bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the association between caregiver sex and HIV infection among orphans and vulnerable children in Tanzania: Learning from the USAID Kizazi Kipya Project
Authors: Exavery Amon , Charles John , Kuhlik Erica , Barankena Asheri , Koler Alison , Kikoyo Levina , Jere Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

Background Tanzania has met only 50.1% of the 90% target for diagnosing HIV in children. Context-specific strategies are necessary to find the hidden children for HIV testing. This study assesses the association between caregiver sex and HIV status of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). Methods Data originate from the community-based, USAID-funded Kizazi Kipya Project, which works towards increasing OVC’s and their caregivers’ uptake of HIV/AIDS and other social services in Tanzania. Included in this study are 39,578 OVC ages 0–19 years who the project served during January-March 2017 in 18 regions of Tanzania and who voluntarily reported their HIV status. Data analysis involved multi-level logistic regression, with OVC HIV status as the outcome and caregiver’s sex the main independent variable. Results Three-quarters (74.3%) of the OVC included in the study had female caregivers, and their overall HIV prevalence was 7.1%. The prevalence was significantly higher (p<0.001) among OVC with male caregivers (7.8%) than among OVC with female caregivers (6.8%), and indeed, multivariate analysis showed that OVC with male caregivers were significantly 40% more likely to be HIV-positive than those with female caregivers (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.08–1.83). This effect was the strongest among 0–4 year-olds (OR=4.02, 95% CI 1.61–10.03), declined to 1.72 among 5–9 year-olds (OR=1.72, 95% CI 1.02–2.93), and lost significance for children over age 9 years. This effect was adjusted for OVC sex and nutritional status; caregiver marital status, education level, and HIV status; family’s place of residence, size, wealth quintile, and health insurance ownership; and co-residence of multiple OVC. Conclusion OVC in Tanzania with male caregivers have a 40% higher likelihood of being HIVpositive than those with female caregivers. HIV risk assessment activities should target OVC with male caregivers, as well as OVC who have malnutrition, HIV-positive caregivers, or caregivers who do not disclose their HIV status to community volunteers. Further, younger HIV-positive OVC are more likely to live in rural areas, while older HIV-positive OVC are more likely to live in urban areas. These factors should be integrated in HIV risk assessment algorithms to enhance HIV testing yields and pediatric case-finding in the OVC population in Tanzania.
Overexpression of splicing factor poly(rC)-binding protein 1 elicits cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and p73 splicing in human cervical carcinoma cells
Authors: Zhang Hong , Chen Yuhong , Di Cuixia , Xu Caipeng , Chen Xiaohua , Che Tuanjie , Miao Guoying , Zhang Xuetian , Yan Junfang , Wang Fang , Li Hongyan , Yang Hongying
Published: February 2020

Background Splicing factor poly(rC)-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) is a novel tumor suppressor that is downregulated in many cancers thereby regulates tumor formation and metastasis. However, to date, little information has been available on the molecular mechanisms by which PCBP1 evokes apoptosis.Results Here, we explored the molecular mechanism by which PCBP1 triggers apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells. We testified that overexpression of PCBP1 greatly repressed proliferation of HeLa cells in time-dependent manner. It also induced a significant increase in G2 / M phase arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, it was shown that overexpression of PCBP1 caused p73 splicing, and thus efficiently downregulated the ratio of Bax / Bcl-2, the release of cytochrome c and the expression of caspase-3.Conclusion Our results revealed that PCBP1 played a vital role in cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and p73 splicing in human cervical carcinoma cells and targeting PCBP1 may be a promising approach in cervical cancer therapy.
Identification of cancer-promoting circRNAs and potential contributions of these circRNAs to the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Zhai Zhensheng , Yang Meiqin , Ren Chongren , Zhang Donglin , Li Xiaomin , Zhang Jing , He Jiefeng
Published: February 2020

Purpose There is growing awareness of critical roles of circular RNA (circRNA) in tumor growth and development. This study aimed to discover new cancer-promoting circRNAs and to study their potential roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods The expression profiles and clinical data of HCC-related circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. A model of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was established based on analysis and interaction prediction. The main biological functions of the targeted mRNA were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to reveal important hub genes. The online tool OncomiR and GEPIA were used to analyze the correlation between miRNA and mRNA and clinicopathological features, and the Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed to reveal the relationship between mRNA and patient prognosis. Results Differential analysis indicated that twenty highly expressed circRNA in GEO microarray datasets GSE78520, GSE94508, and GSE97332. Ten miRNAs were targeted by 20 circRNAs. These miRNAs are expressed at lower levels in the TCGA liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) expression profile, and most of the functions of these genes are closely related to pathological staging. These 10 miRNAs predicted a total of 7310 downstream mRNAs, of which 169 mRNAs were more abundant than normal tissues in the TCGA LIHC expression profile. GO analysis, KEGG analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that E2F1, H2AFX, TOP2A, and RAD51 are central genes of the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and are mainly involved in biological mechanisms such as cell cycle, cancer-related pathways, and blood vessel morphogenesis. In addition, E2F1, H2AFX, TOP2A, and RAD51 are also closely related to the pathological stage and survival of patients. Conclusions The analysis allowed the construction of a competitive endogenous RNA network associated with cancer-promoting circRNAs. Genes involved in this network may provide potential therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
The prognostic impact of preoperative platelet distribution width-to-platelet count ratio in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: wu Jiacheng , Xu Haifei , Gao Mingde , Ji Hao , Zhu Jinfeng , Shao Jingjing , Wang Xiaolin
Published: February 2020

Background Preoperative platelet distribution width-to-platelet count ratio (PDW/PLT) has been discussed about its prognostic value in several malignancies, whereas its role in bladder cancer remains unclear. In this study, we attempt to investigate the relationship between the PDW/PLT and the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer.Patients and Methods The clinical data of 115 cases of bladder cancer treated in urology department of Nantong tumor hospital from January 2009 to August 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. The best critical value of PDW/PLT was 0.09965 determined by ROC curve. The patients were divided into low PDW/PLT group and high PDW/PLT group. After 5 years of follow-up, survival was observed, and the clinicopathological data of patients were statistically analyzed. Kaplan Meier method and log rank test were used for single factor survival analysis, and Cox regression analysis was used for multiple factors survival analysis.Results The age of patients in low PDW/PLT group was significantly lower than that in high PDW/PLT group (P=0.008). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, TNM stage, grade, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, operation method, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, and other operation history (P>0.05). All patients were followed up for 5 years. 89 patients survived, the survival rate was 77.4%, 26 patients died, the mortality rate was 22.6%. There were 94 cases (81.7%) in low PDW/PLT group and 21 cases (18.3%) in high PDW/PLT group. The tumor progression rates of low PDW/PLT group and high PDW/PLT group were 57.4% (54/94) and 71.4% (15/21) respectively. The median PFS was 85 months and 71 months respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Single factor analysis showed that TNM stage, grade, lymph node metastasis, PDW/PLT were the factors affecting OS (P<0.05). The results of Cox multivariate analysis showed that PDW/PLT was an independent risk factor for tumor progression (P＜0.05). The increase of PDW/PLT can significantly reduce OS and PFS in patients with bladder cancer.Conclusions PDW/PLT is an independent prognostic factor in patients with bladder cancer, and it is related to the clinicopathological characteristics. It has a certain value in evaluating the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer.
The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Performance and Recovery Sleep during Acute sleep Deprivation
Authors: Cheng Jin-xiang , Zhao Xianchao , Qiu Jian , Jiang Yingcong , Ren Jiafeng , Sun Shuyu , Wang Rong , Su Changjun
Published: February 2020

Background: Previous studies have claimed that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) improves cognition in patients, but few studies that have evaluated the effects of tDCS on cognition improvement during sleep deprivation. To determine whether tDCS (anodal on the left DLPFC and cathodal on the right DLPFC at 2mA current for 30 minutes) can be an effective fatigue countermeasure. Methods: Seven participants and 8 participants underwent active or sham tDCS on the time participants’ cognition declined, respectively. All participants completed the psychomotor vigilance task, the trail making test A and B, the digit cancellation test, the stroop color word test, the brief visuospatial memory test-revised and a procedural game every two hours during the sleep deprivation and after recovery sleep. Results: The active tDCS had beneficial effects on attention, memory, executive function, processing speed, and the ability to inhibit cognitive interference, as well as improvements of subjective drowsiness and fatigue during sleep deprivation. The lasting effect of single tDCS on cognition during sleep deprivation can extend to more than 2 hours. All participants after tDCS gained no disturbed recovery sleep and recovered to baseline cognitive level after the recovery sleep. Conclusions: The study indicated that tDCS is an effective fatigue countermeasure during sleep deprivation, and doesn’t disturb the recovery sleep and performance postrecovery sleep.
Interferon-Inducible Protein 16 (IFI16) is a Prognostic Biomarker and Related to Immune Infiltrates in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)
Authors: Yu Bao Zhong , Zhang Jian Dong , Sun Ze Jia , Cao Peng , Zheng Xiang , Gao Zi Hao , Cao Hao Yuan , Zhang Fei Long , Wang Wei
Published: February 2020

Background: Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common and lethal types of cancer within the urinary system. the current challenges include how to diagnose RCC in the earlier stage and the drug resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, to investigate the survival rate and immune infiltration in RCC base on gene expression of IFI16 in RCC. Methods: We explored the relationship between the transcription level of IFI16 and clinical data in RCC through various online databases, including ONCOMINE, GEPIA, Timer and COEXPEDIA. Results: In comparison with the corresponding normal tissues, the mRNA expression levels of IFI16 are higher in KIRC tissues (p＜ 0.05), while lower in KICH tissues (p＜0.05). The mRNA expression of IFI16 has a positive correlation with TNM stage in KIRC(p=8.56e-07) and KIRP(p=0.00078). In KIRC, the higher expression of IFI16 suggests lower OS（HR=1.4; P=0.037; Log-rank p=0.037). In KIRP, the higher expression of IFI16 suggests lower DFS and OS (respectively, HR=1.9, P=0.037, Log-rank p=0.034; HR=2.3, P=0.011, Log-rank p=0.0091). In contrast, the expression level of IFI16 has a negative correlation with the tumour purity in KICH, KIRC and KIRP via the Timer database (all, p < 0.05). In KIRC and KIRP, the expression level of IFI16 has a positive correlation with the tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) (all, p < 0.05), except the macrophages in KIRP. In KIRC, the main TIICs in the arm-level deletion state of the IFI16 gene were B cell, CD4+T cell, Neutrophil, and Dendritic cell, while the main TIICs in the high amplification state were Macrophage (all, p < 0.0001). 108 genes are co-expressed with the IFI16 gene. Function enrichment analysis by GO and KEGG mainly enriched on some functions, including neutrophil degranulation, phagocytosis, vesicle-mediated transport regulation and enriched on some signal pathways, including tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, phagosome, leishmaniasis, and Fc gamma R-med8ted. Conclusions: IFI16 acts as an oncogene in the progression of kidney cancer which is overexpressed in the RCC tissues. Apart from that, IFI16 has been determined as a marker of diagnosis and prognosis in RCC, which might be associated with the immune infiltration.
The meaning of humanization for first-year medical students - The use of narratives in medical school
Authors: Tavares Luciana , Enns Sylvia , Ayres José Ricardo , Tempski Patricia
Published: February 2020

Purpose To analyze the meaning of humanization by first-year medical students as well as to find out about their role models and what were their personal experiences of humanization and dehumanization before entering medical school. Methods The authors performed a qualitative study using narratives of first-year medical students. The data were analyzed through content analysis. The narratives were used as a strategy to stimulate students' reflection and to understand their perspectives and values at the beginning of the medical program. Results The study included 167 participants: 67 females (40.1%) and 100 males (59.9%). The participants' ages ranged from 16 to 38 years. The analysis of the narratives showed three main themes: socio-political and economic aspects of medicine, humanization of healthcare, and dimensions of humanization and dehumanization. In their narratives, the students expressed the desire to become doctors, to help and improve people's lives, and the intention to emulate good role models. Another desire was to contribute to the development of the Brazilian healthcare system. The students considered the humanization of healthcare as an integral vision of the human being that includes perceiving the context and personal history, as well as the complexity, of the human being. The students emphasized the importance of "going beyond the technical dimension" in the relationship between physician and his/her patient. Some students recognized the transdisciplinary aspect of medicine. Conclusions The students in the first-year of the medical program have a clear understanding of the meaning of humanization in medical practice, regardless of their social and economic conditions, age, sex, and religion. The students' narratives expressed their expectations for a more humane society with respect, solidarity, and compassion. The use of narrative is a strategy to develop critical thinking and to better get to know our students: who they are, what they think, and how they feel.
Differential metabolism-associated gene expression of duck pancreatic cells in response to two subtypes of duck hepatitis A virus type 1
Authors: SHI Shaohua , CHEN Zhen , HUANG Yu , HUANG Cuiqin , LIU Rongchang , CHENG Longfei , FU Guanghua , CHEN Hongmei , WAN Chunhe , FU Qiuling
Published: February 2020

Background: Duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) causes a highly contagious disease in domestic ducklings, which is traditionally characterized by lesions in the liver and rarely in the pancreas. However, several outbreaks of DHAV-1, which were characterized by yellow coloration and hemorrhage in pancreatic tissues, have occurred in China. Genomic sequencing indicated the presence in the variation rates of 3.4-6.5% in the genome of the novel DHAV-1 compared with DHAV-1. The antigenic relationship between the novel DHAV-1 and DHAV-1 indicated large variation. So the novel DHAV-1 was named as DHAV-1 subtype (DHAV-1a). But the mechanism involved in infection of DHAV-1a is still unclear. Results: In the present study, transcriptome analysis of duck pancreas infected with DHAV-1 and DHAV-1a was carried out. Following deep sequencing with Illumina-Solexa, a total of 53.9 Gb clean data were obtained from the cDNA library of the pancreas and a total of 29,597 unigenes with an average length of 993.43 bp were generated following de novo sequence assembly. The expression levels of D-3-phosphoglyceratedehydrogenase, phosphoserine aminotransferase, phosphoserine phosphatase, which are involved in the glycine, serine and threonine metabolism pathway, were significantly down-regulated in the DHAV-1a-infected group compared with those of DHAV-1-infected group. Conclusion: These findings offered different expression levels of metabolism-associated genes between the novel DHAV-1a and DHAV-1, indicating that intensive metabolism disorder may contribute to different phenotypes of DHAV-1-infection.
Discover, analysis, and interpretation of problems and comparing satisfaction of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: patients' perspective
Authors: Rafiee Ghazanfar , Roozbeh Jamshid
Published: February 2020

Background: End-stage renal disease is an irreversible and progressive loss of kidney function and it can be fatal without hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or kidney transplantation. Hemodialysis is a type of treatment where the patient is connected to a machine through a catheter via veins for twice or three times a week for approximately four hours. Alternatively, peritoneal dialysis is carried out with a plastic catheter insertion into the abdomen through which dialysis fluid (glucose) enters and is taken out. This study aimed to discover, analyze, interpret and compare end-stage renal disease patient's satisfaction with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with an emphasis on complications and problems that was created during dialysis treatment.Methods: this study a qualitative exploratory approach was used at Shiraz hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis centers 2017-2018. In these centers there were 345 ESRD patients who were receiving dialysis. A purposeful sample of 35 hemodialysis and 30 peritoneal dialysis patients were interviewed. The data were collected through interview. Each session lasted for 50 minutes. Initially 12 open-ended questions were developed and used to stimulate discussions in sessions. Directed content analysis was used for analyzing the transcribed data. After giving a code to each line or incidence, codes were then compared for similarity and differences, merged together, and categorized. Results: Themes of Fatigue experience, Insomnia, Wasting time, Travel and leisure time activities limitations, Hypotension, Dissatisfaction and satisfaction with hemodialysis, Peritoneal catheter problems, peritoneal dialysis difficulties and limitations, satisfaction from peritoneal dialysis emerged. Each dialysis method has its own problems. Some problems and limitations were more emphasized on by patients. Conclusion: Each dialysis method has its own problems. Some problems and limitations were more emphasized on by patients.
Investigation of molecular mechanisms using integrated analysis of transcriptomes and cytokinome in dermatomyositis
Authors: Bai Jingjing , Wu Chanyuan , Zhong Danli , Xu Dong , Wang Qian , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: February 2020

Background Pathomechanism of dermatomyositis (DM) remains yet fully elucidated. While several cytokines have been proved to participate in the progress of DM, few studies provided a comprehensive analysis of cytokinome in different DM clinical-serological subgroups and correlation with disease activity as well as interaction with DM tissue lesions.Methods Transcriptome datasets of DM skin and muscle were obtained from public database. Hub genes and signaling pathways were filtered by bioinformatic software. Serum cytokinome was measured in DM patients with different clinical-serological subgroups and correlation with disease activity indicators was analyzed. Cytokine interaction network was constructed.Results 6 hub genes, including STAT1, MX1, ISG15, IFIT3, GBP1 and OAS2 were identified as IFN signature in DM. Differently expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the skin and muscle datasets were significantly enriched in the type I interferon signaling pathway, defense response to virus and chemotaxis. 11 cytokines were significantly elevated in patients positive for melanoma differentiation-associated protein (MDA5) antibody. IFN-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP1, GRO-α, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-1RA were correlated with disease activity. MCP1/MIP-1α/RANTES/MCP2/CCR1 axes were filtered from cytokine interaction network.Conclusions The complexity of DM immunopathogenesis is mediated through interactions of multiple cytokines and signaling pathways. Type I interferon is the core participant in DM tissue damage. Serum upregulation of IFN-α, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, IP-10, MCP1, GRO-α, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-1RA could be used for disease activity assessment in DM patients positive for MDA5 antibody. Finally, MCP1/MIP-1α/RANTES/MCP2/CCR1 axes mediated monocytes attraction might be novel therapeutic targets in DM by chemokine network analysis.
Identification of significant predictors for the need of insulin therapy and onset of postpartum impaired glucose tolerance in gestational diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Huang Xiaochun , Yang Lixiao , wan Yuxiang , Qin Yanghua
Published: February 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy can greatly increase the risk for a number of adverse prenatal and postpartum consequences. Determining the need for insulin therapy is critical for controlling the glycemic level in GDM patients. Methods: Here, we performed a retrospective study on 112 GDM patients in China to identify the significant predictors for the need of insulin therapy and onset of postpartum impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with GDM. During pregnancy, the patients were divided into two groups based on whether insulin therapy was applied for GDM treatment. Results: Age and gestational weeks at GDM diagnosis, pregestational BMI, family history of diabetes mellitus (DM), plasma glucose levels assessed by 75-g OGTT at both the 1-hour and 2-hour time points (PG-1h and PG-2h) and HbA1c level were all significantly different between the two groups. During postpartum, the same patient population was re-divided into two new groups based on their postpartum PG level. Family history of DM, PG-1h PG-2h and HbA1c level were found to be significantly different between the two groups. More importantly, PG-1h and PG-2h were identified to be significant predictors for both insulin therapy and postpartum IGT. Conclusions: Our results provide valuable indications on selection of treatment strategy for GDM and GDM-induced postpartum IGT.
Pharmacokinetics and intrapulmonary concentrations of high-dose tigecycline in critically ill patients with severe infections
Authors: Pascale Gennaro De , Lisi Lucia , Ciotti Gabriella Maria Pia , Vallecoccia Maria Sole , Cutuli Salvatore Lucio , Cascarano Laura , Gelormini Camilla , Bello Giuseppe , Montini Luca , Carelli Simone , Gravio Valentina Di , Tumbarello Mario , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Navarra Pierluigi , Antonelli Massimo
Published: February 2020

Background In critically ill patients, the use of high tigecycline dosages (HD TGC) (200 mg/day) has been recently increasing but few pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data are available. We investigated plasmatic and pulmonary concentrations of HD TGC in the treatment of severe infections. Methods This was a single centre, prospective, observational study that was conducted in the twenty-bed mixed ICU of a 1,500- bed teaching hospital in Rome, Italy. In all patients admitted to the ICU between 2015 and 2018, who received TGC (200 mg loading dose, then 100 mg q12) for the treatment of documented infections, serial blood samples were collected to measure TGC concentrations. Moreover, epithelial lining fluid (ELF) concentrations were determined in patients with nosocomial pneumonia. Results Among the 32 non-obese patients included, 11 had a treatment failure, while the other 21 subjects successfully eradicated the infection. There were no between-group differences in terms of demographic aspects and main comorbidities. In nosocomial pneumonia, for a target AUC0-24/MIC of 4.5, 75% of the patients would be successfully treated in presence of 0.5 mg/L MIC value and all the patients obtained the PK target with MIC≤0.12 mg/mL. In intra-abdominal infections, for a target AUC0-24/MIC of 6.96, at least 50% of the patients would be adequately treated against bacteria with MIC≤0.5 mcg/mL. Finally, in skin and soft-tissue infections, for a target AUC0-24/MIC of 17.,9 only 25% of the patients obtained the PK target at MIC values of 0.5 mg/L and less than 10% were adequately treated against germs with MIC value ≥1 mcg/ml. HD TGC showed a relevant pulmonary penetration with a median and IQR ELF/plasma ratio (%) of 152.9 [73.5-386.8]. Conclusions The use of HD TGC is associated with satisfactory plasmatic and pulmonary concentrations for the treatment of severe infections due to fully susceptible bacteria (MIC<0.5 mg/L). Even higher dosages and combination strategies are required in presence of difficult to treat pathogens.
Colonization of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve salinity tolerance of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) seedlings
Authors: Klinsukon Chaiya , Lumyong Saisamorn , Kuyper Thomas W. , Boonlue Sophon
Published: February 2020

Background: Soil salinity is an important problem for agriculture and effecting in the inability to use soil for cultivation. High salt levels reduce plant performance. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been reported to enhance the tolerance of plants under salinity stress. For promote cultivation of economic plant in salt stress area that univariable to use to produce raw material for pulp industry. We determined the effects of AMF on the growth and nutrient status of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) seedlings under salinity stress condition.Results: Three different clones of Eucalyptus seedlings were pre-inoculated with three salt-tolerant AMF species, namely Glomus sp.2, Gigaspora albida and Gigaspora decipiens or without pre-inoculated. The seedlings were grown in a greenhouse for 45 days. They were then transplanted into individual pots, filled with field soil and subsequently treated with NaCl solution until the electro-conductivity (EC) reached 10, 15 and 20 dS m-1. They were watered for 90 days under nursery conditions. Increasing salinity levels reduced plant performance, fractional root colonization and the number of spores. Increasing salinity also resulted in a lower K/Na ratio. At the same time, performance of the pre-inoculated plants was significantly higher than that of plant that relied on field inoculum only. AMF also significantly increased chlorophyll and leaf proline concentrations and improved the K/Na balance.Conclusion: The results indicate that pre-inoculation with AMF before out planting improves plant performance under salinity stress due to AMF can improve the negative impacts of salinity on the studied physiological, nutrients uptake and biochemical parameters.
Physical examination service utilization among seasonal immigrants in Sanya, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yue-wei , Geng Yun-xia , Yao Hong-yan , Yin Da-peng , Hu Yue-hua , Zhang Ying-ying , Li Xu-dong
Published: February 2020

Backgroud this paper is to explore the influencing factors on utilizing physical examinations (PE) for the seasonal immigrants who moved from their home town to Sanya city in Hainan province in China during the winter . Methods A total of 1342 seasonal immigrants (aged 50 or over) were randomly selected and surveyed through a standardized questionnaire. Using an adjusted logistic regression model to identify the factors associated with the use of PE for those immigrants. Results We found the utilization rate of PE among seasonal immigrants is 26.80%. The level of education, living time, the availability of health insurance, and the attitude to the quality of health service were influencing factors( p < 0.05) . Conclusion The results imply seasonal immigrants have a low utilization rate of physical examination. To improve the availability of health insurance and the quality of health service will be helpful to keep the health of the seasonal immigrants in Sanya .
Informing equitable access to cervical cancer screening in rural Sénégal: a cross-sectional study of uptake determinants
Authors: Dykens Jon Andrew , Thiam Hamidou , Peterson Caryn E. , Hendrix Ellen , Lang Emma Luu Van , Jesus Elly Lou De , Collins Zola , Wang Tianxiu , Ndiaye Youssoupha , Kasse Abdoul Aziz , Faye Adama , Smith Jennifer S. , Fitzgibbon Marian
Published: February 2020

Background: Equitable access to women’s health services, including cancer prevention programs, is lacking in many countries. Sénégal ranks 17 th in the world in the age-standardized incidence rate of cervical cancer. The Kédougou region is located in the southeastern corner of Sénégal and has many structural barriers to preventive care, including economic disadvantage, a low literacy rate, and a shortage of healthcare workers. The goal of this study was to investigate the barriers and facilitators of cervical cancer screening uptake in this region. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 158 participants, 101 women and 57 men (ages 30 - 59) across nine non-probability-sampled communities located throughout three districts in the Kédougou region of Sénégal from October 2018 through January 2019. We collected demographic information and data on health service utilization, cervical cancer knowledge, and experience of cervical cancer screening. Associations were tested using the Fisher’s Exact test statistic. Results: The majority of our study population speaks one or both of the prevalent local languages, Malinké (62.7%) and Pulaar (59.5%), with fewer Wolof (26.6%) and French (31%) speakers. Among the women in our sample, 84.2% had never been screened for cervical cancer. Among men, 78.9% stated that they have the final say at home regarding healthcare decisions. In contrast, only 16.0% of women made their own healthcare decisions. For those who speak Malinké, 48.0% received services in another language. We found significant gender differences between women and men in the knowledge that a woman is at risk if she has multiple sexual partners (p = 0.010) and that a woman is at increased risk if her partner has multiple sexual partners (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the critical need to overcome both clinical and informational barriers, as well as structural barriers, to ensure the implementation and sustainment of an equitable health service. In this highly underdeveloped region where workforce challenges are extraordinary, innovative solutions are needed to address these underlying social determinants of health while simultaneously improving quality of care at the point of service. Trial registration: This study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov with the Clinical Trials Study Identifier: NCT03540069
Daurian redstart Phoenicurus auroreus is a host for the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus during the second, but not the first cultch
Authors: Zhang Jinggang , Møller Anders Pape , Yan Denghui , Deng Wenhong
Published: February 2020

Background: Coevolution in cavity-nesting host-cuckoo systems may differ from those in open-nesting hosts due to unique conditions in cavity nests. We investigated brood parasitism in Daurian redstarts ( Phoenicurus auroreus ), a regular cavity-nesting host of common cuckoos ( Cuculus canorus ).Results: A total of 15.6% ( n =358) of host nests were parasitized by cuckoos. Cuckoos were highly successful in parasitizing Daurian redstart nests: nearly all cuckoo eggs were laid in the nest cup, and all cuckoo chicks evicted all host offspring. However, egg ejection by Daurian redstarts was egg morph specific, i.e. hosts laying white eggs ejected most real cuckoo eggs, while hosts laying blue eggs did not eject any. In contrast, hosts ejected most mimetic cuckoo eggs. Moreover, most Daurian redstarts moved to nearby villages during the second breeding attempts, where the risk of cuckoo parasitism was reduced. Parasitism only occurred during the second breeding attempt, since cuckoos had not yet arrived at the breeding grounds when hosts started to lay their first clutches, which may indicate a novel and unique anti-parasite defense, advancing breeding time of hosts.Conclusions: Our results suggest that Daurian redstarts suffer from high risk of cuckoo parasitism showing more intense egg ejection while building nests closer to human habitation in the second clutch. This suggests that cavity-nesting hosts may show adaptations to brood parasites that differ from those of open-nesting hosts.
Climatic niche evolution is not slower in threatened species
Authors: Rolland Jonathan , Davies T. Jonathan , Silvestro Daniele , Salamin Nicolas , Schluter Dolph
Published: February 2020

Background: Understanding why species go extinct has become a major goal of evolutionary biology. Recent studies have suggested that both species traits and rates of evolution might predict extinction probability in a changing world. Here, we tested whether species conservation status correlates with recent rates of niche evolution within their lineages across 11,465 species of terrestrial vertebrates.Results: We find no consistent association between rates of niche evolution and current IUCN status in birds, mammals, amphibians and squamates. Our results suggest that rates of niche evolution estimated over evolutionary time are a poor predictor of species extinction probability at present time.Conclusions: Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that past rates of evolution are unrelated to how species will adapt to climate change in the future. This mismatch might be explained by the different time scales involved, difficulties in accurately estimating evolutionary rates and extinction risks, or simply the fact that the selective pressures affecting biodiversity are different today than in the past.
Clinicopathological analysis of 55 cases of ossifying fibroma of the jaw
Authors: Wang Ting-Ting , Huang Yong-Song , Xu Jia-Li , Ou Yu-Rong , Zhang Kai
Published: February 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate 55 cases of ossifying fibroma to analyze their clinical and pathological data. Methods : The clinical data, age, imaging performance, serology and their prognosis of 55 cases were analyzed and also Chi-square Test for statistical analysis were made. Results : The COF took up 70.9%, JPOF took up 20.0%, and JTOF took up 5.5%. 62.5% COF were the females, 75% JPOF concentrated in females, 66.7% JTOF concentrated in males. 66.7% COF located in the mandible. 54.5% JPOF were in the maxilla, in which 4 cases (4/11,36.4%) involved the para-nasal sinus. JTOF mainly concentrated in the mandible (66.7%). 2 cases (3.6%) exhibited multi-lesions. 7 cases (12.7%) were found the level of serum ALP up-regulated, and the up-regulation concentrated in younger patients (0~29 years) ( P <0.05). In radiographic presenting, only 7.3% displayed unclear borderline, and 87.3% exhibited mixed lesions, 7.3% was X-ray transparent, 5.5% was X-ray opaque. 29.1% had thinning bone cortex and 1 cases was found the bone cortex destructed (1/55,1.8%).18.2% OF appeared tooth displacement, and 9.1% displayed the amputated-like absorption of tooth root. 32 cases were followed up, 31.3% underwent conservative treatment suffered relapse, there was significant differences between the conservative and radical treatment ( P <0.05). Conclusions: The main subtype of OF was COF, JPOF and JTOF were relatively less. The majority of sporadic OF was single lesion, multi-lesions were rare. COF occurred with the female predilection in mandible, while JPOF occurred with the female predilection in maxilla; JTOF was the youngest, most occurred in adolescent males in mandible. Tooth displacement was often seen, and the root appeared as an amputated-like resorption. Younger patients were more likely to have elevated ALP. The patients underwent conservative curettage had relatively higher rate of relapse, the lesion should be resected radically to prevent relapse. Keywords: ossifying fibroma, clinical, pathological, jaw
Whole Genome Sequencing in single CTC improves clinical outcome in Her-2 negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Yu Bo , Li Yongping , Yuan Hao , Zhang Bin , Jiang Xiaofei , Yu Minghua , Zhu Hongbo , You Qinghua , Wang Ling
Published: February 2020

Background Tumor tissues are usually highly heterogeneous and difficult to characterize which could mislead treatment strategy. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent the most active and invasive tumor cells. This study explored the feasibility of individualized treatment of breast cancer patients based on genome sequencing of single cell CTC. Methods Twenty-four CTCs were identified in three patients with breast cancer. For each patient, one polyploid CTC was captured and on which the whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed. Based on the histopathological Her-2 status in tumor tissue and the HER2 gene status in WGS results of CTC, we adjusted treatment strategies, and monitored disease progression. Results Patient ID1 and ID2 are Her-2 positive in both primary tumor and HER2 abnormal in the DNA of CTC. In patient ID3, histological examination of primary tumor and liver metastases revealed Her-2 negative, but the WGS analysis of CTC showed that the HER2 gene was amplified and mutated. After adjusting treatment according to the results of CTC sequencing, the liver metastases and pleural effusion were significantly reduced, CTC number and ctDNA burden were decreased. In addition, some potential therapeutic targets and mutations in drug-resistant genes were found. Conclusion The results of CTC sequencing effectively guided treatment of a patient with HER2 gene amplification/mutation in CTC but with Her-2 negative on tumor tissue. CTC sequencing is useful in resolving the heterogeneity of tumors and providing precision medicine for patients.
Research on miRNAs of exosomes’ role on porcine oocyte development by extracted from follicular fluid
Authors: Hu Junhe , Dong Jinyi , Zeng Zhi , Wu Juan , Tan Xiansheng , Tang Tao , Yan Jiao , Jin Chenzhong
Published: February 2020

Follicular development is crucial to oocyte maturation in these special surrounds, and the follicular size closely related to oocyte maturation. In order to clarify porcine oocyte maturation molecular mechanism, obtained exosomes miRNAs from porcine follicular fluid (PFF) are sequenced and researched among different follicular size as described in the methods. The results firstly show that PFF exosomes can be successfully isolated, and almost all valid reads of sequencing data of PFF exosomes can be successfully mapped to the porcine genome database. Using hierarchical clustering methods, it secondly finds that significantly expressed miRNAs can also be clustered in A, B C and D groups in heatmap according to different size follicles, which possibly to target mRNAs genes related to porcine oocyte development. Thirdly, through choosing ten significantly expressed miRNAs to predict the targeting genes for further GO analysis, the results show that the expression of neurotransmitter secretion genes changes greatly, and many targeting genes involves in regulation of FSH secretion, which is very closely related to oocyte maturation in growing follicles. Further, taking Pathway analysis for these targeting genes this ten choosing miRNAs, the results show that the pathways mainly related to the biosynthesis pathway of TGF-beta signaling pathway, which is very closely related to reproductive system function. Finally, these miRNAs in PFF EXs may provide a valuable addition about the mechanism of porcine oocyte maturation, which could be chosen as some molecular biomarkers to choose the high-quality oocytes for further porcine embryo production in vitro or transgenic animals research in the future.
Does Early ART Initiation is Better over Later ART Initiation in TB/HIV Co-infected Patients? A Retrospective Cohort Study;
Authors: Desta Desilu Mahari , Atey Tesfay Mehari , Girma Fikermaryam , Tuem Kald Beshir , Gebre Abadi Kahsu , Gidey Hagos , Kahssay Mola , Gebreyesus Hiluf Hindeya , Asgedom Solomon Weldegebreal
Published: February 2020

Background: The co-infection of TB/HIV poses a significant burden in the health care system of developing countries like Ethiopia. There are conflicting results on preference of the time to initiate anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and hence assessing the survival experience and treatment outcomes associated with ART initiation is crucial to settle the controversies. The study compared the treatment outcomes in early versus later ART initiation in TB/HIV co-infected patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle Referral Hospital on 77 and 105 patients that started ART early and lately, respectively. An assumption for proportional hazard was met. Kaplan-Meier and life-table analyses were used to compare survival curves; and an independent samples t -test was used to compare means of the continuous variables between the two cohorts. Moreover, incidence per 100 persons-years were employed to crudely determine new morality rates and Cox regression analysis was done to find out the effects of independent variables on the outcome variables. Results: The mean survival time was 5.8 months after ART initiation. A 9.9 and 5.5 new incident mortality rates per 10,000 persons–years for the early and late ART initiation were observed, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in mean CD4 + T cells between early (208.20 ± 11.94 cells/mm 3 ) and late (245.94 ± 11.69 cells/mm 3 ) ART initiators (t 180 = -2.213, p < 0.028). Additionally, late initiators had a better survival chance at all levels of time (Log Rank c 2 =5.56, p <0.018) than early initiators. Having normal body mass index [adjusted hazard ratio [AHR=0.263; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.089–0.778] and having a ‘working’ baseline functional status [AHR=0.151; 95% CI: 0.054–0.427] were found to be preventive factors from death. However, patients with < 250 CD4 + T cells/mm 3 were more likely to die earlier [AHR=12.023; 95%: 1.588–91.005] than their counterpart groups. Conclusion: This study highlights that TB/HIV co-infected patients with moderate immunosuppression who started their ART early had worse outcome than those who started their ART lately. Moreover, body mass index, baseline functional status, and CD4 count were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Keywords: Treatment outcome, early ART initiation, late ART initiation, TB/HIV co-infection
Pengembangan Modul Pembelajaran Fisika Kelas XI MA/SMA Berbasis Guided Inquiry pada Materi Alat-Alat Optik
Authors: Azizah Lutfita Mukharovatun , Poernomo Joko Budi , Faqih Muhammad Izzatul
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan modul pembelajaran berbasis guided inquiry pada materi alat-alat optik dan menguji efektivitasnya. Penelitian dan pengembangan (Reseach and Development) ini mengacu pada model Borg and Gall (1983) yang dimodifikasi. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, angket, tes dan dokumentasi. Hasil uji kelayakan menunjukkan bahwa modul pembelajaran fisika berbasis guided inquiry pada materi alat-alat optik layak digunakan dengan persentase skor kelayakan dari ahli materi sebesar 87,27% dan dari ahli media sebesar 91,67%. Hasil uji efektifitas menunjukkan bahwa modul yang dihasilkan efektif digunakan. Hal ini ditunjukkan dengan hasil perhitungan uji t terhadap data tes hasil belajar peserta didik. Hasil uji t diperoleh ttabel sebesar 2,048 dan thitung sebesar 6,433, sehingga thitung>ttabel yang artinya 𝐻0 ditolak dan 𝐻𝑎 diterima.
Scenario of the Treatment of Arthritis with Natural Products
Authors: Gallotti Fernanda C.M. , Serafini Mairim R. , Thomazzi Sara M.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Conventional treatments of arthritis use toxic and poorly tolerated drugs.
Therefore, natural products are an alternative because they are important sources of bioactive substances
with therapeutic potential.

Objective:

To perform synthesis of patent applications associated with the use of natural products
in the technological development of the invention for use in treating arthritis.

Methods:

The search for patents was conducted using the following databases of World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO), European Patent Office (EPO, Espacenet), United States Patents
and Trademark Office (USPTO) and National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) using as keywords
- arthritis, treatment and the International Patent Classification (IPC) A61K36 / 00.

Results:

A total of 617 patents related to the subject were registered in the period available in patents
databases during the study period from the years 2005 to 2017, of which 44 were analyzed
based on the established inclusion criteria. The most important countries for protecting these inventions
were China, followed by the United States of America, the Republic of Korea and Japan. As
for the typology of depositors, that were identified by Educational Institutions and Public Institutes
of Research (IEIPP) and Companies and Private Research Institutes (EIPP).

Conclusion:

The analysis of patents made it possible to characterize the natural products used in
the treatment of arthritis, with emphasis on botanical extracts (71%), as a single component, as
well as in association with other botanical extracts, isolated compounds and minerals.
Assessing depth of optimization digital samsat program (e-samsat) in Bali province
Authors: Nayaka Komang Widya , Darma Gede Sri
Published: February 2020

This research describes the optimization of the Samsat digital program which has been tested in seven provinces in Indonesia, one of which is in the Province of Bali, Badung Regency. Digital Samsat hereinafter referred to as e-Samsat (Samsat electronics). The launch of the Samsat digital program is aimed at increasing the ease of paying motor vehicle tax for taxpayers. The implementation of the Samsat digital program is a form of information technology innovation in government programs in the industrial revolution 4.0 era. The application of this program is also to realize e-government and good governance. The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of digital Samsat in the community and to determine the factors that influence the Samsat digital program. This research is a qualitative study conducted at the office of UPT Bapenda in Badung Regency (Samsat Office, Mengwi). The sampling technique for selecting informants in this study used a purposive sampling method. The instrument used in this study was using structured interviews, direct observation at the research location, and using supporting documents in the form of books and previous research about the same field study with this research.