bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of circRNAs in the skin during the wool follicle development of Aohan fine wool sheep
Authors: Zhao Ranran , Liu Nan , Han Fuhui , Li Hegang , Liu Jifeng , Li Lanlan , Wang Guoyi , He Jianning
Published: October 2019

Background Aohan fine wool sheep (AFWS) is an early fine wool variety breed cultivated in China. The wool has excellent quality and good textile performance. Investigating the molecular mechanisms that regulate wool growth is important for improving wool quality and yield. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs which are widely expressed and can act as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to bind to miRNA. Although circRNA has been studied in many fields, research in sheep wool follicles is limited. To understand the regulation of circRNA in the growth of fine wool sheep, we used RNA-seq to identify circRNAs in sheep shoulder skin at three stages, embryonic day 90 (E90d), embryonic day 120 (E120d), and Birth.Results We identified 8,753circRNAs and found that 1,351 were differentially expressed. We also analyzed the classification and characteristic of the circRNAs in sheep shoulder skin. GO and KEGG were used for source genes of circRNAs, and these were mainly enriched in cellular component organization, regulation of primary metabolic process, tight junctions, and the cGMP-PKG and AMPK signaling pathways. In addition, we predicted interactions between 17 circRNAs and 8 miRNAs using miRanda ( http://www.microrna.org/microrna/home.do ). Based on the significant pathways, we speculate the circ-0005720, circ-0001754, circ-0008036, circ-0004032, circ-0005174, circ-0005519, circ-0007826 may play an important role in regulating wool follicle growth in AFWS. 5 circRNAs were randomly selected to validate the results of the RNA-seq by qRT-PCR.Conclusion Our results provide more information about circRNAs in regulating wool follicle development in AFWS and provide a solid foundation for future experiments.
Low prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pork from slaughter houses in the central of China
Authors: Su Ruijing , Jiang Nan , Lu Yaoyao , Jian Fuchun , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Gaiping , Zhang Longxian , Yang Yurong
Published: October 2019

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is widely distributed and can infect many species of warm-blooded animals , including swine. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in pork from the cent er of China. A total of 2 798 samples, including 305 hearts, 2086 diaphragm s , and 4 0 7 sera were collected from Henan Province, China . The modified agglutination test was used to detect antibodies against T. gondii in ser a from jugular vein blood and heart blood (cut-off: 1:25) , diaphragm exudate (cut-off: 1:10) . T. gondii DNA was screened from the digestive juice of all diaphragm tissue samples , and attempt to isolate viable T. gondii strain by bioassay in mice.Results: A total of 9.94% (278/2798) swine showed sera conversion of T. gondii antibodies. Region , but not gender , was associated with T. gondi infection in swine. T. gondii nucleic acid w as not found in the meat digestive juice s ( 2090 swine ) . Three groups of mice showed T. gondii antibodies after having been bioassayed with diaphragm samples (3/81). Unfortunately, no viable T. gondii strain was isolated from pork.Conclusions : This is the first large-scale survey T. gondi infection in pork from central China. Overall, the prevalence of viable T. gondii in pork was extremely low. Nevertheless, T. gondi i infection is present in swine from center China. Consumers could acquire T. gondii infection from ingestion of raw or undercooked pork.
Association of early vertebroplasty with risk of hip replacement: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Li Chiao-Zhu , Tang Chi-Tun , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Li Chiao-Ching , Ou Chien-Yu , Chen Chun-Lin , Chen Nan-Fu , Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Ma Hsin-I , Liu Ming-Ying , Chen Yuan-Hao , Chien Wu-Chien , Ju Da-Tong
Published: October 2019

Background Studies show that vertebral fractures could predict the risk of hip fractures. We aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of whether the timing of vertebroplasty (VP) for vertebral fracture associated with the risk of hip fracture for hip replacement. Methods We identified 142,782 patients from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (TLCF) (ICD-9-CM: 805.2-805.9) who were followed up from 2000 to 2013. These patients were divided into those who underwent VP (VP group) (ICD-9-CM: 78.49) within 3 months and those who did not (non-VP group). After adjusting for the confounding factors, the Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to estimate the effect of early VP on reducing the risk of hip fracture. Results In the 14-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence rate of hip replacement in the VP group was lower than that in the non-VP group (0.362% and 0.533%, respectively, long-rank p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the two groups since the first-year follow-up. Conclusion Our study showed that early VP performed to avoid progression of the kyphotic changes following TLCF may reduce the risk of hip fracture. These results, obtained from retrospective data, indicate that a prospective study is warranted.
Prevalence and correlates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in rural Uganda: cross-sectional, population-based study
Authors: MUBANGIZI VINCENT , Maling Samuel , Obua Celestino , Tsai Alexander C.
Published: October 2019

Introduction There is a paucity of data on the prevalence and correlates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in sub-Saharan Africa.Objective To estimate the prevalence and correlates of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in rural Uganda.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study in a rural region of southwestern Uganda. The Brief Community Screening Instrument for Dementia was administered to a multi-stage area probability sample of 400 people aged 60 years and over. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate correlates of probable dementia.Results Overall, 80 (20%) of the sample screened positive for dementia. On multivariable regression, we estimated the following correlates of probable dementia: age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.02 per year; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.03, p˂0.001), having some education (AOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81, p=0.001), exercise (AOR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.72, p=0.001), and having a ventilated kitchen (AOR, 0.43; (95% CI, 0.24-0.77, p=0.001).Conclusion In this population-based sample of older-age adults, nearly one-fifth screened positive for dementia.
A cross-sectional study of the relationships between different components of sarcopenia and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity in community-dwelling elderly
Authors: Rong Yu-Dong , Bian Ai-Lin , Hu Hui-Ying , Ma Yue , Zhou Xin-Zi
Published: October 2019

Background Previous studies have just found skeletal muscle mass decline is associated with arterial stiffness, but it is unclear whether muscle strength and physical performance as important compositions of sarcopenia are associated with arterial stiffness.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia, the components of sarcopenia and arterial stiffness among elderly in the community.Methods This study enrolled 450 elderly people who received general medical examinations in Tianjin First Central Hospital. Each of the subjects was greater than 65 years old, including 266 male and 184 female subjects. Based on the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in older people developed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), 89 subjects were separated into the sarcopenia group. The living habits, disease status, general status and laboratory examinations of all subjects were collected. The body composition (including appendicular skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat area (VFA) of each participant) was measured by bioimpedance analysis. HS, usual gait speed (GS), and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured.Results Sarcopenia subjects had higher baPWV, nutrition risk and lower appendicular skeletal muscle index(ASMI), Handgrip strength(HS), GS, body mass index(BMI), triacylglycerol(TG), serum albumin(ALB) and creatinine(Cr) than did non-sarcopenia subjects; Sarcopenia subjects also had higher visceral fat area (VFA) than did non-sarcopenia subjects (p<0.05). ASMI and HS were negatively correlated with baPWV (t=-5.807, p=0.000 and t=-3.085, p=0.002), but the relationship between baPWV and GS was not statistically significant (t=-0.862, p=0.389) by multivariable linear regression. After adjusting for confounders, a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that incidence of sarcopenia was related with age, BMI, sports and baPWV in community dwelling elderly.Conclusions ASMI and HS were negatively correlated with baPWV in community dwelling elderly in China; and baPWV was a risk factor for incidence of sarcopenia.
Birth outcomes in a Swedish population of women reporting a history of violence including domestic violence during pregnancy: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Finnbogadóttir Hafrún , Baird Kathleen , Thies-Lagergren Li
Published: October 2019

Background: Victimisation of women is encountered in all countries across the world, it damages the mental and physical health of women. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, women are at a greater risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner. The aim of this study was to explore childbirth outcomes in a Swedish population of women reporting a history of violence including domestic violence during pregnancy. Methods: A longitudinal cohort design was utilised. In total 1939 pregnant women ≥ 18 years were recruited to answer two questionnaires, during early and late pregnancy. The available dataset included birth records of 1694 mothers who gave birth between June 2012 and April 2014. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, T-test and bivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 1694 mothers 38.7 % (n = 656) reported a history of violence and 2% (n = 34) also experienced domestic violence during pregnancy. Women who were single, living apart from their partner, were unemployed, had financial distress and were smokers were at a higher risk of experiencing violence (p = 0.001). They also had significant low scores on the SOC-scale and high EDS-scores ≥ 13 (p =0.001) when compared to women without a history of violence (p = 0.001). Having a history of violence increased a woman’s risk of having caesarean section (OR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.02 -1.70). Likewise, a history of emotional abuse, significantly increased the risk of having a caesarean section irrespective of whether it was planned or an emergency caesarean section (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.09-2.06). Infants born to a mother who reported a history of violence, were at significant risk of being born premature < 37 weeks of gestation compared to infants born by mothers with no history of violence (p = 0,049). Conclusions: A history of violence and exclusively a history of emotional abuse has a negative impact on childbirth outcomes including caesarean section and premature birth. Therefore, early identification of a history of or ongoing violence is crucial to provide women with extra support which may have positive impact on birth outcome.
Revascularization of Acute Stent Thrombosis after Carotid Artery Stenting in a Clopidogrel Resistance Patient
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Yan , Wang Pian , Zhang Qingbin , Yu Qian , Li Zheng , Peng Wenqi , Tang Yong , Liu Xiaoying
Published: October 2019

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative strategy to prevent ischemic stroke in patients who are at high risk of surgery compared with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Acute carotid stent thrombosis (ACST) is an extremely rare but devastating complication after CAS. Theoretically , it occurs within 30 days after CAS . There are several reasons causing ACST, such as inadequate antiplatelet therapy, early discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy, clopidogrel resistance, hypercoagulable state, local vessel dissection, vasospasm, and intimal injury. Although successful recanalization cases have been reported, there is still a lack of experience in the choice of treatment methods and the timing of ACST treatment, especially when the patient has clopidogrel resistance. Here, we report a case with successful revascularization after ACST in a patient with evidenced clopidogrel resistance, which was further confirmed by genetic testing.In this case, both thrombus aspiration and platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist (GPIs) were used for recanalization. In addition, we review the literature and discuss appropriate treatment strategies for this devastating and rare event.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of an Intelligent and Automated Fundus Disease Image Assessment System with Lesion Quantitative Function (SmartEye) in Diabetic Patients
Authors: XU Yi , WANG Yongyi , LIU Bin , TANG Lin , LV Liangqing , KE Xin , LING Saiguang , LU Lina , ZOU Haidong
Published: October 2019

Background With the diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence increasing annually, the human grading of retinal images to evaluate DR has posed a substantial burden worldwide. SmartEye is a recently developed fundus image processing and analysis system with lesion quantification function for DR screening. It is sensitive to the lesion area and can automatically identify the lesion position and size. We reported the diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading results of SmartEye versus ophthalmologists in analyzing images captured with non-mydriatic fundus cameras in community healthcare centers, as well as DR lesion quantitative analysis results on different disease stages. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. All the fundus images were collected from the Shanghai Diabetic Eye Study in Diabetics (SDES) program from Apr 2016 to Aug 2017. 19904 fundus images were acquired from 6013 diabetic patients. The grading results of ophthalmologists and SmartEye are compared. Lesion quantification of several images at different DR stages is also presented. Results The sensitivity for diagnosing no DR, mild NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy), moderate NPDR, severe NPDR, PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy) are 86.19%, 83.18%, 88.64%, 89.59%, and 85.02%. The specificity are 63.07%, 70.96%, 64.16%, 70.38%, and 74.79%, respectively. The AUC are PDR, 0.80 (0.79, 0.81); severe NPDR, 0.80 (0.79, 0.80); moderate NPDR, 0.77 (0.76, 0.77); and mild NPDR, 0.78 (0.77, 0.79). Lesion quantification results showed that the total hemorrhage area, maximum hemorrhage area, total exudation area, and maximum exudation area increase with DR severity. Conclusions SmartEye has a high diagnostic accuracy in DR screening program using non-mydriatic fundus cameras. SmartEye quantitative analysis may be an innovative and promising method of DR diagnosis and grading.
Correlation and variation of cuff inflating volumes and pressures in different adult models of laryngeal mask airway: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Ruananukun Narut , Watcharotayangul Jittiya , Jeeranukosol Suchaya , Komonhirun Rojnarin
Published: October 2019

Background : Hyperinflation of laryngeal mask cuffs may carry the risk of airway complications. The manufacturer recommends inflating cuff until the intracuff pressure reaches 60 cmH 2 O, or inflate with the volume of air to not exceed the maximum recommended volume. We prospectively assessed the correlation of cuff inflating volumes and pressures, and the appropriated the cuff inflating volumes to generate an intracuff pressure of 60 cmH 2 O in the adult laryngeal masks from different manufacturers.
Methods : Two groups of eighty patients requiring laryngeal mask size 3 and 4 during general anesthesia were randomized into 4 subgroups for each size of the laryngeal mask: Soft Seal ® (Portex ® ), AuraOnce TM (Ambu ® ), LMA-Classic TM (Teleflex ® ) and LMA-ProSeal TM (Teleflex ® ). After insertion, the cuff was inflated with 5-ml increments of air up to the maximum recommended volume. After each 5-ml intracuff pressure was measured, the volume of air that generated the intracuff pressure of 60 cmH 2 O was recorded .
Results : Mean(SD) volume of air required to achieve the intracuff pressure of 60 cmH 2 O in Soft Seal ® , AuraOnce TM , LMA-Classic TM , LMA-ProSeal TM laryngeal mask size 3 were 11.80(1.88), 9.20(1.88), 8.95(1.50) and 13.50(2.48) ml, respectively, and these volumes in laryngeal mask size 4 were 14.45(4.12), 12.55(1.85), 11.30(1.95) and 18.20(3.47) ml, respectively. The maximum recommended volume resulted in high intracuff pressures (>60 cmH 2 O) in all laryngeal mask types and sizes studied.
Conclusion : Pressure-volume curves of adult laryngeal masks are all in sigmoidal shape. Cuff designs and materials can effect pressure and volume correlation. Approximately half of the maximum recommended volume is required to achieve the intracuff pressure of 60 cmH 2 O except LMA-ProSeal TM which required two-thirds of the maximum recommended volume.
Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20150602001, May 28, 2015
A case of hyperventilation leading to apnea and desaturation in PACU
Authors: Thapa Parineeta , Asish Subedi , Anjali Poudel , Pankaj Baral
Published: October 2019

Background: Respiratory adverse events are not uncommon in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following general anesthesia. In this regard, hyperventilation leading to apnea and desaturation is a rare entity. Here we have reported a case of a 15-year-old girl who, following an uneventful general anesthesia, developed severe hyperventilation leading to apnea and desaturation in the PACU.
Case presentation: The 15-year-old girl underwent cortical mastoidectomy under general anesthesia. After a smooth anesthesia and an uneventful early recovery, she developed hyperventilation after about 15 minutes in the PACU. The symptom was severe enough to lead to apnea, desaturation and severe respiratory alkalosis. She required bag and mask ventilation and the symptoms resolved only transiently with propofol sedation. Finally, she responded to intravenous haloperidol and did not have any further episode after receiving haloperidol.
Conclusion: Hyperventilation after a smooth recovery from anesthesia is not a common presentation. In this article we have tried to discuss the possible cause of such symptom in our patient and how we successfully managed this case. We have also proposed an algorithmic approach to diagnose and manage such cases in the PACU.
Exploration of candidate serum biomarkers potentially related to the chronic pain condition in Medication Overuse Headache
Authors: Pellesi Lanfranco , Bellei Elisa , Guerzoni Simona , Cainazzo Maria Michela , Baraldi Carlo , Monari Emanuela , Pini Luigi Alberto
Published: October 2019

Background
Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) is a prevalent and disabling disorder resulting from the overuse of analgesic drugs, triptans or other acute headache medications. In previous proteomic studies, several proteins have been found at high concentrations in the urine of MOH patients and in the serum of rats with neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of lypocalin-type Prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS), Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), apolipoprotein E (APOE) and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) in MOH patients and healthy individuals, further exploring their relationship with cutaneous pain thresholds (CPTs) in the territories innervated by the trigeminal nerve.
Methods
69 MOH patients and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Von Frey-like filaments were applied to the skin territories innervated by the trigeminal nerve, to determine the CPTs. L-PGDS, VDBP, APOE and APOA1 were quantified in the serum by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Comparisons between MOH patients and healthy individuals were performed using independent t test or χ2 test. To correlate serum proteins with CPTs, Pearson correlation coefficient or Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used.
Results
CPTs were lower among MOH patients. L-PGDS, VDBP and APOE had significantly different serum concentrations between groups (p < 0.01), but no correlation was found with CPTs. APOA1 serum concentrations did not differ between patients and healthy individuals.
Conclusions
L-PGDS, VDBP and APOE had abnormal serum levels in MOH patients, confirming their alteration in some conditions of chronic headache and neuropathic pain. However, they had no relationship with CPTs. The in-depth study of serum proteins represents a promising approach for a better understanding of MOH, as well as the detection of candidate biomarkers for chronic headache or the risks associated with overuse medications.
Human metapneumovirus prevalence and patterns of subgroup persistence identified through surveillance of pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions in coastal Kenya, 2007-2016
Authors: Oketch John W , Kamau Everlyn , Otieno Grieven P , Otieno James R , Agoti Charles N , Nokes James D
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen that causes seasonal epidemics of acute respiratory illness and contributes significantly to childhood pneumonia. Current knowledge and understanding on its patterns of spread, prevalence and persistence in communities in low resource settings is limited.
Methods: We present findings of a molecular-epidemiological analysis of nasal samples from children < 5 years of age admitted with syndromic pneumonia between 2007 and 2016 to Kilifi County Hospital, coastal Kenya. HMPV infection was detected using real-time RT-PCR and positives sequenced in the fusion (F) and attachment (G) genes followed by phylogenetic analysis. The association between disease severity and HMPV subgroup was assessed using Fisher's exact test.
Results: Over 10 years, 274/6756 (4.1%) samples screened were HMPV positive. Annual prevalence fluctuated between years ranging 1.2% to 8.7% and lowest in the recent years (2014-2016). HMPV detections were most frequent between October of one year to April of the following year. Genotyping was successful for 205/274 (74.8%) positives revealing clades A2b (41.0%) and A2c (10.7%), and subgroups B1 (23.4%) and B2 (24.9%). The dominance patterns were: clade A2b between 2007-11, subgroup B1 between 2012-14, and clade A2c in more recent epidemics. Subgroup B2 viruses were present in all the years. Temporal phylogenetic clustering within the subgroups for both local and global sequence data was seen. Subgroups occurring in each epidemic season were comprised of multiple variants. Pneumonia severity did not vary by subgroup ( p=0.264 ). In both the F and G gene, the sequenced regions were found to be predominantly under purifying selection.
Conclusion: Subgroup patterns from this rural African setting temporally map with global strain distribution, suggesting a well-mixed global virus transmission pool of HMPV. Persistence in the local community is characterized by repeated introductions of HMPV variants from the global pool. The factors underlying the declining prevalence of HMPV in this population should be investigated.
Key words: Human metapneumovirus, prevalence, subgroup, epidemic, temporal.
“Is dangling of the lower leg after a free flap reconstruction necessary? A study protocol for a large multicenter randomized controlled study.”
Authors: Krijgh David D. , Teunis Teun , Schellekens Pascal P.A. , Mureau Marc M.A. , Luijsterburg Antonius J.M. , Tempelman Tallechien M.T. , Beek Eva S.J. van der , Maarse Wiesje , Coert J. Henk
Published: October 2019

Background: Within the field of plastic surgery free tissue transfer is common practice for knee and lower leg defects. Usually, after such free flap reconstruction patients undergo a dangling protocol in the postoperative phase. A dangling protocol is designed to gradually subject the free flap to increased venous pressure resulting from gravitational forces. Worldwide there are multiple variations of dangling protocols. However, there is no evidence available in the literature that supports the use of a dangling protocol. Methods: This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that includes patients with a free flap lower leg reconstruction. The primary outcome is to assess whether a no-dangling protocol is not inferior to a dangling protocol in terms of proportion of partial flap loss, six months after surgery. Secondary objectives are to identify differences in major and minor complications, length of stay, costs, and to objectify blood gaseous changes during dangling. Furthermore, at 2 years we will assess difference in physical function, infection rates and osseous union rates. Discussion: The primary outcome of this study will give a more decisive answer to the question whether a dangling protocol is necessary after a free flap reconstruction of the lower leg. The secondary outcomes of this study will provide a better insight into the physical functions, infection rates and union rates in these patients. Trial registration: Registered at the CCMO (Dutch Medical Research Ethics Commission) in the Netherlands on 11 July 2018: NL63146.041.17. Registered with the Dutch Trial Register (registration number NTR 7545).
Analgesic effect of the ultrasound-guided subcostal approach to transmuscular quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhu Manhua , Qi Yong , He Huijuan , Lou Jinfeng , Pei Qingqing , Mei Yuliu
Published: October 2019

Background: Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is an effective analgesia that lowers opioid consumption after lower abdominal and hip surgeries. The subcostal approach to transmuscular QLB is a novel technique that can provide postoperative analgesia by blocking more dermatomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and viability of subcostal approach to QLB after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Methods: Sixty patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy were randomly divided into the subcostal approach to QLB group (QLB group, n=30) and the control group (C group, n=30). All patients underwent ultrasound-guided subcostal approach to QLB in an ipsilateral parasagittal oblique plane at the L1–L2 level. The QLB group received 0.4 cc/kg of 0.3% ropivacaine, and the C group received 0.4 cc/kg of 0.9% saline. Postoperatively, a patient-controlled intravenous analgesic pump with sufentanil was attached to all the patients. The primary outcome was sufentanil consumption within the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the Ramsey sedation scale (RSS) scores and Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS) scores 6 h (T1), 12 h (T2), and 24 h (T3) after surgery, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, time to recovery of intestinal function, mobilization time after surgery, and presence of side effects. Results: Sufentanil consumption within the first 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in the QLB group than in the C group (mean [standard deviation]: 34.1 [9.9] μg vs 42.1 [11.6] μg, P=.006). The RSS scores did not differ between the two groups, and the BCS scores of the QLB group at T1 and T2 time points was significantly higher than those of the C group(P＜0.05). The consumption of remifentanil intraoperatively and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia were significantly lower in the QLB group (P＜0.05). Time to recovery of intestinal function and mobilization time after surgery were significantly earlier in the QLB group (P＜0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the QLB group (P＜0.05). Conclusions: The ultrasound-guided subcostal approach to QLB is an effective analgesic technique in patients undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy as it reduces the consumption of sufentanil postoperatively.
Transcriptomic and microstructural analyses in Liriodendron tulipifera Linn. reveal candidate genes involved in nectary development and nectar secretion
Authors: Liu Huanhuan , Ma Jikai , Li Huogen
Published: October 2019

Background Nectar is a major flower attractant and reward for insects for pollination. Liriodendron , a genus of the Magnoliaceae family, has only two relict species, L. chinense and L. tulipifera , that are considered “basal angiosperms” according to plant evolutionary history. The flowers of Liriodendron plants are insect pollinated and secrete nectar to attract pollinators. To date, the morphology and anatomy of the nectary, the mechanism of nectar secretion and the molecular mechanism involved in nectary development in Liriodendron remain poorly understood. Methods In this study, we examined the nectary surface cells and the change in starch in L. tulipifera by using scanning electron microscopy and periodic acid-Schiff techniques to select definitive samples for next research. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the top and middle parts of the immature nectary and the middle parts of the mature nectary and the postsecreted nectary in L. tulipifera . We evaluated the expression profiles of 21 DEGs that were closely related to nectary development and nectar secretion for real-time quantitative PCR analysis. Results The L. tulipifera nectary is a starch-storing nectary and is located in the top and middle parts of L . tulipifera petals. After analyzing the RNA-seq data, we obtained 115.26 Gb clean data in 12 libraries and mapped the results to the L. chinense reference genome with 71.02%-79.77% efficiency. In total, 26,955 DEGs were identified by analyzing six different pairwise comparisons. The flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways were enriched and related to nectar secretion and pigment change. We identified 56 transcription factor families, and members of the TCP, Trihelix, C2H2, ERF, and MADS families changed dynamically during nectary development. Moreover, to further verify the accuracy of the RNA-seq results, we validated the expression profiles of 21 candidate genes. Conclusions We evaluated the nectary development and secretion process comprehensively and identified many related candidate genes in L. tulipifera . These findings suggest that the nectary may play important roles in flavonoid synthesis and petal color presentation.
Transcriptomics analysis revealing candidate genes and networks for sex differentiation of Yesso scallop(Patinopecten yessoensis)
Authors: Zhou Liqing , Liu Zhihong , Dong Yinghui , Sun Xiujun , Wu Biao , Yu Tao , Zheng Yanxin , Yang Aiguo , Zhao Qing , Zhao Dan
Published: October 2019

Background:The Yesso scallop, Patinopecten (Mizuhopecten) yessoensis, is a commercially important bivalve in the coastal countries of Northeast Asia. It has complex modes of sex differentiation, but knowledge of the mechanisms underlying this sex determination and differentiation is limited. Results:In this study, the gonad tissues from females and males at three developmental stages were used to investigate candidate genes and networks for sex differentiation via RNA-Req. A total of 901,980,606 high quality clean reads were obtained from 18 libraries, of which 417 expressed male-specific genes and 754 expressed female-specific genes. Totally, 10,074 genes differentially expressed in females and males were identified. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that turquoise and green gene modules were significantly positively correlated with male gonads, while coral1 and black modules were significantly associated with female gonads. The most important gene for sex determination and differentiation was Pydmrt1, which was the only gene discovered that determined the male sex phenotype during early gonadal differentiation. Enrichment analyses of GO terms and KEGG pathways revealed that genes involved in metabolism, genetic and environmental information processes or pathways are sex-biased. Forty-nine genes in the five modules involved in sex differentiation or determination were identified and selected to construct a gene co-expression network and a hypothesized sex differentiation pathway. Conclusions: The current study focused on screening genes of sex differentiation in Yesso scallop, highlighting the potential regulatory mechanisms of gonadal development in P. yessoensis. Our data suggested that WCGNA can facilitate identification of key genes for sex differentiation and determination. Using this method, a hypothesized P. yessoensis sex determination and differentiation pathway was constructed. In this pathway, Pydmrt1 may have a leading function.
Os princípios básicos da ética na epistemologia de Karl Popper
Authors: Oliveira Cirne Alexcina , Heinz Efken Karl
Published: October 2019

O presente trabalho aborda a ética na epistemologia de Karl Popper a partir da concepção do pensador sobre a compreensão das limitações do conhecimento humano, da importância de um critério de demarcação dos enunciados científicos através do falseamento das teorias e a defesa do racionalismo crítico no estímulo a crítica, autocrítica, a ousadia e a criatividade na atividade do cientista. A ética na epistemologia popperiana manifesta-se no compromisso da ciência com a construção de uma sociedade justa e o exercício de uma cidadania responsável, o que caracterizou um caráter inovador e original para o momento em que o dogmatismo era a chave-mestra dos pressupostos científicos. Além disso, destacamos o papel central do racionalismo crítico como matriz ética na epistemologia popperiana que inclui importantes referências aos valores pragmáticos, éticos e sociais focados em esforços para reduzir a violência, o crime e a crueldade.
Panic Disorder and Chronic Caffeine Use: A Case-control Study
Authors: Santos Veruska Andrea , Hoirisch-Clapauch Silvia , Nardi Antonio E. , Freire Rafael Christophe
Published: October 2019

Background:

Acute administration of caffeine produces panic attacks in most Panic Disorder (PD) patients, but little is known about chronic caffeine use in these patients.

Objective:

To assess caffeine use in patients with PD and to ascertain if caffeine consumption is associated with sociodemographic or clinical features.

Methods:

65 adults with PD and 66 healthy controls were included in the current study. Their caffeine intake within the previous week was quantified with a questionnaire and compared. Harmful caffeine use was defined as consumption above 400 mg/day of caffeine. We tested for correlations between caffeine intake, demographic and clinical features.

Results:

Patients consumed significantly more caffeine than controls (P < 0.001). 14% (N = 9) of the PD patients made harmful use of caffeine. The use of caffeine-containing medications was observed in 40% (N = 26) of the PD patients and 6% (N = 4) of controls. Consumption of energy drinks was observed in 11% (N = 7) of PD patients and in none of the healthy subjects. Patients reported sleeping significantly less than controls (P < 0.001). In PD patients, caffeine consumption was not correlated with the presence of panic attacks or comorbidity with depression. The use of benzodiazepines or sedative medications was not correlated with caffeine intake.

Conclusion:

High caffeine consumption in PD patients could be explained by the development of tolerance with regular use of this substance. Subtypes of sensitive and non-sensitive PD patients could also explain why some of these patients are able to tolerate high doses of caffeine.
Analysis of four-year management of the waiting list for liver transplantation in Rostov region: prospects for reducing mortality of candidates listed for liver transplantation
Authors: Korobka V. L. , Pak E. S. , Shapovalov A. M. , Kostrykin M. U. , Tkachev A. V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose: analysis of various clinical results in patients registered in the liver transplantation waiting list (LTWL).

Materials and methods: the study was carried at the Center of Surgery and Donor Coordination of the Rostov Regional Clinical Hospital using clinical, laboratory and instrumental data of 198 patients from the LTWL. 99 men and 99 women were enrolled into this study. The men age ranged from 21 to 70 years (47.8 ± 10.4 years), women age - from 18 to 66 years (49.2 ± 10.9 years). At the time of analysis of the LTWL, the average follow-up period was 14.8 ± 11.2 months. All patients were examined according to the list required for inclusion in the LTWL.

Results: depending on the outcome, 198 patients from TLWL were grouped into 4 groups. The first group (delisting group) — 19 patients (9.6 %) with clinical and laboratory indicators that allowed them to be excluded from WL. The second group — 67 patients (33.8 %) who had positive clinical dynamics following therapy. The third group — 39 patients (19.7 %) who underwent liver transplantation. The fourth group — 73 patients (36.9 %) who had negative dynamics following therapy, including patients with a fatal outcome. While keeping LTWL for 4 years, 61 (30.81 %) of 198 listed patients died. The majority (40 patients) died of bleeding from varicose veins and OPPN, 17 patients died of hepatic coma and SPB. Each group represents the distribution of patients according to the MELD-Na scale, the severity of portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy.

Conclusion: the following factors are indispensable for successful work of the transplant center: systematic work with the territories in order to expand the donor base; defining the patient priority criteria in the LTWL in order to reduce the death rate in the list; detailed examination of the patient before entering the list; forming the observation base; systematic patient observation during the pre- and postoperative period, at the rehabilitation stage, as well as at long-term periods in order to develop an effective algorithm of management of the recipient of a solid organ.
Analysis of the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia and acute otitis media in children during the first four years of life in different age groups vaccinated with pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine Prevenar
Authors: Pyrkova S. A. , Voronina L. P. , Kuzin M. E. , Cherepova V. V. , Polunina E. A.
Published: October 2019

Objective: to analyze the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia and acute otitis media in children during the first four years of life in different age groups vaccinated with pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine Prevenar.

Materials and methods: medical records of 590 children aged 1 to 5 years were analyzed. All subjects were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of vaccinated children (n = 490), born in 2014, and vaccinated against pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine Prevenar. The second group consisted of unvaccinated children (n = 100) born in 2013 and not vaccinated. Each group was divided into subgroups depending on the age period (1—2 years, 2—3 years, 3—4 years, 4—5 years).

Results: it is established that the conduct of specific prophylaxis of pneumococcal infection vaccine Prevenar-13 in children during the first 4 years of life effectively reduces the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (in 7,6 times) and acute otitis media (in 8,5 times). The effectiveness of the vaccine was observed in all age groups. In cases of development of an inoculated child acute otitis reduces the risk of severe forms and complications of the disease. Analysis of the course of the post-vaccination period indicates a high level of safety and good tolerability of the vaccine.

Conclusion: Implementation of specific prophylaxis of pneumococcal 13-valent vaccine Prevenar in children during the first four years of life according to the calendar of vaccination effectively reduces the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (87 %) and acute otitis media (42,8 %) in all age subgroups. In cases of development of an inoculated child acute otitis reduces the risk of severe forms and complications of the disease. Analysis of the course of the post-vaccination period indicates a high level of safety and good tolerability of the vaccine.
Mothers of schizophrenic patients: medical and psychological aspects of the problem
Authors: Khmaruk I. N. , Mrykhina V. V. , Soldatkin V. A. , Mrykhin V. V. , Perekhov A. Ya. , Kovalev A. I. , Kryuchkova M. N. , Bukhanovskaya O. A.
Published: October 2019

Thus, we can talk about the obvious mutual influence between a child with schizophrenia and his mother. On the one hand, it can be manifested in the form of the fact that a certain number of personal characteristics of the mother is accompanied by the formation of high rates of schizoid and neurotic child. Of course, the presence of a certain psychological type of mother (as the only reason) is not enough for the emergence and development of schizophrenia, but the subsequent development of the child’s personal disorders, as a borderline between the norm and pathology, can already be the ground for the development of the disease in the presence of other more significant causes (for example, hereditary). On the other hand, the disease of the child can be a significant stress factor for the mother, leading to the formation of her manifestations of emotional stress and psychological maladjustment, which, in turn, can adversely affect not only the features of her relationship with the child, but also on the features of the course of his disease. The mechanisms of formation of such a «vicious circle» are poorly studied even theoretically, not to mention the fact that in routine psychiatric practice these issues do not fall into the focus of the psychiatrist’s attention, are not taken into account in the development of therapy strategy. However, the parameters of interaction between mother and child, the level of their mutual empathy, can be important for the formation of compliance in the treatment of schizophrenia, as the «conductor» of therapy in relation to a small patient is the mother. There is also no doubt that the level of mental health of the mother is an important resource for maintaining the viability of the whole family system and, in particular, a necessary condition for the organization of adequate therapy for a child with schizophrenia. Therefore, the study of the issues of mutual influence of the patient with schizophrenia and his mother, the development of ways to correct the problems arising in this case are an important scientific and practical task of modern psychiatry.
Pharmacogenetic aspects of vildagliptin treatment in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shorokhova P. B. , Baranov V. L. , Vorokhobina N. V. , Matezius I. Yu. , Bashnina E. B. , Jakovenko K. A.
Published: October 2019

Objective: to study a role of the rs5219 polymorphism in KCNJ11 in the formation of the response variability to vildagliptin therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods: 48 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM were examined. For all patients vildagliptin in a dose of 50 mg/day was prescribed. If necessary, dose titration was carried out or other glucose-lowering therapy was prescribed for 6 months of observation. Dynamics of the main indicators of glycemic control and body mass index were studied, presence of the rs5219 polymorphism in KCNJ11 gene was also determined.

Results: all patients-carriers the T allele had achieved the target values of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in 3 months of vildagliptin monotherapy, compared to patients with wild-type gene who achieved target values of HbA1c in only 44,4% of cases. Increasing the dose to 100 mg/day required 35% of patients with wild-type gene and 17.9% of patients with rs5219 polymorphism. The appointment of a combination of glucose-lowering therapy was necessary in 40% of patients with the wild-type gene and no one with polymorphism.

Conclusion: the presence of the polymorphic allele T rs5219 in KCNJ11 gene makes it possible to predict the high efficacy of vildagliptin monotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.
Perceptual Psychology: a Transcendental Perspective
Authors: Шукова Галина , Shukova Galina
Published: October 2019

Using the meta-empirical foundations of the transcendental approach to the study of perception, the author organizes and generalizes the theoretical and empirical data of modern foreign and domestic perceptual studies (about 1,000 sources) in the following areas: methodological and methodical aspects of the modern perceptual psychology; correlation of types of scientific rationality in the modern perceptual psychology; the process of perception as a special function of the psyche, etc. The paper identifies the core methodological and methodical trends in the development of the modern perceptual psychology: expanded requirements for the lack of bias, accuracy and reliability of experimental studies; ontologization of the research subject; complexity and crosscutting features of the research system; the active use of modern technological opportunities, including the renovation of classical research methods. The author substantiates the methodological necessity of a brand new resource for studying perception from the proper positions of meta-empirical foundations — a transcendental approach, in which the directly sensory process of perception is positioned as a process of form generation helping to distinguish the generative quality of this process and capture its diffe­rence from the structural qualities of other information processes. Against the modern trends in the positioning of perception as an auxiliary stage of latent representation and categorization of objects of the external world, the author shows the relevance and identifies the means of distinguishing perception as a special function of the psyche. The paper substantiates the transcendental type of scientific rationality, alternative to the epistemological paradigm of cognition.
Archaeological Study of Lyudin End in Novgorod (Troitsky Site)
Authors: Рыбина Елена , Rybina Elena , Сингх Виктор , Singh Viktor , Покровская Любовь , Pokrovskaya Lyubov'
Published: October 2019

The article focuses on the findings of the archaeological study of Lyudin End in Novgorod started back in 1973. Particular attention is paid to the materials obtained during the excavations in 2011–2018.
Sonificação da Mídia Locativa
Authors: De Melo Peixoto Joao Guilherme , Da Costa Júnior Luiz Carlos , A. F. Costa Denny
Published: October 2019

A partir de características da paisagem midiática contemporânea, analisaremos a sonificação da mídia locativa, perpassando por discussões sobre o corpo pós-humano do homo mobilis ampliado (AMAR, 2011), a companhia cibernética dos serviços de auto-rastreamento do “Eu-quantificado” (RETTBERG,2018) e o comportamento esquizofônico de ouvintes nômades pós-digitais (CHATTOPADHYAY, 2014). Sugerimos, por meio da análise de dois objetos (um protótipo e um aplicativo móvel comercial), estratégias para ajudar na redução do ruído informacional moderno e minimizar a implosão de sentidos na colmeia espelhada dos antifatos.
telepoética em Cúmplices de um Resgate (SBT)
Authors: Hergesel João Paulo
Published: October 2019

O modo de criação de um produto televisual é o que os estudos televisivos denominam telepoética. Com o objetivo de compreender a telepoética de uma ficção seriada infantojuvenil, concentrou-se o olhar nas estratégias narrativas e nas marcas estilísticas adotadas pelo SBT na elaboração da telenovela Cúmplices de um Resgate (2015-2016). A metodologia adotada recaiu sobre a análise narrativa e estilística, ancorada em autores como Jesús Martín-Barbero (2009) e Henri Suhamy (1994), com uma abordagem que parte da estrutura do melodrama em sua forma mais tradicional. O resultado apontou que, mesmo utilizando elementos de Brasil e de SBT, a narrativa mergulha na matriz melodramática clássica.