bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation and variation of cuff inflating volumes and pressures in different adult models of laryngeal mask: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Ruananukun Narut , Watcharotayangul Jittiya , Jeeranukosol Suchaya , Komonhirun Rojnarin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Hyperinflation of laryngeal mask cuffs may carry the risk of airway complications. The manufacturer recommends inflating cuff until the intracuff pressure reaches 60 cmH2O, or inflate with the volume of air to not exceed the maximum recommended volume. We prospectively assessed the correlation of cuff inflating volumes and pressures, and the appropriated the cuff inflating volumes to generate an intracuff pressure of 60 cmH2O in the adult laryngeal masks from different manufacturers. Methods: Two groups of eighty patients requiring laryngeal mask size 3 and 4 during general anesthesia were randomized into 4 subgroups for each size of the laryngeal mask: Soft Seal® (Portex®), AuraOnceTM (Ambu®), LMA-ClassicTM (Teleflex®) and LMA-ProSealTM (Teleflex®). After insertion, the cuff was inflated with 5-ml increments of air up to the maximum recommended volume. After each 5-ml intracuff pressure was measured, the volume of air that generated the intracuff pressure of 60 cmH2O was recorded. Results: Mean(SD) volume of air required to achieve the intracuff pressure of 60 cmH2O in Soft Seal®, AuraOnceTM, LMA-ClassicTM, LMA-ProSealTM laryngeal mask size 3 were 11.80(1.88), 9.20(1.88), 8.95(1.50) and 13.50(2.48) ml, respectively, and these volumes in laryngeal mask size 4 were 14.45(4.12), 12.55(1.85), 11.30(1.95) and 18.20(3.47) ml, respectively. The maximum recommended volume resulted in high intracuff pressures (>60 cmH2O) in all laryngeal mask types and sizes studied. Conclusion: Pressure-volume curves of adult laryngeal masks are all in sigmoidal shape. Cuff designs and materials can effect pressure and volume correlation. Approximately half of the maximum recommended volume is required to achieve the intracuff pressure of 60 cmH2O except LMA-ProSealTM which required two-thirds of the maximum recommended volume. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20150602001, May 28, 2015
Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody by a pseudotyped virus based assay
Authors: Nie Jianhui , Li Qianqian , Wu Jiajing , Zhao Chenyan , Hao Huan , Liu Huan , Zhang Li , Nie Lingling , Qin Haiyang , Wang Meng , Lu Qiong , Li Xiaoyu , Sun Qiyu , Liu Junkai , Fan Changfa , Huang Weijin , Xu Miao , Wang Youchun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Jianhui Nie, Qianqian Li, and Jiajing Wu contributed equally to this work.Pseudotyped viruses are useful virological tools due to their safety and versatility. Based on a VSV pseudotyped virus production system, we developed a pseudotyped virus-based neutralization assay against SARS-CoV-2 in biosafety level 2 facilities. This protocol includes production, titration of the SARS-CoV-2 S pseudotyped virus and neutralization assay based on it. Various types of samples targeting virus attachment and entry could be evaluated for their potency, including serum samples derived from animals and humans, monoclonal antibodies, fusion inhibitors (peptides or small molecules). If the pseudotyped virus stock has been prepared in advance, it will take 2 days to get the potency data for the candidate samples. Experience of handling cells is needed before implementing this protocol.
Costs of illness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a cross-sectional survey in Germany
Authors: Schönfelder Erik , Osmanovic Alma , Müschen Lars Hendrik , Petri Susanne , Schreiber-Katz Olivia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Consequently, patients undergo a multidisciplinary treatment that often requires intensive use of medical resources. This study provides an estimate on the cost of illness depending on the clinical severity while also analysing the patients’ health-related quality of life.Methods Primary data from patients and caregivers was collected through a standardized questionnaire. Direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs were calculated using the latest German health economic guidelines. Patients were divided into five groups according to the King’s staging system. Health-related quality of life was assessed using EuroQoL Group EQ-5D-5LTM questionnaire. Influencing factors on both total cost and quality of life were examined.Results The mean annual total cost of illness was 78,256€ per patient while the lifetime cost per patient was estimated at 246,184€. The prevalence based total burden yearly therefore was 519,776,352€ in Germany. Nearly half of the costs were attributable to informal care. With increase of the clinical severity stage, costs rose and quality of life decreased. The score of the revised Amyotrophic Laterals Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale was identified as one major influencing factor on total costs, while subjective impairment in daily activities and classification into a care level as opposed to having no care level influenced patients’ quality of life.Conclusion It is essential to understand the socioeconomic burden of a disease. These data can be used to improve patient care standards and quality of life while also serving as a basis for cost-benefit analyses during the approval process of new treatments.
Compared the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease attributable to Tobacco Exposure in China, Japan, USA and World
Authors: Wu Xiaomei , Zhu Bo , Xu Shuang , Bi Yifei , Liu Yong , shi jingpu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Tobacco exposure (TE) is the major contributor for CVD mortality, but few published studies on CVD mortality attributable to TE have analyzed the potential reasons underlying long-term trends in China. Our study sought to find the potential reasons and compared CVD mortality attributable to TE in China, Japan, the United States of America (USA), and the world between 1990 and 2017.Methods The mortality data in China, Japan, the USA, and the world were obtained from Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 (GBD 2017). Joinpoint regression was used to assess the trend magnitude and directions over time for CVD mortality, while the age-period-cohort method was used to analyze the temporal trends of CVD mortality according to age, period, and cohort.Results A significant downward trend was found in the age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) of CVD attributable to smoking in four regions. China had the smallest decline and the Chinese ASMR became the highest in 2017. All the annual net drifts in the four regions were negative and the local drifts were below zero. The longitudinal age curves of CVD mortality attributable to smoking increased in four regions, with China having the largest increase. The period or cohort RRs indicated a decline, and China had the smallest decline. The researchers further analyzed the IHD and stroke trends, finding that the morality and period or cohort RR of IHD in China was always at a high level.Conclusions CVD mortality attributable to TE declined in four regions, and was highest in China. The proportion of IHD mortality attributable to TE was similar to stroke which significantly changed the traditional cognition of CVD composition, but the control measure was not sufficient for IHD in China.
Reduced serum VGF levels are linked with suicide risk in Chinese Han patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Li Xingxing , Ge Huifei , Zhou Dongsheng , Wu Xiangping , Qi Gangqiao , Chen Zan , Yu Chang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yu Haihang , wang chuang 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: VGF (nonacronymic) is a neuropeptide that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, no studies have yet investigated VGF levels in patients with MDD who are at risk of suicide. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether serum VGF levels are related to suicide risk in patients with MMD.Methods: A total of 107 patients with MDD and 40 normal control participated in the present study. The risk of suicide was assessed using the Nurses Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR). On this basis, 60 patients were assigned to a high-risk group (NGASR≥9) and 47 were assigned to a low-risk group (NGASR<9). The severity of depression was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Levels of serum VGF were determined using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Serum VGF levels in the high-risk group (883.34±139.67 pg/mL) were significantly lower than in the low-risk group (1020.56±131.76 pg/mL) and in the control group (1107.00±155.38 pg/mL) (F=31.90, p<0.001). In patients with MDD, suicide risk was significantly negatively correlated with VGF levels (r = -0.55, p=0.001). Conclusions: Reduced serum VGF levels are related to risk of suicide in patients with MDD, so VGF may be a biomarker of suicide risk in MDD.
Multiple functions of the scaffold protein Discs large 5 in the control of growth, cell polarity and cell adhesion in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Venugopal Parvathy , Veyssiere Hugo , Couderc Jean-Louis , Richard Graziella , Vachias Caroline , MIrouse Vincent 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background : Scaffold proteins support a variety of key processes during animal development. Mutant mouse for the MAGUK protein Discs large 5 (Dlg5) presents a general growth impairment and moderate morphogenetic defects. Results : Here, we generated null mutants for Drosophila Dlg5 and show that it owns similar functions in growth and epithelial architecture. Dlg5 is required for growth at a cell autonomous level in several tissues and at the organism level, affecting cell size and proliferation. Our results are consistent with Dlg5 modulating hippo pathway in the wing disc, including the impact on cell size, a defect that is reproduced by the loss of yorkie. However, other observations indicate that Dlg5 regulates growth by at least another way that may involve Myc protein but nor PI3K neither TOR pathways. Moreover, epithelia cells mutant for Dlg5 also show a reduction of apical domain determinants, though not sufficient to induce a complete loss of cell polarity. Dlg5 is also essential, in the same cells, for the presence at Adherens junctions of N-Cadherin, but not E-Cadherin. Genetic analyses indicate that junction and polarity defects are independent. Conclusions : Together our data show that Dlg5 own several conserved functions that are independent of each other in regulating growth, cell polarity and cell adhesion. Moreover, they reveal a differential regulation of E-cadherin and N-cadherin apical localization.
Effect of Deletion of Gene Cluster involved in Synthesis of Enterobacterial Common Antigen on Virulence and Immunogenicity of Live Attenuated Salmonella Vaccine when Delivering Heterologous Streptococcus pneumoniae Antigen PspA
Authors: Liu Qing , Shen Xuegang , Bian Xiaoping , Kong Qingke 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) is a family-specific surface antigen shared by all members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Previous studies showed that the loss of ECA results in Salmonella attenuation, indicating its usefulness as a vaccine candidate for Salmonella infection, but no studies have shown whether the mutation resulting from the deletion of the ECA operon in conjunction with other mutations could be used as an antigen vehicle for heterologous protein antigen delivery. Results: In this study, we introduced a nonpolar, defined ECA operon deletion into wild-type S. Typhimurium χ3761 and an attenuated vaccine strain χ9241, obtaining two isogenic ECA operon mutants, namely, χ12357 and χ12358, respectively. A number of in vitro and in vivo properties of the mutants were analyzed. We found that the loss of ECA did not affect the growth, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production and motility of S. Typhimurium wild type strain χ3761 and its attenuated vaccine strain χ9241 but significantly affected the virulence when administered orally to BALB/c mice. Furthermore, the effects of the ECA mutation on the immunogenicity of a recombinant S. Typhimurium vaccine strain χ9241 when delivering the pneumococcal antigen PspA were determined. The result showed that the total anti-PspA IgG level of χ12358 (pYA4088) was slightly lower than that of χ9241 (pYA4088), but the protection rate was not compromised. Conclusions: ECA affects virulence and benefits the Th2 immunity of Salmonella Typhimurium, therefore, it is feasible to use a reversible ECA mutant mode to design future Salmonella vaccine strains for heterologous protective antigens.
Disrupted functional connectivity between sub-regions in the sensorimotor areas and cortex in migraine without aura
Authors: Qin Zhaoxia , Su Jingjing , He Xin-Wei , Ban Shiyu , Zhu Qian , Cui Yangyang , Zhang Jilei , Hu Yue , Liu Yi-Sheng , Zhao Rong , Qiao Yuan , Li Jianqi , Liu Jian-Ren , Du Xiaoxia 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Migraine is a severe and disabling brain disorder, and the exact neurological mechanisms remain unclear. Migraineurs have altered pain perception, and headache attacks disrupt their sensory information processing and sensorimotor integration. The altered functional connectivity of sub-regions of sensorimotor brain areas with other brain cortex associated with migraine needs further investigation.Methods: Forty-eight migraineurs without aura during the interictal phase and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. We utilized seed-based functional connectivity analysis to investigate whether patients exhibited abnormal functional connectivity between sub-regions of sensorimotor brain areas and cortex regions.Results: We found that patients with migraineurs without aura exhibited disrupted functional connectivities between the sensorimotor areas and the visual cortex, temporal cortex, posterior parietal lobule, prefrontal areas, precuneus, cingulate gyrus, sensorimotor areas proper and cerebellum areas compared with healthy controls. In addition, the clinical data of the patients, such as disease duration, pain intensity and HIT-6 score, were negatively correlated with these impaired functional connectivities.Conclusion: In patients with migraineurs without aura, the functional connectivities between the sensorimotor brain areas and other brain regions was reduced. These disrupted functional connectivities might contribute to abnormalities in visual processing, multisensory integration, nociception processing, spatial attention and intention and dysfunction in cognitive evaluation and modulation of pain. Recurrent headache attacks might lead to the disrupted network between primary motor cortex and temporal regions and between primary somatosensory cortex and temporal regions. Pain sensitivity and patient quality of life are closely tied to the abnormal functional connectivity between sensorimotor regions and other brain areas.
Development and validation of the isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification assays for rapid detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Li Ruiwen , Sun Xiaoxia , Liu Libing , Hao Xuepiao , Wang Jianchang , Yuan Wanzhe 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Mycoplasmal pneumonia is an important infectious disease that threatens sheep and goat production worldwide, and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is one of major etiological agent causing mycoplasmal pneumonia. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, and RPA-based diagnostic assays have been described for the detection of different types of pathogens. Results: The RPA assays using real-time fluorescence detection (real-time RPA) and lateral flow strip detection (LFS RPA) were developed to detect M. ovipneumoniae targeting a conserved region of the 16S rRNA gene. Real-time RPA was performed in a portable florescence scanner at 39 °C for 20 min. LFS RPA was performed in a portable metal bath incubator at 39 °C for 15 min, and the amplicons were visualized with the naked eyes within 5 min on the lateral flow strip. Both assays were highly specific for M. ovipneumoniae , as there were no cross-reactions with other microorganisms tested, especially the pathogens involved in respiratory complex and other mycoplasmas frequently identified in ruminant s . The limit of detection of LFS RPA assay was 1.0×10 1 copies per reaction using a recombinant plasmid containing target gene as template, which is 10 times lower than the limit of detection of the real-time RPA and real-time PCR assays. The RPA assays were further validated on 111 clinical sheep nasal swab and fresh lung samples, and M. ovipneumoniae DNA was detected in 29 samples in the real-time RPA, 31 samples in the LFS RPA and 32 samples in the real-time PCR assay. Compared to real-time PCR, the real-time RPA and LFS RPA showed diagnostic specificity of 100% and 98.73%, diagnostic sensitivity of 90.63% and 93.75%, and a kappa coefficient of 0.932 and 0.934, respectively. Conclusions: The developed real-time RPA and LFS RPA assays provide the attractive and promising tools for rapid, convenient and reliable detection of M. ovipneumoniae , especially in resource-limited settings.
Changes in Alanine Aminotransferase in Adults with Severe and Complicated Obesity during a Milk-Based Meal Replacement Programme
Authors: Abdalgwad Razk , Rafey Mohammed Faraz , Murphy Conor , Ioana Iulia , O'Shea Paula Marie , Slattery Eoin , Davenport Colin , O'Keeffe Derek Timothy , Finucane Francis Martin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction:
Excess adiposity is associated with fat accumulation within the liver, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is highly prevalent in bariatric patients. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is associated with prevalent NASH. We sought to determine the influence of a milk-based meal replacement weight-loss programme on ALT levels in adults with severe and complicated obesity.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who completed a 24-week meal replacement programme, comprised of a weight loss phase followed by weight stabilisation and maintenance phases, each eight weeks long. ALT was quantified using an enzymatic assay with spectrophotometric detection. We examined changes over time in ALT using the non-parametric Wilcoxon singed-rank test and the Friedman test.
Results
Of 105 patients, 56 were female, mean age was 51.2 ± 11.2 (range 18.0-71.6) years. There was an unanticipated but transient increase in ALT from 28.0 [20.0, 40.5] iu/l at baseline to 40.0 [26.0, 55.0] iu/l after two weeks (p < 0.0005), followed by a gradual reduction to 21.0 [17.0, 28.3] iu/l by 24 weeks (p < 0.0005). The overall reductions in ALT were more pronounced in patients who had elevated levels at baseline. Body weight decreased from 144.2 ± 28.0 kg at baseline to 121.6 ± 25.4 kg at 24 weeks (p < 0.0005) and body mass index (BMI) decreased from 50.7 ± 8.1 kg m− 2 at baseline to 43.0 ± 7.6 kg m− 2 by 24 weeks (p < 0.0005).
Conclusion
In adults with severe and complicated obesity undergoing a milk-based meal replacement programme, there was an initial unanticipated rise in ALT in the first two weeks, followed by a gradual overall reduction by 24 weeks. These findings suggest that rapid weight loss secondary to significant caloric restriction might induce a transient deterioration in hepatic steatosis prior to an ultimate overall improvement.
Trypanosome infections in naturally infected horses and donkeys of three active sleeping sickness foci in the south of Chad
Authors: Vourchakbé Joël , Tiofack Arnol Auvaker , Mpoame Mbida , Simo Gustave 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Equine trypanosomiases are complex infectious diseases with overlapping clinical signs defined by their mode of transmission. Despite their economic impacts, these diseases have been neglected by the scientific community, the veterinary authorities and regulatory organizations. To fill the observed knowledge gap, we undertook the identification of different trypanosome species and subspecies naturally infecting horses and donkeys within the Chadian sleeping sickness focus. The end objective, being to investigate the potential role of these domestic animals as reservoirs of the human infective Trypanosoma brucei gambienseMethod Blood samples were collected from 155 donkeys and 131 horses in three human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) foci of Chad. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and capillary tube centrifugation (CTC) test were used to search for trypanosome infections. DNA was extracted from each blood sample and different trypanosome species and subspecies were identified with molecular tools.Results From 286 blood samples collected, 54 (18.9%) and 36 (12.6%) were respectively positive for RDT and CTC. PCR revealed 144 (50.3%) animals with trypanosome infections. The kappa Cohen coefficients used to evaluate the concordance between the diagnostic methods were low; ranging from 0.087±0.0473 to 0.48 ± 0.0698. Trypanosomes of the subgenus Trypanozoon were the most prevalent (29.4%), followed by T. congolense forest (11.5%), T. congolense savannah (4.9%) and T. vivax (4.5%). Two donkeys and one horse from the Maro HAT focus were found with T. b. gambiense infections. Between animal species and HAT foci, no significant differences were observed in the infection rates of different trypanosomes. Conclusion This study revealed several trypanosome species and sub species in donkeys and horses, highlighting the existence of AAT in HAT foci of Chad. The identification of T. b. gambiense in donkeys and horses suggests considering these animals as potential reservoir for HAT in Chad. The presence of both human-infective and human non infective trypanosomes species highlights the need for developing joined control strategies for HAT and AAT.
Home Range and Habitat Selection of Female Mountain Nyalas (Tragelaphus Buxtoni) in the Human-Dominated Landscape of the Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Atickem Anagaw , Klapproth Matthias , Fischer Martha , Zinner Dietmar , Loe Leif Egil 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Human settlement and agricultural activities restrict increasingly the range of large mammals in many cases contributing to declining numbers of ungulates. Here, we studied home range size and habitat selection of female mountain nyalas in the northern end of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) (31 km2) surrounded by human settlement. We collected data on space use of seven adult female mountain nyalas equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Home range size was estimated using fixed kernel density and habitat selection was determined by resource selection functions.Results: We found that female mountain nyalas have much smaller (5.7 km2) home ranges than the 19 km2 home range size predicted for a 170 kg, group-living species living in mixed habitats. Home ranges were 30% larger in night time than daytime. We suggest that the night time extension beyond the park boundaries were caused by both push and pull effects. The presumably high livestock and other ungulates grazing pressure within the protected area may cause forage-driven excursions out of the park, in particular during agricultural crop seasons. In addition, mountain nyalas are probably attracted by humans as shields against hyena predation. Resource selection index indicates bush land and forest habitat are the most preferred habitat types while agriculture and human settlements are least preferred habitats.Conclusions: Given that mountain nyalas are found in high density (24 individuals/km2) and the size of the northern part of the Bale Mountain National Park, which is currently under protection by the park authorities for the mountain nyala conservation, is too small for the predicted home range size of large ungulates, we suggest protecting additional area may be needed for the long-term conservation of the endangered mountain nyala.