bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of de novo mutations in a schizophrenia case-parent trio by induced pluripotent stem cell based in vitro disease-modeling: Convergence of schizophrenia and autism-related cellular phenotypes
Authors: Hathy Edit , Szabó Eszter , Varga Nóra , Erdei Zsuzsa , Tordai Csongor , Czehlár Boróka , Baradits Máté , Jezsó Bálint , Koller Júlia , Nagy László , Molnár Mária Judit , Nemoda Zsófia , Homolya László , Apáti Ágota , Réthelyi János M
Published: August 2020

Background: De novo mutations (DNMs) have been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia (SZ), a chronic debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, cognitive dysfunction and decreased community functioning. Several DNMs have been identified by examining SZ cases and their unaffected parents, however in most cases the biological significance of these mutations remains elusive. To overcome this limitation, we have developed an approach of using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from each member of a SZ case-parent trio, in order to investigate the effects of DNMs in cellular progenies of interest, particularly in dentate gyrus neuronal progenitors. Methods: We identified a male SZ patient characterized by early disease onset and negative symptoms, who is a carrier of 3 non-synonymous DNMs in genes LRRC7, KHSRP, and KIR2DL1. iPSC lines were generated from his and his parents’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells using Sendai virus-based reprogramming and differentiated into neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) and hippocampal dentate gyrus granule cells. We used RNASeq to explore transcriptomic differences, and calcium (Ca 2+ ) imaging, cell proliferation, migration, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial assays to characterize the investigated NPC lines. Results: NPCs derived from the SZ patient exhibited transcriptomic differences related to Wnt-signaling, neuronal differentiation, axonal guidance and synaptic function, and decreased Ca 2+ reactivity to glutamate. Moreover, we could observe increased cellular proliferation, and alterations in mitochondrial quantity and morphology. Conclusions: The approach of reprograming case-parent trios represents an opportunity for investigating the molecular effects of disease-causing mutations, and comparing these in cell lines with reduced variation in genetic background. Our results are indicative of a partial overlap between schizophrenia and autism-related phenotypes in the investigated family. Limitations: Our study investigated only one family, therefore the generalizability of findings is limited. We could not derive iPSCs from two other siblings to test for possible genetic effects in the family that are not driven by DNMs. The transcriptomic and functional assays were limited to the NPC stage, although these variables should also be investigated at the mature neuronal stage.
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): New diagnostic indices for co-morbidity of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: xu feifan , qu shengyan , Wang lin , Qin Yongwei
Published: August 2020

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are global health diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Few studies have focused on platelet indices in TB-DM coinfection patients. The objective of this work was to analyze the platelet indices in TB, DM and TB-DM patients to assess the predictive value of the platelet index for the risk of these diseases.Methods: In total, 246 patients admitted to our hospital were distributed into three groups (113 TB, 59 DM and 74 TB+DM). A total of 133 individuals were also recruited as healthy controls (HC). Platelet indices, namely, platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT) and platelet distribution width (PDW), were compared among the four groups, and the relationship with inflammatory markers was explored by using statistical software.Results: Our study discovered that MPV and PCT were significantly downregulated in TB+DM patients (9.95±1.25 fL, 0.20±0.05%, P<0.0001, P=0.0121, separately) compared with DM individuals (10.92±1.17 fL, 0.22±0.04%). Moreover, the changes in MPV were significantly higher in TB+DM patients (9.95±1.25 fL, P=0.0041) than in TB patients (9.42±1.01 fL). No differences were found in PLT and PDW among the four groups (P>0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of MPV in the differential diagnosis of DM patients vs TB+DM patients were 64.9% and 66.1% (P<0.0001), respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of MPV between TB patients and TB+DM patients was 60.8% and 66.4%, respectively (P=0.003). MPV improved the diagnosis sensitivity when it was combined with clinical parameters, such as fasting blood glucose in DM and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture result in TB (76.3% vs 64.9%, 72.6% vs 60.8%, P<0.0001, P=0.001, respectively). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of PCT in the differential diagnosis of DM patients vs TB+DM patients were 69.5% and 59.4%, respectively (P=0.008). PCT improved the diagnosis sensitivity when combined with fasting blood glucose in DM (72.9% vs 64.9%, P=0.004). In addition, MPV was linked to CRP (C-reactive protein) [Ed1] and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) in the TB+DM patients (r = 0.3203, P =0.0054, r = 0.2504, P=0.0307) but PCT was not (r = 0.1905, r = 0.008675, P>0.05, respectively).Conclusions: Our research shows that MPV and PCT might be good clinical laboratory markers to distinguish TB+DM patients from TB or DM individuals, thus providing support for earlier clinical diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.When defining abbreviations and acronyms, please be consistent in whether it is the abbreviated or spelled-out form that appears in parentheses. Some journals request a specific style, so please review the journal's guidelines.
A practical nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wen Qian , Wang Xinwen , Wang Xiaoye , Bai Tiao , Tao Mei
Published: August 2020

Background: It has limitations in predicting patient cancer-specific survival to use of the traditional American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system alone. Objectives: We aimed to establish and evaluate a comprehensive prognostic nomogram and compare its prognostic value with the AJCC-7th staging system in adults diagnosed with ccRCC.Methods: We used the SEER database to identify 24477 cases of ccRCC between 2010 and 2015. In the development cohort, we used multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analyses to select significant variables, and used R software to establish a nomogram for predicting the 3-year and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates of ccRCC patients. In the development and validation cohorts, we compared our cancer-specific survival model with the AJCC-7th prognosis model to evaluate the performance of the nomogram by calculating the concordance index (C-index), Youden Index, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and performing calibration plotting and decision curve analyses (DCAs). Results: Eleven identified independent prognostic factors were used to establish the nomogram. Age at diagnosis, being unmarried, higher grades, larger tumor size, higher AJCC-7th stage, lymph node metastases, bone metastases, liver metastases, lung metastases, radiotherapy, and no surgery were risk factors for the cancer-specific survival of ccRCC. The C-index, Youden Index, AUC, NRI, IDI, and calibration plots demonstrated the good performance of the nomogram compared to the AJCC-7th staging system. Moreover, the 3-year and 5-year DCA curves showed that the nomogram yielded net benefits that were greater than the traditional AJCC-7th staging system. Conclusion: This study is the first to indicate that married status is an important prognostic parameter in ccRCC. Our results also demonstrate that the developed nomogram can predict cancer-specific survival more accurately than the AJCC-7th staging system alone. The prognostic factors were easily obtained.
IMP-2005: an injury mortality prediction according to the Abbreviated Injury Scale 2005
Authors: Wang Muding , Qiu Wusi , Zhang Guohu , Zeng Yunji , Fan Wenhui , Wang Xueming , Shen Yi
Published: August 2020

Background: It has been 45 years since the injury severity score (ISS) was first introduced. The method is flawed in traumatic death prediction but still widely used. Based on the abbreviated injury scale 1998 (AIS_98), there is a relatively more accurate trauma scoring method that assesses the injury mortality prediction (IMP) and trauma mortality prediction model (TMPM) with the regression model. Currently, AIS 2005 (AIS_05) is widely used around the world for trauma scores. This article assesses whether the IMP-2005, an AIS_05 based model, is better than the ISS in predicting trauma results. Methods: Retrospective cohort study is based on the data of 1,198,885 injured patients in the National Trauma Data Bank hospitalized from 2012 to 2014. We established an injury mortality prediction (IMP-2005) model using AIS trauma codes (version 2005) and compared its performance with that of ISS by examining area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) statistic, and the Akaike information criterion.Results: IMP-2005 behaves significantly both better discrimination (ROCIMP-2005, 0.904; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.900 to 0.908 and ROCISS, 0.844; 95% CI, 0.839 to 0.850) and calibration (HLIMP-2005, 37.7; 95% CI, 19.8 to 53 and HLISS, 221; 95% CI, 167 to 268) compared with ISS. Both models showed changes after the inclusion of gender, age, GCS, mechanism of injury, and mechanical ventilator, but the expansion of IMP-2005 still dominated ISS in every performance.Conclusions: The IMP-2005 provides far more improvement in discrimination and calibration compared with the ISS and accurate predictions of mortality. Therefore, we believe that this is a new and feasible scoring method of trauma research and should replace the ISS.
The Binding Behaviors between Cyclopentanocucurbit[6]uril and Three Amino Acids in the Solid and the Solution Phases
Authors: Cheng Si Yuan , Zhao Wei Wei , Yang Xi Nan , Wei Lian Tong , Tao Zhu , Ma Peihua
Published: August 2020

Binding behaviors between CyP6Q[6] and three amino acids have been investigated by means of X-ray crystallography, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, amino acids and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The results showed that CyP6Q[6] forms a 1:2 inclusion complex with glycine, but 1:1 complexes with both leucine and lysine. Whereas the carboxyl group of glycine can enter the interior of the cavity of CyP6Q[6], only the alkyl chains of leucine and lysine can enter this cavity. Interestingly, leucine can adopt two different self-assembly modes upon its interaction with cucurbituril, depending on the external conditions, whereas glycine and lysine do not exhibit such behavior.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Alcohol and Tobacco Use by Bivariate Probit Model in Turkey
Authors: Alkan Ömer , Abar Hayri , Gençer Özge
Published: August 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice among Malaysian in facing COVID-19 During the Implementation of Movement Control Order
Authors: Samah Asnarulkhadi Abu , muhammad mahazan , Sulaiman Abdul Hadi , Harun Siti Rahah
Published: August 2020

Background: The rapid acceleration in the number of hospitalizations and deaths of COVID-19 has attracted global attention and caused worldwide fear. In mid-March 2020, Malaysia has recorded the highest COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia. As an immediate response, the Malaysian government has imposed Movement Control Order (MCO) to break the chain of infection and slow down the pandemic widespread. By mid-May 2020, R naught in Malaysia is at 0.3 as compared to 3.55 in mid-March 2020. Understanding the public’s knowledge, awareness, and reaction toward COVID-19 during the outbreak in the general population is paramount to give a real picture of the public’s responses in curbing the COVID-19 widespread. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of social distancing among Malaysians during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional study presents results from 3211 respondents by answering questionnaires through an online survey from 24 - 26 March 2020, one week after MCO was imposed. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test (χ²) statistic ware used to test whether the data from two or more groups of categories are associated with social distance practice.Results: Almost half of the respondents have an excellent level of knowledge (47.6%) and a positive attitude (47.4%) towards the COVID-19. Interestingly, more than half of the respondents (67.5%) performed good social distancing practice, while 30% exercised strict social distancing practice. A chi-square test shows that there is a significant association between knowledge and social distancing practice and no significant association between attitudes and social distancing practice. Conclusions: There is no COVID-19 vaccine nor herd immunity obtained yet, therefore the social distancing practice is the effective mechanism adopted to reduce the COVID-19 widespread, and Malaysia has proven it.
Identifying Public Stakeholders Effective on Mental Health Promotion in Iran
Authors: Damari Behzad , Esmaili Mohammad Reza Amir , rafiee noora , Hajebi Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Background: It is not always easy to put mental health on the agenda of sectors other than the health sector. However, it is now confirmed that mental health promotion policies need innovations beyond the scope of the health sector to be efficient. Thus, in this study, an attempt was made to identify the most effective stakeholders of the public sector in the field of mental health promotion in Iran to help the policy-makers of said sector and to encourage the inter-sectoral cooperation and further involvement of these effective sectors in mental health promotion plans.Methods: This was a mixed-methods study. From the data of the first step (literature review and a survey involving professors of relevant disciplines), the names of government agencies related to the domain of mental health were extracted. In the second step, a checklist was developed, the horizontal axis of which was the relevant organizations and the vertical axis was the social risk factors effective on mental health promotion. The data of this step were analyzed by the simple additive weighting method. In the final step, a table was plotted in the form of institutional mapping in order to summarize the organizations affecting each risk factor.Results: The Islamic Consultative Assembly, the Ministry of Interior, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Education were identified as five organizations with the greatest impacts on the social determinants of mental health promotion in Iran. Conclusions: Significant impacts can be exerted by institutions such as the Islamic Consultative Assembly (as the legislator), the Ministry of Interior and its subsidiary entities such as municipalities and governors (as the administrators of homeland security and support for safe and appropriate urban and local facilities), the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (as the national media), the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare (as the institution in charge of employment, job security, and social welfare), and the Ministry of Education (as the educational institution of the country).
Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Health-Related Quality of Life among People with Serious Mental Illness in Supportive Housing
Authors: Stefancic Ana , Lu Nathaniel , Wang Xiaoyan , Bochicchio Lauren , Weatherly Christopher , Roth Kimberly , Cabassa Leopoldo J
Published: August 2020

Background: Given indications of widening disparities in mortality for people with serious mental illness, understanding and reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improving health-related quality of life is an urgent public health priority. This study examined CVD risk factor clustering, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and their correlates among people with SMI who were overweight/obese (i.e., BMI ≥ 25) and living in supportive housing. Methods: Baseline data were used from participants enrolled in a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a peer-led healthy lifestyle program. univariate analyses were used to describe the distribution of individual risk factors and the cumulative number of CVD risk factors. Bivariate and regression analyses were used to explore correlates of individual CVD risk factors, the cumulative number of risk factors, and HRQoL Physical and Mental Health Composite Scores. Results: Participants were 48.7 years old, on average (sd = 11.6) and the majority identified as male (57.3%) and as racial/ethnic minorities (82%; primarily non-Hispanic black). Most participants (75.4%) had at least two co-occurring CVD risk factors and almost half (46.7%) had three or more, most commonly obesity, smoking, and hypertension. Prevalence of individual risk factors, particularly smoking and diabetes, varied by demographic and clinical characteristics. Identifying as female, older age, and taking second generation antipsychotic medication were associated with having more co-occurring CVD risk factors, while having completed high school was associated with fewer risks. Number of co-occurring CVD risk factors, identifying as female, and greater psychiatric symptoms were negatively associated with physical HRQoL. Older age, lower psychiatric symptoms, and greater internal locus of control were positively associated with mental HRQoL.Conclusion: Even when compared to other studies examining CVD risk among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, our study sample generally had higher rates of clustering of multiple risk factors, highlighting the need for urgent intervention among those living in supportive housing. Demographic and clinical factors further identify those who may have the highest risk as well as factors that may adversely affect perceived health status and functioning. Reducing CVD risk and improving HRQoL will likely require expanding access to quality care, adapting intervention approaches to subpopulations, and providing increased support to facilitate health behavior change and perceived control for modifiable risk factors.Trial Registration: This trial was registered through ClinicalTrials.gov on June 26, 2014. The registration number is NCT02175641.
Factors Influencing Women’s Perceptions of Choice and Control During Pregnancy and Birth: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Leahy-Warren Patricia , Mulcahy Helen , Corcoran Paul , Bradley Roisin , O'Connor Mary , O'Connell Rhona
Published: August 2020

Background Women across the world value choice and control throughout their maternity care experiences. In response to this health policy and frameworks are adapting and developing. The concepts of choice and control are extrinsically complex and open to interpretation by healthcare professionals and service users, with the two not necessarily aligning. Depending on a number of factors, women’s experiences of choice and control within the same maternity care system may be very different. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing women’s perceptions of choice and control during pregnancy and birth in Ireland.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using an adapted version of the questionnaire from the UK national maternity experience survey (National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit). During 2017, a sample of 1,277 women were recruited from the postnatal wards of three maternity units and a tertiary maternity hospital. Poisson regression was used to assess the association between twelve factors and a series of measures of the women’s perception of choice and control. Results The majority of women were multiparous (64%), aged over 30 years (79%), educated to third level (82%), of Irish nationality (85%) and accessed public maternity care (76%). Most women reported not having choice in the model or location of their maternity care but most reported being involved enough in decision-making, especially during birth. Women who availed of private maternity care reported higher levels of choice and control than those who availed of public maternity care. This factor was the most influential factor on almost all choice and control measures.Conclusion Most women experiencing maternity care in Ireland report not having choice in the model and location of care. These are core elements of the Irish maternity strategy and significant investment will be required if improved choice is to be provided. Availing of private maternity care has the strongest influence on a woman’s perceived choice and control but many women cannot afford this type of care.
Is COVID-19 a risk factor of DVT in orthopaedic trauma surgery? A prospective study
Authors: Agar Anıl , Gunes Orhan , Sahin Adem , Kılıc Bulent , Dogan Sumeyra , Kocatas Ali , Gulabi Deniz , Erturk Cemil
Published: August 2020

Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the radiological and laboratory parameters of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who underwent surgery for a lower extremity fracture in our COVID-19 care units in terms of DVT.Patients and Methods: Patients who were operated on due to lower extremity fracture between 10 March and 1 May and diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated prospectively. Patients’ age, gender, affected side, fracture location, fracture type, COVID-19 radiological or clinical symptoms and Doppler USG and biochemical markers screening for DVT were evaluated.Results: Thirty patients, ages 39-88, were included in the study. Preoperative D-dimer value of the patients was mean 5.9 mg / L. In all the patients, the D-dimer level was above the normal range. The mean troponin value was 0.025 ng / mL preoperatively. The troponin value was found to be normal in 8 patients and above the normal value in 22 patients. On physical examination, DVT findings were present in 1 patient and DVT was detected in 2 patients on doppler ultrasound.Conclusion: It can be recommended that extra attention should be given to vascular complications in COVID-19 positive trauma patients, as both the effect of trauma itself increases hypercoagulability and COVID-19 disease seems to have the potential to increase hypercoagulability.
Prevalence of Bedbugs infestation, Crowding and Awareness level among Government boarding Secondary school students in Moshi urban, Tanzania
Authors: Massawe Peter Raphael , Wahhay Ezekiel Emanuel , Gideon Baraka , Kitau Jovin , Mushi Amedeus L.
Published: August 2020

Background. Bedbug infestation is the worldwide problem according to World Health Organization, and the infestation is characterized by biting reactions including systemic, cutaneous reactions and sometimes psychological disturbance. Prevalence of bedbug infestation is low (6%) in developed countries while in Sierra Leone is 98% and Tanzania is 56% in which is tremendously high. As the bedbug infestation is among neglected conditions and because of high prevalence in Tanzania, the studies to determine this burden, some risk factors (crowding) and awareness among specific populated communities especially schools is inevitable for planning strategies in eradication of bedbug.Objective. To determine the prevalence of bedbug infestation, crowding and awareness level among boarding government secondary school students in Moshi Urban.Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2018 at Moshi Urban in Kilimanjaro region. The structured standard questionnaire was used to obtain the demographics information of participants, asses awareness. Personal observation was used to determine prevalence and crowding in the corresponding student’s dormitories. Results. The prevalence of bedbug infestation was 58.1% (223) among 384 study participants. Logistic regression analysis showed that 72.6% of the students with bedbug infestation were found to be living in the overcrowded dormitories. There was association between overcrowd and bedbug infestation (OR=2.50, 95%CI (1.63-3.83) P=0.001. Only 32.7% of the infested students involved in this study were aware with bedbugs (OR=0.8795% CI (0.56-1.35) P=0.54. Conclusion. The overall prevalence of bedbug infestation was found to be high among students living in the overcrowded dormitories and those who were not aware on bedbug biology and behavior, transmission, control and prevention ways. Education concerning bedbugs is needed to increase the community awareness together with management of number of student in accordance to the available facilities and resources.
The views of medical students about e-learning during pandemic of COVID-19 in Iran
Authors: Afshari Poorandokht , Abedi Parvin , Eslami Kaveh , Rokhafrooz Dariush , Maraghi Elham , Beheshtinasab Maryam
Published: August 2020

Background: Iran affected by coronavirus since early March 2020 and all schools and universities were closed. Medical universities of Iran introduced e-learning system in late March 2020. The aim of this study was to evaluate the views of universities’ students about e-learning.Method: This was a cross-sectional study in which 600 medical students in medical universities of Iran were recruited. A questionnaire included 54 questions was used to collect data. The views of medical students on five subscales including quality of content, effective interactions, the supporting system, virtual class management, and motivation management were measured. Data analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test and the Spearman correlation coefficient.Results: The scores of quality of content, effective interaction, supporting systems, the management of virtual classes and management of the motivations were 20.42±7.12, 22.55±8.16, 7.47± 2.89, 12.66 ± 4.43, and 17.26 ± 5.70 respectively. These scores show that the mean of five subscales was in the medium range. Participants with moderate computer skill, high-speed internet and very good access got more score in all five subscales of e-learning (p<0.0001). Time had a reverse correlation with quality of content, and positive correlation with management of virtual system and management of motivation. The costs only showed a reverse correlation with effective interaction (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Iranian medical students had some challenges with e-learning such as high volume of content presented by professors, lack of interaction with professors, weak supporting system, weak management of e-learning system and low motivation. It seems that Iranian e-learning system for the optimal use, should be upgraded and professors and students should receive adequate training in this regard.
Evaluation on the Effects of a New Integrated Health Management Service Model on People With Risk Factors for Dyslipidemia
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Shuang , He Yi-Ni , Wu Bin , Wu Ying , Yu Kai , Qi Dian-Jun , Yu Xiao-Song
Published: August 2020

Background: Dyslipidemia is a factor affecting the occurrence and development of many chronic diseases. With its prevalence increasing year by year, dyslipidemia has caused a huge burden of disease and economy in China and even the world. Appropriate health management is imperative for people with risk factors for dyslipidemia. However, the traditional health management service models mainly focus on the population with chronic diseases. Therefore, we need to establish new models of health management services to more appropriately manage people with risk factors for dyslipidemia. Methods: Among the 5 administrative districts with a population of more than 100,000 in Shenyang, 23 community health service centers with an average daily outpatient number of more than 50 were selected. A total of 5,032 subjects with risk factors for dyslipidemia who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Using prospective cohort study methods. The subjects were followed up for 24 months. They were randomly divided into control group and test group , and received integration of general practice and personalized disease prevention in health management (IGPDP) or traditional health management services, respectively. We analyzed and compared changes in disease prevention, health protection, and health promotion between the two groups at baseline, 12 months after the intervention, and 24 months after the intervention.Results: In terms of disease prevention, we found that after the intervention, participants' behavioral risk factors (smoking, diet, sedentary) improved and their health literacy improved. In terms of health protection, we observed a decrease in BMI (biological risk factor), a gradual improvement in blood lipid levels, and an overall increase in quality of life scores. In terms of health promotion, after the intervention, the proportion of the subjects willing to accept the contracted services of general practitioners increased.Conclusion: IGPDP can effectively cultivate healthy lifestyle of subjects, improve health literacy, reduce biological risk factors, reduce the risk of dyslipidemia, and improve subjects' quality of life. IGPDP is conducive to improving the service quality of general practitioners, the trust of the general public, and facilitating the establishment of a hierarchical medical system.
Associations Between Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain and Preterm Birth: a Cohort Study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Guo Yiyang , Xiong Chao , Zhou Aifen , Hu Ronghua , Yang Rong , Du Yukai
Published: August 2020

Background Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Methods This cohort study was designed to investigate the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI, total gestational weight gain (GWG), and GWG during early pregnancy with PTB utilizing data of 83,096 Chinese women from the Maternal and Children Healthcare Information Tracking System of Wuhan, China. Results Women who were underweight, overweight or obese prior to pregnancy had an overall elevated risk of PTB, compared to their normal weight counterparts. Women with total GWG below the IOM recommendation had an increased risk of PTB compared to women who had GWG within the recommendation, whereas an increasing risk of PTB was observed asweekly early pregnancy GWGincreased. When stratified by subtypes of PTB, pre-pregnancy underweight was associated with higher risk of spontaneous PTB, and pre-pregnancy overweight /obese increased the risk of both spontaneous PTB and medically indicated PTB. Women with total GWG below the IOM recommendation had elevated risk for spontaneous PTB and PROM, and women with GWG above the recommendation had decreased risk for all three subtypes of PTB, whereas risk for the three subtypes of PTB increased along with increasing weekly GWG of early pregnancy. Conclusions Maternal underweight, overweight/obesity, total GWG, and GWG during early pregnancy should be considered in combination to reduce the risk of PTB, women should modify their weight gains during pregnancy according to the results.
The efficacy and safety of tacrolimus suppositories in patients with localized ulcerative colitis
Authors: Omote Shizuma , Toyokawa Tatsuya , Sumii Ryohei , Nakanishi Akira , Kadowaki Yuka , Hara Yuta , Fushimi Takashi , Noma Yasuhiro , Fujita Isao , Horii Joichiro , Murakami Takako , Kaneyoshi Toshihiko
Published: August 2020

Background

Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor used for the treatment of 5-Amino-salicylic acid (5-ASA) and systematic corticosteroid refractory ulcerative colitis. However, systemic administration of tacrolimus could lead to many adverse events. Therefore, we used tacrolimus suppositories as a local therapeutic agent and examined its efficacy and safety with strict blood concentration monitoring.
Methods

Sixteen patients with ulcerative colitis were administered a 0.5-mg tacrolimus suppository once daily. In cases with an insufficient clinical effect, additional amounts, at an increment of 0.5 mg of tacrolimus, were administered. The blood concentration was measured two weeks after the start of treatment or any dose change and every four weeks thereafter.
Results

The partial Mayo score was 5.31 before the start of treatment, and it decreased significantly after 2 (2.56, P = 0.001), 4 (1.53, P < 0.001), and 8 (1.47, P = < 0.001) weeks of treatment. The median duration of tacrolimus treatment was 24 (range 2–96) weeks, and 6 patients were treated continuously for more than one year after the pMayo score improved. No exacerbation of adverse events during the treatment regimen was observed. The effects and safety of tacrolimus suppositories were verified with strict blood concentration monitoring.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the application of tacrolimus suppositories is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis.
Placental expression of FADS1, FADS2, FADS3 desaturases in selected pregnancy pathologies
Authors: Bobiński Rafał , Mazurek Urszula , Zmarzły Nikola , Ulman-Włodarz Izabela , Dutka Mieczysław , Pollok-Waksmańska Wioletta , Pielesz Anna , Hajduga Maciej , Bujok Jan , Pająk Celina
Published: August 2020

Background: The period of intrauterine development is a key period in human development. Its progress largely depends on the function of the placenta, which is responsible for the transportation and biosynthesis of fatty acids. Desaturation enzymes play a key role in placental fatty acid metabolism. The expression of genes coding for desaturases may be associated with pregnancy abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the transcriptional activity of the placental genes Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 (FADS1), Fatty Acid Desaturase 2 (FADS2) and Fatty Acid Desaturase 3 (FADS3) in women who gave birth to: appropriate for gestational age (AGA), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preterm birth (PTB) infants. Method: The study took place at the Tychy Specialist Hospital in Poland. 34 pregnant women aged 21-37 years old took part. The placental samples were taken from a site about 2-3 cm away from the umbilical cord attachment. The collected tissue sections were stored, according to the manufacturer’s protocol, in RNAlater (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO, USA), until required for molecular analysis. The expression profile of FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 was determined by RT-qPCR. Results: In terms of the FADS1 and FADS2 genes, there was no difference in the expression between the groups. However, differences in the expression of the FADS3 gene were found. Analysis of the transcriptional activity of the FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 genes in most of the examined groups showed significant differences. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the transcriptional activity of genes changes with the severity of intrauterine disorders and is associated with foetal lipid disorders linked to a greater accumulation of fat in the foetal tissues.
2D/3D Perovskite Engineering Eliminates Interfacial Recombination Losses in Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sutanto Albertus Adrian , Caprioglio Pietro , Drigo Nikita , Hofstetter Yvonne , Benito Ines Garcia , Queloz Valentin , Neher Dieter , Nazeeruddin MOHAMMAD KHAJA , Stolterfoht Martin , Vaynzof Yana , Grancini Giulia
Published: August 2020

Engineering two-dimensional (2D) / three-dimensional (3D) perovskites has emerged as an attractive route to efficient and durable perovskite solar cells. Beyond improving the surface stability of the 3D layer and acting as a trap passivation agent, the exact function of 2D/3D device interface remains vague. Here, we provide evidence that 2D/3D perovskite interface that forms a p-n junction is capable to reduce the electron density at the hole-transporting layer interface and ultimately suppress interfacial recombination. By a novel ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) depth-profiling technique, we show that engineering of the 2D organic cations, in this case by simply varying the halide counter ions in thiophene methylammonium-salts, modifies the 2D/3D perovskite energy alignment. These measurements enable the true identification of the energetic across the 2D/3D interface, so far unclear. When integrated in solar cells, due to the electron blocking nature of the 2D layer, the optimized 2D/3D structures suppress the interfacial recombination losses, leading to open-circuit voltage (VOC) which approaches the potential internal Quasi-Fermi Level Splitting (QFLS) voltage of the perovskite absorber. The devices exhibit an improved fill factor (FF) driven by the enhanced hole extraction efficiency and reduced electron density at the 2D/3D interface. We thus identify the essential parameters and energetic alignment scenario required for 2D/3D perovskite systems in order to surpass the current limitations of hybrid perovskite solar cell performances.
Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding on Intestinal Flora in Rats with Ovariectomized Osteoporosis
Authors: Shi Na , Zhang Chuqiong , Han Long , Ouyang Gang
Published: August 2020

Background: To evaluate the effect of acupoint embedding on intestinal flora in rats with ovariectomized osteoporosis. Methods: Thirty-two 3-month-old female SD rats were randomized into four groups: Group A without operation or treatment, Group B treated with the sham operation, Group C treated with the operation and without any treatment, and Group E treated with operation and acupoint embedding therapy. The osteoporosis animal model was generated by removing bilateral ovaries of rats, and unilateral "Shenshu"(BL23) and "Zusanli" (ST36) of rats were selected for embedding therapy every time. The therapy was performed once every 1 week for 12 consecutive weeks. Results: The bone mineral density of femur and tibia and the estrogen levels in Group E are statistically higher than those in Group C (p<0.05). The Beta diversity analysis shows the difference in the diversity and abundance of flora between Group A and Group C is statistically significant (p<0.01). In Group E, the abundance of probiotics such as firmicutes and bacteroidetes at the phylum level, lactobacillaceae, lachnospiraceae, muribaculaceae, and bacteroidaceae at the family level, lactobacillus gasseri, lactobacillus reuteri, lactobacillus intestinalis, and bacteroides acidifaciens at the species level is higher than those in Group C. The contents of short-chain fatty acid in Group E are significantly higher than those in Group C (p<0.05). Conclusion: Acupoint catgut embedding can improve bone density and increase the estrogen level in rats with osteoporosis, which maybe attributed to regulating composition and abundance of intestinal flora, and increasing the content of short-chain fatty acids.
Transformational leadership encourages residents’ job crafting in surgical training: A mixed-methods study of residents’ perceptions
Authors: DOMINGUEZ LUIS CARLOS , Dolmans Diana , Grave Willem de , Donkers Jeroen , Sanabria Alvaro , Stassen Laurents
Published: August 2020

Background Supervisors’ leadership style can enhance resident performance, especially in terms of their ability to deal with the demands in the workplace and to take advantage of the available resources. Dealing with job demands and resources is known as job crafting, which has implications for the persistence of residents in training. The link between supervisors’ leadership style and residents’ job crafting, however, is not well understood.Methods This mixed-methods study sought to explore the relationships between a transformational (team-oriented), transactional (task-oriented), and laissez-faire (passive) supervisory style and residents’ job crafting and to explain these relationships. Residents filled out the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire to rate their supervisors’ leadership style and the Dutch job-crafting scale to assess their own job crafting. We tested the relationships using linear mixed effects regression analysis. To explain the ensuing results, we subsequently conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with residents.Results One hundred and sixteen residents from 7 surgical programs participated. A transformational leadership style had a positive effect on residents’ job crafting (b = 0.19; 95% CI 0.08–0.32; p = 0.009), whereas the transactional and laissez-faire styles did not. This could be explained by the fact that residents felt their transformational supervisors had a positive influence on the atmosphere for training and on the job resources available to them, and considered them positive role models for how to handle the demands of the environment.Conclusion In residents’ view, a transformational style is positively related to the ability to craft their jobs and therefore has implications for their persistence in training. Future research should explore supervisors’ perspective on this relation and the effectiveness of leadership training for supervisors with a focus on resident outcomes, such as job crafting and persistence in training.
Effects of Xiao-Ban-Xia-Tang Formula on Cisplatin and 1-phenylbiguanide Hydrochloride Induced Emesis and Gut Microbiota in the Pica Model of Rats
Authors: Yang Yanhong , Feng Xiaodi , Chen Siqi , Meng Qi , Cheng Qianqian , Nie Ke
Published: August 2020

Background: In this study, the effects of Xiao-Ban-Xia-Tang (XBXT) formula on cisplatin and 1-phenylbiguanide hydrochloride (1-PBG) induced acute and delayed emesis and gut microbiota were studied in the pica model of rats, compared with ondansetron. Methods: Two rat models of cisplatin and 1-PBG induced pica were established, the amount of kaolin intake was observed, and the effects of XBXT and ondansetron on the gut microbiota were further studied by 16S rDNA gene analysis. Results: The results showed that the total intake of kaolin of the rats injected with cisplatin and 1-PBG was significantly increased, and treatment of XBXT and ondansetron could significantly ameliorate the acute and delayed pica induced by cisplatin and 1-PBG. The 16S rDNA gene analysis has shown that the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota of the cisplatin and 1-PBG treated rats was significantly decreased compared with the control group, and ondansetron could further decrease the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota of the rats treated with cisplatin. Ondansetron significantly decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes on phylum level in the cisplatin and 1-PBG treated rats, while XBXT only decreased Firmicutes in the cisplatin treated rats. Conclusions: XBXT was as effective as ondansetron in the treatment of acute and delayed pica induced by cisplatin and 1-PBG in rats. Ondansetron was more likely to cause gut microbiota dysbiosis than XBXT. Our study provided new avenues for the roles and mechanisms of XBXT on the prevention and treatment of CINV.
Non-Invasively Distinguishing Progress of Liver Fibrosis by Visualizing Hepatic Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor-Beta Expression with an MRI Modality in Mice
Authors: Wu Ling , Huang Xiao-quan , Li Na , Xie Cao , Rao Sheng-xiang , Chen Shi-yao , Li Feng
Published: August 2020

Background: Activated hepatic stellate cells are the most critical cell responsible for liver fibrosis. In liver fibrogenesis, platelet-derived growth factor is the most prominent mitogen for hepatic stellate cells. This study aims to explore the potential of gadolinium (Gd)-labeled cyclic peptides (pPB) targeted to platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiotracer to identify the progress of liver fibrosis by imaging hepatic PDGFR-β expression. Results: Hepatic PDGFR-β expression level was found to be paralleled with the severity of liver fibrosis, which was increased with the progression of fibrosis and reduced with the regression. Majority of cells expressing PDGFR-β was determined to be activated hepatic stellate cells in fibrotic livers. Culture-activated human hepatic stellate cells expressed abundant PDGFR-β, and FITC-labeled pPB could bind to human hepatic stellate cells in a concentration and time dependent manner. With Gd-labeled pPB as a tracer, an MRI modality demonstrated that the relative hepatic T1-weighed MR signal value was increased progressively along with severity of hepatic fibrosis and reduced with the remission. Conclusion: Hepatic PDGFR-β expression reflects the progress of hepatic fibrosis, and MR imaging using Gd-labeled pPB as a tracer may distinguish different stages of liver fibrosis in mice.
Heparinized Chitosan/hydroxyapatite Scaffolds Stimulate Angiogenesis in CAM Assay: Future Proangiogenic Materials to Promote Neovascularization to Accelerate Bone Regeneration
Authors: Nájera-Romero Griselda V , Yar Muhammad , Rehman Ihtesham U
Published: August 2020

Formation of blood vessels during bone regeneration represents a major challenge for tissue engineered constructs. Poor revascularization can lead to scaffold failure and consequently, leads to non-healing fracture. Heparin is known to bind with angiogenic growth factors influencing the process of new blood vessels formation. There are several problems associated with the use of growth factors in clinic such as low stability, controlled delivery to the site, and price. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of heparin to produce pro-angiogenic bone regeneration materials. Chitosan/hydroxyapatite freeze-gelled scaffolds were prepared and loaded with heparin. Different concentrations of heparin were successfully loaded onto the scaffolds, its release from the scaffold was analysed by toluidine blue assay and their angiogenic effect was evaluated by chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay to determine the optimal concentration of heparin to induce a proangiogenic effect. It was noted that low heparin concentrations exhibited a positive effect, with approximately 28 µg per scaffold indicating a significant increment in blood vessels. The synthesized materials showed no cytotoxic effects when evaluated by using U2OS cell line.
Mother-child HIV-1 transmission in the departments of Mono and Couffo in Benin: incidence and associated factors in 2019
Authors: Koudokpon Hornel , Dougnon Victorien , Kissira Sètondji Islamiath , Gnimatin Jean-Pierre , Oussou Alida , Tossa Reine , Degbelo Gilbert , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Ahoussinou Clément
Published: August 2020

Background: Despite worldwide success of introducing HIV testing and treatment with antiretroviral drugs, HIV remains a real public health problem. Vertical mother-child transmission is a form responsible for many cases of new infections. This study was therefore carried out in order to reduce the prevalence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in the departments of Mono and Couffo. Method: For this purpose, a total of 374 dry blood spots (DBS) were collected from infants born to HIV-positive mothers during the year 2019, and these DBS were used for the molecular diagnosis of HIV1 in these infants. Information on the type of treatment, the type of diet of infants was also collected. The viral loads of the mothers before delivery were determined after the last antenatal visits. To do so, a venous blood sample was taken from an EDTA tube. These different samples were used for DNA extraction. The early diagnosis of these infants as well as the determination of the viral load were carried out by RT-PCR using the Roche automated system. The results were analyzed with the chi-square test on the SPSS software. Result: The results showed that 51% of the newborns included in the study were male and the vast majority of the newborns were in the 0-6 month age group. 93.41% of the newborns included in this study were tested negative for early detection by RT-PCR. Significant links were observed between the early diagnosis of newborns and the mother's mode of feeding, the PMTCT protocol, and the viral load of the mothers. Monoprophylaxis was predominant in the newborn PMTCT protocol (96.28%). Conclusion: The national program for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child deserves to be continued and strengthened with the objective of zero newborns infected at birth in the departments of Mono and Couffo.