bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The regulatory role of the RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling pathway in the mechanisms of tooth eruption in patients with impacted teeth
Authors: Brodetska Ludmila , Natrus Larysa , Lisakovska Olha , Kaniura Olexandr , Iakovenko Liudmyla , Skrypnyk Irina , Flis Petro
Published: September 2020

Background: Tooth impaction is a common problem in orthodontic practice and in some cases accompanied by pain and pathological changes of surrounding teeth. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tooth impaction allows finding the most effective orthodontic treatment for patients with impacted teeth (IT). RANK (receptor activator of NF-κB) / RANKL (RANK ligand) / OPG (osteoprotegerin) signaling pathway controls bone resorption and may be involved in the regulation of tooth eruption. The study aimed to evaluate bone remodeling based on the assessment of the RANKL/RANK/OPG status in patients with IT. Methods: Bone samples from 18 patients (mean age 25.27±3.34) were divided into 3 groups: 1 – bone tissue of healthy persons (control group); 2 – bone tissue, that was taken near the healthy tooth in patients with tooth impaction; 3 – bone tissue, that was collected near the IT. Levels of RANKL, RANK, OPG, osteocalcin (OC), NF-κB p65 subunit, NFATc1, and caspase-3 were determined by western blotting. The difference between groups was assessed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: We established a 1.73-fold elevation of RANK level in the IT area vs. control, indicating the recruitment of preosteoclasts. An increase in RANKL, OPG, and OC content was demonstrated (1.46-, 1.48-, and 1.42-fold respectively), reflecting the high activity of osteoblasts near the IT. Despite the activation of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system in the impaction area, NF-κB and NFATc1 levels did not change compared vs. control, indicating a blocked/delayed process of osteoclastogenesis. We found a decrease in the content of procaspase-3 (1.28-fold), while the level of its active form p17 increased by 2.26 folds near the healthy tooth in patients with IT compared with control. In the area of ​​IT, we observed an increase in procaspase-3 and p17 levels (1.32 and 1.78 folds). This reflects impairments of caspase-3 activation and accumulation of its inactive form in the IT area that may contribute to the tooth eruption failure.Conclusions: Tooth impaction may be associated with the disturbances in the caspase-3 cascade activation and the imbalance in the RANKL/RANK/OPG system, and as a result, blocked bone resorption.
Sex-specific prevalence of coronary heart disease among Tehranian adult population across different glycemic status: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 2008-2011
Authors: Moazzeni Seyyed Saeed , Ghafelehbashi Hamidreza , Hasheminia Mitra , Parizadeh Donna , Ghanbarian Arash , Azizi Freidoun , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: September 2020

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the main causes of deaths. Alarmingly Iranian populations had a high rank of CHD worldwide. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of CHD across different glycemic categories. Methods: This study was conducted on 7,718 Tehranian participants (Men=3427) aged ≥ 30 years from 2008 to 2011. They were categorized based on glycemic status. The prevalence of CHD was calculated in each group, separately. CHD was defined as hospital records adjudicated by an outcome committee. The association of different glycemic categories with CHD was calculated using multivariate logistic regression, compared with normal fasting glucose /normal glucose tolerance (NFG/NGT) group as reference. Results: The age-standardized prevalence of isolated impaired fasting glucose (iIFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT), both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance (IFG/IGT), newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDM), and known diabetes mellitus (KDM) were 14.30% [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.50-15.09], 4.81% [4.32-5.29], 5.19% [4.71-5.67], 5.79% [5.29-6.28] and 7.72% [7.17-8.27], respectively. Among a total of 750 individuals diagnosed as cases of CHD (398 in men), 117 (15.6%), 453 (60.4%), and 317 (42.3%) individuals had history of myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac procedure, and unstable angina, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence of CHD for Tehranian population was 7.71% [7.18-8.24] in total population, 8.62 [7.81-9.44] in men and 7.19 [6.46-7.93] in women. Moreover, among diabetic participants, the age-standardized prevalence of CHD were 13.10 [9.83-16.38] in men 10.67 [8.90-12.44] in women, respectively, which were significantly higher than corresponding values for NFG/NGT and prediabetic groups. Across 6 levels of glycemic status, CHD was associated with IFG/IGT [ odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI: 1.38 (1.01-1.89)], NDM [1.83 (1.40-2.41)], and KDM [2.83 (2.26-3.55)] groups, in the age and sex adjusted model. Furthermore, in the full-adjusted model, only NDM and KDM status remained to be associated with the presence of CHD by ORs of 1.40 (1.06-1.86) for NDM and 1.91 (1.51-2.43) for KDM. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CHD, especially among diabetic populations, necessitates urgent implementation of behavioral interventions among Tehranian population, according to evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of diabetic patients.
Genetic variants in MIR17HG affect the susceptibility and prognosis of glioma in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Feng Jigao , Ouyang Yibin , Xu Dedong , He Qinglong , Liu Dayuan , Fan Xudong , Xu Pengxiang , Mo Yehe
Published: September 2020

BackgroundlncRNA MIR17HG was upregulated in glioma, and participated in promoting proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma. However, the role of MIR17HG polymorphisms in the occurrence and prognosis of glioma is still unclear.MethodsIn the study, 592 glioma patients and 502 control subjects were recruited. Agena MassARRAY platform was used to detect the genotype of MIR17HG polymorphisms. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between MIR17HG single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and glioma risk by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox hazards models were performed for assessing the role of these SNPs in glioma prognosis by hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs.ResultsWe found that rs7318578 (OR = 2.25, p = 3.18x10-5) was significantly associated with glioma susceptibility in the overall participants. In the subgroup with age < 40 years, rs17735387 (OR = 1.53, p = 9.05x10-3) and rs7336610 (OR = 1.35, p = 0.016) were related to the higher glioma susceptibility. More importantly, rs17735387 (HR = 0.82, log-rank p = 0.026) were associated with the longer survival of glioma patients. The GA genotype of rs17735387 had a better overall survival (HR = 0.75, log-rank p = 0.013) and progression free survival (HR = 0.73, log-rank p = 0.032) in patients with Ⅰ-Ⅱ glioma. We also found that rs72640334 was related to the poor prognosis (HR = 1.49, Log-rank p = 0.035) in female patients. In the subgroup of patients with age ≥ 40 years, rs17735387 was associated with a better prognosis (HR = 0.036, Log-rank p = 0.002).ConclusionOur study firstly reported that MIR17HG rs7318578 was a risk factor for glioma susceptibility and rs17735387 was associated with the longer survival of glioma among Chinese Han population, which might help to enhance the understanding of MIR17HG gene in gliomagenesis. In subsequent studies, we will continue to collect samples and follow up to further validate our findings and further explore the function of these MIR17HG SNPs in glioma in a larger sample size.
Patient Willingness to Accept Hepatitis C-Infected Kidneys for Transplantation.
Authors: Edwards Gretchen C. , Shipe Maren E , Smith Lindsay , Gamble Christianna , Shaffer David , Concepcion Beatrice P. , Forbes Rachel C
Published: September 2020

Background: As organs infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) provide an opportunity to expand the donor pool, the primary aim of this study is to gauge patient willingness to accept a kidney from HCV-infected donors compared to other high-risk donors. Methods: An anonymous, electronic survey was sent to all active kidney transplant waitlist patients at a single large volume transplant center. Patients were asked to respond to three hypothetical organ offers from the following: 1) HCV-infected donor 2) Donor with active intravenous drug use and 3) Donor with longstanding diabetes and hypertension. Results: The survey was sent to 435 patients of which 125 responded (29% response rate). While 86 out of 125 patients (69%) were willing to accept an HCV-infected kidney, only a minority of respondents were willing to accept a kidney from other high-risk donors. In contrast to other studies, by multivariable logistic regression, age and race were not associated with willingness to accept an HCV-infected kidney. Conclusions: From a patient perspective, utilization of kidneys from HCV-infected donors to expand the donor pool appears to be an acceptable option.
Effects of toner-handling work on respiratory function, chest X-ray findings, and biomarkers of inflammation, allergy, and oxidative stress: A ten-year prospective Japanese cohort study
Authors: Terunuma Niina , Ikegami Kazunori , Kitamura Hiroko , Ando Hajime , Kurosaki Shizuka , Masuda Masashi , Kochi Takeshi , Yanagi Nobuaki , Fujino Yoshihisa , Ogami Akira , Higashi Toshiaki
Published: September 2020

Background: Exposure to toner, a substance used in photocopiers and printers, has been associated with siderosilicosis and other adverse effects. However, these findings are limited, and there is insufficient evidence on the long-term effects of toner exposure. Using longitudinal analysis, this study aimed to examine the effects of work involving toner exposure on the respiratory system over time.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in a Japanese toner and copier manufacturing enterprise between 2003 and 2013. The cohort included a total of 1468 workers, which comprised 887 toner-handling workers and 581 non-toner-handling workers. We subdivided the toner-handling workers into two groups according to the toner exposure concentration, based on the baseline survey in 2003. We compared the chest X-ray results, respiratory function indicators, and serum and urinary biomarkers of inflammation, allergy, and oxidative stress among the three groups: high-concentration toner exposure group, low-concentration toner exposure group, and non-toner-handling group. To consider the effects of individual differences on the longitudinal data, we used a linear mixed model.Results: Similar chest X-ray results, the biomarkers, and most of the respiratory function indicators were found in the non-toner-handling and toner-handling groups. There were no significant yearly changes in the percentage of vital capacity (%VC) in the high-concentration toner exposure group, while there was a significant yearly increase in %VC in the low-concentration toner exposure group and non-toner-handling group. The yearly change in each group was as follows: high-concentration toner exposure group, -0.11% (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.29 to 0.08; P=0.250); low-concentration toner exposure group, 0.13% (95% CI, 0.09-0.17; P<0.001); and non-toner-handling group, 0.15% (95% CI, 0.01-0.20; P<0.001).Conclusions: In our 10-year prospective study, toner-handling work was not associated with the deterioration of respiratory function and an increase in biomarker values for inflammation, allergy, and oxidative stress. This finding suggests that toner-handling work is irrelevant to the onset of respiratory disease and has minimal adverse effects on the respiratory system under a well-managed work environment.
Preparedness of outpatient health facilities for ambulatory treatment with all-oral short DR-TB treatment regimens in Zhytomyr, Ukraine: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gils Tinne , Laxmeshwar Chinmay , Duka Marve , Malakyan Khachatur , Siomak Olga Valentinovna , Didik Vitaly Stephanovich , Lytvynenko Natalia , Terleeva Yana , Donchuk Dimitri , Isaakidis Petros
Published: September 2020

Background: Ukraine has a high burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). Mental health problems, including alcohol use disorder, are common co-morbidities. One in five DR-TB patients has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). As part of health reform, the country is moving from inpatient care to ambulatory primary care for tuberculosis (TB). In Zhytomyr oblast, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is supporting care for DR-TB patients on all-oral short DR-TB regimens. This study describes the preparedness of ambulatory care facilities in Zhytomyr oblast, Ukraine, to provide good quality ambulatory care.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of routinely collected programme data. Before discharge of every patient from the hospital, MSF teams assess services available at outpatient facilities using a standardised questionnaire. The assessment evaluates access, human resources, availability of medicines, infection control measures, laboratory and diagnostic services, and psychosocial support.Results: We visited 68 outpatient facilities in 22 districts between June 2018 and September 2019. Twenty-seven health posts, 24 TB-units, 13 ambulatories, two family doctors and one polyclinic, serving 30% of DR-TB patients in the oblast by September 2019, were included. All facilities provided directly observed treatment, but only seven (10%) provided weekend-services. All facilities had at least one medical staff member, but TB-training was insufficient and mostly limited to TB-doctors. TB-treatment and adequate storage space were available in all facilities, but only five (8%) had ancillary medicines. HIV-positive patients had to visit a separate facility to access HIV-care. Personal protective equipment was unavailable in 32 (55%) facilities. Basic laboratory services were available in TB-units, but only four (17%) performed audiometry. Only ten (42%) TB-units had psychosocial support available, and nine (38%) offered psychiatric support. Conclusion: Outpatient facilities in Zhytomyr oblast are not yet prepared to provide comprehensive care for DR-TB patients. Capacity of all facilities needs strengthening with trainings, infection control measures and infrastructure. Integration of psychosocial services, treatment of co-morbidities and adverse events at the same facility are essential for successful decentralisation. The health reform is an opportunity to establish quality, patient-centred care.
Mortality in severely injuried patients: nearly one of five non-survivors have been already discharged alive from ICU
Authors: Hamsen Uwe , Drotleff Niklas , Lefering Rolf , Gerstmeyer Julius , Schildhauer Thomas Armin , Waydhas Christian , DGU Traumaregistry of the
Published: September 2020

BackgroundMost trauma patients admitted to the hospital alive and die later on, decease during the initial care in the emergency department or the intensive care unit (ICU). However, a number of patients pass away after having been discharged from the ICU during the initial hospital stay. On first sight these cases could be seen as “failure to rescue” of potentially salvageable patients. A low rate of such patients might be a potential indicator of quality for trauma care on ICUs and surgical wards.MethodsRetrospective analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU® with data from 2015-2017. Patients that died during the initial ICU stay were compared to those who were discharged from the initial ICU stay for at least 24 hours but died later on.ResultsA total of 82,313 trauma patients were included in the TraumaRegister DGU®. In total, 6,576 patients (8.0%) died during their hospital stay. Out of those, 5,481 were admitted to the ICU alive and 972 patients (17.7%) were discharged from ICU and died later on. Those were older (mean age: 77 vs. 68 years), less severely injured (mean ISS: 23.1 vs. 30.0 points) and had a longer mean ICU length of stay (10 vs. 6 days). A limitation of life-sustaining therapy due to a documented living will was present in 46.1% of all patients who died during their initial ICU stay and in 59.9% of patients who died after discharge from their initial ICU stay.Conclusions17.7% of all non-surviving severely injured trauma patients died within the hospital after discharge from their initial ICU treatment. Their death can partially be explained by a limitation of therapy due to a living will. In conclusion, the rate of such late deaths may partially represent patients that died of potentially avoidable or treatable complications.
Acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Deng Haiping , Shu Yu , Lv Peiran , Zhao Ling , Cheng Ke , Zhang Tingting , Song Yi , Yang Hua , Tang Hong , Pei Jian , Shen Xueyong
Published: September 2020

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that has a considerable impact on quality of life, but there are few effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture (MA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) for DPN.Methods/Design: This is a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 118 patients with DPN will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either MA group or SA group. All patients will receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research center at month 6 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (peroneal MNCV) at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include peroneal motor nerve action potential amplitude (peroneal MNAP) and latent period (peroneal MNLP), sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (sural SNCV), action potential amplitude (sural SNAP) and latent period (sural SNLP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) at week 12 compared with baseline, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) score and Diabetes Specific Quality of Life scale (DSQL) at week 12 and month 6 compared with baseline. Safety will be assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness will be assessed by patients.Discussion: This trial may provide high-quality evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of MA treatment for DPN compared with SA treatment. Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry, ID: ChiCTR1800020444. First registered on 29 December 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?Proj =31063
Barriers to Effective Prescribing in Older Adults: Applying the Theoretical Domains Framework in the Ambulatory Setting – A Scoping Review
Authors: Lau Sabrina , Lun Penny , Ang Wendy , Tan Keng Teng , Ding Yew Yoong
Published: September 2020

Background: As the population ages, potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) in the older adults may become increasingly prevalent. This undermines patient safety and creates a potential source of major morbidity and mortality. Understanding the factors that influence prescribing behaviour may allow development of interventions to reduce PIP. The aim of this study is to apply the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore barriers to effective prescribing for older adults in the ambulatory setting. Methods: A scoping review was performed based on the five-stage methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. From 30 Aug 2018 to 5 Sep 2018, we conducted our search on PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science. We also searched five electronic journals, Google and Google Scholar to identify additional sources and grey literature. Two reviewers applied eligibility criteria to the title and abstract screening, followed by full text screening, before systematically charting the data. Results: A total of 5,731 articles were screened. 29 studies met the selection criteria for qualitative analysis. We mapped our results using the 14-domain TDF, eventually identifying 10 domains of interest for barriers to effective prescribing. Of these, significant domains include physician-related factors such as “Knowledge”, “Skills”, and “Social/Professional Role and Identity”; issues with “Environmental Context and Resources”; and the impact of “Social Influences” and “Emotion” on prescribing behaviour. Conclusion: The TDF elicited multiple domains which both independently and collectively lead to barriers to effective prescribing for older adults in the ambulatory setting. Changing the prescribing climate will thus require interventions targeting multiple stakeholders, including physicians, patients and hospital/clinic systems. Further work is needed to explore individual domains and guide development of frameworks to aid guide prescribing for older adults in the ambulatory setting.
Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture the Myofascial Triggers Point to treat Idiopathic Frozen Shoulders: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: BAI YANG , Wang Ying , Chen Bo , QIN Yinan , Lei Qianqian , Zhao Hailong , Lu Jingbao , Fan Qian , Wang Yali , Song HongBo , Cheng Maomao , Wang Wei , Hu Shengen , Du YuanHao , Xia Tian
Published: September 2020

Background: There are evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for chronic shoulder pain, however, it remains unclear the best acupuncture modes for effective treatment. We compared the effect of the myofascial trigger point (MTrp) Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture with that of common acupuncture treatments. Further, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of stuck-moving needle acupuncture for the MTrp in improving pain and range of motions in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder. The aim of present study is to select an effective therapy for patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder.Methods: Randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the three clinical centers of Qingyang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Qingyang Xifeng district People's Hospital and Qingyang Second People's Hospital in China from February 2020 to January 2021. One-hundred and eight frozen shoulder patients will be recruited and randomized into one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio of the Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture group, Common acupuncture control group and physical exercise control group. This trial will include a 1-week baseline period, a 3-weeks of the treatment period, and a 12-weeks of the follow-up period. During the 3-weeks of the treatment period, patients will receive nine sessions of acupuncture. The primary outcome will be related to change in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and measurement of range of joint motion (ROM) from the baseline period to the 12-week follow-up period. Secondary outcome measures will include, measurement of Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Pressure Pain Tolerance (PTT) Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), 36-item Short Form survey and Patient satisfaction evaluation. Adverse events also will be recorded for safety assessment.Discussion: The results of this trial will allow us to compare the difference in efficacy between Stuck-moving Needle acupuncture MTrP with that of common acupuncture treatments. The findings from this trial will be published in the peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration: Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry (ChiMCTR1900002862) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900028452). registered on 22, Dec. 2019
A nationwide survey of intraoperative management for one-lung ventilation in Taiwan: time to accountable for diversity in protective lung ventilation
Authors: Kuo Chuan-Yi , Liu Ying-Tung , Chen Tzu-Shan , Lam Chen-Fuh , Wu Ming-Cheng
Published: September 2020

Background: There is a major paradigm shift for intraoperative mechanical ventilator support by the introduction of lung protective ventilation strategies to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and improve overall clinical outcomes in non-thoracic surgeries. However, there is currently a lack of standardized practice guideline for lung protection during thoracic surgeries that require one-lung ventilation (OLV). This study aimed to collect the expert opinions of the thoracic anesthesiologists in perioperative care for OLV surgery in Taiwan.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in 16 tertiary hospitals in Taiwan from January to February 2019. A structured survey form was distributed across the participating hospitals and the thoracic anesthesiologists were invited to complete the form voluntarily. The survey form consisted of three parts, including the basic information of the institutional anesthesia care standards, ventilatory settings for a proposed patient receiving OLV surgery and expert opinions on OLV.Results: A total of 71 thoracic anesthesiologists responded to the survey. Double-lumen tubes are the most commonly used (93.8%) airway devices for OLV. The most commonly recommended ventilator setting during OLV is a tidal volume of 6-7 ml/kg PBW (67.6%) and a PEEP level of 4-6 cmH2O (73.5%). Dual controlled ventilator modes are used by 44.1% of the anesthesiologists. During OLV, high oxygen fraction (FiO2 >0.8) is more commonly supplemented to achieve an oxygen saturation higher than 94%. The consensus of anesthesiologists on the indices for lung protection in thoracic surgery is considerably low. Large majority of the anesthesiologists (91.5%) highly recommend that an international clinical practice guideline on the protective lung ventilation strategy for thoracic anesthesia should be established.Conclusions: This study found that the thoracic anesthesiologists in Taiwan share certain common practices in ventilator support during OLV. However, they are concerned about the lack of fundamental clinical evidences to support the beneficial outcomes of the current lung protective strategies applicable to OLV. Large-scale trials are needed to form an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for thoracic anesthesia.
Heart rate and swimming activity as indicators of post-surgical recovery time of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Føre Martin , Svendsen Eirik , Økland Finn , Gräns Albin , Alfredsen Jo Arve , Finstad Bengt , Hedger Richard , Uglem Ingebrigt
Published: September 2020

Background: Fish telemetry using electronic transmitter or data storage tags has become a common method for studying free-swimming fish both in the wild and in aquaculture. However, fish used in telemetry studies must be handled, anaesthetised and often subjected to surgical procedures to be equipped with tags, processes that will shift the fish from their normal physiological and behavioural states. In many projects, information is needed on when the fish has recovered after handling and tagging so that only the data recorded after the fish has fully recovered are used in analyses. We aimed to establish recovery times of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after an intraperitoneal tagging procedure featuring handling, anaesthesia and surgery. Results: Based on ECG and accelerometer data collected with telemetry from nine individual Atlantic salmon during the first period after tagging, we found that heart rate was initially elevated in all fish, and that it took an average of ≈4 days and a maximum of 6 days for heart rate to return to an assumed baseline level. Although activity levels assessed from acceleration appeared to be less affected by the tagging procedure, baseline levels were on average reached after ≈ 5 days for this parameter. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the Atlantic salmon used in this study required an average of ≈ 4 days, with a maximum interval of 6 days, of recovery after tagging before tag data could be considered valid. Moreover, the differences between recovery times for heart rate and activity imply that recovery time recommendations should be developed based on a combination of indicators and not just on e.g. behavioural observations.
Clinical characteristics and laboratory indicator analysis of 67 COVID-19 pneumonia patients in Suzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yi , Yao Lin , Zhang Jian-Ping , Tang Pei-Jun , Ye Zhi-Jian , Shen Xing-Hua , Xu Jun-Chi , Wu Mei-Ying , Yu Xin
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSudden exacerbations and respiratory failure are major causes of death in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pneumonia, but indicators for the prediction and treatment of severe patients are still lacking.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 67 collected cases was conducted and included approximately 67 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to the Suzhou Fifth People’s Hospital from January 1, 2020 to February 8, 2020. The epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics as well as laboratory data of the 67 patients were analyzed.ResultsThe study found that fibrinogen(FIB) was increased in 45 (65.2%) patients, and when FIB reached a critical value of 4.805 g/L, the sensitivity and specificity、DA, helping to distinguish general and severe cases, were 100% and 14%、92.9%, respectively, which were significantly better than those for lymphocyte count and myoglobin. Chest CT images indicated that the cumulative number of lung lobes with lesions in severe patients was significantly higher than that in general patients (P<0.05), and the cumulative number of lung lobes with lesions was negatively correlated with lymphocyte count and positively correlated with myoglobin and FIB. Our study also found that there was no obvious effect of hormone therapy in patients with severe COVID-19.ConclusionsBased on the retrospective analysis, FIB was found to be increased in severe patients and was better than lymphocyte count and myoglobin in distinguishing general and severe patients. The study also suggested that hormone treatment has no significant effect on COVID-19.
Surgery improves the prognosis of colon mucinous adenocarcinoma with liver metastases: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Huang Jia , Chen Guodong , Liu Huan , Zhang Yiwei , Tang Rong , Huang Qiulin , Fu Kai , Peng Xiuda , Xiao Shuai
Published: September 2020

Background: Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) is the second most common pathological type of colon carcinoma (CC). Colon cancer liver metastases (CLMs) are common and lethal, and complete resection of the primary tumour and metastases for CLM patients would be beneficial. However, there is still no consensus on the role of surgery for MC with liver metastases (M-CLM). Methods: Patients diagnosed with M-CLM or classical adenocarcinoma with CLM (A-CLM) from 2010 to 2013 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were retrieved. The clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) data were compared and analysed.Results: The results showed that the M-CLM group had a larger tumour size, more right colon localizations, higher pT and pN stages, more female patients, and more retrieved and positive lymph nodes and accounted for a higher proportion of surgeries than the A-CLM group. The OS and CSS of M-CLM patients who underwent any type of surgery were significantly better than those of patients who did not undergo any surgery, but poorer than those of A-CLM patients who underwent surgery. Meanwhile, the OS and CSS of M-CLM and A-CLM patients who did not undergo any surgery were comparable. Compared with hemicolectomy, partial colectomy led to similar or better OS and CSS for M-CLM, and surgery was an independent protective factor for long-term survival in M-CLM.Conclusions: M-CLM had distinct clinicopathological characteristics from A-CLM, and surgery could improve the survival and is an independent favourable prognostic factor for M-CLM. In addition, partial colectomy might be a non-inferiority choice as hemicolectomy for M-CLM according to the results from this study.
Evaluation of maize lodging resistance based on the critical wind speed of stalk breaking during the late growth stage  
Authors: Xue Jun , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Hou Peng , Li Shaokun
Published: September 2020

Background: The accurate evaluation of the stalk-lodging resistance during the late stage of maize growth can provide a basis for the selection of cultivars, the evaluation of cultivation techniques, and timely mechanical grain harvesting. In this study, the critical wind speed of stalk breaking, plant morphology, stalk mechanical strength, and lodging rate were investigated in 10 maize cultivars to identify the parameters evaluate lodging resistance during the later growth stage of maize. Clarify the relationship with the stalk mechanical strength, critical wind speed of stalk breaking, and natural lodging rate in the field. Results: The results showed that, in the late growth stage, with increasing number of days after physiological maturity, (1) the stalk lodging rate gradually increased, (2) the stalk breaking force and rind penetration strength (RPS) of the third internode above the soil gradually decreased, and (3) the critical wind speed of stalk breaking increased first and then decreased, and was highest at about 16–24 days after physiological maturity. The position of stalk lodging mostly occured betwen second and fifth internodes. The torque at the base of maize plant increased as wind speed increased, and ther different of torque was excited among different maize cultivars under same wind speed. Furthermore, the stalk lodging rate was significantly negatively correlated with the critical wind speed of stalk breaking. Additionally, the critical wind speed of stalk breaking was significantly positively correlated with the stalk breaking force and the RPS. Conclusion: This indicates that the critical wind speed of stalk breaking is a superior way to determine the stalk lodging resistance. These results suggest that, in the late growth stage, the decrease in the stalk mechanical strength is an important reason for the decrease in the critical wind speed of stalk breaking and the increase in the lodging rate.
New insights into malaria vector bionomics in Lao PDR: a nationwide entomology survey
Authors: Marcombe Sebastien , Maithaviphet Santi , Bobichon Julie , Phommavan Nothasin , Nambanya Simone , Corbel Vincent , Brey Paul Timothy
Published: September 2020

Background. In Laos, the malaria burden remains high despite a significant reduction of cases during the last decade. In the context of the disease elimination by 2030, a nationwide entomological survey was conducted to better understand the distribution, abundance and behavior of major malaria vectors ( Anopheles spp.) in the country.Methods. Mosquito collections were implemented in ten villages from ten provinces during the rainy and dry seasons of 2014 and 2015 by using human landing catch (HLC) and cow bait collection (CBC) methods. After morphological identification in the field, molecular identification of the sibling species of Anopheles mosquitoes from the Funestus, Leucosphyrus, and Maculatus groups were determined using PCR specific alleles. A screening of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infections in the vectors was carried out by quantitative PCR assays.Results. A total of 14,146 adult mosquitoes representing 25 different Anopheles species were collected and morphologically identified. Molecular identification revealed the presence of 12 sibling species within the main primary vector groups including An. maculatus s.s., An. rampae , An. sawadwongporni , An. pseudowillmori , An. dravidicus , An. minimus s.s., An. aconitus , An. pampanai , An. harrisoni , An. dirus s.s., An. baimaii , An. nemophilous . Anopheles maculatus and An. minimus were predominant during both the dry and rainy seasons, but showed highly zoophilic preferences (Zoophilic index of 98% and 95%, respectively). Overall, 22% of the total malaria vectors were collected between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM indoors when people are sleeping. Twenty-seven percent of primary and secondary vectors were collected outdoors before 10:00 PM or after 5:00 AM, times when people are usually awake and outdoors. Only two specimens were positive for P. falciparum, one An. aconitus from Phongsaly and one An. minimus from Vientiane Province.Conclusions. The results indicate that people living in rural areas in Laos are constantly exposed to malaria vectors throughout the year and specifically outdoors. The use of LLINs/IRS remains important but innovative tools and new strategies are needed to address locally, the early and outdoor malaria transmission. Lack of expertise in general entomological methods may further exacerbate the situation.
The Prevalence Rate of Sexual Violence Worldwide: A Trend Analysis
Authors: Borumandnia Nasrin , Khadembashi Naghmeh , Tabatabaei Mohammad , Majd Hamid Alavi
Published: September 2020

Background: The purpose of the present study is to showcase an image of Sexual Violence (SV) temporal trends through exploring differences in the prevalence rates during 1990-2017 across 195 countries and territories. Methods: The SV prevalence rates were derived from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, during 1990-2017, worldwide. First, the Latent Growth Model (LGM) was employed for assessing the change in SV prevalence rate over time in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, Australia & Oceania, for men and women separately. Then, the change in SV prevalence rate over time was determined in the countries with high and low Human Development Index (HDI). Finally, the Latent Growth Mixture Models (LGMM) were applied for identifying classes where countries within each class have similar trend of SV prevalence rate over time. Results: The SV prevalence rate was higher in women than in men and decreased in both genders over time all over the world. The declining trend in SV’s prevalence against men is visible in both countries with high and low HDI, but SV’s prevalence against women in countries with low HDI has increased. Findings of LGMM identified six classes of SV prevalence trajectories. LGMM allocated Bermuda into class with highest decrease in SV’s prevalence against men, and Equatorial Guinea and Luxembourg into class with the highest increase. Other countries had very slow declining trends. In term of SV’s prevalence against women, LGMM allocated China, North Korea, and Taiwan into class with the most increasing among countries in the world. Bermuda, Guyana, Mexico, Nigeria, and Saint Lucia were entered into the class which witnessed the largest declines and Angola, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea have been ranked next. The trend in other countries has been mostly decreasing. Conclusion: Given the high economic and social burden that SV has on victims and societies, the rate of SV in most countries does not seem to have dropped remarkably and requires special attention from relevant policymakers. The rate of SV prevalence is highly heterogeneous among world countries which may be due to the definitions and tools used, and more importantly, the culture norms.
Equity and Elderly Health in India: Reflections from 75th Round National Sample Survey, 2017-18, amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ranjan Alok , R Muraleedharan V
Published: September 2020

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, called coronavirus disease - 2019 (COVID-19), has affected more than 200 countries across the globe with a higher fatality rate among the elderly population. Aim of the study is to highlight the vulnerability of the aged amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, and in the light of the recent international evidence, suggests what government could do to mitigate their vulnerability. Methods: Data from the recently released (November 2019) 75 th Round National Sample Survey (NSS), which was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018, across 8077 rural villages and 6181 urban wards was used for this study. Data collected from 555115 individuals (rural: 325232; urban: 229232) included that of 42762 elderly individuals (60 years or above). Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used for the calculation. Results: 27.7 % of elderly reported suffering from any ailment in the last 15 days, whereas 8.5% had hospitalization during the last 365 days. Among the elderly, hospitalization rate was higher in the urban areas (OR: 1.23), general social category (OR: 1.18), richest economic quintile (OR: 1.69), and among those living alone (OR: 2.40). Also, among the elderly, 64% of those in the scheduled tribe (social class) and 51.0% in the poorest income quintile utilized public facilities for hospitalization. “Cardiovascular ailments” was a major cause for hospitalization (18.1%) and outpatient visit (32.0%) among the elderly. Diabetes and hypertension together constituted 55% of outpatient visit for the elderly. 18.9% of the elderly had health insurance though chances of facing catastrophic health expenditure was high among the elderly. 6.6% of elderly female and 1.6% male live alone, and 27.5% of age 80 years and above are immobile. 50% of male and 90% of female are financially dependent on others and more so in poorer economic quintiles. Conclusions: The vulnerability of India’s elderly increases across economic levels, and other dimensions such as the place of residence, gender, caste, marital status, living arrangements, surviving children, and economic dependence. The current COVID-19 pandemic poses a greater risk of social isolation among the elderly, which may cause detrimental health impact.
Associations between pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Zhang Lirui , Zheng Wei , Liu Cheng , Liang Xin , Zhang Li , Tian Zhihong , Li Guanghui
Published: September 2020

Background: The influence of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on perinatal outcomes of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Therefore, we explored how the above indicators influence pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving the baseline characteristics, laboratory data, and pregnancy outcomes of 722 pregnant women with PCOS. Subjects were grouped in a way to find out risks in their pregnancy outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate how BMI and GWG were associated with perinatal outcomes.Results：Among women with PCOS, underweight increased the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) (OR 12.35, 95% CI 3.56-42.82), but reduced the risk of large for gestational age (LGA). Overweight but not obese women were more susceptible to developing preeclampsia (PE) than women with normal weight. In PCOS women with BMI＜25 kg/m2 before pregnancy, inadequate GWG was a protective factor for gestational hypertension (GH) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), excessive GWG exhibited a positive correlation with LGA. But in PCOS women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, excessive GWG increased the probability of undergoing a cesarean section. Inadequate GWG did not reduce the likelihood of LGA in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and excessive GWG did not reduce the probability of SGA in women with BMI＜25 kg/m2.Conclusion: The impacts of pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG on maternal and infant outcomes among PCOS women are similar to reported results in general pregnant women. However, some unique trends were also observed in PCOS women. While the underweight factor significantly increased the risk of SGA birth, overweight but not obesity was correlated with the risk of PE. Inadequate GWG was a protective factor for GH and PPH only in women with pregestational BMI＜25 kg/m2. Inadequate GWG did not reduce the probability of LGA in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and similarly, excessive GWG did not reduce the probability of SGA in women with BMI＜25 kg/m2. Overall, these findings indicate that women with PCOS should begin weight management before pregnancy.
Developmental trends in early childhood and their predictors from an Indian birth cohort
Authors: Koshy Beena , Sriniva Manikandan , Bose Anuradha , John Sushil Mathew , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Roshan Reeba , Ramanujam Karthikeyen , Kang Gagandeep
Published: September 2020

Background: Early childhood developmental pattern analyses not only project future cognition potential, but also identify potential risks for possible intervention. There is a paucity of literature evaluating developmental trends in the low and middle income country settings. Methods: Trends of early childhood development at 6, 15, 24 and 36 months of age and their predictors were explored in a longitudinal community-based birth cohort study in an urban slum in Vellore, South India. Development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III (BSID-III). Results: The birth cohort enrolled 251 children with 94%, 91% and 87% follow-up at 6, 24 and 36 months respectively. Child development domains of cognition, language, motor and social skills showed a significant decline in scores between 6 and 36 months of age. Cognition change was maximum augmented by higher socio-economic position (SEP) and nurturing home environment while stunting had the maximum negative impact. Higher maternal cognition, higher SEP, and caregiver responsivity positively contributed to language change over time, while higher maternal depression contributed negatively. An enriching home environment, growth parameters and blood iron status had high association with change in motor skills. Conclusions: A triple intervention plan to enhance home environment and nurturance, early childhood nutrient supplementation, and maternal education and well-being might prevent child developmental decline in high risk settings.
8q24 Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Germline Variant is Associated with VHL Mutation Status and Clinical Aggressiveness
Authors: Eckel-Passow Jeanette E , Yan Huihuang , Kosel Matthew , Serie Daniel , Jenkins Robert , Costello Brian , Leibovich Bradley , Ho Thai , Parker Alexander
Published: September 2020

Background

The four most commonly-mutated genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors are BAP1 , PBRM1 , SETD2 and VHL . And, there are currently 14 known RCC germline variants that have been reproducibly shown to be associated with RCC risk. However, the association of germline genetics with tumor genetics and clinical aggressiveness are unknown.

Methods

We analyzed 420 ccRCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Molecular subtype was determined based on acquired mutations in BAP1 , PBRM1 , SETD2 and VHL . Aggressive subtype was defined clinically using Mayo SSIGN score and molecularly using the ccA/ccB gene expression subtype. Publically-available Hi-C data were used to link germline risk variants with candidate target genes.

Results

The 8q24 variant rs35252396 was significantly associated with VHL mutation status (OR=1.6, p=0.0037) and SSIGN score (OR=1.9, p=0.00094), after adjusting for multiple comparisons. We observed that, while some germline variants have interactions with nearby genes, some variants demonstrate long-range interactions with target genes.

Conclusions

These data further demonstrate the link between rs35252396, HIF pathway and ccRCC clinical aggressiveness, providing a more comprehensive picture of how germline genetics and tumor genetics interact with respect to tumor development and progression.