bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Social-Cognitive Investigation of Young Adults Who Abuse Their Parents
Authors: Simmons Melanie , McEwan Troy E. , Purcell Rosemary
Published: May 2020

Within the past decade, there has been an increase in research focusing on young people who abuse their parents. However, most research has narrowly focused on adolescent children, neglecting to investigate the nature, pattern, and factors related to child-to-parent abuse perpetrated by young adults. This article integrated two complementary social-cognitive theories of aggression to explore factors associated with perpetration of child-to-parent abuse among university students ( N = 435, aged 18–25 years). Participants completed the Abusive Behavior by Children–Indices, a self-report measure that was designed to differentiate abusive and normative child-to-parent behavior. The results highlight that abuse is not limited to adolescent children, as one in seven young adults were categorized as abusive toward a parent over the previous 12 months. Sons were more likely than daughters to report abusing their parents. Specifically, sons disclosed greater rates of father abuse than daughters, but similar rates of mother abuse. Hierarchical logistic regression found that exposure to marital violence, parent-to-child aggression, trait anger, and aggressive scripts were significant predictors of both mother and father abuse. However, other factors related to abuse differed according to which parent was the target of abuse. For instance, male sex was a significant predictor of father abuse, whereas rumination and impulsive emotional regulation were significant predictors of mother abuse. Overall, father abuse was better explained by the model than mother abuse. The results suggest that although factors related to general aggressive behavior may be good predictors for father abuse, additional factors may be needed to explain mother abuse.
Prevalence of mental health conditions amongst people living with human immunodeficiency virus in one of the most deprived localities in England
Authors: Gill A , Ranasinghe AWIP , Sumathipala A , Fernando KA
Published: May 2020

Mental health conditions (MHCs) are often unrecognised which can result in detrimental physical health outcomes and poor quality of life. This can be compounded by the impact of deprivation. People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are more likely to be affected by MHCs which if untreated, may result in both clinical and psychosocial adversities. To ascertain the prevalence of and factors associated with MHCs in the human immunodeficiency virus cohort of Stoke-on-Trent, which is the 13th most deprived locality in England, we conducted a cross-sectional service evaluation using electronic records of 302 PLWH attending the service between October 2018 and January 2019. The prevalence of MHCs amongst PLWH was 33.4% (101/302). Depression was the most prevalent MHC affecting 17.2% (52/302). Those of white ethnicity were at higher risk (odds ratio [OR] = 3.14; p < 0.01) of MHCs compared to black Asian and minority ethnic groups. Women were at higher risk of having an MHC (OR = 3.15; p < 0.01), and recreational drug use was also a significant factor (OR = 16.18; p = 0.01) associated with MHCs. There is sub-optimal access and heterogeneity in the modes of referral to mental health support services. Commissioning constraints will further detrimentally affect our ability to provide support in an already deprived area, thus widening health inequalities affecting the most vulnerable.
The innovative state: ÉcoQuartiers as French laboratories of ‘green culture’
Authors: Rudolph Nicole
Published: May 2020

Taking its point of departure from Mariana Mazzucato’s The Entrepreneurial State (2014), this article examines the French state as an innovator in the realm of green housing. Drawing upon field research into the design and reception of eco-neighbourhoods, the author explores the French state’s experiments in ‘green culture’, asking what ‘improving daily life’, a stated objective of the ÉcoQuartier programme, means to planners and residents? Do ÉcoQuartier inhabitants become more environmentally conscious in their domestic practices? There are numerous parallels with France’s post-war experiments in mass housing that prompt us to ask questions about the French state’s experimental method. This article argues that the innovation of the eco-neighbourhood reveals that the state’s belief in spatial determinism remains strong and that the ÉcoQuartier initiative indicates that some, but not all, of the important lessons from the mass housing experiments of the 1950s and 60s have been learned.
A short bevel needle with a very thin tip improves vein puncture performance of peripheral intravenous catheters: An experimental study
Authors: Tanabe Hidenori , Kawasaki Manami , Ueda Takehiko , Yokota Takayuki , Zushi Yasunobu , Murayama Ryoko , Abe-Doi Mari , Sanada Hiromi
Published: May 2020

Background:

Peripheral intravenous catheter placement is frequently unsuccessful at the first attempt. One suggested risk factor is a small vein size, because of the consequences of mechanical forces generated by the needle tip. We developed short bevel needles with a very thin tip and evaluated their puncture performance in two in vitro models.

Methods:

Peripheral intravenous catheters with a new needle ground using the lancet method (experimental catheter (L)) or backcut method (experimental catheter (B)) were compared with a conventional peripheral intravenous catheter (Surshield Surflo®) in a penetration force test and a tube puncture test. Penetration forces were measured when peripheral intravenous catheters penetrated a polyethylene sheet. The tube puncture test was used to evaluate whether the peripheral intravenous catheters could puncture a polyvinyl chloride tube at two positions, at the center and at 0.5 mm from the center of the tube.

Results:

Mean penetration forces at the needle tip produced by experimental catheters (L) (0.05 N) and (B) (0.04 N) were significantly lower than those produced by the conventional catheter (0.09 N) (p < 0.01). At the catheter tip, mean forces produced by experimental catheter (B) and the conventional catheter were 0.16 N and 0.26 N, respectively (p < 0.05). In the tube puncture test, the frequency at which the conventional catheter punctured the center-shifted site on the tube at an angle of 20° and speed of 50 mm/min was low (40%). In contrast, experimental catheters (L) and (B) were 100% successful at puncturing both the center and center-shifted sites at 20°.

Conclusion:

Puncture performance was comparable between the lancet-ground and backcut-ground needles except for penetration forces at the catheter tip. The experimental catheters produced lower penetration forces and induced puncture without target displacement at smaller angles compared with the conventional catheter. Therefore, optimization of the needle can prevent vein deformation and movement, which may increase the first-attempt success rate.
Perspectives on neuropsychology and clinical care in paediatric and adolescent medicine
Authors: Griffin Angela , Deeba Farah , Dennison Taryn , Moore Anna
Published: May 2020

As a child and adolescent neuropsychology service based within a paediatric psychology team at a large teaching hospital, we meet children and young people across the age range who experience cognitive impairment as a result of long-term health conditions or traumatic brain injury. We have a remit of providing a neuropsychological assessment and report. Typically, a neuropsychology report includes recommendations for home and for school. However, research suggests that their uptake is variable and depends on the understanding and resources of families and school systems. As a stretched service, we have very limited capacity to follow the work through to the extent that we might like. Therefore, we are always seeking effective ways to support the ongoing adaptation and implementation of the assessment recommendations in the child’s various day-to-day contexts. We address both the cognitive functioning and the psychological well-being of the child as a unified whole. Drawing on systemic ideas influences our communications with children, families, schools and the medical teams in ways which help bridge the gap between hospital-based assessment and everyday life. This article describes how we are integrating our systemic and neurodevelopmental perspectives to make the assessment and the findings a meaningful intervention in themselves. We consider ways of sharing neuropsychology findings which promote the child’s psychological well-being in their different contexts: hospital, home, school, community and culture.
Meta-analysis of effect of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockers on contrast-induced nephropathy
Authors: Wang Weidong , Qu Wei , Sun Dan , Liu Xiaodan
Published: May 2020

Background:

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the effect of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockers on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of several databases was conducted to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 12 studies with 14 trials that performed studies on a total of 4864 patients (2484 treated with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockers and 2380 in the control group) were included. The primary endpoint was the overall incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy. Analyses were performed with STATA version 12.0.

Results:

The overall contrast-induced nephropathy incidence in renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blocker and control groups was 10.43% and 6.81%, respectively. The pooled relative risk of contrast-induced nephropathy incidence was 1.22 (95% confidence interval: 0.81–1.84) in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blocker group. An increased risk of developing contrast-induced nephropathy in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blocker group was observed among older people, non-Asians, chronic users, and studies with larger sample size, and the pooled RRs and 95% confidence intervals were 2.02 (1.21–3.36), 2.30 (1.41–3.76), 1.69 (1.10–2.59) and 1.83 (1.28–2.63), respectively.

Conclusions:

Intervention with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockers was associated with an increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy among non-Asians, chronic users, older people, and studies with larger sample size. Large clinical trials with strict inclusion criteria are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate the effect further.
Rethinking patient–provider care through visual communication
Authors: Elko Stacy , Velez John A , Corwin Melinda , Keene Justin Robert
Published: May 2020

The case study presented in this article developed an improved intervention for visually communicating with persons diagnosed with a communication disorder known as aphasia. The Visual Interactive Narrative Intervention (VINI) assists health-care providers in educating post-stroke persons with aphasia (PWA) about their stroke, symptoms, rehabilitation options, and quality of life issues. Visual communication is under-utilized to convey health information to PWA despite its ability to capitalize on their intact cognitive and visual processing. The current Reflections on Practice summarizes visual guidelines from previous research, discusses visual design principles to achieve these guidelines, and presents a case study of creating visual stimuli for PWA based on these considerations and initial pilot testing with PWA. The case study demonstrates the creative process, the visual design considerations, and the interdisciplinary effort (i.e. health professionals, artists, and communication scholars) necessary for visually communicating with PWA.
Utility of the integrated palliative care outcome scale (IPOS): a cross-sectional study in hospitalised patients with heart failure
Authors: Roch Carmen , Palzer Johanna , Zetzl Teresa , Störk Stefan , Frantz Stefan , van Oorschot Birgitt
Published: May 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability and comprehensibility of the integrated palliative care outcome scale for the evaluation of palliative care needs in patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

This cross-sectional study investigated 100 heart failure patients (40 women, 60 men; median age 79 years) within the first few days of their hospitalisation by applying the integrated palliative care outcome scale (3-day recall period) and two additional self-developed questions about the suitability and comprehensibility of the integrated palliative care outcome scale. Clinically relevant somatic and psycho-emotional symptoms were reported very frequently (approximately 75% each), followed by communicational needs or practical issues. Ninety-five per cent of patients thought the integrated palliative care outcome scale very easy to understand, and 91% judged the integrated palliative care outcome scale suitable to assess palliative care needs.

Conclusion

The integrated palliative care outcome scale was well accepted by hospitalised patients with heart failure and identified a high burden of both physical and psycho-emotional symptoms. Screening for palliative care has to consider patients and their relatives alike, and should be part of a comprehensive care concept jointly integrated into clinical routine by primary and specialised palliative care teams.
Subjective reports of physical activity levels and sedentary time prior to hospital admission can predict utilization of hospital care and all-cause mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Ek Amanda , Kallings Lena V , Ekström Mattias , Börjesson Mats , Ekblom Örjan
Published: May 2020

Background

In prevention, sedentary behaviour and physical activity have been associated with risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Less is known about associations with utilization of hospital care.

Aim

To investigate whether physical activity level and sedentary behaviour prior to cardiac ward admission can predict utilization of hospital care and mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Longitudinal observational study including 1148 patients admitted and treated in cardiac wards in two hospitals. Subjective reports of physical activity levels and sedentary time prior to admission were collected during inpatient care and categorized as low, medium or high. The associations between physical activity level and sedentary time with hospital stay, readmission and mortality were analysed using linear, logistic and Cox regressions.

Results

Median hospital stay was 2.1 days. One higher step in the physical activity level, or lower sedentary time, was related to an approximately 0.9 days shorter hospital stay. Sixty per cent of patients were readmitted to hospital. The risk of being readmitted was lower for individuals reporting high physical activity and low sedentary time (odds ratios ranging between 0.44 and 0.91). A total of 200 deaths occurred during the study. Mortality was lower among those with high and medium physical activity levels and low sedentary time (hazard ratios ranging between 0.36 and 0.90).

Conclusion

Both physical activity level and sedentary time during the period preceding hospitalization for cardiac events were predictors of hospital utilization and mortality. This highlights the prognostic value of assessing patients’ physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
The Roles of Frequently Mutated Genes of Pancreatic Cancer in Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Sun Hongzhi , Zhang Bo , Li Haijun
Published: May 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has extremely high malignancy and patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have dismal prognosis. The failure of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment is largely due to the tumor microenvironment, which is featured by ample stromal cells and complicated extracellular matrix. Recent genomic analysis revealed that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma harbors frequently mutated genes including KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4, which can widely alter cellular processes and behaviors. As shown by accumulating studies, these mutant genes may also change tumor microenvironment, which in turn affects pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression. In this review, we summarize the role of such genetic mutations in tumor microenvironment regulation and potential mechanisms.
Protective Gun Ownership as a Coping Mechanism
Authors: Buttrick Nicholas
Published: May 2020

Firearms are one of the central flashpoints in American life, and yet the motivations underlying their ownership have been generally understudied by psychologists. In this article, I review work from across the social sciences to model the psychological utility that people get from gun ownership. I propose the coping model of protective gun ownership and argue that those who own their weapon for protection are using their gun symbolically as an aid to manage psychological threats—to their safety, control, and sense of belongingness—that come from their belief that the world is a dangerous place and that society will not keep them safe. I discuss the ramifications of this coping strategy and present a research agenda for exploring this framework.
Identification of key career indicators in Portuguese football players
Authors: Monteiro Ricardo , Monteiro Diogo , Nunes Célia , Torregrossa Miquel , Travassos Bruno
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to describe and identify the weight of some key career indicators (KCI) on the competitive level of retirement (professional vs. non-professional) of Portuguese football players. Three thousand five hundred retired Portuguese football players born between 1950 and 1989, and registered on Portuguese Football Federation were considered in this study. Descriptive analysis and a multivariable binary logistic regression model were performed to assess the relationship between the mastery stage development variables and the competitive level of retirement of football players. The results highlighted that the KCI first senior registration level, number of seasons in mastery stage, number of total games as senior player, number of total games in retirement season, and the age of the last best result achieved contribute to explain and predict the competitive level of retirement of Portuguese football players. The tendencies identified and their impact on the competitive level of retirement could be important implications on awareness and definition of management and support programs of players’ careers.
Decriminalisation of sex work in the post-truth era? Strategic storytelling in neo-abolitionist accounts of the New Zealand model
Authors: Armstrong Lynzi
Published: May 2020

In the context of on-going debates regarding sex work laws, in most jurisdictions forms of criminalisation continue to dominate. Despite decades of sex workers calling for the decriminalisation of sex work and collectively organising against repressive laws, decriminalisation remains uncommon. New Zealand was the first full country to decriminalise sex work with the passing of the Prostitution Reform Act in 2003, which aimed to improve occupational health and safety. Several empirical studies have documented positive impacts of this framework. However, despite this, neo-abolitionists persistently describe the New Zealand model as a failed approach. This article examines neo-abolitionist knowledge claims regarding the New Zealand model and in doing so unpacks the strategic stories told about this approach, considering the implications for sex work policy making.
A Case of Wellens Syndrome in a 30-Year-Old Woman From Sub-Saharan Africa: A Perplexing Clinical Entity With Invaluable Lessons
Authors: Pallangyo Pedro , Bhalia Smita , Longopa George , Mwinyipembe Kawajika , Millinga Jalack , Misidai Nsajigwa , Swai Happiness Judical , Mkojera Zabella Seif , Hemed Naairah Rashid , Mulashani Rydiness , Seraphine Polycarp , Massawe Regan Valerian , Kaijage Alice , Kisenge Peter , Janabi Mohamed
Published: May 2020

With an estimated contribution of up to 6% of all acute coronary events, young adults are experiencing an escalating burden and mortality attributable to coronary artery disease (CAD) worldwide. Wellens syndrome, a preinfarction clinical entity with distinctive electrocardiographic (ECG) features and high propensity for extensive anterior wall infarctions, affects about 15% of unstable angina subpopulation. We report challenges and lessons learnt from the first ever documented case of Wellens syndrome in Tanzania. A 30-year-old female of African descent was referred to us from an upcountry zonal referral hospital for etiological determination of chest pain and expert management. Her medical history was unremarkable, and she had no apparent risk factors for CAD. She presented with a 7-day history of ongoing sharp central chest pain that was radiating to the neck and jaws and relieved momentarily by morphine. She had stable vitals with an unremarkable systemic examination; however, a 12-lead ECG revealed deeply inverted T-waves on leads V2 through V4. Based on our extensive history and physical examination we came up with a diagnosis of type B Wellens syndrome with impending anterior wall myocardial infarction. She underwent cardiac catheterization that revealed a nonthrombogenic severe subocclusive (>95%) mid left anterior descending artery stenosis. Subsequently, angioplasty was performed successfully with a resolute integrity stent, and TIMI III flow was achieved. To conclude, despite its relative frequency, physicians’ awareness of Wellens syndrome pathognomonic ECG features is of paramount importance to curb its attributable morbidity and mortality.
Corticosterone Induces Depressive-Like Behavior in Female Peri-Pubescent Rats, but Not in Pre-Pubescent Rats
Authors: Nickle Tyler R. , Stanley Erica M. , Middlemas David S.
Published: May 2020

Background

There are no data on the effect of exogenous corticosterone on depressive-like behavior in juvenile rats. Furthermore, it has not been tested whether the effects of corticosterone in female rats is different before or after puberty.

Objective

We tested the effect of corticosterone treatment on female pre- and peri-pubescent juvenile rats on depressive-like behavior.

Methods

Female juvenile rats were divided into pre-pubescent (post-natal day 7–27) or peri-pubescent (post-natal day 28–48) groups and administered daily corticosterone (40 mg kg−1 day−1) for 21 days. Depressive-like behavior was assessed using a modified forced swim test and the sucrose preference test. After behavioral assessment, brains were analyzed to determine if there were changes in cell proliferation and newborn neuron survival in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus.

Results

Chronic corticosterone treatment did not affect behavior or neurogenesis in female pre-pubescent juvenile rats. However, female peri-pubescent rats injected with corticosterone showed increased depressive-like behavior as well as a decrease in cell proliferation in the subgranular zone. Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between time spent immobile in the forced swim test and cell proliferation in the granule cell layer in peri-pubescent rats.

Conclusions

Corticosterone induces depressive-like behavior in peri-pubescent, but not in pre-pubescent female rats. Finally, our results suggest that depressive-like behavior may be associated with a decrease in hippocampal cell proliferation in female peri-pubescent rats.
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

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.
Increased risk of tinnitus following a trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis: a one-year follow-up study
Authors: Cheng Yen-Fu , Xirasagar Sudha , Yang Tzong-Han , Wu Chuan-Song , Kao Yi-Wei , Shia Ben-Chang , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: May 2020

Background

Tinnitus due to hyperactivity across neuronal ensembles along the auditory pathway is reported. We hypothesized that trigeminal neuralgia patients may subsequently suffer from tinnitus. Using nationwide, population-based data and a retrospective cohort study design, we investigated the risk of tinnitus within 1 year following trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods

We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset, a claims database, to identify all patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia from January 2001 to December 2014, 12,587 patients. From the remaining patients, we identified 12,587 comparison patients without trigeminal neuralgia by propensity score matching, using sex, age, monthly income, geographic region, residential urbanization level, and tinnitus-relevant comorbidities (hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, cervical spondylosis, temporomandibular joint disorders and injury to head and neck and index year). All study patients (n = 25,174) were tracked for a one-year period to identify those with a subsequent diagnosis of tinnitus over 1-year follow-up.

Results

Among total 25,174 sample patients, the incidence of tinnitus was 18.21 per 100 person-years (95% CI = 17.66 ~ 18.77), the rate being 23.57 (95% CI = 22.68 ~ 24.49) among patients with trigeminal neuralgia and 13.17 (95% CI = 12.53 ~ 13.84) among comparison patients. Furthermore, the adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratio for tinnitus in the trigeminal neuralgia group was 1.68 (95% CI = 1.58 ~ 1.80) relative to the comparison cohort.

Conclusions

We found a significantly increased risk of tinnitus within 1 year of trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis compared to those without the diagnosis. Further studies in other countries and ethnicities are needed to explore the relationship between trigeminal neuralgia and subsequent tinnitus.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during seed development in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Ma Xingli , Zhang Xingguo , Traore Sy Mamadou , Xin Zeyu , Ning Longlong , Li Ke , Zhao Kunkun , Li Zhongfeng , He Guohao , Yin Dongmei
Published: May 2020

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have several known functions involving various biological regulatory processes in plant. However, the possible roles of lncRNAs during peanut seed development have not been fully explored.

Results

In this study, two peanut recombinant inbred lines (RIL8) that differ in seed size were used to investigate comprehensive lncRNA profiles derived from the seed development at 15 and 35 days after flowering (DAF). We identified a total of 9388 known and 4037 novel lncRNAs, from which 1437 were differentially expressed lncRNAs. Interestingly, the expression patterns of a number of lncRNAs can be very different between two closely related inbred lines and these lncRNAs were expressed predominantly in only one RIL at 35 DAF. Some differentially expressed lncRNAs were found related to putative cis-acting target genes and predicted to be involved in transcription, transport, cell division, and plant hormone biosynthesis. The expression patterns of several representative lncRNAs and 12 protein-coding genes were validated by qPCR. Same expression pattern was observed between most lncRNAs and their target genes. 11 lncRNAs, XR_001593099.1, MSTRG.18462.1, MSTRG.34915.1, MSTRG.41848.1, MSTRG.22884.1, MSTRG.12404.1, MSTRG.26719.1, MSTRG.35761.1, MSTRG.20033.1, MSTRG.13500.1, and MSTRG.9304.1 and their cis-acting target genes may play key roles in peanut seed development.

Conclusions

These results provided new information on lncRNA-mediated regulatory roles in peanut seed development, contributing to the comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in peanut seed development.
Identification of foam cell biomarkers by microarray analysis
Authors: Song Zikai , Lv Shijie , Wu Haidi , Qin Ling , Cao Hongyan , Zhang Bo , Ren Shuping
Published: May 2020

Background

Lipid infiltration and inflammatory response run through the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Differentiation into macrophages and foam cell formation are the key steps of AS. Aim of this study was that the differential gene expression between foam cells and macrophages was analyzed to search the key links of foam cell generation, so as to explore the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and provide targets for the early screening and prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

The gene expression profiles of GSE9874 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE9874) on GPL96 [HG-U133A] Affymetrix Human Genome U133. A total of 22,383 genes were analyzed for differentially expression genes (DEGs) by Bayes package. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis for DEGs were performed using KOBAS 3.0 software (Peking University, Beijing, China). STRING software (STRING 10.0; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany) was used to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of DEGs.

Results

A total of 167 DEGs between macrophages and foam cells were identified. Compared with macrophages, 102 genes were significantly upregulated and 65 genes were significantly downregulated (P < 0.01, fold-change > 1) in foam cells. DEGs were mainly enrich in ‘sterol biosynthetic and metabolic process’, ‘cholesterol metabolic and biosynthetic process’ by GO enrichment analysis. The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed all differential genes are involved in biological processes through 143 KEGG pathways. A PPI network of the DEGs was constructed and 10 outstanding genes of the PPI network was identified by using Cytoscape, which include HMGCR, SREBF2, LDLR, HMGCS1, FDFT1, LPL, DHCR24, SQLE, ABCA1 and FDPS. Conclusion: Lipid metabolism related genes and molecular pathways were the key to the transformation of macrophages into foam cells. Therefore, lipid metabolism disorder is the key to turn macrophages into foam cells, which plays a major role in CAD.
Natural course of coronary artery calcium progression in Asian population with an initial score of zero
Authors: Shen Yi-Wen , Wu Yun-Ju , Hung Yi-Chi , Hsiao Chia-Chi , Chan Shan-Ho , Mar Guang-Yuan , Wu Ming-Ting , Wu Fu-Zong
Published: May 2020

Background

We aimed to investigate the natural course of coronary artery calcium progression in an Asian population with a baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of zero, and to determine subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

Four hundred fifty-nine subjects with at least two CAC scans with an initial score of zero were included. CAC progression (+) was defined by the development of any CAC (i.e., CAC > 0) during subsequent CT scans. Clinical characteristics and Framingham risk profiles were also recorded.

Results

Among 459 subjects, 106 (23.09%) experienced CAC progression during the average follow-up period of 5.71 ± 2.68 years. Older age, male gender, HDL-C, total cholesterol and higher Framingham risk score were independently associated with CAC progression. Framingham risk score had the better discriminative ability (AUC = 0.660) to predict CAC progression compared to the other parameters with a sensitivity of 75.24% and specificity of 53.95%. For the double zero score with coronary artery atherosclerosis prediction, older age, triglycerides, hypertension, and Framingham risk score were significantly associated with these events. Among these parameters, Framingham risk score may be a relatively acceptable parameter with high negative predictive (NPV = 96.4%) value to rule out double zero score with obstructive coronary artery atherosclerosis scenario with an optimum cut-off value of <16.9 (AUC =0.652, sensitivity of 57.69%; specificity of 68.82%).

Conclusions

A baseline zero CAC score in asymptomatic Chinese population with low to intermediate risk have a low incidence for CAC progression within the 5-years period. For CAC progression prediction, Framingham risk score with the cutoff < 11.1 may help confirm subjects at low risk to improve cardiovascular risk stratification and reclassification in the field of preventive cardiology.
Evaluating capacity at three government referral hospital emergency units in the kingdom of Eswatini using the WHO Hospital Emergency Unit Assessment Tool
Authors: Pigoga J. L. , Joiner A. P. , Chowa P. , Luong J. , Mhlanga M. , Reynolds T. A. , Wallis L. A.
Published: May 2020

Background

The Kingdom of Eswatini, a lower-middle income nation of 1.45 million in southern Africa, has recently identified emergency care as a key strategy to respond to the national disease burden. We aimed to evaluate the current capacity of hospital emergency care areas using the WHO Hospital Emergency Unit Assessment Tool (HEAT) at government referral hospitals in Eswatini.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of three government referral hospital emergency care areas using HEAT in May 2018. This standardised tool assists healthcare facilities to assess the emergency care delivery capacity in facilities and support in identifying gaps and targeting interventions to strengthen care delivery within emergency care areas. Senior-level emergency care area employees, including senior medical officers and nurse matrons, were interviewed using the HEAT.

Results

All sites provided some level of emergency care 24 h a day, 7 days a week, though most had multiple entry points for emergency care. Only one facility had a dedicated area for receiving emergencies and a dedicated resuscitation area; two had triage areas. Facilities had limited capacity to perform signal functions (life-saving procedures that require both skills and resources). Commonly reported barriers included training deficits and lack of access to supplies, medications, and equipment. Sites also lacked formal clinical management and process protocols (such as triage and clinical protocols).

Conclusions

The HEAT highlighted strengths and weaknesses of emergency care delivery within hospitals in Eswatini and identified specific causes of these system and service gaps. In order to improve emergency care outcomes, multiple interventions are needed, including training opportunities, improvement in supply chains, and implementation of clinical and process protocols for emergency care areas. We hope that these findings will allow hospital administrators and planners to develop effective change management plans.
Pacemaker detected active minutes are superior to pedometer-based step counts in measuring the response to physical activity counseling in sedentary older adults
Authors: Puppala Venkata K. , Hofeld Benjamin C. , Anger Amberly , Tyagi Sudhi , Strath Scott J. , Fox Judith , Berger Marcie G. , Ahn Kwang Woo , Widlansky Michael E.
Published: May 2020

Background

In patients with permanent pacemakers (PPM), physical activity (PA) can be monitored using embedded accelerometers to measure pacemaker detected active hours (PDAH), a strong predictor of mortality. We examined the impact of a PA Counseling (PAC) intervention on increasing activity as measured by PDAH and daily step counts.

Methods

Thirteen patients (average age 80 ± 6 years, 84.6% women) with implanted Medtronic PPMs with a ≤ 2 PDAH daily average were included in this study. Patients were randomized to Usual Care (UC, N = 6) or a Physical Activity Counseling Intervention (PACI, N = 7) groups. Step count and PDAH data were obtained at baseline, following a 12-week intervention, then 12 weeks after intervention completion. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson’s r, chi-square, and general linear models for repeated measures.

Results

PDAH significantly differed by time point for all subject combined (P = 0.01) but not by study group. Subjects with baseline gait speeds of > 0.8 m/sec were responsible for the increases in PDAH observed. Step counts did not differ over time in the entire cohort or by study group. Step count and PDAH significantly correlated at baseline (r = 0.60, P = 0.03). This correlation disappeared by week 12.

Conclusion(s)

PDAH can be used to monitor PA and PA interventions and may be superior to hip-worn pedometers in detecting activity. A significant increase in PA, regardless of treatment group, suggests that patient awareness of the ability to monitor PA through a PPM increases PA in these patients, particularly in patients with gait speeds of < 0.8 m/sec.

Trial registration

ClincalTrials.gov NCT03052829. Date of Registration: 2/14/2017.
Three monthly doses of 60 mg/kg praziquantel for Schistosoma haematobium infection is a safe and effective treatment regimen
Authors: Darko Samuel Nkansah , Hanson Henry , Twumasi-Ankrah Sampson , Baffour-Awuah Sandra , Adjei-Kusi Priscilla , Yar Denis , Owusu-Dabo Ellis
Published: May 2020

Background

Praziquantel (PZQ) is the standard treatment for Schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is evidence suggesting praziquantel treatment failure in Schistosome infections with associated potential renal impairment. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three monthly doses of 60 mg/kg/day PZQ on schistosome egg count, liver and renal function during the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana.

Methods

A nested case-control study was designed from a cohort screened for schistosomiasis; 28 schistosomiasis positive cases by microscopy matched with 53 healthy controls by age and gender. The study population was urban dwellers from the Asokwa sub-metropolitan area, Kumasi in Ghana. Participants were within the age range of 6 to 30 years. We assessed Schistosoma haematobium egg counts in urine and its associated impact on liver and renal function at baseline, treatment and post-treatment phases using serum.

Results

Of the 28 cases and 53 controls, 78.6% and 81.1% were males respectively. Globulin levels before treatment was higher in cases [36.7 (32.8, 40.1) vrs 30.5 (22.4, 33.8), p = 0.005] at pre-treatment but not at post-treatment [35.8 (31.2, 39.1) vrs 37.4 (29.7, 43.0), p = 0.767]. Estimated cure rate was 42.9, 46.4 and 96.4% after first, second and third dose respectively. Schistosome egg counts dropped significantly (p = 0.001) from before second dose to post-treatment. Similarly, levels of alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.028) and gamma glutamyl transferase (p = 0.001) significantly declined towards post-treatment. Estimated glomerular filtration rate significantly improved from before second dose to post-treatment using both the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Program (p = 0.001) and 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (p = 0.002) equations.

Conclusion

Treatment of urinary Schistosoma hematobium infections with a repeated high monthly dose of 60 mg/kg of praziquantel for 3 months is safe and effective.
Gait speed and handgrip strength as predictors of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Lee Yu Ho , Kim Jin Sug , Jung Su-Woong , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Moon Ju-Young , Jeong Kyung-Hwan , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee So-Young , Ko Gang Jee , Lee Dong-Young , Lee Hong joo , Kim Yang Gyun
Published: May 2020

Background

Low physical performance in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis is associated with a high mortality rate. We investigated the clinical relevance of gait speed and handgrip strength, the two most commonly used methods of assessing physical performance.

Methods

We obtained data regarding gait speed and handgrip strength from 277 hemodialysis patients and evaluated their relationships with baseline parameters, mental health, plasma inflammatory markers, and major adverse clinical outcomes. Low physical performance was defined by the recommendations suggested by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia.

Results

The prevalence of low gait speed and handgrip strength was 28.2 and 44.8%, respectively. Old age, low serum albumin levels, high comorbidity index score, and impaired cognitive functions were associated with low physical performance. Patients with isolated low gait speed exhibited a general trend for worse quality of life than those with isolated low handgrip strength. Gait speed and handgrip strength showed very weak correlations with different determining factors (older age, the presence of diabetes, and lower serum albumin level for low gait speed, and lower body mass index and the presence of previous cardiovascular events for low handgrip strength). Patients with low gait speed and handgrip strength had elevated levels of plasma endocan and matrix metalloproteinase-7 and the highest risks for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among the groups (adjusted hazard ratio of 2.72,p = 0.024). Elderly patients with low gait speed and handgrip strength were at the highest risk for poor clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Gait speed and handgrip strength reflected distinctive aspects of patient characteristics and the use of both factors improved the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Gait speed seems to be a better indicator of poor patient outcomes than is handgrip strength.
Maternal pre and perinatal experiences with their full-term, preterm and very preterm newborns
Authors: Gonçalves Joana L. , Fuertes Marina , Alves Maria João , Antunes Sandra , Almeida Ana Rita , Casimiro Rute , Santos Margarida
Published: May 2020

Background

Mothers’ reports about pregnancy, maternity and their experiences during the perinatal period have been associated with infants’ later quality of attachment and development. Yet, there has been little research with mothers of very preterm newborns. This study aimed to explore mothers’ experiences related to pregnancy, premature birth, relationship with the newborn, and future perspectives, and to compare them in the context of distinct infants’ at-birth-risk conditions.

Methods

A semi-structured interview was conducted with women after birth, within the first 72 h of the newborn’s life. A total of 150 women participated and were divided in three groups: (1) 50 mothers of full-term newborns (Gestational Age (GA) ≥ 37 weeks; FT), (2) 50 mothers of preterm newborns (GA 32–36 weeks; PT) and (3) 50 mothers of very preterm newborns (GA < 32 weeks; VPT).

Results

Mothers of full-term infants responded more often that their children were calm and that they did not expect difficulties in taking care of and providing for the baby. Mothers of preterm newborns although having planned and accepted well the pregnancy (with no mixed or ambivalent feelings about it) and while being optimistic about their competence to take care of the baby, mentioned feeling frightened because of the unexpected occurrence of a premature birth and its associated risks. Mothers of very preterm newborns reported more negative and distressful feelings while showing more difficulties in anticipating the experience of caring for their babies.

Conclusion

The results indicate that Health Care Systems and Neonatal Care Policy should provide differentiated psychological support and responses to mothers, babies and families, taking into account the newborns’ GA and neonatal risk factors.
Maternal and neonatal outcome of births planned in alongside midwifery units: a cohort study from a tertiary center in Germany
Authors: Merz Waltraut M. , Tascon-Padron Laura , Puth Marie-Therese , Heep Andrea , Tietjen Sophia L. , Schmid Matthias , Gembruch Ulrich
Published: May 2020

Background

For healthy women entering birth after uneventful pregnancy, midwife-led models of care have the potential to reduce interventions and increase the vaginal birth rate. In Germany, 98.4% of women are giving birth in consultant-led obstetric units. Alongside midwifery units (AMU) have been established in 2003. We compared the outcome of women registered for planned birth in the AMU at our hospital with a matched group of low-risk women who gave birth in standard obstetric care during the same period of time.

Methods

We used a retrospective cohort study design. The study group consisted of all women admitted to labor ward who had registered for birth in AMU from 2010 to 2017. For the control group, low-risk women were selected; additionally, matching was performed for parity. Mode of birth was chosen as primary outcome parameter for the mother. For the neonate, a composite primary outcome (5-min Apgar < 7 or umbilical cord arterial pH < 7.10 or transfer to specialist neonatal care) was defined. Secondary outcomes included epidural anesthesia, duration of the second stage of labor, episiotomy, obstetric injury, and postpartum hemorrhage. Non-inferiority was assessed, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Six hundred twelve women were admitted for labor in AMU, the control group consisted of 612 women giving birth in standard obstetric care. Women in the study group were on average older and had a higher body mass index (BMI); birthweight was on average 95 g higher. Non-inferiority could be established for the primary outcome parameters. Epidural anesthesia and episiotomy rates were lower, and the mean duration of the second stage of labor was shorter in the study group; second-degree perineal tears were less common, higher-order obstetric lacerations occurred more frequently.

Overall, 50.3% of women were transferred to standard obstetric care. Regression analysis revealed effects of parity, age and birthweight on the chance of transfer.

Conclusion

Compared to births in our consultant-led obstetric unit, the outcome of births planned in the AMU was not inferior, and intervention rates were lower. Our results support the integration of AMU as a complementary model of care for low-risk women.