bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticulum cell (CIRC) tumor in the lymph node: a case report of the transformation from the epithelioid cell type to the spindle cell type
Authors: Kaji Sachiko , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Sasai Daisuke , Nagashima Makoto , Ohe Rintaro , Yamakawa Mitsunori
Published: September 2020

Background

Cytokeratin-positive interstitial reticulum cells (CIRCs), which are a subgroup of fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), are known to be present in the lymph nodes. There have been only a few cases of tumors derived from CIRCs.

Case presentation

We have reported a new case involving a CIRC tumor in a 75-year-old man and reviewed the literature. The resected mediastinal lymph nodes showed epithelial-like proliferation of large atypical round and polygonal epithelioid cells. The tumor cells expressed CK8, CK18, CAM5.2, AE1/AE3, epithelial membrane antigen, vimentin, fascin, and some FRC markers, which is consistent with the diagnosis of a CIRC tumor. Following chemotherapy, the CIRC tumor was observed to have responded very well and became difficult to confirm on imaging, but a small cell lung carcinoma developed 12 months later. Chemoradiotherapy was performed, but the patient passed away 29 months after the initial diagnosis. The autopsy revealed the recurrence of the CIRC tumor, residual small cell lung carcinoma, and a very small latent carcinoma of the prostate. The relapsed CIRC tumor cells had a spindle shape; they were highly pleomorphic and had invaded the superior vena cava.

Conclusion

We first reported autopsy findings of CIRC tumors and demonstrated the transformation of the tumor from the epithelioid cell type to the spindle cell type.
Shitsu-taikan-sho (alexisomia): a historical review and its clinical importance
Authors: Oka Takakazu
Published: September 2020

“Shitsu-taikan-sho” is a clinical concept that refers to characteristics of having difficulty in the awareness and expression of somatic feelings or sensations. This concept was first proposed in 1979 by Dr. Yujiro Ikemi, the founder of psychosomatic medicine in Japan, as a characteristic observed in patients with psychosomatic diseases, i.e. physical diseases in which psychosocial factors are closely involved in their onset and progress. Soon after Dr. Ikemi introduced to Japan the concept of alexithymia, coined by P. E. Sifneos in 1973, he noticed that patients with psychosomatic diseases have difficulty in describing not only their emotions, but also somatic feelings and sensations. Dr. Ikemi proposed naming the concept of the trait of lacking somatic awareness “shitsu-taikan-sho” in Japanese (“alexisomia” in English), meaning “shitsu” a lack, “taikan” bodily feelings/sensations, and “sho” condition/symptoms. Dr. Ikemi observed characteristics of both alexithymia and alexisomia in patients with psychosomatic diseases, but considered alexisomia to have a more fundamental pathophysiological role in the understanding of psychosomatic diseases. He also emphasized the importance of treating alexisomia when treating psychosomatic diseases.

Recently, alexisomia has again come into focus for various reasons. One is the availability of the Shitsu-taikan-sho Scale (STSS), a self-rating questionnaire to evaluate alexisomic tendency. Another is recent advances in basic research on interoception. The former will facilitate clinical studies on alexisomia, and the latter will enable a deeper understanding of alexisomia.

This article is an overview of the historical development of the concept of alexisomia which was conceptualized by Dr. Ikemi, introduces the STSS, and discusses the current understanding and clinical importance of alexisomia in psychosomatic medicine.
Psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Mozambique: a cross-sectional study using the Global School-Based Health Survey data
Authors: Amu Hubert , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Agbemavi Wonder , Afriyie Bernard Owusu , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Kissah-Korsah Kwaku
Published: September 2020

Background

Poor mental health remains the leading cause of disability, with considerable negative impacts in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we examined the prevalence and correlates of psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Mozambique.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 1918 in-school adolescents, using data from the 2015 Mozambique Global School-Based Health Survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted in analysing the data. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of psychosocial distress was 21.2% (24.1% females and 18.5% males). Older adolescents [AOR = 1.681, 95% CI = 1.233–2.292] had higher odds of experiencing psychosocial distress, compared with younger adolescents. In terms of sex, males [AOR = 0.755, 95% CI 0.601–0.950] had lower odds of experiencing psychosocial distress, compared with females. Adolescents who were bullied [AOR = 1.451, 95% CI 1.150–1.831], physically attacked [AOR = 1.802, 95% CI 1.404–2.313], and engaged in a physical fight [AOR = 1.376, 95% CI 1.070–1.769] were respectively more likely to experience psychosocial distress than those who did not. Conversely, adolescents who had close friends [AOR = 0.503, 95% CI 0.372–0.681] had lower odds of being psychosocially distressed than those who did not have close friends.

Conclusion

The prevalence of psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Mozambique is relatively high. The country may not be able to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 target of promoting mental health and wellbeing of all by the year 2030 if current rates of psychosocial distress persist among in-school adolescents. Mental health education and counselling as well as social support from friends should be intensified to reduce mental health problems and enable adolescents to effectively deal with the psychosocial challenges encountered in their transition from childhood to adulthood.
Energy intake and expenditure in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment: the NUDAD project
Authors: Doorduijn Astrid S. , de van der Schueren Marian A. E. , van de Rest Ondine , de Leeuw Francisca A. , Hendriksen Heleen M. A. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Scheltens Philip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Visser Marjolein
Published: September 2020

Background

Malnutrition is common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is associated with institutionalization and increased mortality. Malnutrition is the result of a negative energy balance, which could be due to reduced dietary intake and/or higher energy expenditure. To study underlying mechanisms for malnutrition, we investigated dietary intake and resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients with AD dementia, MCI, and controls. In addition, we studied associations of global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and AD biomarkers with dietary intake and REE.

Methods

We included 219 participants from the NUDAD project, 71 patients with AD dementia (age 68 ± 8 years, 58% female, MMSE 24 ± 3), 52 with MCI (67 ± 8 years, 42% female, MMSE 26 ± 2), and 96 controls (62 ± 7 years, 52% female, MMSE 28 ± 2). We used a 238-item food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake (energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat). In a subgroup of 92 participants (30 patients with AD dementia, 22 with MCI, and 40 controls) we measured REE with indirect calorimetry. Between-group differences in dietary intake and REE were tested with ANOVAs. In the total sample, linear regression analyses were used to explore potential associations of MMSE score and AD biomarkers with dietary intake and REE. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education, and body mass index or fat-free mass.

Results

Patients with AD dementia and MCI did not differ from controls in total energy intake (1991 ± 71 and 2172 ± 80 vs 2022 ± 61 kcal/day, p > 0.05) nor in protein, carbohydrate, or fat intake. Patients with AD dementia and MCI had a higher REE than controls (1704 ± 41 and 1754 ± 47 vs 1569 ± 34 kcal/day, p < 0.05). We did not find any association of MMSE score or AD biomarkers with dietary intake or REE.

Conclusions

We found a higher REE, despite similar energy intake in patients with AD and MCI compared to controls. These findings suggest that elevated metabolism rather than reduced energy intake explains malnutrition in AD. These results could be useful to optimize dietary advice for patients with AD dementia and MCI.
Associations between vascular risk factors and subsequent Alzheimer’s disease in older adults
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Kim Kiwon , Lee Yeong Chan , Kim Soyeon , Won Hong-Hee , Yu Tae Yang , Lee Eun-Mi , Kang Jae Myeong , Lewis Matthew , Kim Doh Kwan , Myung Woojae
Published: September 2020

Background

The clinical guidelines related to the primary prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have focused on the management of vascular risk factors. However, the link between vascular risk factors and AD in older adults remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between vascular risk factors and subsequent AD in 178,586 older adults (age ≥ 65 years).

Methods

Participants were recruited from 2009 through 2010 and followed up for 6 years. We assessed various vascular risk factors (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides [TG], fasting glucose [FG], systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], pulse pressure [PP], and body mass index [BMI]) and their association with AD incidence, categorizing each vascular factor using current clinical guidelines.

Results

AD was observed in 6.0% of participants at follow-up. All lipid profiles (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG) were positively associated with the risk of AD. SBP and PP were in negative associations with AD, and DBP was positively associated with AD. BMI exhibited a negative association with AD incidence. We found no significant association between FG and AD risk. The sex difference was observed to have effects on vascular risk factors.

Conclusions

In this study, we comprehensively investigated the association between eight vascular risk factors and the risk of incident AD. Our findings suggest that multiple vascular risk factors are related to the development of AD in older adults. These results can help inform future guidelines for reducing AD risk.
Knocking out Analysis of the CpxP gene using Crispr/Cas9 in Escherichia coli MG1655
Authors: He Xiaoliang , Ren Yuwen , Meng Wanli , Yu Xinran , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: September 2020

Based on the analysis of cpxP genes among Escherichia coli strains, cpxP gene-targeting short guide RNA (sgRNA) was designed and inserted into the pGL3-MGP-RNA. The donor sequences (MG-HR) for homologous repair were designed and cloned by PCR. MG-HR and pGL3-MGP-RNA were transformed into E. coli MG1655 (pCas9). The cpxP gene expression cassette was amplified by PCR and subcloned into pBBR1MCS-2. Then the pBBR-cpxP was independently transformed into E. coli MG1655. The results of motility experiment suggest that cpxP gene had a significant effect on the movement ability of E. coli strain. The CpxP protein had a significant inhibition of bacterial activity. The lastest 81 CpxP proteins sequences were selected and analyzed by multi-sequence alignment and molecular cluster. The CpxP proteins were roughly divided into three categories. Our results suggest that the CpxP protein was involved in bacterial motility, infection and pathogenicity.
Assessing the bird guild patterns in heterogeneous land use types around Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Sohil Asha , Sharma Neeraj
Published: September 2020

Land-use sprawl in the Himalayas has caused the conversion of natural habitat into human-modified habitats, thus degrading ecosystem health. Adaptation of birds to changing physical environment can be well understood by analyzing their habitat preferences, and foraging dynamics explored to a limited extent in the Himalayan region, as yet. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of avian guild structure, we used multivariate statistical techniques to classify bird species according to their similarities in foraging patterns and habitat preferences. Observations based on habitat and diet affinities accounted for rich avian diversity with a total of 208 bird species (about 15% of country’s avifauna) recorded from six different sites during 1 year survey. Unweighted pair-group average cluster analysis performed on the families revealed ten feeding and fifteen habitat guilds among 63 bird families observed. Subtropical forests harbored more species followed by urban forests and agricultural landscapes. Insectivorous and omnivorous outnumbered other feeding guilds in the study area. Bird assemblages were richer in protected areas and semi-disturbed landscapes and did not show significant variation between the seasons. Results of the study revealed that different functional groups of birds behaved differently, primarily induced by choice of food. The site heterogeneity favored avifaunal persistence by providing favorable foraging, roosting, and nesting opportunities to birds. Composition of avian guilds indicated level of intactness and ecological integrity of ecosystems studied. This outcome thus sets the background for long-term analysis of bird-habitat relationship and their foraging dynamics. The study has the relevance for decision-makers to integrate avian guild structure as an essential ingredient in formulating conservation strategies.
Seasonality and moisture regime control soil respiration, enzyme activities, and soil microbial biomass carbon in a semi-arid forest of Delhi, India
Authors: Tomar Urvashi , Baishya Ratul
Published: September 2020

Soil respiration, soil enzymes, and microbial biomass are important in carbon cycling in the terrestrial ecosystem which is generally limited by environmental factors and soil carbon availability. Hence, we tried to assess the factors affecting the functional aspects of these processes in a semi-arid climate. We monitored soil respiration (surface) using a portable infrared gas analyzer (Q-Box SR1LP Soil Respiration Package, Qubit Systems, Canada) equipped with a soil respiration chamber (Model: G 180). Soil respiration was measured at midday during each season throughout the study period. Soil enzymatic activities and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were analyzed following the standard protocol for a year during peak time in four seasons at 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm depth. Soil respiration shows significant variation with highest in monsoon (3.31 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) and lowest in winter (0.57 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1). Similarly, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, and phenol oxidase activity ranged from 11.15 to 212.59 μg PNP g−1 DW h−1, 0.11 to 16.47 μg TPF g−1 DW h−1, and 4102.95 to 10187.55 μmol ABTS+ g−1 DW min−1, respectively. MBC ranged from 17.08 to 484.5 μg C g−1. Besides, soil respiration, soil enzymes (except β-glucosidase), and MBC were significantly correlated with soil moisture. Seasonality, optimum moisture and temperature played a significant role in determining variations in soil microbiological processes (except β-glucosidase activity); the carbon cycling in the study area is assisted by enzyme activity; dehydrogenase and phenol oxidase played a significant role in soil respiration; hence, this landscape is sensitive to environmental changes.
Biogas potential and methanogenic community shift in in-situ anaerobic sewage sludge digestion with food waste leachate additions
Authors: Bae Ji Su , Yoon Yeo Myung , Shin Seon Kyoung , Lee Dong Jin , Seo Dong Cheol
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to determine methane yields (MY) of organic wastes in biogasification facilities according to the mixing ratio of food waste/food waste leachate and sewage sludge. One biogasification facility that treated sewage sludge only was compared with three biogasification facilities treating sewage sludge and food waste. The theoretical MY was derived based on analyses of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to examine the efficiency of the biogasification facility. The average actual MY was 0.424 Sm3CH4/kg volatile solids, which corresponded to 83.7% of theoretical MY. In the case of combined anaerobic digestion (CD) mixing with food waste/food waste leachate, inhibitory factors (volatile fatty acids [VFAs], total nitrogen [TN], and organic matter contents) showed the tendency to have relatively higher values in CD facilities than in the biogasification facility treating sewage sludge only. Mean concentrations of VFAs and TN in the anaerobic digester effluent, and the organic loading rate were 406 mg/L, 3,721 mg/L, and 1.62 kg volatile solids/m3 day, respectively. The influence of anaerobic digester effluent was in charge of 10% within the influent environmental loading rate from the sewage treatment plants associated with the biogasification facilities. Analyses of the microbial community showed that a remarkable change in the structure of methanogens was directly related to different MY in each plant. In particular, Methanoculleus and Methanosaeta increased with an increasing ratio of food waste/food waste leachate to sludge, while Methanococcus and Methanosarcina decreased. In conclusion, CD showed steady operational conditions and high efficiency of MY by injecting food waste/food waste leachate into the anaerobic digester. It met the current criteria for integrated treatment of organic waste in biogasification facilities in South Korea.
Evaluation of reanalysis and global meteorological products in Beas river basin of North-Western Himalaya
Authors: Bhattacharya Tanmoyee , Khare Deepak , Arora Manohar
Published: September 2020

It is a great challenge to obtain reliable gridded meteorological data in some data-scarce and complex territories like the Himalaya region. Less dense observed raingauge data are unable to represent rainfall variability in the Beas river basin of North-Western Himalaya. In this study four reanalyses (MERRA, ERA-Interim, JRA-55 and CFSR) and one global meteorological forcing data WFDEI have been used to evaluate the potential of the products to represent orographic rainfall pattern of Beas river basin using hydrology model. The modeled climate data have compared with observed climate data for a long term basis. A comparison of various rainfall and temperature products helps to determine uniformity and disparity between various estimates. Results show that all temperature data have a good agreement with gridded observed data. ERA-Interim temperature data is better in terms of bias, RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), and correlation compared to other data. On the other hand, MERRA, ERA-Interim and JRA-55 models have overestimated rainfall values, but CFSR and WFDEI models have underestimated rainfall values to the measured values. Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC), a macroscale distributed hydrology model has been successfully applied to indirectly estimate the performance of five gridded meteorological data to represent Beas river basin rainfall pattern. The simulation result of the VIC hydrology model forced by these data reveals that the discharge of ERA-Interim has a good agreement with observed streamflow. In contrast there is an overestimated streamflow observed for MERRA reanalysis estimate. JRA-55, WFDEI, and CFSR data underestimate the streamflow. The reanalysis products are also poor in capturing the seasonal hydrograph pattern. The ERA-Interim product better represents orographic rainfall for the Beas river basin. The reason may be the ERA-Interim uses a four-dimensional variational analysis model during assimilation. The major drawback of MERRA is the non-inclusion of observed precipitation data during assimilation and modeling error. The poor performance of JRA-55, CFSR and WFDEI is due to the gauge rainfall data assimilation error. This research finding will help for broader research on hydrology and meteorology of the Himalayan region.
miR-100 inhibits cell proliferation in mantle cell lymphoma by targeting mTOR
Authors: Lin Luhui , Huang Yiqun , Zhuang Wei , Lin Ping , Ma Xudong
Published: September 2020

Background

miR-100 is reported to be associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the function of miR-100 in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to analyze the abnormal expression of miR-100 and mTOR in MCL together with their potential biological function and pathogenesis.

Method

Eighteen MCL tissue samples and 3 cell lines (Jeko-1, Mino, Granta-519) were investigated in this research study, while eighteen samples of proliferative lymphadenitis from patients and peripheral lymphocyte cells from healthy volunteers served as controls. The expression and alteration of miR-100 and mTOR mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. The expression and alteration of mTOR protein were explored by Western blot. LV-miR-100-up and LV-mTOR-RNAi were constructed and transfected by lentivirus transfection. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and the cell cycle were detected using CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics prediction software was used to predict the miR-100 target gene of mTOR. A double luciferase experiment was used to verify miR-100 targeting at the mTOR-3′-UTR. The interaction between miR-100 and mTOR was further studied using recovery experiments. GraphPad Prism 7 software (version 7.2) was used for statistical analysis, and a P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We found that the expression of miR-100 mRNA in MCL tissues and cell lines was lower, while that of the mTOR protein was higher. There was a negative correlation between miR-100 and mTOR in both MCL tissues and cell lines. Promoting miR-100 and inhibiting mTOR could inhibit cell proliferation, induce cell apoptosis and block the cell cycle in the G1 phase. A double luciferase reporter assay showed that mTOR was one of the target genes of miR-100. The recovery experiment demonstrated that PV-mTOR-up partially set off the effect of LV-miR-100-up on decreasing mTOR expression, inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle in G1 phase in both Jeko-1 and Mino cells.

Conclusions

Abnormal expression of miR-100 and mTOR was found in MCL, which included downregulation of miR-100 and upregulation of mTOR. The expression of mTOR is negatively correlated with miR-100. It may play an important role in MCL pathogenesis. miR-100 up-regulation can inhibit cell proliferation, promote cell apoptosis, and inhibit cell cycle in G1 phase by targeting the mTOR gene. miR-100 may potentially be an anti-mantle cell lymphoma gene.
Expression differences of miR-142-5p between treatment-naïve chronic myeloid leukemia patients responding and non-responding to imatinib therapy suggest a link to oncogenic ABL2, SRI, cKIT and MCL1 signaling pathways critical for development of therapy resistance
Authors: Klümper Theresa , Bruckmueller Henrike , Diewock Tobias , Kaehler Meike , Haenisch Sierk , Pott Christiane , Bruhn Oliver , Cascorbi Ingolf
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by constitutive activity of the tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL1. Although the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has substantially improved patients’ prognosis, drug resistance remains one of the major challenges in CML therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short non-coding RNAs acting as post-transcriptional regulators, are implicated in CML progression and drug resistance. The aim of the present study was to analyze the miRNA expression profiles of 45 treatment-naïve CML patients in chronic phase (28 peripheral blood and 17 bone marrow samples) with respect to future response to imatinib therapy.

Methods

TaqMan low density arrays were used to analyze the miRNA expression pattern of the patient samples. For selected microRNAs, reporter gene assays were performed to study their ability to regulate CML associated target genes.

Results

Significant lower expression levels of miR-142-5p were identified in both, peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of future non-responders suggesting a potential tumor suppressor role of this miRNA. This was supported by reporter gene assays that identified the survival, proliferation and invasion promoting CML related genes ABL2, cKIT, MCL1 and SRI as targets of miR-142-5p and miR-365a-3p, the latter identified as potential biomarker in peripheral blood samples.

Conclusion

MiR-142-5p and to a certain extend also miR-365a-3p were able to discriminate treatment-naïve CML patients not responding to imatinib in the course of their treatment from patients, who responded to therapy. However, further large-scale studies should clarify if the identified miRNAs have the potential as predictive biomarkers for TKI resistance.
Early school entrance and middle-run academic performance in Mexico: evidence for 15-year-old students from the PISA test
Authors: Aguayo-Téllez Ernesto , Martínez-Rodríguez Flor E.
Published: September 2020

Using an unanticipated policy reform in Mexico that shifted 4 months the cutoff date for elementary school eligibility in 2006 and information on academic performance of 15-year-old students from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 survey, who entered first grade in 2006, this paper estimates the effects of starting first grade without having reached 6 years of age on middle-run academic performance. We found that entering school at a younger age increases the probability of having repeated at least one academic year by 7 percentage points and reduces academic performance (measured throughout PISA’s score points) between 6 and 10 score points in mathematics, reading and science (a Cohen’s d effect size between 0.06 and 0.10). We did not find evidence to claim that the effect of early entrance on academic performance is different for girls and boys or for urban and rural locations.
Acute kidney injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: is chloride really responsible?
Authors: Gueret Gildas , Lefebvre Pierre , Le Maguet Pascale , Fabre Renaud
Published: September 2020

Sadan et al. find an association between acute kidney injury and high chloride containing a hypertonic solution. Recent large prospective non-randomized studies bring conflicting results on the relationship between chloride and acute kidney injury. We discuss Sadan et al.’s results according to the recent literature.
The authors’ response
Authors: Sadan Ofer , Samuels Owen
Published: September 2020

In response to comments raised, we acknowledge the shortcomings of our study. It is a small study. However, it is a pilot study, which is not meant to create generalizable data, rather to explore new potential directions. To this end, our conclusions were clearly supported by the results. We demonstrated that administration of 16.4% NaCl/Na-acetate solution was feasible, safe, and was associated with lower rates of AKI. We share the call that large RCTs are required to follow this pilot study and hope that our data will stimulate the ongoing discussion regarding the role of chloride in AKI mechanism.
Reactional ultrasonic systems and microwave irradiation for pretreatment of agro-industrial waste to increase enzymatic activity
Authors: Czapela Fabiane Fernanda , Kubeneck Simone , Preczeski Karina Paula , Dalastra Caroline , Scapini Thamarys , Bonatto Charline , Stefanski Fábio Spitza , Camargo Aline Frumi , Zanivan Jessica , Mossi Altemir José , Fongaro Gislaine , Treichel Helen
Published: September 2020

Pretreatment of keratinous residues using an ultrasonic reaction system provides greater enzymatic production in less time. This is a promising technology for measuring enzyme activity and microwave processes. In the present work, an ultrasonic probe reaction system was used to evaluate the potential of swine hair pretreatment. The pretreated material was submerged with non-pretreated residues for 9 days to obtain the enzyme. Enzyme activity was measured in the extracts obtained using the ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic bath, and microwave. We also used the enzymatic concentration technique with NaCl and acetone. Homemade enzymatic extracts were evaluated for their ability to degrade swine hair and chicken feathers by comparing them with the activities commercial enzymes. Macrobeads gave greater energy dissipation in less time, providing greater enzyme activity (50.8 U/mL over 3 days). In terms of waste degradation, non-pretreated swine hair was more promising. The ultrasonic probe reaction system had the potential to evaluate increased enzyme activity (38.4% relative activity) and the enzyme concentration increased activity by 53.5%. The homemade enzymatic extract showed promise for degradation of keratinous residues.
Fibre attributes and mapping the cultivar influence of different industrial cellulosic crops (cotton, hemp, flax, and canola) on textile properties
Authors: Shuvo Ikra Iftekhar
Published: September 2020

Natural lignocellulosic fibres (NLF) extracted from different industrial crops (like cotton, hemp, flax, and canola) have taken a growing share of the overall global use of natural fibres required for manufacturing consumer apparels and textile substrate. The attributes of these constituent NLF determine the end product (textiles) performance and function. Structural and microscopic studies have highlighted the key behaviors of these NLF and understanding these behaviors is essential to regulate their industrial production, engineering applications, and harness their benefits. Breakthrough scientific successes have demonstrated textile fibre properties and significantly different mechanical and structural behavioral patterns related to different cultivars of NLF, but a broader agenda is needed to study these behaviors. Influence of key fibre attributes of NLF and properties of different cultivars on the performance of textiles are defined in this review. A likelihood analysis using scattergram and Pearson’s correlation followed by a two-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) to single-out key properties explain the variations and investigate the probabilities of any cluster of similar fibre profiles. Finally, a Weibull distribution determined probabilistic breaking tenacities of different fibres after statistical analysis of more than 60 (N > 60) cultivars of cotton, canola, flax, and hemp fibres.
Implementing nudges for suicide prevention in real-world environments: project INSPIRE study protocol
Authors: Davis Molly , Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Jager-Hyman Shari , Beidas Rinad S. , Young Jami F. , Mautone Jennifer A. , Buttenheim Alison M. , Mandell David S. , Volpp Kevin G. , Wislocki Katherine , Futterer Anne , Marx Darby , Dieckmeyer E. L. , Becker-Haimes Emily M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Suicide is a global health issue. There are a number of evidence-based practices for suicide screening, assessment, and intervention that are not routinely deployed in usual care settings. The goal of this study is to develop and test implementation strategies to facilitate evidence-based suicide screening, assessment, and intervention in two settings where individuals at risk for suicide are especially likely to present: primary care and specialty mental health care. We will leverage methods from behavioral economics, which involves understanding the many factors that influence human decision making, to inform strategy development.

Methods

We will identify key mechanisms that limit implementation of evidence-based suicide screening, assessment, and intervention practices in primary care and specialty mental health through contextual inquiry involving behavioral health and primary care clinicians. Second, we will use contextual inquiry results to systematically design a menu of behavioral economics-informed implementation strategies that cut across settings, in collaboration with an advisory board composed of key stakeholders (i.e., behavioral economists, clinicians, implementation scientists, and suicide prevention experts). Finally, we will conduct rapid-cycle trials to test and refine the menu of implementation strategies. Primary outcomes include clinician-reported feasibility and acceptability of the implementation strategies.

Discussion

Findings will elucidate ways to address common and unique barriers to evidence-based suicide screening, assessment, and intervention practices in primary care and specialty mental health care. Results will yield refined, pragmatically tested strategies that can inform larger confirmatory trials to combat the growing public health crisis of suicide.
Wages, integration, migration motivation: cases of export industry employees in Tijuana and Tangiers-Tetouan
Authors: Kopinak Kathryn , Hennebry Jenna , Soriano-Miras Rosa Maria , Trinidad Requena Antonio
Published: September 2020

Recent commentaries on migration integration suggest that researchers focus more on cities than nation states and include considerations of political economy, societal inequality and shifts in production. This article analyses how different aspects of wages of export industry (EI) migrant and borderlander workers in Tijuana, Mexico and Tangiers-Tetouan, Morocco limit their socioeconomic integration and lead to their greater identification with foreign standards, stimulating emigration northward. Using the new theory of migration systems, real and indirect wages are found to be major system elements initiating and deepening inequality, and providing for comparisons between natives, foreigners and expatriates, creating relative deprivation. System dynamics, such as border characteristics, insecurity, and currency markets uniquely contribute to inadequate settlement south of the US border. While EI wages are shown to poorly integrate migrant workers structurally in both cities, employment there supports incorporation into northern countries. The paper contributes to migration integration research by adding to the few studies which use wages as an indicator of integration and by focusing on low income regions instead of high income countries which constitute most previous research.
S100A14 serum level and its correlation with prognostic factors in breast cancer
Authors: Al-Ashkar Noor , Zetoune Almoutassem Billah
Published: September 2020

Background

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide. S100A14 is a novel important member of S100 proteins family. Its importance is due to its role in tumorigenesis and metastasis process. In this study, we aimed to determine serum levels of S100A14 protein in breast cancer patients and healthy individuals to know if it can be suggested as a new biomarker for breast cancer and to reveal whether it is correlated with cancer pathological features.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed in two groups: study group contains 46 breast cancer patients (29 metastatic and 17 non-metastatic) and control group contains 22 healthy women. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay was performed to determine S100A14 protein levels in samples. Pathological data were obtained for each patient. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation tests.

Results

S100A14 serum levels were elevated in study group compared with control group (P < 0.05). S100A14 serum levels were significantly increased in distant breast cancer patients compared with regional breast cancer patients (P = 0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between serum S100A14 level and tumor grade (rs = 0.713, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that S100A14 serum levels are elevated in breast cancer patients compared with control individuals. High S100A14 serum levels were correlated with poor tumor differentiation so it might have a prognostic significance for breast cancer tumors. The elevation of S100A14 levels in distant breast cancer patients suggests the ability of using serum S100A14 as a biomarker for detection of breast cancer metastasis.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Phenocopy Due to a Cell Cycle Division 73 (CDC73) Variant
Authors: Lines Kate E , Nachtigall Lisa B , Dichtel Laura E , Cranston Treena , Boon Hannah , Zhang Xun , Kooblall Kreepa G , Stevenson Mark , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: September 2020

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the combined occurrence of parathyroid tumors, pituitary adenomas, and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs). MEN1 is caused by germline MEN1 mutations in > 75% of patients, and the remaining 25% of patients may have mutations in unidentified genes or represent phenocopies with mutations in genes such as cell cycle division 73 (CDC73), the calcium sensing receptor (CASR), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), which are associated with the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia type 1, and MEN4, respectively. Here, we report a heterozygous c.1138C>T (p.Leu380Phe) CDC73 germline variant in a clinically diagnosed MEN1 patient, based on combined occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly, and a PNEN. Characterization of the PNEN confirmed it was a neuroendocrine neoplasm as it immuno-stained positively for chromogranin and glucagon. The rare variant p.Leu380Phe occurred in a highly conserved residue, and further analysis using RNA-Scope indicated that it was associated with a significant reduction in CDC73 expression in the PNEN. Previously, CDC73 mutations have been reported to be associated with tumors of the parathyroids, kidneys, uterus, and exocrine pancreas. Thus, our report of a patient with PNEN and somatotrophinoma who had a CDC73 variant, provides further evidence that CDC73 variants may result in a MEN1 phenocopy.
Attitude of athletes towards doping: A dilemma in Pakistan
Authors: Anjum Ghulam Shabbir , Mumtaz Nazia , Saqulain Ghulam
Published: September 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the attitude and of athletes towards performance enhancement through doping and leading reason of their decision for the use of doping in a country.
Methods: This Cross-Sectional descriptive study was conducted with non-probability convenience sampling over a period of six months from November 2018 to May 2019. This study included n=377 National and international athletes/players, of both genders aged 17-35 years, camping for preparation of 13th South Asian Games 2019 at Pakistan Sports Board, Jinnah Complex Islamabad, Pakistan. The athletes/ players with any disease, trauma or working as coaches or officials were excluded. Basic demographic sheet and Athletes Attitude to Doping Questionnaire were used for data collection which was analyzed using SPSS 21.
Results: Study revealed significant difference in the Mean and Median scores of the six anti-doping factors with very low scores for “Long Term Health Implications” (Mean= 2.14, Md=2) and “Psychosocial Influences” (Mean=3, Md=3) compared to a high score for the remaining factors, indicating that the participants did not agree these two factors influenced their decision for not doping. Also, there was significant difference in the scores as revealed by Wilcoxon signed test, between Personal Ethical Standards and the remaining factors except Illegality of Substances (z=-1.705, p=0.088). Gender association was noted for anti-doping education and testing, with higher scores in males (p=0.031). Also Type of Main Sport had association with most factors except Long Term Health Implications while Level of Sport did not show any association except for Influence of Significant Others.
Conclusion: Study concludes that Illegality of Substances and Personal ethical standards are the most significant factor for athletes’ decision for not doping.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.1922
How to cite this:Anjum GS, Mumtaz N, Saqulain G. Attitude of athletes towards doping: A dilemma in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1579-1584. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.1922
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Experience in application of modified sling in treatment of Moderate Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Guo Jing-yang , An Feng , Gu De-qiang , Yang Wenzeng
Published: September 2020

Objective: To observe the clinical significance of modified sling in the treatment of moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods: From January 2016 to January 2019, eighty patients with moderate urinary incontinence who were hospitalized in our hospital were randomly divided into two groups. 40 patients in the experimental group underwent modified sling transvaginal tension-free mid-urethral suspension. Modification method of the sling: cut the sling to a remaining length of about 6~7cm, properly connect the barbed sutures (V-LOCK) on both sides of the sling, and insert the urinary incontinence sling from the urethra to the obturator membrane, from the obturator membrane to the thigh. The inner skin area is replaced by the V-LOCK line. The 40 patients in the control group were unmodified ordinary slings. The operation time, the local pain of the inner thigh after the operation, and the improvement of postoperative urinary incontinence symptoms were compared and analyzed between the two groups.

Results: Both groups of patients were successfully operated. The operation time was 16.36 minutes in the experimental group and 27.18 minutes in the control group. The difference in operation time between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.00); the catheter was pulled out on the third day after the operation. One patient in the group had urinary effort, four patients still had urinary incontinence symptoms, the remaining 35 patients had good urinary control (effective rate 87.5%), five patients in the control group still had urinary incontinence, two patients had urinary effort, and the remaining 33 patients had urinary control Good, (effective rate 87.5%), there was no significant difference in surgical effectiveness between the two groups (p=0.53); follow-up for 12 to 36 months, no significant long-term complications occurred, the pain score of the inner thigh of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group ,statistically significant (p=0.04).

Conclusion: The efficacy of the modified sling in the treatment of moderate SUI is the same as that of the traditional sling, but the operation time is shorter, the operation is simpler, and the local pain is significantly reduced.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.2619

How to cite this:Guo J, An F, Gu D, Yang W. Experience in application of modified sling in treatment of Moderate Stress Urinary Incontinence. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1664-1670. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.2619

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among women who recently attempted suicide compared with suicide non-attempting women
Authors: Rostami Hamzeh
Published: September 2020

Aim of the study

The suicide risk in patients with eating disorders is 5-6 times higher than that of the general population. Due to the high likelihood of re-suicide in suicide survivors, in this study, we investigated the prevalence of the anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa among women who recently attempted suicide compared with suicide non-attempting women.

Subject or material and methods

In this case-control study, two groups of 30 women aged 15-45-year-old were investigated after a suicide attempt. Case group was admitted to the Razi Hospital poisoning ward and the control group was admitted to other wards of the hospital. Data were collected using the EAT-26 questionnaire and a clinical interview based on the SCID-V. Finally, the results were analyzed using the SPSS version 21.

Results

The both groups’ mean age was 26.96± 6.3 and 27.2±7.16 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in age, employment status, marital status, and education level between the two groups (P>0.05). The prevalence of both disorders did not show a significant interaction with demographic characteristics. The average prevalence of both disorders among the case group was 32.78±8.1 and 37.42±7.21, respectively, and was significantly different in women who had recently attempted suicide compared to their counterparts (p <0.05).

Discussion

Our findings are consistent with all previously conducted studies.

Conclusions

The prevalence of these disorders was significantly higher in women who had recently committed suicide compared to the control group (p <0.05), although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of both disorders with other sociodemographic factors.
Structure of family relationships in family systems of spouses who do not take parent roles.
Authors: Kalus Alicja , Szymańska Joanna
Published: September 2020

Aim of the study

Early adulthood involves developmental tasks which are related to the fulfillment of professional and family roles. Currently taking parental roles is increasingly deferred by young people, and the decision to be a parent is more often postponed. The aim of the analyzes presented in the article was to find an answer to the question: what is the structure of relationships in family systems of spouses who do not take parent roles?

Subject or material and methods

The research involved 170 people who are married for at least three years.76 spouses not taking parental roles (the average marriage seniority 4,3 years, SD 1,7), 94 spouses who have at least one child(the average marriage seniority 6,6, SD 2,3). The following research tools were used in the study: the Survey questionnaire (developed by the authors) and the Family Rating Scale Faces IV-Sor

Results

On the basis of the conducted analyzes, it can be concluded that the family systems of young adults who do not take parent roles have their specificity and differ from the family systems of young adults who are parents.

Discussion

The research shows differences in the cohesion of family systems between marriages that postpone parenthood and those with children. At the same time, the results of the research have indicated the importance of gender for the diversity of respondents, both in terms of cohesion and the flexibility of family systems

Conclusions

Marriages remaining in the prolonged phase of childlessness may have their specificity of functioning, especially in terms of marriage relations and flexibility in taking family roles
Study of family system characteristics in co-dependent women
Authors: Аimaganbetova Оlga , Syrgakbaeva Akmaral , Zhantikeyev Serik , Lashkova Yevgenia , Nurbekova Zhanar , Zhanazarova Zaure
Published: September 2020

Aim of the study

The study is aimed at analyzing the personality characteristics of co-dependent people.

Subject or material and methods

The main experimental base was the “Codo Amanat” Rehabilitation Center in Astana and the “Senim” Rehabilitation Center in Almaty. The study involved 110 addicts’ mothers living in Astana and Almaty.

Results

The article describes in detail the course of the study, consisting of three steps, starting with an interview and a diagnostic study. The findings show that co-dependence is quite a stable and common state among addicts’ mothers, and its severity affects the characteristics of the family system.

Discussion

A general hypothesis is the assumption that co-dependence as a form of family relationships has a sustainable effect on the personality characteristics of co-dependent people.

Conclusions

Women with a very high degree of co-dependence experience despair, powerlessness and disbelief in their own abilities due to the exhaustion of all means and resources. At the same time, women with a high degree of co-dependence are more alienated from society, vulnerable to criticism and have a pronounced sense of guilt for addicts’ family problems.