bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autolesiones online entre adolescentes españoles: análisis de la prevalencia y de las motivaciones
Authors: Gámez-Guadix Manuel , Almendros Carmen , Rodríguez-Mondragón Laura , Mateos-Pérez Estíbaliz
Published: April 2020

Las autolesiones online (“digital self-harm”) consisten en el uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, como Internet y el teléfono móvil, para colgar, enviar o compartir contenidos que incluyen autolesiones físicas o que resultan dañinos o humillantes para uno mismo. El primer objetivo de este estudio consistió en examinar la prevalencia de diferentes formas de autolesiones online entre adolescentes. El segundo objetivo fue el de analizar las motivaciones para implicarse en autolesiones online empleando, para ello, una metodología cualitativa de análisis de contenido. La muestra de este estudio estuvo compuesta por 794 participantes (50.6% mujeres) entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14.29 y DT = 1.64). El 7.9% de los adolescentes reconoció haberse provocado algún daño físico y contarlo en Internet y el 3.8% haber publicado las fotos de una autolesión en Internet. Las motivaciones más frecuentes para implicarse en autolesiones online fueron: 1) hacerlo como una expresión de malestar; 2) buscar desahogo o alivio; 3) buscar la atención y comprensión de otros; 4) ver la reacción de otros; 5) porque consideraban que era gracioso; y 6) porque otros lo hacen o es “una moda”. Los resultados sugieren que nos encontramos ante un problema preocupante que requiere ser mejor investigado
Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in testes of Duroc and Meishan boars
Authors: Ding Haisheng , Liu Min , zhou Changfan , You Xiangbin , Su Tao , Yang Youbing , Xu Dequan
Published: April 2020

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs playing vital roles in regulating posttranscriptional gene expression. Elucidating the expression regulation of miRNAs underlying pig testis development will contribute to a better understanding of boar fertility and spermatogenesis. Results: In this study, miRNA expression profile was investigated in testes of Duroc and Meishan boars at 20, 75, and 270 days of age by high-throughput sequencing. Forty-five differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from testes of Duroc and Meishan boars before and after puberty. Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA profiles predicted many miRNA-mRNA pairs. Gene ontology and biological pathway analyses revealed that predicted target genes of ssc-mir-423-5p, ssc-mir-34c, ssc-mir-107, ssc-165 mir-196b-5p, ssc-mir-92a, ssc-mir-320, ssc-mir-10a-5p, and ssc-mir-181b were involved in sexual reproduction, male gamete generation, and spermatogenesis, and GnRH, Wnt, and MAPK signaling pathway. Four significantly differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and phospholipase C beta 1 (PLCβ1) gene was verified to be a target of ssc-mir-423-5p. Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the functional roles of miRNAs in testis development and spermatogenesis and offers useful resources for understanding differences in sexual function development caused by the change in miRNAs expression between Duroc and Meishan boars.
The effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 on migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Ha-Reum , Yoo Su-Jin , Kim Jinhyun , Yoo In Seol , Park Chan Keol , Kang Seong Wook
Published: April 2020

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate the migration and invasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), which are key effector cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) induces ROS generation and consequently, enhances cell migration. Despite the important interrelationship between RA, FLS, and ROS, the effect of NOX4 on RA pathogenesis remains unclear.Methods: FLS isolated from RA (n=5) and osteoarthritis (OA, n=5) patients were stimulated with recombinant interleukin 17 (IL-17; 10 ng/ml) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α; 10 ng/ml) for 1 h. Cell migration, invasion, adhesion molecule expression, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and ROS expression were examined. The mRNA and protein levels of NOX4 were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively. The NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 and NOX4 siRNA were used to inhibit NOX4 to probe the effect of NOX4 on these cellular processes.Results: Migration of RA FLS was increased 2.48-fold after stimulation with IL-17 and TNF-α, while no difference was observed for OA FLS. ROS expression increased in parallel with invasiveness of FLS following cytokine stimulation. When the expression of NOX was examined, NOX4 was significantly increased by 9.73-fold in RA FLS compared to unstimulated FLS. Following NOX4 inhibition, cytokine-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), VEGF, and migration and invasion capacity of RA FLS were markedly decreased to unstimulated levels.Conclusion: NOX4 is a key contributor to cytokine-enhanced migration and invasion via modulation of ROS, VCAM1, and VEGF in RA FLS.
Identification of Potential Crucial Genes in Atrial Fibrillation: A Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Junguo , Huang Xin , Wang Xiaojie , Gao Yanhui , Liu Li , Li Ziyi , Chen Xuejiao , Zeng Jie , Ye Zebing , Li Guowei
Published: April 2020

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is at least partially heritable, affecting 2-3% of the population in Europe and the USA. However, a substantial proportion of heritability is still lacking. In the present study, we aim to identify potential crucial genes associated with AF through bioinformatic analyses of public datasets. Methods Microarray data sets of GSE115574, GSE31821, GSE79768, GSE41177 and GSE14975 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were retrieved. After merging all microarray data and adjusting batch effect, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses based on Gene Ontology (GO) resource, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) resource, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Reactome Pathway Database and Disease Ontology (DO) were carried out. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Combined with aforementioned significant bioinformatics information, potential crucial genes were subsequently selected. The comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) was carried out to explore the interaction between potential crucial genes and AF. Result We identified 27 of DEGs with gene expression fold change (FC) ≥ 1.5 and 5 with FC ≥ 2 of AF patients compared with sinus rhythm controls. The most significantly enriched pathway was regulation of insulin-like growth factor transport and uptake by insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. IGFBP2, C1orf105, FHL2, CHGB, ATP1B4, IGFBP3, SLC26A9, CXCR4 and HTR2B were considered the potential crucial genes. CTD showed CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2 had higher scores with AF. Conclusions The 9 potential crucial genes, especially CXCR4, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 and FHL2 , may be associated with risk of AF. Our study provided new insights of AF into genetics, molecular pathogenesis and new therapeutic targets.
CT differential diagnosis of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 in symptomatic suspects: a practical scoring method
Authors: Luo Lin , Luo Zhendong , Jia Yizhen , Zhou Cuiping , He Jianlong , Lyu Jianxun , Shen Xinping
Published: April 2020

Background: Although typical and atypical CT image findings of COVID-19 are reported in current studies, the CT image features of COVID-19 overlap with those of viral pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. Hence, it is difficult to make an exclusive diagnosis.Methods : Thirty confirmed cases of COVID-19 and forty-three cases of other aetiology or clinically confirmed non-COVID-19 in a general hospital were included. The clinical data including age, sex, exposure history, laboratory parameters and aetiological diagnosis of all patients were collected. Seven positive signs (posterior part/lower lobe predilection, bilateral involvement, rounded GGO, subpleural bandlike GGO, crazy-paving pattern, peripheral distribution, and GGO +/- consolidation) from significant COVID-19 CT image features and four negative signs (only one lobe involvement, only central distribution, tree-in-bud sign, and bronchial wall thickening) from other non-COVID-19 pneumonia were used. The scoring analysis of CT features was compared between the two groups (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19).Results : Older age, symptoms of diarrhoea, exposure history related to Wuhan, and a lower white blood cell and lymphocyte count were significantly suggestive of COVID-19 rather than non-COVID-19 (p<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the combined CT image features analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the scoring system was 0.854. These cut-off values yielded a sensitivity of 56.67% and a specificity of 95.35% for a score>4, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 23.26% for a score>0, and a sensitivity of 86.67% and a specificity of 67.44% for a score>2.Conclusions : With a simple and practical scoring system based on CT imaging features, we can make a hierarchical diagnosis of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 with different management suggestions.
The Structural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Vanadium Nitride Film Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Keleş Ayşenur , Aghdam Hossein Ahmad , Baran Özlem , Efeoğlu İhsan
Published: April 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Modification of Magerl’s technique for the placement of translaminar facet screws in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a technical note and comparative outcome analysis
Authors: Xu Daoliang , Jin Haimin , Chen Jiaoxiang , Wang Xiangyang
Published: April 2020

Background

To describe and illustrate a safe and effective technique for the placement of translaminar facet screws (TLFS) in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
Methods

Forty-two patients with single-level lumbar diseases were divided into two groups randomly. 21 patients were treated by traditional TLIF using bilateral pedicle screws fixation (BPS) while the other patients underwent insertion of a unilateral pedicle screw (UPS)and contralateral TLFS using our modified technique. In this technique, a small unicortical “hole” was formed adjacent to the contralateral facet joint to ensure that insertion of the screw could be directly visualized through the hole to prevent violation of the spinal canal. The ODI, JOA, VAPS questionnaire, the mean operation time, mean operative blood loss, length of stay and postoperative complications were collected for analysis.
Results

There is no significant difference between the BPS and UPS + TLFS group in the preoperative and postoperative ODI, JOA or VAPS at each follow- up visit, while the UPS + TLFS group using our modified technique significantly reduced the mean operation time, the mean estimated blood loss and the length of stay. These results demonstrated this modified technique to be safe and effective in TLIF.
Conclusions

In contrast to conventional TLIF, our modified technique for placing TLFS in TLIF can reduce soft tissue injuries, reduce the operation risk of violation of the spinal canal and the expenses, minimize radiation exposure, and shorten the length of the operation without a concurrent reduction in clinical efficacy.
Needs, aggravation, and degree of burnout in informal care providers of patients with chronic CVD
Authors: Szlenk-Czyczerska Elżbieta , Guzik Marika , Bielska Dorota Emilia , Ławnik Anna , Polański Piotr , Kurpas Donata
Published: April 2020

Background.

The growing number of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) has created an increased demand for homecare. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the burden of homecare on caregivers, and gain insight into their biopsychosocial situations. By identifying groups of caregivers that experience significant levels of stress and burnout, guardian education (i.e. specialized and supportive training) and practical support can be specifically directed towards these groups. This study aimed to answer two main questions with respect to home carers for people with CVD: 1) Are the needs of home carers being met (and at what level), and what is the severity of burnout of home carers? and 2) What sociodemographic variables of home carers are related to unmet needs and severity of burnout?
Methods.

This study reports on 161 informal home care providers of patients with CVDs. The research was conducted in the homes of patients, using the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and a structured interview questionnaire developed by the authors. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test and logistic regression were used for analyses.
Results.

The majority of the participants were female (70.2%; n = 113). We found that younger care providers were less likely to report unmet needs (p = 0.011), and less likely to report burnout as measured by the MBI Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.010) and Depersonalization (p = 0.009) subscales. Care providers with primary education were more likely to report burnout on the MBI Depersonalization subscale (p = 0.028). In addition, care providers who worked more often reported higher levels of met needs (p = 0.022), and burnout as measured on the MBI Depersonalization (p = 0.005) and Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.018) subscales. Subjects residing in urban areas were more likely to report unmet needs (p = 0.007), and were also more likely to report burnout as measured on the MBI Emotional Exhaustion (p = 0.006) subscale.
Conclusion.

Older care providers who are unemployed and reside in cities and unemployed should be targeted with directed programmes to determine the category of unmet needs, and for personalized support. Care providers with these demographic characteristics should be targeted for occupational burnout prevention programmes.
Predictive Factors of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Previously Healthy Young Adults: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Changzhi , Huang Zhe , Hu Yi , Geng Shuang , Tan Weijun , Li Xueying , Yin Wen , Xiao Yang , Tao Zhaowu
Published: April 2020

Background: Several previously healthy young adults have developed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and a few of them progressed severe COVID-19. However, the factors are not yet determined.Method: We retrospectively analyzed 123 previously healthy young adults diagnosed with COVID-19 from January 2020 to March 2020 in a tertiary hospital in Wuhan. Patients were classified as having mild or severe COVID-19 based on their respiratory rate, SpO2 and PaO2/FiO2 levels. Patients' symptoms, computer tomography (CT) images, preadmission drugs received and the admission serum biochemical examination were compared between the mild and severe group. Significant variables were enrolled logistic regression model to predict the factors affecting disease outcomes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to validate the predictive value of predictors.Result: Age; temperature; anorexia; and white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, platelet count, lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, albumin, and fibrinogen values were significantly different between patients with mild and severe COVID-19 (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that lymphopenia (P=0.010) indicated poor clinical outcomes in previously healthy young adults with COVID-19, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.791(95%CI 0.704–0.877)(P<0.001).Conclusion: For previously healthy young adults with COVID-19, lymphopenia on admission can predict poor clinical outcomes.
Treatment of Severe COVID-19 with human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Shu Lei , Niu Changming , Li Ruyou , Huang Tingrong , Wang Yan , Ji Ningfei , Zheng You , Chen Xiaolin , Shi Lei , Wu Mingjing , Deng Kaili , Wei Jing , Wang Xueli , Cao Yang , Yan Jiaxin , feng ganzhu
Published: April 2020

Background COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease. No effective therapeutics have yet been proved for treating of severe COVID-19. Objectives To determine whether human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells infusion may be effectiveness and safety in the treatment of severe COVID-19. Methods The severe COVID-19 randomly divided into 2 groups, standard treatment group and standard treatment plus hUC-MSCs infusion group. The incidence of severe patients aggravated to critically illness, 28-day mortality, clinical symptoms improvement, time to clinical symptoms improvement, hematologic indicators including C-reaction protein, lymphocyte number, interleukin 6 and imaging changes were observed and compared between two groups. Measurements and Main Results The incidence of severe patients aggravated to critically illness and 28-day mortality were 0 in hUC-MSCs treatment group, while 4 patients in control group were deteriorated to critical illness and been used invasive ventilation, 3 of them died, and 28-day mortality was 10.34%. In hUC-MSCs treatment group, the time to clinical improvement was shorter, clinical symptoms of weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, and low oxygen saturation had improved obviously began the third day of stem cells infusion, and reached the significant difference on the day 7, CRP and IL-6 were significantly decreased from day 3 of infusion, the time for lymphocyte count returned to normal range was significant faster, and lung inflammation absorption was significantly shorter from CT imaging. Conclusions Intravenous transplantation of hUC-MSCs is a safe and effective way that can be considered as salvage and priority choice in the treatment of severe COVID-19.
The largest secure corridor of the infra-acetabular screw — a 3-D axial perspective analysis
Authors: Zhao Bei , Zhang Wei , Li Hao , Han Liren , Han Shizhang , Yang Xiaofei , Yan Jun , Mu Weidong
Published: April 2020

Background The infra-acetabular screw is placed from the pubis to the ischium and can be used as a special lag screw of the posterior column of the acetabulum. This study was performed to simulate the surgical procedure and try to obtain the ideal insertion point, diameter, length and angle of the screw through the method of axial perspective in Chinese patients. Methods We randomly collected the pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans of 100 adults. DICOM-formatted CT-scan images were imported into Mimics software. The 3D digital model of the right semi-pelvic was established. A virtual cylinder representing the screw was placed from the pubis to the ischium to fix the posterior column. The largest secure diameter and length of the virtual screw were measured. The position of the insertion point and the directions of the screw were also researched. Results The screw insertion safe zone can exhibit an irregular “tear drop” from the reconstructed pelvic model. The mean maximum diameter of screws was 4.03 ± 0.93 mm, and the mean maximum length of screws was 96.05 ± 7.19 mm. The screw insertion corridor with a diameter of at least 3.5 mm was found in 48 of 50 males (96%). We found gender-dependent differences for the mean maximum diameter and the maximum length of the screw. The position between insertion point and eminelntia iliopectinea was statistically significant in different genders. Conclusions The study provides a valuable guideline for the largest secure corridor of infra-acetabular screw. We suggest an individual preoperative 3D reconstruction simulation for the ideal screw placement. Further biomechanical studies are needed to verify the function of the screw.
Analysis of the risk factors of valvular atrial fibrillation treated with radiofrequency ablation during valve replacement
Authors: Liu Xuan , Xiao Fengjuan , She Kai , Wang Jixiang , Xiong Wei , Bai Shanglin , Xu Guo , Wu Xu , Jia Zhen , Jiang Xia
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate the risk factors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation(AF) after radiofrequency ablation in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis with persistent atrial fibrillation.
Methods

From January 2015 to December 2018, patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation of rheumatic mitral stenosis complicated with persistent atrial fibrillation were collected. The patients were divided into sinus rhythm group(Group SR) and atrial fibrillation recurrence group (Group AR). collecting the data of preoperative echocardiography LV,LA,RA,RV,EF and gender, age, whether to combine diabetes, hypertension, etc. logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence.
Results

The success rate of 1 year after radiofrequency ablation was 76.8%. there was no difference in LV, LA, RV, RA, EF, and gender, age, diabetes, hypertension between the two groups, and there were no independent risk factors for recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation.
Conclusion

Rheumatic mitral stenosis with persistent atrial fibrillation has good therapeutic effect in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation during valve replacement. LV, LA, RV, RA, EF, gender, age, diabetes, hypertension are not independent risk factors for recurrence of atrial fibrillation.
Mobile Applications for COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Noronha Noella , D'Elia Alessia , Coletta Giulia , Wagner Nicole , Archer Norman , Navarro Tamara , Lokker Cynthia
Published: April 2020

Background

The rapid outbreak of Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) originating in Wuhan, China, and the subsequent declaration of a state of “pandemic” on March 11, 2020 has necessitated a widespread global response to manage and control the transmission, spread and impact of COVID-19. Mobile technology has been leveraged in a number of ways to control the spread of COVID-19, including to support knowledge translation. Mobile applications are accessible, acceptable, easily adopted, and have the ability to support social distancing efforts. The following review assesses the mobile applications currently available to address COVID-19 and seeks existing studies in the literature that evaluate such applications.
Methods

3 databases (Embase, Web of Science and PubMed), 2 application stores (GooglePlay and Apple’s App Store) and google search engine were searched from inception until April 05th 2020 using key words and search strings to identify relevant apps and/or literature. Reviews of the obtained results were examined by two reviewers in double-blind nature and assessed for inclusion or exclusion.
Results

36 studies, 72 websites and 312 mobile-based applications were identified through searches. 14 applications met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Additional eHealth tools identified through the search strategy were considered for supplemental analysis (including online dashboards and applications not available through application stores).
Conclusion

This review provides a brief assessment of the goals of applications addressing COVID-19, the types of approaches being used by these applications, and draws conclusions on the needs not being met by such application-based interventions. Innovation and collaboration between government, healthcare organizations and application developers is needed to address the identified gaps and facilitate the successful harnessing of mobile applications in the management of COVID-19.
Equity in Cervical Cancer Screening in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the 2016 Nationwide Steps Survey
Authors: Amin Rozhin , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Jahanmehr Nader , Abadi Ali-Reza , Sohrabi Mohammad-Reza
Published: April 2020

Background
One of the most important concerns in every healthcare system is the achievement of equity in health. Studies have shown great socioeconomic and spatial disparity in cervical cancer incidence and mortality. This study aims to investigate equity in cervical cancer screening in Iran.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Non-Communicable Risk Factors Survey in 2016 (STEPs 2016). Data on cervical cancer screening in addition to demographic and socioeconomic factors from 15975 women aged 18 and above were analyzed. Chi-Square test and logistic regression were used to assess the association of demographic and socioeconomic factors with cervical cancer screening. Equity in screening was assessed by concentration index, and GIS analysis was used to show the provincial indices on the map of Iran.
Results
Overall, 41·6% of surveyed women in Iran had undergone cervical cancer screening in their lifetime. Participation rate in cervical cancer screening programs varied between provinces; ranging from 7.6% in Sistan and Baluchestan to 61.2% in Isfahan. Being single, living in rural areas, young age, having no education, and being uninsured were associated with lower participation. Concentration index showed pro-poor inequity for the country and across all provinces, indicating that cervical cancer screening services are less utilised by high income groups. GIS analysis demonstrated spatial disparity across provinces of Iran.
Conclusions
Equity and participation in cervical cancer screening in Iran requires improvement. For this to be achieved, new policies shall have a stronger emphasis on the lowest and the highest socioeconomic population groups, while current strategies have mostly affected the people with middle socioeconomic status.
A five year trend analysis of malaria prevalence in Guba district, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: A retrospective study
Authors: Alkadir Shemsia , Gelana Tegenu , Gebresilassie Araya
Published: April 2020

Background: In Ethiopia, malaria is a serious public health concern and has great impact on socio-economy. The trend analysis of malaria data from health facilities is useful for understanding its transmission dynamics and implementing evidence-based malaria control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the trends of malaria infection in Guba district, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken at Mankush Health Centre, northwest Ethiopia. All malaria cases reported from 2014 to 2018 were carefully reviewed from the laboratory record books to determine the trends of malaria morbidity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: In total, 16,964 malaria suspects were diagnosed using microscopy over the last 5 years, of which 8,658 (51.04%) were confirmed positive cases. Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infection (both species) accounted for 75.2, 24.5% and 0.28% of the cases, respectively. Males patients were more affected (n=5,028, 58.1%) than female ones (n=3,630, 41.9%). Of the total confirmed cases, 60.4% were adults (≥ 15 years) followed by 22.6% of 5-14 years and 15.9% of under 5 years. High malaria prevalence was observed in spring (September to November) season, while the least was observed in autumn (March to May) with the prevalence of 45.6% and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that malaria is a public health concern in the study area, wherein P. falciparum is the predominant species followed by P. vivax. Therefore, it is deemed necessary to enhance malaria detection skill of laboratory technicians and implement evidence-based malaria control and prevention activities to considerably reduce the burden of malaria in the study area.
Examining the Impact of Inter-provincial Migration on Environmental Health in China
Authors: Yang Yu-Ou , Hou Juan-Juan , Chen Xin-Yu , Yu Shi-Wei , zhang Jiu-Tian , Liu Lan-Cui
Published: April 2020

Background
China has a large volume of inter-provincial migrants, accounting for more than 11% of the total population. The economic benefits of inter-provincial migration have been well studied, whereas the health impacts related to environmental factors are generally ignored.
Methods
In this study, we use 1% national population sampling survey data from 2015 and daily PM2.5 (particles ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) concentration data from 360 cities to analyze the health benefits associated with air pollution due to inter-provincial migration. The exposure-response function was used to estimate the economic value of these health benefits via the adjusted-human-capital and cost-of-illness methods.
Results
Considering a full-exposure scenario, inter-provincial migration resulted in a reduction in the PM2.5 exposure concentration of 3.94 µg/m3 in 2015, corresponding to a reduction of 6114 premature deaths, 233.4 thousand hospitalization cases, and 1.5 million asthma attacks. The corresponding economic value of these health benefits was about 10.44 billion yuan (0.02% of the national GDP in 2015). A protection scenario, assuming that the migrants protected themselves from air pollution, showed very similar results to the full-exposure scenario (PM2.5 exposure reduced by 3.60 µg/m3); hence, personal protection does not reduce significantly the health risks of air pollution.
Conclusions
At the national level, the labor force obtains both economic and health benefits. However, a high number of migrants flow out of the central region of China result in a labor deficiency and social imbalance. Migration to large cities provides economic benefits at the expense of health. Environmental migration becomes an increasingly important motivation for inter-provincial migration, which places new pressure on policy makers to consider social welfare and environmental protection in the provinces.
Association between air cadmium exposure and prostate cancer aggressiveness at diagnosis
Authors: Vijayakumar Vishwaarth , Abern Michael R. , Jagai Jyotsna S. , Kajdacsy-Balla André
Published: April 2020

Background There is conflicting evidence of a relationship between cadmium exposure and prostate cancer (PC) mortality in the general population. Since most PCs are indolent and clinically inconsequential, low grade and low stage tumors may mask an association between cadmium exposure and PC mortality. Methods We collected patient data from the 2010 – 2014 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). Aggressiveness at diagnosis was defined as stage categorized as either metastatic or localized and Gleason grade as high or low. The 2011 National Air Toxics Assessment database provided county-level air cadmium concentrations. We assessed the association between ambient exposure to air cadmium and PC aggressiveness at diagnosis in the US. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression comparing the 80 th to 20 th percentile of cadmium exposure and adjusted for age at diagnosis, sociodemographic status, smoking prevalence and overall air quality at the county-level and were stratified by race and degree of urbanization by Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC). Similar OR and CI were calculated for arsenic and lead since exposure to these metals sometimes coincide with cadmium exposure as well. Results The study cohort consisted of 230,540 cases from 493 counties. Higher air cadmium exposure was associated with an increased likelihood of metastatic PC compared to localized PC (OR 1.02, CI 1.01 – 1.03) and higher Gleason grade at diagnosis (OR 1.01, CI 1.00 – 1.02). The strongest associations were observed in nonmetropolitan areas with urban populations of 20,000 to 250,000 (RUCC2 counties): (OR 1.26, CI 1.14 – 1.39) for metastatic vs. localized PC, and (OR 1.36, CI 1.25 – 1.49) for high vs . low grade cases although these results differed somewhat by race. Compared to arsenic and lead, cadmium tended to show stronger associations with PC aggressiveness. Conclusion The strongest associations between air cadmium exposure and tumor aggressiveness were found among RUCC 2 counties, areas where 40 million Americans reside. Further studies are necessary to identify air cadmium pollution sources in these communities and to rule out additional confounding factors. Air cadmium exposure in the general population may be a more important factor than previously recognized in prostate cancer progression.
CCNI2 knockdown inhibits the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Hu Bingyang , Zhang Wenzhi , Zhang Changsheng , Li Chonghui , Zhang Ning , Pan Ke , Ge Xinlan , Wan Tao
Published: April 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer has been recognized as one of the most serious malignant tumors in the world, and its molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. Cyclin I-like (CCNI2) is a homolog of Cyclin I (CCNI), and at present its function is largely unknown.Methods: In this study, we aimed to explore the role of CCNI2 in the development of pancreatic cancer. The expression levels of CCNI2 in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells were detected by immunohistochemical analysis and qPCR, respectively. Lentivirus was used to deliver shRNA to pancreatic cancer cells to construct CCNI2 knockdown cell models. MTT and colony formation assays were used to assess cell proliferation capacity, flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to determine cell migration.Results: Our results revealed that CCNI2 is not only highly expressed in pancreatic cancer, but also significantly correlated with pathological grade, pathological stage, and survival rate. It was confirmed that knockdown of CCNI2 inhibited the proliferation and cell migration of pancreatic cancer cells while promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, human apoptotic antibody arrays showed that CCNI2 is involved in apoptosis process by up-regulating the pro-apoptotic proteins.Conclusions: In conclusion, CCNI2 may be a prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer and is associated with its development. Thus, CCNI2 possesses potential to act as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Spanish Marine National Parks: Priority areas for the conservation of a vulnerable family of fishes
Authors: Oliver Miquel Planas , Piñeiro-Corbeira Cristina , Bouza Carmen , Castejón-Silvo Inés , Vera Manuel , Regueira Marcos , Ochoa Verónica , Bárbara Ignacio , Terrados Jorge , Chamorro Alexandro , Barreiro Rodolfo , Hernández-Urcera Jorge , Alejo Irene , Nombela Miguel , García Manuel Enrique , Pardo Belén G. , Peña Viviana , Díaz Pilar , Cremades Javier , Morales-Nin Beatriz
Published: April 2020

Background: Syngnathid fishes (Actinopterygii, Syngnathidae) are flagship species highly associated to seaweed and seagrass habitats of marine ecosystems biodiversity. Seahorses and pipefish are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic and environmental disturbances, but most species are currently Data Defficient by IUCN (IUCN, 2019), requiring more biological and ecological research. This study provides the first insights on syngnathid populations in two Spanish National Parks (PNIA –Atlantic- and PNAC –Mediterranean-). Fish were collected periodically, marked, morphologically identified, analyzed for size, weight, gender and sexual maturity, and sampled for further stable isotope and genetic identification. Due the scarcity of previous information, habitat characteristics were also assessed in PNIA. Results: Syngnathid diversity and abundances were low, with two species identified in PNIA ( Hippocampus guttulatus and Syngnathus acus ) and four in PNAC ( S. abaster , S. acus , S. typhle and Nerophis maculatus ). Syngnathids from both NPs differed isotopically, with much lower δ15 N in PNAC. The dominant species were S. abaster in PNAC and particularly S. acus in PNIA. Syngnathids preferred less exposed sites in macroalgal assemblages in PNIA and Cymodocea meadows in PNAC. In S. acus from PNIA, the occurrence of very large specimens, the absence of small-medium sizes and the isotopic comparison with a nearby population suggest that the population is mainly founded by breeders that migrate seasonally. Novel 16S rDNA haplotypes and sequence variants were detected for Hippocampus guttulatus , N. maculatus , S. acus, and S. abaster . Our data suggest the presence of a cryptic Syngnathus species in PNAC, Conclusions: This is the first multidisciplinary approach to the study of syngnathids in Spanish marine NPs. Habitat preferences and population characteristics in both NPs differed. Further studies are needed to assess potential misidentifications of Syngnathus genus in PNAC, and migratory events in PNIA. We propose several preferential sites in both NPs for future monitoring of syngnathid populations and some recommendations to undertake.
Nanostructured SiGe:Sb solid solutions with improved thermoelectric figure of merit
Authors: Dorokhin Mikhail Vladimirovich , Demina Polina Borisovna , Erofeeva Irina Viktorovna , Kuznetsov Yuri Mikhailovich , Zdoroveyshchev Anton Vladimirovich , Boldin Maksim Sergeevich , Lantsev Evgeniy Andreevich , Popov Aleksandr Andreevich , Uskova Elena Afanas'evna , Trushin Vladimir Nikolaevich
Published: April 2020

Thermoelectric Si 0,65 Ge 0,35 Sb δ materials have been fabricated by spark plasma sintering of Ge-Si-Sb powder mixture. The electronic properties of Si 0,65 Ge 0,35 Sb δ were found to be dependent on the uniformity of mixing of the components, which in turn is determined by the maximum heating temperature during solid-state sintering. Provided the concentration of donor Sb impurity is optimized the thermoelectric figure of merit for the investigated structures can be as high as 0.628 at the temperature of 490 °С, the latter value is comparable with world-known analogues obtained for Si 1- x Ge x P δ .
Heterogeneous catalysis for thioanisole oxidation using hydrogen peroxide and Copper, Nickel and Zinc tungstates prepared by the polymeric precursor method
Authors: Lima Naiara Arantes , Alencar Lorena Dariane da Silva , Mendonça Gabryella Cerri , Mesquita Alexandre , Silva Augusto Vieira Pontes , Rosmaninho Marcelo Gonçalves , Taylor Jason Guy , Fajardo Humberto Vieira , Moraes Leonardo César , Bernardi Maria Inês Basso
Published: April 2020

The oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides and sulfones provides valuable sulfur-containing chemical compounds that are used in the pharmaceutical agrochemical industry. Although some tungsten catalytic systems have been applied to sulfide oxidation, the most desirable heterogeneous catalytic protocols have not been described. The copper, nickel and zinc tungstates powders obtained by the polymeric precursor method and the evaluation of their catalytic activity in thioanisole oxidation were investigated. Thioanisole was oxidized by hydrogen peroxide to sulfoxides and sulfones and the presence of catalyst accelerates the conversion. Of the three catalysts, copper tungstate was the most efficient in the conversion process followed by nickel tungstate and finally zinc tungstate. The copper tungstate has higher hydrogen consumption, indicating a higher oxygen content on the surface and the ability to increase surface mobility, which increases the conversion and selectivity of the process. The addition of 0.1 mL of hydrogen peroxide enhanced the conversion and increased the amount of sulfone produced. The ideal reaction time was 12 hours and the optimum temperature was 75 °C.
A novel strategy for efficient disaccharides synthesis from glucose by β-glucosidase
Authors: Niu Kangle , Liu Zhengyao , Feng Yuhui , Gao Tianlong , Wang Zhenzhen , Zhang Piaopiao , Du Zhiqiang , Gao Daming , Fang Xu
Published: April 2020

Oligosaccharides have important therapeutic applications. A useful route for oligosaccharides synthesis is reverse hydrolysis by β-glucosidase. However, the low conversion efficiency of disaccharides from monosaccharides limits its large-scale production because the equilibrium is biased in the direction of hydrolysis. Based on the analysis of the docking results, we hypothesized that the hydropathy index of key amino acid residues in the catalytic site is closely related with disaccharide synthesis and more hydrophilic residues located in the catalytic site would enhance reverse hydrolysis activity. In this study, positive variants TrCel1bI177S, TrCel1bI177S/I174S, and TrCel1bI177S/I174S/W173H, and one negative variant TrCel1bN240I were designed according to the Hydropathy Index For Enzyme Activity (HIFEA) strategy. The reverse hydrolysis with TrCel1bI177S/I174S/W173H was accelerated and then the maximum total production (195.8 mg/ml/mg enzyme) of the synthesized disaccharides was increased 3.5-fold compared to that of wildtype. On the contrary, TrCel1bN240I lost reverse hydrolysis activity. The results demonstrate that the average hydropathy index of the key amino acid residues in the catalytic site of TrCel1b is an important factor for the synthesis of laminaribiose, sophorose, and cellobiose. The HIFEA strategy provides a new perspective for the rational design of β-glucosidases used for the synthesis of oligosaccharides.
Desquamation In Kawasaki Disease And Its Relationship With Coronary Artery Abnormalities
Authors: YAN JIAHUEI , Lo Wan-Shan , Guo Mindy Ming-Huey , Huang Ying-Hsien , Chang Ling-Sai , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: April 2020

Background Desquamation of hands and feet is a common characteristic of Kawasaki disease (KD), and occurs in 68-98% of patients diagnosed with KD. In this study, we analyzed patients’ varying desquamation levels in their hands or feet, in correlation with clinical presentation, to assess the relationship.Method We retrospectively reviewed children with KD who had follow-up visits in Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital’s pediatric outpatient department (OPD) during 2018 and 2019. We analyzed their age, laboratory data before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment, and coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) based on the desquamation level of their hands and feet.Results We enrolled a total 112 patients in the study, and 92 patients (82.1%) had hand or feet desquamation. We found the hands’ high-grade desquamation was positively associated with age and segmented neutrophil percentage (p=0.047 and 0.029, respectively) but negatively associated with lymphocyte and monocyte percentage (p=0.03 and 0.006, respectively). Meanwhile, the feet’s high-grade desquamation was positively associated with total white blood cell count (p=0.033). Furthermore, we found that high-grade hand desquamation had less probability of CAA formation compared with that of a low grade (7.1% vs. 40.8%, p=0.016). We observed no significant difference in IVIG resistance between the groups. Conclusion This report is the first to demonstrate that the desquamation level of hands or feet in Kawasaki disease is associated with different coronary artery abnormalities and laboratory findings. Physicians should be cautious of CAA formation, particularly in patients with low-grade hand peeling.
Associations of Participation in Organized Sports and Physical Activity in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Chu , Sellberg Fanny , Ahlqvist Viktor H. , Neovius Martin , Christiansen Filip , Berglind Daniel
Published: April 2020

Background Participation in organized sports is associated with higher physical activity (PA) levels in school-aged-children. Yet, little is known about PA determinants in preschool-aged-children. We examined associations between organized sports participation and preschoolers’ daily PA.Methods The study comprised 290 3–5 years old children and PA was measured for 1 week via accelerometers. Organized sports participation was parent-reported and preschool time was teacher-recorded. Linear mixed models, nested on preschool level, were used to examine associations between organized sports participation and children’s PA outside preschool time, during preschool time and throughout the day.Results In total, 146 children (50.3%) participated in organized sports at least 1 hour/week. Participation in organized sports was associated with 6.0 more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (95% CI: 0.6, 11.3) throughout the day and 5.7 more minutes of MVPA (95% CI: 1.6, 9.7) outside preschool time after adjustment. There was no association between organized sports participation and PA during preschool time.Conclusions This is the first study to show positive associations between organized sports participation and preschoolers’ PA levels outside preschool time and throughout the day. In addition, findings from this study do not support PA compensation. Therefore, targeting organized sports may be successful in improving PA, even among preschoolers.
Customer satisfaction in the digital era: evidence from Islamic banking
Authors: zouari Ghazi , Abdelhedi Marwa
Published: April 2020

PurposeBased upon an extended SERVQUAL model, this paper attempts to contribute to the Islamic banking literature by examining the impact of digitalization, as a service quality dimension, on customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachTwo dimensions, i.e. digitalization and compliance are added to the existing SERVQUAL model of five dimensions. Results are drawn from a self-completed survey of a convenience sample of 145 Tunisian Islamic bank customers for the year 2018. Factor analysis and regression analysis are used to determine factor structure and determine the impact of service quality dimensions, especially digitalization, on customer satisfaction in Islamic banking.FindingsThe factor analysis extracted five dimensions of service quality, i.e. confidence, compliance, digitalization, tangibles and human skills. The paper demonstrates a positive and significant relationship between the main dimensions of customer service quality and customer satisfaction, except for tangibles.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the outcomes lend support to the extended SERVQUAL model, the results are derived based on a relatively small sample size in one country (Tunisia). This limits the generalizability of the study results. It might also be useful to enlarge the study sample and include a comparison between Islamic versus conventional banking about service quality and customer satisfaction.Managerial implications:To remain competitive, Tunisian Islamic banks need to pay attention to the way the services are delivered and not take it for granted that customers are only focusing on compliance. Dealing henceforth with Generation Y customers, they must persevere in bringing their customer service into the digital era.Originality/valueThis study is one of few which try to investigate the drivers of customer satisfaction for Islamic banks in a Digital Era. It reveals that although customers pay special attention to Sharia’ laws, the way services are delivered matters to them too. From now on, digital banking must appear among the Islamic bank features to stay relevant in the Digital Era.