bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Structural Analysis of the Hypoxia Response Network
Authors: li jianjie , Gao Yuqi
Published: June 2020

Background: The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway is an important topic in high-altitude medicine. Network analysis is a novel method for integrating information on different aspects and levels of biological networks. However, this method has not been used in research on the HIF-1 signaling pathway network. To introduce this method into HIF-1-related research fields and verify its feasibility and effectiveness, we used a network analytical method to explore the structural attributes of the HIF-1 signaling pathway network.Methods: First, we analyzed the overall network of the HIF-1 signaling pathway using information retrieved from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We performed topology analysis, centrality analysis, and subgroup analysis of the network. Then, we analyzed the core network based on the overall network analysis. We analyzed the properties of the topology, the bow-tie structure, and the structural complexity of the core network.Results: We obtained topological structure diagrams and quantitative indicators of the overall and core networks of the HIF-1 signaling pathway. For the structure diagrams, we generated topology diagrams of the network and the bow-tie structure of the core network. As quantitative indicators, we identified topology, centrality, subgroups, the bow-tie structure, and structural complexity. The topology indicators were the number of nodes, the number of lines, the network diameter, and the network density. The centrality indicators were the degree, closeness, and betweenness. The cohesive subgroup indicator was the components of the network. The bow-tie structure indicators included the core, input, and tendril-like structures. The structural complexity indicators included a power-law fitting model and its scale parameter.Conclusions: The core network could be extracted based on the subgroup analysis of the overall network of the HIF-1 signaling pathway. The critical elements of the network could be identified in the centrality analysis. The results of the study show the feasibility and effectiveness of the network analytical method used to explore the network properties of the HIF-1 signaling pathway and provide support for further research.
Plasma Membrane Vesicles From Cauliflower Meristematic Tissue And Their Role In Water Passage
Authors: Garcia-Ibañez Paula , Nicolas-Espinosa Juan , Carvajal Micaela
Published: June 2020

Background
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) inflorescences are composed mainly of meristematic tissue, which has a high cellular proliferation. This considerable cellular density makes the inflorescence an organ with a large proportion of membranes. However, little is known about the specific role of the lipid and protein composition of the plasma membrane present in this organ.
Results
In this work, we analyzed the lipids and proteins present in plasma membrane from two different stages of development of cauliflower inflorescence and compared them with leaf plasma membrane. For this purpose, plasma membrane vesicles were obtained by centrifugation for each sample and the vesicular diameter and osmotic permeability (Pf) were analyzed by dynamic light scattering and the stopped-flow technique, respectively. In addition, fatty acids and sterols were analyzed by gas chromatography and HPLC, respectively. The protein composition of the inflorescences and leaves was characterized by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and the data obtained were compared with Brassicaceae proteins present in the UniProt database in relation to the presence of aquaporins determined by western blot analysis. The highest Pf value was found in 90 day inflorescences-derived plasma membrane vesicles (61.4 ± 4.14 µms− 1). For sterols and fatty acids, the concentrations varied according to the organ of origin. The protein profile revealed the presence of aquaporins from the PIP1 and PIP2 subfamilies in both inflorescences and leaves.
Conclusion
This study shows that the composition of the sterols, the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids, and the proteins present in the membranes analyzed give them high functionality for water passage. This represents an important addition to the limited information available in this field.
Ophthalmopathy and other influential factors for liver abnormalities in patients with Graves’ disease
Authors: Pudasaini Kalpana , Yang Shaoqin , Ma Zhongshu
Published: June 2020

Background

- Abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) is a common phenomenon in patients having Grave’s disease that tends to affect the treatment choice. Only few data on factors and biochemical indexes that contributes to such abnormalities in Graves patients are documented till date.
Objective

- The objective of this study was to explain the potent factors including ophthalmopathy for hepatic dysfunction evoked by Grave's disease alone.
Method

- A cohort of 263 patients who were newly diagnosed and untreated for Grave’s disease were studied. Clinical characteristics and all the biochemical values were collected and further analysis was done. These patients were further divided into two groups: group A with abnormal LFTs and group B with normal LFTs. Data were analyzed by using tests like the independent samples t- tests, chi-square tests and logistic regression tests.
Result

- Among them, 175(66.53%) were found to have at least one LFT abnormality. The frequencies of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL) and direct bilirubin (DBIL) were 54.9% (96/175), 29.7% (52/175), 29.7% (52/175), 38.3% (67/175), 33.1% (58/175) and 34.3% (60/175) respectively of which ALT was the commonest abnormality In the univariate analysis, group A patients had higher FT3 and FT4 than group B while group B had higher white blood cells (WBC) count mainly granulocyte % and ophthalmopathy than group A. Results of multivariate logistic regression identified FT3 and ophthalmopathy as independent factors predicting abnormal LFTs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.062, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.028–1.096 and OR = 0.355, 95% CI = 0.195–0.647 respectively] .
Conclusion

- While FT3 value > 5.70 pmol/L showed consistent association with liver function abnormality in patients with Graves, in contrast, ophthalmopathy showed inverse association with liver function abnormalities.
Village Chicken Flock Characteristics and Performances in Western Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebeyehu Birhan Kassa , Tadesse Yosef , Esatu Wondmeneh , Dessie Tadelle
Published: June 2020

Methodology:

The study was carried out to generate baseline information on village chicken flock characteristics and production performances in South Achefre, Banija and Fagita Lekoma districts of Western Amhara, Ethiopia Multi-stage sampling procedures were employed to select the study villages and respondents and then nine villages were selected purposively. The 180 participants were chosen by random sampling techniques for qualitative and quantitative research. Data were collected by individual survey using open data kit. The collected data were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) of SAS software version 9.1 and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMART) was also used to locate treatment means that were significantly different.
Result

From the flock composition the Hen contributes the highest proportion (39.2%) followed by Chicks (31.2%). Mean sexual maturity of local Hen and Cock was 24.95 ± 0.269 and 23.56 ± 0.36 weeks, respectively. Mean egg production performance of local chickens in the study area was 14.89 ± 0.36 per clutch with a clutch length of 23.98 ± 0.61 and 2.47 ± 0.07 clutch cycle per year.
Conclusion

The production performance of indigenous chicken and their survival performance in the study area are low to medium. Therefore, in order to improve production and survival performance, appropriate interventions in terms of supplementary feeding, selection and disease control are important strategies.
Optimization of Growth Regulators on In vitro Propagation of Moringa stenopetala from Shoot Explants
Authors: Adugna Alelegne Yeshamebel , Feyissa Tileye , Tasew Fikresilasie Samuel
Published: June 2020

Background: Moringa stenopetala is belongs to flowering family Moringaceae and genus Moringa. It is often referred to as the East African Moringa tree because it is native only to southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. The expansion of its cultivation and utilization throughout the world especially in Africa is becoming important. For such expansion, the existing propagation method is limiting, so it needs good propagation system to supply enough planting material with uniform genotype. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to optimize an in vitro shoot multiplication protocol for M. stenopetala by using shoot tip as explants. Results: Shoots were sterilized and cultured on Muraghige and Skoog (MS) medium for in vitro shoot initiation. For multiple shoot induction, the explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of kinetin (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mg/l) along with Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) or α -naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.01, 0.1, 0.5mg/l) and maintained at 25 ± 2°C for four weeks. Rooting was achieved by culturing well developed shoots in half strength MS medium containing IBA (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/l), NAA (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/l) and 0.5 mg/l IBA in combination with NAA (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/l). Statistical analysis revealed that there was significant difference among all treatments applied in both shoot multiplication and rooting experiments. Maximum number of shoots per explant (3.43±1.41) and 7.97±4.18 leaves per explant were obtained on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/l kinetin in combination with 0.01mg/l NAA. The highest mean number of roots per shoot (1.63±1.03) and mean root length (0.87±1.22 cm) were obtained on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l NAA and 0.1 mg/l IBA alone respectively. After acclimatization, 76% plants survived in greenhouse. Conclusions: In general, using NAA along with kinetin for shoot multiplication was better than kinetin along with IBA and application of NAA alone at concentration of 1.0 mg/l and 1.0 mg/l NAA along with 0.5 mg/l IBA were more effective for root induction.
Packed Cell Transfusion and Feeding Tolerance in Well Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Kazemian Mohammad , Fallahi Minoo , Kashani Saeed Hojjat , Tajalli Saleheh , Taleghani Naeeme Taslimi
Published: June 2020

Background: The correlation between necrotizing enteroculitis (NEC) and packed cell transfusion (PCT) has recently been identified. Based on some research, 25–35% of NEC has been linked to transfusion, we planned this study to determine, the association between PCT and feeding tolerance in well preterm newborns.Method: Our study was a clinical trial study in preterm infants admitted to NICU of Mofid Children's Hospital from April 2017 to May 2018.Seventy well premature babies with a birth weight of <1500 grams and gestational age <32 weeks with enteral feeding, who need PCT were enrolled. The eligible patients divided by simple randomization to two groups, in the intervention group (35 patients) the baby's breastfeeding withholding just during the time of PCT and continue as usual after that, but in control groups (35 patients) feeding of neonates is given as usual regardless of PCT. The feeding tolerance during the first 72 hours after transfusion was compared between the two groups. Sick neonates exclude from the study. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20.Results: The mean gestational age, birth weights, and postnatal age in the intervention group were 30.13 weeks, 1245.71grams, and 17 days respectively and in the control group were 29.97weeks, 1169.43grams and 15.46 days respectively without any statistically significant difference between them. Except for hemoglobin and hematocrit pre-transfusion, other characteristics of patients were similar. In the evaluation of feeding tolerance after transfusion during 24, 48 and 72 hours, 32(91.2%), 33(94.73%), 34(97.1%) of both groups, had feeding tolerance with no significant difference There were no statistically significant differences between neonates with and without the feeding tolerance in the patients of each group.Conclusion: Our research showed that in well preterm neonates with a good general condition, during PCT, withholding of feeding, isn’t necessary and continued breastfeeding seems to be safe.Trial registration: All ethical considerations of the study were approved by the institutional review board and the research ethics committee at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (IR. SBMU.RETECH.1395.1010) and granted ethical approval and the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial code are IRCT20200419047136N1.Approved by Iranian Registry of Clinical TrialsTrial Id: 47347IRCT Id: IRCT20200419047136N1Registration date: 2020-05-04, 1399/02/15(The link directly for trial registration: https://en.irct.ir/trial/47347)Approved by Research Ethics Committee: IR. SBMU.RETECH.1395.1010
A Sociotechnical Approach to Analyse Pharmaceutical Policy And Services In Primary Health Care
Authors: Bernardo Noemia Liege Maria Cunha , Soares Luciano , Leite Silvana Nair
Published: June 2020

Background: Access to medicines and its rational use are persistent global concerns. It have a major impact on the quality and sustainability of the health system and on the health outcomes. In Brazil, access to medicines is a legal right and municipal government have the duty to ensure access and the best use of medicines in primary health care public facilities, stablishing the local Pharmaceutical Policy and Services (PPS) system. This article presents and analyses an innovative experience of diagnosis of municipal PPS as a sociotechnical system, aiming to prepare the interventions in the system.Methods:We adopted a multi-methods approach and various data sources were used. Sociotechnical theory was the framework of the methodology of evaluation and design of systems, analysing the Components of External System (health system, stakeholders, financing) and Components of the Internal System (Goals, Management, Workforce, Infrastructure, Processes, Technology and Culture).Results:The component “aim” was identified as the central element of the system. The other system components interrelate with its scope. Medicines availability was a key part of the PPS architecture. Lack of central coordination, pharmaceutical services without central management and a fragmented organization prevented an integrated internal planning, and with other sectors. The stakeholders and documents referred only technical elements of the system: infrastructure, technical process and technology. The social components of workforce and culture were not mentioned in the Municipal Health Plan. People are essential socio-technical elements, as well the components affecting them, but they are not privileged in the system. The organizational culture established was the culture of isolation: “each one does his own”.Conclusions:The municipal PPS emphasized medicines and technical components and had limited scope as a public policy. It had constrained the characteristics of a complex and open system. Stakeholders understood PPS as a set of technical processes, without planning or integration. PPS has had a great development in Brazil in the last twenty years. A new level of development to ensure the populations right to access of treatment requires a turning point of strategy to understand municipal PPS as a sociotechnical system.
BDNF val66met genotype is not associated with psychological distress: A cross-sectional study in Indonesian young adults
Authors: Ng Henry , Alfian Sofa Dewi , Abdulah Rizky , Barliana Melisa Intan
Published: June 2020

Background

The number of mental disorders has been increasing but has yet to receive sufficient attention. Healthcare students and professionals tend to have high stress burden. Finding the root cause of psychological distress is important to formulate a method for early detection. The association of BDNF val66met polymorphism to neuropsychiatric disorders has been widely studied. The aim of this study was to interplay between BDNF val66met polymorphism and sociodemographic factors in the pathogenesis of psychological distress among Indonesian students.
Methods

Level of psychological distress and sociodemographic profiling was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and sociodemographic questionnaires, respectively. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-amplified refractory mutation system. Pearson’s chi square and binomial logistic tests were used to evaluate the correlation.
Results

This study recruited 148 participants. The psychological distress levels of the participants were well (27.03%), mild (37.16%), moderate (25.00%), and severe (10.81%). Genotypic distributions were AA (25.67%), GA (50.68%), and GG (23.65%). No statistical significance was found in the study (p > 0.05).
Conclusion

Psychological distress is not affected by genotypic and environmental factors. Further confirmatory research with larger and broader populations is required.
Risk Assessment and Management of Drug Inventory in Hospitals during COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Li-Yao , Lu Ying-Hao , Wang Ya-Ling , Chen Mei-Chen , Shih Deng-Chiung
Published: June 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the suspension of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) production in China, the source of the global largest medication supply chain, resulting in the potential risks of hospital insufficient drug stocks affecting clinical treatment. If all drug inventory of the hospital increased, the short-term drug shortage risk can be reduced, but the inventory costs will be increased. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to establish a risk assessment mechanism for inventory management of APIs from China, to identify the medical priorities affected by drug shortages, and to plan different countermeasures to achieve the best effect of inventory management.
Methods

In this study, the tables of "Incidence of Drug Shortage" and "Impact Level of Drug Shortage" related to the risk of drug inventory were developed, which were evaluated in four levels respectively, and "Drug Shortage Risk Assessment Matrix" was designed according to the probability of drug shortage and impact according to the model data of Reproductive Number (R0) value and pandemic prediction. Each drug requiring APIs from China was evaluated and ranked according to the hazard index, so as to increase the different inventory and to find alternatives.
Results

We have evaluated the inventory risk level of drugs requiring APIs from China through the risk assessment mechanism, and increased the different backup stock according to the levels. The total increasing purchase amount was NTD 4.85 million, which could reduce the stock cost by about 2/3 compared with NTD 14.61 million of the total inventories for three months.
Conclusions

The study shows that there are significant differences between scientific inventory management and general method during COVID-19 pandemic. It can provide a reliable reference for other hospitals to adjust drug stocks in the face of other emerging infectious diseases or major emergencies by using the innovative mechanism.
Genomic features reveal the clonal evolution in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines MHCC97 with stepwise metastatic potentials
Authors: Luo Qing , Shi Yi , Wang Na , Lu ZhaoNing , Han Ze-Guang
Published: June 2020

Beckground：The series of human Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (MHCC) cell lines MHCC97 with a continuously enlarged metastatic capabilities have been widely used as a metastatic model in cancer research. However, their genomic features have not been thoroughly investigated so far. This study aims to reveal the genetic events that could drive metastatic clonal evolution through uncovering their genomic aberrations, together with methylomic and transcriptomic alteration.Results： We investigated the karyotypes on MHCC97L and HCCLM6 HCC cell lines with lower and the highest metastatic capability respectively, and interrogated their complete repertoire of genomic features by performing whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole exome sequencing (WES) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. Mutations including single nucleotide variant (SNV), copy number variation (CNV) and structural variant (SV) were called. In addition, the methylome profiles were analyzed via Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Bead Chip and the transcriptome profiles were analyzed via RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The karyotypic examination revealed that MHCC97L cells are more heterogenous than the HCCLM6 cells. The clonal analysis on the two cell lines revealed that a minor subclone with the mutations predisposed to metastatic potential within the MHCC97L become the dominant one within the HCCLM6 cell population. The amplification of CAV1, CAV2 and MET, together with STAT1 deep deletion and DELC1 promoter hypermethylation could be the earlier key drivers occurred in the MHCC97L cells. Subsequently, extra CCL4, CCL26 and TWIST2 amplification, along with the c.1061T>G in SMAD5 and c.1373A>G in RNF169 mutations and deregulatory promoter methylation in the HCCLM6 cells, aggravate the metastatic capability.Conclusions： Our results revealed that HCCLM6 cells might be derived from a minor subclone within the MHCC97L cell population, where the genetic events, including MET, CAV1 and CAV2 amplification, together with the extra mutations, amplification and deregulatory promoter methylation of some genes, drive the clonal expansion and evolution of those cells with the metastatic capability.
Prediction of comorbid anxiety and depression using machine learning models in cancer survivors
Authors: Yan Rui , Wang Jiwei , Yang Xiaoguang , Yu Jinming
Published: June 2020

Background

We aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) in Chinese cancer survivors (CS), and develop novel prediction model using traditional logistic regression and machine-learning algorithms to predict CS’ CAD, which would be helpful to accurately distinguish individuals with high risk of psychological problems.
Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1546 CSs were conducted in Shanghai China. Self-reported structured questionnaire was used to collect information about basic socio-demographic factors, socioeconomic status, life behavior, health conditions, fatigue, social support, anxiety (Zung self-rating anxiety scale) and depression (Zung self - rating depression scale). Stepwise logistic regression and three machine learning algorithms (support vector machine, decision tree, and random forest) were used to construct the prediction model of CS’ CAD.
Results

18.24% CSs reported CAD. The AUC of models to predict the high-risk CAD in the training set was best in that of RF (0.839), followed by LR (0.811), SVM (0.808), and DT (0.794). Social support and several comorbid chronic diseases were important top ranking contributing factors of CAD in all the predictive models.
Conclusion

CAD was a common psychological problems in cancer survivors (CSs).The machine leaning techniques and logistic regression showed similar performance to classify Chinese CSs at risk of CAD using questionnaire-based survey. Effective treatment to control the coexisting disease, more social support should be provided to CSs to improve psychological health. Psychological care was recommend to be incorporated into regular health care and management of cancer survivors.
High luteinizing hormone levels are associated with Thyroid Nodules in Male Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: zheng rendong , Zhang Huifeng , cao lin , ding wenbo , wang yuguo , Liu Chao
Published: June 2020

Objective. Thyroid nodules are closely related to type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between sex hormone levels and thyroid nodules has never been fully examined in males with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of the present study was to observe the association between sex hormone levels and thyroid nodules in male patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. A total of 490 patients were enrolled, A total of 228 patients (46.5%) had thyroid nodules, of which 192 (39.2%) had a solid benign nodule, 30 (6.1%) had a cystic nodule, and 6 (1.2%) had a cancerous nodule, 262 patients (53.5%) were without thyroid nodules．We evaluated thyroid nodules using ultrasound, and blood glucose, blood lipids, serum insulin, sex hormones were measured in all patients. The correlations between the hormone levels and thyroid nodules were analyzed. Results. Compared with the non-thyroid nodules group, fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were significantly elevated in the thyroid nodules group. Pearson correlation analysis found the incidence of thyroid nodules was positively correlated with FINS, HOMA-IR and LH. High LH levels was associated with thyroid nodules after controlling for FINS and HOMA-IR. Conclusion. These data suggest that high LH level plays an important role in the development of thyroid nodules. FINS, HOMA-IR and LH are independent risk factors for thyroid nodules in male patients with type 2 diabetes.
Metabolomic analysis of biosynthesis mechanism of ε-polylysine produced by Streptomyces diastatochromogenes
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Guo Fengzhu , Dong Tianyu , Tan Zhilei , Abdelraof Mohamed , Cui Jiandong , Jia Shiru
Published: June 2020

ε-polylysine (ε-PL) is a polypeptide that shows broad-spectrum inhibition against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and it’s mainly produced by Streptomyces sp. However, the biosynthesis mechanism of ε-PL by Streptomyces sp. is still unclear. Herein, the metabolomic analysis of the biosynthesis mechanism of ε-PL in the original strain TUST and the high-yield mutant strain 6#-7 were investigated. Results show that the difference on metabolisms between TUST and 6#-7 was significant during fermentation periods. And based on further analyses of the results of both metabolomics and enzymatic activity, a possible metabolic regulation mechanism of the high-yield mutagenized strain 6#-7 was proposed. The transport and absorption capacity for glucose of strain 6#-7 is improved. And the activity of enzymes relating to ε-PL synthesis, including Hexokinase (HK) et al., is strengthened. On the contrary, the activity of enzymes in the branched-chain pathways, such as Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) et al. is decreased. Meanwhile, the increase of trehalose, glutamic acid and proline makes the strain 6#-7 more resistant to ε-PL. Moreover, the strain 6#-7 has stronger ability to transfer ε-PL out the cell. Thus the ability of the mutagenized strain to synthesize ε-PL is enhanced and the strain 6#-7 can produce more ε-PL compared with the original strain. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further improving the production of ε-PL.
Evaluating the genetic effects of sex hormone on the development of mental traits: a polygenic score analysis and genome-wide genetic interaction analysis in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Liang Xiao , Cheng ShiQiang , Ye Jing , Chu XiaoMeng , Wen Yan , Liu Li , Qi Xin , Jia YuMeng , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2020

Objective: To evaluate the genetic effects of sex hormone on the development of mental traits.Methods: The SNPs significantly associated with sex hormone traits were driven from a two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS). Four sex hormone were selected in this study, including sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone, bioavailable testosterone and estradiol. The polygenic risk scores (PRS) of sex hormone traits were calculated from individual-level genotype data of the UK Biobank cohort. We then used logistic and linear regression models to assess the associations between individual PRS of sex hormone traits and the frequency of alcohol consumption, anxiety, intelligence and so on. Finally, genome-wide genetic interaction study (GWGIS) was performed to detect novel candidate genes interacting with the sex hormone on the development of fluid intelligence and the frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption by PLINK2.0.Results: We observed positive associations between SHBG and the frequency of alcohol consumption (b=0.01, p=3.84×10–11) in males and females. In addition, estradiol was positively associated with the frequency of alcohol consumption (b=0.01, p=1,96×10–8), fluid intelligence (b=0.01, p=1.90×10–2) and the frequency of smoking (b=0.01, p=1.77×10–2) in males. Moreover, SHBG was associated with the frequency of alcohol consumption (b=0.01, p=2.60×10–3), fluid intelligence (b=0.01, p=4.25×10–2) and anxiety (b=-0.01, p=3.79×10–2) in females. Finally, GWGIS identified one significant loci, Tenascin R (TNR) (rs34633780, p=3.45×10–8) interacting with total testosterone for fluid intelligence.Conclusion: Our study results support the genetic effects of sex hormone on the development of intelligence and the frequency of alcohol consumption.
A Qualitative Study on the Inner Experience of First-Line Nurses in the Clinical Fight against COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Hai-jiao , Yin Lishi , Peng Yan , Chen Qiyang , Lv Chenxu , Juan Liang , Fan Ling , Tong Tingting , Liu Ruiyi , Zhao Lijuan , Liang Ting , Tian Suzhai
Published: June 2020

Background: With the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in the world, medical staff have become the main force to fight the epidemic. In the process of clinically fighting the epidemic, many nurses experience enormous physical and psychological strain. All parties are under tremendous pressure due to the shortage of medical resources and the large numbers of severely ill patients requiring assistance. Herein, we explored the inner experience of first-line clinical nursing staff during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods: In March 2020, qualitative research methods were used to interview 18 clinical first-line nurses. Semi-structured interviews were used, and data analysis consisted of content analysis of the interviews. Results: A total of four themes were identified: (1) work-level experience: (a) difficulty in the implementation of nursing operations, (b) a sense of accomplishment in innovative nursing work; (2) experience at the physical level: (a) tiredness, (b) injury/discomfort; (3) psychological experience: (a) enormous psychological pressure, (b) post-traumatic psychological obstacles, (c) sense of mission/achievement; (4) traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing experience: (a) frustration during treatment, (b) joy after treatment. Conclusions: Anti-epidemic clinical first-line nurses were able to maintain their high-level nursing ability under large amounts of psychological pressure and a high level of physical discomfort, which laid the foundation for victory over the epidemic.Trial registration: None
New Vision on the Mental Problems of Vincent Van Gogh; Results From a Bottom-up Approach Using (Semi-)structured Diagnostic Interviews
Authors: Nolen Willem , Meekeren Erwin Van , Voskuil Piet , Tilburg Willem Van
Published: June 2020

Background: On July 29, 1890 at the age of 37 years, the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh died from the consequences of a suicide attempt with a gun two days earlier. Since then many medical and psychological theories were suggested about what had happened to Van Gogh.Aim: To present an overview of the history of the mental problems of Van Gogh and the most likely diagnoses.Method: (Semi-)structured diagnostic interviews were applied to three art historians who are very familiar with Van Gogh from his correspondence and other sources and as well as a neuropsychiatric examination to evaluate whether the symptoms might be explained by a medical conditionResults: Several previously suggested diagnoses could be excluded as being highly unlikely, while other diagnoses could be classified as more of less likely. Conclusion: Most likely Van Gogh suffered from comorbid illnesses. Since young adulthood, he likely developed a (probably bipolar) mood disorder in combination with (traits of) a borderline personality disorder as underlying vulnerability. This likely worsened through an alcohol use disorder combined with malnutrition, which then led, in combination with rising psychosocial tensions, to a crisis in which he cut off his ear. Thereafter, he likely developed two deliriums probably related to alcohol withdrawal, followed by a worsening with severe depressive episodes (of which at least one with psychotic features) from which he did not fully recover, finally leading to his suicide.As additional comorbidity,focal (temporal lobe)epilepsy cannot be excluded.
Is male sex workers(MSW) more susceptible to HIV than sex buyers(SB)?
Authors: Zhuang Cui , Zhang Xinying , Zhang Honglu , Huang Huijie , Yu Zeyang , Yao Tingting , Zhang Tiantian , Song Desheng , Chen Yang , Wang Chun , Wang Xiaomeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Changping , Yang Jie , Ma Jun
Published: June 2020

Introduction: As both parties to commercial sex, MSW and SB are both at high risk of HIV infection. However, there are few studies on the comparison of HIV infection rates between these two groups of people.Methods: The method of snowball sampling was used to recruit research participants by means of baths, bars, and the Internet. The recruited participants should cooperate with the investigators to complete the questionnaire (including general demographic characteristics, high risky behaviors, status of HIV and AIDS infection, awareness of AIDS knowledge )and blood antibody / antigen tests / oral mucosal exudate antibody tests. The difference analysis was performed using the c2 test, and the correlates of HIV infection were analyzed using logistic regression.Results: The final analysis included 435 MSWs and 729 SBs with HIV infection rates of 7.1% and 2.6%, respectively. Compared with SB, the HIV infection rate of MSW was 2.775 (1.340 -5.746) times higher (after adjusting for age and marital status), 3.173 (1.512-6.659) times higher (after further adjusting the awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge), 3.688 (1.711-7.950) times higher (after further adjusting the frequency of condom use in homosexual intercourse and commercial sex in the past six months).Conclusions: MSW is more likely to infect HIV than SB. Therefore, effective preventive measures should be focused on MSW.
Production Losses Five Months After Infection With A New Prrs-1 Variant In 13 Danish Sow Herds
Authors: Kristensen Charlotte Sonne , Kristiansen Michael Groes , Pedersen Kasper , Larsen Lars Erik
Published: June 2020

Background: In July 2019, a PRRSV-negative boar station was infected with a new recombinant PRRSV‐1 virus strain, which subsequently spread to at least 36 herds that had received semen from the boar station. In the following months, all the infected herds reported reduced productivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the PRRS outbreak. Results: Production data were collected from 13 of the herds. The average levels of farrowings/week, liveborns/litter, stillborns/litter, pre-weaning mortality and weaned pigs/litter were compared for the five-month period after infection and the preceding seven months before infection with the new variant of PRRSV-1. Twelve herds experienced a decrease in farrowings/week (0.1-10.8 percent fewer farrowings/week), and all herds experienced fewer liveborns (0.8-4.8 fewer liveborns/litter) and more stillborns (0.6-2.6 more stillborns/litter). Pre-weaning mortality nearly doubled in half of the herds. Overall, the 13 herds were missing 2.4-6.5 pigs/litter at weaning during the five months after infection compared to the seven preceding months before infection. Conclusion: In this study, the impact of this new PRRSV-1 variant on productivity exceeded that typically seen in Danish herds infected with PRRSV-1.
Gut Microbes and Microbial Metabolites in Colorectal Cancer Complicated with Different Serum Albumin Levels
Authors: Shuwen Han , Wei Wu , Miao Da , Qing Zhou , Jiamin Xu , Jing Zhuang , Jin Liu , Yang Xi
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at risk of malnutrition. Gut microbes and microbial metabolites are involved in the initiation and development of CRC.
Purpose

To investigate serum protein levels in CRC patients and explore the role of gut microbes and microbial metabolites in CRCs complicated with different serum albumin levels.
Methods

Overall, 398 CRC patients and same number of healthy volunteers in Huzhou Central Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018 were recruited to compare serum protein levels. The serological indicators were detected by Abbott Automatic Biochemical Analyzer(HCHL-YQ-SH-01). A total of 30 and 56 stool samples from CRC patients were used to detect intestinal microbes and microbial metabolites, respectively. Bacterial 16S V3-V4 and fungal ITS ribosomal DNA genes were sequenced and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was performed to detect microbial metabolites.
Results

Some serum protein-related indicators in the CRC group were lower than those in the control group (p༜0.05). The total protein and albumin levels in colon cancer patients were lower than those in rectal cancer patients (p༜0.05). The higher abundance of Sutterella is correlated with lower serum albumin level in CRCs. There were statistically significant differences in the abundance of fungi including Agaricomycetes, Simplicillium, Sclerotiniaceae, and Exophiala among patients with different serum albumin levels. Multiple gut bacteria and fungi are closely related to serum albumin levels.We found some characteristic microbial metabolites in CRCs complicated with different serum protein levels.
Conclusions

The different serum albumin levels were associated with the gut microbes and microbial metabolites in CRCs. It may provide novel ideas for basic research and clinical application.
Association Between Unhealthy Dietary Habits and Proteinuria Onset in a Japanese General Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tokumaru Toshiaki , Toyama Tadashi , Hara Akinori , Kitagawa Kiyoki , Yamamura Yuta , Nakagawa Shiori , Oshima Megumi , Miyagawa Taro , Sato Koichi , Ogura Hisayuki , Kitajima Shinji , Iwata Yasunori , Sakai Norihiko , Shimizu Miho , Furuichi Kengo , Hashiba Atsushi , Wada Takashi
Published: June 2020

Background
The relationship between dietary habits and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is uncertain. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine the association between unhealthy dietary habits and proteinuria onset, a key prognostic factor of CKD.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study among individuals in a Japanese general population aged ≥ 40 years who underwent annual medical checkups from 1998 to 2014 in Kanazawa City, Japan. The risks of proteinuria onset were estimated based on the status of baseline unhealthy dietary habits (quick eating, late dinner, late evening snack, and skipping breakfast) compared with the status without these habits. We calculated the incidence rates per 1000 person-years based on the presence or absence of each unhealthy dietary habit. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the risks of proteinuria onset based on baseline unhealthy dietary habits. Changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), which were possible intermediate factors in unhealthy dietary habits and proteinuria onset, were estimated using a linear mixed-effects model with random intercept and random slope.
Results
A total of 26,764 subjects were included, with a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years. The most frequent unhealthy dietary habits were quick eating (29%), followed by late dinner (19%), late evening snack (16%), and skipping breakfast (9%). During the follow-up period, 10.6% of the participants developed proteinuria, with an incidence rate of 32.7 per 1000 person-years. Late dinner or skipping breakfast had an increased adjusted risk of proteinuria onset (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02 to 1.22, and HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.31, respectively). Each unhealthy dietary habit was not associated with changes in BMI or WHtR.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that late dinner and skipping breakfast were associated with higher risks for proteinuria onset. Unhealthy dietary habits were not associated with changes in BMI or WHtR during the follow-up period.
Amyloid-beta uptake by peripheral blood monocytes is reduced by ageing and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chen Si-Han , Tian Ding-Yuan , Shen Ying-Ying , Bachelor Yuan Cheng , Fan Dong-Yu , Sun Hao-Lun , He Chen-Yang , Sun Pu-Yang , Bu Xian-Le , Zeng Fan , Deng Juan , Xu Zhi-Qiang , Chen Yang , Wang Yan-Jiang
Published: June 2020

Background:

Deficits in the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The roles of blood monocytes, the counterparts of microglia in the periphery, in the development of AD remain unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate the alterations in the Aβ phagocytosis function of peripheral monocytes during ageing and in AD patients.
Methods:

A total of 104 cognitively normal participants aged 22 to 89 years old, 22 AD patients, 22 age- and sex-matched cognitively normal (CN) subjects, 15 Parkinson’s disease patients (PD) and 15 age- and sex-matched CN subjects were recruited. The Aβ uptake by blood monocytes were measured and its alteration during ageing and in AD were investigated.
Results:

Aβ1−42 uptake by monocytes was associated with Aβ1−42 levels in the blood. Aβ1−42 uptake by monocytes decreased during ageing, and further decreased in AD but not in PD patients. Among the Aβ uptake-related receptors and enzymes, the expression of Toll‑like receptor 2 (TLR2) was reduced in monocytes from AD patients.
Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that monocytes regulate the blood levels of Aβ and might be involved in the development of AD. The recovery of the Aβ clearance function by blood monocytes represents a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
Avoid to over-unlocking the helical blade in proximal femoral nail anti-rotation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ji Wenchen , Liu Kai , Li Meng
Published: June 2020

Purpose To discuss the reason and treatment method of helical blade over-unlocking. Methods The case reported in this paper is that the helical blade cannot be locked due to over-unlocking during the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture with PFNA, which is very rare. We expound why it happens and how to deal with it. Results When the helical blade is over-unlocking, if the aiming arm is not disassembled, you can try to take out the helical blade and fix it again. If the aiming arm has been removed, it is not recommended to remove the helical blade, we suggest that we should consider adding a screw from the lateral wall through the femoral neck for anti-rotation, or you can observe the tail of helical blade and find suitable screw driver to fix it if there is one. Conclusions In order to avoid over-unlocking of the helical blade, intraoperative fluoroscopy should not only pay attention to the position of the helical blade, but also pay more attention to the abnormal shape of the helical blade itself. Once the helical blade is over-unlocking, it needs to be handled in time.
Relationship Between Combining Ability, Genetic Components And Genetic Diversity Using Triple Test Cross
Authors: El-Mansy Yasser Mohamed , Abdelmoghny Ahmed Mohamed , Gibely Reham. H. A. , Mabrouk Adel H.
Published: June 2020

Background: The target of this study is to investigate the relationship between genetic components, combining ability and genetic diversity among twenty six cotton crosses derived from a cross between thirteen contrasting inbred lines with two testers in three replications using modified triple test cross model.Results: All the genotypes showed highly significant differences for twelve yield and fiber quality traits reflecting genetic variability between lines, testers and crosses. Giza 86 is considered as a good combiner for yield and its components traits, while Giza 45 is the best combiner for fiber fineness and fiber strength, which classified in unique cluster. Most of the combinations having significant SCA effects were belonging to genetically diverse parents. The mean squares for the deviations revealed the presence of significant epistasis for all the studied traits except, seed index and fiber reflectance. While, significant mean squares were shown for sums and differences except lint index for additive and uniformity ratio and fiber reflectance for dominance. The fixable type (i) of epistasis was larger than non-fixable (i + l) type for the inheritance of the studied traits. The traits had significant mean squares for both fixable and non-fixable gene action, also showed significant GCA and SCA among 15 parents and 26 cotton crosses, respectively. Additive genetic component was larger than dominance for all the studied traits. So, most of the studied traits had significant GCA and degree of dominance was less than unity for all the studied traits, indicating partial or incomplete dominance. The correlation coefficient between the sums and difference were found to be insignificant indicating the genes with positive and negative effects were equally distributed among the genotypes.Conclusions: Genetic correlation between three genetic components revealed that both additive and epistasis play a great role among some studied traits suggesting common genetic pool. Thus, selection based on additive gene action based on indirect selection could improve cotton yield. The genotypes which have large genetic diversity could produce significant general or specific combining ability which may be reflecting its genetic behavior.
Knowledge, awareness and preventive practices of dengue outbreak in Bangladesh: a countrywide study
Authors: Hossain Md. Imam , Nur-E-Alam  , Akter Sumaiya , Suriea Umme , Akter Salma , Shifat Siratul Kubra , Islam Md. Muzahidul , Aziz Ihsan , Islam Md. Muzahidul , Islam Md. Shariful , Mohiuddin A. K. M.
Published: June 2020

Background: Dengue, the mosquito borne disease has become a growing public health threat in Bangladesh due to its gradual increasing morbidity and mortality since 2000. In 2019, the country witnessed the worst ever dengue outbreak. The present study was conducted to characterize the socio-economic factors and knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) status towards dengue among the people of Bangladesh.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,010 randomly selected participants from nine different administrative regions of Bangladesh between July and November 2019. A well-structured questionnaire was used covering socio-demographic characteristics of the participants including their knowledge, awareness, treatment and practices regarding Dengue fever.Results: Although majority (93.8%) of the participants had heard about dengue, however, they had still misconceptions about Aedes breeding habitat. Around half of the study population (45.7%) had mistaken belief that Aedes can breed in dirty water and 43.1% knew that Aedes mosquito usually bites during sunrise/sunset. Fever indication was found in 36.6% of people which is the most common symptom of dengue. Living place, literacy and employment status were found significantly associated (p<0.05) with knowledge and awareness of dengue fever. The preventive practice level was moderately less than the knowledge level though there was a significant association (p<0.05) existed between knowledge and preventive practices. Our study noted that TV/Radio is an effective predominant source of information about dengue fever.Conclusion: As dengue is emerging in Bangladesh, there is a need to increase health promotion activities through campaigns for eliminating the misconception and considerable knowledge gaps about dengue.