bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum and Clinical Characteristics of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) With and Without Pneumonia
Authors: Zeng Huihui , Ma Yiming , Zhou Zhiguo , Liu Wenlong , Huang Peng , Jiang Mingyan , Liu Qimi , Chen Ping , Luo Hong , Chen Yan
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic. Based on symptoms, COVID-19 cases can be classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic. However, there is limited information about the differences between COVID-19 patients with and without pneumonia. Our study aimed to further discuss the spectrum and clinical characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients with and without pneumonia. MethodsIn China, all COVID-19 cases are hospitalized in designated hospitals until two continuous negative oropharyngeal swabs obtained, which allows the professional monitoring of symptoms and clinical characteristics. We stratified all COVID-19 cases in our database, and evaluated clinical characteristics in different COVID-19 subgroups (symptomatic with pneumonia, symptomatic without pneumonia, asymptomatic with pneumonia and asymptomatic without pneumonia). ResultsAccording to symptoms and laboratory and radiologic findings, COVID-19 cases were defined as symptomatic with pneumonia, symptomatic without pneumonia, asymptomatic with pneumonia or asymptomatic without pneumonia. There were differences in the clinical characteristics and prognosis among the four groups. Both noninvasive (18, 4.2%) and invasive mechanical ventilation (11, 2.6%) were applied in only the symptomatic with pneumonia group. Likewise, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were applied in only the symptomatic with pneumonia group. There were no differences in the durations of viral shedding and hospitalization among the four groups.ConclusionWe have defined a comprehensive spectrum of COVID-19 with and without pneumonia. The symptomatic with pneumonia group consumed more medical resources than the other groups, and extra caution and monitoring should be applied in this group. The asymptomatic COVID-19 group had a similar viral shedding duration as the symptomatic COVID-19 group.Trial registrationNot available
Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder Reduced the Scratching Behavior Exaggerated by Chronic Psychological Stress in Mice
Authors: Liu Ruoyi , Xu Li , Zhang Shujun , Wang Yue , Zhao Peng
Published: December 2020

Objective: To explore the efficacy and possible mechanism of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder in the treatment of scratching behavior worsened by psychological factors. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were divided into control group (CON group), chronic WAS group(WAS group) and chronic WAS + Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder group(DZX group). All mice excluded control group were exposed to 1 h water avoidance stress (WAS) for ten consecutive days. DZX group were given Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder solution by intragastric administration every day, and the other two groups were given the same amount of saline. Twenty-four hours after the last stress session, the mice were injected into the back of the neck with a condensation product of N-methyl-p- methoxyphenethylamine with formaldehyde (compound 48/80), and their scratching behavior was then observed for 120 min. The scratching number was recorded, th histamine levels in the plasma were examined, and the behavioral changes of depression in mice before and after treatment were observed by open field test and forced swimming test. Results: The scratching number was significantly higher in the WAS group than in the DZX group, which still higher than in the CON group. The peak histamine in the plasma after the compound 48/80 injection were also significantly higher in the WAS group in comparison to the DZX group. In terms of depression behavior, the number of standing in the DZX group was more than that in the WAS group and less than that in the CON group, and the immobility time in the forced swimming test was less than that in the WAS group and more than that in the CON group. Conclusion: Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder can relieve the scratching behavior of mice under the influence of WAS, and its possible mechanism is to control the release of histamine and improve the depressive state of mice.
Evaluation of biventricular volume and systolic function of medium to large ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension in infants aged within 1 year old by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Gao Jun , Feng Xiaoyuan , Zhou Li , Kang Jing , Meng Zhengliang , Guo Chengwen
Published: December 2020

Background Real-time three-dimensional volume echocardiography could obtain ventricular volume and ejection fraction rapidly and non-invasively without relying on ventricular morphology. Infants under one year of age with medium to large ventricular septal defect（VSD） and pulmonary hypertension have the characteristics of recurrent pulmonary infection and feeding difficulties. For these children, early surgery is recommended to reduce pulmonary congestion. Evaluation of biventricular volume and pumping function is important to determine the time of surgery.Methods In this study 18 children with medium to large VSD complicated with pulmonary hypertension (VSD/PH group ) and 18 healthy children of the same age (control group) were recruited. Biventricular diameter, volume and systolic function were evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), M-mode, tissue Doppler and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT-3DE). The measurements included: left and right ventricular diameter, body surface area standardized ventricular volume (LVEDV/BSA, RVEDV/BSA), LVEF ( M-mode), TAPSE (tricuspid annulus displacement), TAV (tricuspid annulus velocity), LVEF (RT-3DE), RVEF (RT-3DE). Results Both left and right ventricular diameter and LVEDV/BSA, RVEDV/BSA were significantly larger than those in normal controls (P <0.05). Compared with normal group, LVEF (RT-3DE), RVEF (RT-3DE) and TAV in VSD/PH group decreased (P <0.05). However there were no significant difference in LVEF (M-mode) and TAPSE between the two groups (P >0.05).Conclusion RT-3DE provides a new approach for noninvasive and rapid assessment of cardiac volume and systolic function for infants with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension.
Consistent Use of Lipid Lowering Therapy in HIV Infection Is Associated with Low Mortality
Authors: Drechsler Henning J , Ayers Colby , Cutrell James , Arasaratnam Reuben , Bedimo Roger
Published: December 2020

Background: In people living with HIV (PLWH), statins may be disproportionately effective but remain underutilized. A large prospective trial in patients with low to moderate cardiovascular (ASCVD) risk will reveal whether they should be considered in all PLWH. But its effect size may not apply to real-world PLWH with higher ASCVD and mortality risk. Also, the clinical role of non-statin lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and LLT adherence in this population is unknown.Methods: Comparative multi-level marginal structural model for all-cause mortality examining four time-updated exposure levels to LLT, antihypertensives, and aspirin in a virtual cohort of older PLWH. Incident coronary, cerebrovascular, and overall ASCVD events, serious infections, and new cancer diagnoses served as explanatory outcomes.Results: In 23,276 HIV-infected US-veterans who were followed for a median of 5.2 years after virologic suppression overall mortality was 33/1,000 patient years: >3 times higher than in the US population. Use of antihypertensives or aspirin was associated with increased mortality. Past LLT use (>1 year ago) had no effect on mortality. LLT exposure in the past year was associated with a reduced hazard ratio (HR) of death: 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.69, p<0.0001 for statin containing LLT and 0.71 (CI: 0.54-0.93), p=0.03 for statin-free LLT. For consistent LLT use (>11/12 past months) the HR of death was 0.48 (CI: 0.35-0.66) for statin-only LLT, 0.34 (CI: 0.23-0.52) for combination LLT, and 0.27 (CI: 0.15-0.48) for statin-free LLT (p<0.0001 for all). The ASCVD risk in these patients was reduced in similar fashion. Use of statin containing LLT was also associated with reduced infection and cancer risk. Multiple contrasting subgroup analyses yielded comparable results. Confounding is unlikely a major contributor to our findings.Conclusions: In PLWH, ongoing LLT use may lead to substantially lower mortality, but consistent long-term adherence may be required to reduce ASCVD risk. Consistent non-statin LLT may be highly effective and should be studied prospectively.
Hypoglycemia Detection Based on ear-EEG
Authors: Cabrera Alvaro Fuentes , Kappel Simon Lind , Remvig Line Sofie , Toft Hans Olaf , Madsen Rasmus Elsborg , Kildmose Preben , Rank Mike Lind
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypoglycemia refers to the condition in which the blood glucose is severely below normal level. Hypoglycemia can cause diﬃculties to talk, headache, irritability, anxiety, confusion, convulsions, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death. These symptoms are a consequence of insuﬃcient supply of glucose to the brain. It has previously been demonstrated that hypoglycemia results in characteristic changes in the electroencephalographic (EEG) signals recorded from electrodes on the scalp. Scalp EEG is not suitable for continuous measurements, due to its obtrusive nature and limited capabilities for monitoring in real-life environments. The objective of this study was to asses the feasibility of detecting hypoglycemia-induced episodes using EEG signals recorded with dry-contact in-ear electrodes, which are discreet, have the potential for long-term EEG monitoring in real-life situations, and provide similar information to that recorded with scalp EEG. The data from 5 diabetic subjects were used for this study. Six ear-EEG channels recorded from dry-contact iridium oxide electrodes ﬁtted the right ear, and channels C3, Pz, T7, and T8 were used for the analysis and classiﬁcation procedures. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a linear kernel was used to detect the hypoglycemic episodes, using a normalized measure of the total power of the θ,α,β, and γ frequency bands as features.Results: The results showed that there were no statistical diﬀerences between the sensitivity and speciﬁcity of the contralaterally referenced scalp-scalp and ear-scalp EEG channels. Contralaterally referenced channels showed an average sensitivity over all 5 subjects ≥90%, SD≤10% and an average speciﬁcity over all 5 subjects ≥82%, SD≤24%. The sensitivities and speciﬁcities obtained with the data from the ipsilaterally referenced ear-ear EEG channels did not exceed chance level.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03022058. Registered 13 December 2016 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03022058?term=uneeg&draw=3&rank=12.
Dose- and Time-Dependent Systemic Adverse Reactions of Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose after Intraperitoneal Application in Rats
Authors: Fan Chunguang , Hou Li , Che Guoxi , Shi Yanping , Liu Xiangdong , Sun Likui , Jia Wensi , Zhu Fuyu , Zhao Zenglin , Xu Ming , Gai Xiaoxiao , Liu Chenghu
Published: December 2020

Background: Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (SCMC) is an important absorbable biomaterial for anti-adhesion and hemostasis medical devices used in the abdominal cavity. However, the systemic toxicity of SCMC following intraperitoneal route has not been revealed sufficiently. Results: 3 SCMC solutions with gradient concentrations were intraperitoneally injected into 3 group rats respectively all at once to observe the dose-dependence of systemic reactions of SCMC and 10 rats of each group were sacrificed 3d, 7d, 28d and 90d after injection to evaluate the time-dependence of the reactions. A range of adverse effects were shown in rats of high-dose(2000mg/kg) group which were found varied with time extending and virtually disappeared 90 days after injection. Slight reactions were observed in medium-dose(320mg/kg) group while negligible effects were found in low-dose(50mg/kg) group. Conclusion: The intraperitoneal application of SCMC can induce reversible systemic adverse effects to rats at the dose higher than 320mg/kg and it is essential to take both dose- and time-dependent effects into account while designing a systemic toxicity study for absorbable biomaterials.
Establishment and validation of prognostic nomograms integrating histopathological features in patients with invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Li-Li , Chen Shu-Lin , Yang Xia , Li Yue , Zhang Shi-Wen , Wen Yan-Lin , Luo Rong-Zhen
Published: December 2020

Background

To develop and verify pathological models using pathological features basing on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) images to predict postoperative survival in patients with invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA).
Method:

There were 289 patients with ECA classified into training and validation cohorts. A histological signature was produced in 191 patients and verified in the validation group. Histological models combining the histological features were built. They showed increased value compared to the conventional model in terms of individualized prognosis estimation.
Results

Our model included five selected histological characteristics and was significantly related to overall survival (OS). In the training cohort, it had AUC values of 0.862 and 0.955, respectively, for predicting 3- and 5-year survival; in the validation cohort, the equivalent values were 0.891 and 0.801. In the training cohort, it showed better OS evaluation (C-index: 0.832; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.751–0.913) than both the FIGO staging system (C-index: 0.648; 95% CI = 0.542–0.753) and treatment (C-index: 0.687; 95% CI = 0.605–0.769), with advanced efficiency for classifying survival outcomes. In both cohorts, a risk stratification system was built that could precisely stratify patients with stage I and II ECA into high-risk and low-risk subpopulations with significantly different prognoses.
Conclusion

Our nomogram with five histological signatures had better accuracy in the prediction of OS in patients with ECA. This may contribute to the development of precision medicine in such patients.
Construction and validation of a robust epigenetic gene-set based signature in ovarian cancer
Authors: Shen Wenbin , Jiang Wei , Ye Shuang , Sun Min , Yang Huijuan , Shan Boer
Published: December 2020

Background

Epigenetic factors play a critical role in tumor development and progression. The aim of this study was to construct and validate a robust epigenetic gene-set based signature for predicting prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC).
Methods

Public microarray data of OC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were identified and patients from TCGA dataset were randomized 3:1 into discovery and internal validation series. GSE14764 and GSE26712 from GEO database were combined as the external validation set. LASSO Cox regression model was performed in the discovery set to filter the most useful prognostic epigenetic factors.
Results

Based on LASSO Cox regression model, we built a 26 epigenetic factors based prognostic signature. In the discovery set, patients in high risk group showed significantly poorer overall survival than that patients in low risk group (HR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.65–2.72, P < 0.001). The results were further validated in the internal validation set (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07–2.63, P = 0.020) and external validation set (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.41–2.69; p < 0.001). Survival ROC at 5 year suggested that the epigenetic signature (AUC = 0.700) had better prognostic accuracy than any other clinicopathological factors in the entire cohort. In addition, survival decision curve analysis unveiled a considerable value of clinical utility of the epigenetic signature.
Conclusions

We successfully developed a robust epigenetic signature that can accurately predict prognosis in OC.
Antibody Response to a Live-Modified Virus Vaccine Against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea in Dairy Cattle in Field Trial
Authors: Klimowicz-Bodys Małgorzata Dorota , Ploneczka-Janeczko Katarzyna , Czopowicz Michał , Polak Mirosław P , Pruban Radosław , Rypula Krzysztof
Published: December 2020

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate of the long-term antibody response of dairy cows to a single dose of a commercial modified-live virus (MLV) vaccine against bovine viral diarrhoea (Mucosiffa® CEVA Animal Health, Spain). The study was carried out in a dairy cattle herd counting 290 animals negative for BVDV. The vaccination was implemented in calves from the age of 2 months. Twelve adult lactating cows were randomly selected before study, and blood samples were collected right before the vaccination and then 12 times at 1-month intervals. The serum samples were screened using virus neutralization test (VNT) and ELISA. Results: Both tests showed that antibody titers increased significantly in all animals within the first month post vaccination, and continued to increase until the second (VNT) and third (ELISA) month post vaccination. Antibody titers remained high and stable until the end of the study. Moreover, cows did not show any adverse reactions or clinical symptoms of disease. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the administration of one dose MLV vaccine was able to stimulate long-lasting (12-months) and strong antibody response in all vaccinated cows.
Dose-Response Relationship Among Body Mass Index, Abdominal Adiposity and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of 30 Prospective Studies
Authors: Liu Menglu , Mei Kaibo , Xie Lixia , Ma Jianyong , Yu Peng , Niu Siquan , Xu Ya , Zhao Yujie , liu xiao
Published: December 2020

Background: Whether being overweight increases the risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is unclear, and whether adiposity independently contributes to POAF has not been comprehensively studied. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the strength and shape of the exposure-effect relationship between adiposity and POAF.Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched for prospective studies (RCTs, cohort studies, and nest-case control studies) reporting data regarding the relationship between adiposity and the risk of POAF.Results: Thirty publications involving 139,302 patients were included. Analysis of categorical variables showed that obesity (RR: 1.39, P<0.001), but not being underweight (RR: 1.44, P=0.13) or being overweight (RR: 1.03, P=0.48), was associated with an increased risk of POAF. In the exposure-effect analysis, the summary RR for a 5-unit increment in body mass index (BMI) was 1.09 (P<0.001) for the risk of POAF. There was a significant linear relationship between BMI and POAF (Pnonlinearity=0.91); the curve was flat and began to rise steeply at a BMI of approximately 30. Notably, BMI levels below 30 (overweight) were not associated with a higher risk of POAF. In the subgroup analysis of surgery types, the pooled RR values for a BMI increase of 5 for coronary artery bypass graft and valve surgery were 1.21 (P<0.01) and 1.34 (P=0.25), respectively, suggesting that a potential difference in the association exists by surgery type. Additionally, waist obesity was associated with the risk of POAF (RR: 1.55, P<0.001).Conclusion: Based on the current evidence, our findings show that adiposity was independently associated with an increased risk of POAF, while being underweight or overweight might not significantly increase the POAF risk. The magnitude of the effect of obesity on AF in patients undergoing valve surgery might be small, and this finding needs to be further confirmed.
Demystifying Essential Containers and Places for Aedes Mosquito Control in Thailand
Authors: Sahavechaphan Naiyana , Chatrattikorn Asamaporn , Sadakorn Pongsakorn , Areechokechai Darin , Iamsirithaworn Sopon
Published: December 2020

Background: The strategy for prevention and control of Aedes-borne diseases relies on timely elimination of key breeding containers. There is thus a crucial need to identify key breeding containers to enhance vector control activities. The visual larval survey of wet containers has then been conducted as a routine mission of the Department of Disease Control (DDC). To facilitate this, DDC has deployed a mobile application, namely TanRabad SURVEY, since May 2016. As per an inspected place, TanRabad SURVEY supports the real-time collection of its larval survey data and processing of its larval indices and key breeding containers. Methods: Larval survey data from 2017 to 2019 were spatially and temporally collected by public health officials via TanRabad SURVEY. Several measurements were computed to identify the overall and regional key breeding containers and places; and the regional transmission potentiality of Aedes-borne diseases. The measurements for identifying essential containers were breeding potentiality, productivity, contribution and preference ratio. As for places, the larval productivity of places based on larval indices was employed. Such place productivity was also implemented for discovering the regional transmission potentiality of Aedes-borne diseases. Results: The overall essential breeding containers were water tank, unused containers, other used containers, old tyres, anti-ant bowls, drip tray of water dispensers, pet bowls and plant leaves. As for regional aspects, different regions had different essential breeding containers wherein their most common containers were unused containers, other used containers, old tyres and drip tray of water dispensers. All regions had similar experiences that villages and temples were the top two riskiest places, followed by schools, factories, hotels and hospitals. Additionally, all regions had high transmission potentiality of Aedes-borne disease as above 30 of all their places were moderate and high risk places. Conclusions: This study identified the overall and regional key breeding containers and places along with the regional transmission potentiality of Aedes-borne diseases. Beside this, the empirical evidence had shown that the breeding productivity of most containers and places in each type was gradually decreased from time to time. This was mainly because TanRabad SURVEY supported real-time risk communication to community participants and effective prevention and control program development.
Predicting Role of Dosimetric Parameters for Nonclassic Radiation-Induced Liver Disease After Helical Tomotherapy in Child-Pugh Class a Primary Liver Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Wang Boyan , Zhang Jianying , Zeng Zhaochong
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study sought to analyze the predicting role of dosimetric parameters for nonclassic radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) after helical tomotherapy (HT) in Child-Pugh (CP) class A primary liver carcinoma (PLC) patients.Patients and methodsA total number of 71 CP class A PLC patients treated with HT from June 2011 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics and dose-volume histogram (DVH) were recorded, and liver functions were followed up for 4 months after radiotherapy.ResultsIn all, 57 patients (80.3%) were male, and 14 (19.7%) were female, with a median age of 53 years. The mean gross tumor volume (GTV) was 226.8 cm3. A median dose of 55.0 Gy was delivered by HT with a median fraction size of 2.6 Gy. Twelve patients (16.9%) were diagnosed with nonclassic RILD. The mean dose to normal liver (MDTNL) and the percentage of total liver volume receiving more than 25 - 35 Gy irradiations (V25 - V35) were related to nonclassic RILD. MDTNL showed the highest AUC (0.705, p=0.026). The optimal cut-off value of MDTNL was 21.3 Gy with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 83.3%, 62.7% and 67.6%, respectively. The tolerable volume percentages for DVH were less than: V25 of 42.3%, V30 of 33.9%, and V35 of 28.3%.Conclusion﻿This study suggests that MDTNL, V25, V30 and V35 are dosimetric predictors for nonclassic RILD in CP class A PLC patients. MDTNL < 21.3Gy, V25 < 42.3%, V30 < 33.9%, and V35 < 28.3% may be used to optimize HT planning.
Genetic Analysis of the Barley Variegation Mutant, Grandpa1.α
Authors: Yang Shengming , Overlander Megan , Fiedler Jason
Published: December 2020

Background Providing the photosynthesis factory for plants, chloroplasts are critical for crop biomass and economic yield. However, chloroplast development is a complicated process, coordinated by the cross-communication between the nucleus and plastids, and the underlying biogenesis mechanism has not been fully revealed. Variegation mutants have provided ideal models to identify genes or factors involved in chloroplast development. Well-developed chloroplasts are present in the green tissue areas, while the white areas contain undifferentiated plastids that are deficient in chlorophyll. Unlike albino plants, variegation mutants survive to maturity and enable investigation into the signaling pathways underlying chloroplast biogenesis. The allelic variegated mutants in barley, grandpa 1 (gpa1), have long been identified but have not been genetically characterized. Results We characterized and genetically analyzed the grandpa1.a (gpa1.a) mutant. The chloroplast ultrastructure was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and it was confirmed that chloroplast biogenesis was disrupted in the white sections of gpa1.a. To determine the precise position of Gpa1, a high-resolution genetic map was constructed. Segregating individuals were genotyped with the barley 50k iSelect SNP Array, and the linked SNPs were converted to PCR-based markers for genetic mapping. The Gpa1 gene was mapped to chromosome 2H within a gene cluster functionally related to photosynthesis or chloroplast differentiation. In the variegated gpa1.a mutant, we identified a large deletion in this gene cluster that eliminates a putative plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX).Conclusions Here we characterized and genetically mapped the gpa1.a mutation causing a variegation phenotype in barley. The PTOX-encoding gene in the delimited region is a promising candidate for Gpa1. Therefore, the present study provides a foundation for the cloning of Gpa1, which will elevate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying chloroplast biogenesis, particularly in monocot plants.
Small RNA and Degradome Analyses Uncovering the Extensive Effects of miRNAs and Targets in Early Developing Grains of Common Wheat
Authors: Chen Qiaoyan , Xu Lina , Guan Yuanyuan , Buttar Zeeshan Ali , Li Gan , Zhang Guang , Li Chunxiao , Huang Jinyong , Liu Mingjiu , Wei Wenhui
Published: December 2020

Background: The development of grains is important for wheat production, and wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the staple food crops worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as a kind of small regulatory RNAs, play important roles during plant growth and development. Although the development of plant grain/seed is widely researched, there is limited knowledge on miRNAs’s regulation of early developing wheat grains. Results: In the present study, miRNAs and their targets were explored in early developing grains of wheat cultivar “Bainong 4199” at 7DAP and 14 DAP using high-throughput small RNA and degradome sequencing. A total of 105 known and 79 novel miRNAs were identified, including 46 known and 32 novel miRNAs from 7 DAP library and 87 known and 78 novel miRNAs from 14 DAP library, respectively. Expression analysis of miRNAs revealed that 39 miRNAs including 19 known and 20 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed between 7 DAP and 14 DAP. In total, 266 targets for 40 known wheat miRNAs, 152 targets for 13 other known plant miRNAs and 258 targets for 25 novel miRNAs were predicted across small RNA and degradome analyses. For differentially expressed miRNAs, 23 targets were predicted to be cleaved by 7 miRNAs, including 3 known and 4 novel miRNAs. Majority of the miRNAs potentially regulated multiple targets, whereas some miRNAs only acted on a single target gene. Functional analyses showed that miRNAs and their targets widely participated in the regulations of early wheat grain development and metabolism. The expression patterns of the randomly selected miRNAs and targets were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and showed consistent and reliable results. Conclusion: This study suggests that quite a few known and novel miRNAs and their targets play extensive roles during the early grain development of common wheat. Understanding of miRNA-mediated regulatory network involved in wheat grain development will help us to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying wheat grain development and carry out ingenious molecular improvements in wheat breeding.
Trend of Geographical Distribution of Stomach Cancer in Iran From 2004-2014
Authors: Moradian Farid , Fararouei Mohammad , Karami Maryam , Ghelichi-Ghojogh mousa , Gheibi Zahra , Nikeghbalian Zahra , Akbari Atieh , Akbari Mohammad-esmaeil
Published: December 2020

Background: Among different common types of cancer, Gastric cancer (GC) is a worldwide health priority in both developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to map the distribution of incident cases of GC in Iran to provide a geographical presentation of the incidence of the disease.Methods: This study used the Iranian National Cancer Registry (INCR) data from 2004 to 2014. Excel was used to do the primary analysis including calculation of GC incidence for each province and also to provide a frequency table of the type and location of GC by the provinces. ArcGIS 10.5 (Redlands, CA, USA) mapping software was used to map the provincial age-standardized incidence rates by sex. The type and location of the GC cases were obtained from the NCR dataset.Results: According to the results of the present study, the patients were predominantly male 49,907 (70.0%). During the study period, the highest and lowest age-standardized incidence rates of GC in Iran in 2014 were reported from Ardebil (IR=30.19) and Ghom (IR=1.00) respectively. A significant difference was observed when the distribution of the location of GC tumors was compared between males and females (P<0.001).Conclusions: The results of the current study suggested a lower rate of GC incidence rate was reported in Iran when compared to the global figure in both females and males. The findings suggest involving different factors with different effects in GC among Iranian populations. Further studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and etiology of the disease.
Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Adults on Antiretroviral Therapy In Public Hospitals of Kembata Tembaro Zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Girma Addisu , Tekleselasie Wondwosen , Yohannes Tadele
Published: December 2020

BackgroundCurrently, people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus have longer life expectancies with the use of antiretroviral therapy. However; depression is the most common in these patients, which has markedly resulted to poor health outcomes due to reduced adherence to treatment and deterioration of medical outcomes, including treatment resistance, increase the demand for the utilization of medical resources and increase the morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among adult people living with HIV attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in public hospitals at KembataTembaro Zone, South Ethiopia,2020.MethodAn institution based cross sectional study was conducted in public Hospitals of KembataTembaro Zone from March 1/2020-April30/2020. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Multivariable Logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with depression using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 44.3% (95% CI: 39.4% − 49.2 Being female (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.21,3.40), living alone (AOR = 3.09,95%CI :1.68,5.68), Having HIV related stigma (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.73, 4.71), poor social support (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.78), CD4 count less than 350 cell/ul (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.48, 4.58) and Poor medication adherence (AOR = 2.19,95% CI: 1.32, 3.65) were factors significantly associated with depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression was high. Being female, living alone, having HIV related stigma, Poor social support, CD4 count less than 350 cell/ul and poor medication adherence were associated with depression. Depression should be included as part of the routine consultation of HIV patients to ensure early detection and treatment.
Accelerated Failure Time Model with Weighted Least-Squares Estimation: Application on Survival of HIV Positives
Authors: Mustefa Yesuf Abdela , Chen Ding-Geng
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSurvival analysis is the most appropriate method of analysis for time to event data. The classical accelerated failure time model is a more powerful and interpretable model than the Cox proportional hazards model provided that, model imposed distributional and homoscedasticity assumptions satisfied. However, most of the real data are heteroscedastic which violate the fundamental assumption and consequently, the statistical inference could be erroneous in accelerated failure time modeling. Weighted least squares estimation for accelerated failure time model is an efficient semi-parametric approach for time to event data without the homoscedasticity assumption, which is developed recently and not often utilized for real data analysis. Thus, the study was conducted to ascertain the predictive performance of weighted least squares estimation method over the classical methods.MethodsWe analyzed a sample of 203 real Antiretroviral Therapy dataset. We compared the results from clasical methods of estimation for accelerated failure time model with the results revealed from the weighted least squares estimation.ResultsWe found that the data are heteroscedastic. The weighted least squares estimation revealed more accurate, and efficient estimates of covariates effect. It also detected more significant covariates. Accordingly, survival of HIV positives varies with age, weight, functional status, CD4 percent, and clinical stages.ConclusionsThe weighted least squares estimation performed best in predicting the survival of HIV patients. Thus, we recommend future researchers should utilize weighted least squares estimation rather than the classical methods when the homoscedasticity assumption is violated.
Common Pathogens and Their Resistance to Antimicrobials in Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): A Single Center Study in Bangladesh
Authors: MA Kausar , M Nasir , S Paul , MH Rahman , A Kalam , FU Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Pneumonia is a worldwide, serious threat to health and an enormous socio-economic burden for health care system. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with a significant mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of predominant microbial patterns in CAP constitutes the basis for initial decisions about empirical antimicrobial treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the bacterial etiology of CAP in adult hospitalized patients and to see their antibiotic sensitivity pattern as well as to observe their clinical profile and short term outcome. It was a hospital based prospective observational study. A total of 87 hospitalized patients diagnosed with CAP were enrolled consecutively from the medicine ward of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Sputum for Gram staining, Z N staining, culture sensitivity, blood culture and sensitivity and PCR for Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumonia and Streptococcus pneumonia were done. Patients were followed up for in-hospital outcome and 30-day mortality. The mean (±SD) age was 49.59±16.97 years and male female ratio was 1.56:1. Fever, chest pain and cough were the most common clinical features. Sputum culture, blood culture and PCR were positive in 60.9%, 1.1% and 4.6% of the samples respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified in the sputum culture of the majority of the patients (39.1%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.3%), Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (5.7%). The only one sample which was positive in blood culture and it was Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in all the 4 PCR positive cases. The highly sensitive drugs were meropenem, levofloxacin and amikacin. The mean (±SD) duration of hospital stay was 6.34±2.37. In hospital mortality and 30-day mortality was 6.9% and 16.1% respectively. Gram-negative bacteria pre-dominate in the bacteriologic profile of CAP using conventional sputum and blood culture. There is need for further conventional serologic tests for atypical and viral pathogens in all patients admitted with CAP.
Substance use Treatment and Harm Reduction Services for Migrants and Refugees in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Global Survey
Authors: Jong Cornelis De , Farhoudian Ali , Vahidi Mehrnoosh , Ebrahimi Mohsen , Ekhtiari Hamed , Rafei Parnian , Busse Anja , Brady Kathleen , Yunesian Masud , Ezard Nadine , Radfar Ramin , Baldacchino Alexander
Published: December 2020

Migrants and refugees are considered vulnerable to mental health problems and substance use disorders; and may be particularly affected by service disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) ran a multi-phased global survey among clinicians and health professional that are actively working in the field of addiction medicine to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and related services. In March 2020, the first month after the announcement of the pandemic by the World Health Organization, 177 informants from 77 countries took part in the global survey, and only 12.9% of them reported their countries’ substance use treatment and harm reduction services for the migrants and refugees with substance use disorders continued as usual. In May 2020, 11.7% of respondents of the second phase reported that the services for refugees and migrants improved in comparison to March 2020; 11.7% reported that these services in their country discontinued. Results suggest that refugee and migrants access to treatment and harm reduction services has been reduced as a result of COVID-19. It can be concluded that it is crucial to improve the visibility of migrants’ needs and exploit appropriate interventions for those with substance use disorders.
Optical and dielectric properties of polycrystalline gallium ferrite thin films on Pt/Si substrates
Authors: Mishra Monali , Swain Smrutirekha , Dash Sukalyan , Mukherjee Somdutta
Published: December 2020

In this work, GaFeO 3 thin films are deposited on Pt/Si substrates using sol-gel spin coating technique. The effect of these films on different properties such as: structural, optical and electrical properties are investigated. X- ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that GaFeO 3 has orthorhombic Pc2 1 n symmetry. Scanning electron microscopy reveals the uniform distribution of sol and crack free nature of the films. The optical absorption spectrum was recorded using DRS UV-Vis which showed the thin films are absorbed in the visible region. We have also performed experimentally which determines the flat band potential using Mott-Schottky equation. The width of the space charge region and charge carrier concentration of the thin films is also calculated. The dielectric properties of the thin films are also studied in this paper. This work opens up the possibility for the polycrystalline GaFeO 3 thin films to be used as phototelectrodes.
Comparative Outcomes in Patients Receiving Pirfenidone or Nintedanib for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Belhassen Manon , Dalon Faustine , Nolin Maëva , Ganse Eric Van
Published: December 2020

Background: Real-world data regarding outcomes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are scarce, outside of registries. In France, pirfenidone and nintedanib are only reimbursed for documented IPF, with similar reimbursement criteria with respect to disease characteristics, prescription through a dedicated form, and IPF diagnosis established in multidisciplinary discussion. Research question: The data of the comprehensive French National Health System were used to evaluate outcomes in patients newly treated with pirfenidone or nintedanib in 2015–2016. Study design and methods: Patients aged <50 years or who had pulmonary fibrosis secondary to an identified cause were excluded. All-cause mortality, acute respiratory-related hospitalisations and treatment discontinuations up to 31 December 2017 were compared using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age, sex, year of treatment initiation, time to treatment initiation and proxies of disease severity identified during a pre-treatment period. Results: During the study period, a treatment with pirfenidone or nintedanib was newly initiated in 804 and 509 patients, respectively. No difference was found between groups for age, sex, time to treatment initiation, Charlson comorbidity score, and number of hospitalisations or medical contacts prior to treatment initiation. As compared to pirfenidone, nintedanib was associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.6), a greater risk of acute respiratory-related hospitalisations (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.7) and a lower risk of treatment discontinuation at 12 months (HR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6–0.9).Interpretation: This observational study identified potential differences in outcome under newly prescribed antifibrotic drugs, deserving further explorations.
Network Pharmacology-based Study of Simiao Yongan Decoction for Treatment of Herpes Zoster Infection
Authors: Hongtao Liu , Guanyan Chen , Zhenhai Wu , Qiuqin Tang
Published: December 2020

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is a virus that causes infectious diseases that impact the quality of life of patients. Herein, we applied network pharmacological methods to predict the target of bioactive components in Simiao Yongan Decoction (SYD) that could treat HZ. Methods: We developed a Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMP) and GenneCards databases for screening of bioactive components of SYD, their targets, and HZ related targets. A bioactive component-target network of SYD was constructed using Cytoscape. We also constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes Database (STRING) to identify potential SYD targets for the treatment of HZ. "ClusterProfiler" in R-project was used for Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. We screened SYD hub genes based on component-target network topological parameters and confirmed the findings by molecular docking. We selected 126 bioactive components and 235 targets. Results: By assessing the topological parameters of the degree network, we identified that CDK2, CASP3, JUN, AKT1, and MAPK1 were hub genes related to SYD-based therapy against HZ. The findings showed that treatment of HZ with SYD mainly involved toll-like receptor, C-type lectin receptor, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and other signaling pathways. The molecular docking results revealed good binding energy between the SYD bioactive compounds and hub targets. Conclusion: We showed that SYD could effectively treat HZ via multiple targets and pathways. Our results provide theoretical support for treatment of HZ with SYD and a new direction for such treatment using traditional Chinese medicine.
Integrating the transcriptome and proteome to identify important functional genes for laying hens with hard- or weak-shelled eggs
Authors: Wu Yan , Pi Jinsong , Zhang Hao , Xiao Hongwei , Pan Ailuan , Shen Jie , Pu Yuejin , Liang Zhenhua , Du Jinping
Published: December 2020

Background

Eggshell strength and thickness are critical factors for reducing the egg breaking rate and preventing economic losses. The calcite biomineralization process is very important for eggshell quality. Therefore, we employed transcriptional sequencing and proteomics to investigate the differences between the uteruses of laying hens with high- or low-breaking-strength shells.
Results

We identified 1028 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 270 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The analysis results of GO terms and KEGG pathways showed most of the DEGs and DEPs were enriched in vital pathways related to such processes as calcium metabolism, hormone and amino acid biosynthesis, and cell proliferation and apoptosis. Some DEGs and DEPs that were coexpressed at mRNA and protein levels were verified.
Conclusion

in summary, this study confirmed that during normal calcification, there are differences in ion transport between the uterus of hens producing high-breaking-strength and those producing low-breaking-strength eggshells, which may help to elucidate the eggshell calcification process.
Pulmonary Vasodilation by Sildenafil in Acute Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism – A Randomized Explorative Trial
Authors: Andersen Asger , Waziri Farhad , Schultz Jacob Gammelgaard , Holmboe Sarah , Becker Søren Warberg , Jensen Tage , Søndergaard Hanne Maare , Dodt Karen Kaae , May Ole , Mortensen Ulrik Markus , Kim Won Yong , Mellemkjær Søren , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate if acute pulmonary vasodilation by sildenafil improves right ventricular function in patients with acute intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods: Single center, explorative trial. Patients with PE were randomized to a single oral dose of sildenafil 50mg (n=10) or placebo (n=10) as add-on to conventional therapy. The time from hospital admission to study inclusion was 2.3 ± 0.7 days. Right ventricular function was evaluated immediately before and shortly after (0.5-1.5h) randomization by right heart catheterization (RHC), trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The primary efficacy endpoint was cardiac index measured by CMR. Results: Patients had acute intermediate-high risk PE verified by computed tomography pulmonary angiography, systolic blood pressure of 135 ± 18 (mean ± SD) mmHg, increased right ventricular/left ventricular ratio 1.1 ± 0.09 and increased troponin T 167 ± 144 ng/L. Sildenafil treatment did not improve cardiac index compared to baseline (0.02 ± 0.36 l/min/m2, p=0.89) and neither did placebo (0.00 ± 0.34 l/min/m2, p=0.97). Conclusion: A single oral dose of sildenafil 50 mg did not improve cardiac index but lowered systemic blood pressure in patients with acute intermediate-high risk PE. The time from PE to intervention, a small patient sample size and low pulmonary vascular resistance are limitations of this study that should be considered when interpreting the results.