rats exposed to DE-SOA.Conclusion: Our results indicate that perinatal exposure to DE-SOA may induce autism-like behavior in rats by modulating neurological and immunological markers in the prefrontal cortex.
The Evolution of the Socio-cultural and Religious Characteristics of Cancer Patients in Morocco: Case of the National Institute of Oncology Rabat
Authors: Elkhalloufi Fahd , Boutayeb Saber , Mamouch Fouzia , Rakibi Latifa , Elmajjaoui Sanae , Errihani Hassan
Published: October 2020

Background: In 2018, Morocco recorded more than 52,783 new cases of cancer and more than 32,962 cases of death (IARC, 2018). Cancer is always accompanied by socially constructed, differentiated and contingent interpretations and practices according to the socio-cultural and religious characteristics of each region. The aims of this study is describing the evolution of the socio-cultural and religious aspects of Moroccan cancer patients followed at the National Institute of Oncology (NIO) of RABAT between 2010 and 2020.Methods: We have prospectively studied all cancer cases diagnosed at the National Oncology Institute (NIO), Rabat in 2019. We have collected 1102 cases. The data collected was compared with the results of the study carried out in 2010 (1600 cases). Statistical analysis has been assessed by SPSS 20 software and the correlations between socio-cultural characteristics were examined using a chisquare test.Results: from a socio-economic point of view, almost all patients claim that cancer is a costly disease as well as a disease that leads to a drop in income and the inevitable impoverishment of Moroccan patients. The illiteracy rate is higher than in subsequent studies 42.4%. On the psychological level, the damage to body image has a negative impact on the marital relationship. The number of female patients who are victims of spousal divorce and separation is very high. Damage to body image (alopecia) can lead to stigmatizing behaviour. Concerning the spiritual aspect, in the Arab-Berber-Muslim culture, the impact of the occurrence of cancer is very particular, and the repercussions are assessed differently depending on the degree of conviction. for practicing believers, cancer is considered a divine trial, but for non-practicing believers, cancer is regarded as a divine punishment coming from outside. New behaviours reported by this research concern the use of ROKIA as an anti-cancer remedy, 42% of patients use ROKIA.Conclusion: It is important to take these data into account in the therapeutic management of patients in order to better relieve them, which sometimes proves difficult for the healthcare team. The main relief seems to come from the deep religious beliefs that help.
MicroRNA-665 Regulated Cell Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis by Targeting Nemo-like Kinase in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Chu , Yue Weiming , Li Lin , Li Shuhai , Gao Cun , Si Libo , Qi Lei , Cheng Chuanle , Lu Ming , Tian Hui
Published: October 2020

Background: Many evidences proved important roles of microRNAs in the occurrence and development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This work aimed to explore the effects and regulating mechanism of microRNA-665 (miR-665) in NSCLC. Methods: Here, quantitative real time PCR was used to evaluate the expression level of miR-665 in NSCLC tissues and several cell lines (H520, H1299, PC9, H358, and A549). Then, MTT, apoptosis assays and wound-healing assays were performed to study miR-665 functions on cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Based on bioinformatics analysis, nemo-like kinase (NLK) was predicted as a potential target of miR-665 and then a series of experiments were performed to explore miR-665 mechanism.Results: In NSCLC tissues and several cell lines, miR-665 was up-regulated and cell experiments displayed that it had abilities to promote cell proliferation and migration, and inhibit cell apoptosis. MiR-665 over-expression could reduce NLK mRNA and protein level by binding to 3′-untranslated region of NLK, which suggested that miR-665 could regulate NLK expression. Further analysis found that there was an inverse correlation f between miR-665 and NLK in NSCLC. Moreover, low-level NLK possessed same effects on cells as miR-665 over-expression, and its knockdown could partly recovery the miR-665-mediated cell proliferation, migration and anti-apoptosis, indicating that miR-665 might regulate biological behaviors of NSCLC cells via targeting NLK. Conclusion: MiR-665 probably promoted NSCLC occurrence and progression via targeting NLK, which might be a hopeful biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis or a target for treatment.
Long-term kidney function and mortality after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit formation.
Authors: Chevarria Julio , Ebad Chaudhry A. , Hamill Mairead , Constandache Catalin , Cowhig Cliona , O’Shea Hazel , Deady Sandra , Little Dilly M , Conlon Peter J.
Published: October 2020

Background: Treatment for bladder cancer includes radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion, RC is associated with long-term morbidity, kidney function deterioration and mortality. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative long-term kidney function decline and mortality. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with RC and urinary diversion in Beaumont Hospital from 1996 to 2016. We included patients who had follow up data of at least two years post procedure. We assessed the following outcomes: estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preoperatively, at first and second year post-procedure, kidney function decline >10 ml/min/1.73m 2 , dialysis commencement and mortality. Logistic regression analyses were applied to assess risk factors associated, a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: We included 264 patients, with median age 68.3 years, 73,7% males. The most common diagnosis was bladder cancer 93.3%, TNM stages were grouped in T≥2 75.9%, N≥1 47.6% and M1 28%. The median eGFR preoperative was 65.8 ml/min/1.73m 2 and after 2 years 58.2 ml/min/1.73m 2 (p:0.009), 5.6% required chronic dialysis and 32.8% had a decrease >10 ml/min/1.73m 2 . Risk factors associated with ESKD included; age (HR:1.13, CI95% 1.05-1.22), and pre-operative eGFR (HR:1.04, CI95% 1.01-1.07). Overall mortality was 43.2% and 75.9% at 5 and 10 years respectively, risk factors for which were age (HR:1.1, CI95% 1.04-1.18), preoperative eGFR (HR:1.03, CI95% 1.01-1.06) and male gender (HR:14.8, CI95% 1.1-192). Conclusions: Patients with RC are at risk of progressive kidney function deterioration and elevated mortality and the main risk factors associated were age, sex, and preoperative eGFR. Regular monitoring of kidney function will permit early diagnosis and treatment.
Feco-prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Associated Risk Factors Among Patients Living with HIV/AIDS on ART at Tefera Hailu Memorial General Hospital Sekota, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Kiros Mulualem , Gizachew Mucheye , Gebrecherkos Teklay
Published: October 2020

Background: Globally, two-thirds of humans are infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a flagellated Gram negative bacterium, brings peptic ulcer disease and others, mainly, in HIV patients on ART. Its infection among HIV/AIDS patients is not well understood in developing countries, including the study area.Objective: To assess prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated risk factors among HIV/AIDS on ART patients at Tefera Hailu General Memorial hospital Sekota Northeast, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted on HIV/AIDS on ART patients from February to June 2019. A face-to-face interview was administered to assess risk factors for H. pylori infection by using semi structured questionnaire. A stool sample was tested for H. pylori antigen using the ImmunoCardSTAT HpSA kit as per the manufactures` instruction. Data were entered into excel spreadsheet, cleaned, exported to and analyzed by using the SPSS version 20. Logistic regression model was used to determine the association between explanatory and outcome variables. For all cases, p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 88 HIV/AIDS patients on ART were included in this study. Of these, 53.4% were females, 54.5% were urban dwellers, 69.3% were single, 51.1% had formal education and 58.0% were non-employed. From these, study participants, a total of 88 stool samples were collected and analyzed, and 57 (64.8%, 95% CI: 54.5-73.9) H. pylori positivity was observed. Among explanatory variables tested, number of family members (AOR: 17.059; 95%CI: 1.751, 166.185; p-value = 0.015) and water sources for drinking and cooking (AOR: 0.096; 95%CI: 0.010, 0.951; p-value = 0.045) were statistically significant with H pylori positivity. Other factors did not show association with H. pylori infection (p-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of H. pylori among HIV on ART patients was within the ranges of global prevalence (10%-76%). Number of family members and water sources for drinking and cooking purpose were found to be factors associated with the H. pylori positivity in this study. This finding necessitates the need to design and apply intervention measures that could decrease transmission and thus minimize the clinical consequences of infection.
A Comprehensive Screening Strategy of Breast Cancer Based on Different Penetrance Susceptibility Genes in Healthy Han Chinese Females
Authors: Hu Ling , Wu Chengbi , Liu Ping , Jiang Lanbin , Guo Yuntao , Jiang Xin , Xiong Nian
Published: October 2020

Background: Morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer (BC) had increased rapidly in China. Early screening and intervention could greatly reduce the risk of hereditary BC. Several risk models had been utilized over the last decades to predict individual BC risk, but most of them didn’t assess the polygenic risk of low-penetrant genes. A novel screening method integrating different penetrance susceptibility genes was eagerly needed.Methods: Twenty-three variants of high and moderate penetrance susceptibility genes (HVs) and twenty loci of low penetrance susceptibility genes (LVs) were selected from previous studies. Genotyping of these mutations were conducted among 3777 healthy Chinese Han women and 401 BC subjects. Based on the mutation profiles, we raised a comprehensive screening strategy using HVs and LVs to evaluate the polygenic risk score (PRS) in healthy individuals.Results: Three HVs in BRCA1, BRCA2 and PALB genes mutated in the study population, which suggests the necessity of applying genetic determination to healthy Han Chinese women. LVs were widely carried in objects and their frequencies differed greatly between Han Chinese females and the west population. After quality control and lasso dimension reduction, nineteen of twenty-three LVs were involved to construct a logistic regression model to evaluate the cumulative genetic risk score. The area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of the model is 0.993, 0.9676 and 0.9617 respectively, indicating that it is robust. Finally, a screening strategy using HVs and LVs was put forward to evaluate the risk of BC in normal objects.Conclusions: The distribution of HVs and LVs differed greatly between Han Chinese females and the west population. A screening strategy combining HVs and LVs showed strong efficacy in distinguishing high risk individuals from healthy women.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000038558. Registered 24 September 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=60543
Decision-Making in Implantology – A Vignette-Based Study to Determine Clinical Treatment Routines for the Edentulous Atrophic Mandible
Authors: Korsch Michael , Walther Winfried , Robra Bernt-Peter , Sahin Aynur , Hannig Matthias , Bartols Andreas
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate the influence of possible factors on decision making in the therapy for the severely atrophied edentulous mandible.MethodsA vignette-based survey among 250 maxillofacial surgeons and oral surgeons on the edentulous narrow atrophic mandible was conducted. Determinants that could influence the therapy decision were patient age, smoking, fear of surgery and radiotherapy in the head and neck area. To achieve a suitable implant site, the options offered to the surgeons were bone split, bone block, augmentation with bone substitute material and bone resection. In addition, there was the option of rejecting any therapy.ResultsThe response rate was 46.8%. Resection was preferred by a large majority to all other forms of therapy, regardless of the four determinants. Surgeons tend to refrain from bone block transplants in older patients. Smoking led significantly more often to the rejection of an intervention. Fear of surgery had no influence on the treatment methods, previous radiotherapy treatment only for bone split.ConclusionsIn the narrow atrophic mandible, bone resection is the preferred therapy independent of all determinants. Surgeons tend to refrain from complex and invasive procedures in older patients and generally tend to refrain from interventions in smokers.
Clinical Factors Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Korean Women With Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Lee Hae Nam , Seo Ji Min , Um Gi Soo , Kim Min Jeong
Published: October 2020

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is defined as an abnormality in menstrual bleeding and is common gynecological problem in premenopausal women. Anxiety and depressive disorders were frequently observed in patients with AUB. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and the relationship of anxiety and depression in Korean women with AUB.Methods: The study was a questionnaire study of 124 Korean women aged 15–55 who admitted a single university hospital due to AUB between September 2015 and December 2019. Anxiety, depression were assessed using the Korean Beck Anxiety Inventory (K-BAI), the Korean Beck Depression Inventory-II (K-BDI-II). The obstetrical and clinical data were analyzed to assess the association of anxiety and depression with AUB.Results: Out of 124 patients, 47 (37.9%) met the criteria for anxiety, and 24 (19.5%) met the criteria for depression. The most common menstrual problems seen were heavy menstrual bleeding (80.7%), followed by irregular bleeding (62.9%), dysmenorrhea (55.7%), and irregular menstrual cycles (33.9%). More women with AUB in our study had anxiety as measured by the K-BAI and depression as measured by the K-BDI-II. A history of abortion and cesarean section were related with anxiety, whereas a history of minor surgery was related to depression. Anxiety and depression (r = 0.629, p < 0.001) were correlated with AUB.Conclusions: Anxiety and depression are underdiagnosed and undertreated in Korean women with AUB symptoms. Screening and appropriate mental health management are needed for women with AUB for women’s health.
Challenges of Nurses in the Caring Process of Patients with COVID-19 in Iran: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sharififar Simintaj , Moradi Maryam , Marzaleh Milad Ahmadi
Published: October 2020

Background: The illness caused by the novel coronavirus is an emerging disease, and for this reason, the international community is encountered with its an unknown nature, such as clinical features, treatments and its long-term complications. Experience suggests that humans are affected by the psychological and social effects of epidemics and pandemics of infectious diseases. Caring for patients with this disease is a new experience that has to be explored. The present study was carried out, using a qualitative method to detect the challenges to which nurses are faced with in the process of caring for patients with COVID-19 in Iran.Methods: This is a qualitative study, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 19 key informants selected via targeted sampling. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis to identify the challenges to which the nurses have encountered in the process of caring for patients with COVID-19 in Iran.Results: Challenges of the nurses in the caring process for patients with COVID-19 are listed in five categories of stress and psychological issues, equipment-related challenges, increased events of errors, medication and treatment problems, and hospital management.at the same time, 35 subcategories were also identified.Conclusion: Since nurses are at the forefront in fighting the COVID-19, there must be plans to increase their preparedness. Deficiencies in health systems, including equipment, medicine, and personal protective gear should also be addressed so that nurses can better respond to these incidents. Psychological and mental support is a key component of the nurses’ appropriate response; thus, along with nurses' responses, individual, group, and family psychological support should be facilitated to increase performance and effectiveness in response to COVID-19.
What is the Impact of the European Resuscitation Council Covid-19 Guidelines on Resuscitation Quality – A Manakin Study
Authors: Jansen Gerrit , Ebeling Nicole , Latka Eugen , Krüger Stefan , Scholz Sean , Trapp Simon , Grannemann Julia Johanna , Thaemel Daniel , Chandwani Suraj , Sauzet Odile , Rehberg Sebastian , Borgstedt Rainer
Published: October 2020

BackgroundTo evaluate the effects of European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Covid-19-guidelines on resuscitation quality.MethodsIn an observational manikin study paramedics and emergency physicians performed Advanced-Cardiac-Life-Support in three settings: ERC guidelines 2015 (Control), Covid-19-guidelines as suggested with minimum staff (Covid-19-minimal-personnel); Covid-19-guidelines with paramedics and an emergency physician (Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager). Main outcome measures were no-flow-time, quality metrics as defined by ERC and time intervals to first chest compression, oxygen supply, intubation and first rhythm analysis. Data were presented as mean (standard deviation).Results30 resuscitation scenarios were completed. No-flow-time was markly prolonged in Covid-19-minimal-personnel [113±37 sec] compared to Control [55±9 sec; p<0.001] and Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager [76±38 sec; p<0.001]. In both Covid-19-groups chest compressions started later [Control: 21±5 sec, Covid-19-minimal-personnel: 32±6 sec; Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager: 37±7 sec; each p<0.001 vs. control], but oxygen supply [Control: 77±19 sec; Covid-19-minimal-personnel: 29±5 sec; Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager: 34±7 sec; each p<0.001 vs. control] and first intubation attempt [Control: 178±44 sec; Covid-19-minimal-personnel: 111±14 sec; Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager: 131±20 sec; each p<0.001 vs. control] were earlier than in the control group. However, succesful intubation was similar [Control: 198±48 sec; Covid-19-minimal-personnel: 181±42 sec; Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager: 130±25 sec] due to a longer intubation time in Covid-19-minimal-personnel [61±35 sec] compared to Covid-19-advanced-airway-manager (p=0.002) and control [19±6 sec; p<0.001]. Time to first rhythm analysis was more than doubled in Covid-19-minimal-personnel [138±96 sec] compared to control [50±12 sec, p<0.001].ConclusionCovid-19-guidelines led to earlier attempts at intubation, delay in starting chest compressions, longer interruption in chest compression and markedly worsen the quality of resuscitation. These negative effects are attenuated by increasing the number of staff and addition of an experienced airway manager. Specific indications for Covid-19-guidelines are urgently required to carefully balance the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 for the staff vs. the potentially worse outcome for the patients.
Canine Dirofilariasis In Panamá. First Case Report.
Authors: Chacón Samuel Candanedo , Candanedo. Patricia Guizardi Correia de
Published: October 2020

Background. The living beings have suffered with the climate changes that are affecting the planet in the latest decades. This has allowed the development of many vectors with the correspondent increase in their vector-borne diseases (VBD). Panama is a country that historically has suffered with the effects of the VBD even before the Panama Canal construction. D.immitis is a worldwide distribution parasite found in most American countries, but heretofore it was not recorded on the Panamanian isthmus. Methods. Here we report a male, 5.5 years old dog in the Boca Chica region, San Lorenzo district, Chiriqui province, Rep of Panama. The canine arrived with serious cardiopulmonary symptoms, convulsions and strong arrhythmia. We examined the dog´s blood cells and found hemoglobin levels in 2.7 g/dL, and a quick snap quattro test showing a positive result for D. immitis. Because of the gravity of the symptoms and the evident suffering of the patient, the owners requested that the dog be euthanized. We proceeded with the euthanasia and removed the heart. It was fixed in formaldehyde and sent for an anatomic histopathology study. Results. Thirty whole adult nematodes were found, 14 females and 16 males, measuring between 20.2 cm and 12.4cm long on average, respectively, located on the pericardium, pulmonary artery and right ventricle and atrium. The anatomy histophatology results shows chronic myocarditis, chronic pericarditis, and enlargement of the right ventricle. However, the pulmonary artery-vein endothelium, and inner space seems to be normal. Inflammatory infiltrate was found on myocardium compound of lymphocytes and macrophages, characterizing the myocarditis. Monocytes/macrophages infiltrate was found on the pericardium at the place where the specimen was collected characterizing the pericarditis. Conclusions. We can conclude, starting with the observed case, that D. immitis epidemiological research is necessary in Panama to ascertain the real prevalence and pathogenesis of the nematode in this country, to identify the vectors involved, the damage to dogs, the prevalence in wild animals, and the incidence of lesions on humans. Studies are indicated to identify Wolbachia sp bacteria on the nematode, clarifying this bacteria´s participation in the pathogenesis of heartworm disease.
In vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity and Protective Effects on Cardiomyocytes with H/R Injury of Garlic/Onion Oil
Authors: Lu Yifei , Lv Hui , Li Lihua , Yang Chao , Pan Da , Yang Ligang , Wang Shaokang , Sun Guiju
Published: October 2020

Background: At present, the research concerning in vitro experiments of garlic oil and onion oil is limited. The objective of this study was to carry out the research on the effective components of garlic and onion, and to study the antibacterial activity of the two essential oils and their protective effects on cardiomyocytes with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury.Method: The protective effect of volatile oils at different concentrations (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.3, 3.1mg/L) on the endothelial cell of microvascular in cardiac muscle against H/R injury was examined by MTT and flow cytometer method. The survival rate and apoptosis situation were record. Inhibition zone test was used to evaluate antibacterial activity of volatile oils. MIC and MBC were calculated as well.Results: To achieve a higher survival rate, the optimum concentrations of garlic oil and onion oil were 12.5mg/L and 6.13mg/L and high concentrations of garlic and onion oil decreased the survival rate. Both the 12.5mg/L onion and garlic oil reduced the apoptosis situation of cardiomyocytes. Both garlic oil and onion oil had antibacterial effect on gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria, and had the best antibacterial effect on cocci of gram-positive bacteria.Conclusion: Garlic and onion oil do have antibacterial activity and protective effects on cardiomyocytes with H/R injury in a concentration range.
DEEP-LONG: A Fast and Accurate Aligner for Long RNA-Seq
Authors: Hou Li , Wang Yadong
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIn recent years, because of the development of sequencing technology, long reads were widely used in many studies, include transcriptomics studies. Obviously, Long reads have more advantages than short reads. And long reads align also different from short reads align. Until now Lots of tools can process long RNA-Seq, but there still have some problems need to solve. ResultsWe developed Deep-Long to process long RNA-Seq, Deep-Long is a fast and accurate tool. Deep-Long can handle troubles come from complicated gene structures and sequencing errors well, Deep-Long does well especially on alternative splicing and small exons. When sequencing error rate is low, Deep-Long can rapidly get more accurate results. While sequencing error rate rising, Deep-Long will use more time, but still more fast and accurate than most other tools.ConclusionsDeep-Long is an useful tool to align long RNA-Seq to genome, and Deep-Long can find more exons and splices.
Neurotoxic astrocytes secreted glypican-4 drives Alzheimer’s tau pathology
Authors: Pereira Ana , Ramamoorthy Sivaprakasam
Published: October 2020

Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is the most crucial genetic risk factor of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanism through which APOE4 induces AD risk remains unknown. Here, we report the astrocyte-secreted protein glypican-4 (GPC-4), as a novel binding partner of APOE4, drives tau pathology. APOE4-carrying AD patients display more tau accumulation compared to APOE4-noncarring AD patients. GPC-4 is highly expressed in APOE4 AD patients, and is regulated by microglial factors via NF-κB signaling pathway. The astrocyte-secreted GPC-4 induced both tau accumulation and spreading in vitro and in vivo. Further, GPC-4 is required for APOE4-mediated surface trafficking of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) and tau propagation. GPC-4 activates unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway IRE1α, and pharmacological inhibition of IRE1α with KIRA6 blocks GPC-4 induced tau propagation. Together, our data comprehensively demonstrate that the APOE4-induced AD risk is directly mediated by GPC-4, and that perturbing GPC-4 induced IRE1α pathway has therapeutic opportunities.
Effects of High-intensity Statin Combined Telmisartan Versus Amlodipine on Glucose Metabolism in Hypertensive Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Patients With Impaired Fasting Glucose: a Randomized Multi-centre Trial 
Authors: Lee Chan Joo , Kim Minji , Sung Jung-Hoon , Kang Tae-Soo , Park Sungha , Lee Sang-Hak , Kim Jong-Youn , Kim Byeong-Keuk
Published: October 2020

Background: Limited data are available regarding the role of angiotensin-II-receptor blockers (ARB) in the prevention of new-onset diabetes mellitus in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and hypertension requiring high-dose statin. This study aimed to compare the effects of telmisartan and amlodipine on glucose metabolism in hypertensive ASCVD patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) requiring high-intensity statin.Methods: A total of 99 patients with hypertensive ASCVD with impaired fasting glucose (100–125 mg/dL or HbA1c 5.7%–6.4%) were randomly assigned to two groups [telmisartan-statin group (n = 48) and amlodipine-statin group (n = 51)] as the add-on therapy to high-dose rosuvastatin therapy (20 mg). The primary endpoint was the value of the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at week 24, and the secondary endpoint was the change in the glucose metabolism indices from baseline to week 24. Results: The HOMA-IR at week 24 (2.4 [interquartile range, 1.8–3.8] versus 2.6 [1.7–3.7]; P = 0.809) and changes in the HOMA-IR from baseline to week 24 (−7.0 [−29.0 to 21.0] versus −2.3 [−53.3 to 27.3]; P = 0.539) were not significantly different between the telmisartan-statin group and the amlodipine-statin group. However, the fasting glucose level at week 24 was significantly lower in the telmisartan-statin group (107.7 ± 13.4 mg/dL) than in the amlodipine-statin group (113.3 ± 12.4 mg/dL; P = 0.039) and significantly decreased from the baseline in the telmisartan-statin group (−3.2% ± 8.6% versus 3.8% ± 13.2%; P = 0.003). The proportion of patients with IFG (71.1% versus 89.6%; P = 0.047) or hemoglobin A1c level >6.5% (4.2% versus 21.6%; P = 0.023) at week 24 was also significantly lower in the telmisartan-statin group than in the amlodipine-statin group.Conclusion: Compared to amlodipine, telmisartan did not decrease the HOMA-IR; rather, an improvement in glucose metabolism was noted during the follow-up in hypertensive ASCVD patients with IFG requiring high-dose statin, suggesting the potential role of ARB for reducing risks owing to high-intensity statin. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03474562. Registered March 22, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03474562
Embryos from "0PN" zygotes may be most likely 2PN embryos in L-R-ICSI
Authors: Liu Caixia , Han Dong , Chen Jianguo , Liu Ying , Li Dong , Zhou Yan , Zhang Chaofan , Liu Jie
Published: October 2020

Although some zero pronuclei (0PN) zygotes cleave and develop into good embryos, they are usually discarded because they lack two distinct pronuclei (2PN). In this case report, we followed four couples to determine whether 0PN embryos could be used in late rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (L-R-ICSI). Here, we report five healthy infants, including one set of twins, derived from "0PN" embryos from four
frozen–warmed embryo transfer (FET) cycles in L-R-ICSI between 2015 and 2017. Of nine infants born from L-R-ICSI cycles in our center, five were "0PN" embryos, and all remained healthy. Embryos from "0PNs", such as 2PN, can develop into healthy babies using L-R-ICSI. This finding suggests that embryos from "0PNs" in L-R-ICSI may be different from traditional 0PN gametes and more likely to originate from 2PN gametes, and they may be used in infertile couples who lack 2PN embryos instead of discarding them. The use of "0PN" embryos increases the cycles reaching embryo transfer, allowing some infertile couples to have healthy children and to avoid mental anguish and wasted time and money.
Lung ultrasound immediately after birth predicts the need for surfactant therapy in very- and extremely preterm infants, the DOLFIN Jr Study
Authors: Badurdeen Shiraz , Kamlin C. Omar F , Rogerson Sheryle R , Kane Stefan C , Polglase Graeme R , Hooper Stuart B , Davis Peter G , Blank Douglas A
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEarly identification of infants requiring surfactant therapy improves outcomes. We evaluated the accuracy of delivery room lung ultrasound (LUS) to predict surfactant therapy in very- and extremely preterm infants.MethodsInfants born at <320/7 weeks were prospectively enrolled with parental consent at 2 centres. LUS videos of both sides of the chest were obtained 5-10 minutes, 11-20 minutes, and 1-3 hours after birth. Clinicians were masked to the results of the LUS assessment and surfactant therapy was provided according to local guidelines. LUS videos were graded blinded to clinical data. Presence of unilateral type 1 (‘whiteout’) LUS or worse was considered test positive. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis compared the accuracy of LUS and an FiO2 threshold of 0.3 to predict subsequent surfactant therapy.ResultsFifty-two infants with a median age of 276/7 weeks (IQR 260/7 to 286/7) were studied. Thirty infants (58%) received surfactant. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) for LUS at 5-10 minutes, 11-20 minutes and 1-3 hours was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66–0.90), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.65-0.88) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.97) respectively, outperforming FiO2 at the 5-10 minute timepoint (AUC 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.62, p=0.001). At 11-20 minutes, LUS had a specificity of 95% (95% CI 77-100%) and sensitivity of 59% (95% CI, 39-77%) to predict surfactant therapy. All infants born at 23-276/7 weeks with LUS test positive received surfactant. Twenty-six infants (50%) had worsening of LUS grades on serial assessment.ConclusionsLUS in the delivery room is feasible and accurately predicts surfactant therapy in infants <320/7 weeks. Study registration: ACTRN12617001256369
The use of electronic health records to examine the association between obesity and chronic conditions: Results from a population-based sample in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghnam Suliman , Alessi Saleh , Bosaad Mohamed , Alzahrani Sarah , Alalwan Ibrahim , Alqarni Ali , Alshammari Riyadh , Aldhubai Mohamed , Alfadhel Majid
Published: October 2020

BackgroundObesity is a growing public health problem worldwide. Over the past few decades, the prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in Saudi Arabia, putting population health at an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Because of the wide variation in previous local estimates, this study used electronic records of a population-based sample to estimate the prevalence of obesity and its association with diabetes and hypertension.MethodsThis study used records from five hospitals in the National Guard Health Affairs, which provides medical service to about a million beneficiaries. We included individuals aged 17 years or older who visited any outpatient clinic in the past four years (2016-2019). Body mass index (BMI) was measured before the doctor’s encounter. Patients were classified as diabetic or hypertensive if they had any visit during the four years, where the primary diagnosis was one of those conditions or if the patient was taking medications. The associations between obesity (BMI>30) and diabetes and hypertension were evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model adjusting for age, gender, nationality, and region.ResultsA total of 616,092 individuals were included. Of them, 55.0% were females, and the majority were Saudi nationals (93.1%). Approximately 68% of the population were either obese (38.9%) or overweight (29.30%). Obesity was more prevalent among Saudi nationals (39.8% vs. 26.7%, p<0.01) and females (45.3% vs. 31. 2%, p<0.01). Compared to those younger than 26 years of age, those older than 65 years were over 27 times more likely to have diabetes (OR= 27.3, p<0.01). In addition, obesity was independently associated with diabetes mellitus (OR= 2.24, p<0.01) and hypertension (OR= 2.15, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe prevalence of obesity in the study population was high, and more pronounced among women. Our findings call for efforts to intensify preventive measures to reduce obesity and associated conditions. Using electronic records to examine the impact of interventions to reduce obesity and chronic conditions may help monitor and improve population health.
Climate-Driven Trends in Pathogen Spectrum of HFMD
Authors: Du Zhicheng , Huang Yong , Lawrence Wayne R. , Xu Jianxiong , Yang Zhicong , Lu Jianyun , Zhang Zhoubin , Hao Yuantao
Published: October 2020

Background: Pathogen spectrum is vital during infectious disease epidemics. However, the role of pathogen spectrum during hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics and the major contributing factors remains unknown.Methods: HFMD cases from 2016 to 2018 in Guangzhou, China were collected. The relationship between HFMD cases and pathogen spectrum, as well as the association between pathogen spectrum and climate factors were studied using general linear models. We transformed the pathogen spectrum to the isometric log-ratio (ILR) components included in the model. Additionlly, vaccination rates were adjusted in the climate driven models.Results: We observed seasonal trends in HFMD cases, pathogen spectrum, and climate factors. The model regressing case numbers on pathogen spectrum revealed negative associations with both the ILRs of CAV16 (RR = 0.725, P<0.001) and EV71 (RR = 0.421, P<0.001). The model regressing pathogen spectrum on driven factors showed that the trends for EV71 proportions were inversely related to vaccination rate (%, β = -0.152, P=0.098) and temperature (°C , β = -0.065, P=0.004). Additionally, the trends for CVA16 proportions were inversely related to vaccination rate (%, β = -0.461, P=0.004) and temperature (°C , β = -0.068, P=0.031). The overall trends for pathogen spectrum showed that EV71 decreased significantly, while the trends for CVA16 increased annually.Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential pathway for climate factors - pathogen spectrum - HFMD cases. Our study is practical and useful for targeted prevention and control, as well as provides environmental-based evidence.
Oral Propranolol in Von Hippel Lindau Ocular Affection
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-RODRÍGUEZ BEATRIZ , GONZÁLEZ-RODRÍGUEZ MARIA , RAMÍREZ NATALIA BEJARANO , ESCRIBANO ROSA MARÍA JIMÉNEZ , CALVO FRANCISCO JAVIER REDONDO
Published: October 2020

Background. von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease is a familial syndrome associated with benign and malignant tumours. These tumours appear in the retina, among other locations. The retinal hemangioblastomas are one of the earliest and most frequent manifestations of this entity, and they can lead to blindness at a young age. Propranolol could be a promising treatment for retinal hemangioblastomas in von Hippel Lindau disease Methods. Prospective cohort study of seven patients with VHL disease and ocular affection that had rejected conventional treatment, taking oral propranolol. We evaluated them for three years, with a complete ophthalmic evaluation that included: visual acuity, intraocular pressure, an examination of the anterior segment of the eye, fundoscopy, retinography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured. During the follow-up evaluation, two patients discontinued the treatment with propranolol after the first year and rejected any further treatment for their ocular affection; the rest continued therapy. Results. Visual acuity and tumour areas remained stable in 4 patients. Increased and new retinal exudation area was found in the two patients that discontinued the treatment with oral propranolol. Conclusions. Oral propranolol has shown a role in the reabsorption of retinal exudates in patients with VHL affection. It could delay or stabilise the ocular disease, maintaining visual acuity and avoiding further complications in these patients. It is a well-known and available drug, without so many secondary effects, that could also have a role in other ocular diseases that course with exudation. Trial registration. VHL-HOPE-2014-1. EudraCT Number: 2014-003671-30; Registered 22 September 2014 - https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2014-003671-30/ES
Förderung propagandaspezifischer Medienkritik- und Analysefähigkeit
Authors: Seyferth-Zapf Christian , Grafe Silke
Published: October 2020

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt die praxis- und theorieorientierte Entwicklung und Evaluation eines fächerübergreifenden Unterrichtskonzepts für die zehnte Jahrgangstufe an Gymnasien zur Förderung propagandaspezifischer Medienkritik- und Analysefähigkeit. Infolge der Aufarbeitung empirischer und theoretischer Grundlagen zum Propagandabegriff und zur Medienkritikfähigkeit wurde basierend auf den Annahmen einer handlungs- und entwicklungsorientierten Didaktik ein medienpädagogisches Unterrichtskonzept ausgearbeitet. Unter Verwendung eines weit gefassten Propagandabegriffs wurden Propagandabeispiele in historisch vergleichender Perspektive analysiert und beurteilt, bevor die Gestaltung eigener Counter Narratives als mögliche Gegenmassnahme umgesetzt wurde. Neben seiner besonderen Bedeutung als theoretischer Bezugspunkt war der Ansatz der digital and media literacy von Hobbs (2011) aufgrund der propagandaspezifischen Bezüge handlungsleitend bei der Entwicklung des mixed-methods Untersuchungsdesigns. Die Ergebnisse der quasi-experimentellen Evaluation bestätigen die Wirksamkeit der Intervention sowohl hinsichtlich der Förderung einer allgemeinen Medienkritikfähigkeit als auch einer propagandaspezifischen Analysefähigkeit.
Gesundheitsschutz am Arbeitsplatz — oder die Krux mit den Lichtverhältnissen
Authors: Wohlwend Marc
Published: October 2020

Das Bundesgericht setzte sich in einem kürzlich ergangenen Urteil mit dem Schutz der Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz auseinander. Gegenstand des Verfahrens bildete ein Gesuch um eine Ausnahmebewilligung für eine Küche im Untergeschoss eines Restaurants. Der Beitrag bildet die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen für ständige Arbeitsplätze im Untergeschoss und ohne Sicht ins Freie ab und würdigt den bundesgerichtlichen Entscheid vor diesem Hintergrund kritisch.
Geodesic Cycle Length Distributions in Delusional and Other Social Networks
Authors: Stivala Alex
Published: October 2020

A recently published paper [Martin (2017) JoSS 18(1):1-21] investigates the structure of an unusual set of social networks, those of the alternate personalities described by a patient undergoing therapy for multiple personality disorder (now known as dissociative identity disorder). The structure of these networks is modeled using the dk-series, a sequence of nested network distributions of increasing complexity. Martin finds that the first of these networks contains a striking feature of a large “hollow ring”; a cycle with no shortcuts, so that the shortest path between any two nodes in the cycle is along the cycle (in more precise graph theory terms, this is a geodesic cycle). However, the subsequent networks have much smaller largest cycles, smaller than those expected by the models. In this work, I re-analyze these delusional social networks using exponential random graph models (ERGMs) and investigate the distribution of the lengths of geodesic cycles. I also conduct similar investigations for some other social networks, both fictional and empirical, and show that the geodesic cycle length distribution is a macro-level structure that can arise naturally from the micro-level processes modeled by the ERGM.
Ukraine’s State Regulation of the Economic Development of Territories in the Context of Budgetary Decentralisation
Authors: Osaulenko Oleksandr H. , Bondaruk Taisiia , Momotiuk Liudmyla
Published: October 2020

The paper presents the theoretical and methodological foundations of Ukraine’s state legislation regulating the economic development of territories, in the context of budget decentralization. The study also describes the transformation of the public administration system necessitated by the above-mentioned phenomenon. The authors discuss the basic methods by which the state can regulate the activity of local self-government bodies: the legislative regulation, where the intervention of public authorities is minimized, and the administrative regulation, which provides rules and instructions which determine the relations between central and local authorities. The authors conduct and describe a methodologically consistent, systematic analysis of state regulations which support the local self-governments’ activity. The paper also discusses the recent economic changes in Ukraine which demonstrate that the reform of the local self-government system and the decentralization of authority entail both prospects and problems for the country’s development. As might be expected, the authors focus particularly on those problems that have not been solved yet. Additionally, statistical estimations of the phenomena relating to the process of producing state legislation regulating the economic development of territories in the context of budgetary decentralization have been provided. The authors conclude that a successful territorial development strategy requires a joint transformation of the way of the society’s thinking and the modernisation of both the Ukrainian business and the state.
Pemanfaatan Jurnal Refleksi sebagai Penuntun Siswa dalam Menemukan Makna pada Mata Pelajaran Kimia
Authors: Kainde Elisabeth Wulan , Tahya Candra Yulius
Published: October 2020

Proses penemuan makna terjadi ketika siswa mampu mengkonstruk suatu konsep utuh sehingga dapat melahirkan tindakan dan tanggung jawab. Program Pengenalan Lapangan (PPL) yang dilaksanakan di salah satu sekolah di Jakarta terfokus pada penyelesaian materi menunjukkkan respon berbeda-beda seperti sikap antusias dan tidak antusias. Kajian ini akan membahas pertanyaan tentang mengapa dan bagaimana jurnal refleksi dapat menjadi penuntun siswa dalam menemukan makna pada mata pelajaran Kimia. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode studi literatur. Sumber data utama pada penelitian ini digunakan berbagai jurnal dan buku sedangkan sumber data tambahan berupa hasil refleksi guru saat mengajar serta hasil refleksi siswa saat belajar. Berdasarkan pembahasan, diperoleh bahwa jurnal refleksi dapat digunakan sebagai alat untuk mengaitkan pengetahuan awal dan pengetahuan baru menjadi satu konsep signifikan yang melahirkan respon bertanggung jawab. Jurnal refleksi ini penting untuk diterapkan karena dapat menjadi sarana bagi guru untuk menciptakan ruang berpikir yang melampaui materi pembelajaran dengan pemahaman dan respon yang benar.