bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Midwives’ challenges and factors that motivate them to remain in their workplace in the Democratic Republic of Congo – An interview study
Authors: Bogren Malin , Grahn Malin , Kaboru Berthollet Bwira , Berg Marie
Published: September 2020

Background: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has high maternal mortality and a low number of midwives, which undermines the achievement of Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, specifically the health of mother and newborn. Scaling up the midwifery workforce in relation to number, quality of healthcare, and retention in service, are therefore critical. The aim of this study was to investigate midwives’ challenges and factors that motivate them to remain in their workplace in the DRC. Methods: Data were collected in two out of 26 provinces in the DRC through ten focus-group discussions with a total of 63 midwives working at ten different healthcare facilities. Transcribed discussions were inductively analysed using content analysis.Results: The midwives’ challenges and the factors motivating them to remain in their workplace in the DRC are summarised in one main category – Loving one’s work makes it worthwhile to remain in one’s workplace, despite a difficult work environment and low professional status – consisting of three generic categories: Midwifery is not just a profession; it’s a calling is described in the subcategories Saving lives through midwifery skills, Building relationships with the women and the community, and Professional pride; Unsupportive organisational system is expressed in the subcategories Insufficient work-related security and No equitable remuneration system, within Hierarchical management structures; and Inadequate pre-conditions in the work environment includes the subcategories Lack of resources and equipment and Insufficient competence for difficult working conditions. Conclusion: Midwives in the DRC are driven by a strong professional conscience to provide the best possible care for women during childbirth, despite a difficult work environment and low professional status. To attract and retain midwives and ensure that they are working to their full scope of practice, we suggest coordinated actions at the regional and national levels in the DRC and in other low-income countries with similar challenges, including: i) conducting midwifery education programmes following international standards; ii) prioritising and enforcing policies to include adequate remuneration for midwives; iii) involving midwives’ associations in policy and planning about the midwifery workforce; and iv) ensuring that midwives’ working environments are safe and well equipped.
Establishment of a Pediatric COVID-19 Biorepository: Unique Considerations and Opportunities for Studying the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children
Authors: Lima Rosiane , Gootkind Elizabeth , Flor Denis De La , Yockey Laura , Bordt Evan , D'Avino Paolo , Ning Shen , Heath Katerina , Harding Katherine , Zois Jaclyn , Park Grace , Hardcastle Margot , Grinke Kathleen A. , Grimmel Sheila , Forde Pamela J. , Davidson Susan P. , Hall Kathryn E. , Neilan Anne , Matute Juan D. , Lerou Paul H. , Fasano Alessio , Shui Jessica E. , Edlow Andrea G. , Yonker Lael M.
Published: September 2020

Background: COVID-19, the disease caused by the highly infectious and transmissible coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has quickly become a morbid global pandemic. Although the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is less clinically apparent, collecting high-quality biospecimens from infants, children, and adolescents in a standardized manner during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to establish a biologic understanding of the disease in the pediatric population. This biorepository enables pediatric centers world-wide to collect samples uniformly to drive forward our understanding of COVID-19 by addressing specific pediatric and neonatal COVID-19-related questions. Methods: A COVID-19 biospecimen collection study was implemented with strategic enrollment guidelines to include patients seen in urgent care clinics and hospital settings, neonates born to SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers, and asymptomatic children. The methodology described here, details the importance of establishing collaborations between the clinical and research teams to harmonize protocols for patient recruitment and sample collection, processing and storage. It also details modifications required for biobanking during a surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Considerations and challenges facing enrollment of neonatal and pediatric cohorts are described. A roadmap is laid out for successful collection, processing, storage and database management of multiple pediatric samples such as blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, saliva, tracheal aspirates, stool, and urine. Using this methodology, we enrolled 327 participants, who provided a total of 972 biospecimens.Conclusions: Pediatric biospecimens will be key in answering questions relating to viral transmission by children, differences between pediatric and adult viral susceptibility and immune responses, the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal development, and factors driving the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The specimens in this biorepository will allow necessary comparative studies between children and adults, help determine the accuracy of current pediatric viral testing techniques, in addition to, understanding neonatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease abnormalities. The successful establishment of a pediatric biorepository is critical to provide insight into disease pathogenesis, and subsequently, develop future treatment and vaccination strategies.
Factors Influencing the Result of Superior Oblique Weakening Procedures in Patients with Superior Oblique Overaction in Horizontal Strabismus
Authors: Chun Junwoo , Kim Seong-Joon
Published: September 2020

Background

Few studies have evaluated the surgical outcome of superior oblique weakening procedures in patients with superior oblique overaction associated with exotropia or esotropia. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of superior oblique muscle weakening and the influencing factors in patients with superior oblique overaction.

Methods

The medical charts of 37 patients (55 eyes) with superior oblique overaction associated with esotropia or exotropia who were treated with a superior oblique weakening procedure at the Seoul National University Hospital from January 2010 to June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Superior oblique overaction was graded using, a 6-point scale ranging from +0.5 to +3, and pre- and postoperative grades were recorded for all patients.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 91.81 ± 59.37 months. Superior oblique muscle suture spacer and superior oblique posterior tenectomy were performed for 17 (23 eyes) and 20 (32 eyes) patients, respectively. Surgical success was achieved in 15 (65.2%) eyes in the suture spacer group and 23 (71.9%) eyes in the posterior tenectomy group. Surgical success was achieved for 69.1% (38/55 eyes) of patients. Dissociated vertical deviation exhibited a significant negative association with the surgical success rate (p<0.001).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in surgical success rate between the superior oblique posterior tenectomy and superior oblique suture spacer groups in superior oblique overaction associated with horizontal strabismus. Associated dissociated vertical deviation can affect the surgical success of the superior oblique weakening procedure.
Identification of potential specific biomarkers and key signaling pathways between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs for osteoporosis therapy
Authors: wu jianjun , Cai Peian , Lu Zhenhui , Zhang Zhi , He Xixi , Zhu Bikang , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: September 2020

Background: The differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into adipogenesis (AD) rather than osteogenesis (OS) is an important pathological feature of osteoporosis. Illuminating the detailed mechanisms of the differentiation of BMSCs into OS and AD would contribute to the interpretation of osteoporosis pathology. Methods: To identify the regulated mechanism in lineage commitment of the BMSCs into OS and AD in the early-stages, the gene expression profiles with temporal series were downloaded to reveal the distinct fates when BMSCs adopt a committed lineage. For both OS and AD lineages, the profiles of day 2-4 were compared with day 0 to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Next, the functional enrichment analysis was utilized to find out the biological function, and Protein-Protein Interaction network to predict the central genes. Finally, experiments were performed to verify our finding. Results: FoxO signaling pathway with central genes like FoxO3, IL6 and CAT, is the crucial mechanism of OS, while Rap1 signaling pathway of VEGFA and FGF2 enrichment is more significant for AD. Besides, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might serves as the latent mechanism about the initiation of differentiation of BMSCs into multiple lineages. Conclusion: Above hub genes and early-responder signaling pathways control osteogenic and adipogenic fates of BMSCs, which maybe mechanistic models clarifying the changes of bone metabolism in the clinical progress of osteoporosis. The findings provide a crucial reference for the prevention and therapy of osteoporosis.
Enriched Environment Ameliorates Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Deficits in Tcf4 Haploinsufficient Mice
Authors: Braun Katharina , Häberle Benjamin M. , Wittmann Marie-Theres , Lie Dieter Chichung
Published: September 2020

Background: Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) has been linked to human neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS), autism, and schizophrenia. Recent work demonstrated that TCF4 participates in the control of a wide range of neurodevelopmental processes in mammalian nervous system development including neural precursor proliferation, timing of differentiation, migration, dendritogenesis and synapse formation. TCF4 is highly expressed in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus – one of the few brain regions where neural stem / progenitor cells generate new functional neurons throughout life.Results: We here investigated whether TCF4 haploinsufficiency, which in humans causes non-syndromic forms of intellectual disability and PTHS, affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that is essential for hippocampal plasticity in rodents and potentially in humans. Young adult Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice showed a major reduction in the level of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which was at least in part caused by lower stem/progenitor cell numbers and impaired maturation and survival of adult-generated neurons. Interestingly, housing in an enriched environment was sufficient to enhance maturation and survival of new neurons and to substantially augment neurogenesis levels in Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice.Conclusion: Haploinsufficiency for the transcription factor TCF4 has been linked to non-syndromic intellectual disability and PTHS. The present findings raise the possibility that TCF4 haploinsufficiency may have a continuous negative impact on hippocampal function by impeding hippocampal neurogenesis and suggest that behavioural stimulation may be harnessed to ameliorate a subset of TCF4 haploinsufficiency associated neural deficits during adulthood.
Live birth rate and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of frozen transferred blastocyst in patients requiring whole embryo freezing stratified by age
Authors: Chen Shiping , Du Hongzi , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying , Li Lei , He Yuxia
Published: September 2020

Background: Multiple pregnancies are associated with significant complications and health risks for both mothers and infants. Single blastocyst transfer (SBT) is a logical and effective measure to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology (ART). Whether it is suitable for everyone undergoing SBT was inconclusive, in view of the consideration of embryo quality and patients’ age. Therefore, this study aimed to explore live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal outcomes of different quantities and qualities of blastocysts in patients stratified by age, using a cutoff of 35 years, who required whole embryo freezing and underwent a subsequent frozen thawed transfer (FET) cycle.Methods: A total of 3,362 patients were divided into five groups: group A (n=1569) received a single good-quality blastocyst, group B (n=1113) received two good-quality blastocysts, group C (n=313) received one good- and one average-quality blastocyst, group D (n=222) received two average-quality blastocysts, and group E (n=145) received one average-quality blastocyst.Results: For patients who received good-quality blastocysts, irrespective of age, the LBR of double blastocyst transfer (DBT) was about 50–65% and the multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) was 40–60%; however, the LBR of SBT was 40–55%, and the MPR was 3.5–6.3%. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, the MPR of double average-quality blastocyst transfer was as high as 30–50%. Moreover, about 70–90% of preterm births resulted from multiple pregnancies, and about 85–95% of low birth weight babies come from multiple pregnancies. The neonatal outcomes (gestational age, birth weight, and birth height) of DBT were significantly lower than those of SBT regardless of age, and this statistical difference disappeared if the patients were subgrouped by singleton or twin. There is no significant difference in neonatal outcomes between single good-quality blastocyst and single average-quality blastocyst transfer.Conclusions: SBT is a preferable option for patients regardless of age when good-quality blastocysts are available. For patients who only had average-quality blastocysts, they should be informed that DBT was associated with higher multiple pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcomes when compared with SBT regardless of age, suggesting that the practice of SBT is also feasible for these patients.
Post-status Epilepticus Treatment With the Fyn Inhibitor, Saracatinib, Improves Cognitive Function in Mice
Authors: Luo Xinming , Zhao Jing , Wu Wenyue , Fu Jie , Li Zhengyu , Zhang Ming , Lu Jie
Published: September 2020

BackgroundStatus epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurological disorder. The hippocampus, as an important area of the brain that regulates cognitive function, is usually damaged after SE, and cognitive deficits often result from hippocampal neurons lost after SE. Fyn, a non-receptor Src family of tyrosine kinases, is closely related to SE occurrence. Saracatinib, a Fyn inhibitor, suppresses epileptogenesis and reduces epileptiform spikes. However, whether saracatinib inhibits cognitive deficits after SE is still unknown. MethodsIn the present study, a pilocarpine-induced SE mouse model was used to answer this question by using the Morris water maze and normal object recognition behavioral tests. ResultsWe found that saracatinib inhibited the loss in cognitive function following SE. Furthermore, we found that the number of hippocampal neurons in the saracatinib treatment group was increased, when compared to the SE group. ConclusionsThese results showed that saracatinib can inhibit cognitive deficits resulting from SE by reducing the loss of hippocampal neurons, suggesting that Fyn is involved in the loss of cognitive function after SE, and that the inhibition of Fyn is a possible treatment to improve cognitive function in SE patients.
Management of liver trauma in urban university hospitals in India: an observational multicentre cohort study
Authors: Sinha Yash , Khajanchi Monty U , Prajapati Ramlal P , Dharap Satish , Soni Kapil Dev , Kumar Vineet , Mahindrikar Santosh , Roy Nobhojit
Published: September 2020

Background

Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) contribute to 90% of injuries occurring in the world. Liver is the one of the commonest organ injured in abdominal trauma. This study aims to highlight the demographic and management profile of liver injury patients, presenting to four urban Indian university hospitals in India.

Methods

This is a retrospective registry-based study. Data of patients with liver injury either isolated or concomitant with other injuries was used using the ICD-10 code, S36.1 for liver injury. The severity of injury was graded based on the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) grading for liver injuries.

Results

A total of 368 liver injury patients were analysed. 89% were males, with road traffic injuries being the commonest mechanism. As per World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) liver injury grade, there were 126 (33.7%) grade I, 87(23.6%) grade II, 67(18.2%) grade III & 88 (24.5%) grade IV injuries. The overall mortality was 16.6%. 262 patients (71.2%) were managed non-operatively (NOM) & 106 (38.8%) were operated. 90.1% of those managed non-operatively, survived.

Conclusion

In this multi-centre cohort of liver injury patients from urban university hospitals in India, the commonest profile of patient with a was a young male, with a blunt injury to the abdomen due to a road traffic accident. Success rate of non-operative management of liver injury is comparable to other countries.
Design and Evaluation of Mobile Clinical Education via Interactive APP
Authors: Wang Jin , Ma Xianghua , Cai Jinxin , Gao Shiqi , Zhao Ting , Wang Fujie , Pan Chen
Published: September 2020

Background: To design and evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Mobile Clinical Education (MCE) based on the intelligent and social mobile app.Candidates: 181 students from Nursing Department of Nanjing Medical University. Methods: Those students were previously assigned into two classes based on their admission evaluation. MCE was randomly assigned for one class including 97 students, while control group had 84. The MCE app was developed and applied for Nutrition course during the whole semester, while the control group was taught by the traditional method.Results: MCE group had better performance for the theoretical test scores (t = 1.127, P = 0.26) and he final evaluation (t = 7.419, P < 0.001). Based on teaching evaluation questionnaire, students under MCE presented more positive feedback: active communication, personal participation, update for the cutting-edge development, satisfaction of teaching quality, and overall course satisfaction. Conclusion: Mobile Clinical Education (MCE) improved the quality and efficacy of course teaching. With real-time and social advantage, MCE might arouse learning interest, bring various strategies for teaching theoretical knowledge and practical operation, and engage learning communication and collaboration. Mobile Clinical Education should be recommended for the future teaching and training.
Self-Management in Patients with Heart Valve Replacement and Its Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zandi Shirdel , Imani Behzad , khazaei Salman , Safarpor GHolamreza
Published: September 2020

Background: For patients with heart valve replacement, self-management can play an important role in controlling the patient's condition, therefore, the purpose of this review was to identify the aspects of self-management and its clinical outcomes in patients with heart valve replacement. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed research literature focused on self-management in patients with heart valve replacement. The databases of PubMed, Scopus, and web of science were searched until May 2020 free from time and language limitation. Al documents were assessed for eligible articles by title or abstract according to the search strategy.The screening process of articles was conducted by two independent authors. The selected articles were checked regarding to inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: Finally, 25 studies were considered in this systematic review. Self-management of these patients has prerequisites and requires appropriate training. Self-management in these patients is applicable in the aspects of Anticoagulation therapy self-management, INR self-testing, Low-dose INR Self-management, and Heart valve function self-monitoring. In this method, with better control of INR levels and Anticoagulation therapy, the incidence of complications will be reduced and patients will be able to diagnose functional disorders in the early stages by monitoring the function of valve, which will prevent the progression of complications. Conclusion: The results of this review clearing that self-management is applicable in the aspects of Anticoagulation therapy, INR control, low dose INR management, and monitoring of cardiac valve function and by improving care standards, it will improve the quality of treatment for these patients.
Pain is a common problem in patients with ILD
Authors: Shen Qinxue , Guo Ting , Song Min , Guo Wei , Zhang Yi , Duan Wang , Peng Yating , Ni Shanshan , Ouyang Xiaoli , Peng Hong
Published: September 2020

Background

Less is known about the prevalence and characteristics of pain in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients.To determine the characteristics of pain in ILD patients.

Methods

Participants with ILD and age, gender-matched, healthy controls completed short form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and part of the Brief Pain Inventory short form(BPI) to elicit pain characteristics. ILD patients also had assessments of pulmonary function test, six minutes walking test (6MWT), modified medical research council dyspnea scale (mMRC) for state of the illness and measured health-related quality of life(HRQoL) by short form-36(SF-36)and psychological associations by hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS).

Results

A total of 63 participants with ILD and 63 healthy controls(HC) were recruited in our study. The prevalence of pain was 61.9% in ILDs versus 25.3% in HC (p=0.005) and the median score of pain rank index (PRI) in ILDs was higher than in HC (P=0.014). Chest(46.1%) accounted for the highest of overall pain locations in participants with ILD. Associated clinical factors for pain intensity in ILD patients included younger age (<60 years), exposure history of ILD risk factors, longer distance of 6MWD(≥250m), higher mMRC score(2-4) and lower DLCo, % predicted(≤45%). ILD patients with pain are more likely to suffer impaired HRQoL(P=0.0014) and psychological problems(P=0.0017,P=0.044).

Conclusion

Pain is common in those with ILD and the pain intensity is associated with age, exposure history, 6MWD, mMRC score and DLCo, % predicted. ILD patients with pain have more possible to suffer depression, anxiety and impaired HRQoL.
Assessment of Online Patient Education Materials Designed for People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Fortuna Jennifer K , Riddering Anne , Shuster Linda , Lopez-Jeng Cassie
Published: September 2020

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic eye condition that leads to permanent vision loss in the central visual field. Difficulty reading is one of the most common complaints from patients with this condition. Reading comprehension may be poorer due to slower reading speed, increased demands of decoding and poorer quality of visual input. The internet has become the most widely accessible source of patient education materials (PEMs). Optical devices improve access to text, but they do not promote processing and understanding of written patient education materials.

Methods

Online PEMs were sourced from websites of national organizations providing patient education materials designed for people with AMD. The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument were used to assess the readability and suitability of PEMs. Descriptive statistics were used to compare online PEMs by organization based on national guidelines for readability level (≤ sixth grade) and the recommended suitability score (≥ 70%) for superior material.

Results

One hundred online PEMs were evaluated from websites of 16 professional organizations. The mean readability level was 9.3 (range 5.0-16.6). The mean suitability score was 53% (range 18%-78%). Only six (6%) of PEMs met the recommended readability level and suitability score.

Conclusion

The majority of online PEMs included in this study were written at a reading level considerably higher than the average U.S. adults reading ability. To promote health literacy, the readability of PEMs must match the reading capacity of the target audience. Existing guidelines for promoting health literacy should consider how age and visual impairment create additional barriers to processing and understanding of written health information. Additional research is needed to determine optimal design characteristics of PEMs for people with AMD. Future studies should also explore the effectiveness of PEMs that have been modified based on evidence-based guidelines for patients with low health literacy and low vision.
Parallel analysis of global garlic gene expression and alliin content following leaf wounding
Authors: Yang Xuqin , SU Yiren , wu jiaying , wan wen , chen Huijian , cao Xiaoying , Wang Junjuan , zhang Zhong , wang Youzhi , Ma Deliang , Gloake Gary , Jiang JiHong
Published: September 2020

Background
Allium sativum (garlic) is both an important food and medicinal plant of economic significance. This plant is rich in sulfides, especially alliin, which is a precursor for the synthesis of allicin. At present, there are few reports on the determination of alliin content in different parts of garlic under abiotic stress.
Results
Our data determining the accumulation of alliin in different organs showed that the content of alliin in garlic root was the lowest level recorded, while the content of alliin within a garlic bud was the highest level determined. Further, alliin levels decreased in mature leaves following wounding. Further, transcriptomic data generated over time following wounding of mature garlic leaves showed genes integral to the biosynthetic pathways of cysteine (CYS) and serine (SER) formation were significantly up-regulated.
Conclusions
This differential expression could underpin the accumulation of alliin and its precursors in garlic. Thus, our results provide a platform to help elucidate the biosynthetic pathway alliin biosynthesis.
Precision-Cut Bovine Udder Slices (PCBUS) as an in-vitro-model of an early phase of infection of bovine mastitis
Authors: Filor Viviane , Petry Monique , Meißner Jessica , Kietzmann Manfred
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to establish precision-cut bovine udder slices (PCBUS) as an in-vitro-model to investigate pathophysiological processes in the early phase of mastitis in order to have the possibility to investigate new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of such udder inflammation in later studies. Furthermore, this model should contribute to substitute in-vivo-experiments. Bovine mastitis is one of the most common and costly infectious diseases in the dairy industry, which is largely associated with the use of antimicrobial agents. Given this problem of antimicrobial resistance, it is essential to step up research into bacterial infectious diseases. Thus, the transfer of the in-vitro-model of precision-cut tissue slices to the bovine udder enables broad research into new therapeutic approaches in this area and can also be used to address issues in basic research or the characterisation of complex pathophysiological processes.Results: A stimulation with LPS, PGN or the combination of both substances (LPS:PGN) demonstrates the ability of the PCBUS to react with a significant secretion of IL-1ß, TNF-α and PGE2.Conclusion: The slices represent an instrument for investigating pharmacological interactions with udder tissue, which can be useful for studies on pharmacological questions and the understanding of complex pathophysiological processes of infection and inflammation.
Viability, Yield and Expansion Capability of Feline MSCs Obtained from Subcutaneous and Reproductive Organ Adipose Depots
Authors: Wysong Amy , Ortiz Priscilla , Bittel Douglas , Ott Lindsey , Karanu Francis , Filla Michael , Stehno-Bittel Lisa
Published: September 2020

Background: The source of multipotent stromal cells (MSC) can have a significant influence on the health and expansion capacity of the cells. As the applications for allogeneic MSCs in the treatment of feline diseases increase, the location of the initial donor tissue must be analyzed. To date, comparisons have only been made between feline MSCs collected from bone marrow or abdominal fat. This is the first report to compare cells obtained from different adipose depots in the cat. The adipose tissue was collected from 32 healthy cats undergoing spaying (fat around the ovaries and uterine horn) or subcutaneous fat collected during surgical procedures. Results: The total tissue yield from the subcutaneous fat was significantly greater than could be obtained from around the reproductive organs, leading to 3 times more total MSCs. However, the density of MSCs obtained from reproductive fat was significantly higher than from subcutaneous fat. In addition, the viability of the MSCs from the reproductive fat was significantly higher than the subcutaneous fat. When sufficient tissue was collected, it was digested either mechanically or enzymatically. Mechanical digestion further decreased the viability and yield of MSCs from subcutaneous fat compared to enzymatic digestion. Biomarkers of stem cell expansion and function were detected using qPCR. Gata6 was detected in all samples similarly regardless of site of harvest or method of digestion. Sox2 and Sox17 were also detected in all samples with higher quantities found in the enzymatically digested subcutaneous fat. Control genes of Gata4 and Pdx1 were detected in very low levels. Negative controls showed no detection prior to 50 cycles. During the first passage there was no statistically significant difference in doubling times or viability. But at P2, MSCs from the enzymatically-digested reproductive fat had the lowest doubling time and a trend towards the highest viability. Conclusion: Feline reproductive adipose tissue is a reasonable source of MSCs for eventual therapeutic applications with superior cell density, viability and expansion
­­Assessment and Treatment of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Qualitative Study of Patient Expectations in Secondary Care
Authors: Pat Jorik , Aart Tamar van der , Steffens Martijn , Witte Lambertus , Blanker Marco
Published: September 2020

Background. To develop a questionnaire to facilitate the inventorying of women’s expectations for the assessment and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in secondary care.Methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among women with recurrent UTI referred to our urology department. The interviews were conducted by one interviewer, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically by two researchers. We first developed 35 questions to identify potential themes, and we then tested them among women with and without recurrent UTI. Changes were made according to the feedback received.Results. Six interviews were conducted before saturation was reached. Thematic analysis identified three themes: patient pathway, personal knowledge, and social implications. All respondents had received multiple antibiotic courses but no prophylactic antibiotic therapy, and although all were aware of some preventive measures, they wanted more information about their disease. However, some women were afraid to access information for fear of what they might learn. Recurrent UTI also significantly affected the daily lives all respondents. Some women expressed fears over frequent antibiotic use, and others felt that there must be something wrong with their body to have so many UTIs. Women expected the urologist to provide an explanation and to start adequate therapy for their recurrent UTI. We created a 32-item questionnaire based on these themesConclusion. This study not only developed a questionnaire for use when assessing patient expectations of recurrent UTI management in secondary care but also provided novel insights into the thoughts, opinions, and expectations of women who are referred.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Corpus Callosum Agenesis in Four Fetuses
Authors: Zheng Jiao , Song Tingting , Li Jia , Xu Ying , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Jianfang , Hong Yang
Published: September 2020

Background: The corpus callosum is the main pathway connect the interhemispheric communication. Corpus callosum agenesis from asymptomatic to mild or severe neurodevelopmental disorders. However, few cases have been previously reported in the literature on prenatal diagnosis between corpus callosum agenesis and chromosomes abnormality. The study included prenatal diagnosis of 4 fetuses in whom prenatal ultrasound showed corpus callosum abnormality, isolated or associated with other central nervous lesions.Case presentation: Prenatal diagnoses of four children were summarized in our case. The routine prenatal ultrasound examination showed abnormal morphology of corpus callosum in fetus 1, dysplasia of the corpus callosum in fetus 3, the corpus callosum absence in fetus 2 and fetus 4, and fetus 4 also had cardiac abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray and G-band karyotype analysis were performed to provide genetic analysis of amniotic fluid. The results revealed 4.8M deletion at 1p36.33p36.31 in fetus 1, 3.1M deletion at Xq26.3q27.1 in fetus 2, 6.5M deletion at distal 1q43q44 and a duplication of 8.8M at 7q36.1q36.3 in fetus 3, fetus 4 had a deletion of 9.51M at 1p36.33p36.22 and 14.3M duplication at 6q25.3q27.Conclusion: The genetic mechanism of corpus callosum agenesis is variably complex, and its clinical phenotype may occur either alone or in association with other abnormalities. This study revealed the microabnormalities of multiple chromosomes are related to the corpus callosum abnormality. Combined with ultrasound examination, the application of chromosome microarray analysis will effectively improve the diagnosis of congenital submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses.
Life Satisfaction in Families with A Child in an Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome
Authors: Chadasch Christiane , Kotchoubey Boris
Published: September 2020

Background: The article examines life conditions in families living together with a child in an Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS). Such families experience severe stress at financial, logistical, and existential level.Methods: We investigated a large sample of families living with a UWS child (comprising 13% of the total population) and compared these families with families without a chronically ill child. A set of four questionnaires aimed to evaluate life conditions entails a total of 204 items. One of the questionnaires was developed by the corresponding author specifically for this study. The questionnaires were positively accepted by the persons concerned and permitted us to test six specific hypotheses. Results: Life satisfaction (LS) in families with a UWS child was significantly lower than in control families. LS was significantly affected by the positive anamnestic situation (everyday support, home visits, support by a doctor, nursing service, health insurance, etc.). Self-management skills were on average lower in families with a UWS child than in controls. These skills strongly and directly correlated with LS. Further, LS was not significantly related to the acceptance of feelings and negatively correlated with the floods of emotions. The relationship with the own child was equally satisfactory in families with and without a UWS child indicating that the families regard their UWS child as a full family member.Conclusions: The data show that happy life is possible in families living together with a UWS child. They further specify conditions for satisfactory life under multiple highly severe challenges. Personal self-management skills, coping strategies, and resilience, as well as outside social support, appear to be critical factors.
Association of Baseline Concentrations of Liver Function Tests and Full Blood Count Indices with Annual eGFR Decline and Renal Outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: The eGFR Follow- Up Study
Authors: Majoni Sandawana William , Barzi Federica , Hoy Wendy , MacIsaac Richard J. , Cass Alan , Maple-Brown Louise , Hughes Jaquelyne T
Published: September 2020

Background: Determination of risks for progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD) would improve strategies to reduce progression to ESKD. The eGFR study recruited and followed a cohort of adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Indigenous Australians) from Northern Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, with the aim to address the heavy CKD burden experienced within these communities.Methods: Using data from the eGFR study, we explored the association of baseline liver function tests (LFTs) (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin and albumin) and full blood count (FBC) indices (white blood cell and red blood cell counts and haemoglobin) with annual eGFR decline and renal outcomes (first of 30% decline in eGFR with a follow-up eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, initiation of renal replacement therapy, or renal death). Comparisons of baseline variables across eGFR categories were calculated using analysis of variance and logistic regression as appropriate. Linear and multivariable regression models were used to estimate the annual change in eGFR for changes in FBC indices and LFTs. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio for developing renal outcome for changes in baseline FBC indices and LFTs.Results: Of 547 participants, 540 had at least one baseline measure of LFTs and FBC indices. The mean age was 46.1 (14.7) years and 63.6% were female. The median follow-up was 3.1 (IQR 2.8-3.6) years. Annual decline in eGFR was associated with low serum albumin (p<0.001) and haemoglobin (p=0.007). After adjustment for age, gender, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, diabetes and cardiometabolic markers, low serum albumin (p<0.001), haemoglobin (p=0.012) and bilirubin (p=0.011) were associated with annual decline in eGFRRenal outcomes were inversely associated with serum albumin (p<0.001), bilirubin (p=0.012) and haemoglobin (p<0.001) and directly with GGT (p=0.007) and ALP (p<0.001). Other FBC indices and LFTs were not associated with annual decline in eGFR or renal outcomes.Conclusions: GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin and haemoglobin independently associate with renal outcomes. Contrary to findings from other studies, no association was found between renal outcomes and other FBC indices. These findings may help focus strategies to prevent disease progression in this high-risk population.
Using Exosomal miRNAs Extracted from Follicular Fluid to Investigate Their Role in Porcine Oocyte Development
Authors: Hu Junhe , Dong Jinyi , Zeng Zhi , Wu Juan , Tan Xiansheng , Tang Tao , Yan Jiao , Jin Chenzhong
Published: September 2020

Follicular development is crucial to normal oocyte maturation, with follicular size closely related to oocyte maturation. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind porcine oocyte maturation, we obtained exosomal miRNA from porcine follicular fluid (PFF). These miRNA samples were then sequenced and analyzed regarding their different follicular sizes, as described in the methods section. First, these results showed that this process successfully isolated PFF exosomes. Nearly all valid reads from the PFF exosomal sequencing data were successfully mapped to the porcine genome database. Second, we used hierarchical clustering methods to determine that significantly expressed miRNAs were clustered into A, B, C, and D groups in our heatmap according to different follicle sizes. These results allowed for the targeting of potential mRNAs genes related to porcine oocyte development. Third, we chose ten, significantly expressed miRNAs and predicted their target genes for further GO analysis. These results showed that the expression levels of neurotransmitter secretion genes were greatly changed, as were many target genes involved in the regulation of FSH secretion. Notably, these are genes that are very closely related to oocyte maturation in growing follicles. We then used pathway analysis for these targeted genes based on the originally selected ten miRNAs. Results indicated that the pathways were mainly related to the biosynthesis of TGF-beta and its signaling pathway, which are very closely related to reproductive system functions. Finally, these exosomal miRNAs obtained from PFF may provide a valuable addition to our understanding of the mechanism of porcine oocyte maturation. It is also likely that these exosomal miRNAs could function as molecular biomarkers to choose high-quality oocytes and allow for in vitro porcine embryo production.
rSodC is a potential antigen to diagnose Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis by enzyme-linked immunoassay
Authors: de Farias Antonio Pedro Fróes , Filho José Tadeu Raynal Rocha , Marchioro Silvana Beutinger , Moreira Luan Santana , Marques Andressa Souza , de Sá Maria da Conceição Aquino , Oliveira Antonio Anderson dos Santos , Alcântara Maria Emília , Mariutti Ricardos Barros , Arni Raghuvir Krishnaswamy , Trindade Soraya Castro , Meyer Roberto
Published: September 2020

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic infectious disease that affects sheep and goats. Many serological tests have been developed to detect the disease; one of the most widely used is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), due to its advantages. ELISA formulations using recombinant proteins can exhibit significant sensitivity and specificity when using a single purified antigen. DTxR, Trx, TrxR, LexA, SodC, SpaC, NanH, and PknG recombinant proteins can be considered target proteins for ELISA development. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the antigenic reactivity of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis recombinant proteins in goat and sheep serum. Of eight proteins evaluated, rSodC was selected for validation assays with small ruminant serum samples from the semiarid region of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Validation assays with goat serum samples showed that rSodC presented sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 94%, respectively. Validation assays with sheep serum showed that recombinant SodC exhibited sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 98%, respectively. Analysis of 756 field serum samples showed that rSodC identified 95 positive samples (23%) in goats and 75 positive samples (21%) in sheep. The ELISA with recombinant SodC protein developed in this study discriminated positive and negative serum samples with high levels of sensitivity and specificity. This formulation is promising for epidemiological surveys and CL control programs.
Relationship Between Foot Length and Gestational Age in Pakistan
Authors: Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Roujani Sana , Azam Syed Iqbal , Yasmin Haleema , Bano Khadija , Jessani Saleem , Reza Sayyeda , McClure Elizabeth M , Goldenberg Robert L , Saleem Sarah
Published: September 2020

Background: Preterm births have a high risk of mortality. Therefore, knowledge of the gestational age (GA) at birth is crucial to guide the appropriate management of a newborn. Common methods for estimating GA such as the last menstrual period, ultrasonography, and post-natal Ballard scoring have some limitations and are often unavailable in low-resource areas. This study aimed to determine the relationship between foot length and GA in order to develop an equation for predicting GA of the neonates born in Pakistan, a region with high rates of preterm birth and newborn mortality.Methods: We conducted a prospective study in a large obstetric hospital in Pakistan. Data for this analysis were extracted from the hospital files of eligible women by trained study midwives. Midwives were also trained in performing the Ballard examination and taking foot length using a disposable measuring tape within an hour of the birth. The GA was calculated using an android-based GA calculator, which used a report of last menstrual period, ultrasound examination, and Ballard examination. Simple and multiple linear regression were used to construct predicting equations for GA.Results: Both the foot length and GA were available for 1,542 cases. The median GA was 34.5 weeks with an interquartile range (IQR 4.7) and the median foot length was 7 cm (IQR 1.4). There was a positive linear relationship between foot length and GA (r2 81.7%, p-value < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed an r2 of 81.7% for males and 81.6% for females. The r2 for stillbirths was 84.1% and, 82.3% for live births. The r2 for macerated stillbirths was 88.6% and 90.6% for fresh stillbirths.Conclusion: In resource poor settings, the use of foot length can estimate GA in both live births and stillbirths and can easily identify preterm infants. This tool could facilitate early management of preterm births in low-resource settings.
Genomic Regions Associated With Stripe Rust Resistance Against the Egyptian Race Revealed by Genome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Mohamed Abou-Zeid A. , Mourad Amira M. I.
Published: September 2020

Background: Wheat stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. Tritici), is a major disease that causes huge yield damage. New pathogen races appeared in the last few years and caused a broke down in the resistant genotypes. In Egypt, some of the resistant genotypes began to be susceptible to stripe rust in recent years. This situation increases the need to produce new genotypes with durable resistance. Besides, looking for a new resistant source from the available wheat genotypes all over the world help in enhancing the breeding programs. Results: In the recent study, a set of 103-spring wheat genotypes from different fourteen countries were evaluated to their field resistant to stripe rust for two years. These genotypes included 17 Egyptian genotypes from the old and new cultivars. The 103-spring wheat genotypes were reported to be well adapted to the Egyptian environmental conditions. Out of the tested genotypes, eight genotypes from four different countries were found to be resistant in both years. Genotyping was carried out using genotyping-by-sequencing and a set of 26,703 SNPs were used in the genome-wide association study. Five SNP markers, located on chromosomes 2A and 4A, were found to be significantly associated with the resistance in both years. Three gene models associated with disease resistance and underlying these significant SNPs were identified. One immune Iranian genotype, with the highest number of different alleles from the most resistant Egyptian genotypes, was detected. Conclusion: the high variation among the tested genotypes in their resistance to the Egyptian stripe rust race confirming the possible improvement of stripe rust resistance in the Egyptian wheat genotypes. The identified five SNP markers are stable and could be used in marker-assisted selection after validation in different genetic backgrounds. Crossing between the immune Iranian genotype and the Egyptian genotypes will improve stripe rust resistance in Egypt.