bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase of non- HBV, non- HCV related hepatocellular carcinoma -Over 20 years single institution study-
Authors: Nagaoki Yuko , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ando Yuwa , Kosaka Yumi , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Nishida Yuno , Teraoka Yuji , Morio Kei , Fujino Hatsue , Ono Atsushi , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Yamauchi Masami , Okamoto Wataru , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Miki Daiki , Imamura Michio , Takahashi Shoichi , Chayama Kazuaki , Aikata Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Background: We previously reported the trends of etiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between 1995 and 2009. By updating this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of HCC with non- hepatitis B viral and non- hepatitis C viral (NBNC) etiologies and explore the clinical characteristics, also.Methods: Consecutive 2171 HCC patients at our institution were enrolled between 1992 and 2018 in this retrospective cohort study. A comparative study was conducted by dividing into two groups, an early group from 1992 to 2009 and a late group from 2010 to 2018.Results: NBNC-HCC account for 514 patients (23.6%). The proportion of NBNC-HCC has continued to increase from 26.5% in 2009 to 46.3% in 2018. NBNC-HCC were getting older (median ages, 67 to 73 years). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (48.5% to 60.3%: P=0.008), hypertension (48.5% to 57.4%: P=0.047), and hyperlipidemia (39.2% to 53.8%: P=0.001) has increased significantly in recent years. The median FIB-4 index have decreased (4.37 to 3.61: P=0.026) and the median platelet counts have increased (15.1 to 17.9: P=0.013) significantly. Among 514 NBNC-HCC, 194 patients underwent hepatic resection in which 14.9%, 29.3%, and 55.8% were based on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and cryptogenic, respectively. Cirrhosis was detected in 72.4%, 38.6%, and 15.5% of NASH, ALD and cryptogenic, respectively. The prevalence of cirrhosis in NASH were significantly higher than other groups (P<0.001), overall, 70% of the background liver of NBNC-HCC was not cirrhosis. On the other hands, the median FIB-4 index in cryptogenic HCC were 2.56 and significantly lower than other groups, FIB-4 index considered as one of useful screening of HCC.Conclusions: NBNC-HCC has rapidly been increasing in recent years even in regional university hospital. The presence of metabolic syndrome may be important risk factors. Furthermore, HCC from non-cirrhotic liver needs attention carefully. Accordingly, it is speculated that these patients should receive periodic surveillance for HCC development.
Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate Suppresses the Progression of Bladder Cancer by Modulating miR-26b/Nox4 Axis
Authors: Yuan Zhihao , Guo Guancheng , Sun Guifang , Li Qi , Wang Lihui , Qiao Baoping
Published: September 2020

Background: Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate (MI), a magnesium salt of 18α-GA stereoisomer, has been reported to exert efficient hepatoprotective activity. However, its effect in bladder cancer remain unclear.Methods: The effect of MI in the growth, colony formation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of bladder cancer cells (HTB9 and BIU87 cells) was evaluated in vitro. Typical apoptotic changes of bladder cancer cells such as nuclear concentration and fragmentation was observed by Hoechst staining. The effect of MI in the expression of miR-26b, Nox4, NF-κB and HIF-1α was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot in vitro. Targetscan was used to predict the potential targets of miR-26b, then their interaction was determined by the luciferase reporter assay. Finally, the xenograft model of mice was established to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of MI in vivo. Results: MI significantly suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration and induced apoptosis of human bladder cancer cells. Nox4 was identified to be a direct target of miR-26b, and MI significantly increased the expression of miR-26b. MiR-26b mimics significantly decreased the relative luciferase activity of wild type (WT) Nox4, while exhibited no obvious change in mutant type (MUT) Nox4. Meanwhile, MI markedly downregulated the expression of Nox4, NF-κB and HIF-1α both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, MI could efficiently inhibit the growth of xenograft tumor in vivo, and also obviously decreased the expression of Nox4, NF-κB and HIF-1α. Conclusion: In summary, MI showed a potent anti-tumor effect against bladder cancer partially through modulating miR-26b/Nox4 axis.
Association Between Appropriate Complementary Feeding and Anthropometric Measures Among Infants and Young Children in Malawi using Cross-Sectional Data: A Propensity Score Matching Approach
Authors: Twabi Halima Sumayya , Manda Samuel O , Small Dylan
Published: September 2020

Background: Inappropriate feeding practices among infants and young children are adversely associated with their growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the causal association between appropriate complementary feeding and child growth among children aged 6 to 23 months in Malawi using propensity score matching.Methods: Data on 4722 children aged 6 to 23 months from the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) were analysed. Distribution of confounder variables on children who were not on appropriate complementary feeding were made similar to those who were on appropriate complementary feeding using a 1:1 nearest neighbour matching within a calliper region of 0.1. Matching was evaluated based on the average standardised absolute mean diﬀerences and covariate speciﬁc p-values after matching. The eﬀect of appropriate complementary feeding was estimated based on the matched sample. A sensitivity analysis was done to assess the eﬀect of unmeasured confounders on the estimates.Results: The prevalence of stunting was at 28% (95% CI:27%,29%), wasting was at 3.3%(95% CI:2.5%,4.1%) and underweight was at 13.6%(95% CI:12.1%,15%). Of the 4772 children, 16.7% (95% CI:15.6, 17.8) were given appropriate complementary feeding. A majority (81.8%) of the children were initiated to complementary feeding after 6 months of age. Appropriate complementary feeding was associated with reduced stunting (OR=0.5, 95% CI:0.3,0.9) among the children but did not have an eﬀect on wasting and underweight.Conclusion: The study has found that appropriate complementary feeding led to less stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Malawi. The use of statistical techniques such as propensity score matching to balance confounder variables could be useful to reduce bias in the estimation of exposure comparative eﬀectiveness from observational studies. We recommend optimal feeding for young children, especially in resource-limited settings.
A Bioinspired Stretchable Sensory-Neuromorphic System
Authors: Kim Sun Hong , Baek Geun Woo , Yoon Jiyong , Seo Seunghwan , Hahm Donghyo , Chang Jun Hyuk , Seong Duhwan , Seo Hyunseon , Oh Seyong , Kim Kyunghwan , Jung Heeyoung , Oh Youngsu , Baac Hyoung Won , Alimkhanuly Batyrbek , Bae Wan Ki , Lee Seunghyun , Kwak Jeonghun , Park Jin-Hong , Son Donghee
Published: September 2020

Conventional stretchable electronics entailing the adoption of a wavy design, a neutral mechanical plane, and a conformal contact between abiotic and biotic interfaces have shown diverse skin-interfaced applications. Despite such remarkable progress, there have been challenged to be evolved to intelligent skin prosthetics due to the absence of the monolithic integration of neuromorphic constituents into individual sensing and actuating components. Herein, we demonstrate a golden tortoise beetle-inspired stretchable sensory-neuromorphic system comprising an artificial mechanoreceptor, an artificial synapse, and an epidermal photonic actuator as three biomimetic functionalities that correspond to a stretchable capacitive pressure sensor, a resistive random-access memory, and a quantum dot light-emitting diode, respectively. This system features a rigid-island structure interconnected with a sinter-free printable conductor (stretchability ~ 160%, conductivity ~ 18,550 S/cm), which allows one to improve both areal density and structural reliability while avoiding the thermal degradation of heat-sensitive stretchable electronic components. Moreover, even in the skin deformation range, the system accurately recognizes various patterned stimuli via an artificial neural network with training/inferencing functions. Our new bioinspired system is therefore expected to be an important step toward the implementation of intelligent wearable electronics.
Computational Phenotyping of Obstructive Airway Diseases: Protocol for A Systematic Review
Authors: Bashir Muwada , Basna Rani , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Beckman Helena , Lindberg Anne , Ekerljung Linda , Axelsson Malin , Hedman Linnea , Vanfleteren Lowie , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva , Nuwaru Bright I.
Published: September 2020

Background: Over the last decade, computational sciences have contributed immensely to characterization of phenotypes of airway diseases, but it is difficult to compare derived phenotypes across studies, perhaps as a result of the different decisions that fed into these phenotyping exercises. We aim to perform a systematic review of studies using computational approaches to phenotype obstructive airway diseases in children and adults.Methods and analysis: We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar for papers published between 2010 and 2020. Conferences proceedings, reference list of included papers, and experts will form additional sources of literature. Two reviewers will independently screen the retrieved studies for eligibility, extract relevant data, and perform quality appraisal of included studies. A third reviewer will arbitrate any disagreements in these processes. Quality appraisal of the studies will be undertaken using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool. We will use summary tables to describe the included studies. We will narratively synthesize the generated evidence, providing critical assessment of the populations, variables, and computational approaches used in deriving the phenotypes across studiesConclusion: As progress continues to be made in the area of computational phenotyping of chronic obstructive airway diseases, this systematic review, the first on this topic, will provide the state-of-the-art on the field and highlight important perspectives for future works.Ethics and dissemination: No ethical approval is needed for this work is based only on the published literature and does not involve collection of any primary or human data.Registration: The protocol of this the review process is registered in PROSPERO with the number: CRD42020164898.
Factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Hoque Nazmul , Alif Sheikh M , Salehin Masudus , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Banik Biswajit , Sharif Ahmed , Nazim Nashrin Binte , Sultana Farhana , Cross Wendy
Published: September 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the personal, professional and social life of Australians with some people more impacted than others. Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents in Australia, including patients, frontline health and other essential service workers, and community members during June 2020. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10); level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S); and coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the extent of psychological distress, level of fear and coping strategies while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Among 587 participants, the majority (391, 73.2%) were 30-59 years old and female (363, 61.8%). More than half (349, 59.5%) were born outside Australia and two-third (418, 71.5%) completed at least a Bachelor’s degree. The majority (401, 71.5%) had a source of income, 243 (42.3%) self-identified as a frontline worker, and 335 (58.9%) reported financial impact due to COVID-19. Comorbidities such as pre-existing mental health conditions (AOR 3.13, 95% CIs 1.12-8.75), increased smoking (8.66, 1.08-69.1) and alcohol drinking (2.39, 1.05-5.47) over the last four weeks, high levels of fear (2.93, 1.83-4.67) and being female (1.74, 1.15-2.65) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Perceived distress due to change of employment status (4.14, 1.39-12.4), alcohol drinking (3.64, 1.54-8.58), providing care to known or suspected cases (3.64, 1.54-8.58), being female (1.56, 1.00-2.45), being 30-59 years old (2.29, 1.21-4.35) and having medium to high levels of psychological distress (2.90, 1.82-5.62) were associated with a higher level of fear; while healthcare service use in the last four weeks was associated with medium to high resilience. Conclusions: This study identified individuals who were at higher risk of distress and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic specifically in the State of Victoria, Australia. Specific interventions to support the mental wellbeing of these individuals should be considered in addition to the existing resources within primary healthcare settings.
The Effect of Educational Intervention Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior on The Performance on Pap Smear Test Screening in Iranian Women
Authors: Sarvestani Maryam Heidari , moradi zahra , Jeihooni Ali Khani , Dehghan Azizollah
Published: September 2020

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and the fifth deadly cancer among women in Iran. Educational interventions based on proper behavior promoting models can lead to early diagnosis of cervical cancer. The theory of planned behavior pays attention to social factors and motivation for following the significant others. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to performing regular Pap smear test based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) among the females living in Fasa, Iran.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 700 participants. Then the educational intervention based on the results of cross-sectional study was conducted in form of a workshop for 50 women as the intervention group, and 50 women were considered as the control group. After all, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software and were analyzed via logistic regressions analysis, paired t-test, independent t-test, chi-square test, and McNemar test.Result: According to the results, 45.7% of the patients had a history of undergoing a Pap smear test, and 20.7% of them performed this test regularly. The knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were the predictors of intention and behavior of Pap smear test among the women (P<0.05). These components accounted for 57.4% and 31.6% of the intention and behavior variance, respectively. After the intervention, a significant increase was observed in the mean scores of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in the intervention group compared to the control group. The results revealed no significant difference between the two groups concerning the behavioral intention (p=0.41) and performance of the Pap smear test (p=0.583). The number of the participants who had undergone the Pap smear test increased from 10 to 26 in the intervention group three months after the intervention. The results of McNemar test indicated that this difference was statistically significant.Conclusion: The results indicated an increase in the women’s performance of the Pap smear screening test by appropriate planning, provision of educational packages based on the women’s needs, and using effective subjective norms.This clinical trial is registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20160830029608N3).
The Role of Protein Kinase Activators and ZFN in Reducing the Harmful Effects of Total Body Irradiation
Authors: alahmd hana ahmd , madi sawsan , ekhtiar adnan
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveAIDS patients are predisposed to develop certain tumors. Radiation therapy is one of the main treatments for cancer. However, exposure to ionizing radiation leads to defects in the lymphatic system. The cells with the highest sensitivity to radiation are the T lymphocytes. We aim to investigate the effect of irradiation on the ratio of CD4 to CD8, and to oppose this effect by using Bryostatin (B) and ZFN and ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy). So Balb/C mice aged 6-8 weeks were whole-body irradiated with 1.5 Gy of γ-rays, was then mice were treated with ZFN, Bryostatin intraperitoneally. And orally Antiviral treatment. At the end of the study, CD4/CD8 was measured by flow cytometry.Results Irradiation caused significant pathological changes that led to a clear reversal of CD4/CD8 ratio significantly within the normal radiating group. there are no significant differences in CD4/CD8 ratio between all groups treated with ZFN+ X, Z+ B+ X, ART+ X and normal group.So our study suggests the effect of Bryostatin in protecting living organs that were exposed to irradiation in mice. ZFN cuts off both BAX and BAK, and thus decreases apoptotic proteins, reducing cell death.
Cost-effectiveness of Anbainuo Plus Methotrexate Compared to Conventional Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in China
Authors: Tian Feng , Wen Zhenhua , Li Jingyang , Luo Xiaowen , Deng Li , Zhang Liang , He Jingyun , Yao Fangling , Liao Zheng
Published: September 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of anbainuo (ABN) plus methotrexate (MTX) versus conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: Ninety RA patients who underwent ABN+MTX (assigned as ABN+MTX group (N=47)) or cDMARDs (assigned as control group (N=43)) treatment were analyzed. Disease activity was assessed at baseline (M0), 3rd month (M3), 6th month (M6) and 12th month (M12) after treatment. Drug, other medical, indirect and total costs were calculated. Then pharmacoeconomic analyses were performed with the threshold of cost-effectiveness set as 3 times of the mean gross domestic product per capita in China during the study period.Results: Treatment response rate was similar, while disease remission and low disease activity rates were increased in ABN+MTX group compared to control group. Drug cost, other medical cost and total cost were higher in ABN+MTX group than control group, while indirect cost was similar between the two groups. Meanwhile, the quality-adjusted life years (QALY) in ABN+MTX group and control group were 0.72 and 0.48 years, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) of ABN+MTX group compared to control group in total patients, moderate-disease-activity patients and severe-disease-activity patients were ¥135486.7, ¥146450.4 and ¥124987.2/QALY, respectively, which were all below cost-effectiveness threshold. Further sensitivity analyses revealed that the cost-effectiveness of ABN+MTX versus cDMARDs was relative robust, while among all the indexes, ABN price and HAQ-DI score change for ABN+MTX group affected ICER most.Conclusions: ABN+MTX treatment presents acceptable cost-effectiveness compared to cDMARDs treatment in Chinese RA patients.
Adverse reactions of the copper intrauterine device and related consequences: experiences described in discussion boards
Authors: Fernaeus Maja , Molin Moa Sterner , Georgsson Susanne , Carlsson Tommy
Published: September 2020

Background

The copper intrauterine device is a recommended and effective method for contraception. Recently, agencies have seen an increase in spontaneous reports of adverse reactions, and analysis of messages in discussion boards may lead to new insights. The aim was to explore experiences of adverse reactions related to the copper intrauterine device described by posters in Swedish public discussion boards.
Methods

Messages containing descriptions of client experiences were collected via Swedish public discussion boards about sexual and reproductive health, identified through searches in Google. Posters with experience of adverse reactions were included (n = 145 unique posters) and their messages were inductively analyzed with qualitative manifest content analysis.
Results

Four categories were derived from the data; physical reactions, psychological reactions, intensity of adverse reactions, and consequences of adverse reactions. Adverse reactions were identified as physical reactions (15 sub-categories illustrating the different types of reactions) and psychological reactions (5 sub-categories illustrating the different types of reactions). Posters expressed significant intensity of adverse reactions, such as the reaction being awful, extreme, and traumatic. Some had such a negative experience of adverse reactions that they would never again consider a copper intrauterine device and that they would never had it inserted if they knew about the experienced adverse reactions. While some decided to accept adverse reactions and keep the device, others did not and removed it. Adverse reactions had negative effects on sexual health, partner relationship, and fears and worries, including fear to seek gynecologic care because of a traumatic and painful insertion.
Conclusions

Descriptions of both expected and unexpected adverse reactions of the copper intrauterine device can be found in discussion boards, some which can feel like being of high intensity and have burdensome consequences in the lives of clients. Midwives, nurses and physicians working in contraceptive counseling need to ensure that clients are sufficiently informed about possible adverse reactions and followed-up accordingly. More research is needed that further investigates adverse reactions of the copper intrauterine device and the impact such reactions may have for clients.
Patterns of Mental Healthcare Provision in Urban Areas: A Comparative Analysis for Informing Local Policy
Authors: Furst MaryAnne , Salinas-Perez Jose , Gutiérrez-Colosia Mencia R. , Mendoza John , Bagheri Nasser , Anthes Lauren , Salvador-Carulla Luis
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveUrbanisation presents specific challenges for the mental wellbeing of the population. An understanding of availability of existing service provision in urban areas is necessary to plan for the needs of people with mental illness in these contexts to identify gaps in care provision and inform policy and planning. This study aims to provide an analysis of the availability and diversity of mental health care in urban areas in Australia , and compare it with benchmark areas in Europe (Finland and Spain) and South America (Chile). MethodDESDE-LTC, an instrument for service classification and description of services providing long term care was used to analyse and compare service provision in Australia (Australian Capital Territory (ACT)), to other urban areas in Australia (Western Sydney, Perth North and South East Sydney) and to benchmark areas in other countries (Spain, Finland and Chile), using a standard healthcare ecosystems approach. Services from all relevant care sectors were calculated per 100,000 adults.ResultsWe identified commonalities in the pattern of mental health care in urban regions in Australia when compared to urban regions internationally, as well as gaps in care provision common to all study areas.ConclusionThese results highlight the relevance of an ecosystems approach to service planning in mental health care at the local level, and the use of a standardised instrument able to provide valid comparisons. There is a need for models of care sensitive to mental health care ecosystem indicators.
MicroRNA-124-3p Functions as a Marker in Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Authors: Meng Yanchun , Xu Qunfang , Chen Lin , Wang Lingfei , Hu Xichun
Published: September 2020

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of breast cancer can reduce the high fatality rate. Thus novel diagnostic methods are urgently required for breast cancer patients. The research aimed at checking potential correlation for serum microRNA-124-3p (miR-124-3p) expression with breast cancer, and exploring its competence as a promising potential biomarkers for breast cancer.MethodsQuantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay detected miR-124-3p levels. Possible relationship between miR-124-3p degree and clinical features of breast cancer patients was measured by Chi-square analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) for serum miR-124-3p degree were settled adopting receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses.ResultsRelative degree for serum miR-124-3p notably reduced among breast cancer sufferers in comparison with healthy persons (P=0.000). Moreover, miR-124-3p degree held tight connection to clinical stage (P=0.034), histological grade (P=0.002), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.001). ROC curve analyses unveiled at the optimal cut-off of 0.935, serum miR-124-3p expression reached a sensitivity of 78.4% and a specificity of 84.8% in discriminating between breast cancers sufferers and healthy persons, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.872 (95% CI: 0.752-0.871).ConclusionSerum miR-124-3p degree might represent one non-invasive indicator in diagnosing breast cancer.
MiR-5195-3p Functions as a Tumor Suppressor in Prostate Cancer via Targeting CCNL1
Authors: Zeng Xing , Hu Zhiquan , Shen Yuanqing , Wei Xian , Gan Jiahua , Liu Zheng
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAccumulating evidence indicates miR-5195-3p exerts tumor suppressive role in several tumors. However, there is limited research on the clinical significance and biological function of miR-5195-3p in prostate cancer (PCa).MethodsExpression levels of miR-5195-3p and Cyclin L1 (CCNL1) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The clinical significance of miR-5195-3p in PCa patients was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression models. Cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The association between miR-5195-3p and CCNL1 was analyzed by luciferase reporter assay.ResultsMiR-5195-3p expression levels were significantly downregulated in 69 paired PCa tissues compared with matched adjacent normal tissues. The decreased miR-5195-3p expression was associated with Gleason score and TNM stage, as well as worse survival prognosis. The in vitro experiments showed that miR-5195-3p overexpression suppressed the proliferation and cell cycle G1/S transition in PC-3 and DU145 cells. Elevated miR-5195-3p abundance was also demonstrated to impair tumor formation in vivo using PC-3 xenografts. Mechanistically, Cyclin L1 (CCNL1) was a direct target of miR-5195-3p in PCa cells, which was inversely correlated with miR-5195-3p in PCa tissues. Importantly, CCNL1 knockdown imitated, while overexpression reversed the effects of miR-5195-3p overexpression on PCa cell proliferation and cell cycle G1/S transition.ConclusionsOur data suggests that miR-5195-3p functions as a tumor suppressor via downregulating G1/S related CCNL1 expression in PCa.
ddRAD Sequencing: A Novel Arsenal Added to the Biosecurity Toolbox to Trace the Origin of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha Halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Yan Juncong , Vétek Gábor , Pal Chandan , Zhang Jinping , Gmati Rania , Fan Qinghai , Gunawardana Disna , Burne Allan , Anderson Diane , Balan Rebijith Kayattukandy , George Sherly , Farkas Péter , Li Dongmei
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBrown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is native to East Asia but has invaded many countries in the world. It is a polyphagous insect pest and causing significant economic losses to agriculture worldwide. Knowledge on the genetic diversity among BMSB populations is scarce but is essential to understand the patterns of colonization and invasion history of local populations. Efforts have been made to assess the genetic diversity of BMSB using partial mitochondrial DNA sequences but genetic divergence on mitochondria is not high enough to precisely identify and distinguish various BMSB populations. Therefore, in this study, we applied a ddRAD (double digest restriction-site associated DNA) sequencing approach to ascertain the genetic diversity of BMSB populations collected from 12 countries (2 native and 10 invaded) across four continents with the ultimate aim to trace the origin of BMSBs intercepted during border inspections and post-border surveillance.ResultA total of 1775 high confidence single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from ddRAD sequencing data collected from 389 BMSB individuals. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the identified SNPs indicated the existence of two main distinct genetic clusters representing individuals sampled from regions where BMSB is native to, China and Japan, respectively, and one broad cluster comprised individuals sampled from countries which have been invaded by BMSB. The population genetic structure analysis further discriminated the genetic diversity among the BMSB populations at a higher resolution and distinguished them into five potential genetic clusters. ConclusionThe study revealed hidden genetic diversity among the studied BMSB populations across the continents. The BMSB populations from Japan were genetically distant from the other studied populations. Similarly, the BMSB populations from China were also separated from the Japanese and other populations. Further genetic structure analysis revealed the presence of at least three genetic clusters of BMSB in the invaded countries, possibly originating from multiple invasions. Furthermore, this study has produced novel set of SNP markers to enhance knowledge of genetic diversity among BMSB populations and demonstrate a great potential to trace the origin of BMSB individuals for future invasion events.
A living biobank of matched pairs of patient-derived xenografts and organoids for cancer pharmacology
Authors: Xu Xiaoxi , Wang Shuzhong , zhou jun , Chen Jing , Huang yujun , kumari rajendra , Mao Binchen , zheng meiling , wang jingjing , tu xiaolong , An Xiaoyu , chen xiaobo , Zhang Likun , Tian Xiaoli , Wang haojie , Dong Xin , Bao Zhengzheng , Guo Sheng , Ouyang Xuesong , Shan Limei , Wang Fei , Yan Xuefei , li zhongliang , zhang rui , zhang hongjuan , meiler svenjer , Vries Robert , Clevers Hans , Li Qi-xiang
Published: September 2020

Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX)/organoid (PDO), driven by cancer stem cells (CSC), are considered the most predictive models for translational oncology. Large PDX collections reflective of patient populations have been created and used extensively to test various investigational therapies, including in population-trials as surrogate subjects in vivo. PDOs are recognized as in vitro surrogates for patients amenable for high-throughput screening (HTS). We have built a biobank of carcinoma PDX-derived organoids (PDXOs) by converting an existing PDX library and confirmed high degree of similarities between PDXOs and parental PDXs in genomics, histopathology and pharmacology, suggesting “biological equivalence or interchangeability” between the two. Here we demonstrate the applications of PDXO biobank for HTS “matrix” screening for both lead compounds and indications, immune cell co-cultures for immune-therapies and engineering enables in vitro/in vivo imaging. This large biobank of matched pairs of PDXs/PDXOs across different cancers could become powerful tools for the future cancer drug discovery.
The Impact of Big Data Adoption on SMEs Performance
Authors: Nasrollahi Mahdi , Ramezani Javaneh , Sadraei Mahmoud
Published: September 2020

The notion of Industry 4.0 encompasses the adoption of new information technologies that enable an enormous amount of information to be digitally collected, analysed, and exploited in organizations to make better decisions. Therefore, finding how organizations can adopt big data components to improve their performance became a relevant research area. This issue is becoming more pertinent for SMEs. This study investigates the impact of big data adoption on SMEs performance by obtaining the required data from experts. The quantitative investigation followed a mixed approach, including survey data from 224 managers from Iranian SMEs, and a SEM methodology for the data analysis. Results showed that 12 factors affected the BDA in SMEs. BDA can affect both operational performance and economic performance, there has been no support for the influence of BDA and economic performance on social performance. Finally, the study implications and findings are discussed alongside future research avenues and limitations.
The “zuòyuèzi” Practices During Puerperium and Its Association with Health Status Among Postpartum Women in Southern China: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Qin Yuting , Jiao Changya , Huang Shaoming , Zhang Zheqing , Li Yanhui , Bao Wei , Mao Limei
Published: September 2020

Background: Maternal health problems during postpartum period are highly prevalent worldwide, which may be related to unhealthy dietary and behavioral practices of postpartum women. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore postpartum dietary and behavioral practices, and their relationship with maternal health in Guangzhou, China.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among postpartum women in urban and suburban area in Guangzhou China. Data about postpartum dietary and behavioral practices and health conditions were collected by a standardized questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors related to women’s health. Results: A total of 2040 women were recruited, 2013 of which complete the questionnaire, including 1007 from urban area and 1006 from suburban area. The consumption of animal food was triple the recommended intake, while the intakes of fruits, milk and seafood were deficient; and most women were lack of physical activities. 75.5% of women reported at least one postpartum disease, and the most common problems were prolonged uterine bleeding (70.0%) and backache (43.0%), followed by constipation (23.6%), insufficient milk secretion (19.2%), breast swelling (18.5%) and hemorrhoids (13.8%). Median of postpartum body weight retention was 3.5 kg. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 12-18 h/d of bed rest time, breastfeeding, doing postpartum exercise, basking, getting out of bed within 2 days after delivery, intake of animal food (250-350 g/d), vegetables (>500 g/d), grain and potato (250-450 g/d) were protective factors for at least one out of these health problems or weight retention (P<0.05). Bed rest time for more than 18 h/d or less than 12 h/d, ginger vinegar intake, doing housework, cesarean section, and excessive intake of grain and potato (>450 g/d) had adverse association (P<0.05). Conclusion: Postpartum low physical activity and adherence to the diet with high intake of animal food and inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables and milk were very common in Guangzhou. Further studies are needed to assess whether postpartum diet and behavioral intervention improve maternal health during postpartum period.
Effects and Retention of Self-Re-Learning Using Video Recording of Advanced Life Support (ALS) On Nursing Students’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Skills Performance
Authors: Jang Kyeongmin , Kim Sung Hwan , Oh Ja Young , Mun Ji Yeon
Published: September 2020

Background In-hospital cardiac arrests account for 80% of hospital deaths, and the survival rate is not significantly different from that of pre-hospitalized cardiac arrest patients. The nurses would presumably be the first to see an in-hospital cardiac arrest patient. This study proposed to measure nursing students’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills performance of advanced life support (ALS) 6 months after the training by sending their videos taken during the final skills test after the ALS training.Methods This is an experimental study with a randomized control group design. The participants’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and skill performance of ALS were evaluated immediately after the training and participants were videotaped during the final skills test. Thereafter, we sent the video to the experimental group through the mobile phone messenger application once a month from the third month after training. Approximately six months after the training day, we conducted a follow-up test of the measured variables using the blinded method.Results Six months after the ALS training, knowledge scores decreased significantly in both groups (p<0.001). Self-efficacy decreased by about 3 from 50.55 to 47.18 in the experimental group (p = 0.089), while it decreased by 10 in the control group from 50.67 to 39 (p<0.001). The skills performance decreased from 27.5 to 26.68 in the experimental group, while it decreased significantly from 27.95 to 16.9 in the control group (p< 0.001).Conclusion Self-study with videos taken during an ALS skills test helps enhance the sustainable effects of training, such as knowledge, self-efficacy, and skills performance.
The Expression and Biological Function of DKK1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Yu Huijie , Li Tianhua , Mao Xuemei
Published: September 2020

Background To investigate the expression of transcription factor Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) by bioinformatics analysis and to clarify the connection between expression of DKK1 and clinicopathological features of OSCC, so as to elucidate the early diagnosis and prognostic significance of OSCC by DKK1. Methods This study used the GEPIA database in conjunction with the TCGA database to analyze the expression level of DKK1 in OSCC tissues and then verify it by QRTPCR and Western-blot analysis in vitro. The LinkedOmics database was used to describe the correlation between DKK1 expression and clinical pathological parameters of OSCC and its impact on prognosis. DKK1 was knocked down by RNA interference approach in SCC-4 and SCC-25 OSCC cell lines. In addition, the proliferation ability was assessed by MTT assay. Results DKK1 was highly expressed in OSCC and positively correlated with OSCC pathological grade and T stage. The results of TCGA showed that high DKK1 mRNA expression was associated with overall survival in OSCC. Besides, both DKK1 mRNA and protein expression was confirmed increased significantly in oral squamous cell carcinomas SCC-25 and SCC-4. Furthermore, MTT analysis investigated that knockdown of DKK1 caused reduced proliferation ability of OSCC cells. Conclusions The TCGA database analysis found that DKK1 is highly expressed in OSCC and is associated with multiple pathological indicators of OSCC, which will provide important theoretical guidance for subsequent oral squamous cell carcinoma research.
Subtypes of nurses' mental workload and interaction patterns with fatigue and work engagement during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak: A latent class analysis
Authors: WU JING , LI HUSHENG , GENG ZHAOHUI , WANG YANMEI , WANG XIAN , ZHANG JIE
Published: September 2020

Background
Nurses play critical roles when providing health care in high-risk situations, such as during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, no previous study had systematically assessed nurses’ mental workloads and its interaction patterns with fatigue, work engagement and COVID-19 exposure risk.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted via online questionnaire. The NASA Task Load Index, Fatigue Scale-14, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to assess nurses’ mental workload, fatigue and work engagement, respectively. A total of 1337 valid questionnaires were received and analyzed. Nurses were categorized into different subgroups of mental workload via latent class analysis (LCA). Cross-sectional comparisons, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate (or logistic) regression were subsequently performed to examine how demographic variables, fatigue and work engagement differ among nurses belonging to different subgroups.
Results
Three latent classes were identified based on the responses to mental workload assessment: Class1 – low workload perception & high self-evaluation group (n = 41, 3.1%); Class 2 – medium workload perception & medium self-evaluation group (n = 455, 34.4%); and Class 3 – high workload perception & low self-evaluation group (n = 841, 62.5%). Nurses belonging into class 3 were most likely to be older and have longer professional years, and displayed higher scores of fatigue and work engagement compared with the other latent classes (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that high cognitive workload increased subjective fatigue, and mental workload may be positively associated with work engagement. Group comparison results indicated that COVID-19 exposure contributed to significantly higher mental workload levels.
Conclusions
The complex scenario for the care of patients with infectious diseases, especially during an epidemic, raises the need for improved consideration of nurses’ perceived workload, as well as their physical fatigue, work engagement and personal safety when working in public health emergencies.
Synergistic effect of genetic polymorphisms in TLR6 and TLR10 genes on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in Moldavian population
Authors: Varzari Alexander M. , Deyneko Igor V. , Tudor Elena , Grallert Harald , Illig Thomas
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND
Host immunity is essential for efficient recognition and clearance of M. tuberculosis infection. Polymorphisms in genes that regulate immune response have been reported to influence the susceptibility/resistance to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Here we evaluated associations between 14 polymorphisms in 12 core genes involved in immune responses and pulmonary TB in Moldavian population, and investigated whether interactions between these and previously analyzed polymorphisms could exist and modulate the risk of pulmonary TB.
METHODS
Polymorphisms VDR rs7975232, VDR rs1544410, VDR rs2228570, MR1 rs1052632, TLR1 rs5743618, TLR2 rs111200466, TLR10 rs11096957, SLC11A1 rs2276631, IL1B rs1143643, IL10 rs1800896, IFNG rs2430561, TNF rs1800629, IRAK1 rs1059703, and FOXP3 rs2232365 were genotyped in 271 Moldavian pulmonary TB cases and 251 community-matched healthy controls. Associations were tested using Fisher test and logistic regression. Complemented with the data from our previous study (PMID: 30529560), investigation of gene-gene interactions was performed for a total of 43 loci. Significance level was adjusted by the Bonferroni correction.
RESULTS
Single polymorphism analysis revealed a nominal association between TNF rs1800629 and pulmonary TB (Fisher exact test p-value = 0.01843). Marginal differences between cases and controls were observed for haplotypes in the gene cluster TLR1-TLR6-TLR10 and gene TLR2. In the pairwise interaction analysis, the combination of genotypes TLR6 rs5743810 GA and TLR10 rs11096957 GT was significantly associated with an increased genetic risk of pulmonary TB (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.62–3.85; Fisher exact test p-value = 1.5 × 10− 5, significant after Bonferroni correction).
CONCLUSION
The TLR6 rs5743810 and TLR10 rs11096957 two-locus interaction confers a significantly higher risk for pulmonary TB and has potential as a novel biomarker for predicting TB susceptibility.
A new likelihood model for analyses of pharmacoepidemiologic case-control studies which avoids decision rules for determining latent exposure status
Authors: Støvring Henrik , Pottegård Anton , Hallas Jesper
Published: September 2020

Background
Case-control studies based on pharmaco-epidemiological databases typically use decision rules to determine exposure status from information on dates of prescription redemptions, although this induces misclassification. The reverse Waiting Time Distribution has been suggested as a likelihood based model to estimate the latent exposure status, and we therefore suggest to extend this into a joint likelihood based model, which incorporates both the latent exposure status and the exposure-outcome association. This will achieve consistency and efficiency of the estimates, i.e. they are asymptotically unbiased and have optimal precision.
Methods
We established a joint likelihood for the observed case-control status and last prescription redemption before the index date. The likelihood combines the ordinary logistic regression likelihood and the reverse Waiting Time Distribution, and allows inclusion of covariates in both parts to adjust for observed confounders. We conducted a simulation study of the new model and standard models based on decision rules for exposure and the probability of being exposed, respectively, to assess the relative bias and variability of estimates. Lastly, we applied the models to a case-control study on use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of upper-gastrointestinal bleeding.
Results
In simulation studies the new model had low relative bias (< 1.4%) and largely retained nominal coverage probabilities (90.2–95.1% of nominal 95% confidence intervals), also when moderate misspecification was introduced. All standard methods generally had substantial bias (-21.1–17.0%) and low coverage probabilities (0.0–68.9%). The new method estimated the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on risk of with upper-gastrointestinal bleeding hospitalization to 2.52 (1.59–3.45), whereas the other methods had estimates ranging from 3.52 (2.19–5.65) to 5.17 (2.40–11.11).
Conclusions
Unlike standard methods, the proposed model consistently gave unbiased estimates with adequate coverage probabilities. The model demonstrates the potential for the reverse Waiting Time Distribution to be integrated with existing likelihood based analyses in pharmacoepidemiological studies.
A Meaning-centered spiritual care training program for hospice palliative care team in South Korea: development and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Kim Shin-Jeong , Kang Kyung-Ah , Kim Do-Bong , Park Myung-Hee , Yoon Soo-Jin , Choi Sung-Eun , Choi Young-Sim , Koh Su-Jin
Published: September 2020

Background
Spirituality is a fundamental and intrinsic aspect of human beings and should be a core component of quality palliative care. There is an urgent need for training of hospice palliative care teams (HPCTs) to enhance their competency to provide spiritual care. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a meaning-centered spiritual care training program for hospice palliative care teams (McSCTP-HPCT).
Methods
In this methodological study we developed a training program for HPCTs, using the ADDIE educational content developmental model. The final training program comprised five modules. The modules’ content was informed by Viktor Frankl’s meaning-centered logotherapy with its emphasis on spiritual resources as well as the spiritual care model of ISPEC (Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum). Following development, a pilot test was conducted with four nurses. The results of the pilot were used to inform the final program. The final program was tested in an intervention involving 13 hospice palliative care nurses. Measurements using self-administered questionnaires were taken at three points before and after the intervention. Participants’ demographic and career-related characteristics and the degree of variance between outcome variables (compassion fatigue [CF], spiritual care competency [SCC], and spiritual care therapeutics [SCT]) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and one-way ANOVA.
Results
The MCTP-HPCT was developed into five modules. Module I: The HPCT’s SCC evaluation, understanding the major concepts of spiritual care and logotherapy, Module II-IV: Meaning-centered intervention related to the spiritual needs (existential, relational, and transcendental/religious), Module V: The process of meaning-centered spiritual care. The preliminary evaluation showed a significant differences in all three outcome variables at the first measure point (CF, p = 0.037; SCC, p = 0.005; SCT, p = 0.002). At the second measure point statistical significance was found only with SCC (p = 0.006).
Conclusions
The MCTP-HPCT developed in this study is suitable for use in clinical settings and provides evidence for evaluating the spiritual care competency of HPCTs.