bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INCIDENCE OF RIFAMPICIN-RESISTANCE PRESUMPTIVE M. TUBERCULOSIS CASES AMONG OUTPATIENTS IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Danlami Mohammed Bashar , Aliyu Basiru , Samuel Grace
Published: December 2020

Background: The present study determined the incidence of rifampicin resistance M. tuberculosis among outpatients at the General Hospital Yauri, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted from February 2018 to October 2019. Sociodemographic data were collected from hospital registration books. Rifampicin resistance M. tuberculosis was detected using GeneXpert Model GX-IV following manufacturers' instruction. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were computed using SPSS version 20. The results were presented as odds ratios with associated 95% confidence intervals, and P-value at 0.05. Result: Of the 837 samples, 65.8% (551/837) were males, and 34.2% (286/837) females, 11.4% (95/837) HIV-seropositive. M. tuberculosis was detected in 15.5% (130/837), of which 116/130 (89.23%) were males and 14/130 (10.77%) females. M. tuberculosis¬-HIV coinfection was detected in 9.47% (9/95) of HIV positive. Rifampicin resistance was observed in 1.3% (11/837), 7.7% (10/130) in M. tuberculosis patients and 1.05% (1/94) in HIV seropositive. In logistic regression, the odds ratio for having a rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis was 0.49 (0.15-1.54) for > 30 years; taking <30 years as the reference value, 1.02 (1.00-1.03) for male; taking female as the reference value, and 0.78 (0.09-6.15) for HIV positive, taking negative as the reference value. Conclusion: This study reported the current incidence rate of rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis at the General Hospital Yelwa Yauri, Kebbi State, Nigeria, among presumptive TB patients. Patients diagnosed with rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis were predominantly male adults. Thus, frequent screening is vital for surveillance and reduces the risk of transmission and spread of M. tuberculosis infections.
Structure and properties forming in ductile iron during isothermal hardening using ultrasound
Authors: Kovalko M. S. , Volochko A. T. , Ziziko A. V. , Rubanik V. V.
Published: December 2020

The paper considers the possibility of intensifying isothermal holding processes during quenching of high-strength cast irons by using an external source of physical impact in the form of ultrasonic waves. For experimental evaluation of this effect in the laboratory of MiAM of the Physical-Technical Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, prototypes of highstrength cast irons were cast in an ISV 0.004 crucible induction furnace. A mixture of NaNO2 and KNO3 salts in a 1:1 ratio was used as a liquid cooling medium during quenching. Ultrasonic treatment of the salt melt during the cooling of the samples was carried out using an UZG-20–15 generator in cooperation with the ITA of NAS of Belarus. The mechanical properties and structure of the treated cast irons were determined both in the cast state and after isothermal quenching.

To study the effect of ultrasonic treatment of the quenching bath on the formation of the structure and properties of highstrength cast irons during isothermal quenching, a number of comparative experiments were carried out, consisting in cooling the samples from 910 °C to 350 °C with and without the use of dynamic waves to the bath. With the help of metallographic analysis, measurements of hardness and friction coefficient, the beneficial effect of ultrasonic treatment of the cooling medium on the structure and properties is shown, which is reflected in an increase in the uniformity of the distribution of hardness over the cross section of cast iron and in its wear resistance, as well as a reduction in the isothermal holding time by up to two times.
Influencing factors and functioning mechanism of the service experience of elderly care when integrated with health care in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Liu Zhihan , Zhang Wenya , Su Linyi
Published: December 2020

Background: As a service delivery mode of integrating health care with elderly care has begun to be vigorously promoted in China, it is urgent to carry out studies on the service experience from the perspective of the elderly, to help evaluate and understand the service performance. Different from the existing quantitative research, this study employed qualitative methodology to dig deeper into the influencing factors and functioning mechanism in shaping the service experience of elderly care when integrated with health care, in the Chinese context. Methods: Based on Constructing Grounded Theory, we coded and analyzed the in-depth interview data of 20 elders and 6 management staff recruited from 6 elderly care institutions under the emerging service delivery mode being piloted in Changsha, China. Results: It was found that the service experience of elderly care when integrated with health care is mainly affected by scenario construction, individual cognition and interactive communication. Specifically, the influencing factors can be divided into 9 sub-categories: social foundation, institutional characteristics, service characteristics, psychological characteristics, cognitive ability, understanding and perception, interactive trust, communication and participation feedback. Based on these influencing factors and the functioning mechanism (a total of 9 influencing paths), we proposed a theoretical model of the service experience of elderly care when integrated with health care. Conclusions: Service characteristics, institutional characteristics and interactive trust have direct effects on the service experience of elderly care when integrated with health care, while social foundation, psychological characteristics, cognitive ability, understanding and perception, communication and participation feedback have indirect effects. From the perspective of polycentric governance, to improve the elderly care service experience, the government needs to make overall plans to reduce the cooperation resistance caused by the uneven distribution of interests among different departments. Moreover, the policy network needs to give more attention to the elderly while improving the supply of institutional services.
New insights into the molecular mechanism behind mannitol and erythritol fructosylation by β-fructofuranosidase from Schwanniomyces occidentalis
Authors: Rodrigo-Frutos David , Jiménez-Ortega Elena , Piedrabuena David , Ramírez-Escudero Mercedes , Míguez Noa , Plou Francisco , Sanz-Aparicio Julia , Fernández-Lobato María
Published: December 2020

The β-fructofuranosidase from Schwanniomyces occidentalis (Ffase) is a useful biotechnological tool for the fructosylation of different acceptors to produce fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and fructo-conjugates. In this work, the structural determinants of Ffase involved in the transfructosylating reaction of the alditols mannitol and erythritol have been studied in detail. Complexes with fructosyl-erythritol or sucrose were analyzed by crystallography and the effect of mutational changes in positions Gln-176, Gln-228, and Asn-254 revised to explore their role in modulating this biocatalytic process. Interestingly, N254T variant enhanced the wild-type protein production of fructosyl-erythritol and FOS by `30% and 48%, respectively. Moreover, it showed a shift towards neokestose, which represented ~27% of total FOS, and yielded 31.8 g l-1 blastose by using glucose as exclusive fructosyl-acceptor. Noteworthy, N254D and Q176E replacements turned the specificity of Ffase transferase activity towards the synthesis of the fructosylated polyols at the expense of FOS production, but without increasing the total reaction efficiency. The results presented here highlight the relevance of the pair Gln-228/Asn-254 for Ffase donor-sucrose binding and opens new windows of opportunity for optimizing the generation of fructosyl-derivatives by this enzyme enhancing its biotechnological applicability.
Development and Assessment of The Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases-Gout(QLICD-GO) (V2.0)
Authors: Liu Qiongling , Wan Chonghua , Xie Xiaohua , Liu Xu , Zhang Xingshan , Rao Jiawei , Wang Xingjie , Pan Haiyan
Published: December 2020

Background: To develop and assess the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases-Gout (QLICD-GO [V2.0]).Methods: The instrument was developed using a programmatic decision-making method to combine the general module of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases and a new specific module. The instrument was assessed by measuring the quality of life of 116 patients with gout. Results: The QLICD-GO(V2.0) included 28 items from the general module of chronic diseases and 12 items in three facets from the specific module. In addition to the field of physiological function, the internal consistency reliability of other fields and dimensions of the instrument was >0.7 and the split-half reliability was >0.5. Three common factors were extracted from the specific module, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 57.54%. The standardized response means of the specific module and the whole instrument were 0.94 and 1.20, respectively. Conclusions: The QLICD-GO(V2.0) has good reliability, validity, and responsiveness. The instrument comprehensively and objectively reflects the quality of life of patients with gout, and it can be used to assess treatment regimens developed by medical staff.
Identification of the Suitable Insertion Site for Expression of Spike Gene of A Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Variant in A Pseudorabies Virus Vector
Authors: Zhang Chuanjian , Guo Shiqi , Guo Rongli , Chen Saisai , Zheng Yating , Xu Mengwei , Wang Zhisheng , Liu Yamei , Wang Jichun
Published: December 2020

Background: The emergence of variant porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strain and pseudorabies virus (PRV) in China in recent years has decreased the effectiveness of CV777 and Bartha K61 vaccines, causing significant loss to the swine industry. Previously, we generated a TK&gE-deleted PRV (PRVTK&gE-AH02) based on a virulent PRV AH02LA strain. It was shown to be safe for 1-day-old piglets with maternal PRV antibodies and 4～5 week-old PRV antibody negative piglets and provide rapid and complete protection in weaned pigs against lethal challenge with the PRV variant strain. PRVTK&gE-AH02 may be a promising live vaccine vector for construction of recombinant vaccine in pigs. PEDV spike (S) protein is mainly used in the development of PEDV vaccines. Therefore, the gene-deleted PRV (from PRV variants) vectored vaccine expressing variant PEDV S gene may be viable PEDV and PRV vaccine candidates. However, insertion site is an important factor affecting foreign gene expression and vaccine efficacy. Results: In this study, we constructed four recombinant PRV-S bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) carrying the same S expression cassette in different noncoding regions (UL11-10, UL35-36, UL46-27 or US2-1) from AH02LA BAC with TK, gE and gI deletion. The successful expression of S gene (UL11-10, UL35-36 and UL46-27) in recombinant viruses was confirmed by virus rescue, PCR, RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence. We observed higher S gene mRNA expression level in Swine testicular cells infected with PRV-S(UL11-10)ΔTK/gE and PRV-S (UL35-36)ΔTK/gE compared to that of PRV-S(UL46-27)ΔTK/gE at 6 hour post infection (P < 0.05). Moreover, at 12 hour post infection, cells infected with PRV-S (UL11-10)ΔTK/gE exhibited higher S gene mRNA expression than those infected with PRV-S (UL35-36)ΔTK/gE (P = 0.097) and PRV-S (UL46-27)ΔTK/gE (P < 0.05). Recovered vectored mutant PRV-S (UL11-10, UL35-36 and UL46-27) exhibited similar growth kinetics to the parental virus (PRVTK&gE-AH02).Conclusions: The identification and comparison of the insertion sites in PRV genome laids a foundation for future development of recombinant PRV vaccines.
Therapeutic Inertia in the Management of Proteinuria Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Hong Kong Primary Care Setting: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: CHAN FU LEUNG , CHEN XIAO RUI CATHERINE , LI YIM CHU
Published: December 2020

Background: Proteinuria is a well-known predictor of poor renal and cardiovascular outcomes in T2DM patientsMethods: Objectives: To explore the prevalence of Therapeutic inertia (TI) on proteinuria management among T2DM patients in primary care and possible patients’ and doctors’ factors.Study design: Cross-sectional studySubjects: T2DM patients with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria from 1/1/2014 to 31/12/2015.Outcome assessments: The prevalence of TI on proteinuria management and its association patients’ factors and the working profile of the attending doctors.Results: 5, 163 (26.4%) patients had diabetic nephropathy (DMN) with micro- or macroalbuminuria. Among the sampled 385 patients with DMN, TI was found to be 40.3%. Doctor factors for higher TI rate include male sex and doctors with longer duration of clinical practice and who have never received any form of Family Medicine training. Patients factors include lower average systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure reading. Patients’ SBP reading and microalbuminuria were negative association factor whereas doctor’s year of clinical practice being over 21 years and patients being treated with submaximal dose of medication were positive association factors to TI. Conclusions: TI is commonly present on proteinuria management among T2DM patients managed in the primary care. Patient’s systolic blood pressure reading, microalbuminuria level, Dr’s year of clinical practice and dose of ACEI/ARB were found to be associated with the presence of TI. Further study on the barriers and strategies to combat TI is needed to improve the clinical outcome among T2DM patients.
Development of an Intervention to Support Reproductive Health of Garment Factory Workers in Cambodia
Authors: Smith Chris , Sokhey Ly , Tijamo Camille , McLaren Megan , Free Caroline , Watkins Justin , Amra Ou , Masuda Chisato , Williamson Amy , Oreglia Elisa
Published: December 2020

Background: Garment factory workers in Cambodia are potentially a vulnerable population in terms of support for reproductive health issues and access to services, as the majority are young women aged under 30 years who have migrated from rural areas away from their family and community support. The aim of this paper was to describe the development of an intervention to support the reproductive health of garment factory workers in Cambodia.Methods: The research was conducted by a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds in public health, linguistics, digital cultures and service delivery in a suburb of Phnom Penh where many garment factories cluster. Informed by intervention mapping approaches, we conducted a needs assessment with general and participant observation and semi-structured interviews, followed by intervention development activities including specifying possible behaviour change, designing the intervention and producing and refining intervention content.Results: Our research identified some challenges that Cambodian garment factory workers experience regarding contraception and abortion. Concerns or experience of side-effects were identified as an important determinant leading to non-use of effective contraception and subsequent unintended pregnancy. Financial constraints or a desire to space pregnancies were the main reported reasons to seek an abortion. Information about medical abortion given to women by private providers was often verbal, with packaging and the drug information leaflet withheld. Given the observed widespread use of social media among factory workers, we developed three short ‘edutainment’ videos about contraception which were evaluated after one month. In addition we adapted three informative videos made by Marie Stopes International (MSI) from English to the Khmer language, and also adapted the MSI medical abortion ‘Mariprist’ instruction leaflet to a simple video format.Conclusions: We describe the development of an intervention to support reproductive health among garment factory workers in Cambodia. These videos could be further improved and additional videos could be developed. More work is required to develop appropriate and effective interventions to support reproductive health of garment factory workers in Cambodia.Trial registration: N/A
Association Analysis Between Different Diabetic Family History and Gender with Diagnosed Age of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Hao Zhaohu , Huang Xiao , Liu Xiaohui , Xu Rong , Yao JunXin , He Feng , Shao Hailin
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the correlation between different diabetic family history and gender with diagnosed age of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods: To register the newly diagnosed T2DM patients who were admitted to the diabetes identification center of our hospital from October 2017 to June 2020. According to whether the age of diagnosis is more than 40 years old, patients were divided into two groups (early-onset T2DM and late-onset T2DM). In the study,the DM family history was divided into five types: (a)Father DM:Only the father had diabetes in both parents;(b)Mother DM:Only the mother had diabetes in both parents;(c)Both parents DM,Both parents have DM;(d)other family history of DM (without father or mother with DM) and (e)without family history of DM.The diagnosed age with different genders and diabetic family history is compared.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the correlation factors of early-onset T2DM.Results: 3725 patients completed the survey. There were 589 patients (15.8%) with early-onset T2DM, and2469 patients (66.3%) had diabetic family history. The T2DM diagnosed age in male was lower than that in female(51.7 ± 11.2vs54.0 ± 10.2,t = -6.283, p<0.001).The result was also reflected in different DM family history(with Both parents DM,46.7±11.1vs48.5±10.3,t = -1.105, p=0.271;with Father DM,46.8±10.8vs49.8±11.3,t=-2.825,p=0.005;with Mother DM,50.4±10.6vs52.3±10.2,t=-2.342,p=0.019;with other DM familiy history,54.0±10.8vs55.7±9.5,t=-2.652,p=0.008;with NO DM familiy history,53.0±11.0vs55.9±9.3,t=-4.738,p<0.001).T2DM diagnosed age with both parents DM(47.5±11.0) and father DM(47.9±11.1) family history<that with mother DM family history(51.1±10.5) < that with other DM family history(54.7±10.3) and no DM family history(54.1±10.5).Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender(OR2.124,p<0.001), father DM history(OR2.7,p<0.001), mother DM history(OR1.548,p=0.001), both parents DM(OR2.844,p<0.001),BMI(OR1.106,p<0.001) and drinking history(OR0.682,p=0.002) were correlated with early-onset T2DM.Conclusion: Patients with early-onset T2DM tend to have more obvious DM family history in China. This survey shows that the parent DM family history especially father diabetes family history, male patients are diagnosed T2DM earlier.Drinking history was negatively correlated with the early-onset T2DM in male patients.We need more aggressive screening for diabetes in children with a family history of diabetes, especially in men.
Negative Surgical Exploration in Patients Suspected GIP: Trend, Preoperative Predictors, Etiologies, and Outcomes
Authors: Liu Xuan , Zhang Bo , Gong Yuda
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the rapid improvement of clinical science and imaging technology including computed tomography, the entity of negative surgical exploration in suspected gastrointestinal perforation (N-GIP) remains existing. However, few studies have focused on this issue and most studies are case reports. We undertook this study to investigate the rates of N-GIP, and explore a set of possible preoperative predictors associated with N-GIP.METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed at the department of general surgery in our treatment center. All patients included were suspected GIP cases, aged 14 years and over, and underwent emergency surgery between 2009 and 2019. A predictive multivariable model of the presence of N-GIP was developed using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: A total of 973 patients were identified and 30 (3.1%) were found to have no evidence of perforated gastrointestinal tract. The mean age of patients was 59.74 (range 14–97) years and 67.2 percent of the patients were males. The rates of N-GIP did not have a significant change over time (P =0.212 for trend). In multivariable analysis, absence of generalized peritonitis, duration of abdominal pain > 19.6 hours, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio < 3.80 were significant predictors of N-GIP. N-GIP was more common in patients with gastrointestinal tumors and foreign bodies. Five patients (16.7%) in N-GIP group experienced complications and the 90-day mortality rate was 6.7%.CONCLUSION: The rates of N-GIP did not change significantly over time. N-GIP was associated with the absence of generalized peritonitis, duration of abdominal pain > 19.6 hours, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio < 3.80.
Reprogramming of the Wheat Transcriptome in Response to Infection with Claviceps Purpurea, the Causal Agent of Ergot
Authors: Boyd Lesley A. , Tente Eleni , Ereful Nelzo , Rodriguez Anyela Camargo , Grant Paul , O’Sullivan Donal M. , Gordon Anna
Published: December 2020

Background: Ergot, caused by the fungal pathogen Claviceps purpurea, infects the female flowers of a range of cereal crops, including wheat. To understand the interaction between C. purpurea and hexaploid wheat we undertook an extensive examination of the reprogramming of the wheat transcriptome in response to C. purpurea infection through floral tissues (i.e. the stigma, transmitting and base ovule tissues of the ovary) and over time. Results: C. purpurea hyphae were observed to have grown into and down the stigma at 24 hours (H) after inoculation. By 48H hyphae had grown through the transmitting tissue into the base, while by 72H hyphae had surrounded the ovule. By 5 days (D) the ovule had been replaced by fungal tissue. Significant differential gene expression was first observed at 1H in the stigma tissue. Many of the wheat genes differentially transcribed in response to C. purpurea infection were associated with plant hormones and included the ethylene (ET), auxin, cytokinin, gibberellic acid (GA), salicylic acid and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthetic and signaling pathways. Hormone-associated genes were first detected in the stigma and base tissues at 24H, but not in the transmitting tissue. Genes associated with GA and JA pathways were seen in the stigma at 24H, while JA and ET-associated genes were identified in the base at 24H. In addition, several defence-associated genes were differential expressed in response to C. purpurea infection, including antifungal proteins, endocytosis/exocytosis-related proteins, NBS-LRR class proteins, genes involved in programmed cell death, receptor protein kinases and transcription factors. Of particular interest was the identification of significant differential expression of wheat genes in the base tissue well before the appearance of fungal hyphae, suggesting that a mobile signal, either pathogen or plant-derived, is delivered to the base prior to colonisation.Conclusions: Multiple host hormonal biosynthesis and signalling pathways were significantly perturbed from an early stage in the wheat – C. purpurea interaction. Significant differential gene expression at the base of the ovary, ahead of arrival of the pathogen, indicated the potential presence of a long-distance signal modifying host gene expression.
Clinical, Laboratory, and Chest CT Features of Severe Versus Non-Severe Pediatric Patients with COVID‐19 Infection Among Different Age Groups
Authors: Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Esmaeilian Saeid , Jahankhah Reza , Teimouri Arash , sherbaf Farzaneh ghazi , Rafiee Faranak , Jalli Reza , Hooshmandi Sedighe
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, laboratory, and chest computed tomography (CT) findings between severe and non-severe patients as well as between different age groups of pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19.Method: This study was performed on 55 pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized in Namazi and Ali Asghar Hospitals, Shiraz, Iran. Patients were divided into severe (n=27) and non-severe (n=28) groups. Also, they were categorized into three age groups: aged less than two years, 3-12 years and 13-17 years. CT scans, laboratory, and clinical features were taken from all patients at the admission time. Abnormal chest CT in COVID-19 pneumonia was found to show one of the following findings: ground-glass opacities (GGO), bilateral involvement, peripheral and diffuse distribution.Result: Fever (79.2%) and dry cough (75.5%) were the most common clinical symptoms. Severe COVID-19 patients showed lymphocytosis compared to non-severe ones (P = 0.028). C-reactive protein (CRP) was shown to be significantly lower in patients aged less than two years than those aged 3-12 and 13-17 years old (P = 0.009). It was also shown that O2 saturation was significantly increased, as age increased (P = 0.015). Also, severe patients had significantly higher CT abnormalities compared to non-severe ones (48.0% compared to 17.9%, respectively) (P = 0.019).Conclusion: Lymphocytosis and abnormal CT findings are among the factors most associated with COVID-19 severity. It was, moreover, showed that the severity of the COVID-19, O2 saturation, and respiratory distress were improved as the age of confirmed COVID-19 pediatric patients increased.
Impact of mass distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in Mozambique, 2011 to 2025: Retrospective and prospective modeling of child mortality and lives saved
Authors: Wetzler Erica A , Arroz Jorge A.H. , Park Chulwoo , Chande Marta , Mussambala Figueiredo , Candrinho Baltazar
Published: December 2020

Background

Malaria was the leading cause of post-neonatal deaths in Mozambique in 2017. The use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality, especially in children. In 2015, Mozambique committed to the expansion of LLIN coverage nationwide, culminating in the first countrywide campaign in 2017, reaching 95% of registered households. Between 2012 and 2019, more than 34 million LLINs were distributed. No previous analyses have estimated changes in mortality attributable to the scale-up of LLINs, accounting for provincial differences in mortality rates and coverage of health interventions.
Methods

From 2012 to 2020, the population-based model NetCALC was used to predict provincial household LLIN coverage based upon the number of LLINs distributed annually. NetCALC also projected how many LLINs are needed to maintain universal coverage in 10 provinces from 2021 to 2025. Based upon the annual provincial coverage of LLINs, the Lives Saved Tool (LiST), a multi-cause mathematical model, estimated under-5 lives saved, and reductions in under-5 mortality attributable to LLIN expansion in 10 provinces of Mozambique between 2012 and 2020, and projected lives saved from 2021 to 2025 if universal coverage of LLINs is sustained.
Results

Results from the LiST models estimate that 64,470 child deaths were averted between 2012 and 2019. If currently planned quantities of LLINs are distributed in 2020, and universal coverage is maintained from 2021 to 2025, an additional 68,695 child deaths could be averted. From 2011 to 2020, the percent reduction in all-cause child mortality was 19.2%, from 114.5 per 1,000 to 93.2 per 1000 in the LLIN distribution model compared to 9.5% in the baseline model. If universal coverage continues through 2025, this reduction will be sustained.
Conclusions

LiST and NetCALC used together are useful in estimating lives saved and mortality in countries such as Mozambique where vital registration data to measure changes in mortality are not consistently available. Universal coverage of LLINs can save a substantial number of child lives and reduce child mortality in Mozambique but will require resource mobilization. Without continued investment, thousands of avoidable child deaths will occur.
Predicting Genetic Demography of Rear-edge Populations of Hemerocallis Middendorffii: A Test for Climate Effects in Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene Optimum
Authors: Masuda Kazutoshi , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Nagasawa Koki , Ishihara Masae Iwamoto , Sawa Kazuhiro , Horie Kenji , Tsuboi Hayato , Fukumoto Shigeru , Tango Tsuguoki , Sakaguchi Shota
Published: December 2020

Background Quaternary climate changes significantly impacted population demography of temperate organisms by shifting their distribution. Notably, the rear-edge populations are considered to be more prone to these changes, but empirical studies showed the southernmost fragmented populations of Japanese woody plants to harbor high genetic diversities due to their southern glacial refugia origin. Therefore, the impacts of Holocene climate warming on rear-edge populations have been rarely demonstrated. For the better interpretation of genetic backgrounds of temperate plants, the association of paleodistributions under both icy and warm climates with species-specific demographic changes is required. A perennial daylily Hemerocallis middendorffii (Asphodelaceae) is widely distributed in temperate and cool-temperate zones of East Asia. In Japan, larger populations are found in central ranges, while few small populations survive on harsh rock walls in southernmost regions. We focused on these variable populations and aimed to predict the population demography in relation to past climate changes by statistically combining population genetics with paleodistribution modeling.Results EST-SSR analysis of 737 individuals from 41 populations revealed 6 regional population groups. Four groups widely dominating the northern–central ranges harbored high genetic diversity, whereas genetic divergence within the groups was low. However, two groups at the southwest edge were geographically and genetically isolated and showed the lowest genetic diversity. Estimated paleodistributions showed a decrease of suitable range during Holocene climate optimum in comparison with LGM, and a sole variable of habitat suitability in the Holocene optimum was able to predict genetic diversity across its range. Conclusions We concluded that habitat fragmentation and population decline in relation to the climate warming during the Holocene optimum and interspecific competition with woody plants resulted in genetic isolation and impoverishment of the rear-edge populations.
Type I IFN Signaling Limits Hemorrhage-Like Disease After Infection With Japanese Encephalitis Virus Through Modulating A Prerequisite Infection of CD11b+Ly-6C+ Monocytes
Authors: Patil Ajit Mahadev , Choi Jin Young , Park Seong Ok , Uyangaa Erdenebelig , Kim Bumseok , Kim Koanhoi , Eo Seong Kug
Published: December 2020

Background: The crucial role of type I interferon (IFN-I, IFN-a/b) is well known to control central nervous system (CNS)-neuroinflammation caused by neurotrophic flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and West Nile virus. However, an in-depth analysis of IFN-I signal-dependent cellular factors that govern CNS-restricted tropism in JEV infection in vivo remains to elucidate. Methods: Viral dissemination, tissue tropism, and cytokine production were examined in IFN-I signal-competent and incompetent mice after JEV inoculation in tissues distal from the CNS such as the footpad. Bone marrow (BM) chimeric models were used for defining hematopoietic and tissue-resident cells in viral dissemination and tissue tropism.Results: The paradoxical and interesting finding was that IFN-I signaling was essentially required for CNS neuroinflammation following JEV inoculation in distal footpad tissue. IFN-I signal-competent mice died after a prolonged neurological illness, but IFN-I signal-incompetent mice all succumbed without neurological signs. Rather, IFN-I signal-incompetent mice developed hemorrhage-like disease as evidenced by thrombocytopenia, functional injury of liver and kidney, increased vascular leakage, and excessive cytokine production. This hemorrhage-like disease was closely associated with quick viral dissemination and impaired IFN-I innate responses before invasion of JEV into the CNS. Using bone marrow (BM) chimeric models, we found that intrinsic IFN-I signaling in tissue-resident cells in peripheral organs played a major role in inducing the hemorrhage-like disease because IFN-I signal-incompetent recipients of BM cells from IFN-I signal-competent mice showed enhanced viral dissemination, uncontrolled cytokine production, and increased vascular leakage. IFN-I signal-deficient hepatocytes and enterocytes were permissive to JEV replication with impaired induction of antiviral IFN-stimulated genes, and neuron cells derived from both IFN-I signal-competent and incompetent mice were vulnerable to JEV replication. Finally, circulating CD11b+Ly-6C+ monocytes infiltrated into the distal tissues inoculated by JEV participated in quick viral dissemination to peripheral organs of IFN-I signal-incompetent mice at an early stage. Conclusion: An IFN-I signal-dependent model is proposed to demonstrate how CD11b+Ly-6C+ monocytes are involved in restricting the tissue tropism of JEV to the CNS.
The Role of Transcriptomic Biomarkers of Endometrial Receptivity in Personalized Embryo Transfer for Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure
Authors: He Aihua , Zou Yangyun , Wan Cheng , Zhao Jing , Zhang Qiong , Yao Zhongyuan , Tian Fen , Wu Hong , Huang Xi , Fu Jing , Hu Chunxu , Sun Yue , Xiao Lan , Yang Tianli , Hou Zhaojuan , Dong Xin , Lu Sijia , Li Yanping
Published: December 2020

Background: Window of implantation (WOI) displacement was known as one of endometrial origin leading to embryo implantation failure, especially for repeated implantation failure (RIF). A accurately prediction tool of endometrial receptivity (ER) is extraordinary needed to precisely guide the successful embryo implantation. We aimed to establish an RNA-seq based endometrial receptivity test tool (rsERT) using transcriptomic biomarkers, and to evaluate the benefit of personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by this tool in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF).Methods: Two-phase strategy including tool establishment with retrospective data and benefit evaluation with prospective, nonrandomized controlled trial. In the first phase, the rsERT was established by sequencing and analyzing the RNA of endometrial tissues from 50 infertile patients with normal window of implantation (WOI) timing. In the second phase, 142 patients with RIF were recruited and grouped by patient self-selection (experimental group, n=56; control group, n=86). pET guided by rsERT in the experimental group, and conventional ET in the control group. Results: The rsERT, comprising 175 biomarker genes, showed an average accuracy of 98.4% by using 10-fold cross-validation. IPR of experimental group (50.0%) was significantly improved compared to that (23.7%) of control group (RR, 2.107; 95% CI, 1.159 to 3.830; P = 0.017) when transferring day 3 embryos. Although not statistically different, IPR of experimental group (63.6%) was still 20 percentage points higher than that (40.7%) of control group (RR, 1.562; 95% CI, 0.898 to 2.718; P = 0.111) when transferring blastocyst. Regression analysis can precisely predict the optimal WOI time by using all samples as training dataset (R2= 0.92).Conclusions: The rsERT was developed to accurately predict WOI period and significantly improve pregnancy outcomes of patients with RIF, indicating the clinical potential of rsERT-guided pET. Optimization of the model made it possible to predict the optimal WOI by one-point sampling.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-DDD-17013375. Registered 14 November 2017, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
Changes in Trunk Variability and Stability of Gait in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Impact of Laboratory Versus Daily-living Environments
Authors: Nishi Yuki , Shigetoh Hayato , Fujii Ren , Osumi Michihiro , Morioka Shu
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the impact of environment and pathology in trunk variability and stability of gait among individuals with CLBP. CLBP patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (HC) with no LBP history (n = 20) attached an accelerometer to the low back and performed gait in laboratory and daily-living settings. We calculated stride-to-stride standard deviation (SD) and multiscale sample entropy (MSE) as “gait variability” and maximum Lyapunov exponents (LyE) as “gait stability” in both the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions. In repeated-measures ANOVA, SD was affected by environment in the AP direction and by group and environment in the ML direction. MSE showed no effect in the AP direction and both effects in the ML direction. LyE showed both effects in the AP direction, but none in the ML direction. These change of trunk motor control by LBP have a relation to pain intensity, fear of movement and/or RMDQ in the daily-living but not laboratory settings. Evaluation of adaptation to environment in CLBP will enhance our understanding of changes in sensory-motor control and contribute to optimal management of such patients.
Improved Strategy for Jet-in-air Cell Sorting With High Purity, Yield, Viability and Genome Stability
Authors: Song Xinghui , Wang Jiajia , Li Yanwei , Xing Yueting , Guo Chun , Huang Yingying , Xu Lintao , Hu Hu , WANG LINLIN
Published: December 2020

Background: The enrichment of viable cells is an essential step in single-cell sequencing for clinical and biotechnology research applications. A high-end jet-in-air sorter is a fluorescent-activated cell sorting sorter that ideally processes cells with high purity, yield and viability. We want to improve the strategy for jet-in-air cell sorting to get more effective cells, and ensure the downstream experiments. Method: In this study, to achieve high-purity, high-yield, high-viability cell sorting, we explored three aspects. First, we manually adjusted the drop delay through the beads experiment to make it more accurate and to ensure the highest yield in theory, thereby avoiding the influence of the instrument and operator. Second, the effects on cell apoptosis caused by adding 2% fetal bovine serum to the loading buffer were examined. Third, the effects on cell count, apoptosis, proliferation and gene expression caused by employing FBS and bovine serum albumin in the collecting buffer were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism 6 software. Significance was set at p < 0.05.Result: Our data showed that an additional manual correction of drop delay could lead to an improved cell yield of 98.28%±3.79%. Adding FBS (2%) to the loading buffer had no significant effect on the fate of sorted cells in 4 hours. However, employing a suitable concentration of FBS/BSA in the collecting buffer mediated a notable increase in cell count from 50% to ~100%, a significant decrease in cell apoptosis from ~40% to less than 10% for cell lines and ~70% to less than 40% for CD45+ primary cells from mouse spleen. And a clear increase in cell proliferation at 48 h after sorting for jurkat cells. Moreover, the level of gene expression remained steady in the 5% FBS collecting buffer. Conclusions: Our manuscript demonstrates techniques that can be easily followed to refine sort yields of healthy cells. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting users could easily obtain enough target cells with great viability and need not to worry about any problems related to collecting or loading buffer. Furthermore, adding extra expensive FBS in collecting or loading buffer to boost yield is no longer necessary. In all, this will make the downstream experiments smoother.
Sodom Apple (Solanum Incanum) Plant Material: A Greener Approach for Goat Skin Tanning Process
Authors: Tekalign Mihret Hailemariam , Badessa Tolera Seda , Mohammed Shegaw Ahmed
Published: December 2020

The use of natural materials that is eco-friendly on leather as vegetable tannins has become a matter of significant importance, as a result of increased environmental awareness to prevent some hazardous synthetic tannin. Therefore, this study investigated that the potential of the extracted tannin from Sodom apple (Solanum Incanum) fruit for its effectiveness as vegetable tanning agent on goatskins. It was extracted with distilled water, methanol, petroleum ether and ethanol by using Soxhlet extraction method. Although the amount of material extracted was significant in all extracting solvents, water was a more efficient solvent (extraction yield of 16.71%) than the others. The qualitative analysis and structural characterization of the extracts were done using thin layer chromatography (TLC), Ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer and Fourier Transformer Infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. The analysis confirmed that the presence of condensed tannins in the extract, which usually used for the application of tanning process in leather manufacturing industry. On other hand, the Quantitative Analysis of Sodom apple fruit extract was conducted by evaluating its moisture content (7.59%), total soluble solids (21.45%), tannin content (12.13%) and non-tannin contents (9.32%). The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was carried out to study the effect of the tannin system on the structural and morphological characteristics of the tanned leathers. Similarly, the organoleptic and strength properties of the tanned leathers were evaluated in comparison with the control ones. Finally, the pollution loads of tanning liquors in Sodom apple tanning significantly reduced as compared with the control (mimosa). Thus, the results in this study showed that the manufacture of leather based on Sodom apple fruit extract found to be a cleaner alterative and promising pathway for tanning goatskins.
Efficacy and Safety of Surfrin Intranasal Spray, a Natural Phospholipid Spray, in Treating Patients With Acute Rhinitis: a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Yunying , Xia Jiyan , Luo Qiulan , Wang Peiyuan , Zou Haobo , Huang Wei , Feng Xiaocong , Wang Jianhui , Ouyang Wenwei , Liang Yan , Liu Chunsong , Wu Yingfang , Li Chunqiao , Chen Wenyong , Ruan Yan
Published: December 2020

Background: Phospholipids form a natural defense and self-cleansing system in the nose, and the phospholipids supplemented via nasal sprays might stabilize or restore the impaired “nasal surfactant,” thereby maintaining the natural moisture film, protecting and moisturizing the nasal mucosa, and facilitating mucociliary clearance. Acute rhinitis is a self-limited, prevalent human disease caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory tract and is characterized by nasal dryness, sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge. Acute rhinitis is currently treated by symptom alleviation. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of a natural phospholipid intranasal spray in attenuating the nasal discomfort of patients with acute rhinitis. Methods: In this randomized, positive control, noninferiority trial, 144 patients with acute rhinitis were recruited by otolaryngologists in two Grade 3A public and research hospitals, and randomly allocated to experimental and control groups in a 1:1 ratio to receive a natural phospholipid spray, i.e., Surfrin® Intranasal Spray (Surfrin®), or a physiological sea water nasal spray, i.e., Bright Nose® Physiological Sea Water Nasal Spray (BNNS), respectively. The primary outcome was the effective rate, which was judged by the nasal sign score reduction index. The secondary outcome was changes in the total scores of nasal symptoms (TNSS). Any adverse events (AEs) of the study were recorded.Results: In the final statistical analysis, there were 68 participants in the experimental group and 71 participants in the control group. The effective rates of Surfrin® and BNNS were 98.5% and 91.5%, respectively. The TNSS decreased from 5.75±1.83 to 0.96±1.35 in the experimental group, and from 5.65±1.48 to 1.20±1.38 in the control group. The experimental group had one AE not related to treatment (1.41%), and another occurred in the control group (1.39%) and was probably related to treatment. No serious AEs or adverse reactions occurred.Conclusions: The results of this trial demonstrate the good safety and efficacy of the natural phospholipid Surfrin® Intranasal Spray as an alternative treatment for acute rhinitis. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Identifier: ChiCTR1900025655, September 4, 2019, retrospectively registered).
Pediatric undocumented immigrants require more hospitalizations and longer in-patient stay than the local citizen population
Authors: Oziri Avshalom , Schnapper Michael , Ovadia Adi , Abiri Shirli , Meirson Gila , Brantz Ilona , Oziri Osnat Blass , Tasher Diana , Mandelberg Avigdor , Dalal Ilan
Published: December 2020

Background: The ongoing global refugee crisis has raised concerns among medical communities worldwide. Methods: We compared data from undocumented immigrant children and Israeli citizen children (ICC) admitted to the pediatric department (PD) at Wolfson hospital in Israel, between 2013–2017. Results: 104,244 visits (0-18 years) to the pediatric emergency department (PED) were recorded. The admission rates to the PD for undocumented immigrant children was 695/2541 (27%) as compared to 11,858/101,703 (11.7%) for Israeli citizen children (P< 0.001). After matching for age groups (0-5 years), the hospital stay duration for the 0-2 years age was 3.22 (±4.80) days for undocumented immigrant children and 2.78 (±3.17) for the local Israeli citizen population (P<0.03). For 0-2 year old children, re-admission rates within 7 days were 1.3% for undocumented immigrant children and 2.6% for Israeli, (p<0.05). Dermatological diseases (mainly impetigo and cellulitis) were more frequent in undocumented immigrant children (23.30% vs. 13.15%, p<0.01), however, acute gastroenteritis and respiratory diagnoses were more common in Israeli citizen children (11.72% vs. 18.52%, p<0.05 and 6.26% vs. 14.84%, p<0.01, respectively). Neurological diseases (mainly febrile convulsions) were also more frequent in Israeli citizen children (7.7% vs. 3%, P<0.05). Very significantly, 23% of undocumented immigrant children had no health care coverage, while only 0.2% of the Israeli citizen children had no medical coverage (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found evidence for significant morbidity in undocumented immigrant children as compared to the local Israeli citizen pediatric population, highlighting the need for health policy changes on a national level to provide some sort of health coverage for all children.
The association between plasma furin and cardiovascular events after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Zhi-wei , Ma Qiang , Liu Jie , Li Jing-Wei , Chen Yun-Dai
Published: December 2020

Background: Furin is the key enzyme to cleave pro-BNP and plays a critical role in the cardiovascular system through its involvement in the lipid metabolism, blood pressure and formation of atheromatous plaques. NT-proBNP and recently corin, which is also a key enzyme to cleave pro-BNP, have been approved as predictors of prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We here conducted this cohort study to investigate the relationship between plasma furin and the prognosis outcome in patients after AMI. Methods: We enrolled 1100 AMI patients and measured their plasma furin concentration. The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. The association of plasma furin concentration with AMI outcomes was explored by using Kaplan–Meier curve and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Our results showed that slight increase of mean cTNT in patients with higher furin concentration (P=0.016). Over a median follow-up of 31 months, multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that plasma furin was not associated with MACE (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.93-1.06; P=0.807) after adjustment for potential conventional risk factors. However, plasma furin was associated with non-fatal MI (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01-1.17; P=0.022) after fully adjustment. Subgroup analysis indicated no relationship between plasma furin and MACE in different subgroup populations.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that plasma furin was not associated with risk of MACE and may not be used as a predictor of poor prognosis after AMI. But higher levels of plasma furin may be associated with higher risk of non-fatal MI.