bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of hypertension in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: jing yin wen , quan liu jin , ping chen dong , bin qi , yao wang meng , fang yang , wu mao , meng xu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic value of hypertension in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Methods and Materials:

A total of 1057 patients with nonmetastatic, histologically proven NPC who were treated with IMRT were retrospectively reviewed. Associations between hypertension and overall survival (OS), loco-regional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated by Cox regression.
Results

Among 1057 patients, 94 (8.9%) had hypertension. Compared to normotensive patients, the hypertensive patients were generally older, had higher body fat, were more likely to be alcohol consumers, were more often in the early stage and usually received radiotherapy alone. Compared to normotension, hypertension was significantly associated with worse OS (hazard ratio (HR), 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.41–3.42; P = 0.000), LRRFS (HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.12–4.03; P = 0.021) and DMFS (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.09–3.05; P = 0.023) after adjusting for covariates. Moreover, the association with OS remained unchanged regardless of smoking, body mass index (BMI), N stage and chemotherapy, whereas it was limited in the subgroup of patients who were older than 50 years, male, not alcohol consumers, in advanced T stage and in advanced clinical stage. Compared with treated hypertension, untreated hypertension was associated with increased risks for death (P = 0.221; HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 0.69–5.15), locoregional recurrence (P = 0.073; HR, 3.29; 95% CI, 0.89–12.09) and distant metastasis (P = 0.640; HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.44–3.83). The patients with more severe levels of hypertension had worse survival and locoregional control, although there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).
Conclusions

Hypertension is an independent adverse prognostic factor in NPC patients treated with IMRT. The NPC patients with untreated hypertension had similar survival as those with treated hypertension. The severity of hypertension did not influence the prognosis.
Value of multidetector computed tomography angiography before bronchial artery embolization in hemoptysis management and early recurrence prediction: a prospective study
Authors: Le Huu Y , Le Van Nam , Pham Ngoc Hung , Phung Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Do Quyet
Published: July 2020

Background To prospective evaluate the role and clinical efficacy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography before bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for the management of hemoptysis, and to investigate the predictors of early recurrence.Methods From August 2019 to July 2020, a double-center study of 57 patients with hemoptysis referred for BAE underwent MDCT angiography before. A prospective analysis of culprit arteries detected by MDCT angiography allowed evaluation of the role of this technique. Follow-up was done for assessment of the efficacy of BAE with preprocedural MDCT angiography and to explore the risk factors of early recurrent hemoptysis.Results The accuracy of MDCT angiography in the identification of culprit arteries was as high as 97.5%. The average number of total culprit arteries per patient was 2.75 \(\pm\) 1.73, among them the average number of culprit ectopic bronchial arteries (BAs) and non-bronchial systemic arteries (NBSAs) per patient were 0.21 \(\pm\) 0.41 and 1.04 \(\pm\) 1.57, respectively. The immediate clinical success, total hemoptysis recurrence rate, and early hemoptysis recurrence rate of BAE following MDCT angiography were 94.7%, 18.5%, 16.7%, respectively. Aspergilloma (HR 6.63, 95% CI 1.31–33.60, p = 0.022) was associated with an increase in the risk of early recurrence.Conclusions MDCT angiography should be performed before BAE for the management of hemoptysis. Aspergilloma was an independent predictor for early recurrence.
Evaluation of the Effect of an Intervention on Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMS), Polypharmacy and Anticholinergic Burden Scores for People with Dementia; Results from the SMS Dementia Study†: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Kable Ashley , Fraser Samantha , Fullerton Anne , Hullick Carolyn , Palazzi Kerrin , Oldmeadow Christopher , Pond Dimity , Searles Andrew , Ling Rod , Bruce Remia , Murdoch Wendy , Attia John
Published: July 2020

Background People with dementia (PWD) are at risk for medication related harm due to their impaired cognition and frequently being prescribed many medications. Few previous studies of PWD inpatients have been focused on medication safety interventions.This study aimed to evaluate an intervention designed to improve medication safety for people with dementia (PWD) and their carers during an unplanned admission to hospital. This article reports the effect of the intervention on potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden scores for PWD in the study. Methods A quasi-experimental pre-post design using an intervention site and a control site was conducted in 2017-2019, in a regional area in New South Wales, Australia. PIMs, polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden were measured at admission, discharge and three months after discharge. In addition, medication reconciliation at admission and scoring of pharmacists recommendations using severity and relevance scores were measured. Results There were 628 participants including 350 in the post-intervention phase. Polypharmacy for these admissions was high, and there was approximately 30% reduction in the number of medications at discharge. PIMs at admission were also high, and decreased significantly at discharge however there was no treatment effect associated with the intervention. The mean anticholinergic burden score also decreased significantly between admission and discharge, however, no treatment effect was seen. Conclusions High rates of polypharmacy and PIMs in this study indicate this study population was admitted with multiple comorbidities. Reduced PIMs at discharge were correlated with reduced anticholinergic burden. Medication reconciliation resulted in many recommendations that contributed to the reductions in medications. Although the study did not report a treatment effect, reductions in the number of medications and PIMs reduced medication related risk for PWD. Reduced risks associated with inappropriate or unnecessary medications can reduce hospital admissions and adverse events for PWD. This intervention was feasible to implement, and future multisite studies should be designed to recruit larger study samples to evaluate interventions for improving medication safety for PWD. They should also adopt routine screening for cognitive impairment to identify PWD at admission.
The chromatin mapping of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modification in ovaries during porcine puberty initiation
Authors: Zhong Yuyi , He Yingting , Yuan Xiaolong , Diao Shuqi , Zhou Xiaofeng , Li Qingqing , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Hao , Li Jiaqi
Published: July 2020

Background

The biological structure and function of mammalian ovaries undergo important developmental changes during pre- puberty. Posttranslational modified histones dynamically regulate ovarian development, which also can respond to the onset of puberty with heritable changes in gene expression that are associated with nucleosome modifications. This research used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) technology and bioinformatic analysis to confirm the histone-DNA interaction in pre-puberty ovarian follicles (PreOV) and in-puberty ovarian follicles (InOV). Then, employed qRT-PCR, and cell proliferation and apoptosis testing to further investigate the function of H3K4me3and H3K27me3 in gene transcription and cell growth.
Results

With the onset of puberty, ChIP-Seq found 946 higher- enrichment and 916 lower- enrichment genes were significantly differentially modified with H3K4me3, while 1954 higher- enrichment and 882 lower- enrichment genes were significantly differentially modified with H3K27me3 in InOV vs. PreOV. Then interestingly, 88 significantly genes were associated with significantly differentially H3K4me3-enriched, H3K4me3-delepted, H3K27me3-enriched, and H3K27me3-delepted modifications, which also were related to female gemmate development pathway, bone mineralization and fatty acid transport, including FOXO3, RUNX1, NOBOX, DMRT1, MYC, LEPTIN, ACVR2, and BMPR1B. Furthermore, compare medium-sized antral with Graff follicles, FOXO3, RUNX1 and BMPR1B were low expressed in medium-sized antral follicles, while NOBOX and LEPTIN were low expressed in Graff follicles. Finally, H3K4me3 exhibited to promote proliferation and anti-apoptosis, whereas H3K27me3 was more to inhibited proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells (pGCs).
Conclusions

The genome-wide modified profile of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 showed that H3K27me3 modification was more active than H3K4me3 modification during the onset of puberty in porcine ovaries. H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 acted as activator and repressor to regulate gene transcription that are related to porcine puberty initiation process. Genes including FOXO3, BMPR1B, LEPTIN, RUNX1, involved in networks of female gamete generation pathway associating with ovarian follicle development, ovulation, ovulation cycle process and female gonad development, which showed the further direction to investigate the function of H3K4me3/H3K27me3-targets in puberty initiation.
Pelargonidin Ameliorates MCAO-Induced Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Action on the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Fu Kong , Chen Miancong , Zheng Hua , Li Chuanzi , Yang Fan , Niu Qian
Published: July 2020

Background: Morbidity and mortality remain high for ischemic stroke victims and at present there are no effective neuroprotective agents to improve the cure rate for these patients. In recent years, studies have shown that pelargonidin has many biological actions including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic effects. However, there are few reports about the treatment of cerebral ischemia with this agent. Methods: The rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established to investigate the neuroprotective effect of pelargonidin on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and to investigate its potential mechanism(s) of action. Magnetic resonance imaging and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to measure the volume of cerebral ischemia and modified neurological severity score (mNSS), the Morris water maze test to assess neurological functions, and ELISA to determine the levels of inflammatory factors in serum including TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-10 and oxidative factors i.e. MDA and SOD. The expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein in brain tissue was measured by immunofluorescence and western blot assays. Results: The results showed that pelargonidin could effectively reduce the volume of cerebral ischemia and improve the neurological function in MCAO rats, thereby enhancing memory and learning ability. With corresponding decreases in the expression of TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6 and MDA, pelargonidin increased the level of IL-10 and SOD and promoted the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in ischemic brain tissues. Conclusions: Our datas demonstrated that pelargonidin ameliorated neurological function deficits in MCAO rats and its potential mechanism of action was associated with overexpression of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which may provide a new approach to the treatment of cerebral ischemia or cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
The peripheral and central expression of CGRP and IB4 in chronic pain from MIA-induced TMJOA rats
Authors: Jiang Henghua , Xu Liqin , Liu Wen , Xiao Mian , Ke Jin , Long Xing
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic pain is the prevalent symptom that drives temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) patients to ask for medical care, yet present alleviator remain less effective. This study aimed to investigate the actual TMJOA related chronic pain and the peripheral and central response in a TMJOA animal model.
Methods

This study firstly determined appropriate MIA dose based on pain behavior assessment with automated electronic von frey in rats. TMJOA pain correlated condylar structure alteration was evaluated by histological staining and Micro-CT. Then, the period of TMJOA chronic pain was further explored by assessing the alteration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive astrocytes and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) positive microglia numbers in trigeminal spinal nucleus (TSN) and carrying out non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) pharmacological efficacy experiment. Finally, expression of neurofilament 200 (NF200), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), isolectin B4 (IB4) in trigeminal ganglion (TG) and TSN was detected by immunofluorescence.
Results

1 mg/50 µl of MIA was considered as an appropriate dose. MIA induced gradual alteration of condylar structure correlated to TMJ mechanical allodynia. GFAP and IBA-1 positive cell numbers upregulated on 2, 3, 4 weeks after MIA injection. NSAIDS pharmacological efficacy disappeared on 10 days post MIA injection. Up-regulation of CGRP and IB4 was found in TG and TSN on 2 and 4 weeks, while expression of NF200 remained unchanged.
Conclusion

MIA induced TMJOA related chronic pain period emerges on 2 weeks after MIA injection. CGRP, IB4 positive afferent in both peripheral and central nervous system may involve in TMJOA related chronic pain in rats.
Isolation of chloroplasts from marine microalgae Isochrysis galbana Parke suitable for organelle lipid composition analysis
Authors: Zhong Ye , Li Yanrong , Xu Jilin , Cao Jiayi , Zhou Chengxu , Yan Xiaojun
Published: July 2020

Background: Marine microalgae, Isochrysis galbana Parke, is an important diet microalgal species with high nutritional value. Different from other unicellular microalgae, its cell contains two chloroplasts which are the major sites for lipid synthesis. Results: Here, we optimized a chloroplast isolation approach suitable for I. galbana Parke, and evaluated the purity and integrity of the isolated chloroplasts by microscopic observations and biochemical assays. The chloroplast lipids were sequenced by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Glycolipids were the main chloroplast lipids, and DGDG, MGDG, and SQDG were the most abundant glyceroglycolipids. DGMG and SQMG were not observed among the chloroplast lipids. In addition, DG was the most abundant neutral lipid. A part of fatty acyl R1/R2 with MGMGs, DGDGs, MGDGs, SQDGs, PEs, and PCs were not found in chloroplasts. The fatty acid proportion of chloroplast lipids were increased, decreased, or remained unchanged compared with the whole-cell. Conclusions: This newly developed isolation approach was a simple and reliable method to isolate chloroplasts with high integrity and purity. Collectively, our findings show that such an isolation approach may be used in studies on many different aspects of chloroplast biology, and offers a useful reference for isolation of chloroplast from other marine microalgae.
Personal Social Capital and Self-Rated Health among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring the Roles of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Kim Youngdeok , Schneider Tim , Faß Eric , Lochbaum Marc
Published: July 2020

Background: Personal social capital, which refers to the scope and quality of an individual’s social networks within a community, has received increasing attention as a potential sociological factor associated with better individual health; yet, the mechanism relating social capital to health is still not fully understood. This study examined the associations between social capital and self-rated health while exploring the roles of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and socioeconomic status (SES) among middle-aged and older adults.Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 662 middle-aged and older adults (Mean age: 58.11 ± 10.59 years old) using the Qualtrics survey panel. Personal Social Capital Scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess LTPA levels. SES was assessed by education and household income levels. Self-rated health was assessed using a single item, by which the participants were categorized into the two groups, having ‘good’ vs. ‘not good’ self-rated health. A series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were established to examine the independent and adjusted associations of social capital with self-rated health and to test mediating and moderating roles of LTPA and SES, respectively.Results: Bonding and bridging social capital were positively associated with self-rated health (Odds ratios = 1.11 and 1.09; P’s < .05, respectively), independent of LTPA that was also significantly associated with greater self-rated health (P-for-linear trends = .007). After adjusting SES, the associations of social capital were significantly attenuated and there was a significant interaction effect by household income (P-for-interaction = .012). Follow-up analyses stratified by household income showed that beneficial associations of social capital with self-rated health were more apparent among the people with low and high levels of household income; yet, LTPA was the stronger predictor of self-rated health among those in the middle class of household income.Conclusions: Findings suggest that both social capital and LTPA are associated with better self-rated health; yet, these associations vary by SES. The health policymakers should address both social capital and PA for enhancing perceived health among aging populations but may need to consider varying SES backgrounds.
Association Between Neutrophils and Renal Impairment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: yang peidan , Lin Si-Min , Chen Zhi-Xin , Liu Min-Ying , Liu Qing-Ping , Lin Chang-Song , Chu Cong-Qiu , Xu Qiang
Published: July 2020

Objective
Whether neutrophil could be a risk factor of renal impairment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of renal impairment in RA and determine its correlation with neutrophils.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated renal function of 602 RA patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine by estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Potential risk factors for renal dysfunction were collected in all RA patients. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate association between neutrophils and renal impairment.
Results
A total of 89 cases (14.8%) had renal impairment with GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 75 cases (84.3%) were female. Compared to RA patients with normal renal function, age, white blood cell count, serum levels of triglyceride, uric acid, C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Cystatin-C, and creatinine in those with renal impairment increased, but red blood cell count and hemoglobin level decreased (all p < 0.05). Adjusted for numerous potential confounders, multivariate analysis indicated that neutrophils > 7.5 × 10^9/L (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.98), hemoglobin < 120 g/L (OR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.360 to 4.281), and uric acid > 360umol/l (OR = 6.1, 95%CI: 3.71 to 10.10) significantly correlated with a higher risk of renal impairment.
Conclusions
Neutrophil count > 7.5 × 10^9/L may be associated with a high risk of renal impairment in RA. Prospective studies are needed to verify our results.
Significant increase in the incidence of high-risk pulmonary embolism during the COVID-19 shutdown: the pandemic response causes serious collateral consequences
Authors: Gressenberger Paul , Gary Thomas , Raggam Reinhard B. , Borenich Andrea , Pregartner Gudrun , Gütl Katharina , Muster Viktoria , Jud Philipp , Hafner Franz , Rief Peter , Seinost Gerald , Brodmann Marianne
Published: July 2020

Background
Strict stay-at-home rules, along with fear of coronavirus infection, have kept many patients from timely seeking medical attention during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This situation may have led to an increase in the number of patients arriving at hospital in deteriorated clinical condition. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) patients defined as high-risk according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) presenting at our emergency department during the shutdown.
Methods
A retrospective data analysis explored the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on the presentation of acute PE patients admitted to University Hospital Graz, Austria. We compared percentages of high-risk PE patients admitted during shutdown and during two control periods: the corresponding period in 2019 and an earlier period in 2020. By including data from the previous year, a general increase of high risk PE cases in 2020 compared to 2019 was ruled out. Risk assessment was carried out in accordance with current ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute PE.
Results
The percentage of patients with high-risk PE increased significantly during the COVID-19 shutdown period compared to the two control periods (p = 0.003; p = 0.011). Time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission was significantly longer in the study period compared to the control periods (p = 0.046 and p = 0.044, respectively).
Conclusion
The current findings indicate a significant increase in high-risk PE cases as well as delayed hospital admission of symptomatic PE patients during the COVID-19 shutdown period.
Secrecy capacity optimization artificial noise: the ergodic secrecy capacity lower bound and optimal power allocation
Authors: Gu Yebo , Wu Zhilu , Yin Zhendong , Huang Bowen
Published: July 2020

The secure transmission problem of MIMO wireless system in fading channels is studied in this paper. We add a secrecy capacity optimization artificial noise(SCO-AN) to the transported signal for improving the security performance of the system. The closed-form expression of secrecy capacity's lower bound is obtained. Base on the closed-form expression of secrecy capacity's lower bound, We optimize the power allocation between the information-bearing signal and the SCO-AN. By calculating, the optimal ratio of power alloation betwenn the information-bearing signal and the SCO-AN is obtained. Through simulation, the results shows the secrecy capacity increases with more receiving antennas and less eavesdropping antennas.And more power should be allocated to the SCO-AN with the increase of the colluding eavedroppers.More over, we study the effect of channel estimation error on power allocation between information-bearing signal and SCO-AN and find that more power should be allocated to decrease eavesdroppers capacity if the channel estimation is not perfect.
Influence of Pilot and Small Trials in Meta-Analyses of Behavioral Interventions: A Meta-epidemiological Study
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Weaver R. Glenn , Ioannidis John P.A. , Jones Alexis , von Klinggraeff Lauren , Armstrong Bridget
Published: July 2020

Background: Pilot/feasibility or studies with small sample sizes may be associated with inflated effects. This study explores the vibration of effect sizes (VoE) in meta-analyses when considering different inclusion criteria based upon sample size or pilot/feasibility status. Methods: Searches were conducted for meta-analyses of behavioral interventions on topics related to the prevention/treatment of childhood obesity from 01-2016 to 10-2019. The computed summary effect sizes (ES) were extracted from each meta-analysis. Individual studies included in the meta-analyses were classified into one of the following four categories: self-identified pilot/feasibility studies or based upon sample size (N≤100, N>100, and N>370 the upper 75th of sample size). The VoE was defined as the absolute difference (ABS) between the re-estimations of summary ES restricted to study classifications compared to the originally reported summary ES. Concordance (kappa) of statistical significance between summary ES was assessed. Fixed and random effects models and meta-regressions were estimated. Three case studies are presented to illustrate the impact of including pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies on the estimated summary ES.Results: A total of 1,602 effect sizes, representing 145 reported summary ES, were extracted from 48 meta-analyses containing 603 unique studies (avg. 22 avg. meta-analysis, range 2-108) and included 227,217 participants. Pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies comprised 22% (0-58%) and 21% (0-83%) of studies. Meta-regression indicated the ABS between the re-estimated and original summary ES where summary ES were comprised of ≥40% of N≤100 studies was 0.29. The ABS ES was 0.46 when summary ES comprised of >80% of both pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies. Where ≤40% of the studies comprising a summary ES had N>370, the ABS ES ranged from 0.20-0.30. Concordance was low when removing both pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies (kappa=0.53) and restricting analyses only to the largest studies (N>370, kappa=0.35), with 20% and 26% of the originally reported statistically significant ES rendered non-significant. Reanalysis of the three case study meta-analyses resulted in the re-estimated ES rendered either non-significant or half of the originally reported ES. Conclusions: When meta-analyses of behavioral interventions include a substantial proportion of both pilot/feasibility and N≤100 studies, summary ES can be affected markedly and should be interpreted with caution.
Study on the Effect of Individual Factors on the Radiation Dose in Chest CT
Authors: Zhang Dechuan , Fan Longling , Liang Xuqian , Yin Teiying , Li Qigen , Liang Renrong , Chen Yuhong , Lei LV , Liu Xi , Yang Hua , Wang GuiXue
Published: July 2020

Objective

To explore the influence of patient’s individual factors on the radiation dose in chest computed tomography (CT) scan.
Methods

Based on the clinical chest CT scan scheme and the scanning conditions were unified, Basic data of 103 patients who underwent chest CT scanning, including gender, age, height, weight and underlying diseases, were prospectively collected, and the dose length product (DLP) of each patient was recorded, Multivariate regression analysis was made on the obtained data.
Results

Under the same scanning parameters, image quality had no significant effect on chest CT radiation dose (P = 0.404 > 0.05); among the 103 cases, there were 20 kinds of basic diseases, only calcified lesion has a significant effect on chest CT radiation dose (P = 0.009 < 0.05), the other had no significant effects (P > 0.05); the major effect individual factors of radiation dose in CT scan were: gender (P = 0.000003 < 0.05), age (P = 0.016 < 0.05), height (P = 0.000021 < 0.05), weight (P = 4.30E-16 < 0.05). Age (P = 8.08E-8 < 0.05) and weight (P = 5.52E-21 < 0.05) were the only decisive factors in multiple regression analysis, while other influencing factors were not decisive (P > 0.05). The regression model was as follows: DLP=-39.45 + 2.19*age + 5.54*weight, the coefficient of multiple correlation R being 0.786, F(2,100) = 77.128, P < 0.01. Mean that gradually increase in age was related with 2.19 mGy∙cm increase in the DLP value, 1 kg increase in weight was associated with 5.54 mGy∙cm increase in the DLP value.
Conclusion

For chest CT, age and weight are the major impact individual factors of radiation dose. This model has shown obvious clinical significance and can provide solid theoretical basis for clinical application in reducing the radiation dose in chest CT.
Early Detection of Osteoarthritis in the Rat With an Antibody Specific to Type II Collagen Modified by Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Gigout Anne , Harazin Donata , Topping Louise M. , Lindemann Sven , Brenneis Christian , Nissim Ahuva
Published: July 2020

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the whole joint, with articular cartilage breakdown as a major characteristic. Cartilage degradation is mostly driven by chondrocytes which produce inflammatory mediators, proteases and oxidants. Nevertheless, the early pathogenesis events are still unclear. We employed antibody that is specific to oxidative post-translationally modified collagen type II (anti-oxPTM-CII) to detect early cartilage pathogenic changes in two rat models of OA.
Methods
The animals underwent surgery for destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and were sacrificed at 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days or anterior cruciate ligament transection with partial meniscectomy (ACLT + pMx) and were sacrificed after 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days. Joints were stained with toluidine blue and Saffron du Gatinais for histological scoring, anti-oxPTM-CII and anti- collagen type X antibodies (anti-CX).
Results
We observed oxPTM-CII staining as early as 1 or 3 days after ACLT + pMx or DMM surgeries respectively, before overt cartilage lesions were visible. It was located mostly in the deep zone of the medial tibial cartilage, in the pericellular and territorial matrix of hypertrophic chondrocytes and co-localized with CX staining. Both staining were weak or absent for the lateral compartment or the contralateral knees except at later timepoints.
Conclusion
The results demonstrate that oxidants production and chondrocytes hypertrophy occur very early in the onset of OA, possibly initiating the pathogenic events of OA. We propose to use anti-oxPTM-CII as an early biomarker for OA ahead or radiographic changes.
Outcome of Prolonged Cardiac Arrest Under Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Due to Acute Myocardial Infarction: Complete vs Culprit Revascularization
Authors: Yu Hsi-Yu , Wang Chih-Hsien , Lin Lian-Yu , Lin Jou-Wei , Chi Nai-Hsin , Wang Yi-Chih , Chou Heng-Wen , Chou Nai-Kuan , Hwang Juey-Jen Hwang , CHEN YIH SHARNG
Published: July 2020

Background:

Immediate revascularization of infarct-related vessel (culprit strategy) is effective in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with cardiogenic shock. However, for AMI patients complicated with prolonged cardiac arrest under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation resuscitation (ECPR), whether culprit revascularization (IR) or complete revascularization (CR) is associated with better clinical outcome is not known.
Methods:

Patients with AMI complicated with prolonged cardiac arrest under ECMO support between 2006 and 2016 were included and were grouped by the status of revascularization completeness in three coronary territories into IR and CR groups. The primary endpoint is favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge. The second endpoint is the probability of a composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) at 1-year follow-up.
Results:

A total of 90 patients (32 IR and 58 CR) were included. Favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge were 21.9% and 37.9% in IR and CR patients, respectively (P = 0.121.) Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not reveal CR a significant risk factor (odds ratio: 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–4.77, P = 0.221). One-year freedom from MACCE probabilities were 24.6% and 42.4% in IR and CR patients, respectively (P = 0.051.) Cox regression analysis revealed that CR, in addition to age, low-flow duration, and initial shockable rhythm, was a risk factor (hazard ratio: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.31–0.91, P = 0.020).
Conclusion:

For patients with AMI under ECPR, culprit strategy had similar result to that of CR strategy in one-year outcome.
A Sharp-Interface Immersed Boundary Method for Simulating High-Speed Compressible Inviscid Flows
Authors: Wang Junjie , Gu Xiangyu , Wu Jie
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a robust sharp-interface immersed boundary method for simulating inviscid compressible flows over stationary and moving bodies. The flow field is governed by Euler equations, which are solved by using the open source library OpenFOAM. Discontinuities such as those introduced by shock waves are captured by using Kurganov and Tadmor divergence scheme. Wall-slip boundary conditions are enforced at the boundary of body through reconstructing flow variables at some ghost points. Their values are obtained indirectly by interpolating from their mirror points. A bilinear interpolation is employed to determine the variables at the mirror points from boundary conditions and flow conditions around the boundary. To validate the efficiency and accuracy of this method for simulation of high-speed inviscid compressible flows, four cases have been simulated as follows: supersonic flow over a 15\(^\circ\) angle wedge, transonic flow past a stationary airfoil, a piston moving with supersonic velocity in a shock tube and a rigid circular cylinder lift-off from a flat surface triggered by a shock wave. Compared to the exact analytical solutions or the results in literature, good agreement can be achieved.
Rice Floury Shrunken Endosperm5 encodes a putative plant organelle RNA recognition protein that is required for cis-splicing of mitochondrial nad4 intron 1
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Wenwei , Liu Shijia , Tian Yunlu , Liu Xi , Yan Haigang , Cai Yue , Teng Xuan , Dong Hui , Chen Rongbo , Jiang Xiaokang , Wang Yihua , Wan Jianmin
Published: July 2020

Background: Some important mitochondrial-encoded genes for respiration in higher plants are interrupted by introns. Many nuclear-encoded factors are involved in the splicing of these introns, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be deciphered.Results: Here, we isolated and characterized a rice mutant named floury shrunken endosperm5 (fse5). In addition to floury shrunken endosperm seeds with mutant phenotype either failed to germinate or produced retarded lethal seedlings. The Fse5 encodes a putative plant organelle RNA recognition (PORR) protein targeted to mitochondria. Mutation of Fse5 hindered splicing of the first intron of nad4, that encodes an essential subunit of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase Complex I. The assembly and NADH dehydrogenase activity of Complex I were disrupted and the structure of the mitochondria was abnormal in the fse5 mutant. FSE5 protein was shown to interact with Mitochondrial Intron Splicing Factor 68 (MISF68), which is also a splicing factor for nad4 intron 1 identified previously in a yeast two-hybrid assay.Conclusion: Fse5 encoding a PORR protein is essential for splicing of nad4 intron 1, and loss of function affects seed development and seedling growth.
The Effect of Alcohol Strength on Alcohol Consumption: Findings from A Randomised Controlled Cross-Over Pilot Trial.
Authors: Perman-Howe Parvati Rose , Davies Emma L , Foxcroft David R
Published: July 2020

Background Reducing the alcohol content of drinks has the potential to reduce population level alcohol consumption. This pilot study aimed to (1) test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the effect of alcohol strength on alcohol consumption within licensed premises in the United Kingdom (UK); and (2) provide data to estimate key parameters for a RCT. MethodsA double-blind randomised controlled cross-over pilot trial was based within four licensed premises in the UK. Participants (n=36) purchased and consumed ad libitum a 3.5% lager (intervention), and a taste matched 4.8% lager (control) during two separate study sessions. Descriptive statistics reported the efficacy and efficiency of the study processes, and the rates of licensed premises recruitment, and participant recruitment and attrition. Mean and the 95% confidence interval (CI) compared alcohol consumption between study conditions. The mean, standard deviation (SD) and CI of UK units of alcohol consumed were used to calculate a sample size for a RCT. Responses to participant questionnaires and duration of participation in study sessions between conditions were analysed.ResultsComponents of the study protocol were effective and efficient. The venue recruitment rate was less than anticipated whilst the participant recruitment rate was greater than anticipated. The rate of attrition was 23% and varied by less than 1% according to the arm of the trial. There was a reduction of alcohol consumed under the intervention conditions. Estimated mean difference, and 95% CI (UK units): -3.76 (-5.01 to -2.52). Based on a conservative estimate, using the smallest effect size in the CI (-2.52) and allowing for 23% attrition, the sample size required for a RCT powered at 95% is 53. Participants did not find one lager notably more pleasant in taste than the other: (on a scale of one to 10) -0.95 (-2.11 to 0.21). However, participants found the reduced-strength lager notably less enjoyable than the regular-strength lager: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.44 (-2.64 to -0.24) and they perceived themselves to be notably less intoxicated after consuming the reduced-strength lager: (on a scale of one to 10) -1.00 (-1.61 to -0.40).ConclusionA RCT is feasible with minor alterations to the study protocol and prior scoping work to establish different brands of alcohol that are more alike and more enjoyable than the intervention and control products used in the pilot trial. Trial registrationThe trial is registered in the American Economic Association (AEA) Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Registry as of 16 June 2017: https://www.socialscienceregistry.org/trials/2266. The unique identifying number is: AEARCTR-0002266.
Flow of Antarctic Bottom Water from the Vema Channel
Authors: Morozov Eugene G , Frey Dmitry I. , Tarakanov Roman Y.
Published: July 2020

We analyze measurements of bottom currents and thermohaline properties of water north of the Vema Channel with the goal to find pathway continuations of the Antarctic Bottom Water flow from the Vema Channel into the Brazil Basin. The analysis is based on the CTD/LADCP casts north of the Vema Channel. The flow in the deep-water Vema Channel consists of two branches. The deep current flows along the bottom of the channel and the other branch flows above the western wall of the channel. We found two smaller channels of the continuation of the bottom flow. These flows become weak and cease at a latitude of 26°S. The upper current that flows at a depth of 4100-4200 m along the continental slope is balanced by the gravity and Coriolis forces. We traced this current up to 24°S over a distance exceeding 250 km. This branch transports bottom water that eventually fills the deep basins of the North Atlantic.
Wild Medicinal Fungi: Phallus Impudicus-induced Telomere Damage Triggers p21/p53 and p16-dependent Cell Cycle Arrest and Drives to Male Fertility Reduction in Vitro
Authors: Solek Przemyslaw , Shemedyuk Nataliya , Shemedyuk Anastasiya , Dudzinska Ewa , Koziorowski Marek
Published: July 2020

The multifunctional characteristics of Phallus impudicus extract encourages to conduct research for its probable potential in medical applications. Well, science is constantly seeking new evidence for the biological activity of extracts of natural origin. Drugs of natural origin should not cause any side effects on the physiological functions of the human body; however, this is not always successful. In this study, we used in vitro approach to evaluate the toxicity of alcohol Phallus impudicus extract on spermatogenic cells. We show, for the first time, cytotoxic properties of Phallus impudicus treatment associated with a decrease in cellular metabolic activity, dysregulation of redox homeostasis and impairment of selected antioxidant cell protection systems. As a consequence, p53/p21- and p16-mediated cell cycle arrest followed by p-27 activation is initiated. The observed changes were associated with telomere shortening and numerous DNA damage at the chromosome ends (altered expression pattern of TRF1 and TRF2 proteins), as well as upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 with a decrease in Bcl-2 synthesis, suggesting induction of apoptotic death. Therefore, these results provide molecular evidence for mechanistic pathways and novel adverse outcomes linked to the Phallus impudicus treatment towards men's health and fertility reduction.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Mental Health Services into the Ethiopian Health Extension Program: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yitbarek Kiddus , Birhanu Zewdie , Terefe Gudina , Anand Susan , Agenagnew Liyew , Ahmed Gutema , Getnet Masrie , Tesfaye Yonas
Published: July 2020

Background: Mental health problem is the major health problem globally and nationally in Ethiopia. To address this problem the Ministry of health of Ethiopia integrated mental health services in to the community health service. However, the preliminary reports showed the service has not been implemented yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of mental health service implementation in to the Ethiopian health extension program.Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted in the Ethiopian primary health care system from 12 August to 25 September 2019. We have conducted about ten purposively selected key informant interviews from the Ministry of Health and community level workers (i.e. health extension workers). All interviews were recorded using voice recorder and transcribed verbatim and translated for analysis. The data then analyzed manually in relevant themes. Results: Mental health problem currently is a major health issue in Ethiopia. However, the service is not ready to respond for the existing health service need. The recently designed integration of mental health services in to health extension program was not implemented so far. The basic identified barriers were, low political commitment, shortage of resources, non-functional referral system, lack of interest from private health service organizations, attitudinal problems from both the society and service providers, the lack of reporting system for mental health problems. On the contrary, there are also facilitators for the service like well-designed primary health care system, trained health extension workers, changing political commitment and attitude of the community.Conclusion: Although mental health problems are widely spread and increasing in alarming rate, in Ethiopia, the existing health system is not capable enough to respond. This problem is complex and intertwined. A series of activities to solve the major barriers are expected especially from the health system leaders to implement follow up and evaluate mental health services at the health extension programs.
COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in southwest Iran
Authors: Sabetian Golnar , Moghadami Mohsen , Haghighi Leila Hashemizadeh Fard , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Shahriarirad Reza , Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Moeini Yalda Sadat
Published: July 2020

Objective: With the novel coronavirus pandemic, the impact on the healthcare system and workers cannot be overlooked. However, studies on the infection status of medical personnel are still lacking. It is imperative to ensure the safety of health-care workers (HCWs) not only to safeguard continuous patient care but also to ensure they do not transmit the virus, therefore evaluation infection rates in these groups are indicated.Methods: Demographic and clinical data regarding infected cases among HCWs of Fars, Iran with positive SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR tests were obtained from 10th March to 16th May.Results: Our data demonstrated a rate of 5.62% (273 out of 4854 cases) infection among HCW, with a mean age of 35 years and a dominance of female cases (146 cases: 53.5%). The majority of infected cases were among nurses (51.3%) while the most case infection rate (CIR) was among physicians (27 out of 842 performed test (3.2%)). Also, the highest rate of infection was in the emergency rooms (30.6%). Also, 35.5% of the patients were asymptomatic and the most frequent clinical features among symptomatic patients were myalgia (46%) and cough (45.5%). Although 5.5% were admitted to hospitals, there were no reports of ICU admission. Furthermore, 10.3% of the cases reported transmitting the infection to family and friends. Regarding safety precautions, 1.6% didn't wear masks and 18.7% didn't use gloves in work environments. Conclusion: HCWs are among the highest groups at risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, analysis of the infection status of these groups is vital to maintain enough attention from the public, provide effective suggestions for government agencies and expanding protective measures is essential to decrease infection rates.
Measuring body condition of lizards: a comparison between non-invasive dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, chemical fat extraction and calculated indices
Authors: Sion Guy , Watson Maggie J. , Bouskila Amos
Published: July 2020

Background
Condition indices (CIs) are used in ecological studies as a way of measuring an individual animal’s health and fitness. Noninvasive CIs are estimations of a relative score of fat content or rely on a ratio of body mass compared to some measure of size, usually a linear dimension such as tarsus or snout-vent length. CIs are generally measured invasively by lethal fat extraction as in a seasonal sample of individuals in a population. Many alternatives to lethal fat extraction are costly or time consuming. As an alternative, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows for non-destructive analysis of body composition and enables multiple measurements during an animal's life time. DXA has never been used for ecological studies in a small, free-ranging lizard before, therefore we calibrated this method against a chemical extraction of fat from a sample of 6 geckos (Israeli fan toed gecko Ptyodactylus guttatus) ranging in body mass between 4.2–11.5 g.
Results
We found that fat mass measured with DXA was significantly correlated with the mass of chemically extracted fat for specimens more than 4.8 g (N = 5, R2 = 0.995, P < 0.001). Fat percentage regressed with body mass significantly predicted the DXA fat percentage (N = 30, R2adj.=0.875, P < 0.001). Live wet mass was significantly correlated with calculated fat mass (N = 30, R2 = 0.984, P < 0.001) for specimens more than 4.8 g. Among the other calculated non-invasive CIs that we tested, the best was mass/SVL (provide N, correlation coeff and p value).
Conclusions
We recommend that in situations where DXA cannot be used, that the most accurate of the body condition estimators for both males and females in this species is mass/SVL (snout-vent length) for both sexes.
Welfare and Productivity Impact of Adoption of Biofortified Cassava by Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria
Authors: KOLAPO ADETOMIWA , Kolapo Adeyera James
Published: July 2020

In the bid to improve the productivity, welfare and vitamin-A intake of SSA farmers, Biofortified cassava was bred. This study examined the welfare and productivity impact of adoption of biofortified cassava using a household-level data from smallholder farmers in Nigeria. We used instrumental variable regression to control for endogeneity. The results obtained from the study showed that adoption of biofortified cassava increased farm yield, farmers income and welfare outcomes of adopters of biofortified cassava. In addition, the distributional impact of the adoption of the biofortified cassava showed heterogeneity effect based on gender and farm size. Overall, the study suggests that since the largest proportion of the cassava farmers in Nigeria are mostly smallholder farmers, distribution and circulation of biofortified cassava stem cuttings should be targeted towards the smallholder farmers so as to improve their productivity, income and welfare and subsequently reduce their poverty status and ensure food security.