bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeted imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma with a near-infrared fluorescent peptide
Authors: Kang Xiaoyu , Li Meng , Liu Lei , Liu Shaopeng , Hu Hao , Zhang Rui , Ning Siming , Tian Zuhong , Pan Yanglin , Guo Xuegang , Wu Kaichun
Published: August 2020

Background: Targeted optical imaging offers a noninvasive and accurate method for the early detection of gastrointestinal tumors, especially for flat appearances. In our previous study, a sequence of SNFYMPL (SNF) was identified as a specific peptide to bind to esophageal carcinoma using phage-display technology. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor-targeting efficacy of Cy5.5-conjugated SNF probe for imaging of esophageal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.Methods: The SNF-Cy5.5 probe was synthesized and then identified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Confocal fluorescence imaging and Flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate the binding specificity and the receptor binding affinity of SNF-Cy5.5 to OE33. In vivo imaging was performed to evaluate the targeting ability of SNF-Cy5.5 to esophageal carcinoma.Results：The confocal imaging and flow cytometry analysis showed that SNF-Cy5.5 bound specifically to the plasma membrane of OE33 cells with a high affinity. In vivo, for non-block group, SNF-Cy5.5 probe exhibited rapid OE33 tumor targeting during 24 h p.i. and excellent tumor-to-background contrast at 2 h p.i. For the block group, SNF-Cy5.5 was not observed in the mice after 4h p.i. Ex vivo imaging also revealed that a higher fluorescent signal intensity value of the tumors was clearly observed in the non-block group than that in the block group (2.6 ± 0.32× 109 vs 0.8 ± 0.08× 109, p < 0.05).Conclusions: SNF -Cy5.5 was synthesized and characterized with a high efficiency and purity. The higher affinity, specificity, and tumor targeting efficacy of SNF-Cy5.5 were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo tests. SNF-Cy5.5 is a promising optical probe for the imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Association of refugees’ knowledge of mental illness and their attitudes towards mental illness
Authors: Jung Sungwon , Kim Eun-Jung
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the level of mental health knowledge of defectors and to investigate the effect of sociodemographic characteristics and mental health knowledge level on mental health attitudes. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 150 people, and analyzed the data of 138 people. The t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze differences according to demographic characteristics. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to measure the effect of mental illness knowledge on attitudes toward mental illness. The positive correlations between the mental health attitudes of North Korean defectors and the knowledge level were significant, and the knowledge level between final academic achievement in South Korea and the entry year into South Korea was also significant. The higher the knowledge of mental health, the more generous the minds of the mentally illness because they know better about it, and they have negative thoughts about regulating their lives.
The interaction between dietary Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC) and variant of Cocaine and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Prepropeptide (CARTPT) 5q13-14 - rs2239670 locus on hypothalamic-pituitary axis hormones and metabolic risk factors in obese individuals
Authors: Khodarahmi Mahdieh , Farhangi Mahdieh , Niknam Mahdi
Published: August 2020

Background: Epidemiological studies have illustrated that polymorphisms of Cocaine and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Prepropeptide gene (CARTPT) may affect obesity outcomes. However, no study has investigated the CARTPT gene-diet interactions in term of antioxidant potential of diet. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions between CARTPT gene and dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity on hypothalamic- pituitary axis hormones and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Method and Material: In the present cross-sectional study, 288 apparently healthy obese adults aged 20-50 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-40 kg/m2 completed the study. Dietary assessment was performed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and antioxidant capacity of diet was estimated by calculating the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The CARTPT rs2239670 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) technique. Results: There was a significant interaction between CARTPT rs2239670 and dietary ORAC on BMI (Pinteraction = 0.048) and fat mass percent (FM%) (Pinteraction = 0.008); in A allele carriers, higher adherence to the dietary ORAC was related to lower level of BMI and FM%. As well as, the significant interactions were observed between FRAP index and rs2239670 in relation to HOMA (P interaction = 0.049) and QUICKI (P interaction = 0.048). Moreover, there were significant interactions of rs2239670 with TRAP (Pinteraction = 0.029) and TEAC (Pinteraction = 0.034) on the serum glucose level; individuals with AG genotype were more respondent to higher intake of TRAP. Conclusion: The present study indicated the interactions between CARTPT genotypes and dietary NEAC on obesity and its-related metabolic parameters. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Blended teaching practices for active learning in higher pharmacy education
Authors: liu wenyuan , Gao Xinzhu , Han Lingfei , Liu Jing , Feng Feng
Published: August 2020

Background : Active learning practices improve student achievement on average in college. Blended adoption of some form of research-based teaching methods for active learning at the tertiary level is rapidly expanding. Nevertheless, there have been few studies to date on the effects of detailed factors such as the blending ratio of the teaching components, impacts of learning resources and formative evaluation methods. The aim of this study was to develop a blended teaching strategy by incorporating methods of team-based learning (TBL) and e-learning into a Pharmaceutical Analysis course for student active learning, and to explore how the practice impacts student learning outcomes. Methods: Two blended teaching programs with different blending ratios of TBL and e-learning methods were developed and compared in this study. Students from four experimental classes enrolled in different majors were recruited. Student outcomes related to active learning goals, such as achievement, logic development or sense of accountability at the tertiary level, were analyzed and evaluated using a formative evaluation method. A survey administered after the study was completed by each student. Results: Student e-learning performance was positively correlated with the final scores, suggesting that exercises and tests provided by the e-learning platform made a positive contribution to student knowledge achievement. On surveys a large majority of students reported that working on instructor-posed questions in a TBL setting improved their higher-order cognitive skills, social cohesion and, through that, feelings of accountability. Final scores showed significant differences among students from different majors, which implied that the effectiveness of active learning depends on the characteristics of students and their activities outside of class. Conclusions: The blended teaching strategy developed in this study was effective in improving student achievement in either formative or summative assessments, which provides an accessible and informative entry point for im­plementing active learning in higher pharmacy education.
An injectable refrigerated hydrogel for Inducing local hypothermia and neuroprotection against traumatic brain injury
Authors: Han yuhan , Han ZhengZhong , Huang Xuyang , Qian Feng , Jia Jun , Zhang Deyun , Zhang Long , Zhao Gang , Li Shanshan , Jin Guoliang , yu rutong , Liu Hongmei
Published: August 2020

Hypothermia is a promising therapy for Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the clinic. However, the neuroprotective outcomes of hypothermia-treated TBI are not consistent in clinical studies due to several severe side effects. Here, an injectable refrigerated hydrogel is designed to deliver 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) to achieve a longer period of local hypothermia for TBI treatment. The hydrogel has four advantages: (1) It can be injected into injured site after TBI, where it forms a hydrogel and avoids the side effects of whole-body cooling. (2) The hydrogel can biodegrade and be used for controlled drug release. (3) Released T1AM can bind to trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) to produce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which induces hypothermia. (4) This hydrogel has an increased medical value due to its simple operation and ability to achieve timely treatment. This hydrogel is able to cool the brain to 30.25 ± 2.25 °C for 12 hours while maintaining the body temperature at 36.80 ± 1.75 °C after TBI. More importantly, the hypothermia induced by this hydrogel leads to the maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, the prevention of cell death, the reduction of the inflammatory response and brain edema, and the promotion of functional recovery after TBI. This cooling method can potentially be developed as a new approach for hypothermia treatment in TBI.
Seizure in HIV-Infected Patients: Clinical Presentation, Cause and Treatment Outcome in Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Amare Amanuel
Published: August 2020

Background: The estimated number of adult patients living with HIV infection in Ethiopia in 2012 was approximately 800,000. Seizure occurs in 2 to 3 % and 6.1 % to 34.3% in patients with HIV infection and patients with neurological complications of HIV infection, respectively. Studies on HIV infection and seizure are rare in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical presentation, cause and treatment outcome of patients with HIV infection presented with seizure. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients aged ≥ 13 years with HIV infection presented with seizure were included. Medical records were reviewed and demographic and clinical data were collected.Results: Records of 146 patients were analysed. Males were 55.5% and the mean age was 34 years. The diagnosis of HIV infection was made after current hospital admission in 69% of patients. Almost all patients (98.6 %) had stage 4 HIV infection with very low CD4 count (mean = 77/mm3). In almost all patients seizure was a recent onset at current admission; either it started after admission (42.5%) or within 3 months prior to admission (52.5%). The types of seizures were: generalized tonic-clonic seizure [GTCS] (69.2%), focal motor with secondarily generalization [FMWSG] (19.9%) and simple focal motor (11%). The common causes of seizure were: cerebral toxoplasmosis (46%), tuberculous meningitis (35.6%) and cryptococcal meningitis (13.7%). Case-fatality was 53% and predictors of mortality were: seizure started after admission, change in mentation and comatose at initial evaluation. Conclusions: Most patients had stage 4 HIV infection with very low CD4 count and a recent onset seizure which started within 3 months at initial evaluation. GTCS was the commonest seizure type and most causes of seizure were central nervous system opportunistic infections. The case-fatality was high and change in sensorium was an independent predictor of mortality. To prevent the high mortality and morbidity prevention of HIV infection, early diagnosis and treatment, improving diagnostic facilities and access to non-enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs are recommended.
Association of Preadmission Metformin Exposure and Outcomes in Acute Kidney Injury Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Intensive Care Unit: a Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Qilin , Zheng Jiezhao , Wen Deliang , Chen Xiaohua , Chen Weiyan , Chen Weixiao , Xiong Xuming , Zhang Zhenhui
Published: August 2020

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurred in more than half of ICU patients. The effective prevention and therapies strategy of AKI remains limited. This study is to assess AKI mortality among diabetes patients with or without preadmission prescriptions for metformin. Methods: We included AKI patients with type 2 diabetes in Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III database. 30-day mortality, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital were compared between those with and without preoperative prescriptions. The statistical approaches included multivariate regression, propensity score analysis and an inverse probability‑weighting model to ensure the robustness of our findings. Results: In total, 4328 AKI patients with type 2 diabetes (998 in preadmission metformin usage group and 3330 in no preadmission metformin usage) were included in the analysis. The overall 30-day mortality was 14.2% (613/4328). There was 15.7% (523/3330) and 9.0% (90/998) of 30-day mortality in no preadmission metformin usage and preadmission metformin usage group, respectively. In the main analysis, preadmission metformin usage was associated with a 37% lower of 30-day mortality (HR=0.63,95% CI:0.50-0.80, p<0.0001) in inverse probability‑weighting model. Conclusions: This cohort study suggested that preadmission metformin usage may be associated with reduced risk-adjusted mortality in AKI patients with type 2 diabetes. Further randomized controlled trials are needed.
Construction of Evaluation Index System of General Practice Graduates' Competence
Authors: Zhao Rui , Liu Feng , Zhu Kun
Published: August 2020

Objective To construct the evaluation index system of general medical graduates' competence，provide the basis for improving the comprehensive quality of general medical graduates and promoting the further reform and optimization of the training program of general medical talents in colleges.Methods Two rounds of expert consultation by Delphi method were used to determine the evaluation index system of general practice graduates' competence. AHP was used to calculate the weights of all levels of indicators.Result The evaluation index system of general practice graduates' competence is constructed with 3 primary factors, 9 secondary factors and 32 tertiary factors. Delphi results showed that the positive coefficient of experts was 1 and the authority coefficient was 0.858. Index system weight results showed that the weights of knowledge, skill and quality were 0.1532、0.4207 and 0. 4261 respectively. Among the second-level factors, the top three weight coefficients were professional ethics (0.2614), community practice(0.1526) and communication skills (0.1308).Conclusion This study constructed the evaluation index system of general practice graduates' competence, which can be used as the basis to evaluate the ability of general practice graduates and provide guidance for the cultivation and evaluation of general practice talents.
The Genome Sequence of Brucella abortus Vaccine Strain A19 Provides Insights on its Virulence Attenuation Compared to Brucella Abortus Strain 9-941
Authors: wang shuyi , Zhao Xueliang , Bateer HUHE , Sun Ke , Wang Wenlong
Published: August 2020

Background: Brucellosis is a widespread disease that affects animals and humans. The live attenuated Brucella abortus A19 strain is used for vaccination against brucellosis in China. In addition, the main mechanisms supporting the residual toxicity of A19 have not been elucidated. Here, we performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of the genome-wide sequence of A19 against the whole genome sequences of the published virulent reference strain 9-941. The primary objective of this study was to identify candidate virulence genes by systematically comparing the genomic sequences between the two genomes. Results: This analysis revealed two deletion regions in the A19 genome, in which all included large fragments of 63 bp, and one of their gene function is related to ABC transporter permease protein. In addition, we have identified minor mutations in important virulence-related genes that can be used to determine the underlying mechanisms of virulence attenuation. The function of its virulence gene covers LysR family transcriptional regulator, outer membrane, MFS transporter and oxidoreductase etc. At the same time, a PCR differential diagnosis method was constructed, which can distinguish A19, S19 and most other commonly used Brucella viruent strains and vaccine strains. Conclusion: The data may help to provide resources for further detailed analysis of mechanisms for other Brucella vaccines. It laid the foundation for further distinguishing between vaccine immunity and virulent strains infection.
HA-MOP knockin mice express the canonical µ-opioid receptor but lack detectable splice variants
Authors: Fritzwanker Sebastian , Mouledous Lionel , Mollereau Catherine , Froment Carine , BURLET-SCHILTZ Odile , Reinscheid Rainer , Schulz Stefan , Kliewer Andrea
Published: August 2020

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are notoriously difficult to detect in native tissues. In an effort to resolve this problem, we have developed a novel mouse model by fusing the hemagglutinin (HA)-epitope tag sequence to the amino-terminus of the µ-opioid receptor (MOP). This approach allows for highly efficient immunodetection of low abundant GPCR targets. We also show that the HA-tag facilitates both high-resolution imaging and immunoisolation of MOP. Mass spectrometry (MS) confirmed post-translational modifications, most notably agonist-selective phosphorylation of carboxyl-terminal serine and threonine residues. MS also unequivocally identified the carboxyl-terminal 387LENLEAETAPLP398 motif, which is part of the canonical MOP sequence. Unexpectedly, MS analysis of brain lysates failed to detect any of the 15 MOP isoforms that have been proposed to arise from alternative splicing of the MOP carboxyl-terminus. For quantitative analysis, we performed multiple successive rounds of immunodepletion using the well-characterized rabbit monoclonal antibody UMB-3 that selectively detects the 387LENLEAETAPLP398 motif. We found that >98% of HA-tagged MOP contain the UMB-3 epitope indicating that virtually all µ-opioid receptors expressed in the mouse brain exhibit the canonical amino acid sequence.
The Use of Story-Telling as an Assessment Task in Optics: A Collaborative Learning Approach in Optometry Education
Authors: B.Optom Faran Sabeti , Optom Myra Leung B. , Optom Nicola Anstice B.
Published: August 2020

Background: Collaborative learning utilising storytelling is an active learning strategy that has not been investigated in optometry education. We examined the relationship between academic performance and this learning style to determine if this assessment type can improve student engagement and academic outcomes in ophthalmic optics.Methods: A student-centered learning assessment was applied to one cohort of students (n=37) enrolled in the first year ophthalmic optics course of the optometry program at the University of Canberra, Australia. Students were randomly paired and asked to utilise cooperative storytelling to create a visually engaging presentation about a randomly assigned optical principle for elementary school aged children. A comparative cohort of first year optics students received a passive learning written assignment (n=30). Results: Mean percentage change in academic performance following the assignment, was significantly greater in the cooperative storytelling versus the passive learning group (+13.0 ± 5.8%, p = 0.03; +3.0 ± 5.0%, p = 0.55). Students who performed lower academically, identified as the lowest quartile pre-assignment, showed a significantly greater increase in scores from baseline for the cooperative storytelling group (+18.6%, p < 0.01) relative to the passive learning group (-6.4%, p = 0.42). Most students judged that the cooperative storytelling activity increased peer interaction (65%) and that it assisted in their preparation for the follow-up written assessments (89%).Conclusion: Assessment strategies that encourage collaborative storytelling increased student engagement in the optometry course, which may deepen comprehension and lead to improvements in academic performance and student experience.
iTRAQ-based Proteomic Analysis of a Chlorophyll-Deficient Mutant Caused by Single Base Change in RPS4 of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica Campestris L. ssp. Pekinensis)
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , Shi Fengyan , Wang Yiheng , Huang Shengnan , Zhao Ying , Feng Hui
Published: August 2020

Background: Plastids are important plant-cell organelles containing a genome and bacterial-type 70S ribosomes—primarily composed of plastid ribosomal proteins and ribosomal RNAs. In this study, a chlorophyll-deficient mutant (cdm) obtained from double-haploid Chinese cabbage ‘FT’ was identified as a plastome mutant with an A-to-C base substitution in the plastid gene encoding the ribosomal protein RPS4. To further elucidate the function and regulatory mechanisms of RPS4, a comparative proteomic analysis was conducted between cdm and ‘FT’ plants using isobaric tags and a relative and absolute quantitation by (iTRAQ)-based strategy.Results: A total of 6,245 proteins were identified, 540 of which were differentially expressed (DEPs) in the leaves of cdm as compared to those of ‘FT’—including 233 upregulated and 307 downregulated proteins. Upregulated DEPs were mainly involved in translation, organic nitrogen synthesis, ribosomes, and spliceosomes. Meanwhile, downregulated DEPs were mainly involved in photosynthesis, photosynthetic reaction centres, photosynthetic light harvesting, carbon fixation, and chlorophyll binding. Our findings indicate an important role of RPS4 in the regulation of growth and development of Chinese cabbage, possibly by regulating plastid translation activity by affecting the expression of specific photosynthesis- and cold stress-related proteins. Moreover, a multiple reaction monitoring test and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed our iTRAQ results.Conclusions: Quantitative proteomic analysis allowed us to confirm diverse changes in the metabolic pathways between cdm and ‘FT’ plants. Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses revealed that DEPs were significantly associated with photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, carbon metabolism, RNA transport, glucosinolate biosynthesis, and gene splicing. This work provides new insights into the regulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage.
Highly Salt-Resistant and All-Weather Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporators with Photothermal and Electrothermal Effects Based on Janus Graphene@Silicone Sponges
Authors: Li Lingxiao , Zhang Junping
Published: August 2020

Solar-driven interfacial evaporators are very promising for obtaining clean water, but suffer from serious performance degradation by salt-fouling, low evaporation rate under weak illumination and low clean water collection rate. Here, we report highly salt-resistant and all-weather evaporators with photothermal and electrothermal effects based on the Janus graphene@silicone sponges with opposing wettability. The evaporators achieve a remarkable high evaporation rate of 6.53 kg m-2 h-1 for 3.5 wt% NaCl solution under 1 sun illumination with a 5 V solar cell as compensation owing to their high solar absorption, low thermal conductivity, unique Janus structure and synergetic photothermal and electrothermal effects. Even in gloomy and dark environments, the evaporators could still generate vapor (1.51 kg m-2 h-1). Moreover, the evaporators feature long-term excellent salt-resistance, e.g., >10 d continuous evaporation in 10 wt% NaCl solution without performance degradation and salt precipitation, because of ultrafast water supply and salt diffusion in the macroporous superhydrophilic shell. Furthermore, the evaporators show high clean water collection rates of 21.92 kg m-2 d-1 (1 sun-9 h/0 sun-15 h + 5 V, indoor) and 9.65 kg m-2 d-1 (natural sun light + 5 V, outdoor). This study offers a new approach for efficiently obtaining clean water via solar desalination.
A cross-sectional survey assessing the preparedness of the long-term care sector to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Siu Henry Yu-Hin , Kristof Lorand , Elston Dawn , Hafid Abe , Mather Fred
Published: August 2020

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant public health emergency that impacts all sectors of healthcare. The negative health outcomes for the COVID-19 infection have been most severe in the frail elderly dwelling in Canadian long-term care (LTC) homes.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey of Ontario LTC Clinicians working in LTC homes in Ontario Canada was conducted to provide the LTC clinician perspective on the preparedness and engagement of the LTC sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the Ontario Long-Term Care Clinicians organization (OLTCC) and was distributed between March 30, 2020 to May 25, 2020. All registered members of the OLTCC and Nurse-led LTC Outreach Teams were invited to participate. The primary outcomes were: 1) the descriptive report of the screening measures implemented, communication and information received, and the preparation of the respondent’s LTC home to a potential COVID-19 outbreak; and 2) the level of agreement, as reported using a five-point Likert scale), to COVID-19 preparedness statements for the respondent’s LTC home was also assessed.
Results
The overall response rate was 54% (160/294). LTC homes implemented a wide range of important interventions (e.g. instituting established respiratory isolation protocols, active screening of new LTC admissions, increasing education on infection control processes, encouraging sick staff to take time off, etc). Ample communications pertinent to the pandemic were received from provincial LTC organizations, the government and public health officials. However, the feasibility of implementing public health recommendations, as well as the engagement of the LTC sector in pandemic planning were identified as areas of concern. Medical director status was associated with an increased knowledge of local implementation of interventions to mitigate COVID-19, as well as endorsing increased access to reliable COVID-19 information and resources to manage a potential COVID-19 outbreak in their LTC home.
Conclusions
This study highlights the communication to and implementation of recommendations in the Ontario LTC sector, despite some concerns regarding feasibility. Importantly, LTC clinician respondents clearly indicated that better engagement with LTC leaders is needed to plan a coordinated pandemic response.
Civil Society Involvement in Harm Reduction Drug Policy: Reflections on the Past, Expectations for the Future.
Authors: O'Gorman Aileen , Schatz Eberhard
Published: August 2020

Background: A range of civil society organisations (CSOs) such as drug user groups, non-governmental/third sector organisations and networks of existing organisations, seek to shape the development of drugs policy at national and international levels. However, their capacity to do so is shaped by the contexts in which they operate nationally and internationally. The aim of this paper is to explore the lived experience of civil society participation in these contexts, both from the perspective of CSOs engaged in harm reduction advocacy, and the institutions they engage with, in order to inform future policy development.Methods: This paper is based on the presentations and discussions from a workshop on ‘Civil Society Involvement in Drug Policy hosted by the Correlation – European Harm Reduction Network at the International Society for the Study of Drugs Policy (ISSDP) annual conference in Paris, 2019. In the aftermath of the workshop, the authors analysed the papers and discussions and identified the key themes arising to inform CSI in developing future harm reduction policy and practice.Results: Civil society involvement (CSI) in policy decision-making and implementation is acknowledged as an important benefit to representative democracy. Yet, the accounts of CSOs demonstrate the challenges they experience in seeking to shape the contested field of drug policy. Negotiating the complex workings of political institutions, often in adversarial and heavily bureaucratic environments, proved difficult. Nonetheless, an increase in structures which formalised and resourced CSI enabled more meaningful participation at different levels and at different stages of policy making. Conclusions: Civil society spaces are colonised by a broad range of civil society actors lobbying from different ideological standpoints including those advocating for a ‘drug free world’ and those advocating for harm reduction. In these competitive arena, it may be difficult for harm reduction orientated CSOs to influence the policy process. However, the current COVID-19 public health crisis clearly demonstrates the benefits of partnership between CSOs and political institutions to address the harm reduction needs of people who use drugs. The lessons drawn from our workshop serve to inform all partners on this pathway.
Synergistic Effects of Adding a Substrate and an Organic Reductant for Stimulating the Bioremediation of 4-chloronitrobenzene-contaminated Soil
Authors: Li Tian , Zhang Ping , Qian Kun , Zhang Tian.C
Published: August 2020

Background:Soil contaminated with 4-chloronitrobenzene (4NCB) is resistant to microbial degradation due to the electron-withdrawing properties of the nitro and chloro groups in 4NCB. Currently, sufficient information is not available on how to use biostimulation strategies to enhance the bioremediation of 4NCB-contaminated soil.Results:In the present study, a novel strategy was developed by utilizing the synergistic effects of adding an organic reductant (ascorbic acid, VC) and an organic nitrogen source (peptone) to stimulate the biodegradation of 4NCB-contaminated soil. Using this strategy, the bioremediation of 1 g-4NCB/ kg-1 soil could be completed within 8 days in soil batch reactors. Furthermore, the study discovered two 4NCB cometabolic intermediates in the soil reactors added with peptone and VC, and for the first time, 4NCB was transformed to 4-chlorofromanilide.Conclusion:The proposed strategy is promising because it is highly efficient, easy to control and involves a non-toxic, environmentally friendly substrate/reductant.). Finally, this approach warrants future studies to extend its applications to soils contaminated with other nitroaromatic compounds.
Evolutionary Significance of RAV Family in 25 Plants from Chlorophyta to Angiospermae
Authors: Li Wan , Ye Minghui , Wang Dongdong , Chen Qin
Published: August 2020

Background: Plants are easily affected by various environmental factors such as temperature, high salinity, and drought which will cause poor plant development and reduce crop yield. Transcription factors (TFs) are related to the stress resistance found in many plant species and play vital roles in the growth and development of plants. Among them, the RAV (related to ABI3/VP1) gene family, which is a plant-specific type of transcription factor containing AP2 (APETALA2) DNA binding domain and B3 DNA binding domain, is the focus in this research.Results: There more RAV genes/proteins (RAVs) were present in Gymnospermae and Angiosperm, a few RAVs in Bryophyta and Lycophyte, and no RAV gene was predicted in Chlorophyta. RAVs could be defined as three main groups, based on our phylogenetic analysis. The members of clade I included all plant stages from Chlorophyta to Angiosperm except Monocots. Clade II only contained eudicots plant species. Clade III, as a branch consisting of monocots plant species and Marchantia polymorpha, may help us explore the evolutionary relationship of RAVs between Bryophyta and Monocots. According to our results, it is shown that RAVs first appeared in bryophytes. While the vasculature continues to develop and evolve, RAV gene family also has functional differentiation and has formed new functions due to the existence of gene replication events.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the RAVs originated from Bryophytes, and RAVs of these plant species had obvious divisions in the evolutionary tree, which revealed the evolution of RAVs. These results have guiding significance for further research.
WITHDRAWN: Bending Behaviors and Directed Self-assembly of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers
Authors: shi lingying , Lee Sangho , Du Qingyang , ran rong , Liu Runze , Ross Caroline
Published: August 2020

The formation of zig-zags, chevrons, Y-junctions and line segments is demonstrated in thin films formed from cylindrical morphology Si-containing rod-coil diblock copolymers and triblock terpolymers under solvent annealing. Directed self-assembly of the block copolymers within trenches yields well-ordered cylindrical microdomains oriented either parallel or transverse to the sidewalls depending on the chemical functionalization of the sidewalls, and the location and structure of concentric bends in the cylinders is determined by the shape of the trenches. The innate etching contrast, the spontaneous sharp bends and junctions, and the range of demonstrated periodicity and line/space ratios make these conformationally asymmetric rod-coil polymers attractive for nanoscale pattern generation.
How Iranian Mothers Raise Their Adolescent Children: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Fallahi Fatemeh , Anoosheh Monireh , Foroughan Mahshid , Vanaki Zohreh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan
Published: August 2020

Background

Most parents consider adolescence to be the most difficult stage of parenting. The parental practice is a determining factor in adolescents’ academic achievement, self-esteem, independence attainment, social adjustment, and risky behaviors reduction. The main role of parenting in many societies is played by mothers. The present study aimed at explaining the Iranian mothers’ practice in parenting an adolescent child.

Methods

This qualitative conventional content analysis was conducted in 2019 in Kashan, in the central part of Iran. Totally, 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with mothers of adolescent children were performed using a purposive sampling method. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously using MAXQDA10 software.

Results

Regarding the study purpose, six main categories and two themes were identified. The theme of ‘laying the groundwork for upbringing’ was detected by two main categories: ‘meeting the needs’ and ‘effective interaction with the adolescent’ and the theme of ‘individual-social capacity building’ was explained by four main categories: ‘helping to gain independence’, ‘modeling individual-social behavior’, ‘socializing the adolescent’, and ‘preparing to accept future roles’.

Conclusions

A deeper understanding of maternal practice can help health professionals, especially family nurses, develop parenting programs to promote maternal literacy and adolescent health.
Early steroid pulse therapy for children with suspected acute encephalopathy: A historical cohort study
Authors: ISHIDA Yusuke , Nishiyama Masahiro , YAMAGUCHI Hiroshi , TOMIOKA Kazumi , TAKEDA Hiroki , TOKUMOTO Shoichi , TOYOSHIMA Daisaku , MARUYAMA Azusa , SEINO Yusuke , AOKI Kazunori , NOZU Kandai , KUROSAWA Hiroshi , TANAKA Ryojiro , IIJIMA Kazumoto , NAGASE Hiroaki
Published: August 2020

Background

Steroid pulse therapy is widely used for virus-associated acute encephalopathy, especially the cytokine storm type; however, its effectiveness remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of early steroid pulse therapy for suspected acute encephalopathy in the presence of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels.
Methods

We enrolled children admitted to Hyogo Children's Hospital between 2003 and 2017 with convulsions or impaired consciousness accompanied by fever (temperature > 38˚C). The inclusion criteria were: refractory status epilepticus or prolonged neurological abnormality or hemiplegia at six hours from onset, and AST elevation > 90 IU/L within six hours of onset. We excluded patients with a neurological history. We compared the prognosis between the groups with or without steroid pulse therapy within 24 hours. A good prognosis was defined as a Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale (PCPC) score of 1–2 at the last evaluation, within 30 months of onset. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between prognosis and time from onset to steroid pulse therapy.
Results

Fifteen patients with acute encephalopathy and five patients with febrile seizures were included in this study. Thirteen patients received steroid pulse therapy within 24 hours. There was no between-group difference in the proportion with a good prognosis. There was no significant correlation between PCPC and timing of steroid pulse therapy (rs = 0.253, p = 0.405).
Conclusions

Steroid pulse therapy within 24 hours did not improve the prognosis in children with suspected acute encephalopathy associated with AST elevation.
An analysis on service efficiency in nursing homes and spatio-temporal variation in China
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Han Ying , Fang Ya
Published: August 2020

Background: Pension services market in China is still at the early stage, problems like low service efficiency and low quality of nursing care already exist. So it is inevitable to analyze the efficiency and productivity and spatio-temporal variation, as well as its influencing factors in nursing homes all over the country. Methods: Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Tobit model were applied to integrate several quality measures into a comprehensive benchmarking model. We present nationwide results and analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of the (technical efficiency) TE and productivity of nursing homes among Eastern, Central and Western of China. Furthermore, Tobit model was performed to explore factors associated with TE. Results The average TE, pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE) of nursing homes for the 5-year period were 0.909. 0.928 and 0.979, respectively. The TE and SE decreased from 2012 to 2014, but improved after 2014. TE is 0.98 in the Eastern region, 0.93 of that in the Central region and 0.91 of that in the Western region, with a decrease range of 2%, 7% and 9%, respectively. The average improvement range of the five input indexes of the non-DEA effective nursing homes was 27.26%, 20.62%, 19.77%, 22.04%, and 38.84%, respectively. The influencing factors of efficiency value of nursing homes indicated that if there are more social workers, more patients in the nursing homes, and more employees who are aged 56 and above, the TE and productivity of nursing homes will be higher. Conclusions There was considerable space for TE improvement in nursing homes due to the low proportion of effective TE. The TE and SE presented a decreasing trend from 2012 to 2014, which implicated that the large SE in nursing homes with less previous standardized management should be emphasized. (total factor productivity changes)TFPC experienced a decrease in productivity due to the adverse alteration in technological changes and pure technical efficiency. The service efficiency in nursing homes is facing with the problem of imbalance of regional development. The efficiency value of nursing homes was influenced by age of employees, the number of social workers and the number of older people. The measures and suggestions on improving efficiency of care in nursing homes were put forward.
LncRNA RHPN1-AS1 promotes cholangiocarcinoma progression and predicts poor clinical outcome through miR-345-5p/YAP1 axis
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Li Tao , Liu Guochao , Wang Jianlong , Yin Zhaoqiang , Kang Jiansheng
Published: August 2020

Background

LncRNAs have proven to be involved in the initiation and progression of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), although the mechanism by which this occurs remains unknown.
Methods

The current study reveals that RHPN1-AS1 was overexpressed in CCA patient samples, which predicted poor outcome of CCA patients. RHPN1-AS1 increased in vitro pancreatic carcinoma cell proliferation as well as promoted xenograft growth in vivo. Mechanistically, DANCR upregulated expression of YAP1 by competitively binding to miR-345-5p. Importantly, RHPN1-AS1 level was positively correlated with YAP1 expression level in CCA tissues. Moreover, YAP1 overexpression could predicted a poor outcome of CCA patients.
Results

Taken together, our results suggested that RHPN1-AS1 might be a remarkable biomarker to evaluate prognosis in CCA.
Conclusion

The RHPN1-AS1/YAP1 axis may provide new strategies for CCA clinical practice.
Cascading Mentorship as Advocacy Training in Undergraduate Medical Education: A Mixed Methods Evaluation
Authors: Patel Mitesh , Aitken Devon , Xue Yunlin , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Simpson Alexander
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPhysicians are in a position of great influence to advocate for health equity. As such, it is important for physicians-in-training to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil this role. Although various undergraduate medical programs have implemented health advocacy training, they often lack experiential learning and physician involvement. These aspects are foundational to the Advocacy Mentorship Initiative (AMI) which utilizes cascading mentorship as a novel approach to advocacy training. Medical students develop advocacy competency as peer mentors to youth raised in at-risk environments, while also being mentored themselves by physician residents. We aim to determine whether there are specific advantages to utilizing cascading mentorship to facilitate the attainment of advocacy competencies in undergraduate medical education.MethodsMedical students participating in AMI between 2017 to 2020 completed pre- and post-exposure questionnaires. Questionnaires assessed confidence in advocacy-related skills and knowledge of youth advocacy concepts, as well as qualitative measures of learning goals, skills gained, benefits of AMI and resident mentors, and impact on future career. Sign tests were utilized to analyze quantitative results, and content analysis was used for qualitative data. Mixed methods triangulation was also utilized.ResultsFifty mentors participated, 24 (48%) of which completed both pre- and post-exposure questionnaires. Participants gained confidence in advocacy-related skills (p<0.05) such as working with vulnerable populations and advocating for medical and non-medical needs. They also reported significant improvements (p<0.01) in their understanding of social determinants of health and concepts related to children’s health and development. Content analysis showed that participants built meaningful relationships with mentees in which they learned about social determinants of health, youth advocacy, and developed various advocacy-related skills. Participants greatly valued mentorship by residents, identifying benefits such as support and advice regarding relations with at-risk youth, and career mentorship. AMI impacted participants’ career trajectories in terms of interest in working with youth, psychiatry, and advocacy.ConclusionsAMI offers a unique method of advocacy training through cascading mentorship that engages medical students both as mentors to at-risk youth and mentees to resident physicians. Through cascading mentorship, medical students advance in their advocacy-related skills and understanding of social determinants of health.
The Role of Community Factors in Predicting Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Workforce: A Longitudinal study in Rural and Urban Settings
Authors: Li Wanlian , Gao Guanghan , Sun Fei , Jiang Lin
Published: August 2020

Background: The dual urban-rural division system in China has led to distinguishes in economic development, medical services, and education as well as in mental health disparities. This study examined whether community factors (community cohesion, supportive network size, foreseeable community threat, and medical benefits coverage) predict the depressive symptoms of Chinese workers and how community factors may work differently in rural and urban settings. Methods: This secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the 2014 and 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey (CLDS). The sample includes 6157 rural workers and 2983 urban workers. Results: The results indicate that rural workers have higher levels of depressive symptoms than urban workers. Medical benefits coverage predicts depressive symptoms of rural workforces (B = -.326, p <. 10), and community supportive network size predicts depressive symptoms of urban workforces (B = -.531, p <. 01). Conclusions: Policymakers may reduce depressive symptoms of rural labor through improved coverage of medical benefits. In urban areas, efforts can be made to strengthen community supportive network for the urban labor force.
Characteristics and Patient-reported Outcomes Associated to Dropout in Severely Affected Oncological Patients
Authors: Gebert Pimrapat , Schindel Daniel , Frick Johann , Schenk Liane , Grittner Ulrike
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures are commonly used and are surrogates for clinical outcomes in cancer research. In the research setting of very severe diseases such as cancer, it is difficult to avoid the problem of incomplete questionnaires from drop-out or missing data due to patients who deceased during observation period. We aimed to explore patient characteristics and patient-reported outcomes associated with the time-to-dropout. MethodsIn the Oncological Social Care Project (OSCAR) study the condition of participants was assessed four times within 12 months (t0: baseline, t1: 3 months, t2: 6 months, t3:12 months) by validated patient-reported outcome measures. We performed competing-risks regression based on Fine and Gray’s proportional sub-distribution hazards model for exploring factors associated with time-to-dropout. Death was considered a competing risk. ResultsThree hundred sixty-two participants were analyzed in the study. 193 (53.3%) completed follow-up at 12 months, 67 (18.5%) patients dropped out, and 102 patients (28.2%) died during the study period. Poor subjective social support was related to higher risk for drop-out (SHR=2.10; 95%CI: 1.01 – 4.35). Lower values in quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were related to drop-out and death. The subscales global health status/QoL, role functioning, physical functioning, and fatigue symptom were key characteristics associated with drop-out.ConclusionSeverely affected cancer patients with poor social support and poor quality of life seem more likely to drop out of studies compared to patients with higher levels of social support and quality of life. This should be considered when planning studies assessing cancer patients. Methods to monitor drop-outs timely and handle missing outcomes might be used. Results of such studies have to be interpreted with caution in light of the particular drop-out mechanisms.