bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinctive Expression of Bone Metabolism-related Genes between PBMCs from Condylar Hyperplasia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Amirzargar Reza , Shirani Gholamreza , Raisian Shokoufeh , Davoudi Maryam , Aslani Saeed , Poursani Shiva , Khanmohammadi Shaghayegh , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Bayat Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and wingless (Wnt) signaling molecules and their antagonists, such as sclerostin and noggin, have been identified to have different effects on bone metabolism. This research intended to evaluate the transcript levels of CTNNB1 (catenin beta 1protein), SOST (sclerostin protein), BMP4 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 protein), and NOG (noggin protein) bone metabolism-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from condylar hyperplasia (CH) patients in comparison to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and healthy individuals. PBMCs were separated from blood samples of 10 patients with CH, AS, RA, and 10 healthy controls. SYBR Green real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for quantitative analysis of CTNNB1, SOST, BMP4, and NOG messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The expression of CTNNB1 was significantly upregulated in CH and AS patients compared with healthy individuals and RA patients. The difference of SOST expression was not significant between all groups. The BMP4 expression was significantly downregulated in AS, CH, and RA patients compared with healthy controls. The NOG expression was downregulated in RA, AS, and CH groups, however, it was only significant in CH and RA patients compared with controls.CH and AS patients were distinguished from RA by the upregulatedCTNNB1 expression. These results demonstrated that CTNNB1, BMP4, and NOG, but not SOST, may contribute to the pathogenesis of CH, AS, and RA.
How to Assess Founder Effect in Patients with Congenital Factor XIII Deficiency
Authors: Shahraki Hojat , Dorgalaleh Akbar , Fathi Majid , Tabibian Shadi , Teimourian Shahram , Mollanoori Hasan , khiabani Alireza , Zaker Farhad
Published: October 2020

Congenital factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is an extremely rare bleeding disorder (RBD) with estimated prevalence of one per 2 million in the general population. The disorder causes different clinical manifestations such as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), recurrent miscarriage, umbilical cord bleeding, etc. High incidence of the disorder might be due to founder effect. To assess founder effect, haplotype analysis is an important step. For this purpose, suitable and reliable genetic markers such as microsatellites (Hum FXIIIA01 and HumFXIIIA02) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are suggested. In the present study we tried to describe evaluation of founder effect in patients with congenital FXIII deficiency via haplotype analysis using suitable genetic markers.
Stability indicating analytical method development and validation of eltrombopag olamine in tablet dosage form by RP-UPLC
Authors: PATEL Ajay I , GOSAI Shweta , JADAV Kajal , VYAS Amit J. , PATEL Ashok B , PATEL Nilesh K
Published: October 2020

A simple, precise and accurate stability indicating isocratic Reverse Phase Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatographic (RP-UPLC) method was developed for quantitative determination of Eltrombopag olamine in the presence of degradant products. The method was developed using Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column with mobile phase containing a mixture of water (pH 3 with 30 % formic acid) and acetonitrile in ratio 30:70. The eluted compound was monitored at 244 nm and run time was within 2 min. Eltrombopag olamine was subjected to the stress condition of oxidative, acid, base, thermal and photolytic degradation. The drug was found to degrade significantly in acid, base and oxidative stress condition and stable in thermal and photolytic degradation condition. The degradation products were well resolved from main peak, providing stability indicating power of the method. The developed method was validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guideline with Linearity range was between 25-75 μg/ml, % Recovery range was found as 99.8-101.9 and Precision was found as RSD less than 2.
Winners and Losers in the American Political Debates of the Nation’s Health: An Ethical and Moral Dilemma
Authors: Davis Sheila P.
Published: October 2020

The third and final issue of the Online Journal of Health Ethics for 2020 presents two poignant articles that are rankled with current health ethics and moral issues as the world races to a resolve for the COVID pandemic. There appears to be no easy, quick-fix solutions to the pandemic that has claimed over 1.11 million lives worldwide in this first wave. The Gellert article addresses his view of the U.S. government’s political response and the Gunn article presents an ethical perspective of the emerging promised vaccine to halt the virus.
An Epidemiological View of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election: COVID-19 and the Ethics of Science Denial
Authors: Gellert George A.
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 is exploiting U.S. political and cultural polarization in the first presidential election to be driven by epidemiology and public health. Medical science is on the ballot as Americans’ views on economic re-opening fracture according to party affiliation. The difference between pro aggressive versus incremental re-opening, mask wearing and social distancing is rooted in respect for, or denial of, the science of epidemiological pandemic disease control. Political leaders at multiple levels, and in particular the president, have politicized the wearing of face masks and so intentionally obscured and misinformed the public regarding the objectively and scientifically proven value of these protective measures. The presidential election rests at a fundamental level upon an individual choice of whether to accept or “believe” value-neutral, evidence-based science or an unethical decision to be swayed by political disinformation. The persistent and highly dysfunctional political and cultural polarization of the U.S. is now enabling and reinforcing the ethics of science denial, while driving the nation’s public health fate and near- to medium-term economic outcomes. However, mask wearing, social distance and sheltering are not political expressions, and the right to freedom of expression does not include behaviors that produce or could produce serious, and in the case of this pandemic, deadly impact on other citizens. One does not have the right to forms of political or other expression that kill or make ill other individuals.
Biofilm Formation and Methylene Blue-mediated Photodynamic Inactivation of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in the Sea Food Industry
Authors: Zhang Xiaoting , Wu Qian , Tang Shuze , W Riley William , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: October 2020

This study was conducted to better understand the mechanism of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus biofilm formation and to assess the inactivation effects of methylene blue-mediated photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology as a preventative measure. Optical microscopy, following crystal violet staining, was used to observe the kinetics of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm formation. The crystal violet-based assay was performed in microtiter plates, and it was employed to determine which factors were most influential in the formation of the biofilms. Colony counting and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to test the inactivation effect of methylene blue-mediated photodynamic technology on the biofilms. V. parahaemolyticus has the ability to form biofilms, as evidenced by their immediate adherence to glass surfaces and rapid maturity, within 24 h. High (7%) or low (0.5%) salinity was not conducive to the formation of biofilms, and rotational speed greater than 130 rpm also inhibited the process. A 4.05 log reduction in the concentration of viable biofilm cells was obtained with 100 μg/mL methylene blue and 20 min irradiation (24.996 J/cm2), but planktonic cells were more susceptible to the methylene blue-mediated photodynamic reaction (5.46 log reduction). The results presented here show that the methylene blue-mediated PDI technology is an effective means to inactivate V. parahaemolyticus by disrupting its membrane integrity and to inhibit the pathogen’s formation of protective biofilms. This technology is a valid tool that can be used to enhance food safety in the sea food industry.
Religious Violence Through Lens of Cavanaugh’s Theory: The Case of Burning Vihara in Tanjungbalai
Authors: Tuhri Mufdil
Published: October 2020

The incident of burning houses of Buddhist worship and destruction of ethnic Chinese dwellings in Tanjungbalai occurred on 29-30 July 2016. Local communities, regional leaders, security forces and some religious leaders considered this incident to be motivated by religious issues and ignored several other factors such as ethnicity, social political economy and so on, while many observers-academic, researchers, policy-makers, journalists, NGO workers, political commentatirs, among others- argues that religious violence analysis really motivated by material-based political interests, socio-economic reason, and others factor of secular ones and dismissed the religious framing of the violence. This research is based on Cavanaugh's theory that there is no purely religious or other ideological factor that is seen as dominant for the occurrence of violence. This article argues that religion plays a role in conflict dynamics in Tanjungbalai as an instrumental reason, but at the same time, attacks on Buddhist temples in Tanjungbalai are complex issues that do not purport to reveal the true state of affairs. What is apparent in riot in Tanjungbalai is competition from religion and secular factor including competition over public space, socioeconomic status, religious zoning are suggested as reasons why violent tension may exist in Tanjungbalai.
Vivência familiar da criança hospitalizada com câncer
Authors: Coelho Vieira Rosana Fidelis , Do Espírito Santo Fátima Helena , Lima Fernanda Ferreira da Silva Lima
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: identificar os indicadores científicos sobre a vivência familiar da criança hospitalizada com câncer. Métodos: revisão integrativa de literatura, nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System On-line, Cumulative Index to Nursingand Allied Health e Base de Dados em Enfermagem. Resultados: dezenove artigos, selecionados dentre os 413 publicados, entre 2010 e 2019, cujos principais sintomas analisados foram categorizados em: sentimentos do familiar da criança com câncer; necessidades do familiar da criança com câncer; enfermagem e família no enfrentamento da doença. Conclusão: constata-se o papel relevante da enfermagem, ao contribuir com ações que atendam às dimensões clínicas, afetivas, sociais e emocionais das famílias que precisam ser amparadas e acolhidas, para resgatarem sua
autonomia, construindo com elas relações de confiança, fortalecendo-as para o enfrentamento da doença.
A Study on the Development of Cranial Traction Therapy Program for Facial Non-Symmertric Correction -Utilize Delphi Technique
Authors: Hwang Hea-Ju
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to develop a cranial traction therapy program to help correct facial asymmetry of the hard tissues through the means of the treatment of soft tissues—a non-surgical therapeutic method for the correcting of facial asymmetry. We have formed a group of experts who have agreed to the study. In the primary survey, open questions were used. In the second survey, the results of the first survey were summarized and the degree of agreement was presented to the questions in each category. In the third survey, we conducted a statistical analysis of the degree of agreement on each item of question. All surveys also performed email. The distribution was calculated using the SPSS (ver.23.0) program, and the mean difference between the result and X² was calculated. The significance level was set to p<.05. Most of the questions attained a certain level of consensus by the experts (average of 4.0 or higher), it can be said that most are important and suitable questions. the results regarding the degree of importance for each of the points of evaluation made by the groups of experts in both the second and third stage of the cranial traction therapy program were verified using content validity ratio (CVR 77). The ratio for the cranial traction 13 points of evaluation was within the range of 0.40∼1.00, so the Delphi program for the cranial traction therapy verified that the content was valid.
Key Aspects of Algorithmization of Collaborative Educational and Cognitive Activity of Students at a Technical University in the Conditions of Digitalization of Education
Authors: Odynokaya Maria , Popova Nina , Almazova Nadezhda , Rubtsova Anna , Krylova Elena , Sheredekina Oksana
Published: October 2020

This article presents a quantitative assessment of pedagogical support aimed at improving collaborative education at a modern technical university. The article analyzes the structural composition of the universal communicative competence in a foreign language to identify the advantages of the proposed content detailization. An algorithm for constructing educational and speech actions of students with the use of collaborative digital technology, regarding the monitoring and control of tools, is developed and theoretically justified. Microsoft Teams is offered as a platform for implementing digital collaborative learning technology. The didactic possibilities and methodological functions of Microsoft Teams in foreign language teaching are revealed. The digital technology of the collaborative learning algorithm is relevant for building collaborative actions is relevant, since it contributes to the development of the ability to solve common professional tasks. The algorithm of the dialogic communication, including problem, contradiction, conflict, intellectual difficulty, having general professional context as a stimulus to enhance the interaction in pair work is proposed as pedagogical support. The analysis and quantitative assessment of students' oral responses showed that the dialogue in a foreign language, based on the algorithmic component, is more structured and stimulates students' communication on relevant professional-oriented topics.
Projeto Educabella: ações educativas para prevenção da violência contra a mulher nas escolas municipais de Ipojuca
Authors: Nascimento dos Santos Iraneide , Morais de Amorim Nayelli Clara , Da Silva Ysllaini Virgínia , Da Paz L. do Nascimento Luana , Mirelli Vasconcelos Viana Rafaela , Silva de Aguiar Alexsandro , Aguiar Teixeira Rezende Ana Paula
Published: October 2020

O objetivo deste texto é descrever as ações de educação em saúde promovidas por discentes do Programa de Extensão do Curso de Segurança do Trabalho do Instituto Federal de Pernambuco (IFPE) com adolescentes do ensino fundamental das escolas municipais de Ipojuca/PE sobre violência contra a mulher. Trata-se de um relato de experiência embasado na vivência prática do Projeto “Educabella”, desenvolvido no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2019. As ações educativas do projeto foram fundamentadas nos princípios da pesquisa-ação, que teve a estratégia da oficina educativa para promover maior envolvimento e participação das estudantes na apresentação e discussão do tema. Nas atividades educativas foram abordados os seguintes assuntos, a saber: o que é violência; formas de violência; consequências da violência para a saúde; a lei Maria da Penha e o ligue 180; e  empoderamento feminino. Todas as escolas selecionadas foram atendidas, sendo dez escolas alcançadas e 339 adolescentes participantes. Como resultados,  nas visitas às escolas observou-se que a ação educativa proporcionou a construção de novos saberes sobre a violência contra a mulher, na qual houve participação ativa e grande interesse das adolescentes pelo assunto, pois a didática empregada permitiu a aquisição de novos conhecimentos a partir de um processo educativo-participativo. A experiência das discentes do curso de segurança em atividades de educação em saúde sobre violência contra a mulher no âmbito escolar, mostrou-se relevante para viabilizar a essas a aquisição de novas habilidades em ações educativas, como também, para difundir o conhecimento sobre violência contra a mulher às adolescentes.
Plantas medicinais: uma estratégia na educação em saúde infanto-juvenil
Authors: Lopes de Oliveira Gisele , Santos Ferreira Emília Gabriela , Dos Santos Gildásio Warllen , Gomes da Silveira Carla Ladeira , Oliveira Santos Genison , Martins Liziane
Published: October 2020

A implementação de pesquisas sobre saúde no âmbito escolar infantil, por meio de estratégias educacionais dentro de uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, contribui para uma melhor compreensão do conceito ampliado de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer os “saberes” sobre plantas medicinais e promover a sensibilização na integralização da saúde e do ambiente, por meio de práticas pedagógicas, de estudantes de 4º e 5° anos da na Escola Municipal Professor Moabh Cristal Félix, Teixeira de Freitas, Bahia. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de questionários semiestruturados, exposições dialogadas e de oficinas educativas, alicerçadas em três eixos temáticos: “O que é saúde?”, “O segredo das plantas” e “Terra, minha casa”. Foi levantado que 68 utilizam plantas medicinais. O chá foi a forma de uso mais citada (88), seguida do xarope (37). As principais plantas citadas pelos estudantes foram erva-cidreira (54); boldo (37); capim da lapa (35); erva-doce (24) e hortelã (10). A maioria das plantas eram colhidas nas próprias residências (74) e na de vizinhos (24); 42% dos estudantes relataram que as mães manipulavam as plantas, seguidas das avós, com 27 %, e dos pais, 11%. É interessante ressaltar que 74% dos estudantes não consideram que as plantas também podem causar mal à saúde. As oficinas contribuíram para incorporar novas concepções do que é saúde, valorizar os benefícios das plantas medicinais, bem como atentar para o autocuidado, que deve partir de um contexto individual e ambiental.
Jardim sensorial: o paisagismo como ferramenta de inclusão social e educação ambiental
Authors: Cardozo Machado Evelise , Arantes de Barros Dalmo
Published: October 2020

Este artigo é resultado de um projeto de extensão realizado na Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, unidade acadêmica de Passos, onde a construção de um Jardim Sensorial foi utilizada para a realização de atividades de educação ambiental e inclusão social, voltadas a deficientes visuais. Jardins sensoriais são idealizados a fim de estimular os sentidos do corpo humano por meio de plantas e materiais presentes no local, gerando benefícios múltiplos que incluem desde o bem-estar ao resgate de memórias. Para a realização desse jardim, foi elaborado um projeto de paisagismo, representando graficamente seu layout e selecionando plantas, especialmente pelos seus potenciais organolépticos, e materiais. As visitas foram realizadas de maneira guiada, nas quais o público pôde seguir por uma trilha sensorial, experimentando com os pés a sensação de diversos materiais, passando por setores onde cada planta cumpriu o seu papel sensitivo, podendo ser tocada, cheirada e, em alguns casos, degustada. As atividades realizadas no local incluíram explicações sobre a morfologia das diferentes espécies ali presentes, suas formas de uso e cultivo, além de dinâmicas interativas. Posteriormente, os visitantes realizaram o preenchimento de um questionário para avaliar as sensações e o aprendizado gerados com a visita. Por fim, o jardim sensorial mostrou-se como oportunidade significante de fornecer conhecimento e bem-estar de maneira inclusiva, cumprindo o papel social da universidade na comunidade, e proporcionando, especialmente àqueles que necessitam de apoio social, experiência de proximidade com a natureza e de despertar da consciência ambiental.
­­Lyme borreliosis in Finland: A register-based linkage study
Authors: Feuth Eeva , Virtanen Mikko , Helve Otto , Hytönen Jukka , Sane Jussi
Published: October 2020

Background: In Finland, the routine surveillance of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is laboratory-based. In addition, we have well established national health care registers where countrywide data from patient visits in public health care units are collected. In our previous study based on these registers, we reported an increasing incidence of both microbiologically confirmed and clinically diagnosed LB cases in Finland during the past years. Here, we evaluated our register data, refined LB incidence estimates provided in our previous study, and evaluated treatment practices considering LB in the primary health care. Methods: Three national health care registers were used. The Register for Primary Health Care Visits (Avohilmo) and the National Hospital Discharge Register (Hilmo) collect physician-recorded data from the outpatient and inpatient health care visits, respectively, whereas the National Infectious Diseases Register (NIDR) represents positive findings in LB diagnostics notified electronically by microbiological laboratories. We used a personal identification number in register-linkage to identify LB cases on an individual level in the study year 2014. In addition, antibiotic purchase data was retrieved from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution in order to evaluate the LB treatment practices in the primary health care in Finland. Results: Avohilmo was found to be useful in monitoring clinically diagnosed LB (i.e. erythema migrans (EM) infections), whereas Hilmo did not add much value next to existing laboratory-based surveillance of disseminated LB. However, Hilmo gave valuable information about uncertainties related to physician-based surveillance of disseminated LB and the total annual number of EM infections in our country. Antibiotic purchases associated with the LB-related outpatient visits in the primary health care indicated a good compliance with the recommended treatment guidelines. Conclusions: Avohilmo and laboratory-based NIDR together are useful in monitoring LB incidence in Finland. A good compliance was observed with the recommended treatment guidelines of clinically diagnosed LB in the primary health care. In 2018, Avohilmo was introduced in the routine surveillance of LB in Finland next to laboratory-based surveillance of disseminated LB.
An immunochemistry-based screen for chemical inhibitors of DNA-protein interactions and its application to human CGGBP1
Authors: Patel Manthan , Patel Divyesh , Datta Subhamoy , Singh Umashankar
Published: October 2020

Background Inhibition of DNA-binding of proteins by small-molecule chemicals holds immense potential in manipulating the activities of DNA-binding proteins. Such a chemical inhibition of DNA-binding of proteins can be used to modulate processes such as replication, transcription, DNA repair and maintenance of epigenetic states. This prospect is currently challenged with the absence of robust and generic protocols to identify DNA-protein interactions. Additionally, much of the current approaches to designing inhibitors requires structural information of the target proteins. Methods We have developed a simple dot blot and immunodetection-based assay to screen chemical libraries for inhibitors of DNA-protein interactions. The assay has been applied to a library of 1685 FDA-approved chemicals to discover inhibitors of CGGBP1, a multifunctional DNA-binding protein with no known structure. Additional in vitro and in cellulo assays have been performed to verify and supplement the findings of the screen. Results Our primary screen has identified multiple inhibitors of direct or indirect interactions between CGGBP1 and genomic DNA. Of these, one inhibitor, Givinostat, was found to inhibit direct DNA-binding of CGGBP1 in the secondary screen using purified recombinant protein as the target. DNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reinforced the findings of the screen that Givinostat inhibits CGGBP1-DNA binding. Conclusions The assay we have described successfully identifies verifiable inhibitors of DNA-binding of protein; in this example, the human CGGBP1. This assay is customizable for a wide range of targets for which primary antibodies are available. It works with different sources of the target protein, cell lysates or purified recombinant preparations and does not require special equipment, DNA modifications or protein structural data. This assay is scalable and highly adaptable with the potential to discover inhibitors of transcription factors with implications in cancer biology.
Spatial distribution and associated factors’ of Early Marriage among Reproductive age women in Ethiopia: A Secondary Data Analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016.
Authors: Tadesse Zemenu Tessema
Published: October 2020

Background: Besides, the presence of national law, the country has to set up its own mid-term and long term goals to bring about a significant reduction in child marriages in Ethiopia. As my search concerned, there is no study conducted on the spatial distribution of early marriage in Ethiopia. Determining the spatial distribution of early marriage and factors associated is important for government, other concerned bodies, program implementers, and policy developers to end up early childhood marriage. Thus, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of Early marriage among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. Methods: This study analyzed retrospectively a cross-sectional data on a weighted sample of 11,646 reproductive age women after requesting from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016. ArcGIS and SaTScan software were for spatial analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with early marriage. Finally, variables with a p-value of less than or equal 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: In this analysis, about 62.8% (95%CI: 61.9, 63.74%) of the study participants were married before they reached 18 years. The overall median age at first marriage was 17.1 with IQR 5 years. The high clustering of early marriage was located in Amhara, Afar, and Gambella Regions. In spatial Scan statistics, 87 clusters (RR = 1.28) significant primary clusters were identified. The associated factors of early marriage were lesser among women’s attending primary (AOR=0.60; 95%CI: 0.51, 0.71), secondary (AOR=0.19; 95%CI: 0.13, 0.26) and tertiary education (AOR=0.11; 95%CI: 0.07, 0.18). Similarly, women found in Addis Ababa were at a lesser risk of early marriage compared to other regions of the country. Conclusion: Marriage below age 18 is high in Ethiopia. High-risk area of early marriage was located in Amhara, Afar, and Gambella. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should design an effective intervention in these regions to reduce Early marriage. Therefore, providing educational opportunities to young girls was important in addition to inhibiting the marriage of girls under 18 years.
Number of long-term inpatients in Japanese psychiatric care beds: trend analysis from the Patient Survey and the 630 Survey
Authors: Okayama Tatsushi , Usuda Kentaro , Okazaki Emi , Yamanouchi Yoshio
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe number of psychiatric care beds and the mean length of stay in psychiatric care beds in Japan have decreased over the past 10 years. However, as has long been indicated here and elsewhere, Japan lags behind other countries in terms of deinstitutionalization. Furthermore, the population of inpatients in psychiatric care beds is aging dramatically. In addition to the diversification of mental illness, the question of what measures to implement going forward regarding current psychiatric bed resources has emerged as a new challenge.MethodsUsing data from the Patient Survey and the 630 Survey, we examined trends in the number of long-term inpatients in psychiatric care beds in Japan through 2040. Population estimation was used for estimating long-term hospital bed demand because of small fluctuations in the admission and discharge of long-term inpatients.ResultsIn 2017, nearly one-third of all long-term hospitalized patients were aged ≥75 years, and an estimated 47% of the total are expected to die by 2040. Thus, the overall demand for long-term hospitalization is forecast to decrease sharply due to aging of currently hospitalized long-term inpatients. The number of long-term inpatients in 2017 was 167,579, and this is projected to decrease to 103,141 in 2040.ConclusionsWe believe it is necessary to adopt a multifaceted approach to promote hospital discharge and transition to the community, and to address the diversification of mental illness and the issue of psychiatric care bed supply/availability, which are forecast to decrease due to the natural decrease in long-term inpatients.
QTL mapping of winter dormancy and associated traits in two switchgrass pseudo-F1 populations: lowland x lowland and lowland x upland
Authors: Razar Rasyidah Mohamad , Missaoui Ali
Published: October 2020

BackgroundSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum) undergoes winter dormancy by sensing photoperiod and temperature changes. It transitions to winter dormancy in early fall following at the end of reproduction and exits dormancy in the spring. The duration of the growing season affects the accumulation of biomass and yield. In this study, we conducted QTL mapping of winter dormancy measured by fall regrowth height (FRH) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), spring emergence (SE), and flowering date (FD) in two bi-parental pseudo-F1 populations derived from crosses between the lowland AP13 with the lowland B6 (AB) with 285 progenies, and the lowland B6 with the upland VS16 (BV) with 227 progenies. ResultsWe identified 18 QTLs for FRH, 18 QTLs for NDVI, 21 QTLs for SE, and 30 QTLs for FD. The percent variance explained by these QTLs ranged between 4.21 – 23.27% for FRH, 4.47 – 24.06% for NDVI, 4.35 – 32.77% for SE, and 4.61 – 29.74% for FD. A higher number of QTL was discovered in the BV population, suggesting more variants in the lowland x upland population contributing to the expression of seasonal dormancy underlying traits. We identified 9 regions of colocalized QTL with possible pleiotropic gene action. The positive correlation between FRH or NDVI with dry biomass weight suggests that winter dormancy duration could affect switchgrass biomass yield. The medium to high heritability levels of FRH (0.55 – 0.64 H2) and NDVI (0.30 – 0.61 H2) implies the possibility of using the traits for indirect selection for biomass yield. ConclusionMarkers found within the significant QTL interval can serve as genomic resources for breeding non-dormant and semi-dormant switchgrass cultivars for the southern regions, where growers can benefit from the longer production season.
Is early integration of palliative home care in oncology treatment feasible and acceptable for advanced cancer patients and their health care providers? A phase 2 mixed-methods study.
Authors: Dhollander Naomi , Smets Tinne , De Vleminck Aline , Lapeire Lore , Pardon Koen , Deliens Luc
Published: October 2020

Background: To support the early integration of palliative home care (PHC) in cancer treatment, we developed the EPHECT intervention and pilot tested it with 30 advanced cancer patients in Belgium using a pre post design with no control group. We aim to determine the feasibility, acceptability and perceived effectiveness of the EPHECT intervention. Methods: Interviews with patients (n=16 of which 11 dyadic with family caregivers), oncologists and GPs (n=11) and a focus group with the PHC team. We further analyzed the study materials and logbooks of the PHC team (n=8). Preliminary effectiveness was assessed with questionnaires EORTC QLQ C-30, HADS and FAMCARE and were filled in at baseline and 12, 18 and 24 weeks. Results: In the interviews after the intervention period, patients reported feelings of safety and control and an optimized quality of life. The PHC team could focus on more than symptom management because they were introduced earlier in the trajectory of the patient. Telephone-based contact appeared to be insufficient to support interprofessional collaboration. Furthermore, some family caregivers reported that the nurse of the PHC team was focused little on them. Conclusion: Nurses of PHC teams are able to deliver early palliative care to advanced cancer patients. However, more attention needs to be given to family caregivers as caregiver and client. Furthermore, the home visits by the PHC team have to be further evaluated and adapted. Lastly, professionals have to find a more efficient way to discuss future care.
Socio-economic drivers of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cannon Lesley-Ann Lynnath , Oladimeji Kelechi Elizabeth , Goon Daniel Ter
Published: October 2020

Background: Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) remains a public health concern due to the high morbidity and mortality rates from the disease. The DR-TB is a multifaceted illness with expensive treatment regimens, toxic medications and most often the long duration of treatment constitutes a substantial financial burden on both infected patients and the health system. Despite significant research advances in the diagnosis and treatment, there is a paucity of synthesized evidence on how socio-economic factors are associated with DR-TB. This review aims to address this gap by synthesizing available evidence and data on the common socio-economic drivers of DR-TB infection in Africa.Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PUBMED and Google Scholar databases from January 2011 to January 2020 using Joanna Briggs Institute’s scoping review approach. An updated search was conducted on 21 September 2020. The eligibility criteria only included systematic reviews and studies with quantitative research methods (cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, and randomized-control trials). Studies conducted in Africa and focusing on socio-economic factors influencing DR-TB burden in African countries were also considered. Data was extracted from all the studies that met the eligibility criteria based on the study’s objectives.Results: Out of the 154 articles that were retrieved for review, 20 abstracts of these articles met all the eligibility criteria. Of the 20 articles, 17 quantitative and 3 reviews. 2 additional articles were found eligible, following the updated search. The following themes were identified as major findings: Social and economic drivers associated with DR-TB. Substance abuse of which, stigma and discrimination were the prominent social drivers. Economic drivers included poverty, financial constraints because of job loss, loss of productive time during hospital admission and treatment costs.Conclusion: This review has highlighted which socio-economic factors contribute to DR- TB This is relevant to assist DR-TB management program and TB stakeholders in different settings to address identified socio-economic gaps and to reduce its negative impact on the programmatic management of DR TB. Therefore, redirecting strategies with more focus on socio-economic empowerment of DR-TB patients could be one of the innovative solutions to reduce the spread and eliminate DR-TB in Africa.
Mutation profile of non-small cell lung cancer revealed by next generation sequencing
Authors: Chang Ya-Sian , Tu Siang-Jyun , Chen Yu-Chia , Liu Ting-Yuan , Lee Ya-Ting , Yen Ju-Chen , Fang Hsin-Yuan , Chang Jan-Gowth
Published: October 2020

Background: Precision therapy for lung cancer requires comprehensive genomic analyses. Specific effects of targeted therapies have been reported in Asia populations, including Taiwanese, but genomic studies have rarely been performed in these populations. Method: We enrolled 72 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, of whom 61 had adenocarcinoma, 10 had squamous cell carcinoma, and 1 had combined adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Whole-exome or targeted gene sequencing was performed. To identify trunk mutations, we performed whole-exome sequencing in two tumor regions in four patients. Results: Nineteen known driver mutations in EGFR, PIK3CA, KRAS, CTNNB1, and MET were identified in 34 of the 72 tumors evaluated (47.22%). A comparison with the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset showed that EGFR was mutated at a much higher frequency in our cohort than in Caucasians, whereas KRAS and TP53 mutations were found in only 5.56% and 25% of our Taiwanese patients, respectively. We also identified new mutations in ARID1A, ARID2, CDK12, CHEK2, GNAS, H3F3A, KDM6A, KMT2C, NOTCH1, RB1, RBM10, RUNX1, SETD2, SF3B1, SMARCA4, THRAP3, TP53, and ZMYM2. Moreover, all ClinVar pathogenic variants were trunk mutations present in two regions of a tumor. RNA sequencing revealed that the trunk or branch genes were expressed at similar levels among different tumor regions.Conclusions: We identified novel variants potentially associated with lung cancer tumorigenesis. The specific mutation pattern in Taiwanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer may influence targeted therapies.
Uterine Transcriptome Analysis Reveals mRNA Expression Changes Associated with the Ultrastructure Differences of Eggshell in Young and Aged Laying Hens
Authors: Feng Jia , Zhang Hai-jun , Wu Shu-geng , Qi Guang-hai , Wang J.
Published: October 2020

Background: Lower eggshell quality in the late laying period leads to economic loss. It is a major threat to the quality and safety of egg products. Age-related variations in ultrastructure were thought to induce this deterioration. Eggshell formation is a highly complex process under precise regulation of genes and biological pathways in uterus of laying hens. Herein, we evaluated the physical, mechanical and ultrastructure properties of eggshell and conducted RNA sequencing to learn the transcriptomic differences in uterus between laying hens in the peak (young hens) and late phase (aged hens) of production.Results: The declined breaking strength and fracture toughness of eggshell were observed in aged hen group compared to those in young hen group, accompanied with ultrastructure variations including the increased thickness of mammillary layer and the decreased incidence of early fusion. During the initial stage of eggshell formation, a total of 183 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 125 upregulated and 58 downregulated) were identified in uterus of laying hens in the late phase in relative to those at peak production. The DEGs annotated to Gene Ontology terms related to antigen processing and presentation were downregulated in aged hens compared to young hens. The contents of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in uterus were higher in aged hens relative to those in young hens. Besides, the genes of some matrix proteins potentially involved in eggshell mineralization, such as ovalbumin, versican and glypican 3, were also differentially expressed between two groups.Conclusions: Altered gene expression of matrix proteins along with the compromised immune function in uterus of laying hens in the late phase of production may conduce to age-related impairments of eggshell ultrastructure and mechanical properties. The current study enhances our understanding of the age-related deteriorations in eggshell ultrastructure and provides potential targets for improvement of eggshell quality in the late laying period.
Endoscopically-controlled surgery with open hemi-laminectomy for the treatment of intradural extramedullary tumors: An operative technique and short-term outcomes of 20 consecutive cases
Authors: Yan Xiaorong , Wang Huiqing , Li Cai , Lin Yuanxiang , Lin Lin , Zhu Shinong , Wang Chenyang , Lin Zhangya , Jiang Changzhen , Kang Dezhi
Published: October 2020

Background: To present a surgical technique for the treatment of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors by using endoscopically-controlled surgery with open hemi-laminectomy technique.Methods: In this study, 20 patients with 22 IDEM tumors were enrolled. An endoscopically-controlled surgery with open hemi-laminectomy was employed to remove the tumors. Data related to clinical symptoms and medical images before and after surgery were collected for perioperative evaluation and follow-up analysis.Results: All the tumors in 20 patients were well removed. The clinical symptoms were significantly reduced in all the patients as well. The short term follow-up data showed that there was no tumor recurrence or spinal deformity. Conclusion: The endoscopically-controlled surgery with open hemi-laminectomy technique provided favorable exposure and satisfactory resection to the IDEM tumors. It may be an effective surgical method for treating IDEM tumors. Larger samples and longer follow-up data are needed to verify its long-term effectiveness.
Elevated serum matrix metalloprotease (MMP-2) as a candidate biomarker for stable COPD. 
Authors: Mahor Durga , Kumari Vandana , Vashisht Kapil , Galgalekar Ruma , Samartha Ravindra M , Mishra Pradyumna K , Banerjee Nalok , Dixit Rajnikant , Saluja Rohit , De Sajal , Pandey Kailash C
Published: October 2020

Background: The increasing trend of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in becoming the third leading cause of deaths by 2020 is of great concern, globally as well as in India. Dysregulation of protease/anti-protease balance in COPD has been reported to cause tissue destruction, inflammation and airway remodelling; which are peculiar characteristics of COPD. Therefore, it is imperative to explore various serum proteases involved in COPD pathogenesis, as candidate biomarkers. COPD and Asthma often have overlapping symptoms and therefore involvement of certain proteases in their pathogenesis would render accurate diagnosis of COPD to be difficult. Methods: Serum samples from controls, COPD and Asthma patients were collected after requisite institutional ethics committee approvals. The preliminary analysis qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed various serum proteases by ELISA and mass spectrometry techniques. In order to identify a distinct biomarker of COPD, serum neutrophil elastase (NE) and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) from COPD and Asthma patients were compared; as these proteases tend to have overlapping activities in both the diseases. A quantitative analysis of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the serum of controls and COPD patients was also performed. Statistical analysis for estimation of p-values was performed using unpaired t-test with 95% confidence interval.Results: Amongst the significantly elevated proteases in COPD patients vs the controls- neutrophil elastase (NE) [P <0.0241], caspase-7 [P <0.0001] and matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) [P <0.0001] were observed, along with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [P <0.0001]. The serum dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) [P <0.0010) concentration was found to be decreased in COPD patients as compared to controls. Interestingly, a distinct elevation of MMP-2 was observed only in COPD patients, but not in Asthma, as compared to controls. Mass spectrometry analysis further identified significant alterations (fold-change) in various proteases (carboxy peptidase, MMP-2 and human leukocyte elastase), anti-proteases (Preg. zone protein, α-2 macroglobulin, peptidase inhibitor) and signalling mediators (cytokine suppressor- SOCS-3).Conclusion: The preliminary study of various serum proteases in stable COPD patients distinctly identified elevated MMP-2 as a candidate biomarker for COPD, subject to its validation in large cohort studies.
Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Before Induction of Anesthesia Prevents Sufentanil-Induced Cough: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Xie Junjie , Mo Yunchang , Wang Junkai , Yang Lili , He Haijuan , Wang Junlu
Published: October 2020

Background. Sufentanil-induced cough is a common side effect during the induction of general anesthesia.This study is to determine the inhibitory effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS) on sufentanil-induced cough.Methods. A total of 339 patients were recruited in this trial.After the unqualified patients were removed,300 patients were enrolled and randomly allocated into five groups(n=60):Patients did not receive TEAS in control group(C group);Patients received 2Hz TEAS at Hegu/Neiguan(LI4/PC6) in 2A group;Patients received 100Hz TEAS at LI4/PC6 in 100A group;Patients received 2Hz TEAS at Zusanli/sanyinjiao(ST36/SP6) in 2B group;Patients received 100Hz TEAS at ST36/SP6 in 100B group.Except for C group,all groups received TEAS for 30 min before the induction.Then 0.5μg/kg sufentanil was given within 2 s,the occurrence of cough was observed and recorded for 1 min.The severity of cough was graded as mild(1-2 coughs),moderate(3-5 cough),and severe(>5 coughs).The mean arterial pressure(MAP) and heart rate(HR) before (T0) and 1 min after(T1) sufentanil injection were recorded.Results. The incidence of sufentani-induced cough in C group,2A group,2Bgroup,100A group and 100B group were 37%,27%,27%,12% and 13%,respectively.Compared with C group,the incidence of 100A group and 100B group were significantly lower(P<0.05).The MAP and HR between five groups had no statistical difference.Conclusion. Groups the received 100Hz TEAS for 30 min before sufentanil injection can effectively reduce the incidence of sufentanil-induced cough during the induction of general anesthesia.Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registry(ChiCTRINR16008759)
Effects of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Electrolyte Drinks on Preoperative Hypokalemia Incidence in Patients Scheduled for Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tan Fang , Deng Yingqing , Hu Jingping , Gong Chulian , Zhu Qianqian , Zhou Shaoli
Published: October 2020

Background: In our previous study, hypokalemia incidence was high in patients scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal resection. The present trial was conducted to verify the effects of preoperative carbohydrate drinks containing potassium in these patients.Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to control, placebo, and case groups. In control group, patients were fasted from midnight. In placebo group, patients were fasted from midnight and received carbohydrate drinks 2–3 h before surgery. In case group, patients were fasted from midnight and received carbohydrate drinks containing potassium supplementation 2–3 h before surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence and severity of preoperative hypokalemia. The other outcomes included postoperative gastrointestinal function, including the time to postoperative first flatus (FFL) and first feces (FFE) and other complications. Results: The final analysis included 122 participants. The incidence of preoperative hypokalemia in case group was significantly lower than that in control and placebo groups (50% vs. 88.1% vs. 77.5%, p < 0.001). The severity of hypokalemia in control and placebo groups was greater than that in case group. No regurgitation or aspiration occurred in the three groups. No significant differences were observed among the three groups regarding time to FFL and FFE. Conclusions: Preoperative carbohydrate drinks containing potassium may have significantly reduced the incidence of preoperative hypokalemia and improved preoperative thirst and hunger, but did not improve postoperative well-being. However, as part of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, preoperative carbohydrate drinks containing potassium should be recommended, as early as first admittance to hospital. Trial registration: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at www.chictr.org on February 7, 2017 (registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-17010561).