bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Video-based Stained Glass
Authors: Kang Dongwann , Lee Taemin , Shin Yong-Hyeon , Seo Sanghyun
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a method to generate stained-glass animation from video inputs. The method initially segments an input video volume into several regions considered as fragments of glass by mean-shift segmentation. However, the segmentation predominantly results in over-segmentation, causing several tiny segments in a highly textured area. In practice, assembling significantly tiny or large glass fragments is avoided to ensure architectural stability in stained glass manufacturing. Therefore, we use low-frequency components in the segmentation to prevent over-segmentation and subdivide segmented regions that are oversized. The subdividing must be coherent between adjacent frames to prevent temporal artefacts, such as flickering and the shower door effect. To temporally subdivide regions coherently, we obtain a panoramic image from the segmented regions in input frames, subdivide it using a weighted Voronoi diagram, and thereafter project the subdivided regions onto the input frames. To render stained glass fragment for each coherent region, we determine the optimal match glass fragment for the region from a dataset consisting of real stained-glass fragment images and transfer its color and texture to the region. Finally, applying lead came at the boundary of the regions in each frame yields temporally coherent stained-glass animation.
Impact of adding midazolam to bupivacaine 0.5% in regional spinal anesthesia on maternal middle cerebral artery velocimetry  in parturients with severe preclampsia
Authors: Raouf mina maher , mikhail Hany Kamal , amin mohammad ahmed , magdy samar mahamad
Published: June 2020

Severe preclampsia is a challenging issue facing both intensivist and anesthetic team carrying both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Termination of pregnancy after blood pressure control is the golden key in management. Cerebral complications due to diffuse cerebral vasospasm are most common and serious. Intrathecal midazolam with its gamma amino butyric action may antidote glutamate mediated sympathetic surge and decreasing cererbral vasospasm. Temporal view transcranial doppler imaging maternal middle cerebral artery is used to examine Blood flow indices namely pulsatality index and resisitive index. One hundered Ladies with severe preclampsia scheduled for urgent caeserian section were recruited in 2 groups, both received 10mg bupivacaine 0.5%, Midazolam group received 1mg midazolam and the other group received 0.2ml sterile saline 0.9% NaCl. All vascular indices were significantly better in midazolam group, less ICU stay.
Prolonged stretching in the late-late pregnant rat uterus inhibits contractions through potassium channel TREK-1
Authors: Yin Zongzhi , Li Yun , Li Dan , Su Jingjing , Shen Bing , Yang Yuanyuan , Cao Yunxia
Published: June 2020

Background

Prolonged stretching can inhibit myometrial contractions in the nonpregnant and the mid- and late-term pregnant uteri of rats and humans through potassium channel TREK-1. What happens in the pregnant uterus close to parturition remains unknown.
Methods

Uterine tissues from late-late pregnant rats (day 20–21 of pregnancy) were isolated, and myometrial strips were prepared for isometric contraction measurements. We compared the oxytocin-induced contractions of myometrial strips treated with different stretch times and doses. Then, we used the potassium channel TREK-1 inhibitor L-methionine and TREK-1 agonist arachidonic acid to determine whether the changes caused by prolonged stretching involved changes in TREK-1 activity.
Results

Prolonged stretching caused relaxation of the myometrial strips that were close to parturition. Additionally, TREK-1 inhibition partly reversed the myometrial relaxation caused by prolonged stretching of the late-late pregnant rat uterus, while TREK-1 activation resulted in a dramatic myometrial contraction change.
Conclusions

Prolonged stretching can inhibit myometrial contractility and induce myometrial relaxation in late-late pregnancy. This contractile inhibition is partly due to functional upregulation of potassium channel TREK-1.
Long Noncoding RNA LINC00858 Promotes the Progression of Ovarian Cancer via Regulating the miR-134-5p/TRIM44 Axis
Authors: Wang Ning , Cao Qin-Xue , Tian Jun , Ren Lu , Cheng Hai-Ling , Yang Shao-Qin
Published: June 2020

Background

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most challenging areas of cancer research. Recent studies have shown that many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormally expressed in ovarian cancer and involved in the pathological progress of ovarian cancer. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA LINC00858 and the potential mechanism in ovarian cancer.
Methods

The qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of LINC00858 and miR-134-5p in ovarian cancer tissue specimens and cell lines. Loss-of-function assays were performed to investigate the role of LINC00858 in ovarian cancer progression. MTT assay was carried out to measure cell proliferation. Transwell assays were performed to determine the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Biological information analysis and luciferase report gene assay were used to verify potential downstream genes of LINC00858. The xenograft mouse model was established to analyze tumor growth in vivo.
Results

Our results showed that LINC00858 was highly expressed in human ovarian cancer tissue specimens and cell lines. Loss-of-function assays showed that knockdown of LINC00858 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of SKOV3 cells, and suppressed tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Mechanistic studies revealed that LINC00858 acted as a sponge of miR-134-5p and then regulated the expression TRIM44 in SKOV3 cells. Furthermore, rescue experiments illustrated that inhibition of miR-134-5p restored the inhibitory effects of LINC00858 knockdown on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. TRIM44 overexpression could counteract the inhibitory effects of miR-134-5p mimics on ovarian cancer cells.
Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that LINC00858 exerted oncogenic role in ovarian cancer, which was mediated by miR-134-5p/TRIM44 axis. Thus, LINC00858 might be a therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Association of Alanine Transaminase to Aspartate Aminotransferase Ratio and Incident Diabetes in Chinese Adults: A Second Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liang Zhilin , Hu Haofei , Wang Xunxun , Chen Xianxiong , Liu Zhigang , Zhang Min
Published: June 2020

Background

Previous studies have indicated that serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level or ALT/AST ratio may be bound up with diabetes. But the association of ALT/AST ratio and incident diabetes in Chinese adults have not been elaborated yet. The main objective of the present study was to analyze whether ALT/AST ratio was an independent risk factor which attached to the risk of incident diabetes in Chinese adults.
Methods

From 2010 to 2016, 685,277 Chinese adults who received a health check in Rich Healthcare Group including all medical records, and the present article was a second retrospective cohort analysis based on above population. As the target independent variable, ALT/AST ratio was measured at baseline while the dependent variable, incident diabetes appeared during follow-up. We used Cox proportional hazard regression models to analyze the prognostic value of ALT/AST on the risk of incident diabetes.
Results

ALT/AST demonstrated undeniable correlation with incident diabetes (HR = 2.535, 95%CI: 2.190 to 2.934, P < 0.00001). The association between ALT/AST and incident diabetes is only linear. The cumulative incidence (95% CI) rate of incident diabetes in total participants, ALT/AST quartile 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 2.112 (2.016–2.208), 0.992 (.0.857–1.127), 1.430 (1.274–1.586), 2.396 (2.192-2.600) and 3.559 (3.314–3.803), separately. The population with age (30 to < 40 years), BMI (< 24 kg/m2) and SBP (< 140 mmHg) was found to be the stronger association in subgroup analysis.
Conclusion

In Chinese adults, ALT/AST ratio is an independent risk factor for incident diabetes.
Psychosocial Distress and Exposure to Sexually Explicit Materials as Correlates of Sexual Intercourse among Adolescents in Dodoma–Tanzania
Authors: Hussein Abdalla , Ismail Abbas , Malero Augustine , Dadi Habibu , Charles James , Sando Mery , Fawzi Wafaei , Vuai Said
Published: June 2020

Background: Adolescents’ sexuality is topical in public health discussions owing to its ability to increase the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Research shows that adolescents’ sexual behavior, psychosocial distress, and exposure to sexually explicit material are interconnected in that they need collective health interventions for adolescents. However, although mental health factors, such as psychological distress, are common in developing and middle-income countries, including Tanzania, mental health factors are less considered in HIV research. Thus, there is a need to raise awareness on the role of mental health factors in HIV epidemic. This study is, therefore, a response to this requirement by examining the contribution of psychosocial distress and exposure to sexually explicit materials on sexual intercourse among adolescents in Dodoma Region using Dodoma Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) data. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five villages of Chamwino District from April to June 2017 among 1,226 adolescents of 10-19 years age. The villages of Chamwino District were used as sampling strata while a stratified random sampling technique was used to select the respondents.A weighted logistic regression model was used to examine the independent contribution of psychosocial distress and exposure to sexually explicit materials on sexual intercourse while accounting for study design.Results: The overall lifetime prevalence of adolescent sexuality was 20.38%. The prevalence was observed to be higher among males (32.15%) as compared to females (10.92%). Adolescent sexuality was significantly associated with both psychosocial distress and exposure to sexually explicit materials. The odds ratios showed that adolescents reported psychosocially distressed (AOR=1.61, 95 %CI: 1.32- 1.96) and those exposed to sexually explicit materials (AOR=4.26, 95% CI: 3.65- 4.97) were at higher risk of having sexual intercourse. Other variables associated with sexual intercourse were age, sex, alcohol use, and current schooling status.Conclusion: The analysis made through this study came to the conclusion that as HIV risk continues to be a serious concern among adolescents, adolescent sexuality, psychosocial distress, and exposure to sexually explicit materials are interconnected. This calls for upfront interventions on school health education and services, particularly on the ventures to lower psychosocial distress and avert exposure on sexually explicit materials to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
High Prevalence of Stunting in Preschool Children (1-5Years) attending selected Health Centers in a Food Rich Area - Bushenyi District Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Mugarura Douglas , NINSIIMA HERBERT IZO , Kinyi Hellen wambuyi , Eze Daniel Ejike , Tumwesigire Sam , Prossy Vickie , Andrew Ndamira
Published: June 2020

Background; The prevalence of stunting and helminthiasis among children in Uganda and Sub-Saharan Africa is still high and if Uganda is to achieve the food-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it must urgently invest in improving nutrition and sanitation . In a food rich area like Bushenyi, chronic under nutrition could be due to several other factors than mere scarcity of food. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and socio-clinical factors responsible for chronic under nutrition (stunting) among pre-school children aged 1-5 years in selected Health facilities in Bushenyi district.Methods: A cross-sectional study on prevalence of chronic under nutrition (stunting) and related factors among children 1-5 years. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and using anthropometric measurements (height/ length), and standard laboratory procedures (stool analysis for eggs of soil transmitted helminthes), then recorded in a data card. Stool samples were collected from 206 children and analyzed for soil transmitted helminthes’ eggs using Formol-ether concentration method. Results: Majority were female (59.7%) aged above two years, with a median age of 2.1 years (IQR= 1.6-2.8). Most children (92.2%) stayed with their parents and resided within Bushenyi municipality (54.9%). Many lived within an extended family (52.4%) and 92.2% had been brought to the health center by their parents who were married (71.8%). children who were likely to be stunted were those who drank unboiled water (aPR=1.21, 95%CI 1.10-1.34) and were exclusively breastfed (aPR=1.35, 95% CI 1.11-1.65). The proportion of children with stunting was 89.3% (95%CI 83.3-92.9).Although most of the children were dewormed twice a year (64.1%), they did not wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating (84.6%). Furthermore, a majority of them (76.2%) rarely wore shoes. Almost all of the caregivers (96.1%) reported that they had never received any form of education on how to feed their children. However, many of the children (74.3%) had or were being exclusively breastfed and half of them (50.5%) drank boiled water. A few of the children (10.7%) were infested with soil transmitted helminthesConclusion: The prevalence of chronic malnutrition is in Bushenyi district is very high despite the abundance of food. This is due to several factors including parents’/care takers’ low knowledge. The study therefore recommends intensive continuous education on proper nutrition of preschool children and its benefits to the communities in Bushenyi District.Trial registration: Not applicable.
China’s effective control and other countries’ uncharted challenge against COVID-19: an epidemiological and modelling study
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Kang Qin , Chen Xiujuan , Huang Shuai , Liu Dong , Liao Weiyao , Xia Huimin , Tang Jinling , Liang Huiying
Published: June 2020

Objective: In this study, we use the time-dependent reproduction number (Rt) to comprise the COVID transmissibility across different countries.Methods: We used data from Jan 20, 2019, to Feb 29, 2020, on the number of newly confirmed cases, obtained from the reports published by the CDC, to infer the incidence of infectious over time. A two-step procedure was used to estimate the Rt. The first step used data on known index-secondary cases pairs, from publicly available case reports, to estimate the serial interval distribution. The second step estimated the Rt jointly from the incidence data and the information data in the first step. Rt was then used to simulate the epidemics across all major cities in China and typical countries worldwide. Results: Based on a total of 126 index-secondary cases pairs from 4 international regions, we estimated that the serial interval for SARS-2-CoV was 4.18 (IQR 1.92 – 6.65) days. Domestically, Rt of China, Hubei province, Wuhan had fallen below 1.0 on 9 Feb, 10 Feb and 13 Feb (Rt were 0.99±0.02, 0.99±0.02 and 0.96±0.02), respectively. Internationally, as of 26 Feb, statistically significant periods of COVID spread (Rt >1) were identified for most regions, except for Singapore (Rt was 0.92±0.17).Conclusions: The epidemic in China has been well controlled, but the worldwide pandemic has not been well controlled. Worldwide preparedness and vulnerability against COVID-19 should be regarded with more care.
Correlation between Metabolic Specialization and Codon Preference: Analysis of the Ligninolytic Genes from the White Rot Basidiomycete Ceriporiopsis Subvermispora as A Model System.
Authors: Gonzalez Alex R , Corsini Gino R , Lobos Sergio , Seelenfreund Daniela , Tello Mario
Published: June 2020

Background: Ceriporiopsis subvermispora is a white-rot fungus that displays a high specificity towards lignin mineralization when colonizing dead wood or lignocellulosic compounds. The lignocellulose degrading system from C. subvermispora is formed by genes that encode cellulose hydrolytic enzymes, manganese peroxidases, and laccases that catalyze the efficient depolymerization and mineralization of lignin in the presence of Mn3+ through the formation of lipoperoxides from unsaturated lipid acids. This highly specific lignin-degrading system is unique among white-rot fungi. Methods: In order to determine if this metabolic specialization has modified codon usage of the ligninolytic system, leading to an increased adaptation to the fungal translational machine, we analyzed the adaptation to host codon usage (CAI), tRNA pool (tAI, and AAtAI), codon pair bias (CPB) and the number of effective codons (Nc). These indexes were correlated with gene expression of C. subvermispora, as evaluated by microarray in the presence of two carbon sources, glucose and Aspen wood.Results: General gene expression of C. subvermispora was not correlated with the CAI, tAI, AAtAI, CBP or Nc indexes used to evaluate adaptation to codon bias or the tRNA pool, neither in the presence of glucose or Aspen wood. However, in media containing Aspen wood, the induction of expression of lignin-degrading genes showed a strong correlation with all the former indexes. Lignin-degrading genes, defined as genes whose expression increases at least two-fold in Aspen wood, showed significantly (p<0.001) higher values of CAI, AAtAI, CPB, tAI and lower values of Nc with respect to non-induced genes. Among ligninolytic genes, cellulose-binding proteins and manganese peroxidases presented the highest adaptation values. We also identified an expansion of genes encoding glycine and glutamic acid tRNAs.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the metabolic specialization to use wood as the sole carbon source has introduced a bias in the codon usage of genes involved in lignocellulose degradation. This bias reduces codon diversity and increases codon usage adaptation to the tRNA pool available in C. subvermispora. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that codon usage is modified to improve the translation efficiency of a group of genes involved in a particular metabolic pathway.
Accelerating action of Alzheimer’s disease gut microbiota on Tau protein hyperphosphorylation: crosstalk of inflammation and autophagy
Authors: Yinrui Guo , Xiaocui Tang , Longkai Qi , Xin Yang , Ran Li , Xiangxiang Zhu , Miao Zeng , Tianming Deng , Yonghong Fu , Yizhen Xie , Jian Wang , Chen Diling
Published: June 2020

Background: The gut-brain axis has been implicated in the complex pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the action is unclear, this study was performed to clarify the effect of ad-related gut microbiota on the pathogenesis of AD during pregnancy and early exposure. Methods: A pilot study of gut microbiota in AD patients was performed.Gut microbiota structure, long-term potentiation (LTP), inflammation levels, AD biomarkers, and metabolomics of serum and fecal were monitored after cohousing by cohousing in early life (from pregnancy 14 days to birth 14 days with 8-month old APP/PS1 mice).The regulatory action of bacterial metabolites on Tau protein phosphorylation was evaluated. Results: Gut microbiota from APP/SP1 mice altered structure of gut microbiota in newborn mice, LTP in hippocampal slices was significantly shortened, and inflammatory markers levels were increased, AD biomarkers were upregulated, with significantly higher Tau protein phosphorylation at multiple sites (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results imply ad-related gut microbiota can change the structure of gut microbiota during pregnancy and early exposure. Changing the structure of gut microbiota in the newborn mice can induce leucine metabolism disorder, induce mTOR mediated autophagy dysfunction and increase the level of inflammation, thus leading to accelerate Tau protein phosphorylation and reduce LTP occurs in AD-cohousing mouse hippocampus.
Nimodipine reduces delayed cerebral vasospasm after intracranial tumor surgery,a retrospective study
Authors: Yu Ying , Li Yunqian , Jin Zheng , Chen Fan
Published: June 2020

Background

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a serious neurosurgical complication. This retrospective study was performed to analyze if nimodipine can improve prognosis and reduces ischemia secondary to delayed CVS after intracranial tumor surgery.
Methods

Retrospective analysis of 94 patients with an anterior cranial fossa tumor and underwent intracranial tumor surgery was performed, with 42 cases treated with normal saline and 52 cases treated with nimodipine solution. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and distal extracranial internal carotid artery (eICA). An examination was conducted 1 day before surgery and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after surgery. Follow-up was performed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 3 months after discharge.
Results

We showed that in the nimodipine group, CVS occurred in 13 (25%) patients who did not have CVS in the first three days after operation; nine patients had CVS between 4 and 7 days, and 4 had CVS between 8 and 14 days. In the normal saline group, nineteen (45%) patients had CVS, 3 presented with CVS within 3 days, 11 between 4–7 days and 5 between 8–14 days. A significant difference in the occurrence of CVS was observed between the two groups. Preoperative and postoperative MCA velocities were compared, revealing a significant change in the normal saline group (P < 0.05) but not in the nimodipine group. Furthermore, significant differences in the outcome were observed between the two groups at the 3-month follow-up (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

Nimodipine markedly improves prognosis and significantly reduces ischemia secondary to delayed CVS after intracranial tumor surgery, as well as the risks of mortality and morbidity.
Defining the resilience of the human salivary microbiota by a 520 days longitudinal study in confined environment: the Mars500 mission
Authors: Fani Renato , Bacci Giovanni , Mengoni Alessio , Emiliani Giovanni , Chiellini Carolina , Cipriani Edoardo Giovanni , Bianconi Giovanna , Canganella Francesco
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe human microbiota plays several roles in health and disease but is often difficult to determine which part is in intimate relationships with the host vs. the occasional presence. During the Mars500 mission, six crewmembers lived completely isolated from the outer world for 520 days following standardized diet regimes. The mission constitutes the first spaceflight simulation to Mars and was a unique experiment to determine, in a longitudinal study design, the composition and importance of the resident vs. a more variable microbiota—the fraction of the human microbiota that changes in time and according to environmental conditions—in humans. MethodsHere we report the characterization of the salivary microbiota from 88 samples taken during and after Mars500 mission for a total of 720 days. Amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was performed and results were analyzed monitoring the diversity of the microbiota while evaluating the effect of the three main variables present in the experimental system: time, diet, and individuality of each subject. ResultsResults, showed statistically significant effects for either time, diet, and individuality of each subject. The main contribution came from the individuality of each subject, emphasizing salivary microbiota personalized features and an individual-based resilience of the microbiota. ConclusionsThe uniqueness of Mars500 mission, allowed to clearly dissect the environmental variables of salivary microbiota, highlighting its pronounced personalization even after sharing the same physical space for more than a year.
Antenatal exercises during pregnancy: knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Janakiraman Balamurugan , Gashaw Moges , Yinunie Mulualem
Published: June 2020

Background

“Is pregnancy opportunity or a barrier for engaging in exercise”. Maternal health still is a top priority in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Participation in exercises during pregnancy in low-middle income countries is constrained. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antenatal exercises among Ethiopian women during pregnancy, and also to find out why some women do not exercise during pregnancy.
Method:

A descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted and 349 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the ANC clinic, University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital were recruited. Data were obtained on maternal characteristics, knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers towards antenatal exercise (ANEx) by interview method.
Results

Among 349 pregnant women, 138 (39.5%) and 193 (55.3%) had adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice respectively. Overall, 108 (30.9) of the respondents practiced antenatal exercise, while only 41 (37.9%) among them had a good practice. Brisk walking (90.7%), relaxation (38.9%), and breathing exercise (36.1%) were most practice ANEx, while pelvic floor 6 (5.6%) and 3 (2.8%) yoga were the least practiced. Enhancing post-natal recovery (71%) and vaginal bleeding (64.5) were perceived as benefits and contraindication of ANEx. More than half of them (53.6) think that ANEx doesn’t suit Ethiopian culture. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of ANEx among pregnant women are significantly associated with higher education, government employees, pre-pregnancy exercise, and being advised on ANEx before. Women with adequate knowledge are more likely to have a good practice (AOR 4.53, 95%CI: 1.64, 15.3).
Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that knowledge concerning antenatal exercise is low and their attitude is reasonably favorable. However, very few Ethiopian pregnant practices ANEx according to recommended guidelines during pregnancy.
The Expression Profiles and Role of Circular RNA in Peripheral Blood of Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Li Qi , Yu Zhongjie , Li Mengyang , Su Zhe , Wang Yuanyong , Wang Jianxun , An Yi , Gao Yufang
Published: June 2020

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most widespread illnesses seriously harmful to human health. However, the mechanisms of its pathogenesis have not yet been completely proved. circRNA is one kind of non-coding RNA, recently published data suggests that circRNAs play a crucial role in heart diseases, but their expression profiles and role in MI patients are not yet completely defined. Methods: RNAs from peripheral blood samples were recruited for high-throughput RNA-seq analysis; The junction site part of circRNAs was confirmed by PCR with divergent primers; ROC curves were created to estimate the diagnostic value of circRNAs for MI; The expression level of circRNAs in clinical and cell samples were detected by RT-qPCR; MiRNA target site in exons of circRNA loci was verified by using miRanda, The binding sites of miRNA and mRNA were predicted by RNAhybrid; The regulatory roles of circSLC8A1 in cardiomyocytes were detected by TUNEL and Immunoblotting.Results: A total of 3862 circRNAs were detected to be remarkably changed, including 2738 circRNAs being upregulated, 1124 circRNAs being downregulated. circTMEM165, circUBAC2, circZNF609, circANKRD12, and circSLC8A1 were upregulated in MI and had closed loop structure. The results of ROC curves revealed that these five circRNAs had good sensitivity and specificity for MI diagnosis. Moreover, we created networks among circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs to predict the regulatory roles of circRNAs in MI. Besides that, we also demonstrated that circSLC8A1 contributed to cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Conclusions: In this study, we depicted the expression profiles of circular RNA in peripheral blood of myocardial infarction patients, revealed the five circRNAs may be very beneficial for MI diagnosis and regarded as possible biomarkers. Moreover, we also revealed that circSLC8A1 played a critical role in cardiomyocytes apoptosis.
The Influence of Prolonged High Altitude Deployment on Psychomotor Functions Among Chinese Military Plateau Motor Vehicle Operators: Does Deployment Duration Matter?
Authors: Tu Zhi-hao , Peng Li , He Jing-wen , Shen Xing-hua
Published: June 2020

Background:Psychomotor functions are necessary for Chinese military plateau motor vehicle operators (PMVOs) to complete their driving tasks. This study aimed to investigate (1) the influence of chronic exposure to high altitude (HA) on psychomotor functions among PMVOs; (2) whether deployment duration at HA moderated the effect of HA.Methods: 196 male PMVOs in Golmud (average altitude: 2,890 m) and 192 male lowland motor vehicle operators (LMVOs) were recruited as the studygroup (HA group) and control group (LA group). Both groups were in turn categorized into 3 groups by deployment duration: Group A (less than 1 year), Group B (between 1 year and 2 years), and Group C (more than 2 years). All participants completed simple reaction time, bimanual coordination test, fine motor dexterity test, and eye-hand coordination test. Between-altitude and deployment duration differences were explored usinganalysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: HA group participants had slower simple reaction time in comparison to LA group (F(1, 387) = 18.041, p< 0.001, ηp2 = 0.045).HA group needed less time to complete the bimanual coordination test (F(1, 387) = 2295.648, p< 0.001, ηp2 = 0.857). HA group had more error times in fine motor dexterity test (F(1, 387) = 5.980, p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.015). HA group participants had better left aim index (F(1, 387) = 13.205, p< 0.001, ηp2 = 0.033) and more right hits (F(1, 387) = 3.916, p = 0.049, ηp2 = 0.010) in aiming test. The interaction effect of altitude and duration was significant on hit number with left hand in the tapping test (F(2, 387) = 3.327, p = 0.037, ηp2 = 0.017). Butsimple effect analysis showed that the effect of duration was not significant among HA group (p = 0.129).Conclusions: In this study, we found that prolonged exposure to HA may cause psychomotor slowing and declining fine motor dexterity. But, the moderating effect of deployment duration was not supported by this study.
Barriers and Facilitators for Physical Activity in Already Active Pregnant and Postpartum Women? Findings from a Qualitative Study to Inform the Design of an Intervention for Active Women.
Authors: Subramanian Murali Krishnan Perumbakkam , Graaf Peter Van der , Dawson Rosemary , Hayes Louise , Ells Louisa J , Sachdeva Kunj , Azevedo Liane
Published: June 2020

Background –

Activity levels decline substantially in both inactive and active women during pregnancy and postpartum. There is limited information on the barriers and facilitators for physical activity participation in active women during this period. The primary aim of this study is to identify the barriers and facilitators for physical activity in already active women during pregnancy and postpartum. We also explore their views on, and requirements for, the development of an intervention to support the maintenance of or increase in physical activity.
Methods

- Five focus groups, with a total of 19 participants, were conducted. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
Results

– Out of the 19 participants, four were postpartum, and 15 were pregnant. Analysing the focus group transcripts, 22 codes were generated and grouped into eight themes: 1-cognizant of physical activity’s benefits, 2-sources of advice, 3-reasons to be active during pregnancy, 4-reasons for reducing physical activity levels during pregnancy, 5-barriers to physical activity during and after pregnancy, 6-facilitators of physical activity during and after pregnancy, 7-ideal physical activity intervention, and 8-evaluation support.
Conclusions

– Among already active pregnant and postpartum women, factors such as pregnancy-related body changes, childcare and lack of targeted activities deter participation in physical activity. A new programme with social and group elements, including both familiar and new activities, and providing ‘satisfaction and fun’ should be developed to help increase or maintain their activity levels.
Risk Factors for the Prediction of Hyperglycemia during Pregnancy – A Cohort Study from a Brazilian Public Primary Care Center
Authors: Vernini Joice Monaliza , Cassetari Bianca Nicolosi , Arantes Mariana Alvarez , Costa Roberto Araújo , Magalhães Claudia Garcia , Corrente José Eduardo , Lima Silvana Andrea Molina , Rudge Marilza Vieira Cunha , Calderon Iracema de Mattos Paranhos
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND – In Brazil, the prevalence of maternal hyperglycemia is among the highest, costs are elevated and there is no evidence to recommend universal screening. OBJECTIVE – To evaluate the performance of risk factors (RF) for predicting hyperglycemia in pregnancy – Mild Gestational Hyperglycemia (MGH) or gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in public primary-care centers in Brazil. METHODS – A cohort study, including 514 women with a single pregnancy and no hyperglycemia. Study participants were evaluated at GA (gestational age) < or ≥ 20 weeks, and underwent a 75g-OGTT along with glycemic profile (GP) testing between 24 and 28 weeks. Clinical, anthropometric and laboratory data – fasting glucose (FG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), basal insulin and lipid profile were obtained. The most common RF associations (OR and 95% CI and p <0.05) and different cut-off points were tested for the prediction of MGH-GDM. Predictive performance was assessed by Sensitivity/Specificity, negative predictive value NPV (negative predictive value) and false positive rates (FP; 1-Esp). RESULTS – At GA <20 weeks, age ≥25 years, WC (Waist circumference) ≥ 88 cm, BMI pre ≥25 kg/m 2 (pre gestational body mass index) and BMI gest ≥25 kg/m 2 (gestational body mass index ); at GA (gestational age) ≥20 weeks, age ≥25 years, BMI pre ≥25 kg/m 2 and TG (triglicerides) ≥150 mg/dL showed better performace for predicting MGH-GDM. Irrespective of gestational age, FG (Fasting glucose) ≥ 85 mg/dL, HbA1c ≥5.7% and HOMA-IR ≥2.71 were good predictors to rule out the risk of these complications. CONCLUSION – The results of this study should contribute to define the best diagnostic approach to MGH-GDM in our center and in others with similar characteristics.
Does women’s place of birth affect their opportunity for an informed choice about Down syndrome screening? A population-based study in France
Authors: Anselem Olivia , Saurel-Cubizolles Marie-Josèphe , Khoshnood Babak , Blondel Béatrice , Sauvegrain Priscille , Bertille Nathalie , Azria Elie
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To examine disparities in the opportunity to make an informed choice about Down syndrome screening by maternal place of birth, in France, where the French national authority for health (HAS) recommends that physicians offer it to all.
Material and methods

We used population-based data from the nationally representative French Perinatal Surveys in 2010 and 2016 (N = 24,644 women) to analyse the opportunity for an informed choice for prenatal screening, measured by a composite indicator.
Results

Among the 24 644 women in the study, 20 612 (83.6%) were born in France, 861 (3.5%) elsewhere in Europe, 1550 (6.3%) in North Africa, and 960 (3.9%) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The probability of screening was lower for women born outside France. After adjustment for survey year, maternal age, parity, education level, and level of perinatal care of the maternity, women born outside France had less often the opportunity to make an informed choice as compared with women born in France. This association remained essentially the same even after excluding women without adequate prenatal care.
Conclusion

Women born outside France, including those with adequate prenatal care, had less opportunity than women born in France to make an informed choice about prenatal screening for Down syndrome.
Anopheles Gambiae s.s Attraction to Floral and Human-Skin-Based Odors and Their Combination is Modulated by Previous Bloodmeal Experience
Authors: KEMIBALA ELISON ELIEZA ,   Agenor Mafra-Neto2, Saroli Jesse , Silva Rodrigo , Philbert Anitha , Ng’habi Kija , Foster Woodbridge A , Dekker Teun , Mboera Leonard E.G.
Published: June 2020

Background: Mosquitoes use odors in finding energy resources, blood hosts and oviposition sites. While these odor sources are normally spatio-temporally segregated in a mosquito’s life history, here we explored to what extent a combination of flower- and human-mimicking synthetic volatiles would attract the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s.Methodology: In the laboratory and in large (80 m2) outdoor cages in Tanzania, nulliparous and parous Anopheles gambiae s.s. were offered choices between a blend of human skin volatiles (Skin Lure), a blend of floral volatiles (Vectrax), or a combination thereof. The blends consisted of odors that induce distinct, non-overlapping activation patterns in the olfactory circuitry, in sensory neurons expressing olfactory receptors (ORs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs), respectively. Catches were compared between treatments. Results: In the laboratory nulliparous and parous mosquitoes preferred skin odors and combinations thereof over floral odors. However, in semi-field settings nulliparous were significantly more caught with floral odors, whereas no differences were observed for parous females. Combining floral and human volatiles did not augment attractiveness.Conclusions: Nulliparous and parous An. gambiae s.s. are attracted to combinations of odors derived from spatio-temporally segregated resources in mosquito life-history (floral and human volatiles). This is favourable as mosquito populations are comprised of individuals whose nutritional and developmental state steer them to diverging odors sources, baits that attract irrespective of mosquito status could enhance overall effectiveness and use in monitoring and control. However, combinations of floral and skin odors did not augment attraction in semi-field settings, in spite of the fact that these blends activate distinct sets of sensory neurons. Instead, mosquito preference appeared to be modulated by blood meal experience from floral to a more generic attraction to odor blends. Results are discussed both from an odor coding, as well as from an application perspective.
Prognostic Value of a Bone Marrow Scan Before and During Treatment of Bone Metastases With Radium-223-dichloride in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schüler Wiebke , Marx Marlies , Zuhayra Maaz , Jüptner Michael , Ranjan Joshua-Kumaran , Zhao Yi , Naumann Carsten Maik , Lützen Ulf
Published: June 2020

Background: Due to the risks of hematological side effects resp. clinical aggravation, not all patients with metastasized castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and bone metastases should undergo all six cycles of radium-223-dichloride therapy. A parameter helping us to assess the chances of successful therapy management as well as the risk of hematological side effects is needed. The aim of this study is to analyze “Bone Marrow Scintigraphy” (BMS) as a prognostic factor. Methods: 106 patients were included in our single-center study. 93 patients underwent BMS with 492-667 MBq Tc-99m Scintimun® prior to therapy. The “Uptake Ratio” (UR) was calculated by positioning “regions of interest” (ROI) around the sacroiliac region, the sternum and the background areas. We calculated an UR threshold value by means of a “Receiver-Operating-Characteristics” (ROC) curve. The UR and the “Bone Scan Index” (BSI), which is automatically gained by bone scintigraphy, were related and compared to other measured parameters (lab parameters, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)). Statistics software IBM® SPSS® Statistics (Version 24.0) was employed to identify prognostic factors by univariate und multivariate analyzes.Results: The sacroiliac area-to-background technique proved helpful in combination with the calculated threshold UR=8 for quantitative assessment of a BMS. Radium-223-dichloride treatment showed significantly lower hematological toxicity at UR>8 (p=0.001). More precisely subdivided, there was a significant effect on to the number of erythrocytes (p=0.018), leucocytes (p=0.030) und neutrophil granulocytes (p=0.031). Significant prognostic factors influencing the “Overall survival” (OS) were the bone marrow (BM) distribution pattern (p=0.039) and the calculated UR (p=0.027). Conclusion: An UR value of 8 can be used for an approximation in prognostic assessment of risks and chances of this therapy. A combination of a qualitative and a quantitative evaluation of pre-therapeutic BMS could help to minimize therapy drop-outs and an avoidable exposure to radium-223-dichloride-therapy as well as other potential radio-nuclide therapies.
Sex Differences in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Who Received FOLFIRINOX
Authors: Kim Jinkook , Ji Eunjeoung , Jung Kwangrok , Jung In Ho , Park Jaewoo , Lee Jong-chan , Kim Jin Won , Hwang Jin-Hyeok , Kim Jaihwan
Published: June 2020

Background:The combination of 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) is a very effectivechemotherapeutic regimen forunresectable pancreatic cancer.Previous studies have reported that female sex may be a predictor of a better response to FOLFIRINOX. This study was aimed at investigating the clinical outcomes and dose modification patterns of FOLFIRINOX by sex.Methods:Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer(MPC) who began FOLFIRINOX as the first-line therapy at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2013 and 2018 were enrolled. The patients received at least four chemotherapy cycles. Local regression and a linear mixed model were used to analyze dose modification patterns by sex.Results:Ninety-seven patients with MPC (54 men;43 women) were enrolled. In the first FOLFIRINOX cycle,there was a significant difference in age and body surface area between the sexes (58.8 [men] and 64.9 years [women], p =0.005 and 1.7 [men]and 1.6 m2[women], p < 0.001, respectively). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10.8 and 18.0 months, respectively. There was a trend of longerPFS (10.3 [men] and 11.9 months [women], p = 0.153) and a significantly longer OS(17.9[men] and 25.9 months [women], p=0.019)in female patients. During the first year of FOLFIRINOX treatment, there was a significant difference of the age-corrected dose reduction pattern by sex (a mean of 94.3% dose at the initial cycle and -0.34% of dose reduction per week in menversus a mean of 89.3% dose at the initial cycle and -0.51% of dose reduction per week in women, p-value of the slope:<0.001). There was no difference in the adverse event rates between the sexes.Conclusion: Female patients showed longer OS despite a more rapid dose reduction during each cycle. Sex differences should be considered during FOLFIRINOX treatment.
An Assessment of Learning Styles among Undergraduate Medical Students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University (KSAUHS), King Saud University (KSU) and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)
Authors: Alfawzan Abdulrahman , Alfawzan Omar , Alessa Reema , Alturki Abdulaziz , Alshiha Kholoud , Omair Aamir , Agha Sajida , Mahzari Moeber
Published: June 2020

Background

Learning style refers to how students prefer to receive, process and recall information. Research in academia suggests that different teaching strategies could have an impact on learning style. The study aims to identify the learning style of medical students in three different universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Method:

This cross-sectional study examined the learning preferences among medical students in basic science years in three universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. By using consecutive sampling, we collected 316 responses. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data and Index of Learning Style (ILS) instrument. Descriptive data were analyzed using chi-square by SPSS.
Results

Of the 316 participants, the male to female ratio was 1:1. Gender was associated with significant difference in the visual/verbal dimension (P = 0.034). Irrespective of college, most of the participants are primarily balanced in active/reflective (mean = 0.7), with slight shift toward sensing (mean =-3.2), visual (mean =-3.2), and sequential (-1.7). Significant differences between colleges were found in sensing/intuitive (P = 0.005) and sequential/global (P = 0.012) dimensions. There was no significant association between academic years with learning style in the three universities.
Conclusion

The study showed that age and GPA had no association with students’ learning styles, while gender was significantly correlated with the visual/verbal dimension. Most of the participants can learn alone, and/or in groups, and prefer visual illustrations supported by hands-on teaching in a stepwise process. It has also been shown that students in a single university tend to develop the same learning styles as they advance through the years.
Scientific Globalism During A Global Crisis:Research Collaboration and Open Access Publications on COVID-19
Authors: Lee Jenny J. , Haupt John P.
Published: June 2020

This study sought to understand the nature of scientific globalism during a global crisis, particularly COVID-19. Findings show that scientific globalism can be observed differently during COVID-19 than pre-COVID-19. Despite the tense geopolitical climate, countries increased their proportion of international collaboration and open access publications during the pandemic. However, not all countries engaged more globally. Countries that have been more impacted by the crisis and those with relatively lower GDPs tended to participate more in scientific globalism than their counterparts.
Toxicity, bioaccumulation and biotransformation of glucose capped silver nanoparticles in green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Mariano Stefania , Panzarini Elisa , Inverno Maria Dias , Voulvoulis Nikolaos , Dini Luciana
Published: June 2020

BackgroundSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most widely used nanomaterials in consumer products. When discharged into the aquatic environment AgNPs can cause toxicity to aquatic biota, through mechanisms that are still under debate, thus rendering the NPs effects evaluation a necessary step. Different aquatic organism models, i.e. microalgae, mussels, Daphnia magna, sea urchins and Danio rerio, etc. have been largely exploited for NPs toxicity assessment. On the other hand, alternative biological microorganisms abundantly present in nature, i.e. microalgae, are nowadays exploited as a potential sink for removal of toxic substances from the environment. Indeed, the green microalgae Chlorella vulgaris is one of the most used microorganisms for waste treatment.ResultsWith the aim to verify the possible involvement of C. vulgaris not only as a model microorganism of NPs toxicity but also for the protection toward NPs pollution, we used these microalgae to measure the AgNPs biotoxicity and bioaccumulation. In particular, to exclude any toxicity derived by Ag+ ions release, green chemistry synthesised and Glucose coated AgNPs (AgNPs-G) were used. C. vulgaris actively internalised AgNPs-G whose amount increases in a time and dose-dependent manner. The internalised NPs, found inside large vacuoles, were not released back into the medium, even after 1 week, and did not undergo biotransformation since AgNPs-G maintained their crystalline nature. Biotoxicity of AgNPs-G causes an exposure time and AgNPs-G dose-dependent growth reduction and a decrease in chlorophyll-a amount.ConclusionsThese results confirm C. vulgaris as a biomonitoring organism and also suggest it as a bioaccumulating microalgae for possible use in the environment protection.