bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 genes related to cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China
Authors: Ainiwaer Zumurelaiti , Maisaidi Reyilanmu , Liu Jing , Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Lu Jing , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: October 2020

Background: PGF and TNFAIP2 are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, there is currently no report investigating the relationship of PGF and TNFAIP2 gene polymorphisms to CC risk. Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls in a Chinese Uygur female population. Three SNPs (PGF rs8019391, PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100) were selected and genotyped to assess the possible association of PGF and TNFAIP2 polymorphisms with CC susceptibility. Logistic regression analysis adjusted by age was used. Results: PGF rs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04-1.86, p = 0.024) and TNFAIP2 rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07-1.95, p = 0.018) polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, T allele of PGF rs8019391 was highly represented in patients with stage III–IV compared with stage I-II (OR = 2.17, p = 4.58´10-4). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs. Conclusion: Our data indicated that PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100 polymorphisms might be risk factors for CC susceptibility, which contributed to the increased risk of CC. Trail registration: Not applicable.
Role of Circulating Free DNA in Evaluating Clinical Tumor Burden and Predicting Survival in Chinese Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: xu xiaojing , yu yiyi , shen minna , liu menglin , wu shengchao , liang li , huang fei , zhang chenlu , guo wei , liu tianshu
Published: October 2020

Background:The aim of this study was to explore the utility of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the evaluation of clinical tumor burden and survival in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and to preliminarily summarize some metastatic characteristics associated with mutational status.Methods:A panel covering a total of 197 hotspot mutations of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA was used to evaluate the mutational status in plasma by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in 126 patients with mCRC. An amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS) was used to analyze genomic DNA from matched tissue samples. Clinical markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum and the sum of all tumor diameters on CT or PET/CT were collected to indicate clinical tumor burden. The correlations between cfDNA and clinical tumor burden were analyzed using Pearson correlation and linear regression models. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and 1-year overall survival (OS) rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis.Results：Of the 126 enrolled patients, patients who were tested positive for mutations in plasma accounted for 45.2% (57/126). Mutations in KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA were detected in 37.3% (47/126), 1.6% (2/126), 3.2% (4/126) and 13.5% (17/126) of patients, respectively. The overall concordance rate of mutational status between plasma and matched tissues was 78.6% (99/126). Sixteen patients had mutations in plasma that were not detected in tissue, including some rare hotspot mutations. The cfDNA concentration was significantly correlated with the levels of clinical markers, especially CEA (P<0.0001, Pearson r = 0.81), LDH (P<0.0001, Pearson r = 0.84) and the sum of tumor diameters (P<0.0001, Pearson r = 0.80). Patients with a high cfDNA concentration (>17.91 ng/ml) had shorter median progression-free survival (6.6 versus 11.7 months, P<0.0001) and lower 1-year overall survival rate (56% versus 94%, P<0.0001) than those with a low cfDNA concentration (≤17.91 ng/ml). The most common metastatic site was the liver (77.8%), followed by the lymph nodes (62.7%), lung (40.5%), peritoneum (14.3%) and bone (10.3%), in all patients. There was no significant difference in metastasis between different mutational statuses.Conclusion:Analyzing mutations in plasma could provide a more comprehensive overview of the mutational landscape than analyzing mutations in tissue. The cfDNA concentration could be a quantitative biomarker of tumor burden and could predict survival in Chinese patients with mCRC.
Von Willebrand Factor: Antigen and Adamts-13 Level, but not Soluble P-Selectin, are Risk Factors for the First Asymptomatic Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Permatadewi Cecilia Oktaria , de Samakto Baringin , Bugis Ashar , Naibaho Ridho M. , Pangarsa Eko Adhi , Santosa Damai , Suharti Catharina
Published: October 2020

Background There is a high incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced vascular endothelial cell activation (VECA) is characterized by increased plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), leading to the activation of endothelial cells and signaling cascades. The biological role of a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) is to control the activity of vWF and consequently the risk of thrombosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the roles of sP-selectin, vWF, and ADAMTS-13 as risk factors for the first episode of DVT in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Indonesia, on 40 cancer patients. Prechemotherapy (baseline) and postchemotherapy sP-selectin, vWF antigen (vWF:Ag), and ADAMTS-13 plasma levels were determined with ELISAs before and 3 months after chemotherapy. The clinical characteristics of the patients, cancer type, cancer stage, chemotherapy regimen, ABO blood type, D-dimer level and Khorana risk score were also analyzed using logistic regression. Patients were observed for the possibility of developing DVT during chemotherapy.Results DVT was confirmed in 5 patients (12.5%) after a period of 3 months. In patients with DVT, sP-selectin and vWF were significantly higher while ADAMTS-13 was lower than in their counterparts. The levels of baseline vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13, with cut-off points ≥ 2.35 IU/mL and ≤ 1.03 IU/mL, respectively, were found to independently predict the incidence of DVT. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the relative risk (RR) for DVT in patients with high vWF:Ag was 3.80 (95% CI 1.15-12.48, p=0.028), and that for patients with low ADAMTS-13 was 2.67 (95% CI 1.22-23.82, p=0.005). The vWF:Ag/ADAMTS-13 ratio and both vWF:Ag and ADAMTS-13 dynamics during treatment were also able to differentiate those with prospective DVT. However, sP-selectin and other covariates showed no statistical significance.Conclusion We found that prechemotherapy plasma levels of vWF:Ag ≥ 2.35 IU/mL and ADAMTS-13 ≤ 1.03 IU/mL are independent risk factors for DVT incidence among cancer patients.
Necessity for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in multiple types of specimens for the discharge of the patients with COVID-19
Authors: Tong Yongqing , Bao Anyu , Chen Hongbing , Huang Jingtao , Lv Zhihua , Feng Lina , Cheng Yun , Wang Youna , Bai Li , Rao Wenlong , Zheng Hongyun , Wu Zegang , Qiao Bin , Zhao Zhijun , Wang Huiming , Li Yan
Published: October 2020

Background The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected positive again after discharged from hospital in some COVID-19 patients, with or without clinical symptoms such as fever or dry cough. Methods 1008 severe COVID-19 patients, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive detected with the mixed specimen of nasopharyngeal swab and oropharyngeal swab by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), were selected to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA with the 12 types of specimens by RT-qPCR during hospitalization. All of 20 discharged cases with COVID-19 were selected to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in isolation period with 7 types of specimens by RT-qPCR before releasing the isolation period. Results Of the enrolled 1008 severe patients, the nasopharyngeal swab specimens showed the highest positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (71.06%), followed by alveolar lavage fluid (66.67%), oropharyngeal swab (30.77%), sputum (28.53%), urine (16.30%), blood (12.5%), stool (12.21%), anal swab (11.22%) and corneal secretion (2.99%), and SARS-CoV-2 RNA couldn’t be detected in other types of specimen in this study. Of the 20 discharged cases during the isolation period, the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was 30% (6/20); 2 cases were positive in sputum at the eighth and ninth day after discharge, respectively. 1 case was positive in nasopharynx swab at the sixth day after discharge, 1 case was positive in anal swab at the eighth day after discharge, and 1 case was positive in 3 specimens ( nasopharynx swab , oropharynx swab and sputum) simultaneously at the fourth day after discharge; no positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in other specimens including stool, urine and blood at the discharged patients. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 RNA should be detected in multiple specimens, such as nasopharynx swab, oropharynx swab, sputum, and if necessary, stool and anal swab specimens should be performed simultaneously at discharge when the patients were considered for clinical cure and before releasing the isolation period.
Serum Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as an early predictive marker of the severity of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: xiao weiming , Liu Weili , Yin Ling , Li Yong , Lu Guotao , Liu Xinnong , Gong Weijuan , Ding Yanbing , Wang Mei , Yan Zhigang
Published: October 2020

Background: To investigate the value of serum hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) level, an isozyme of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).Methods: Patients diagnosed with AP from January 2013 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the normal serum HBDH levels group (n-HBDH group) and the high serum HBDH levels group (h-HBDH group) according to the criteria HBDH ≥ 182 U/L after admission. The demographic parameters, laboratory data and the severity of AP in the two groups were compared. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of serum HBDH in predicting persistent organ failure and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).Results: A total of 260 AP patients were enrolled, including 176 cases in the n-HBDH group and 84 cases in the h-HBDH group. The incidence of SIRS and organ failure in the h-HBDH group were significantly higher than those in n-HBDH group (both P < 0.001). In addition, the HBDH level was significantly decreased in 110 patients who were re-measured after AP treatment. The serum HBDH levels were positively correlated with Atlanta classification, Ranson score, and BISAP score (all P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that a serum HBDH cut-off point of 195.0 U/L had optimal predictive value for the development of persistent organ failure (AUC = 0.778) and 166.5 U/L for the development of SIRS (AUC = 0.724).Conclusion: The elevated serum HBDH in early stage of AP is closely related to the adverse prognosis of AP patients, which can be used as a potential early biomarker for predicting the severity of AP.
Utilization of Non-Pharmacological Methods and the Perceived Barriers for Adult Postoperative Pain Management by the Nurses at Selected National Hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea
Authors: Kidanemariam Betiel Yihdego , Elsholz Traudl , Simel Laban L. , Tesfamariam Eyasu H. , Andemeskel Yonatan Mehari
Published: October 2020

Background: Pharmacological methods are widely used for postoperative pain management however, poorly controlled pain continues to pose a significant challenge. Non pharmacological methods could contribute to the unresolved postoperative pain management in assisting nurses’ routine care and reducing the need for medication. This study aimed to assess nurses’ utilization of non-pharmacological methods in postoperative pain and the perceived barriers for their implementation at the National Hospitals.Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among 154 nurses working at the National Referral Hospitals and Sembel Private Hospital. A standardized five-point Likert-scale questionnaire which assesses nurses' utilization of selected non-pharmacological methods and the perceived barriers for the implementation was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics for the demographic data, independent samples t-test, one way ANOVA and factorial ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.Results: The study found out that emotional support (45.5%), helping with daily activities (67.5%) and creating a comfortable environment (61%) were mostly used while, cognitive-behavioral (5.9%) and physical methods (5.8%) were hardly used. The results also showed that, characteristics such as, age (p=0.013), level of education (p=0.012), work experience (p=0.001) and place of work (p=0.001), were significantly related to the use of non-pharmacological methods at bivariate level. However, hospitals were the only determinants of the non-pharmacological methods at multivariable level with a statistical significance of (p<0.001). On the perceived barriers; heavy work load (87.7%), shortage of time (84.4%), limited resources (82.5%), deficit in the guidelines for pain management (77.3%), patient’s uncooperative behavior (57.1%), language difference (64.4%), nurse’s lack of knowledge (50%) and experience (40.3%) were identified.Conclusion: The use of non-pharmacological methods in the studied hospitals varied greatly on the knowledge and experience of the nurses. Therefore, it is recommended that exposure and training for all health care providers at all level is a paramount importance in order to appreciate the benefits of non-pharmacological methods applicable to postoperative pain management. This could be achieved through on job training, seminars, scientific conferences and other brainstorming forums.
Probing time-dependent afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation following the 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake based on the 3-D Finite Element Model
Authors: Su Lina , Shi Fuqiang , Gan Weijun , Su Xiaoning , Yan Junyi
Published: October 2020

We analyzed daily displacement time series from 34 continuous GPS stations in Nepal and 5 continuous GPS stations in South Tibet, China, and extracted the first 4.8 years of postseismic motion after the 2015 Mw7.8 Gorkha earthquake. With the longer duration GPS observations, we find that postseismic displacements mainly exhibit southward and uplift motion. To study the postseismic afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation, we built a 3-D spherical finite element model (FEM) with heterogeneous material properties and surface topography across the Himalayan range, accounting for the strong variations in material properties and surface elevation along central Himalayan arc. On the basis of the FEM, we reveal that the predicted viscoelastic relaxation of cm level moves southward to the north of the Gorkha earthquake rupture, but in an opposite direction to the observed postseismic deformation in the south; the postseismic deformation excluding viscoelastic relaxation is well explained by afterslip downdip of the coseismic rupture. The afterslip is dominant during 4.8 years after the 2015 Mw7.8 Gorkha earthquake; the contribution by the viscoelastic relaxation gradually increases slightly. The lack of slip on a shallow portion and western segment of the MHT during and after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake implies continued seismic hazard in the future.
The effect of perineural dexamethasone on rebound pain after ropivacaine single-injection nerve block: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fang Jie , Shi Yuncen , Du Fang , Xue Zhanggang , Cang Jing , Zhang Xiaoguang
Published: October 2020

Background: Rebound pain after a single-shot nerve block challenges the real benefit of this technique. We aimed to investigate whether perineural dexamethasone addition decreased the incidence of rebound pain after a single-shot nerve block.Methods: We randomly allocated 132 patients scheduled for open reduction internal fixation of an upper extremity closed fracture under single-shot peripheral nerve block and sedation into two groups. Patients in the dexamethasone group received nerve block with 0.375% ropivacaine and 8 mg dexamethasone, while those in the control group received ropivacaine only. Sixty-three patients in the dexamethasone group and 60 patients in the control group were analyzed for the incidence of rebound pain 48 h after block administration, which was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included the highest self-reported numeric rating scale (NRS) score, the pain intensity at 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the block, sufentanil consumption, sleep quality on the night of surgery, patient satisfaction with the pain therapy, blood glucose at 6 h after the block, and pain and paresthesia at 30 days after surgery.Results: The incidence of rebound pain was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (7 [11.1%] of 63 patients) than in the control group (28 [48.8%] of 60 patients; relative risk (RR) of 0.238, 95% CI 0.113-0.504, p=0.001). Dexamethasone decreased opioid consumption 24 h after surgery (p<0.001) and improved the sleep quality score on the night of surgery (p=0.01) and satisfaction with pain therapy (p=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only group allocation was significantly associated with the occurrence of rebound pain[OR=0.062, 95% CI (0.015-0.256)]. Patients in the dexamethasone group reported later onset pain (19.7±6.6 h vs 14.7±4.8 h since block administration, mean±SD, p<0.001) and lower peak NRS scores [5 (3, 6) vs 8 (5, 9), median (IQR), p<0.001] than those in the control group.Conclusions: The perineural administration of 8 mg dexamethasone reduces rebound pain after a single-shot nerve block in patients receiving ORIF for an upper limb fracture.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-17011365) on May 11th, 2017.
Impact of a Diagnostic Therapeutic Educational Pathway (DTEP) Self-Management Program for Asthma Management in Preschool Children
Authors: Guarnaccia Sebastiano , Quecchia Cristina , Festa Andrea , Magoni Michele , Zenoni Giuseppe , D'Agata Emanuele , Brivio Valentina , Zanardini Elena , Scarcella Carmelo , Gretter Valeria , Facchetti Susanna , Gasparotti Cinzia , Pluda Ada , Frassine Malica , Limina Rosa Maria , Spiazzi Raffaele , Badolato Raffaele , Bender Bruce , Donato Francesco
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Preschool children with clinically-diagnosed asthma have a higher rate of emergency department visits and consume more resources for management than older children. However, no clinical trials have yet been performed measuring the impact of a combined diagnostic, therapeutic and educational pathway regimen for evaluation of wheezing control in children aged less than 6 years. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of a pediatric program developed in Italy, the Diagnostic Therapeutic Educational Pathway (DTEP), for asthma management in children less than 6 years old attending an asthma referral center.METHODS: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study performed in children with asthma aged 0-5 years, attending at “Io e l’Asma center”, Brescia, Italy between September 2007 and December 2014. The incidence rates (IRs) of hospitalization, emergency room visits, use of outpatient services and drug usage for dyspnea, wheezing, or respiratory symptoms were evaluated for time periods prior to and after DTEP intervention.RESULTS: A total of 741 patients, aged 0-5 years completed the DTEP, including 391 and 350 children aged 0-2 and 3-5 years, respectively. The percentage of children aged 0-2 and 3-5 years showing improved control of wheezing symptoms during the 1st to 3rd visit interval as a result of the DTEP intervention increased from 39.5% to 60.9% and from 25.5% to 75.5%, respectively. During these periods, the IRs showed a significant decrease for all outcomes, from-8.6% to -80.4%. Although specific IRs for drug prescriptions declined, particularly for LABA plus corticosteroids, antibiotics, and systemic corticosteroids, they increased for SABA, inhaled corticosteroid and leukotriene receptor antagonist usage.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a real-world assessment of the integrated DTEP program for preschool children provides evidence for improved wheezing control and reduction of adverse therapeutic related outcomes.
Genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the self-flocculating microalga Scenedesmus obliquus AS-6-11
Authors: Chen Bailing , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Ho Shih-Hsin , Chang Jo-Shu , Zhao Xinqing , Bai Fengwu
Published: October 2020

Background: Scenedesmus obliquus belongs to green microalgae and is widely used in aquaculture as feed, which is also explored for lipid production and bioremediation. However, genomic studies of this microalga have been very limited. Cell self-flocculation of microalgal cells can be used as a simple and economic method for harvesting biomass, and it is of great importance to perform genome-scale studies for the self-flocculating S. obliquus strains to promote their biotechnological applications.Results: We employed the Pacific Biosciences sequencing platform for sequencing the genome of the self-flocculat ing microalga S. obliquus AS-6-11, and used the MECAT software for de novo genome assembly. The estimated genome size of S. obliquus AS-6-11 is 172.3 Mbp with an N50 of 94,410 bp, and 31,964 protein-coding genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses revealed 65 GO terms and 428 biosynthetic pathways. Comparing to the genome sequences of the well-studied green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella variabilis, Volvox carteri and Micractinium conductrix, the genome of S. obliquus AS-6-11 encodes more unique proteins, including one gene that encodes D-mannose binding lectin. Genes encoding the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall proteins, and proteins with fasciclin domains that are commonly found in cell wall proteins might be responsible for the self-flocculating phenotype, and were analyzed in detail. Four genes encoding both GPI-anchored cell wall proteins and fasciclin domain proteins are the most interesting targets for further studies.Conclusions: To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the in-depth annotation of the S. obliquus genome, and the results will facilitate functional genomic studies and metabolic engineering of this important microalga. The comparative genomic analysis here also provides new insights into the evolution of green microalgae. Furthermore, identification of the potential genes encoding self-flocculating proteins will benefit studies on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype for its better control and biotechnological applications as well.
Addition of routine blood biomarkers to TIMI risk score improves predictive performance of 1-year mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Oh Pyung Chun , Eom Young Sil , Moon Jeonggeun , Jang Ho-Jun , Kim Tae-Hoon , Suh Jon , Kong Min Gyu , Park Sang-Don , Kwon Sung Woo , Suh Soon Yong , Lee Kyounghoon , Han Seung Hwan , Ahn Taehoon , Kang Woong Chol
Published: October 2020

Background: Several biomarkers have been proposed as independent predictors of poor outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We investigated whether adding information obtained from routine blood tests including hypoxic liver injury (HLI), dysglycemia, anemia, and high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could improve the prognostic performance of the TIMI risk score for the prediction of 1-year mortality. Methods: A total of 1057 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2007 and 2014 were retrospectively enrolled from 4-regional hospitals. HLI and dysglycemia were defined as serum transaminase >twice the normal upper limit and glucose <90 or >250 mg/dL, respectively. The effect of adding biomarkers to the TIMI risk score on its discriminative ability was assessed using c-statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Results: The 1-year mortality rate was 7.1%. The best cutoff value of NLR for the prediction of 1-year mortality was 4.3 (sensitivity, 67%; specificity, 65%). HLI (HR, 2.019; 95% CI, 1.104-3.695), dysglycemia (HR, 2.535; 95% CI, 1.324-3.923), anemia (HR, 2.071; 95% CI, 1.093-3.923), and high NLR (HR, 3.651; 95% CI, 1.927-6.918) were independent predictors of 1-year mortality. When these 4 parameters were added to the TIMI risk score, the c-statistic significantly improved from 0.841 to 0.876 (p<0.001), and the NRI and IDI were estimated at 0.203 (95% CI, 0.130-0.275; p<0.001) and 0.089 (95% CI, 0.060-0.119; p<0.001), respectively. Conclusions: The addition of HLI, dysglycemia, anemia, and high NLR to the TIMI risk score may be useful for very early risk stratification in patients with STEMI receiving primary PCI.
Assessing Health Literacy in Iran: An Image in Two Frames
Authors: Rastegari Hoda , Schulz Peter J.
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to draw a comprehensive picture of patients’ functional and critical health literacy and its association with socio-demographic variables and self-efficacy. We investigated the referrals to Isfahan health centers, in particular the dimensions of reading ability, numeracy and eHealth literacy using two different measures, NVS for the functional and the eHEALS for critical aspects. Methods: For testing individuals with low health literacy, the NVS is a reliable and quick screening tool. eHEALS helps to measure patients’ capabilities in Internet searches. Both of tools are validated in Persian. The measures were administered to a random sample (N = 384), which resembled Iran residents in terms, educational attainment and self-efficacy but not age and gender. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, χ2-test, independent t-test and regression were also used to assess the association between health literacy measures, self-efficacy and predictor variables. Results: More than 60% of our respondents had an inadequate or marginal level of health literacy with NVS, and with eHEALS, more than 50% were classified accordingly. NVS and eHEALS scores showed an association with higher education one of the predictors of health literacy. Higher eHEALS scores were associated with higher self-efficacy. eHEALS provides a valid self-reported assessment of patients’ eHealth literacy, and NVS provides a useful appraisal of patients’ functional health literacy. Conclusions: In our sample, more than 50% of patients had a low level of literacy. eHEALS provides a valid self-reported assessment of patients’ eHealth literacy, and NVS provides a useful appraisal of patients’ functional health literacy. Determining health literacy in patients leads to a better understanding of their perception, application and decision-making in health problems.
Construction of Anti-codon Table of the Plant Kingdom and Evolution of tRNA Selenocysteine (tRNASec)
Authors: Mohanta Tapan Kumar Kumar , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Khan Abdul Latif , Al-Harrasi Ahmed
Published: October 2020

Background The tRNAs act as a bridge between the coding mRNA and incoming amino acids during protein translation. The anti-codon of tRNA recognizes the codon of the mRNA and deliver the amino acid into the protein translation chain. However, we did not know about the exact abundance of anti-codons in the genome and whether the frequency of abundance remains same across the plant lineage or not. Results Therefore, we analysed the tRNAnome of 128 species and reported an anti-codon table of the plant kingdom. We found that CAU anti-codon of tRNAMet has highest (5.039%) whereas GCG anti-codon of tRNAArg has lowest (0.004%) abundance. However, when we compared the anti-codon frequencies according to the tRNA isotypes, we found tRNALeu (7.808%) has highest abundance followed by tRNASer (7.668%) and tRNAGly (7.523%). Similarly, suppressor tRNA (0.036%) has lowest abundance followed by tRNASec (0.066%) and tRNAHis (2.109). The genome of Ipomoea nil, Papaver somniferum, and Zea mays encoded the highest number of anti-codons at 59 each whereas the genome of Ostreococcus tauri was found to encode only 18 isoacceptors. The tRNASec genes undergone losses more frequently than duplication and we found that tRNASec showed anti-codon switch during the course of evolution.Conclusion The anti-codon table of the plant tRNA will enable us to understand the synonymous codon usage of the plant kingdom and can be very helpful to understand which codon is preferred over other during the translation.
Birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of reproductive age in Kenya and Tanzania: a community-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Orwa James , Gatimu Samwel Maina , Mantel Michaela , Luchters Stanley , Mugerwa Micheal A. , Brownie Sharon , Subi Leonard , Mrema Secilia , Nyaga Lucy , Edwards Grace , Mwasha Loveluck , Isangula Kahabi , Selestine Edna , Jadavji Sofia , Pell Rachel , Mbekenga Columba , Temmerman Marleen
Published: October 2020

Background: Delayed health-seeking continues to contribute to preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in low resource countries. Some of the strategies to avoid the delay include early preparation for the birth and detection of danger signs. We aimed to assess the level of practice and factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) in Kenya and Tanzania.Methods: We conducted community-based multi-stage cross-sectional surveys in Kilifi and Kisii counties in Kenya and Mwanza region in Tanzania and included women who delivered two years preceding the survey (2016–2017). A woman who mentioned at least three out of five BPCR components was considered well-prepared. Bivariate and multivariable proportional odds model were used to determine the factors associated with the BPCR. The STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies informed the design and reporting of this study.Results: Only 11.4% (59/519) and 7.6% (31/409) of women were well-prepared for birth and its complications in Kenya and Tanzania, respectively, while 39.7% and 30.6% were unprepared, respectively. Level of education (primary: adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.59, 95% CI: 1.14–2.20, secondary: aOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.39–3.59), delivery within health facility (aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15–2.29), good knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (aOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.80–2.04), labour and childbirth (aOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.93–2.67), postpartum (aOR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.24–5.79), and antenatal care were associated with BPCR (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13–1.78).Conclusion: Overall, most pregnant women were not prepared for birth and its complications in Kilifi, Kisii and Mwanza region. Improving level of education, creating awareness on danger signs during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period, and encouraging antenatal care and skilled birth care among women and their male partners/families are recommended strategies to promote BPCR practices and contribute to improved pregnancy outcomes in women and newborns.
Incident reports involving hospital administrative staff: analysis of data from the Japan Council for Quality Healthcare nationwide database
Authors: Akiyama Naomi , Akiyama Tomoya , Hayashida Kenshi , Shiroiwa Takeru , Koeda Keisuke
Published: October 2020

Background: Task shifting and task sharing in healthcare are rapidly becoming more common as the shortage of physicians increases. However, research has not yet examined the changing roles of hospital administrative staff. This study clarified: (1) the adverse incidents caused by hospital administrative staff, and the direct and indirect impact of these incidents on patient care; and (2) the incidents that directly involved hospital administrative staff. Methods: This study used case report data from the Japan Council for Quality Healthcare collected from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2019, including a total of 30,823 reports. In April 2020, only the 88 self-reported incidents by hospital administrative staff were downloaded, excluding incidents reported by those in medical and co-medical occupations. Data from three reports implicating pharmacists were rejected and the quantitative and textual data from the remaining 85 case reports were analyzed in terms of whether they impacted patient care directly or indirectly.Results: Thirty-nine reports (45.9%) involved direct impact on patient care, while 46 (54.1%) involved indirect impact on patient care. Most incidents that directly impacted patient care involved administrative staff writing prescriptions on behalf of a doctor (n=24, 61.5%); followed by errors related to system administration, information, and documentation (n=7, 17.9%). Most reported errors that indirectly affected patient care were related to system administration, information, and documentation used by administrative staff (n=22, 47.8%), or to reception (n=9, 19.6%). Almost all errors occurred during weekdays. Most frequent incidents involved outpatients (n=23, 27.1%), or occurred next to examination/operation rooms (n=12, 14.1%). Further, a total of 14 cases (16.5%) involved patient misidentification. Conclusions: Incidents involving hospital administrative staff, the most common of which are medication errors from incorrect prescriptions, can lead to severe consequences for patients. Given that administrative staff now form a part of medical treatment teams, improvements in patient care may require further submission and review of incident reports involving administrative staff.
Gemini surfactant assisted synthesis of mesoporous Mn/Mg bimetal doped TiO2 nanomaterial: Characterization and photocatalytic activity studies under visible light irradiation
Authors: Miditana Sankara Rao , Tirukkovalluri Siva Rao , Raju Imandi Manga , Alim Shaik Abdul , Jaishree Genji , Chippada M.L.V. Prasanna
Published: October 2020

The present work mainly aimed to synthesize different weight percentages (0.25-1.00 wt%) of Manganese (Mn2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+) bimetal ions doped TiO2 nanomaterial assisted with different weight percentages (5-15 wt%) of Gemini Surfactant (GS) using sol-gel method. The bimetal doped and undoped TiO2 photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-Visible Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analyzer, and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy. Characterization results revealed that mesoporous multi-particle anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with a narrowed band gap, small particle size, and high surface area were formed due to the combined effect of Mn2+/Mg2+ bimetal ions doping and effective encapsulation of GS over the initially formed TiO2 nanoparticles. The surface elemental composition of the 0.25 wt% Mn2+& 1.00 wt% Mg2+ bimetal doped TiO2 in presence of 10 wt% of Gemini surfactant (after calcination) revealed the presence of both the metal dopants Mn2+ and Mg2+ along with the Ti and O and their chemical interactions were further confirmed by FT-IR results. The photocatalytic activity of these catalysts was assessed by the degradation of Methyl Red (MR) using visible light irradiation. To understand the effect of different reaction parameters on the photocatalytic activity of the nanocatalysts such as the dopant concentration, GS concentration, catalyst dosage, solution pH, and initial dye concentrations were investigated and optimized to achieve the best performance. The photoluminescence results conclude that OH radicals are the crucial reactive species responsible for oxidative photocatalytic degradation of MR.
Factors affecting the technical efficiency of rural primary health care centers in Hamadan, Iran: data envelopment analysis and Tobit regression
Authors: Mohammadpour Saeed , Javan-Noughabi Javad , Najar Ali Vafaee , Zangeneh Moharram , Yousefi Shaghayegh , Nouhi Mojtaba , jahangiri reza
Published: October 2020

Background: Health houses are the most important providers of primary health care to the rural communities of Iran, mainly based on Behvarz workers. The aim of present study was estimate the technical efficiency of Health houses and ascertain factors that affect this efficiency.Methods: This is a Longitudinal study of rural primary health care centers in Hamadan province (2002-2016). Data Envelopment Analysis was employed to estimate technical efficiency of sampled health facilities while Panel Tobit Analysis was applied to predict factors associated with efficiency levels. The outputs were child mortality rate under one year of age and child mortality rate under five years of age. The input was Behvarzes (rural health workers). Results: The results of efficiency analysis showed that the average efficiency scores of the centers had a fluctuating trend during the period of the study, but the average performance scores generally decreased in 2016, as compared with 2002. The highest and lowest average performance scores were observed in 2003 (0.78) and 2013 (0.56), respectively. Number of physicians and rural primary healthcare centers per population had a positive statistically significant and the number of midwives and the total fertility per population had a negative statistically significant effect on efficiency. Conclusions: The findings suggest some level of wastage of health resources in primary health centers. The policy maker and relevant stakeholders should undertake more effective need analysis, optimizing human resource utilization and reducing fertility in rural areas to promote efficiency.
Effect of PTH and corticotomy on implant movement under mechanical force
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Kim Heon-Young , Kim Won-Ho , Kim Jin-Woo , Kim Minji
Published: October 2020

BackgroundOsseointegrated implants are considered as clinically non-movable. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is known to play a significant role in the regulation of bone remodeling and in intermittent, low doses, result in osteoanabolic effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PTH and corticotomy, both under traction force, on osseointegrated implants.MethodsFour implants—two in each hemimandible—were placed in each of the three study mongrels. Each mongrels were designated as control, normal dose PTH (PTH-1), and high dose PTH (PTH-2) groups, with each groups further subdivided into non-surgery implant and surgery implant. After osseointegration, mechanical force with NiTi closed coil springs (500g) was applied around each implants. Corticotomy was performed around one of four implants in each mongrels. Parathyroid hormone was administered locally on a weekly basis for 20 weeks. Clinical movement of the implants were evaluated with the superimposed 3D- scanned data, bone- microarchitectural and histologic examinations.ResultsSuperimposition analysis showed continuous movement of the non-surgery implant of PTH-1 group. Movement was further justified with lowest bone implant contact (adjusted BIC; 44.77%) in histomorphometric analysis. Upregulation of bone remodeling around the implant was observed in the normal dose PTH group. In the surgery implants, the remarkably higher adjusted BIC compared to the non-surgery implants indicated increased bone formation around the implant surface. ConclusionThe results indicate that the catabolic and anabolic balance of osseointegrated implants in terms of bone remodeling can be shifted via various interventions including pharmacological, surgical and mechanical force.Clinical RelevanceUpregulated bone remodeling by PTH and corticotomy under continuous mechanical force showed the possible implications for the movement of osseointegrated dental implant.
Cytoplasm Protein GFAP Magnetic Beads Construction and Application as Cell Separation target for Brain Tumors
Authors: Zhao Yang , Jiang Feng , Wang Qinhua , Wang Baocheng , Han Yipeng , Yang Jian , Wang Jiajia , Wang Kai , Ao Junping , Guo Xunxiang , Liang Xiaofei , Ma Jie
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: It is very important to develop a highly efficient cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) detection system with diagnosis and prediction function, for which the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in CSF is a good choice. In contrast to the past use of epithelial EpCAM as CTCs separation target, a cytoplasm protein of GFAP antibody was first selected to construct highly-sensitive immunomagnetic liposomes (IMLs). The validation and efficiency of this system in capturing CTCs for brain tumors were measured both in vitro and in vivo. The associations between the numbers of CTCs in patients with their clinical characteristics were further analyzed. RESULTS: Our data show that CTCs can be successfully isolated from CSF and blood samples from 32 children with brain tumors. The numbers of CTCs in CSF were significantly higher than those in blood. The level of CTCs in CSF was related to the type and location of the tumor rather than its stage. The higher the CTCs number is, the more possibly the patient will suffer from poor prognosis. Genetic testing in GFAP CTC-DNA by sanger sequencing, q-PCR and NGS methods indicated that the isolated CTCs (GFAP+/EGFR+) are the related tumor cell. For example, the high expression of NPR3 gene in CSF CTCs was consistent with that of tumor tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that GFAP-IML CTCs isolation system, combined with an EGFR immunofluorescence assay of antitumor marker, can serve as a brand-new method for the identification of CTCs for brain tumors. Via lumbar puncture, a minimally invasive procedure, this technique may play a significant role in the clinical diagnosis and drug evaluation of brain tumors.
A prospective study of the muscle strength and reaction time of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscles in patients with plantar fasciitis
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Jung Hae Woon , Jang Woo Young
Published: October 2020

Background: Muscle weakness is an important etiological factor in plantar fasciitis (PF), but available data on the role of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius (GCM) muscles are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the strength and reaction time of the quadriceps, hamstring, and GCM muscles and foot pressure between patients with PF and normal controls. Methods : A total of 21 PF patients and 21 normal controls were enrolled. Muscle strength was measured by the peak torque per body weight (Nmkg −1 × 100). Muscle reaction time was evaluated by the acceleration time (AT, milliseconds). Foot pressure and posture were assessed by pedobarography [valgus/varus index (VV index), %]. Results : The strength of the quadriceps was significantly lower in the affected ankles of the PF group than in the control group ( p = 0.005). The AT of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was significantly increased in the affected ankles of the PF group than in the control group (quadriceps: p = 0.012, hamstring: p = 0.001), while the AT of the GCM muscle was significantly decreased ( p = 0.009) and significantly correlated negatively with quadriceps muscle strength (r= -.598, p = 0.004) and AT (r = -.472, p = 0.031). Forefoot ( p = 0.001) and hindfoot ( p = 0.000) pressure were significantly greater, with the VV index showing hindfoot valgus, in the affected ankles in the PF group compared to the control group ( p = 0.039). Conclusions : This study demonstrated weakness and delayed reaction time of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, with a rapid reaction time of the GCM muscle, in patients with PF. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians and therapists should assess the function of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles when planning the management of PF patients without muscle tightness.
Bidirectional association between serum carcinoembryonic antigen and metabolic syndrome among the Chinese male population: two cohort studies
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Du Zhao-Hui , Ji Jia-Dong , Li Jing-Ru , Bi De-Ming , Tang Fang
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Previous studies have shown that serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is independently associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, these studies were mainly cross-sectional analyses, and cause was not clarified. In the present study, two bidirectional cohort studies were conducted to investigate the bidirectional associations between CEA and MetS using a Chinese male sample cohort.Methods: The initial longitudinal cohort included 9,629 Chinese males enrolled from January 2010 to December 2015. Two bidirectional cohorts were conducted in the study: subcohort A (from CEA to MetS, n=6,439) included participants without MetS at baseline to estimate the risk of developing incident MetS; subcohort B (from MetS to CEA, n=8,533) included participants without an elevated CEA level (Hyper-CEA) at baseline to examine the risk of developing incident Hyper-CEA. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.Results: In subcohort A, the incidence densities of MetS among participants with and without Hyper-CEA were 84.56 and 99.28 per 1000 person-years, respectively. No significant effects of Hyper-CEA on incident MetS were observed in subcohort A (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.12; P=0.326). In subcohort B, a higher incidence density of Hyper-CEA was found among participants with Mets (33.42 and 29.13 per 1000 person-years for those with and without MetS, respectively). For nonsmoking participants aged > 65 years, MetS increased the risk of incident Hyper-CEA (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.20; P=0.022).Conclusion: For the direction of CEA on incident MetS, no significant association was observed. For the direction of MetS on incident Hyper-CEA, MetS in nonsmoking elderly men could increase the risk of incident Hyper-CEA, while this association was not found in other stratified participants. The clinical implications of the association between CEA and MetS should be interpreted with caution.
An ultra-low magnetic field thermal demagnetizer for high-precision paleomagnetism
Authors: Qin Huafeng , Zhao Xiang , Liu Shuangchi , Paterson Greig , Jiang Zhaoxia , Cai Shuhui , Li Jinhua , Liu Qingsong , Zhu Rixiang
Published: October 2020

Thermal demagnetization furnaces are widely used paleomagnetic facilities for progressive removal of naturally acquired magnetic remanence or the imparting of well controlled laboratory magnetization. An ideal thermal demagnetizer should maintain “zero” magnetic field in the sample chamber during thermal treatments. However, magnetic field noises, including the residual magnetic fields of the construction material and the induced fields caused by the alternating current (AC) in the heating element are always present, which can contaminate the paleoamgnetic results at the elevated temperatures or especially for the magnetically weak samples. Here, we designed a new structure of heating wire named “straight core solenoid” to develop a new demagnetization furnace with ultra-low magnetic field noise. Simulation and practical measurements show that the heating current magnetic field can be greatly reduced by using the new technology. Thermal demagnetization experiments demonstrate that the new demagnetizer can yield low noise results even for weakly magnetic samples.