bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To switch or not to switch? – Understanding German consumers’ willingness to pay for green electricity tariff attributes
Authors: Danne Michael , Sauthoff Saramena , Musshoff Oliver
Published: April 2020

Background
In order to achieve an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy supply, it is necessary that this goal is supported by society. In different countries worldwide it has been shown that one way consumers want to support the energy transition is by purchasing green electricity. However, few people make the leap from their intention to a buying decision. This study explores parameters that influence whether German consumers decide to switch to a green electricity tariff.
Methods
We conducted a quota-representative online survey including a discrete choice experiment with 371 private households in Germany in 2016. For the econometric analysis, a generalized multinomial logit model in willingness to pay space was employed, enabling the estimation of WTP values to be as realistic as possible.
Results
The results show that consumers’ decision regarding whether or not to make the switch to green energy is mainly influenced by the source of green energy, whether a person can outsource the switching process, and a person’s attitude towards the renewable energy sources levy that currently exists in Germany.
Conclusions
As our findings indicate politics should focus on supporting wind and solar energy as German consumers prefer this sources over biogas. As suggested by our results, the EEG levy is a reason why consumers have lower WTP for a switch to a green tariff. Therefore a switching bonus with a specifically “framed” bonus in the amount of the current EEG levy could be a promising strategy for the increase of green energy tariff acceptance. Furthermore, attention should be given to psychological and behavioral aspects, as our results indicate that these factors influence the consumer’s choice for a green electricity tariff.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Spinal Cord Injury in Northwest China: a single hospital-based study
Authors: Wang ZhiMeng , Zou Peng , Yang Jun-Song , Liu Ting-ting , Song Leilei , Lu Yao , Guo Hao , Zhao Yuan-Tin , Liu Tuan-Jiang , Hao Ding-Jun
Published: April 2020

Background: The northwest is relatively backward economically. Unfortunately, the epidemiological characteristics of SCI in Northwest China are rarely reported. Methods: The SCI epidemiological survey software independently developed was used to sort out the data of patients treated with SCI from 2014 to 2018. Variables included age, sex, cause of injury, combined injury, severity of injury, ASIA scale, surgical treatment, complications, and rehabilitation.Results: The enrolled 3487 patients were with a male to female ratio of 2.57:1 and an age of 39.50±11.20 years. SCI in 94.03% of patients was caused by falls and MCVs, which were the primary etiologies of SCI. There were 1786 patients, accounting for 51.22%, with other injuries. Asia D scale patients accounted for 41.12%. During hospitalization, pulmonary infection was the most common complication (437 cases, 32.59%), followed by hyponatremia (326 cases, 24.31%), bedsore (219 cases, 16.33%), urinary tract infection (168 cases, 12.53%), deep vein thrombosis (157 cases, 11.71%) and others (34 cases, 2.53%). Only 528 patients (15.14%) received long-term rehabilitation treatment.Conclusion: The incidence of SCI in northwest China was on the rise with higher proportion in males, the MCVs and fall were the primary leading causes of injuries. The occupations most at risk from SCI are peasantries and workers. Pulmonary infection rate was the most common complication during hospitalization. Patients over the age of 50, especially the elderly, should pay attention to preventing falls and osteoporosis. Young people should pay attention to safe production and avoid falling from high places and falling objects.
Is testicular torsion a real problem in pediatric patients with cryptorchidism?
Authors: Komarowska Marta , Pawelczyk Alicja , Matuszczak Ewa , Debek Wojciech , Hermanowicz Adam
Published: April 2020

PurposeTo present management and outcomes of patients with cryptorchidism suffering from testicular torsion.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of pediatric patients with torsion of undescended testes, who were treated between 2009 and 2019. On the medical charts, we recorded: the age, symptoms, duration of torsion, physical examination, surgery findings, and additional treatment.ResultsWe identified 9 boys with torsion of the undescended gonad, which represented 4.7% of all 192 boys with testicular torsion. The mean age of boys with torsion of undescended testis was 8.7 years. The mean duration of symptoms in our study group was long and it was up to 28.5 hours. All patients had inguinal canal exploration. In 8 cases, testicular necrosis and primary orchidectomy was performed.ConclusionAccording to clinical experience and available studies, torsion of male undescended gonads is a comparatively rare condition. Nevertheless, diagnosis is still delayed and connected with inevitable orchidectomy.Plain English summaryAuthors present 9 cases of boys with torsion of undescended testes. They represented 4.7% of all boys with testicular torsion treated during 10 years in Pediatric Surgery Department. The mean age of boys with torsion of undescended testis was 8.7 years. The mean duration of symptoms was long and it was up to 28.5 hours. All patients were operated on, in 8 cases necrotic testicle was removed. Even though torsion of undescended testicle is quite rare, diagnosis is delayed and because of that, boys are subjected to removal of the testicle.
The action of the Cu2+, Ag+ and time inducing the in vitro anther culture-derived barley regenerants
Authors: Bednarek Piotr Tomasz , Orłowska Renata
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPlant regeneration via anther cultures is a world-wide approach as it allows for the regeneration of uniform and homozygous double haploids. Recent studies have shown that in vitro cultures are the origin of the so-called tissue culture-induced variation (TCIV) that may lead to off-type regenerants. Moreover, the regeneration of green plants may be limited by the presence of albinos. It was demonstrated that the presence of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions in the regeneration medium might increase the number of green plants.ResultsDArTseqMet markers were evaluated based on regenerants and donor plants derived via in vitro anther cultures of barley. The regenerants were obtained under varying Cu2+ and Ag+ ion concentration in the regeneration medium during distinct time conditions of the tissue cultures. The DArTseqMet markers were quantified using a semi-quantitative MSAP approach delivering data on CG and CHG sequence contexts de novo methylation and demethylation. Under each tissue culture conditions, the number of regenerated green plants per 100 anthers was evaluated. Conditional moderation analysis was applied to test for the role of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions in the medium. Moreover, the importance of the time of in vitro anther cultures were analyzed.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that DNA de novo methylation and demethylation affecting CG and CXG DNA sequence contexts is moderated by the presence of Cu2+ and Ag+ ions in the medium conditional on the time of in vitro tissue cultures. The level of de novo methylation and demethylation and the difference between the two is essential for the understanding of moderation. Moreover, Cu2+ and Ag+ play in concert moderating DNA methylation changes. For the in vitro tissue culture purposes, the lower the delta value equal to de novo methylation less demethylation and the higher the value of the (Cu+Ag) predictor conditional on time, the higher the number of green plants should be evaluated. Moreover, evaluation of GPs is even more probable under positive delta and higher (Cu+Ag) values. Our data are congruent with the putative function of these ions in the ethylene and DNA methylation pathways.
Effect of artificial tears on aqueous deficient dry eye, a dynamic optical study
Authors: Wei Zhenyu , Su Yuandong , Su Guanyu , Baudouin Christophe , Labbé Antoine , Liang Qingfeng
Published: April 2020

Background: To investigate the change of dynamic optical quality in aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE) patients after the use of artificial tears.Methods: Fifty-nine patients with ADDE and 31 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this prospective case-control study. Clinical evaluation of the ocular surface included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), lipid layer thickness (LLT), and Schirmer I testing. ADDE patients were divided into two groups, mild (31 patients) and severe (28 patients). The optical quality of the tear film was measured with the Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS) using the mean objective scatter index (mean OSI), standard deviation of objective scatter index (SD-OSI) and modulation transfer function cut-off (MTF cut-off). After baseline examinations, one drop of artificial tears (ATs, carboxymethylcellulose ophthalmic solution, 0.5%) was instilled in both eyes, and optical quality parameters were measured again at 5- and 30-minutes following application of ATs.Results: At baseline, the mean OSI was higher in the ADDE group (0.95 ± 0.54) than in controls (0.54 ± 0.23, P<0.001). The SD-OSI was also significantly increased in ADDE patients (0.44 ± 0.71) compared to control subjects (0.12 ± 0.06, P=0.003). Five minutes after ATs instillation, mean OSI and SD-OSI decreased significantly in severe ADDE patients (P=0.044; P=0.018), was unchanged in mild ADDE patients, and increased in the control group (P=0.019; P<0.001). Thirty minutes after ATs instillation, no significant difference in optical quality parameters was observed for the three groups.Conclusion: The effect of ATs on optical quality in patients with ADDE may differ according to the severity of the disease. Measurement of optical quality might be a promising tool to evaluate the effects of various ATs and possibly individualize treatment in ADDE patients.
Prognostic value of S1PR1 and Correlations with Immune Infiltrates in Breast and Lung Cancers
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Zhong Limei , Li Lijuan , Song Shaohua , Cao Donglin
Published: April 2020

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR1) is involved in vascular development, a key process in tumorigenesis. Our study evaluated its roles in tumor development and prognosis. In particular, S1PR1 expression data were obtained from the TIMER and Oncomine database. We used a bioinformatics approach to evaluate its relationship with prognosis, co-expressed and regulatory genes, correlations with tumor immune cell infiltration and correlations with immune infiltration markers. S1PR1 was significantly lower expression in breast and lung cancer than in corresponding normal tissues. Lower S1PR1 expression was related to poor overall survival and disease-free survival in breast and lung cancer. A functional network analysis suggested that S1PR1 regulates vasculogenesis. In addition, S1PR1 levels were significantly related to infiltrating CD8+, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in breast invasive carcinoma; CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and DCs in lung adenocarcinoma; and with B cells, CD8+, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and DCs in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, S1PR1 levels were correlated with multiple immune marker sets in breast and lung cancer. The observed correlations between S1PR1 and both prognosis and immune cell infiltration provide a foundation for further research on its immunomodulatory role in cancer.
Involvement of Interleukin-18-Mediated Microglia/Astrocyte Interaction in Experimental Models of Migraine
Authors: Gong Qiaoyu , Lin Yao , Lu Zuneng , Xiao Zheman
Published: April 2020

Background

The exact molecular mechanisms of migraine were not fully understood. Emerging evidence indicated that inflammation had a significant role in pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Interleukin-18-Mediated Microglia/Astrocyte Interaction in the development of hyperpathia or allodynia induced by migraine.
Methods

Experimental rat model of migraine was established by repetitive inflammatory soup (IS) dural infusions. The expression of Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The expression of activated microglia and astrocytes was examined by Western blot or immunofluorescence. The expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was examined by Western blot. TAK-242 and anti-IL-18 antibody were used to inhibit the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and IL-18 pathway, respectively.
Results

IS dural infusions elicited microglial activation and astrocytic activation. Meanwhile, IS dural infusions induced the upregulation of IL-18 and IL-18R in microglia and astrocytes, respectively. Blocking the IL-18 signaling pathway attenuated nociceptive behavior. Meanwhile, blocking IL-18 signaling also suppressed astrocytic activation, as well as activation of NF-κB. And IL-18 dural infusions induced nociceptive behavior and glia activation.
Conclusions

IL-18, a product of microglial toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation, acted on IL-18R expressed in astrocyte, and subsequently stimulated activation of NF-κB, leading to the astrocytic activation. Together, the present results suggest that IL-18-mediated microglia/astrocyte interactions in the medullary dorsal horn may participate in the development of hyperpathia or allodynia induced by migraine.
Influence of radiotherapy on blood pressure in patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer
Authors: Zeng Zhao-Chong , Sun Tai-wei , He Hong-jie , Zhang Yan-ming , Zhang Shu-min , Zhang Xiao-chun , Tan Li-jie
Published: April 2020

Background An interesting clinical phenomenon occures frequently in our work, which indicates that blood pressure could return to normal in some hypertension patients with cervical & upper thoracic esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy. We speculated that this may be related to thyroid gland damage by radiotherapy.Methods We retrospectively analyzed pre- and post-radiotherapy (RT, 1.5months, 4.5months and 7.5months) systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for a cohort of esophageal cancer patients. At 7.5 months post-RT, serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were also measured to evaluate the changes of thyroid hormones (THs) and its correaltion with changes of blood pressure. To confirm the influence of radiation on thyroid, patients were divided into cervical & upper thoracic group (C&U, n=55) and middle & lower thoracic group (M&L, n=57). Results In the C&U group, the decreases (±SD) in SBP and DBP, respectively, were 5.51 mmHg (±1.83, P=0.003) and 3.62 mmHg (±1.38, P=0.002) at 1.5 months post-RT, 6.73 mmHg (±2.24, P=0.001) and 6.15 mmHg (±1.57, P=0.012) at 4.5 months post-RT, and 8.02 mmHg (±2.73, P<0.001) and 7.91 mmHg (±2.33, P<0.001) at 7.5 months post-RT. The corresponding decreases in the M&L group were not significant at any time post-RT. At 7.5 months post-RT, serum FT3 and FT4 concentrations in C&U group decreased significantly (P<0.05) from before RT to 7.5 months after the end of RT, and TSH concentration increased significantly after RT (P<0.05). In addition, Pearson analysis showed that both FT3 and FT4 was positively correlated with decrease of systolic BP (r= 0.430, P =0.001; r=0.667, P <0.001, respectively) and diastolic BP (r = 0.370, P =0.005; r = 0.469, P < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion The present study suggests that radiotherapy in patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal cancer might result in lowering BP, which might be related to thyroid gland damage by radiotherapy.
Circadian rhythm protein Bmal1 modulates cartilage gene expression in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis via the MAPK/ERK pathway
Authors: Zhao Huaqiang , Chen Guokun , Zhao Haoming , Ma Shixing , Chen Lei , Wu Gaoyi , Zhu Yong , Zhu Jie , Ma Chuan
Published: April 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of the circadian gene Bmal1 in human cartilage and its crosstalk with the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA).Methods: We verified the periodical variation of the circadian gene Bmal1 and then established a modified multiple platform method (MMPM) to induce circadian rhythm disturbance leading to TMJ-OA. IL-6, p-ERK and Bmal1 mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Chondrocytes were treated with an ERK inhibitor (U0126), siRNA and plasmid targeting Bmal1 under IL-6 simulation; then, the cells were subjected to Western blotting to analyze the relationship between Bmal1 and the MAPK/ERK pathway.Results: We found that sleep rhythm disturbance can downregulate the circadian gene BMAL-1 and improve phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and IL-6 levels. Furthermore, Bmal1 siRNA transfection was sufficient to improve the p-ERK level and aggravate OA-like gene expression changes under IL-6 stimulation. Bmal1 overexpression relieved the alterations induced by IL-6, which was consistent with the effect of U0126 (an ERK inhibitor). However, we also found that BMAL1 upregulation can decrease ERK phosphorylation, whereas ERK downregulation did not change BMAL1 expression.Conclusions: Collectively, this study provides new insight into the regulatory mechanism that links chondrocyte BMAL1 to cartilage maintenance and repair in TMJ-OA via the MAPK/ERK pathway and suggests that circadian rhythm disruption is a risk factor for TMJ-OA.
Effect of ambient air pollutants and meteorological factors on COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Jiang Ying , Xu Xiao-Long , Dai Da-Wei , Wu Xiao-Jun , Wang Jun-Yu , Wang Yun-Kun , Huang Zhen-Yu , Wang Guang-Ming , Guan Yan-Jun
Published: April 2020

Background

Since its first appearance in Wuhan China in December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide pandemic. Although the COVID-19 is known to cause by human-to-human transmission, it remains largely unclear whether ambient air pollutants and meteorological factors could promote its transmission process.
Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to understand the correlation between COVID-19 incidence and eight ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3-8 h) and three meteorological variables (temperature, humidity and wind level) in China’s two worst-hit cities, Wuhan and XiaoGan, between Jan 25th to Feb 29th in 2020.
Results

Our data showed that the COVID-19 incidence was constantly correlated with PM2.5, NO2 and local temperature in both cities. Specifically, in Wuhan, the tightest correlation was observed between NO2 and COVID-19 incidence (R2 = 0.329, p < 0.01). The PM2.5 and CO also present tight correlation with the incidence number, whose R2 equaled 0.174 (p < 0.01) and 0.203 (p < 0.05), respectively. In XiaoGan, in addition to the PM2.5 (R2 = 0.23, p < 0.01) and NO2 (R2 = 0.158, p < 0.05), a notable correlation was also observed between the PM10 and incidence cases (R2 = 0.158, p < 0.05). Moreover, temperature is the only meteorological factors that constantly correlated well with COVID-19 incidence in both Wuhan and XiaoGan, but in a negative pattern (R2 = 0.126 and 0.13, respectively, both p < 0.05).
Conclusion

Our data concludes that ambient air pollutants, especially PM2.5 and NO2, and temperature are three variables that could potential promote the sustained transmission of COVID-19. Thus, personal protective devices, especially the facial mask and eye goggle, shall be suggested to residents for SARS-CoV-2 protection in highly polluted regions.
The Distribution and Consequences of Sexual Misconduct by Peacekeepers in Haiti: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Analysis
Authors: Vahedi Luissa , Stuart Heather , Lee Sabine , Bartels Susan A
Published: April 2020

Background
From 2004 to 2017, the UN sanctioned The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to address Haiti’s political instability. Reports of sexual misconduct perpetrated by peacekeeping personnel, including children fathered by peacekeepers, were made during the course of MINUSTAH. To date no epidemiological studies have analyzed the distribution and consequences of sexual misconduct perpetrated by MINUSTAH peacekeepers. This research will: (1) Explore the association between location (rural, semi-urban, urban) and the sharing of narratives about sexual misconduct perpetrated by MINUSTAH peacekeepers; (2) Investigate the relationship between sharing narratives about sexual misconduct and the desire to engage with the UN/MINUSTAH.
Methods
In 2017, a cross-sectional survey was administered by Haitian research assistants using SenseMaker®, a rapid mixed-methods data collection tool that allows participants to share a narrative on a topic of interest. In total, 2541 self-interpreted narratives pertaining to the experiences of women/girls in relation to the UN were collected across Haiti. Secondary data analysis using log-binomial regression modeled the relationships of interest. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4.
Results
(1) After adjustment, Haitians living in rural areas were more likely (RRrural: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.38) to share a narrative about sexual misconduct, compared to Haitians living in urban areas. (2) The association between sharing narratives of sexual misconduct and willingness to engage with the UN was modified by who the narrative was about. Haitians who expressed personal experiences of sexual misconduct were more likely (RRsex: 4.52; 95% CI: 3.34, 6.12) to reject the UN/MINUSTAH, compared to Haitians who shared personal positive/neutral narratives of MINUSTAH.
Conclusions
Narratives of civilian-peacekeeper sexual misconduct are geographically distributed and associated with rejecting the UN/MINUSTAH. This epidemiological analysis is an empirical steppingstone to understanding the distribution and consequences of peacekeeper perpetrated sexual misconduct.
Association between Carbonic anhydrase 9 expression and poor prognosis in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Lan , Hu Chunyan , Wang Huan , Sun Xicai , Wang Dehui
Published: April 2020

Background: Carbonic anhydrase 9(CA9), as a member of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme family, was an endogenous marker of hypoxia. Previous studies suggested CA9 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in multiple types of malignancies. The purpose of current study was to evaluate the role of CA9 as a prognostic marker in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma(SNSCC).Patients and methods: We assessed the immunohistochemical expression of CA9 in 63 tumor specimens of patients who underwent curative surgery and evaluated the relationship between the expression levels and clinicopathological factors as well as outcome.Results: We observed positive expression of CA9 in 21(33.3%) patients. Positive expression of CA9 in patients with SNSCC was significantly correlated with local recurrence (p=0.016) and both overall survival (OS) (p=0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.002). In Cox's multivariate analysis, CA9 expression was an independent negative prognostic factor for OS (p=0.027) and DFS (p=0.018).Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that CA9 overexpression could be used as an independent prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in SNSCC.
Preoperatively elevated RDW-SD and RDW-CV predict favorable survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients after curative resection
Authors: Cai Jianqiang , Li Xingchen , Chen Qichen , Bi Xinyu , Zhao Jianjun , Li Zhiyu , Zhou Jianguo , Huang Zhen , Zhang Yefan , Mao Rui , Zhao Hong
Published: April 2020

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter reported in blood routine examination, recent studies suggest it was a prognostic factor in various types of cancer patients, although the results are controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of RDW in patients with Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after radical resection.Method: The relationship between the preoperative serum RDW value and clinic pathological characteristics was analyzed in 157 ICC patients between January 2012 and June 2018 who underwent curative resection. X-tile software was used to determine 40.2 fl, 12.6 % as the optimal cut-off value for RDW-SD and RDW-CV respectively. 153 patients were classified into the low RDW-SD (≤ 40.2, n = 53) group and the high RDW-SD (> 40.2, n = 104) group, low RDW-CV (≤ 12.6, n = 94) group and the high RDW-CV (> 12.6, n = 63). Based on the RDW-SD combined with RDW-CV(SCC), classified into SCC = 0 (n = 46), 1 (n = 55) and 2 (n = 56) group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the effect of RDW on survival. Results: Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that Patients with RDW-SD > 40.2 were significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.004, median OS: 68.0 months versus 17.0 months). Patients with RDW-CV > 12.6 were significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.030, median OS: not reach versus 22.0 months). Compared with a SCC = 0 or SCC = 1, SCC = 2 was significantly associated with better OS (P < 0.001, median OS: not reach versus 33.0 months versus 16, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, RDW-SD > 40.2 fl (HR = 0.446, 95% CI: 0.262-0.760, P = 0.003), RDW-CV > 12.6 % (HR = 0.425, 95%CI: 0.230-0.783, P = 0.006), SCC = 2 (HR = 0.270, 95%CI: 0.133-0.549, P < 0.001) were associated with favorable OS. The multivariate analysis showed RDW-SD, RDW-CV and SCC level were not independent prognostic factors for PFS.Conclusions: Preoperative RDW is a convenient and easy to collect blood routine examination index, and preoperative low levels of RDW are associated with poor survival in ICC after curative resection. This provides a new way for predicting the prognosis of ICC patients and more targeted intervention measures.
Using the bootstrapping method to compare research achievements for authors who worked for Departments of Ophthalmology in United States since 2010
Authors: Yeh Yu-Tsen , Kan Wei-Chih , Wei Chien Tsai , Kuo Shu-Chun
Published: April 2020

Background: The h-index has its popularity in the global scientific community. Despite the h-index being used as an indicator of individual research achievement (IRA), two main disadvantages have not been solved: (1) all coauthors contributing equally to article bylines and (2) the integer nature of the h-index making it difficult to differentiate the IRAs among entities. This article evaluated the most cited authors, institutes, and states in United States in ophthalmology in recent ten years using a proposed hx-index.Methods: Authors who worked for departments of ophthalmology in United States were selected for identifying their IRAs in Pubmed Central(PMC) since 2010. Using the PubMed search engine, we conducted an observational study of citation analyses in affiliated research institutes and states of all authors who worked for departments of ophthalmology since 2010. A total of 18,289 published articles from 46,121 authors related to departments of ophthalmology from 50 states were analyzed. The bootstrapping method was applied with an estimated 95% confidence interval (CI) to distinguish the differences in IRAs among states and institutes. The x-index and the Kano model were complemental to the h-index for identifying the group IRA characteristics and rankings. A pyramid plot was used to illustrate the importance of the author-weighted scheme(AWS) used for evaluating IRAs in academics. The hx-index combined both advantages of h-/x-index was proposed to assess IRAs for each facility. A significant difference was identified by observing two bands of estimated 95% CIs that were not overlapped. Furthermore, we drew a choropleth map on Google Maps to visualize the differences of IRA among states.Results: There is a significant rise over time in the number of publications. The top-ranking states in hx-index based on publications and citations were Massachusetts(42.28),California(39.24), and Massachusetts(42.28). If only the top 100 authors were included for calculating the median hx-index, the top three would be California(6.45), Massachusetts(3.97). and New York(3.07) with no significant difference found among these three using the bootstrapping method. The institute and author with the highest hx-index were Harvard Medical School(Massachusetts) and Felipe A Medeiros (California), respectively. We demonstrated that Dr. Medeiros from California published 213 articles in PMC and used the example to elucidate the importance of AWS when IRAs were assessed. Conclusions: With an overall increase in publications in the field of ophthalmology, IRAs assessed by these (1) hx-index, (2)the bootstrapping method, and (3) AWS should be emphasized and promoted more in the future.
Anti-inflammatory protein TNFa-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) reduces inflammatory response after brain injury in mice
Authors: Mutoji Kazadi Nadine , Sun Mingxia , Nash Amanda , Puri Sudan , Hascall Vincent , Coulson-Thomas Vivien J
Published: April 2020

Background: Current research suggests that the glial scar surrounding penetrating brain injuries is instrumental in preserving the surrounding uninjured tissue by limiting the inflammatory response to the injury site. We recently showed that (TNF)-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a well-established anti-inflammatory molecule, is present within the glial scar. We hereby investigate the role of TSG-6 within the glial scar.Methods: TSG-6 null and littermate control mice were subjected to penetrating brain injuries, after which the injury site and remaining injured hemisphere were analyzed. The presence of activated astrocytes, inflammatory markers and glial scar components were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Our findings demonstrate that mice lacking TSG-6 present a more severe inflammatory response after injury, which is correlated with an enlarged area of astrogliosis beyond the injury site.Conclusion: Our data provides evidence that TSG-6 has an anti-inflammatory role within the glial scar.
Chemical profile and scavenging activity of four extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyx
Authors: Yagi Sakina , Hussain Zeinab T.E
Published: April 2020

Objective

Hibiscus sabdariffa L., also known as roselle and karkadeh, is commonly used in traditional medicine and has many applications on food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. More than 100 cultivars of H. sabdariffa are found. Despite the fact that Sudan is considered as one of the principal producer of H. sabdariffa there has been limited systematic study on the efficiency of different solvent extraction on its bioactive molecules. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the chemical constituents of H. sabdariffa calyx using acetone, ethanol (EtOH), 50% EtOH and water as extraction solvents and their impact on the DPPH free radical scavenging activity.
Results

Results showed that the total polyphenol, flavonoids and vitamin C contents of the dried calyces were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the solvent extraction used. HPLC analysis using 16 standards revealed the presence of 11–13 compounds in the four extracts with the 50% EtOH extract recovered the highest concentrations of identified compounds. Moreover, the 50% EtOH extract revealed highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 1.544 ± 0.3 µg/mL). Based on these results, maceration the calyx on 50% EtOH was therefore suggested for optimal extraction of bioactive compounds with high antiradical activity from H. sabdariffa calyx.
A comprehensive predictive method for low fetal fraction in noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Hu Liang , Pei Yuanyuan , Luo Xiaojin , Wen Lijuan , Xiao Hui , Liu Jinxing , Li Dongxue , Wu Liping , Ran Jian , Li Gaochi , Chen Xiaohang , Du Li , Zhou Xiulan , Wei Fengxiang
Published: April 2020

Background

The study was a retrospective cohort analysis based on the results of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS), complete blood count, thyroxin test and Down’s syndrome screening in first or second trimester from 14043 pregnant women. Random forests algorithm was applied to predict the low fetal fraction of cell free DNA (with FF lower than 10th percentile) through individual and laboratory information. Performance of the model was evaluated and compared to prediction using maternal weight.To investigate factors associated with lower FF in the NIPS and to develop a new predictive method for low FF before NIPS.
Results

Of 14043 cases, maternal weight, RBC, HGB and free T3 were significantly negative correlated with FF while gestation age, free T4, PAPP-A, AFP, uE3 and β-hCG were significantly positive correlated with FF. Compared to prediction using maternal weight as isolated parameter, the model has a higher area under curve(AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and overall accuracy.
Conclusions

The comprehensive predictive method based on combined multiple factors was more effective than single-factor model in low FF status prediction. This method can provide more information for clinical choice and pre-test quality control of NIPS.
Three-dimensional morphometric analysis reveals time-dependent structural changes in microglia and astrocytes in the central amygdala and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of heart failure rats
Authors: Althammer Ferdinand , Ferreira-Neto Hildebrando Candido , Rubaharan Myurajan , Roy Ranjan Kumer , Stern javier E
Published: April 2020

Background Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure are the most common cause of death globally. Recent studies support a high degree of comorbidity between heart failure and cognitive and mood disorders resulting in memory loss, depression and anxiety. While neuroinflammation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus contributes to autonomic and cardiovascular dysregulation in heart failure, mechanisms underlying cognitive and mood disorders in this disease remain elusive. The goal of this study was to quantitatively asses markers of neuroinflammation (glial morphology, cytokines and A1 astrocyte markers) in the central amygdala, a critical forebrain region involved in emotion and cognition, and to determine its time course and correlation to disease severity during the progression of heart failure.Methods We developed and implemented a comprehensive microglial/astrocyte profiler for precise three-dimensional morphometric analysis of individual microglia and astrocytes in specific brain nuclei at different time points during the progression of heart failure. To this end, we used a well-established ischemic heart failure rat model. Morphometric studies were complemented with quantification of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and A1/A2 astrocyte markers via qPCR. Results We report structural remodeling of central amygdala microglia and astrocytes during heart failure that affected cell volume, surface area, filament length and microglial branches, resulting overall in somatic swelling and deramification, indicative of a change in microglial state. These changes occurred in a time-dependent manner, correlated with the severity of heart failure, and were delayed compared to changes in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Morphometric changes correlated with elevated mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of reactive A1-type astrocytes in the paraventricular nucleus and central amygdala during heart failure. Conclusion We provide evidence that in addition to the previously described hypothalamic neuroinflammation implicated in sympathohumoral activation during heart failure, microglia and astrocytes within the central amygdala also undergo structural remodeling indicative of glial shifts towards activated and pro-inflammatory phenotypes, respectively. Thus, our studies suggest that neuroinflammation in the amygdala stands as a novel pathophysiological mechanism and potential therapeutic target for that could be associated with emotional and cognitive deficits commonly observed at later stages during the course of heart failure.
Passive Sensing Data Collection with Adolescent Mothers and Their Infants to Improve Mental Health Services in Low-Resource Settings: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study in Rural Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Sujen Man , Poudyal Anubhuti , Heerden Alastair van , Byanjankar Prabin , Thapa Ada , Islam Celia , Kohrt Brandon A , Hagaman Ashley
Published: April 2020

Background: Passive sensor data from mobile phones can shed light on daily activities, social behavior, and maternal-child interactions to improve maternal and child health services including mental healthcare. Our Sensing Technologies for Maternal Depression Treatment in Low Resource Settings (StandStrong) study assessed feasibility and acceptability of passive data collection with young mothers, including mothers experiencing postpartum depression, in rural Nepal.Methods: Mothers between 15-25 years of age with infants less than 12 months old were recruited from vaccination clinics in rural Nepal. They were provided with a mobile smartphone and passive Bluetooth beacon to collect data in four domains: the mother’s location using the Global Positioning System (GPS), physical activity using the phone’s accelerometer, auditory environment using episodic audio recording on the phone, and mother-infant proximity measured with Bluetooth beacon attached to the infant’s clothing. Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated based on the amount of passive sensing data collected compared to the total amount that could be collected in a 2-week period. End-line qualitative interviews (n=31) were conducted to understand mothers’ experiences and perceptions of passive data collection.Results: 782 women were approached and 320 met eligibility criteria. 38 mothers (11 depressed, 27 non-depressed) were enrolled. Of 9,602 possible readings per sensor, 57.4% of audio (5,579 recordings), 50.6% of activity (5,001 readings), 41.1% of proximity (4,168 readings), and 35.4% of GPS (3,482 readings) were obtained. The percentage of data collection was comparable for depressed and non-depressed mothers. Qualitative interviews revealed mobile charging, excessive data usage, and burden of carrying mobile phones as feasibility challenges. Concerns for privacy and family involvement were acceptability challenges. Overall, study team engagement and education of family members on technology contributed to mothers’ comfort participating in passive data collection. Conclusion: Approximately half of all possible passive data were collected. Feasibility challenges can be addressed by providing alternative phone charging options, setting up reverse billing for the app, and exploring smartwatches as replacement for mobile phones. Enhancing acceptability will require greater family involvement and improved communication regarding benefits of passive sensing data collection for psychological treatments and other health services. Registration: International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/14734
A child confirmed COVID-19 with only symptoms of conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis
Authors: Wu Ping , liang liang , Yang Jun , Chen ChunBao , Nie ShengQiong
Published: April 2020

The outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection in China had quickly spread worldwide. Recent reports showed that conjunctivitis symptoms were found in a small number of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19. But rare children diagnosed with COVID-19 were reported to have eye symptoms. Our case showed a 2 years and 10 months old child confirmed COVID-19 had no symptoms other than conjunctivitis and eyelid dermatitis, suggesting that doctors shouldn’t forget to conduct COVID-19 screening when children come to hospital for ocular surface symptoms during this epidemic period.
CILP2 overexpression predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Feng , Peng Yuanfei , Ye Qing , Chen Jinhu , Li Yangming , Liu Shengyuan , Xu Yangmei , Huang Lijie
Published: April 2020

Background
Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein 2 (CILP2), a glycoprotein with mutations associated with abnormal blood lipid concentrations in normal and cardiovascular diseases patients, was barely reported with clinical features of tumors. We evaluated the role of CILP2 among all stages and histology in colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA), and furtherly verified using immunohistochemistry assay within human CRC tissues.
Materials and methods
Clinical information and RNA-seq data were derived from TCGA colorectal carcinoma cohort. CILP2 expression at mRNA level was estimated by bioinformatical analysis of TCGA cases. Tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed containing paraffin-embedded 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues. The expression at protein level was detected in 64 pairs of CRC and matched adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. CILP2 expression level and its clinical value were estimated by bioinformatical analysis with linear and logistic regression. Survival analysis was performed between high and low groups of CILP2 expression by Cox regression analysis, and P value was calculated by log-rank test. Kaplan-Meier curves were tested by log-rank test.
Results
CILP2 was significantly higher expressed in the colorectal cancer tissues when compared with paired adjacent normal tissues in TCGA cohort (P < 0.001) and in TMA cohort (P = 0.001). In addition, CILP2 high-expression was strongly correlated with T3/4 stage (P = 0.001), N1/2/3 stage (P = 0.005), M1 stage (P = 0.048), and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P < 0.001) in TCGA cohort, and also positively associated with T3/4 stage (P = 0.022) and higher clinical stage (UICC 2010 stage) (P = 0.03) in TMA cohort. Furthermore, CILP2 overexpression predicted poor prognosis and could be as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.003).
Conclusion
We revealed that CILP2 is associated with advanced stages and could play a role as an independent predictor of poor survival in colorectal cancer.
Natural disease progression and novel survival prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma with spinal metastases: a 10-year single-center study
Authors: Phinyo Phichayut , Boonyanaruthee Chonmavadh , Paholpak Permsak , Pruksakorn Dumnoensun , Phanphaisarn Areerak , Sangsin Apiruk
Published: April 2020

Background
Individual prediction of life expectancy in patients with spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is key for optimal treatment selection, especially when identifying potential candidates for surgery. Most reported prognostic tools provide categorical predictions, and only a few include HCC-related factors. This study aimed to investigate the natural progression of the disease and develop a prognostic tool that is capable of providing individualized predictions.
Methods
Patients with HCC-derived metastatic spinal disease were identified from a retrospective cohort of patients with spinal metastases who were diagnosed at Chiang Mai University Hospital between 2006 and 2015. Kaplain–Meier methods and log-rank tests were used to statistically evaluate potential factors. Significant predictors from univariable analysis were included in the flexible parametric survival regression for the development of a prognostic prediction model.
Results
Of the 1,143 patients diagnosed with HCC, 69 (6%) had spinal metastases. The median survival time of patients with HCC after spinal metastases was 79 days. In the multivariable analysis, a total of 11 potential clinical predictors were included. After backward elimination, four final predictors remained: patients aged > 60 years, Karnofsky Performance Status, total bilirubin level, and multifocality of HCC. The model showed acceptable discrimination at C-statistics 0.73 (95% Confidence interval 0.68–0.79) and fair calibration.
Conclusion
Four clinical parameters were used in the development of the individual survival prediction model for patients with HCC-derived spinal metastases of Chiang Mai University or HCC-SM CMU model. Prospective external validation studies in a larger population are required prior to the clinical implication of the model.
The Impact of Gravidity, Symptomatology and Timing of Infection on Placental Malaria
Authors: Tran Erin E , Cheeks Morgan , Kakuru Abel , Muhindo Mary K , Natureeba Paul , Nakalembe Miriam , Ategeka John , Nayebare Patience , Kamya Moses , Havlir Diane , Feeney Margaret E , Dorsey Grant , Gaw Stephanie L
Published: April 2020

Background : Placental malaria is associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. While primigravidity has been reported as a risk factor for placental malaria, little is known regarding the relationship between gravidity, symptomatology and timing of Plasmodium falciparum infection and the development of placental malaria. Methods : Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the development of placental malaria and gravidity, timing of infection, and presence of symptoms. This is a secondary analysis of data from a double-blind randomized control trial of intermittent preventive therapy during pregnancy in Uganda. Women were enrolled from 12 to 20 weeks gestation and followed through delivery. Exposure to malaria parasites was defined as symptomatic (fever with positive blood smear) or asymptomatic (based on molecular detection of parasitemia done routinely every 4 weeks). The primary outcome was placental malaria diagnosed by histopathology, placental blood smear, and/or placental blood loop-mediated isothermal amplification. We performed subgroup analysis based on the presence of symptomatic malaria, gravidity, and timing of infection. Results : Of the 228 patients with documented maternal infection with malaria parasites during pregnancy, 101 (44.3%) had placental malaria. Primigravidity was strongly associated with placental malaria (aOR 8.90, 95% CI 4.34-18.2, p<0.001), and each episode of malaria was associated with over a 2-fold increase in placental malaria (aOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.69-3.26, p<0.001). Among multigravid women, the odds of placental malaria increased by 14% with each advancing week of gestation at first documented infection (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.27, p=0.02). When stratified by the presence of symptoms, primigravidity was only associated with placental malaria in asymptomatic women, who had a 12-fold increase in the odds of placental malaria (aOR 12.19, 95% CI 5.23-28.43, p<0.001). Conclusions : Total number of Plasmodium falciparum infections in pregnancy is a significant predictor of placental malaria. The importance of timing of infection on the development of placental malaria varies based on gravidity. In primigravidas, earlier asymptomatic infections were associated with placental malaria, whereas in multigravidas, parasitemias detected later in gestation were associated with placental malaria. Earlier initiation of an effective intermittent preventive therapy may help to prevent placental malaria and improve birth outcomes, particularly in primigravid women.