bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Churches, Gukurahundi, and Forgiveness in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chitando Ezra , Taringa Nisbert T.
Published: October 2020

Gukurahundi, the mass killing of predominantly isiNdebele-speaking citizens in the Matabeleland and Midlands Provinces in Zimbabwe by predominantly chiShona-speaking military personnel, remains a challenging issue in Zimbabwe. Despite calls by the post-Mugabe administration for individuals and institutions to address Gukurahundi with courage and openness, progress has been slow. This article explores some of the key themes that have emerged from the churches’ engagement with Gukurahundi in Zimbabwe in the context of reflecting on forgiveness. These include silence, feelings of deep anger and pain, calls for an apology, and appeals to indigenous concepts and practices.
Sleep and the Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis: Clinical Implications for Disease Progression and the Development of Cardiometabolic Comorbidities
Authors: Myers Bridget , Reddy Vidhatha , Brownstone Nicholas , Chan Stephanie , Thibodeaux Quinn , Chang Hsin-Wen , Bhutani Tina , Liao Wilson
Published: October 2020

Background:

Sleep dysfunction and sleep disorders are important comorbidities of psoriasis. Not only do these sleep comorbidities contribute to reduced quality of life, but they may also lead to worsening psoriasis and increased susceptibility to cardiometabolic diseases. While psoriasis and sleep dysfunction are thought to be linked by itch, depression, and immune system dysregulation, the relationship between psoriasis and sleep dysfunction is not yet fully understood.

Objective:

We sought to compare previous studies characterizing the gut microbiome in psoriasis and sleep dysfunction and examine the potential relevance of shared findings on cardiometabolic and overall health.

Methods:

We performed literature searches of PubMed and Embase databases to find studies evaluating the gut microbiome in psoriasis, sleep dysfunction, and cardiometabolic diseases.

Results:

Studies characterizing the gut microbiome in psoriasis and sleep dysfunction reveal shared findings, specifically an increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced abundance of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria. These dysbiotic features have also been shown to promote systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic disease.

Conclusion:

In favoring an increased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced abundance of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria, sleep dysfunction could be contributing to worsening psoriasis and cardiometabolic comorbidities through intestinal dysbiosis. Future studies are needed to determine whether gut- and sleep-targeting interventions could be therapeutic in patients with psoriasis having poor sleep.
Book Review: Neurology and Religion
Authors: Kesselring Jürg
Published: October 2020

This very readable and erudite book on neurology and religion, edited and co-authored by well-known and very knowledgeable experts in theology and philosophy as well as in neuroscience and medicine. They take on the difficult task to try to explain religious experience and behaviour in neuroscientific terms to study correlations of neural phenomena with subjective experiences of spirituality and hypotheses to explain such phenomena. There probably is a neurological and evolutionary basis for subjective experiences traditionally categorized as spiritual or religious.
The Changing Landscape of Leadership Wisdom
Authors: Ghosh Sambit Kumar
Published: October 2020

Leadership wisdom lies in building enduring value for the firm. In a context of rapid technological change influencing the world of work, leaders need to focus on excellence in core aspects of production, sales and service. More than emotional forms of storytelling, excellence in core activities will help firms to build value for customers and themselves. At the same time, leaders need to build a balance between the value propositions of their firms and communities. They need to ensure that the changing world of work does not create unreasonable stress and precariousness for community actors.
Development of Sexual Orientation Scale
Authors: Sagayaraj K. , Gopal C. N. Ram
Published: October 2020

Background:

Sexual orientation is a continuing amorous pattern of attraction toward the opposite sex (heterosexual), same sex (homosexual), or both sexes (bisexual) or it is lack of sexual desire toward anyone (asexual). Psychosocial and biological explanations regarding the development of an individual’s sexual orientation are related to life incidents, parenting patterns, psychological attributes of the individual, or may also be related to an imbalance in sex hormones. There is no strong evidence-based scientific research revealing the exact causes for one’s sexual orientation for it is not static but dynamic in nature.

Aim:

The purpose of the study is to develop a psychological assessment scale which identifies an individual’s sexual orientation, particularly when he/she denies to reveal his/her sexual preference in the marital life.

Methodology:

A tool with 32 items was developed by conducting focus group discussion, interviewing the experts in the relevant fields and reviewing the literature. Test-retest and split half reliability were established with Cronbach’s alpha to analyze the internal consistency. Both logical-based validity (face, content, and focus group) and empirical-based validity (criterion, concurrent, convergent, and divergent) were established. These methodologies were standardized by a sample of 506 participants (217 males and 289 females) between the age range of 18 and 50 years.

Results:

The test-retest reliability was found to be r = 0.96, Spearman-Brown and Guttman split half reliability was 0.73, and Cronbach’s alpha ranged from (α) 0.71 to 0.88.

Implications:

This scale would be beneficial for premarital counselors and mental health professionals to understand the sexual orientation of their clients explicitly.
Understanding basic numbers: examples from Brexit, Covid and common medical conditions
Authors: Campbell Michael J , Green Dan , Barker Daniel
Published: October 2020

The UK Brexit debate and the current Covid pandemic have been fertile grounds for people seeking poor use of statistics, and demonstrate a need to reiterate some basic principles of data presentation. Communicating basic numbers to convey the correct message is a vital skill for a public health professional but even basic numbers can be difficult to understand, and are susceptible to misuse. The first issue is how to understand ‘orphan’ numbers; numbers quoted without comparison or context. This leads on to the problems of understand numbers as proportions and how to make comparisons using proportions. Percentages, and in particular percentage changes, are also a major source of misunderstanding and the baseline percentage should always be given. The use of relative risk can also convey the wrong message and should always be accompanied by a measure of absolute risk. Similarly, numbers needed to treat should also refer to baseline risks. Communicating numbers is often more effective using natural counts or frequencies rather than fractions or proportions, and using pictorial representations of proportions can also be effective. The paper will also examine the problems of using simple ratios to try and adjust one continuous variable by another in particular the use of the BMI and for standardising death rates by institution. The misuse of reporting occurs in primary sources such as academic papers, but even more so in secondary reporting sources such as general media reports. It is natural to try and convey complex messages using a single summary number, but there are assumptions behind these summaries that should be questioned. It is usually better to give the individual numbers rather than a ratio of them.
Mechanical and physical properties of teak leaves waste/polyurethane composites for particleboard application
Authors: Masturi  , Jannah WN , Maulana RM , Darsono T , Sunarno  , Rustad S
Published: October 2020

A teak leaf waste/polyurethane composite has been made for particleboard application. Some fraction variations are performed on the use of polyurethane as a matrix with a range of 0.04–0.20 (w/w). Mechanical and physical properties have been tested on the composites produced. The test results showed that the highest compressive strength of the sample reaches 38.5 MPa for polyurethane fraction of 0.14 (w/w). The composite has a density of 1261 kg m−3 which is in accordance with the result of density on teak. The physical properties have been also investigated and it was found that the lowest value of water absorption is 1.38%. This result indicated that the composites produced are potentially to replace wood raw material in eco-friendly industrial scale.
Stability and Beyond-Use Date of a Compounded Thioguanine Suspension
Authors: Gilda Sagar S. , Kolling William M. , Nieto Marcelo , McPherson Timothy
Published: October 2020

Background: Thioguanine (TG) is available only in the form of 40 mg tablets in the United States, and the patient population in which TG is used comprises mostly children. Recognizing its importance as a therapeutic agent and limited stability data for its compounded preparation, the United States Pharmacopoeia has listed TG in its priority list of compounded preparations monographs. Objective: The goal of the present study was to generate stability data and establish a beyond-use date for compounded TG suspension. Methods: Suspensions were compounded using TG tablets and ORA-Plus and ORA-Sweet as vehicles. A robust high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated. TG and guanine (G) in suspensions were quantified immediately after compounding and at regular intervals for 90 days. Physical stability of suspensions was evaluated by observation of organoleptic properties. Results: Results from the study indicate that average TG levels in suspensions remained above 90% of the starting concentration and G formation was less than 2.5% for 90 days. There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of TG degraded over 90 days between suspensions stored at room temperature and in refrigerated conditions. There was also no statistically significant difference in G concentration of suspensions between day 0 and day 90. Conclusion: TG suspensions are stable for 90 days when stored at room temperature or refrigerated conditions and the beyond-use date can be set to 90 days.
Naive T-cell depletion in stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bleakley Marie
Published: October 2020

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is curative in many patients with advanced hematopoietic malignancies. Donor T cells not only facilitate engraftment and protect against opportunistic pathogens and residual disease, but can also cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), with significant morbidity and mortality. Complete T-cell depletion can not only substantially reduce GVHD rates but can also delay immune reconstitution and increase rates of opportunistic infections and relapse. Murine models have shown that naive T cells (TNs) consistently cause severe GVHD, whereas memory T cells cause milder or no GVHD and have critical graft-versus-tumor function. Informed by experiments performed in murine models of HCT, clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate TN-depleted peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts. These trials are showing very low rates of chronic GVHD and of serious acute GVHD in the HLA-matched HCT setting, with lower frequencies of opportunistic infections than after fully T-cell–depleted HCT and no apparent increase in relapse rates. Randomized clinical trials are ongoing, comparing standard unselected HCT with TN-depleted PBSCs and other promising GVHD-reduction strategies. Correlative laboratory studies will clarify how antitumor function is retained in TN-depleted HCT and inform strategies to further augment graft-versus-leukemia in patients at a high risk of relapse. TN depletion of donor lymphocyte infusions and of haploidentical stem cell grafts is also being investigated.
Comparison between traditional and nontraditional add-on devices used with pressurised metered-dose inhalers
Authors: Nicola Mina , Soliman Youssef M.A. , Hussein Raghda , Saeed Haitham , Abdelrahim Mohamed
Published: October 2020

Add-on devices that are attached to metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) were introduced to improve aerosol delivery. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of drug delivery from an MDI when attached to different add-on devices at different inhalation volumes.

The total emitted dose (TED) of salbutamol was estimated for the MDI alone and the MDI connected to five different add-on devices (Able valved holding chamber, Tips-haler valved holding chamber, Aerochamber plus flow Vu valved holding chamber, Dolphin chamber, and a handmade water bottle spacer), at inhalation flow of 28.3 L·min−1with flow volume of 1, 2 and 4 L, assuming young child (aged <6 years), old child (>6 years) and adult inhalation volumes, respectively.

The TED% ranged between 84.1% and 87.2% at all inhalation volumes from the MDI alone, which was significantly greater than all MDI add-on device combinations (p<0.05). The TED% delivered to MDI sampling apparatus by a homemade water bottle spacer and Dolphin chamber, as non-antistatic add-on devices, ranged between 30.5% and 35.3%. However, washing these non-antistatic add-on devices with a light detergent before use improved their TED to range between 47.6% and 51.2%. Non-antistatic add-on devices had significantly lower TED (p<0.05) than that delivered by most antistatic add-on devices, which ranged from 51.3% to 71.6%.

This study suggests that antistatic add-on devices delivered much more aerosol than non-antistatic add-on devices. However, it may be advised to still use a non-antistatic add-on device, for the sake of solving the coordination problem, and wash it with light detergent before use to improve TED.
Headache characteristics in COVID-19 pandemic-a survey study
Authors: Uygun Özge , Ertaş Mustafa , Ekizoğlu Esme , Bolay Hayrunnisa , Özge Aynur , Kocasoy Orhan Elif , Çağatay Arif Atahan , Baykan Betül
Published: October 2020

Background

Headache is the most common COVID-19-related neurological symptom. We aimed to reveal diagnostic clues of headache for COVID-19 infection and to investigate the course of primary headaches during the pandemic.

Methods

We developed a detailed web-based questionnaire screening the characteristics and course of headaches besides clinical COVID-19 features. The participants were grouped according to being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection or not, and having previous or new-onset headaches. The COVID-19 related headache features and their associations with other clinical features were investigated. A binary logistic regression model was performed to differentiate the characteristics of headache related to COVID-19.

Findings

A total of 3458 participants (2341 females;67.7%, 1495 healthcare workers;43.2%) with a mean age of 43.21 ± 11.2 years contributed to the survey. Among them, 262 participants had COVID-19 diagnosis and 126 (48.1%) were male. The rate of males in the group without COVID-19 was 31% (991 out of 3196 participants) showing significant gender difference between groups (p < 0.000). COVID-19 related headaches were more closely associated with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints (p < 0.000 and p < 0.000), and showed different characteristics like pulsating, pressing, and even stabbing quality. Logistic regression analyses showed that bilateral headache, duration over 72 h, analgesic resistance and having male gender were significant variables to differentiate COVID-19 positive patients from those without COVID-19 (p = 0.04 for long duration and p < 0.000 for others). A worsening of previous primary headaches due to the pandemic-related problems was not reported in the majority of patients.

Interpretation

Bilateral, long-lasting headaches, resistance to analgesics and having male gender were more frequent in people with COVID-19 in conjunction with anosmia/ageusia and gastrointestinal complaints. These features may be helpful for diagnosing the headache related to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
High-density QTL mapping of leaf-related traits and chlorophyll content in three soybean RIL populations
Authors: Yu Kaiye , Wang Jinshe , Sun Chongyuan , Liu Xiaoqian , Xu Huanqing , Yang Yuming , Dong Lidong , Zhang Dan
Published: October 2020

Background

Leaf size and shape, which affect light capture, and chlorophyll content are important factors affecting photosynthetic efficiency. Genetic variation of these components significantly affects yield potential and seed quality. Identification of the genetic basis for these traits and the relationship between them is of great practical significance for achieving ideal plant architecture and high photosynthetic efficiency for improved yield.

Results

Here, we undertook a large-scale linkage mapping study using three mapping populations to determine the genetic interplay between soybean leaf-related traits and chlorophyll content across two environments. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between leaf size and shape, while both traits were positively correlated with chlorophyll content. This phenotypic relationship was verified across the three mapping populations as determined by principal component analysis, suggesting that these traits are under the control of complex and interrelated genetic components. The QTLs for leaf-related traits and chlorophyll are partly shared, which further supports the close genetic relationship between the two traits. The largest-effect major loci, q20, was stably identified across all population and environments and harbored the narrow leaflet gene Gm-JAG1 (Ln/ln), which is a key regulator of leaflet shape in soybean.

Conclusion

Our results uncover several major QTLs (q4–1, q4–2, q11, q13, q18 and q20) and its candidate genes specific or common to leaf-related traits and chlorophyll, and also show a complex epistatic interaction between the two traits. The SNP markers closely linked to these valuable QTLs could be used for molecular design breeding with improved plant architecture, photosynthetic capacity and even yield.
Colonic transendoscopic tube-delivered enteral therapy (with video): a prospective study
Authors: Zhang Ting , Long Chuyan , Cui Bota , Buch Heena , Wen Quan , Li Qianqian , Ding Xiao , Ji Guozhong , Zhang Faming
Published: October 2020

Background

Colonic transendoscopic enteral tubing (TET) refers to colonic transendoscopic tube-delivered enteral therapy. Colonic TET has been successfully used for frequent colonic administration of drugs or multiple fecal microbiota transplantations (FMTs). This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate possible factors affecting methodology, feasibility and safety of colonic TET.

Methods

Patients who underwent colonic TET at our center from October 2014 to November 2018 were included. The feasibility, efficacy, and safety of TET were evaluated.

Results

In total, 224 patients were analyzed. The success rate of TET was 100%. The median retention time of TET tube within the colonic lumen was 8.5 (IQR 7–11) days in 158 patients with tube falling out spontaneously, and the maximum retention time was up to 28 days. These patients were divided into the short-retention group (≤ 8.5 days) and the long-retention group (> 8.5 days). Univariate and multivariate analysis demonstrated that the type of endoscopic clip (p = 0.001) was an independent factor for the retention time. The larger clips as well as a greater number of clips significantly affected the retention time (p = 0.013). No severe adverse event was observed during and after TET.

Conclusions

Colonic TET is a feasible, practical, and safe colon-targeted drug delivery technique with a high degree of patients’ satisfaction. Two to four large endoscopic clips are recommended to maintain stability of the TET tube within the colon for over 7 days.
Knowledge and attitudes among preschools staff in Shanghai, China, regarding epilepsy
Authors: Qiu Liyan , Shen Lixiao , Wang Junli , Ren Fang , Xu Mingyu , Jiang Fan , Sheng Xiaoyang , Li Fei , Li Feng
Published: October 2020

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological problems among children. The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge and attitude among preschool staff in Shanghai regarding epilepsy.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the staff at selected preschools. A stratified random sampling method was first used to identify suitable subjects. Data were obtained using a self-completed questionnaire. A standardized collection of demographic information was performed, and participants were given a questionnaire about their knowledge and attitudes regarding epilepsy.

Results

A total of 1069 subjects completed the questionnaire. In this survey, 387 (36.2%) staff members had previously participated in related training. 17.6% of teachers knew how to provide appropriate first aid for seizures. Correct responses regarding first aid for seizures, such as laying the person on his or her side (24.9%), moving harmful objects out of the way (20.7%), protecting the head (36.1%), waiting until the seizure ends (7.9%), and dialing the emergency number (40.1%), were low. The staff members had different attitudes towards children with epilepsy: some subjects had a positive attitude, some had a negative attitude.

Conclusions

The level of first-aid knowledge among preschool staff in Shanghai relevant to epilepsy was low. There is an urgent need to educate staff about epilepsy and appropriate first-aid practices for seizures.
Oral health behavior among school children aged 11–13 years in Saveh, Iran: an evaluation of a theory-driven intervention
Authors: Karimy Mahmood , Higgs Peter , Abadi Shaghaygh Solayman , Armoon Bahram , Araban Marzieh , Rouhani Mohammad Reza , Zamani-Alavijeh Fereshteh
Published: October 2020

Background

Good oral health (OH) is essential for physical, social, mental health, and overall quality of life. This study assessed the usefulness of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in changing oral health-related behaviors among school children aged 11–13 years in Saveh, Iran.

Methods

In this descriptive before and after study, participants were sixth-grade students at single sex primary schools in Saveh city, Iran. We recruited 356 school children in 2019. Using simple random sampling, a male and a female school per district were allocated to the experimental group and the remaining schools to the control group. Our planned oral health education consisted of four one-hour training sessions over 1 week. The first session familiarized the participants with important information about OH. In the second session, we applied a brain storming exercise to identify the benefits and barriers to flossing and brushing. In the third session, a short film about correct brushing and dental flossing technique was shown and research team also used role-playing to correct any mistakes. In the final session students were taught about the importance and the application of OH planning and given forms to help plan for brushing.

Results

Participants for the study included 356 students (180 in the experimental group and 176 in the control group) who completed the post-test questionnaire. The mean age ± standard deviation was 11.55 years ±0.93 in the experimental group and 11.58 years ±1.01 in the control group. After the intervention, the paired t-test indicated a significant difference between the mean and standard deviation of the action plan and coping plan constructs in the experimental group before and after the intervention (p < 0.05). Covariance analysis indicated a significant difference between scores of intervention and control groups under statistical control of post-test in two groups (covariate) after a peer-led education program (post-test) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A shortage of professional health workers in education settings together with the ease, usefulness and low-cost of this peer-led method, suggest further steps should be taken to implement it more widely to improve and enhance primary school aged students’ oral health behavior.
Childhood disability and its associated perinatal characteristics in Bao’an district of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zhong Xue , Zhao Xiaoli , Liu Zhuoya , Guo Yuqin , Ma Liya
Published: October 2020

Background

Disability has become a public health issues in China and around the world. This study aimed to report prevalence of children with disability by gender, delivery mode, birth weight, gestational age, birth defect and impairment type in the past 15 years in Baoan District, Shenzhen.

Methods

Data of children with all types of disability from year 2004 to 2018 was obtained from the registry database of Baoan Disabled Persons Federation. Their perinatal information, including gender, delivery mode, birth weight, gestational age, birth defect were traced from Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Management System and compared with the whole registered population live births information in this district. Data of children with disabilities were included to calculate the prevalence (%).

Results

An overall prevalence of children disability was 1.02% in Baoan district, Shenzhen, in the past 15 years. The overall as well as mental disability prevalence rose from the first 5 years period (2004 to 2008) to the second 5 years of 2009 to 2013, and then dropped to the lowest level in the third 5 year of 2014–2018. Mental disability and intelligent disability accounted for the highest proportion. More than 70% of all kinds of the disabilities except mental disability were detected before 1 year old, 87% of the mental and intelligent disabilities were found before 3 years old. The Percentages of male, premature, low birth weight infants and children with cesarean, birth defect in disable children were higher than in whole population live birth children.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of disability declined in the district after specific policy engagement. Mental and intelligent disabilities were still the most common disability in the district. The age of 0–3 years was an important period for early childhood detection and intervention.
Population structure and pharmacogenomic risk stratification in the United States
Authors: Nagar Shashwat Deepali , Conley Andrew B. , Jordan I. King
Published: October 2020

Background

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) variants mediate how individuals respond to medication, and response differences among racial/ethnic groups have been attributed to patterns of PGx diversity. We hypothesized that genetic ancestry (GA) would provide higher resolution for stratifying PGx risk, since it serves as a more reliable surrogate for genetic diversity than self-identified race/ethnicity (SIRE), which includes a substantial social component. We analyzed a cohort of 8628 individuals from the United States (US), for whom we had both SIRE information and whole genome genotypes, with a focus on the three largest SIRE groups in the US: White, Black (African-American), and Hispanic (Latino). Our approach to the question of PGx risk stratification entailed the integration of two distinct methodologies: population genetics and evidence-based medicine. This integrated approach allowed us to consider the clinical implications for the observed patterns of PGx variation found within and between population groups.

Results

Whole genome genotypes were used to characterize individuals’ continental ancestry fractions—European, African, and Native American—and individuals were grouped according to their GA profiles. SIRE and GA groups were found to be highly concordant. Continental ancestry predicts individuals’ SIRE with > 96% accuracy, and accordingly, GA provides only a marginal increase in resolution for PGx risk stratification. In light of the concordance between SIRE and GA, taken together with the fact that information on SIRE is readily available to clinicians, we evaluated PGx variation between SIRE groups to explore the potential clinical utility of race and ethnicity. PGx variants are highly diverged compared to the genomic background; 82 variants show significant frequency differences among SIRE groups, and genome-wide patterns of PGx variation are almost entirely concordant with SIRE. The vast majority of PGx variation is found within rather than between groups, a well-established fact for almost all genetic variants, which is often taken to argue against the clinical utility of population stratification. Nevertheless, analysis of highly differentiated PGx variants illustrates how SIRE partitions PGx variation based on groups’ characteristic ancestry patterns. These cases underscore the extent to which SIRE carries clinically valuable information for stratifying PGx risk among populations, albeit with less utility for predicting individual-level PGx alleles (genotypes), supporting the concept of population pharmacogenomics.

Conclusions

Perhaps most interestingly, we show that individuals who identify as Black or Hispanic stand to gain far more from the consideration of race/ethnicity in treatment decisions than individuals from the majority White population.
LOXL1-AS1 contributes to the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through miR-589-5p/TRAF6 axis
Authors: He Guijun , Yao Wenfeng , Li Liang , Wu Yang , Feng Guojian , Chen Li
Published: October 2020

Background

LOXL1-AS1 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays crucial roles in various cancers. However, the functional role of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma remains unclear. Thus we planned to probe into the function and underlying mechanism of LOXL1-AS1 in laryngocarcinoma.

Methods

Gene expression was evaluated in laryngocarcinoma cells using RT-qPCR. The ability of cell proliferation and migration was assessed by CCK8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays. The interaction among LOXL1-AS1, miR-589-5p and TRAF6 was detected by Ago2-RIP, RNA pull down and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LOXL1-AS1 was overexpressed in laryngocarcinoma cells. Silencing of LOXL1-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and EMT in laryngocarcinoma. Moreover, miR-589-5p, the downstream of LOXL1-AS1, directly targeted TRAF6 in laryngocarcinoma. Importantly, LOXL1-AS1 augmented TRAF6 expression in laryngocarcinoma cells by sequestering miR-589-5p. Besides, miR-589-5p worked as a tumor-inhibitor while TRAF6 functioned as a tumor-facilitator in laryngocarcinoma. Of note, rescue experiments both in vitro and in vivo validated that LOXL1-AS1 aggravated the malignancy in laryngocarcinoma by targeting miR-589-5p/TRAF6 pathway.

Conclusions

LOXL1-AS1 promotes the proliferation and migration of laryngocarcinoma cells through absorbing miR-589-5p to upregulate TRAF6 expression.
Exposure to Perflouroalkyl acids and foetal and maternal thyroid status: a review
Authors: Boesen Sophie A. H. , Long Manhai , Wielsøe Maria , Mustieles Vicente , Fernandez Mariana F. , Bonefeld-Jørgensen Eva C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Exposure to perfluorinated-alkyl-acids (PFAAs) is ubiquitous. PFAAs are hormone-disrupting compounds that are strongly suspected to affect mother-child-health such as fetal growth. Thyroid disruption is a plausible mechanism of action. We aim to summarize the epidemiological evidence for the relation between prenatal and postnatal exposure to PFAAs and disruption of thyroid homeostasis in mothers and/or infants.

Method

Fifteen original publications on PFAAs concentrations and thyroid hormones (TH) in pregnant women and/or infants were found upon a literature search in the PubMed database. Information on exposure to seven PFAAs congeners [Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA), and Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)] and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free and total thyroxine (FT4 and TT4), free and total triiodothyronine (FT3 and TT3), T3RU (Free triiodothyronine resin uptake) and FT4-index (FT4I) levels were recorded. We evaluated sampling of maternal TH by trimester, and infant TH by sex stratification. Reported associations between mother or infant PFAAs and TH were not uniformly assessed in the selected studies.

Results

Ten out of the fifteen studies examined maternal PFAAs concentration and TSH level. Seven studies showed significant associations between TSH and exposure to six PFAAs congeners, most of them were positive. Maternal T4 and T3 were investigated in nine studies and five studies found inverse associations between exposure to six PFAAs congeners and TH (TT3, TT4, FT3, FT4 and FT4I) levels.

Eight of the fifteen studies investigated PFAAs concentrations and infant TSH. Infant TSH level was significantly affected in four studies, positively in three studies. Nine studies investigated infant T4 and T3 and seven studies found significant associations with PFAAs exposure. However, both inverse and positive significant associations with infant TH were found eliciting no clear direction.

Conclusion

Results indicate a mainly positive relationship between maternal PFAAs concentrations and TSH levels, and suggestion of an inverse association with T4 and/or T3 levels. Associations of infant TH with PFAAs concentration were less consistent.
Geospatial estimation of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health indicators: a systematic review of methodological aspects of studies based on household surveys
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo Z. , Blumenberg Cauane , Utazi C. Edson , Nilsen Kristine , Hartwig Fernando P. , Tatem Andrew J. , Barros Aluisio J. D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Geospatial approaches are increasingly used to produce fine spatial scale estimates of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) indicators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to describe important methodological aspects and specificities of geospatial approaches applied to RMNCH coverage and impact outcomes and enable non-specialist readers to critically evaluate and interpret these studies.

Methods

Two independent searches were carried out using Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, SCIELO and LILACS electronic databases. Studies based on survey data using geospatial approaches on RMNCH in LMICs were considered eligible. Studies whose outcomes were not measures of occurrence were excluded.

Results

We identified 82 studies focused on over 30 different RMNCH outcomes. Bayesian hierarchical models were the predominant modeling approach found in 62 studies. 5 × 5 km estimates were the most common resolution and the main source of information was Demographic and Health Surveys. Model validation was under reported, with the out-of-sample method being reported in only 56% of the studies and 13% of the studies did not present a single validation metric. Uncertainty assessment and reporting lacked standardization, and more than a quarter of the studies failed to report any uncertainty measure.

Conclusions

The field of geospatial estimation focused on RMNCH outcomes is clearly expanding. However, despite the adoption of a standardized conceptual modeling framework for generating finer spatial scale estimates, methodological aspects such as model validation and uncertainty demand further attention as they are both essential in assisting the reader to evaluate the estimates that are being presented.
Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of tricuspid regurgitation severity using proximal isovelocity surface area: comparison with volumetric method
Authors: Chen Beiqi , Liu Yu , Zuo Wuxu , Li Quan , Kong Dehong , Pan Cuizhen , Dong Lili , Shu Xianhong , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2020

Background

The quantification of tricuspid regurgitation(TR) using three-dimensional(3D) proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) derived effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) is feasible in functional TR. The aim of our study was to explore the diagnostic accuracy and utility of 3D PISA EROA in a larger population of different etiologies.

Methods

One hundred and seven patients with confirmed TR underwent 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). 3D PISA EROA was calculated and EROA derived from 3D regurgitant volume (Rvol) was used as the reference.

Results

3D PISA EROA showed better correlation in primary TR than in functional TR(r = 0.897, P < 0.01). 3D PISA EROA differentiated severe TR with comparable accuracy in patients with primary and functional etiology (Z-value 16.506 vs 21.202), but with different cut-offs (0.49cm2 vs. 0.41 cm2). The chi-square value for incorporated clinical symptoms, positive echocardiographic results and 3D PISA EROA to grade severe TR was higher than only included clinical symptoms or incorporated clinical symptoms and positive echocardiographic results (chi-square value 137.233, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

TR quantification using 3D PISA EROA is feasible and accurate under different etiologies. It has incremental diagnostic value for evaluating severe TR.
Prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer in patients with Graves’ disease: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Kwon Hyungju , Moon Byung-In
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with Graves’ disease (GD) are at a 2.5 times higher risk of developing thyroid cancer than the general population. Previous studies reported conflicting results about the prognosis of thyroid cancer concomitant with GD. This study aimed to investigate the effect of GD to the recurrence rates of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

We reviewed 3628 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for PTC at the Ewha Womans University Medical Center from January 2006 to June 2014. Of those, 114 patients had non-occult PTC with concomitant GD. To reduce potential confounding effects and selection bias, we conducted 1:5 propensity score matching and analyzed the recurrence-free survival.

Results

Thyroid cancer in patients with GD showed lower rate of lymphatic invasion (1.8% vs. 6.7%; p = 0.037), microscopic resection margin involvement (0.9% vs. 5.8%; p = 0.024), and lymph node metastasis (29.8% vs. 37.3%; p = 0.001) than in patients without GD, respectively. During the median follow-up of 94.1 months, recurrence occurred in one patient (0.9%) with GD. After propensity score matching for adjusting clinicopathological features, 5-year recurrence-free survival was comparable between patients with GD and euthyroid patients (100% vs. 98.4%, p = 0.572). Both tumor size [hazard ratio (HR) 1.585, p < 0.001] and lymph node metastasis (HR for N1a 3.067, p = 0.024; HR for N1b 15.65, p < 0.001) were predictive factors for recurrence-free survival, while GD was not associated with the recurrence.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that GD does not affect the prognosis of PTC. Thyroid cancer in patients with GD is not more aggressive than in euthyroid patients.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation: new identity as endotheliopathy-associated vascular microthrombotic disease based on in vivo hemostasis and endothelial molecular pathogenesis
Authors: Chang Jae C.
Published: October 2020

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) can be correctly redefined as disseminated intravascular microthrombosis based on “two-path unifying theory” of in vivo hemostasis. “DIC” is a form of vascular microthrombotic disease characterized by “microthrombi” composed of platelets and unusually large von Willebrand factor multimers (ULVWF). Microthrombotic disease includes not only “DIC”, but also microthrombosis occurring in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), TTP-like syndrome, and focal, multifocal and localized microthrombosis. Being a hemostatic disease, microthrombotic disease occurs as a result of lone activation of ULVWF path via partial in vivo hemostasis. In endothelial injury associated with critical illnesses such as sepsis, the vascular damage is limited to the endothelial cell and activates ULVWF path. In contrast, in intravascular traumatic injury, the local damage may extend from the endothelial cell to subendothelial tissue and sometimes beyond, and activates both ULVWF and tissue factor (TF) paths. When endotheliopathy triggers exocytosis of ULVWF and recruits platelets, ULVWF path is activated and promotes microthrombogenesis to produce microthrombi composed of microthrombi strings, but when localized vascular damage causes endothelial and subendothelial tissue damage, both ULVWF and TF paths are activated and promote macrothrombogenesis to produce macrothrombus made of complete “blood clots”. Currently, “DIC” concept is ascribed to activated TF path leading to fibrin clots. Instead, it should be correctly redefined as microthrombosis caused by activation of ULVWF path, leading to endotheliopathy-associated microthrombosis. The correct term for acute “DIC” is disseminated microthrombosis-associated hepatic coagulopathy, and that for chronic “DIC” is disseminated microthrombosis without hepatic coagulopathy. TTP-like syndrome is hematologic phenotype of endotheliopathy-associated microthrombosis. This correct concept of “DIC” is identified from novel theory of “in vivo hemostasis”, which now can solve every mystery associated with “DIC” and other associated thrombotic disorders. Thus, sepsis-associated coagulopathy is not “DIC”, but is endotheliopathy-associated vascular microthrombotic disease.
The immune system on the TRAIL of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Burgaletto Chiara , Munafò Antonio , Di Benedetto Giulia , De Francisci Cettina , Caraci Filippo , Di Mauro Rosaria , Bucolo Claudio , Bernardini Renato , Cantarella Giuseppina
Published: October 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive degeneration and loss of neurons in specific regions of the central nervous system. Chronic activation of the immune cells resident in the brain, peripheral immune cell trafficking across the blood-brain barrier, and release of inflammatory and neurotoxic factors, appear critical contributors of the neuroinflammatory response that drives the progression of neurodegenerative processes in AD. As the neuro-immune network is impaired in course of AD, this review is aimed to point out the essential supportive role of innate and adaptive immune response either in normal brain as well as in brain recovery from injury. Since a fine-tuning of the immune response appears crucial to ensure proper nervous system functioning, we focused on the role of the TNF superfamily member, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which modulates both the innate and adaptive immune response in the pathogenesis of several immunological disorders and, in particular, in AD-related neuroinflammation. We here summarized mounting evidence of potential involvement of TRAIL signaling in AD pathogenesis, with the aim to provide clearer insights about potential novel therapeutic approaches in AD.
Incidence of hypothyroidism after treatment for breast cancer—a Danish matched cohort study
Authors: Falstie-Jensen Anne Mette , Esen Buket Ö. , Kjærsgaard Anders , Lorenzen Ebbe L. , Jensen Jeanette D. , Reinertsen Kristin V. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Ewertz Marianne , Cronin-Fenton Deirdre P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) may have increased risk of hypothyroidism, but risk according to treatment modality is unclear. We estimated the incidence of hypothyroidism in women with breast cancer, and according to cancer treatment.

Methods

Using nationwide registries, we identified all Danish women aged ≥ 35 years diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer (1996–2009). We matched up to five cancer-free women (controls) for each BCS. We excluded women with prevalent thyroid disease. Cancer treatment was chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy (RT) targeting the breast/chest wall only, or also the lymph nodes (RTn). We identified hypothyroidism using diagnostic codes, and/or levothyroxine prescriptions. We calculated the cumulative incidence, incidence rates (IR) per 1000 person-years, and used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hypothyroidism, adjusting for comorbidities.

Results

We included 44,574 BCS and 203,306 matched controls with 2,631,488 person-years of follow-up. BCS had a slightly higher incidence of hypothyroidism than controls [5-year cumulative incidence, 1.8% (95%CI = 1.7–1.9) and 1.6% (95%CI = 1.5–1.6), respectively]. The overall IR was 4.45 (95%CI = 4.25–4.67) and 3.81 (95%CI = 3.73–3.90), corresponding to an adjusted HR = 1.17 (95%CI = 1.11–1.24). BCS who received RTn with chemotherapy (HR = 1.74, 95%CI = 1.50–2.02) or without chemotherapy (HR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.14–1.51) had an elevated risk of hypothyroidism compared with matched controls and compared with BCS who underwent surgery alone [HR = 1.71, 95%CI = 1.45–2.01 and HR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.17–1.58, respectively].

Conclusions

BCS have an excess risk of hypothyroidism compared with age-matched controls. BCS and those working in cancer survivorship settings ought to be aware that this risk is highest in women treated with radiation therapy to the lymph nodes and chemotherapy.
Hepatic magnetic resonance elastography: can it be an alternative to invasive biopsy preceding living donor liver transplantation?
Authors: Mohamed Rania Essam-el-dein , Amin Mohamed A. , Omar Hazem M. , Soliman Hossam Eldeen M. , Zakaria Hazem
Published: October 2020

Background

Recently, the living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) surgery is employed as the treatment of choice for end-stage chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The role of liver biopsy in donor’s selection protocol for adult living liver donors (LLDs) candidates is a point of controversy. Hepatic magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a promising technique particularly in grading of liver fibrosis that can be used for pre-transplantation evaluation of the LLDs candidates. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of hepatic MRE as a pre-transplantation imaging tool for LLDs candidates, prior to LDLT surgery.

Results

Thirty-seven eligible healthy LLDs candidates (28 males and 9 females; their ages ranged from 24 to 45 years) were the subject of the current study. A cut-off value ≥ 2.24 kilo Pascal (kPa) was assumed for discrimination between normal and abnormal hepatic tissues with high accuracy (99.24%). Also, a cut-off value ≥ 2.38 kPa for grading steatosis gave 98.44% accuracy, while a cut-off value ≥ 2.57 kPa for discriminating fibrosis stages yielded 98.80% accuracy.

Conclusion

MRE can be considered as a reliable non-invasive pre-transplant screening technique that has the potential to alternate the invasive liver biopsy technique in selection and validation of LLDs candidates for LDLT surgery.