bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Related Quality of Life Among Heart Failure Patients Attending an Outpatient Clinic at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Northwest Ethiopia 2020: Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Tarekegn Gebrekidan Ewnetu , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Birhan Tilahun Yemanu
Published: August 2020

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the most important public health concerns in the industrialized and developing world having increasing incidence and prevalence. Measuring quality of life using rigorous statistical method may be helpful to provide input for decision makers, policy makers and development of guidelines for the Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine health-related quality of life and its associated factors among heart failure patients attending University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed to select 469 heart failure patients who has follow up at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital consecutively from March 1 to 30, 2020. Data were entered to Epi-info7 and exported to STATA 14 and Amos for further analysis. The four Quality of life domains were measured with Standardized World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF. Structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the relationships among exogenous, mediating, and endogenous variables simultaneously. Results: Chronic heart failure patients had a significant lower mean score in all domains of health-related quality of life (p-value< 0.0001). Age had a direct positive effect on all domains of health-related quality of life and a positive total effect on overall health related quality of life. Residency also had a direct negative effect on both physical and environmental health related quality of life domain. Duration of chronic heart failure had a direct negative effect on psychological health. There was strong correlation among the four domains of health-related quality of life.ConclusionPoor health related quality of life in the physical dimension, moderately poor overall health related quality of life and a moderate health related quality of life in the psychological health domain. Developing and providing intervention programs to enhance social support can lead to improved quality of life for patients, because of the long-term and chronic illness of the patient.
Serum iron, prealbumin, D-dimer and prothrombin time are indicators of the diagnosis, severity and outcome of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis infection
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Wang Shaoxin , Yu Lan , Wang Xiaohui , Yan Zhihui , Zheng Yan , Li Yanjun , Liu Xiaona , Rong Jia , Cui Lihong
Published: August 2020

Aims Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) infection is one of the main causes of foodborne illness among individuals in the military. In this study, we aimed to investigate indicators associated with the diagnosis, severity and outcome of S. Enteritidis infection, and to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated S. Enteritidis strains.Methods Routine stool test, fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), routine blood tests and blood biochemical analyses were completed in our clinical laboratory. The stool samples were inoculated on Salmonella Shigella (SS) agar plates, the single bacterial colony was identified with mass spectrometry (MS). The serum agglutination test was performed to identify the Salmonella serotype. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) method with the VITEK 2 COMPACT analyzer.Results Recently, 6 patients from one company visited our department complaining of fever, watery stool, abdominal pain and so on. The patients’ white blood cell (WBC) counts (66.7%), neutrophil percentages (100%), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (100%), prothrombin times (PTs, 100%) and serum D-dimer concentrations (83.3%) were higher or longer than normal, while serum iron (100%) and prealbumin (83.3%) were lower than normal when they were admitted. Stool cultures and serovar identification results indicated S. Enteritidis infection. The antimicrobial susceptibility results showed that the 6 isolated bacterial strains were sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and levofloxacin, and resistant to ampicillin. All patients were administered levofloxacin accompanied by rifaximin and probiotics, and their symptoms and the abovementioned parameters were recovered. During the disease course, the prolonged PT, elevated D-dimer and decreased serum iron were positively correlated with severe symptoms and serum inflammatory indexes.Conclusion Prolonged PT, elevated D-dimer and hypoferremia were associated with the diagnosis, severity and outcome of S. Enteritidis infection, and a decreased prealbumin level was associated with the diagnosis of S. Enteritidis infection. In patients complaining of acute fever, watery stool and abdominal pain, PT, D-dimer，prealbumin and serum iron should be monitored to attain an early diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment for S. Enteritidis infection.
Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia among schoolchildren in Um-Asher Area, Sudan
Authors: Hajissa Khalid , Muhajir Abd Elhafiz M.A. , All Tmador Abd , Zakeia M.S. , Eshag Hamza Adam , Elnzer Elfadel , Nahied Elkhatieb , Jafer Muhamed , Sabo Abdulwali , Mohamed Zeehaida
Published: August 2020

Objective: Infections with Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia are widely prevalent and responsible for serious public health issues among school-aged children in developing countries. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of these parasites among children from two primary schools in Um-Asher area, Khartoum, Sudan. A total 170 fresh stool specimens were collected from November 2017 to June 2018. The samples were examined by microscopy for the presence of the two parasites. Results: The overall prevalence of both parasites among the 170 children was 20%, with 13 children infected with E. histolytica (7.6%) and 23 with G. lamblia (13.5%). Most of the positive cases were single infections. Only two children (1.2%) had mixed infections. This indicates that these gastrointestinal parasites remain a challenging public health concern wherever sanitation and health measures are limited.
Identification of aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes and potential agents for Ewing’s sarcoma
Authors: Gao Shijie , Li Guowang , Yu Hao , Yuan Shiyang , Li Wenxiang , Xiang Ziqian , Ruan Wendong , Ning Guangzhi
Published: August 2020

Background

DNA methylation is a common epigenetic regulatory way, and it plays a critical role in various human diseases. However, the potential role of how DNA methylation impacts Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is not clear. This study aimed to explore the regulatory role of DNA methylation in ES.
Methods

The microarray data of gene expression and methylation were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and analyzed via GEO2R. Venn analysis was then applied to identify aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, Function and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Hub genes were determined. Besides, a connectivity map (CMap) analysis was performed to screen bioactive compounds for ES treatment.
Results

A total of 135 hypomethylated high expression genes and 523 hypermethylated low expression genes were identified. The hypomethylated high expression genes were enriched in signal transduction and the apoptosis process. Meanwhile, hypermethylated low expression genes were related to DNA replication and transcription regulation. We next determined 10 hub genes through PPI analysis, among them, C3, TF, and TCEB1 might serve as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Furthermore, CMap analysis revealed 6 chemicals as potential options for ES treatment.
Conclusions

For the first time, we jointly analyzed gene profiling and methylation data about ES. The introduction of DNA methylation characteristics over DEGs is helpful to understand the pathogenesis of ES. The identified hub aberrantly methylated DEGs and chemicals might provide some novel insights on ES treatment.
Research on Multi-Factor Forest Fire Prediction Model Using Machine Learning Method in China
Authors: Li yudong , Feng Zhongke , Zhao Ziyu , Chen Shilin , Zhang Hanyue
Published: August 2020

Forest fires can cause serious harm in many ways. Studying the scientific prediction of forest fires is an important basis for preventing such fires. At present, there is little research on the prediction of long time series forest fires in China. Choosing a suitable forest fire prediction model is of great importance to China’s forest fire prevention and control work. Based on data on fire hotspots, meteorology, terrain, vegetation, infrastructure, and socio-economics collected from 2003 to 2016, we used a random forest model as a feature-selection method to determine 13 major drivers of forest fires in China (such as temperature, terrain etc.). The forest fire prediction models developed in this study are based on four machine-learning algorithms: an artificial neural network, a radial basis function network, a support-vector machine, and a random forest. The models were evaluated using the five performance indicators of accuracy, precision, recall, f1 value, and area-under-the-curve value. We used the optimal model to obtain the probability of forest fire occurrence in various provinces in China and create a spatial distribution map of the areas with high incidences of forest fires. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the four forest fire prediction models is between 75.8% and 89.2%, and the area-under-the-curve value is between 0.840 and 0.960. The random forest model has the highest accuracy (89.2%) and area-under-the-curve value (0.96). It is used as the optimal model to predict the probability of forest fire occurrence in China. The prediction results indicate that the areas with high incidences of forest fires are mainly concentrated in northeastern China (Heilongjiang Province and northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region), southeastern China (including Fujian Province and Jiangxi Province) etc. In those areas at high risk of forest fires, the management departments can improve the forest fire prevention and control by establishing watch towers and using other monitoring equipment. This study not only helps in understanding the main drivers of forest fires in China, but it also provides a reference for the selection of high-precision forest fire prediction models and provides a scientific basis for China’s forest fire prevention and control work.
MYCN Fish combined with immunohistochemistry is a more prognostic factor for neuroblastoma
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhao Jie , Zhang Yingwen , Yv Bo , Wang Jing , Feng Haizhong , Gao Yijin , Yin Minzhi , Tang Jingyan , Li Yanxin
Published: August 2020

Background: MYCN is an identified driver and important prognosticator of neuroblastoma and performs biological function at protein level. At present, most detection methodologies focus on MYCN DNA level and fail to detect MYCN protein expression for poor antibody, especially in China.Results：In the present study, through the analysis of neuroblastoma gene expression profile data, we found MYCN expression is closely related with prognosis of neuroblastoma, especially in stage I-III and IVs at RNA level in current medical conditions. FISH was almost accurate as WES to test MYCN DNA level based on our hospital data. In 56 neuroblastoma cases, IHC analysis by a newfound antibody (#84406s, Cell Signaling Technology) demonstrated a 75%-85% concordance with FISH. Further analyzing those cases with inconsistent results, we found patients with FISH+ but IHC score<9 all had no adverse events, while 63.6% patients with FISH+ and IHC score≥9 tended to have poor outcome. As to those MYCN FISH- patients, once their tumor showed MYCN protein expression, all of them were poor prognosis, while 81% of the rest patients with neither MYCN gene nor protein expression had ideal prognosis.Conclusions: The results suggest that this newfound antibody is reliable in IHC, and IHC combined with FISH performs better in evaluating prognosis and guiding treatment.
Comprehensive O-glycosylation analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Dong Xuefang , Chen Cheng , Yan Jingyu , Li Xiuling , Liang Xinmiao
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a serious public health threat. Most vaccines being developed against SARS-CoV-2 target the highly glycosylated spike protein (S). A good knowledge of the glycosylation profile of this protein is key for successful vaccine development. Unlike the 22 confirmed N-glycosylation sites (NGSs) on the SARS-CoV-2 S, only a few O-glycosylation sites (OGSs) on this protein have been reported. This difference is mainly ascribed to an extremely low O-glycosylation stoichiometry. Herein, we comprehensively analyzed the O-glycosylation profile of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S employing biomimetic polymer consisting of Trp-Arg monomer. Twenty-six OGSs and 33 O-linked glycans (OLGs) in the SARS-CoV-2 S were unambiguously identified, among which 24 OGSs and 25 OLGs are novel to the SARS-CoV-2 S. Our study reveals the comprehensive O-glycosylation profile of the SARS-CoV-2 S, which might shed light on viral pathobiology and assist in vaccine development.
Consistent Use of Condom and Associated Factors Among Sero-discordant Couples in Northeast Ethiopia, 2020: Qualitative Design Embedded
Authors: Ayele Wolde Melese , Tegegne Tesfaye Birhane , Damite Yitayish , Chane Muluken Genetu , Molla Asnakew
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite significant progress over the past decades to reduce transmission, HIV is continuing a public health problem. Although, consistent condom use has paramount help in reducing HIV transmission, its prevalence, and associated factors are not well studied. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the proportion and factors associated with condom use among discordant couples in Northeast Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study by embedding qualitative design was conducted from October 1 2019 to June 2020. A total of 417 HIV discordant couples were included. A pre-tested structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data. An interview guide unstructured questions were used to collect qualitative data. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Variable those that had a P-value less than 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistical predictors of condom use. Results: A total of 401 HIV serodiscordant couples were participated, making a 94.8% response rate. The proportion of consistent condom use was 58.4%(95%CI: 53.1-63.1%). Unmarried partners AOR=0.44(95%CI: 0.229-0.877), students and employees AOR=0.33(95%CI 0.130-0.846), AOR=0.39(95%CI: 0.165-0.939) respectively, couples live together AOR=1.86(95%CI: 1.197-2.195), receiving counseling about condom use AOR=1.90(95%CI: 1.182-3.076), and knowledgeable participants AOR=1.61(95%CI: 1.031-2.525) were the independent predictors of consistent condom use. Conclusions: Despite its importance, the proportion of consistent condom use among serodiscordant couples was significantly low. Therefore, planners, policymakers, and health care practitioners should consider the aforementioned factors to improve consistent condom use. Also, special intervention on students and employees should be started. The authors recommend the researcher to quantify the new variable explored by qualitative design. Therefore, these results have high importance in designing tailored intervention method.
Immediate effects of using insoles with various wedges on plantar pressure measurements and comfort level during marching.
Authors: Shirvani Hossein , Shamsoddini Alireza , Ghasemi Mohamad Hosein
Published: August 2020

Background: Orthotic devices like insoles are widely used to improve performance. This study investigated whether immediate effects of using insoles with various wedges influence on plantar pressure measurements and comfort level during marching.Methods: Twenty-five (n=25) able-bodied males participated in this study voluntarily. Repeated measures analysis of variance test with a Bonferroni correction (P<0.0014) was used to compare dependent variables among nine insole wedge conditions.Results: The result of present study showed that the comfort level was non-significantly higher in the anterior and medial wedges compared to the posterior-lateral and anterior-lateral wedges during marching (P>0.0014). The peak of plantar pressure and impulse in the first to third metatarsal regions decreased in the anterior, medial and anterior-medial wedges compared to the lateral and posterior-lateral wedges (P<0.0014). In addition, a significant negative relation between the comfort level and plantar pressure measurements was observed in the second and third metatarsals and midfoot regions during marching (P<0.05).Conclusion: It seems that using anterior, medial and anterior-medial wedge for insole may have some advantage through increasing comfort sense and decreasing the risk of stress fracture injuries in the second and third metatarsal regions. These findings should be considered during designation of shoes or insoles for military environments.
Inflammaging: Analysis of a Risk Profile for Gerontocide by COVID-19 in Brazil
Authors: Neto Leônidas de Oliveira , Tavares Vagner Deuel de Oliveira , Agrícola Pedro Moraes Dutra , Oliveira Larissa Praça de , Sales Márcia Cristina , Sena-Evangelista Karine Cavalcanti Maurício de , Gomes Igor Conterato , Galvão-Coelho Nicole Leite , Pedrosa Lúcia Fátima Campos , Lima Kenio Costa de
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The increase in inflammatory cytokines associated with a reduction in the bioavailability of zinc has been used as a marker for inflammation. Despite the high inflammatory state found in institutionalized elderly individuals, few studies have proposed verifying the factors associated with this condition in this population to pandemic COVID-19.Objective: To verify the factors associated with inflamm-aging in institutionalized elderly.Methodology: A total of 187 elderly individuals (≥ 60 years old) living in the nursing homes of Natal/RN were included in the study. After cluster analysis was used to identify 3 groups according to their inflammatory state, an analysis of sarcopenia and anthropometric, biochemical, sociodemographic and health-related variables was performed. In sequence, an ordinal logistic regression was performed for a confidence level of 95% in those variables with p <0.20 in the bivariate analysis.Results: IL-6, TNFα and Zinc. Low-density lipids (LDL), high-density lipids (HDL) and triglycerides were associated with inflamm-aging. The increase of 1 unit of measurement of LDL, HDL and triglycerides increased the chance of inflammation-aging by 1.5%, 4.1% and 0.9%, respectively, while oldest old (≥80 years old) had 84.9% chance of presenting inflamm-aging in relation to no oldest old (<80 years).Conclusion: The association between biochemical markers and inflamm-aging demonstrates a relationship between endothelial injury and the inflammatory state. In addition, the presence of a greater amount of fat in the blood may present a higher relative risk of death from COVID-19.
Coagulopathy and damage control resuscitation during transfer due to massive hemorrhage –a single-center retrospective study–
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki , Shoko Tomohisa , Kojima Mitsuaki , Nara Satoshi
Published: August 2020

Background: To assess medical procedures, particularly damage control resuscitation, at the time of transfer between hospitals for the purpose of treating massive hemorrhage.Methods: This study used a single-center retrospective observational design, enrolling patients referred to Teine Keijinkai Hospital from another hospital between April 2012 and March 2019 for the treatment of massive hemorrhage. We excluded patients who entered cardiac arrest before arriving at our center. Qualitative or categorical variables were compared using the χ2 or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Quantitative continuous variables were compared using Mann-Whitney nonparametric tests, as appropriate. Risk factors associated with coagulopathy from univariate analyses (fibrinogen level £150 mg/dl; prothrombin time-international normalized ratio ³1.5) were entered into stepwise logistic regression analysis. Significance was defined for values of p < 0.05.Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed trauma (odds ratio (OR) 4.800; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.016–11.433; p < 0.001) and volume of crystalloid solution (OR 1.001; 95%CI 1.000–1.001; p = 0.008) as independent factors associated with coagulopathy. Patients with coagulopathy showed higher 24-h mortality rates (10.9%) than patients without coagulopathy (1.2%; p = 0.021), and cause of death was hemorrhagic shock for all cases of death within 24 h.Conclusion: In our area, withholding intravenous fluid to achieve permissive hypotension, early administration of fresh frozen plasma, and use of fibrinogen concentrate may improve the prognosis of patients with massive hemorrhage undergoing transfer between hospitals.Trial registration: UMIN, UMIN000041201. Registered 24 July 2020 – Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000047048
An analysis of medical malpractice lawsuits and its relationship to the growth of private hospitals
Authors: Sun Yu , Liu Gordon G. , Wang Mengxiao , Liu Sijia
Published: August 2020

Background Doctor-patient relationship has become an intense concern in public health in recent years. Medical malpractice lawsuits have presented an increasing trend over past decade. This study aims to describe distributions of medical malpractice lawsuits across different provinces and to investigate its relationship to the growth of private hospitals.Methods Data was drawn from China Judgments Online, the China Health Statistic Yearbooks and China Statistical Yearbooks between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016. Private hospitals expansion was measured by the number and proportion of private hospitals, the ratio of outpatient visits from private to public hospitals and the ratio of discharges from private to public hospitals. Fixed-effects negative binomial regressions were utilized to estimate the association between the growth of private hospitals and the number of medical malpractice lawsuits.Results In total, we identified a total of 18220 lawsuits relevant to medical malpractices across China between 2010 and 2016. The regression results revealed that more private hospitals, larger proportion of private hospitals and higher ratio of discharges from private to public hospitals were significantly associated with fewer medical malpractice lawsuits. An increase of 100 private hospitals in health care market was associated with a decrease in the number of medical malpractice lawsuits by 21%. The ratio of outpatient visits from private to public hospitals was not significantly associated with the number of malpractice lawsuits.Conclusions There was great disparities of incidences of medical malpractice lawsuits across different provinces. Greater expansion of private hospitals was associated with fewer medical malpractice lawsuits at province level. This negative association indicated that more private hospitals in health care market might provide more incentives for hospitals to contain the incidences of medical malpractice cases.
What are the Survival Factors in Surgically Resected Synchronous Multiple Primary Lung Cancers: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Haichao , Wang Kai , Zhang Xingxing , Chen Rong , Zhao Jian
Published: August 2020

Background: With the popularization of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), the detection rate of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) is increasing. We retrospectively analyzed the surgical results of SMPLC patients in our hospital to determine the best treatment for SMPLC.Methods: A total of 90 SMPLC patients met the diagnostic criteria underwent complete resection and lymph node dissection or sampling without any preoperative induction therapy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University. We analyzed the postoperative survival rate, and further studied the relationship between survival rates and sex, age, preoperative symptoms, tumor location, tumor number, tumor size, surgical type, surgical frequency, histopathologic types, vascular infiltration, visceral pleural invasion and postoperative therapy.Results: Among 90 patients, the 1- and 3-year disease free survival (DFS) rates were 97.0% and 76.7% while the 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 98.81% and 82.35%. Vascular infiltration (HR=402.46, p=0.005) and postoperative chemotherapy (HR>1000, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for DFS, while only postoperative chemotherapy (HR=184.10, p=0.002) was an independent risk factor for OS.Conclusions: First, SMPLC is different from intrapulmonary metastasis and its clinical stage is also different from the 8th (2015) edition TNM classification for lung cancer. Second, when pulmonary function permits, surgery (complete resection and lymph node dissection) is a significantly beneficial treatment for patients with SMPLC. Third, for early stage SMPLC patients, vascular infiltration and postoperative chemotherapy are harmful to the survival.
Assessment of Hydropower Potential Using Geospatial Technology in a Case Study of Guna-Tana Landscape Upper Abay Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Teshome Asirat , Tibebu Yonas , Addis Endalkachew
Published: August 2020

Background: In this study, geospatial technology was used to assess potential sites for hydroelectric potential in the Ribb and Gumara Rivers of the Guna-Tana landscape of the upper Abay basin in Ethiopia. The important parameters used in this study were the Digital Elevation Model, the stream network, the stream elevation; the stream slope, the height difference, and the stream flow were analysed. In addition, the results obtained from the geospatial model, satellite data and GIS tools were used to identify the hydroelectric potential in the landscape. Results: Twenty sites with hydroelectric potential were identified within the 3528.16 km2 of the Guna-Tana landscape. The maximum power in the Ribb River was 48,389.98 kW, while in the Gumara River it was 41,984.01 kW. Therefore, the development of strategies to improve the decision-making process for hydroelectric power planning and construction is of utmost importance to support renewable energy production with minimal negative environmental social impacts. Conclusion: Therefore, this study revealed that the hydroelectric potential of a river basin could be correctly assessed using a digital elevation model, stream network data, within a GIS framework.
HOTAIR Promotes Cisplatin Resistance of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Regulating Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis via miR-106a-5p/SOX4 Axis
Authors: Cao Wei , Sun Yi , Liu Long , Yu Junwei , Ji Jiabiao , Wang Yatang , Yang Jianming
Published: August 2020

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly malignant neoplasm originating from nasopharyngeal mucosa, and the emergence of multi-drug resistance poses a huge challenge for clinical treatment of NPC. LncRNA HOTAIR (HOX antisense intergenic RNA) has been reported to be associated with many malignancies, including NPC. However, the underlying mechanisms of HOTAIR involved in drug resistance in NPC are obscure.Methods: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to determine the HOTAIR, miR-106a-5p and SOX4 expression in NPC tissues and cells. The target relationship between HOTAIR and miR-106a-5p or miR-106a-5p and SOX4 was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were explored using Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometer and Transwell assays. The protein levels were confirmed using western blot.Results: Our study showed that HOTAIR was upregulated in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant NPC tissues and cells. HOTAIR knockdown decreased the DDP resistance, drug resistance related gene expression, cell proliferation and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of C666-1/DDP and CNE2/DDP cells. Mechanism researches displayed that miR-106a-5p was down-regulated in DDP-resistant NPC tissues and cells. miR-106a-5p directly bound with HOTAIR and was regulated by HOTAIR. SOX4 was inhibited by miR-106a-5p at a posttranscriptional level, and the transfection of miR-106a-5p reversed the upregulation of SOX4 caused by HOTAIR overexpression. Increase or decrease of miR-106a-5p suppressed the effect of HOTAIR upregulation or downregulation on DDP resistance, cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of C666-1/DDP and CNE2/DDP cells. Moreover, the transfection of SOX4 siRNA reversed the decrease of DDP resistance, cell proliferation and invasion, and rescued the increase of apoptosis induced by miR-106a-5p inhibition. Conclusions: These data suggested that HOTAIR enhanced DDP resistance of C666-1/DDP and CNE2/DDP cells by affecting cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis via miR-106a-5p/SOX4 axis.
Screening of key genes and miRNAs involved in age-related hearing loss
Authors: song yin , zhang xue , sun wei jia , zhu ling jin , huang jin
Published: August 2020

Background

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common sensory deficit and refers to the gradual loss of hearing function with age. We aimed to research the differential expression genes during the occur of ARHL and explore microRNAs that maybe regulate these genes.
Methods

Search the GEO data GSE6045, GSE35234, GSE62173, GSE45026 from NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus database, and analyze in R. Normalize GEO data by RMA method in R, and use linear microarray data model (LIMMA) method in R to compare young and old mice to find differential genes and microRNAs.
Results

109 up-regulated and 121 down-regulated important genes were identified respectively. Functional enrichment shows that they are significantly enriched in protein digestion and absorption, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Among the top 20 Hub genes, 7 down-regulated genes (Col3a1, Col1a2, Sparc, Col4a2, Col2a1, Lox, Sparc, Ctgf) have verified targeted miRNAs, which have interaction with differential miRNAs of GSE45026. Finally, we designated miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-29c-3p, and miR-124-3p as key miRNAs involved in the development of age-related hearing loss.
Conclusions

These low expression genes of Col3a1, Col1a2, Sparc, Col4a2, Col2a1,Lox, Sparc, and Ctgf maybe key genes of ARHL, and probably regulated by miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, miR-29c-3p, and miR-124-3p.
Screening Supportive Care Needs, Compliance to Exercise Program, Quality of Life, and Anxiety Level During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Individuals Treated with Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kabak Vesile Yildiz , Uysal Songul Atasavun , Duger Tulin
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Primary aim was to address supportive care needs, compliance to exercise program, quality of life level (QOL), and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Secondary aim was to investigate differences in outcome measures in terms of gender and to determine associated factors with supportive care needs and compliance to exercise program during pandemic.Methods: The present study included individuals treated with HSCT and previously consulted to physical therapy. Data were collected by interviewing with participants on phone. Supportive care needs were assessed by using Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 29TR. Compliance to the exercise program was recorded as percentage of walking duration to the recommended duration during the last week. The European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer30 was used to assess QOL. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I and Visual Analogue Scale were used to assess anxiety level. Results: Totally 106 individuals were included. The psychological and physical supportive care needs were predominant in participants. Compliance to exercise program was low during the pandemic. Anxiety level was low, yet anxiety about COVID-19 was moderate severity in participants. Supportive care needs were correlated with anxiety level, performance level, duration after HSCT, and QOL (p˂0.05). Compliance to exercise program was associated with performance level and QOL (p˂0.05). Conclusion: Our results offer supportive telehealth interventions should be considered during the COVID-19 pandemic for individuals treated with HSCT to decrease unmet supportive care needs and anxiety, to increase QOL, and to reduce isolation related physical inactivity.
Designing a Paradigm Model for Green Human Resource Management using Data-based Method (Case study on Municipality of Mashhad)
Authors: Janali Mahdi , Kaffashpoor Azar , Rahimpour Amir , Samanian Mosayeb
Published: August 2020

Purpose This paper aims are establishment of management systems such as the Green Human Resource Management System can be effective in achieving the sustainable development and the use of an environmental management system.Design/methodology/approach The research strategy used in this study is the Grounded Theory with Qualitative Research Approach. In order to achieve this goal, a semi-structured interview was conducted in the beginning with human resources experts, including management professors and environment and human resources specialists.Finding Codes of green human resource management in 23 categories including: Green motivation, knowledge, personality, organization, Partnership, Maintenance, compensation, Promotion, Organizational Culture, City, City Council, Rules and Regulations, Government, International Organizations, Suppliers, Media and Green NGOs. Practical implications Management system in urban areas, Prevention with the environmental crisis,Promoting organizational culture in urban planning, Sustainable urban development using green human resources.Social implications A more general implication of the proposed argument for GHRM the concept of "green" has been changed in to a norm and "green actions" refer to activities that not only do not harm the environment, but also improve it. Green human resource management suggests that human resources should be redesigned or re-engineered to be sensitive to laws, policies, resources, proper consumption, non-extravagance, and so on so that they provide optimal and targeted consumption of resources and reduce environmental pollution.Originality/value Designing the model of dimensions of green human resource in 23 categories and in three categories or levels: individual level, organizational level and supra-organizational level.
Congenital Chylothorax in Preterm Infants – A New Approach in Dietary Treatment with Skimmed Breast Milk
Authors: Höck Michaela , Höller Alexander , Hammerl Marlene , Wechselberger Karina , Krösslhuber Jakob , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Scholl-Bürgi Sabine , Karall Daniela
Published: August 2020

BackgroundCongenital chylothorax (CC) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in newborns. It is defined as an accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity. The few publications regarding medical management and therapeutic dietary intervention motivated us to share our experience.MethodsNeonates diagnosed with congenital chylothorax and treated at Innsbruck Medical University Hospital between 2013 and 2019 (n = 5, gestational age: 36 3/7, 32 5/7, 36 4/7, 35 0/7, 35 4/7) were eligible for this report. The cornerstones of treatment for chylothorax conventionally consist of chest tube drainage (CTD), respiratory support, dietary restriction of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). In further course the introduction of a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT)-based formula followed by an overlapping switch to a formula with low LCT and high MCT, containing the essential long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), is attempted. As soon as possible, the change is made to breast milk feeding or breastfeeding. In two patients we used fat-modified (skimmed) breast milk to avoid discontinuation of breast milk feeding.ResultsThe early introduction of LCFA in the form of breast milk after resolution of chylothorax was associated with favourable outcome (no recurrence of pleural effusion and adequate weight gain).ConclusionThe first-line therapy of chylothorax is a combination of respiratory stabilization and dietary modification. The purpose of this report is to point out the feasibility of a fast change from LCT fat-free nutrition to full-fat nutrition once the chylothorax has dissolved, especially the early introduction of breast milk feeding / breastfeeding in infants with chylothorax.
A Novel Ruthenium Fluvastatin Complex Downregulates SNCG Expression to Modulate Breast Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis Via Activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR/VEGF/ MAP Kinase Pathway
Authors: Liang Wei , Shi Junfeng , Xia Haiyan , Wei Xiaowei
Published: August 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cause of malignancy and cancer related morbidity and death worldwide that requests effective and safe chemotherapy. Evaluation of metallo drug based anticancer agents and statins as chemotherapeutics with fewer side effects is largely unexplored research fieldsMethods: The synthesis and characterization of Ruthenium fluvastatin complex was achieved using multiple spectroscopic techniques and thus further examined to evaluate its chemotherapeutic prospects in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer lines and eventually in vivo models of DMBA induced mammary carcinogenesis in rodents. The viability of cells was tested using MTT assay. The apoptotic assay in cell lines was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot technique and immunohistochemical approach were used to investigate complex induced signaling pathways. TUNEL assay had predicted in-vivo apoptosis.Results: Our studies indicate that the metal and ligand chelation was materialized by the ligand's functional groups of carbonyl (= O) oxygen and hydroxyl (-OH) and the complex has been observed to be crystalline and able to chelate with CT-DNA. The complex was able to reduce cell proliferation and activate apoptotic events in breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. In addition, the complex was able modify p53 expressions to interfere with apoptosis in the carcinoma of the breast, stimulated by the intrinsic apoptotic path assisted by Bcl2 and Bax, yet at the same point controlling the PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway correlated with MMP9 regulated tumor mechanisms.Conclusion: Our research reveals that ruthenium-fluvastatin chemotherapy may disrupt, rescind or interrupt breast carcinoma progression by modifying intrinsic apoptosis as well as the antiangiogenic cascade, thereby taking the role of a potential candidate in cancer therapy for the immediate future.
MAZ-LINC00645-GP73 Axis Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation and Metastasis
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Huiyan , Liu Chunxun , Han Yongmei , Zhang Yubao , Liu Yanlong , Xu Haitao
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been shown to play important roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this report, we examined the role of lncRNA LINC00645 in HCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on public databases and integrating bioinformatics analyses, the over-expression of LINC00645 in HCC tissues was detected and further validated in a cohort of liver tissues. A series of in vitro and in vivo functional experiments were executed to investigate the role of LINC00645 in the carcinogenesis and development of HCC. Comprehensive transcriptional analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot etc. were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of LINC00645. RESULTS: LINC00645 was significantly upregulated in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues, which was correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. LINC00645 knockdown remarkably suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00645 could competitively bind with miR-141-3p to prevent the degradation of its target gene GP73, which acts as a tumor-promoter in HCC. Furthermore, the ChIP assay showed that the transcription factor MAZ could bind to the LINC00645 promoter and increase its transcription. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, this study demonstrated that LINC00645 plays a critical regulatory role in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and LINC00645 may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC. Thus, targeting MAZ/LINC00645/miR-141-3p/GP73 signaling axis may prevent the progression of HCC.
Managing Urban Solid Waste in Ghana: Perspective and Experiences of Municipal Waste Company Managers and Supervisors in an Urban Municipality
Authors: Lissah Samuel Yaw , Ayanore Martin Amogre , Krugu John K. , Aberese-Ako Matilda , Ruiter Robert A.C.
Published: August 2020

Background: Population growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in the generation of large quantities of solid waste across major urban cities in Ghana, outstripping local authorities’ ability to manage and dispose of waste in a sanitary manner. This study explored the perspectives and experiences of municipal waste company managers and supervisors in the Ho municipality of Ghana on solid waste management practices. Method: A qualitative inquiry was conducted by adopting a phenomenological approach, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. A total of 35 participants, made up of 12 managers and 23 supervisors took part in the study. Transcribed data were imported into NVivo 11.0 software for coding. Content analysis was applied to analyze all transcribed data using processes of induction and deduction. Results are presented using descriptive narratives supported by illustrative quotes. Results: Three themes emerged from the study. The results showed that organizational capacity, resources, and expertise; community factors such as socio-cultural beliefs and a low sense of responsibility towards solid waste management among urban residents; contextual factors such as regulations, and weak enforcement all influence and shape the level of efficiency and effectiveness of solid waste management practices in the study setting. Conclusion: The findings suggest that policy frameworks and procedures implemented should be systematic and thorough in order to tackle the issue of solid waste in the study setting and Ghana in general. The nature of the identified issues and challenges requires multidimensional and multilevel interventions to provide sustainable solutions for managing urban waste in Ghana.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment Delivery in Scotland
Authors: MA Baxter , J Murphy , D Cameron , J Jordan , C Crearie , C Lilley , A Sadozye , M Maclean , P Hall , A Phillips , A Greger , J Madeleine , RD Petty
Published: August 2020

Understanding the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on systemic anti-cancer therapy delivery (SACT) is crucial for a full appreciation of the short and long-term consequences for cancer patients and for planning future cancer care. In this article we report real-time national SACT delivery data from NHS Scotland. We demonstrate an initial rapid reduction in patient attendance for SACT of 28.7% with a subsequent rapid and full recovery following service re-design. Regional variation in the magnitude of impact on SACT delivery was observed, but nadirs occurred at the same time and the rate of recovery was similar across all regions. This recovery reflected a co-ordinated national approach and associated patient and clinician support structures which facilitated the creation of COVID-19 protected areas for SACT delivery in Scottish cancer centres and enabled rapid sharing of successful and innovative strategies. The data shows that these actions have limited the disadvantage to cancer patients.
Deep_Saliency: A Deep Learning based Saliency Approach to detect Covid-19 through x-ray images
Authors: Verma Praveen , Negi Chetan Singh , Pant Maneesh , Saxena Anuj
Published: August 2020

Covid-19 a small virus has created a havoc in the world. The pandemic has already taken over 4 lakh lives. The tests to detect a Covid-19 positive takes time and is costly. Moreover, the ability of the virus to mutate surprises the doctors every day. Present paper proposes a saliency-based model called Deep_Saliency. The model works on chest x-rays of healthy, unhealthy, and covid-19 patients. An x-ray repository of Covid-19, available in public domain, is taken for the study. Deep_Saliency uses visual, disparity, and motion saliency to create a feature dataset of the x-rays. The collected features are tested and trained using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network. A predictive analysis is performed using the x-ray of a new patient to confirm a Covid-19 positive case. The first objective of the paper is to detect Covid-19 positive cases from x-rays. The other objective is to provide a benchmark dataset of biomarkers. The proposed work achieved an accuracy of 96.66%.
Depression, Sexual dysfunction and Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients with Ovarian Function Suppression: A Cross Sectional Study between Ovarian Ablation Verse GnRH Agonists
Authors: Jiang junhan , Xu Junnan , Cai Li , Hu Juan , Man Li , Niu Limin , Sun Tao , Zheng Xinyu
Published: August 2020

Background: Ovarian function suppression is being widely utilized as endocrine therapy to reduce estrogen release in premenopausal breast cancer patients and was achieved either by medical treatment with bilateral oophorectomy, irradiation, or the Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. This study aimed to examine whether GnRHa differed from ovarian ablation on depression, sexual dysfunction and quality of life.Methods: The premenopausal breast cancer patients who received ovarian function suppression were enrolled from seven hospital between June 2019 and June 2020. Our independent variable was the type of ovarian suppression, categorized as Ovarian Ablation (OA cohort, n=174) and medical GnRH agonist (GnRHa cohort, n=389). The self-administered questionnaire (OFS-Q5) was developed and used in this study aimed to assess the depression (PHQ-9), sexual dysfunction (FSFI) and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-BR23).Results: In this cross-sectional study, 563 patients with ovarian function suppression completed surveys were collected. The mean sum score of the PHQ-9 tend to be slight decrease in GnRHa cohort than that in ovarian ablation (OA) cohort (11.4 ±5.7 vs. 12.8 ±5.8, OR=1.910, P=0.079). Patients with major depression (PHQ-9≧15) was indicated significantly fewer in GnRHa cohort (31.1% vs 40.2%, P=0.025). The more surprising correlation is less patients with sexual dysfunction (61.5%, FSFI< 23) in OA cohort, a remarkable increase in GnRHa cohort (72.2%, P = 0.011). The ratio of sexual dysfunction remained lower for ovarian ablation women in long-term ovarian suppression (duration of ovarian suppression > 2 years: OA vs GnRHa, OR=1.555, P=0.037). No significantly difference for most subscales of QLQ-BR23 between two cohorts was evident.Conclusions: Our current investigation demonstrate here for the first time that medical GnRHa resulted in favour depression, worse sexual function than those with ovarian ablation, with similar quality of life. This new understanding should help to improve and alleviate adverse effect in patients with diverse ovarian function suppression.