bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle and Occupation patterns with poor semen quality: A cross sectional analysis
Authors: Ranasinghe Chandana , Gamage Yehan , Perera Ominda , Karunarathna Chaminda , Galgamuwa Lahiru Sandaruwaan , Batcha Milhan , Jayasekara Kithsiri
Published: May 2020

Background

Infertility is a major problem persisting all around the world. According to WHO the rate of infertility is approximately 15% worldwide and it differ from geographical location, ethnicity and social status. Lifestyle habits, environmental and occupational hazards, physical parameters can be recognized as major risk factors which may affect male infertility. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with male infertility in Sri Lanka.
Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted on 299 individuals participated for an infertility clinic in a Teaching hospital in Sri Lanka. Socio-demographic, occupational and environmental characteristics were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Semen samples were collected from each participant for laboratory investigations. Sperm concentration and motility, morphology and viability of sperms were measured.
Results

Out of total participants, 30.1% of participants had a sperm concentration of < 15 × 10⁶and the sperm mortality was < 32% in 34.7% participants. Older age, tobacco smokers, individuals using tight under wears and individuals exposed to either heat or chemical hazards were identified as risk groups with low sperm concentration and low semen volume. In addition, older age, individuals using tight under wears and individuals exposed to either heat or chemical hazards were significantly associated with low or abnormal sperm mortality and morphology. Individuals having diabetes showed a significantly higher non-motility rate of sperms. Alcohol usage, betel chewing, mumps, special radiation exposure, body mass index and waist circumference were not significantly associated with semen parameters.
Conclusion

Older age, tobacco smoking, wearing tight underwear, occupational exposures, and diabetes mellitus has shown a great risk for the generation of poor semen parameters, which can lead to male infertility. Furthermore it is very important to carry out extended studies regarding this problem to establish the effect of above factors.
Emergency Management of Anaphylaxis in Chinese Primary Care Units: Systematic Analysis of 77 Cases
Authors: Jiang Chunyan , Li Hongwei , Wang Lina , Liu Chunyan , Hao Xiaofei
Published: May 2020

Background Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal medical emergency and prompt, appropriate administration of epinephrine is critical. However, the actual clinical practices of emergency management of anaphylaxis in Chinese primary care remain unclear.Objective To evaluate the actual emergency management of anaphylaxis in Chinese primary care units compared to current guidelines.Methods Systematic analysis of published case reports of anaphylaxis initially treated in Chinese primary care units from January 2014 through December 2018.Results A total of 77 cases were included in this analysis. The patients came from 22 provinces of China. Mean age was 42 years, and 49 (64.5%) were male. All the patients developed severe anaphylactic reactions, with mortality rate of 5.2%. Only 21 (27.3%) patients received epinephrine as first-line intervention. The first dose of epinephrine ranged from 0.0625 mg to 0.5 mg in children and 0.1 mg to1.0 mg in adults. The percentage of adult patients who received initial epinephrine dose of 1.0 mg (73.7%) was significantly higher than that of 0.5 mg (19.3%; p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who received subcutaneous (SC), intramuscular (IM), or intravenous (IV) bolus injection was 44.3%, 36.1%, and 19.7%, respectively. Among patients who received epinephrine, 80.3% received an overdose. All the 5 patients who developed serious adverse effects associated with epinephrine had received an overdose, and 4 of these had received route of IV bolus injection.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance The actual emergency management of anaphylaxis in Chinese primary care is not consistent with current guidelines. Under-use, overdose and inappropriate route of epinephrine administration are the major problems. Targeted training is therefore strongly suggested for Chinese general practitioners.
miR-182 facilitates invasion and EMT by targeting Numb in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Kang Yanmeng , Lu Degan , Meng Lingxia , Ma Ruiping , Huang Chuanjun , Gao Mingxia , Zhang Caiqing
Published: May 2020

Background

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor which need effective therapeutic methods to improve the prognosis. We carried out this study to explore the role of miR-182 in MPM development, its correlation with Numb expression and EMT.
Methods

First, we investigated the level of miR-182 and Numb-mRNA by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we introduced the putative miR-182 binding site into a luciferase reporter plasmid to illustrate the impact of miR-182 on Numb. Then, we down-regulated the expression of miR-182 with/without Numb knocked down in NCI-H2452 cells to investigated their effect. Data were presented as mean ± SD of three independent experiments. Student’s test, correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used.
Results

Our results revealed that miR-182 has a high level of expression in MPM, it has a negative correlation with Numb and targeted Numb in MPM cells. miR-182 facilitated the invasion of MPM cells while down-regulation of miR-182 restrained the progression of EMT and made MPM cells more susceptible to pemetrexed.
Conclusions

miR-182 and Numb can serve as potential therapeutic targets for MPM.
Dimensionality of forearm muscle activation in transradial amputees
Authors: McClanahan Alexander , Moench Matthew , Fu Qiushi
Published: May 2020

Background

Establishing a natural communication interface between the user and the terminal device is one of the central challenges of hand neuroprosthetics research. Surface electromyography (EMG) is the most common source of neural signals for interpreting a user’s intent in these interfaces. However, how the capacity of EMG generation is affected by various clinical parameters remains largely unknown.
Methods

In this retrospective study using an open source database, we examined the EMG activity of forearm muscles recorded from 11 transradially amputated subjects and 40 able-bodied subjects who performed a wide range of movements. By using non-negative matrix factorization, we extracted the synergistic EMG patterns for each subject to estimate the dimensionality of muscle control, under the framework of motor synergies.
Results

We found that amputees exhibited less than four synergies (with substantial variability related to the length of remaining limb and age), whereas able-bodied subjects commonly demonstrate five or more synergies.
Conclusions

The results of this study provide novel insight into the muscle synergy framework and the design of natural myoelectric control interfaces.
WITHDRAWN: ELLs in Higher Education: Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Goal Orientation
Authors: Benati Alessandro , SHI HONG , Mohebbi Hassan
Published: May 2020

The present study aims to investigate the self-efficacy and goal orientation of college-level English Language Learners (ELLs). It further explores the relationship between self-efficacy and goal orientation. The data was collected from 198 ELLs by using an English Language Learning Survey. The participants had positive self-efficacy towards their English learning. ELLs who were more than 25 years old had a higher level of self-efficacy than those who were less than 25 years old. Moreover, females had a greater mastery goal orientation tendency than males. We also witnessed a positive correlation between self-efficacy and mastery goals, whereas self-efficacy was negatively correlated with performance-avoidance goals. Based on the findings of this study, teachers are encouraged to provide scaffolding and set assessment focus on ELLs improvement and mastery of content to enhance their self-efficacy and facilitate adopting mastery goals.
Comparison of nutritional effectiveness and complication rate between early nasojejunal and nasogastric tube feeding in patients with an intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Ling Cong , Hu Xiling , Chen Chuan , Luo Lun , Cai Meiqin , Liang Chaofeng , Wang Hui , Guo Ying
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare nutritional effectiveness and complication rate between early nasojejunal and nasogastric tube feeding in patients with an intracerebral hemorrhage.MethodsEighty patients with an intracerebral hemorrhage were randomly divided into a nasojejunal and a nasogastric tube feeding group. Feeding tubes were placed within 6 hours after admission, and enteral feeding began within 2 hours after tube placement. The nutritional status and complication rate of the 2 groups were compared before and 2 and 4 weeks after beginning feeding.ResultsSerum prealbumin, serum albumin, and hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the nasojejunal tube feeding group than in the nasogastric tube feeding group at 2 and 4 weeks after beginning feeding (all, p < 0.05). The incidence of gastric retention, pulmonary aspiration, and pneumonia were lower in the early nasojejunal tube feeding group than in the early nasogastric tube feeding group (all, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of diarrhea between the 2 groups.ConclusionCompared with early nasogastric feeding, early nasojejunal feeding provides better nutritional effectiveness and a lower incidence of gastric retention, pulmonary aspiration, and pneumonia in patients with an intracerebral hemorrhage.#These authors contributed equally to this work.
Viral Sepsis, No Neglecting Complication Following Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Liu Di , Wang Qiang , Zhang Huacai , Cui Li , Shen Feng , Chen Yong , Sun Jiali , Gan Lebin , Sun Jianhui , Wang Jun , Zhang Jing , Cai Qingli , Du Juan , Li Lei , Zhang Anqiang , Huang Hong , Deng Jin , Jiang Jianxin , Zeng Ling
Published: May 2020

Background Until 24:00 of April 26th 2020, 2,918,268 laboratory-confirmed cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have been reported worldwide, including 203,528 deaths. Bacterial infection is the main cause of sepsis, however, sepsis caused by virus is often ignored. Increased awareness, early recognition of viral sepsis, rapid administration of appropriate antiviral drugs, and urgent treatment can significantly reduce deaths of viral sepsis.Objectives Given the rapid global spread of novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), coupled with the high rate of missed diagnosis of viral sepsis caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is urgent to evaluate the multiple organ failure score and viral sepsis in COVID-19 patients, so as to determine the clinical characteristics of viral sepsis more accurately and reveal the risk factors related to mortality.Methods Here we provide a full description of three cases of viral sepsis and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection imported to Guiyang from Wuhan.Results Complete laboratory examination, imaging data and treatment methods for the patients are analyzed. Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA score) and Multiple organ dysfunction scores (MOD score) were daily assessed, aim to elucidate the clinical feature of viral sepsis and MODS and to attract enough attention by clinicians.Conclusions Therefore, we strongly suggest to daily evaluate SOFA score and MOD score in severe and critically-ill COVID-19 patients, so as to early diagnose and prevention of sepsis and MODS.
HaRePo (Harm Reduction by Post): An Innovative and Effective Harm Reduction Program for People Who Use Drugs Using Email, Telephone and Post-Service.
Authors: Leguizamon Magally Torres , Reynaud Emmanuel G. , Néfau Thomas , Duplessy Catherine
Published: May 2020

BackgroundDespite multiple Harm Reduction (HR) programs worldwide, there are still an important number of people who use drugs (PWUD) who do not access those services. Their difficulties to obtain HR tools are due to their inability to reach such services (remoteness and/or limited customer service hours), costs, quantitative restrictions, fear of judgment, lack of confidentiality in pharmacy and unfamiliarity with HR programs. We tested an innovative approach using the power of remote online communication and the national postal distribution network to improve HR tools access and counselling.MethodsBased on these observations, SAFE association created HaRePo in 2011, a free and confidential program designed for people who have difficulties accessing HR tools and counselling. PWUD can access the program by phone and/or email. An HR professional answers any questions, delivers HR counselling, and connects the PWUD to other HR services, medical, and social workers. HR tools are prepared and sent according to the person’s needs through the French postal service to users across Metropolitan France and overseas territories.ResultsSince 2011, 1920 PWUD have benefited from HaRePo: 10,450 parcels were sent accounting for more than 1.7 million syringes and 6 million HR related items. HaRePo receives positive feedback from PWUD who have improved their practices through remote but trusted communication. The percentage of people that, after joining the program, never reuse and/or share HR tools have significantly increased. On average 71.5% of beneficiaries never reuse syringes and 81% do not reuse needles. And they are 98.5% users who never share syringes and 99% needles any longer. Between 44% and 80% HaRePo beneficiaries have reported that their drug-related practices (injection, inhalation and snorting) are now safer. Finally, between 39% and 53% HaRePo users declared that their overall physical state has improved (e.g., venous condition, the appearance of point of injection, swelling of arms, legs, and hands).ConclusionHaRePo is an innovative HR program efficient for hard-to-reach PWUD. It shows evidence of a positive feedback loop for PWUD in improving their practices. Finally, HaRePo represents a clear benefit for health authorities in France, who decided to expand the program in 2016.
Variations in temperate forest biomass ratio along three environmental gradients are dominated by interspecific differences in wood density
Authors: Kerfriden Baptiste , Jean-Daniel Bontemps , Jean-Michel Leban
Published: May 2020

Background Biomass ratio (BR) is a forest state variable allowing the conversion of forest volume of growing stock into biomass. Despite huge intraspecific variation in wood density depending on the biotic and abiotic environments of tree growth, this variable is most often considered a tree species constant in C budgets. The aims were i) to identify variations in BR along decorrelated water, soil nutrition and elevation gradients, ii) to test for differences between broadleaved and conifer tree species in BR variations, and iii) to weight the contribution of interspecific and intraspecific diversity in BR variations. Methods Analyses were based on massive wood density measurements performed with an X-ray medical scanner on 54,700 tree cores collected in 2016 and 2017 on the spatially systematic plot sampling design of the French national forest inventory (NFI) program. Results BR variations along the three gradients were found significant. BR hence decreased by 73 kg.m-3 (conifers) and 126 kg.m-3 (broadleaves) along a 180 mm gradient of soil water holding capacity (SWHC). It also increased by 153 kg.m-3 on average along the full gradient of soil basicity Index (SBI). A negative trend along elevation was also identified, with an average decrease by 155 kg.m-3 from 200 to 2000 m of elevation. Species distribution was found to be the main cause of BR variations along these gradients. Conclusions We report dependences of BR on both water (–), nutrient availability (+) and warmth (+) gradients, more acute in broadleaves than in conifers only for water availability. At the scale of the whole French forests, intraspecific variations in wood density do not affect BR estimations along these gradients. BR variations are mainly driven by the tree stand species composition along them.
Stand structural diversity and species with leaf nitrogen conservative strategy drive aboveground carbon storage in tropical old-growth forests
Authors: Wang Genzhu , Liu Yuguo , Wu Xiuqin , Pang Danbo , Yang Xiao , Hussain Azfar , Zhou Jinxing
Published: May 2020

Background: Tropical old-growth forest ecosystems are essential for global carbon regulation. Even there are mounting evidences for the significance of species and functional composition, stand structure and elevation gradients on aboveground carbon storage, the relative strengths of these drivers and whether elevation effects via biotic factors are not clear. Furthermore, the mechanisms (the mass-ratio hypothesis or niche complementarity hypothesis) are still poorly understood. Methods: We analyzed aboveground carbon storage, species diversity, stand structural diversity, community-weighted mean (CWM) of functional traits and functional diversity (FDvar) using date from 56 old-growth forest communities with different elevation gradients in Dawei mountain of southwestern China. Multiple regression models were used to test the relative importance of the predictor variables and structural equation model was used to explore the direct and indirect influences on the aboveground carbon storage. Results: Our optimal multiple regression model show aboveground carbon storage is mostly affected by diameter at breast height (DBH) diversity, followed by FDvar of dry matter concentration in mature leaves and CWM nitrogen concentration in young leaves. The final structural equation model indicates elevation indirectly affected aboveground carbon storage via DBH diversity. The stand structural diversity, but not species diversity or functional diversity, enhanced aboveground carbon storage. Conclusions: Our results indicate mass-ratio and niche complementarity effect promote aboveground carbon storage simultaneously. The complex stand structure and species with leaf nitrogen conservative strategy were the crucial drivers of aboveground carbon storage in tropical old-growth forests.
Comparison of Sexual Function in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Daneshfar Zahra , Sadatmahalleh shahideh Jahanian , Jahangiri Nadia
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Infertility is one of the issues affecting sexual function (SF). Infertility is also one of the complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. This research seeks to assess and compare SF and the prevalence of sexual dysfunction with PCOS and endometriosis in infertile women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 630 samples (210 infertile women with endometriosis, 210 infertile women with PCOS, and 210 healthy women of childbearing age as the control group). SF was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (One Way ANOVA and logistic regression) were used to analyze the data.Results: The results showed that the mean score of total FSFI in the two groups of PCOS and endometriosis was lower than the control group (P<0.001). In addition, women with higher education (university education) had a significantly higher score of total FSFI. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction rates are high in infertile women with endometriosis and PCOS, so infertility service providers in infertility centers need to pay attention to this issue.
MIR502 Acts As a Tumor Suppressor Gene to Accelerate Apoptosis and Suppress Proliferation by Targeting Hippo Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Qi , Ning Ning , Tang Fanglan , Wang Yan
Published: May 2020

Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the major cause of death among women due to the lack of early screening methods and complex pathological progression. Increasing evidence indicated that microRNAs were considered as gene expression regulators in tumors by interacting with mRNAs. Although researches regarding with OC and microRNAs are extensive, the vital role of MIR502 in OC still remains unclear.Methods We integrated two microRNA expression arrays from GEO to identify differentially expressed genes. Kaplan–Meier method was used to screen miRNAs that had influence on survival outcome. Upstream regulator of MIR502 was predicted by JASPAR and verified by ChIP-seq data. The LinkedOmics database was used to study correlated genes with MIR502. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to reveal the functional annotation of GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis by using the open access WebGestalt tool. We constructed PPI network by using the STRING to further explore core protein.Results We found that expression level of MIR502 was significantly down regulated in OC, which was related to poor overall survival outcome. NRF1 as the upstream regulator of MIR502 was predicted by JASPAR and verified by ChIP-seq data. In addition, anti-apoptosis and pro-proliferation genes attending in Hippo signaling pathway, including CCND1, MYC, FGF1 and GLI2 were negatively regulated by MIR502 in the analysis of GO and KEGG pathway enrichment results. PPI network further demonstrated that CCND1 and MYCN were at core position in the development of ovarian cancer.Conclusions MIR502, which was regulated by NRF1, acted as a tumor suppressor gene to accelerate apoptosis and suppress proliferation by targeting Hippo signaling pathway in ovarian cancer.
Epidemic Trend of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and public Health response in Senegal
Authors: Diop Boly , Faye Adama , Ndiaye El Hadj Mamadou , Ndiaye Mamadou , Diallo Jean Pierre , Diongue Fatou Bintou
Published: May 2020

Background

The first case of Covid-19 was notified in Senegal on March 2, 2020. One month after, this study aims to analyze the trend and the main measures that have been taken.
Methods

Data sources are from the Department of Disease Prevention in Senegal and some administrative documents. The epidemic trend has been described through epidemic curves according to the characteristics of infected people.
Results

Of the 195 patients tested positive for COVID-19, a proportion of 53.8% is female. Six out of 14 regions were affected by the epidemic on April 1, 2020. The mean age is 37.9 years with a standard deviation of 18.6 years. The proportion of imported cases is 39.5%. The major strategy in Senegal is based on the isolation of cases for treatment and tracking of contacts. Decisions have been made to limit spread of the virus through social distancing. Airlines have been closed and border control strengthened.
Conclusions

The preparation and the measures taken made it possible to contain the pandemic during the first month. However, there is a need to strengthen the surveillance following the appearance of community-based cases and readjust strategies to hope to contain the pandemic during the second month.
Molecular evidence confirms occurrence of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in Kenya and suggests that an undifferentiated genotype is prevalent in the African continent
Authors: KANDUMA ESTHER GATHONI , Emery David , Githaka Naftaly W. , Nguu Edward K. , Bishop Richard P. , Šlapeta Jan
Published: May 2020

Background
The tick vector Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus which transmits Babesia and rickettsial pathogens has not been reported in Kenya since 1998. More recently, the pathogenic Babesia bovis has been detected in cattle blood DNA. The status of R. microplus in Kenya remains unknown. This study employed morphological and molecular tools to characterize R. microplus originating from Kenya and assess the genetic relationships between Kenyan and other African R. microplus genotypes.

Methods
Morphological identification and differentiation of 35 Kenyan and 11 reference tick specimens was implemented by following standard tick reference keys and identification guides. Genetic and phylogenetic relationships between the Kenyan and other annotated R. microplus reference sequences was investigated by analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of four tick specimens which included two R. microplus was assembled from whole genome data to further characterize the Kenyan ticks. A B. bovis specific Taqman probe qPCR assay was used to detect B. bovis in gDNA from R. microplus ticks.

Results
Of the 35 Kwale tick specimens analysed, 23 were confirmed to be R. microplus by both morphology and molecular characterizations. The Kenyan R. microplus COI sequences showed very high pairwise identities (>99%) and clustered very closely with reference African sequences. We also found a low differentiation and lack of geographical sub-structuring among the African COI sequences. The mitochondrial genome sequences of the two Kenyan R. microplus ticks also clustered closely with reference genome sequences from Brazil, USA, Cambodia and India. No B. bovis was detected in the Kwale R. microplus DNA.

Conclusions
These findings confirm the presence of R. microplus in Kenya and suggest that a common undifferentiated genotype is prevalent in cattle in Africa. These and other recent findings of widespread occurrence of R. microplus in Africa provide a strong justification for urgent surveillance to determine and monitor the spread of R. microplus and vector competence of Rhipicephalid ticks for B. bovis in Africa, with the ultimate goal of strategic control.
Antiviral Mechanism of Tea Polyphenols on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Dong Wenjuan , Wang Xun , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Zhu Zhenbang , Chen Yaosheng , Liu Xiaohong , Guo Chunhe
Published: May 2020

Background: Neither inactivated vaccine nor attenuated vaccine can effectively prevent and control the infection and spread of Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Therefore, it is necessary to broaden new horizons and conceive effective preventive strategies. Tea polyphenols (TPP) are polyphenol in tea. The main components of TPP are catechins and their derivatives. TPP has many physiological activities, and has certain antiviral and antifungal effects. But whether TPP owns anti-PRRSV activity remains unclear.Results: We found that TPP effectively inhibited PRRSV replication in Marc-145 cells through suppressing viral attachment and internalization. TPP exhibited a potent anti-PRRSV effect regardless of its pre-treatment or post-treatment. In addition, we demonstrated that TPP restrained PRRSV-induced p65 entry into the nucleus to suppress the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, which ultimately leads to the inhibition of the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, PRRSV limited the synthesis of viral non-structural protein 2 (nsp2), the core component of viral replication transcription complexes, which may contribute to the inhibition of viral RNA replication.Conclusions: TPP has the potential to develop into an effective antiviral agent in PRRSV prevention and control in future.
Differences in clinicopathological features and molecular phenotype of breast carcinoma between patients younger than 40 years and those who are older: A study from Pakistan
Authors: Idress Romana , Rasheed Faiza , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid , Sattar Abida , Ahmad Zubair
Published: May 2020

Background

The debate whether breast cancer in women under 40 years of age is distinct from breast cancer in women above 40 is still inconclusive with various published studies providing conflicting evidence. The majority of studies however suggest that breast cancer in younger women (< 40) is more aggressive with worse clinicopathological features. However, the issue is by no means settled and a number of studies are still going on. Our objective was to analyze different clinicopathological variables and determine whether statistically significant differences are present between those under 40 and those above 40 years of age. The present paper contributes to this debate by reporting our findings.
Methods

Descriptive cross sectional study of 482 breast cancer cases reported between January and December 31, 2016 which included 380 patients (above 40 years of age) and 102 (under 40 years of age). Variables included grade, stage, axillary lymph node metastases, lymphovascular invasion and molecular groups. p-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.
Results

Over 21% patients were younger than 40 years. Differences in histologic grade, stages of T1, T2, and T4, Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) status, Her2neu status, triple negativity and molecular groups between patients younger than 40 years and those older than 40 years were statistically insignificant. Differences in stage T3, axillary metastases and lymphovascular invasion were statistically significant.
Conclusion

Statistically significant differences were noted in some clinicopathological variables. Majority of variables indicating more aggressive disease were seen in patients older than 40 years of age. Additional studies with larger number of patients under 40 years of age are required to resolve the issue conclusively so that young women with breast cancer are not treated too aggressively unless there is unequivocal statistical evidence that breast cancer is more aggressive in patients under 40 years of age.
Exosomes derived from Hp-positive gastritis patients inhibit MCP-1 and MIP-1α expression in intestinal epithelial cells and improve DSS-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Chen Yufan , Huang Jie-Bin , Li Hao , Li Pu , Xu Chun-Di
Published: May 2020

Background: Previous studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, Hp) infection has a protective function in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Exosomes (Exo) are novel cell-cell communication mediators and their association with inflammatory immune responses has received great attention. however the mechanisms regarding the role of exosomes between Hp infection and IBD are limited.Methods: Human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with serum exosomes derived from Hp-positive chronic gastritis patients (Exo(Hp)), the expression of cytokines, inflammasome and signal pathway genes were detected by antibody microarray or PCR array. Furthermore, DSS-induced colitis mice were treated with exosomes by intraperitoneally injection to study the effect of Exo(Hp) in IBD.Results: Serum exosomes derived from Hp-positive chronic gastritis patients promoted NLRP12 expression in intestinal epithelial cells, and NLRP12 decreased chemokine MCP-1 and MIP-1α expression by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway. In vivo, Exo(Hp) could attenuated inflammatory responses in DSS-induced colitis and improved colitis symptoms, which was associated with the increase in NLRP12 expression. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry results showed that NLRP12 was negatively correlated with the disease activity of pediatric IBD patients. Conclusions: Exo(Hp) inhibited the Notch signaling pathway through the promotion of NLRP12 expression to further down-regulate MCP-1 and MIP-1α expression in intestinal epithelial cells and thereby attenuate DSS-induced colitis in mice. These results provide new theoretical bases for further elucidation of the intestinal protection mechanisms of Hp infection in IBD, and provide new targets for explorations of effective interventional strategies for IBD.
Evaluation of Salivary Zinc Level in Chronic Periodontitis Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Diabetics in Khartoum State 2019: A Case Control Study
Authors: Alhnnan Eman A.Elmoniem , Alawad Azza O
Published: May 2020

Background: Zinc micronutrient is essential for human health, there is accumulating data that zinc level is altered in both diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis, but the exact role of zinc in the pathogenesis of those conditions stay unclear. The present study was done to evaluate the salivary zinc level in chronic periodontitis patients with type II diabetes mellitus and non-diabetics. Methods: A Case-control study was conducted in Khartoum state between June and December 2019 at Khartoum dental teaching hospital, Jaber Abo-alezz diabetic center and Al-Neelain University. Chronic periodontitis was diagnosed with CAL ≥ 3mm. Patients with Hemoglobin A1c ≤ 6.5% were considered as controls for diabetes. Salivary zinc level was assessed in 64 subjects, 26 systemically healthy subjects without chronic periodontitis (Group A), 19 patients with chronic periodontitis otherwise systemically healthy (Group B) and 19 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis (Group C). Atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was utilized to measure the zinc level in saliva. The data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Scheffe multiple comparison test utilizing statistical software SPSS version 20. Results: The results showed that salivary zinc level decreased in periodontitis patients with and without type II diabetes mellitus compared to healthy control (P-value < 0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference between salivary zinc level in periodontitis patients and diabetic patients with periodontitis(P-value > 0.05).Conclusion: Low salivary zinc level may predispose to the risk of developing chronic periodontitis.
A series Cases study of Carcinomas derived from myoepithelial cells in head and neck regions
Authors: Cheng Danni , Rao Yufang , Qiu Ke , Qiu Jianqing , Dong Yijun , Deng Di , Ren Jianjun , Zhao Yu
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Carcinomas derived from myoepithelial cells in head and neck regions (CMCHN) are rare. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical behaviors and treatment outcomes of these tumors.Methods: A retrospective review of fifteen CMCHN cases between 2002 and 2019 in a single institution was performed. Results: All of the fifteen patients (100%) underwent primary surgical resection. Eleven patients (73.3%) received conventional postoperative radiotherapy and four (26.7%) received systemic chemotherapy. Consequently, six patients (40%) had frequently recurrence after surgical resection, and seven patients (46.7%) received second or even third operations. Up to the time of last follow-up, only one patient died and the mean survival time was 15.8 years.Conclusions: Currently, complete surgical excision with or without systemic therapy is preferred, but it has limited efficacy on reducing the risk of recurrence. Thus, more effective systemic therapies are required and the researches on the mechanism of CMCHN recurrence should be encouraged.
Integrating population variation and protein structural analysis to improve the clinical genetic diagnosis and treatment in children with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
Authors: LIAO Panli , XIANG Tianchao , LI Hongxia , FANG Ye , FANG Xiaoyan , ZHANG Zhiqing , CAO Qi , ZHAI Yihui , CHEN Jing , XU Linan , TANG Xiaoshan , WANG Xiaowen , LIU Xiaorong , SHEN Qian , CHEN Lizhi , JIANG Xiaoyun , MA Duan , XU hong , RAO jia
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives: Congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by renal inability to concentrate urine. Establishing the genetic diagnosis appears particularly important to NDI for early detection and differential diagnosis.Method: We utilized a Chinese multicenter registry to investigate genotype and phenotype in children with NDI from 2014 to 2019. The structural locations of the pathogenic mutations from this study and the literature, as well as population variants retried from gnomAD were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 boys from 9 families carried mutations in AVPR2 (8/10) or AQP2 (2/10). Another 7 relatives of the families were diagnosed by sequencing for partial or subclinical NDI. Patients presented with dehydration, polyuria-polydipsia, and severe hypernatremia with a median age at diagnosis of 1.0 month (IQR 0.16, 18). Protein structural analysis revealed a notable clustering of diagnostic mutations in the transmembrane regions of AVPR2, and enrichment of diagnostic mutations by autosomal dominant inheritance (AD) in the C terminal region of AQP2. The pathogenic mutations are significantly more likely to be buried inside the domain comparing the population variants. Through structural analysis and in silico prediction, the eight mutations identified in this study were considered as presumably disease causative. The most common treatments were thiazide diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Emergency treatment of hypernatremic dehydration in neonates should not choose the isotonic saline as a rehydration fluid.Conclusion: Genetic analysis presumably confirmed the diagnosis of NDI in every patient of the studied cohort. A plea of early identifying NDI confirmed by phenotype and genotype, and consequently optimize the treatment.
Ticks Infesting Humans in North-Western Italy and Associated Pathogens: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Three-Year Period (2017-2019) in North-Western Italy.
Authors: Audino Tania , PAUTASSO ALESSANDRA , BELLAVIA VERONICA , CARTA VALERIO , FERRARI ALESSIO , VERNA FEDERICA , GRATTAROLA CARLA , IULINI BARBARA , PINTORE MARINA , BARDELLI MAURO , CASSINA GERMANO , TOMASSONE LAURA , PELETTO SIMONE , BLANDA VALERIA , TORINA ALESSANDRA , CARAMELLI MARIA , CASALONE CRISTINA , DESIATO ROSANNA
Published: May 2020

Background. Tick-borne diseases are widespread in many European Countries and high incidence has been reported in the past few years. Ticks are able to transmit several pathogens to the host while feeding and are considered the most important vectors of infectious agents worldwide together with mosquitos. As tick-bite events has remarkably increased in North-Western Italy and information about the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks removed from humans in Italy are scarce, this study aimed to identify the species of ticks biting humans and the tick-borne pathogens they can transmit.Methods. Ticks collected from bitten humans during 2017-2019 were morphologically identified and screened by biomolecular essays. A total of 1,290 ticks were analysed. Most of the ticks belonged to the Ixodes genus: 1,009 ticks (78.0%) were classified as Ixodes ricinus. Some Ixodes ticks (n = 158; 12.3%) were identified only at genus level due to lack of morphological features. Overall, 500 ticks were PCR tested for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Anaplasma spp. in at-risk population (elderly and children). Pathogen identity was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results. The overall prevalence was 22.8%; (n = 114; 95%CI 19.19-26.73%), meaning that at least one pathogen was detected. Molecular analysis was carried out on a subset of 500 ticks showing the presence of R. helvetica (n=31), R. monacensis (n=35), R. slovaca (n=3), R. aeshlimannii (n=1), Rickettsia spp. (n=6); B. afzelii (n=11), B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (n=1), B. garinii (n=3), B. lusitaniae (n=4), and B. valaisiana (n=2), Borrellia spp. (n=11); Anaplasmaphagocytophilum(n=6).Conclusions. These data highlight the importance of surveillance to assess the epidemiology of TBDs that pose a threat to human health by the implementation of control strategies for both tick infestations and their associated pathogens.
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life Before and After a 12-month Enhanced Primary Care Model Among Chronically Ill Primary Care Patients in Australia.
Authors: John James , Tannous Kathy , Jones Amanda
Published: May 2020

Purpose: Evidence suggests that Patient-centred Medical Home (PCMH) model facilitates person-centred care and improves health-related quality of life for patients with chronic illness. This study aims to evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), before and after enrolment into a 12-month integrated care program called ‘WellNet’. Methods: This study includes 616 eligible consented patients aged 40 years and above with one or more chronic conditions from six general practices in Sydney, Australia. The WellNet program included a team of general practitioners (GPs) and specially trained chronic disease management (CDM) clinical coordinators (CCs) providing patient-tailored CDM plans configured to individual risk and complexity. HRQoL was recorded using the validated EuroQol EQ-5D-5L instrument. A case-series study design with repeated measures ANCOVA was used to assess changes in EQ-5D index scores after controlling for baseline covariates. Per-protocol analysis and imputed model, the latter using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm of multiple imputation were analysed. A backward stepwise multivariate linear regression models were conducted to determine predictors of EQ-5D index scores at follow-up. In addition to EQ-5D instrument, a supplementary analysis was carried out with use of the short versions of Knee and/or Hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS and HOOS) reported by patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Results: Out of 616 patients, 417 (69%) reported EQ-5D scores at follow-up. Almost half (48%) of the WellNet patients reported improved EQ-5D index scores at follow-up. After controlling for baseline covariates, the adjusted mean difference was statistically significant whilst also meeting the bare minimal clinically important difference (MCID) with a change of 0.03 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05). However, the imputed model failed to meet statistical significance. The multivariate regression models determined that baseline EQ-5D scores, positive diagnosis of a respiratory illness, and private health insurance status were significant predictors of HRQoL at follow-up. There were significant improvements across both KOOS and HOOS assessments, specifically, the pain and symptom scores in both scales met statistical significance in addition to meeting the MCID.Conclusion: Patient-tailored CDM plans designed by team of GPs and CDM clinical coordinators could lead to better HRQoL among primary care patients.
Topographic Shifts in Functional Connectivity and Reduced Lateralization in 16p11.2 Deletion Carriers: A Genetics-First Approach to Understanding Autism
Authors: QURESHI ABID Y , Nielsen Jared A. , Sepulcre Jorge
Published: May 2020

Background: The study of autism has been confounded by genetic and etiologic heterogeneity. The current study utilized a genetics-first approach to investigate the underlying neurobiology of autism by studying individuals with copy number variation at 16p11.2. Our aim was to investigate the prevailing theories of brain connectivity in autism – specifically, in regard to (1) distributed brain networks, (2) local and distant connectivity, and (3) functional lateralization. Methods: We analyzed resting-state functional connectivity MRI acquired in 26 carriers of a 16p11.2 deletion and 42 age-matched control participants. We also compared the functional connectivity metrics with measures of language ability, IQ, and social behavior.Results: We do not find widespread disruption of canonical large-scale networks in the deletion carriers. Nor do we find quantitative differences in the degree of local and distant connections. Instead, we discover unique connections in 16p11.2 deletion carriers that are not present in the control participants. Specifically, functional coupling between auditory cortex and regions of the default network is present only in the deletion carriers. In addition to the topographic shifts in functional connectivity, we observe reduced right hemispheric lateralization in the deletion carriers and less left hemispheric lateralization in individuals with poorer language ability.Conclusions: Links or connections between primary sensory areas and higher-order association areas violate fundamental large-scale circuit properties by functionally connecting brain regions specialized in local (hierarchical) processing with those that specialize in distant (parallel) processing. Aberrant hemispheric lateralization and connections between auditory and default networks may underlie difficulties with language and social interactions.
Strong negative covariation between toxoplasmosis and CoVID-19 at a global scale: a spurious indirect effect?
Authors: Jankowiak Łukasz , Rozsa Lajos , Tryjanowski Piotr , Møller Anders Pape
Published: May 2020

Coronaviruses may exert severely negative effects on the mortality and morbidity of birds and mammals including humans and domestic animals. Most recently CoVID-19 has infected over 2,360,000 humans and killed more than 165,000. Susceptibility to this disease appears to differ markedly across different societies but the factors underlying this variability are not known. Given that toxoplasmosis exerts both direct and immune-mediated antiviral effects, we hypothesize a negative covariation between toxoplasmosis and measures of the Covid-19 pandemic across countries. We obtained aged-adjusted toxoplasmosis prevalence of pregnant women from the literature. Since the differences in the CoVID-19 morbidity and mortality may depend on the different timing of the epidemics in each country, we applied a standard measure, i.e. the date of first documented CoVID-19 in each country as a proxy of susceptibility, with a statistical control for population size effects. Using these two indices, we show a highly significant negative co-variation between the two pandemics across 86 countries. Then, considering that the wealth of nations often co-varies with the prevalence of diseases, we introduced Gross Domestic Product per capita into our model. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis co-varies negatively, while the date of first CoVID-19 cases co-varies positively with GDP across countries. Further, to control for the strong spatial autocorrelation among countries, we carried out a Spatial Structure Analyses of the relationships between the date of first COVID-19, prevalence of toxoplasmosis, and GDP. Results of this analysis did not confirm a direct causal relationship between toxoplasmosis and susceptibility to the CoVID-19 pandemics. As far as an analysis of observational data let us to suggest, it appears that the interaction between CoVID-19 and toxoplasmosis is mediated by GDP and spatial effects. This prompts the question whether the formerly known covariation between BCG vaccination and CoVID-19 might have also emerged as a spurious indirect effect.