bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Menstruation Cycle and Exercise Participation in Korean Female College Students
Authors: Kang Sunghwun , Park Il Bong , Chung Woo Suk
Published: December 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine how Korea female university students participate in physiological and psychological exercises according to differences in their menstrual cycles and health consciousness, exercise participation, and exercise intention. This study analyzed how these female students feel about their own health, participating in exercises, and the duration of the exercise according to the different menstrual cycles and their various patterns. Methods: The study surveyed women university students in Gangwon-do, Busan, and Ulsan metro city in Korea. A total of 464 questionnaires were analyzed using the statistical programs SPSS Win 22 and AMOS Win 22. We used cross-analysis, T-tests, one-way ANOVA analysis, and correlation analysis to analyze differences in health consciousness, intensity of exercise, and degree of intent to exercise in terms of the menstrual cycle and exercise pattern during the cycle. Results: First, there were no significant differences between menstrual pattern (regular vs. irregular) and general exercise periods during the non-menstrual period (X2 = 5.828, p < 0.212). However, the study showed that more female university students who had regular menstrual cycle were back to regular exercise right after their menstruation cycle ended, and the girls with irregular menstrual cycles did not exercise as much right after their menstruation cycle ended. Second, there were significant differences in the relationship between health consciousness (p = 0.000), amount of exercise (p = 0.002), and grade of intention to exercise (p = 0.002) according to the differences in menstrual cycles and pattern of Korean female university students. Female university students with a regular menstrual cycle showed higher health consciousness, amount of exercise, and intent to exercise than did ones with irregular menstrual cycles. Third, there was a significant difference in the relationship between health consciousness (p = 0.000), amount of exercise (p = 0.000), and intent to exercise (p = 0.000) in accordance with exercise period (did not exercise, before menstruation, after menstruation, and when not menstruating, always) of Korean female university students. In other words, female university students who exercised were higher than female university students who did not exercise.Conclusions: In this study, Korean female university students who had regular menstrual cycles exercised regularly and showed a high level of their own health consciousness, amount of exercise, and intention to exercise. Also, female university students who exercise regularly have a higher level of health consciousness, amount of exercise, and intention to exercise. This study will be valuable as a pilot study related to physiological, psychological factors, and exercise of women.
FH ALERT: A feasibility study of a novel approach to identify patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Fath Felix , Bengeser Andreas , Barresi Mathias , Binner Priska , Schwab Stefanie , Ray Kausik , Krämer Bernhard , Fraass Uwe , März Winfried
Published: December 2020

Background and aimsDiagnosis rates of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) remain low. We implemented FH ALERT to assess whether alerting physicians for the possibility of FH impacted additional diagnostic activity.MethodsThe study was conducted from SYNLAB laboratory Weiden (Bavaria). Beyond common reporting of LDL-C or TC, 1,411 physicians covering approximately a population of 1.5 million people were eligible to receive an alert letter (AL) including information on FH, if laboratory results exceeded thresholds as follows: adults LDL-C ≥190-250 mg/dl (to convert into mmol/l multiply with 0,0259), TC ≥250 to ≤310 mg/dl (probable suspicion); LDL-C >250 mg/dl and TC >310 mg/dl (strong suspicion). Persons below 18 years were alerted for LDL-C ≥140 mg/dl and TC ≥200 mg/dl (strong suspicion). Patients above 60 years were excluded. Our readouts were characteristics of involved physicians, rate of ALs issued, acceptance, and subsequent diagnostic activity.ResultsPhysicians were mainly general practitioners in ambulatory care. 75% of the ordered tests were for TC, 25% for LDL-C. We issued 3,512 ALs (~5% of tests). 86% of eligible physicians stayed with the initiative, 32.7% were alerted, and 70% were positive upon call-center survey. We registered 101 new visitors of www.fhscore.eu and sent out 93 kits for genetics. Thereof, 26 were returned and 5 patients were positive for FH.ConclusionsAlthough physicians appeared open to our approach, recommendations were hardly translated into action. The reasons behind this are elusive. Further education is required, and our simple alerting system may not suffice to improve FH detection in the community.
Pain Diary in Bands Based on SBAR Communication Mode Application of Nursing Management in Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Lin Ping , Mu Guo , Ou Cehua , yu liang
Published: December 2020

Pain diary shows an important role in the pain management of patients with chronic cancer pain, but it has not been mentioned in the nursing management of Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This study explored the impact of pain diary on patients with postherpetic neuralgia during hospitalization. Patients with postherpetic neuralgia were randomly divided into a pain diary group and a control group. During the hospitalization, the diary group was instructed to record the pain diary, and the control group was given routine care. Evaluating VAS score of the patients for 10 days on admission, Thai Brief Pain questionnaire score during mid-hospitalization, and the amount and satisfaction of the patient's condition information collected upon discharge. On the third day after admission, the VAS score of the diary group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The Thai Brief Pain results showed that the pain diary group had better mood, sleep and enjoyment of life than the control group. The number of patient's condition information from the diary group was significantly more than the control group, the diary group had better satisfaction with nurses and doctors than the control group. The short-term pain diary should have a better role in PHN hospitalization.
High-Fidelity Hybrid Simulation Not Only Optimizes Skills Acquisition But Improves Non-Technical Skills
Authors: Ruz Cristián , Besa Pablo , Irarrázaval Sebastián , Vidal Catalina , Nazar Claudio , Varas Julián , Villagrán Ignacio , Fuentes-López Eduardo , Riquelme Arnoldo
Published: December 2020

Introduction Knee arthrocentesis is frequently performed as a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Although considered a key competency for medical doctors, most students never execute the procedure during their training. We aimed to assess technical and nontechnical skills for knee arthrocentesis through high-fidelity hybrid simulation Methods Medical students and general physicians were recruited for training; orthopedic surgeons were recruited as experts. Trainees received educational documentation prior to training. Trainees took a medical history and obtained informed consent from a patient-actor, then encountered a simulated knee to execute the procedure. We adapted a direct observation scale to assess technical and nontechnical skill performance. Personalized feedback was received after each session. Performance among trainees (learning curves) and between trainees and experts was compared using a mixed-effects model. Results Trainees significantly improved from the first session to the second and third. The third session was the learning curve plateau. Performance obtained in the third and fourth sessions were similar to expert performance. The assessment tool evaluated technical and nontechnical skills with high internal consistency and showed high interobserver reliability. Discussion Learning curve analysis showed that high-fidelity simulation allowed trainees to become proficient in technical and nontechnical skills required to perform a safe knee arthrocentesis.Level of Evidence: Level II (Prospective Cohort Study)
Lessons from the Effective Implementation of a Hybrid Virtual Clinical Model for Surgical Clerkships during the Covid Pandemic: Impact on Academic Performance, Burnout and Surgical Interest
Authors: Hinojosa-Gonzalez David Eugenio , Roblesgil-Medrano Andres , Segura-Ibarra Victor , Tellez Armando , Diaz-Elizondo Jose , Flores-Villalba Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Objective: Determine the academic and psychosocial impact of a hybrid-virtual surgical clerkship in medical students during the Covid Pandemic.Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has forced universities to modify their academic curriculum to adapt and overcome never before seen adversities. Herein we present the implementation of a Hybrid Virtual Clinical Model for Surgical Clerkships and its comparison against traditional face-to-face learning.Methods: We surveyed 47 medical students prior to their first-ever clerkship using Maslach’s Burnout Inventory and a questionnaire regarding their interest in surgery as a career path before and after their clerkship. Burnout rates, clinical exposure, academic performance, and surgical interest were analyzed and compared against results from prior year students on a traditional program.Results: Baseline burnout was significantly lower in the hybrid model (15.4% vs. 2.6%, p=0.048). The same was seen on alternate burnout rates (33.3% vs. 10.3%, p=0.02), differences remained after three months of clerkship (23.1% vs. 5.1%, p=0.023). When comparing different domains such as professional fulfillment, depersonalization, and fatigue, the hybrid model did overall better. Clinical exposure hours were statistically significant between both groups (954.32 vs. 276.33, p=0.001), however, when considering virtual clinical hours, no significant differences were found. Despite the hybrid group having a lower midterm exam score (68 vs. 77.49, p=0.001), final exam scores were similar between groups (74.97 vs. 75.89, p=0.662).Conclusion: We believe our model may be useful for other programs to maximize clinical exposure while minimizing the risk of exposure, maintaining maximum academic performance, and preserving the surgical interest of rotating alumni.ACGME Competencies: Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
Risk Prediction of Radiation-Induced Hepatic Toxicity Complications in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shieh Chin-Shiuh , Chou Chi-Ming , Huang Tai-Lin , Lin Chin-Hsueh , Chao Pei-Ju , Wu Jia-Ming , Liu Chao-Hong , Leung Stephen W , Tseng Chin-Dar , Hsu Hsuan-Chih , Lee Tsair-Fwu
Published: December 2020

We use dose-volume factors to predict the risk of radiation-induced hepatic toxicity (RIHT) complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for controlling the low tolerance of liver organs to radiation and reducing the incidence of radiation-induced hepatic toxicity complications. This study retrospectively collected 114 patients who underwent Intensity Modulation Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma between 2014 and 2017. The total number of patients was 69 after excluding normal liver organs whose volume did not reach 700 cc and extreme data. A total of 138 experimental samples were generated using the bootstrap method. All patients were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) during treatment to determine the degree of increase in blood draws and to judge for radiation-induced hepatic toxicity complications. The patient received dose-volume parameters were uniformly adjusted using a bioequivalent dose conversion of 2 Gy/fraction. The study data were divided into normal and total liver received dose-volume. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to select predictors and logistic regression (LR) was used to establish the performance model. LASSO was used to select the patient dose-volume parameter predictor. The risk factors of normal liver received dose-volume were age and NLV30 Gy. The risk factors of total liver received dose-volume were age and TLV35 Gy. For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving radiation therapy (RT), this study recommends that a normal liver receiving a dose volume of 30 Gy should be less than 54.75%, so that the probability of RIHT can be less than 50%. A total liver receiving a dose volume of 35 Gy should be less than 54.75% so that the probability of RIHT can be less than 50%. It can control the low tolerance of liver organs to radiation and reduce the incidence of hepatotoxic complications induced by radiotherapy techniques.
Hunger Pandemic: Urban Rodents' Boom and Bust During COVID-19
Authors: Bedoya-Pérez Miguel , Ward Michael , Loomes Max , Crowther Mathew
Published: December 2020

Shortly after the enactment of restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, local governments and public health authorities around the world reported an increased sighting of rats. We combined multi-catch rodent station data, rodent bait stations data, and rodent-related residents’ complaints data to explore the effects that social distancing and lockdown measures might have had on the rodent population within the City of Sydney, Australia. We found that rodent captures, activity, and rodent related residents’ complaints increased during the COVID-19 related lockdown period, followed by a steep decline post-lockdown. We found no changes in the geographical distribution of any of our indices of rodent abundance. We hypothesize that lockdown measures resulted in an increase in rodent activity driven by a reduction in human-derived food resources. This might have increased the mortality rate, triggering a population crash. There is a high chance that the surviving individuals might be rodenticide resistant. It is possible that the onset of COVID-19 might have disrupted commensal rodent populations, with profound implications for the future management of these ubiquitous urban indicator species.
Chemical Constituents with Inhibitory Activities on Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 9 Expression from the Aerial Parts of Penthorum chinense
Authors: Pel Pisey , Chae Hee-Sung , Cho Jinwoo , Kim Young-Mi , Huh Jungmoo , Choi Young Hee , Kim Jinwoong , Chin Young-Won
Published: December 2020

Background: Penthorum chinense has been used in East Asia for the treatment of cholecystitis, infectious hepatitis, and jaundice. So far there is no report regarding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitory constituents from this plant. The aim of the present study was to discover new active constituents with PCSK9 expression inhibitory activities from P. chinenseMethods: All structures were established by interpreting NMR spectroscopic data and MS data. Further experimental and calculated ECD data were used to determine the absolute configuration of the two new neolignans. To monitor the inhibitory activity on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mRNA expression and PCSK9-low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) interaction, quantitative real time-PCR, Western blot analysis, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method by a PCSK9-biotinylated-LDLR binding assay were performed.Results: 39 compounds were isolated and identified including two new oxepine-type neolignans, penthorinols A (1) and B (2) and a naturally occurring chalcone, 6'-hydroxy-2'-methoxychalcone-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (20). Of all tested compounds, penthorin A (4) and methyl gallate (25) were found to suppress PCSK9 mRNA expression with IC50 values of 15.56 and 11.66 µM, respectively. Furthermore, penthorin A (4) and methyl gallate (25) downregulated PCSK9 protein expression. However, all compounds seemed to be inactive in PCSK9-LDLR interaction.Conclusion: In the present study, two new compounds was discovered from this plant and active constituents with PCSK9 expression inhibitory activities were suggested.
Aneurysm and Artery Dissection Following the use of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor: A Real-World Analysis Using a Spontaneous Reporting System
Authors: Gong Jian , Shuyue WANG , Mingzhu CHEN , Xinghui ZHANG , Lingjian ZHANG , Min JIA , Zhiwen SHEN , Junyan WANG , Jing XU , Zheng ZHENG , Mengmeng WANG , Xuanrui LV , Xiaoyu ZONG , Hui LI , Jin ZHOU , Tong MENG , Zhao Bin , Jian GONG
Published: December 2020

Background: There are few real-world studies comparing the incidence, clinical features, and prognosis of aneurysm and artery dissection related to various vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor (VPI) regimens. This study evaluated the recent evidence of aneurysm and artery dissection after VPI therapy. The purpose was to evaluate and compare the links between different VPIs and aneurysm and artery dissection by investigating the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).Methods: Using FAERS data from January 2004 to March 2020, disproportionality analysis was used for data mining to screen suspected aneurysm and artery dissection cases after different VPI treatments. The times to onset and fatality rates of suspected drugs were also investigated to assess prognoses.Results: In total, there were 634 reports of aneurysm and artery dissection events after VPI. Ramucirumab appeared to have a stronger association than other VPIs, based on the reporting odds ratio (ROR = 3.68, 95% [2.18, 6.23]). The results showed a signiﬁcant difference in onset time (P < 0.001), and a quick onset occurred in 60.13% of cases. The median time to aneurysm and artery dissection was 79.5 (IQR: 19–273.5) days after VPI administration. The results also showed that men were more affected than women (59.68% vs. 40.32%), and patients older than 45 years were more affected than younger patients (68.12% vs. 3.93%). Finally, the suspected drugs generally led to a 19.98% fatality rate and a 29.81% hospitalization rate. The highest death rate was associated with Aflibercept (25.49%).Conclusions: We identified signals for aneurysm and artery dissection following various VPIs in real-world practice using the FAERS, which represents the first step for continued pharmacovigilance investigation.
Ergonomic Evaluation of Job Performance and Investigation of the Impact of Corrective Exercise Training on Reduction of Musculoskeletal Complaints Among Operating Room Nurses in Iran
Authors: jeihooni Ali khani , Gholami Tahereh , Omidi Sedighe , Taheri Omalbanin , Dehghan Azizollah
Published: December 2020

BackgroundOperating Room(OR) nurses are at risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders(MSDs) due to the nature of their job and performance of non-ergonomic activities. The present study aimed at ergonomic evaluation of the workplace and investigation of the impact of corrective exercise training on reduction of musculoskeletal complaints among OR nurses.Materials and MethodsThis educational intervention study was conducted on 46 OR nurses in an educational hospital in Fasa city in Iran. who were selected through census. Data were collected via demographic information form, body map, and Rapid Entire Body Assessment(REBA) method. After three months, the effects of ergonomic principles training and intensity of disorders were evaluated by the REBA method and body map respectively. After all, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon test, and marginal homogeneity in SPSS20 software. Resultsmean age and mean job tenure of the nurses were 28.93(6.47) and 6.02(5.62) years, respectively. 78.3% of the participants were male, 38%, were single, and 91% were shift workers. a significant decline was observed in disorders in all body regions, except for the head and neck(p=0.293), three months after the educational intervention. The mean score of the REBA test was 5.58+1.146 after the intervention(p=0.000). Additionally, the mean level of risk was 2+1.89 after the intervention(p=0.000). the mean level of corrective priorities was 1.0+89.314 after the intervention(p=0.000). the corrective actions reached levels 1 and 2 after the intervention. Accordingly, the highest percentage of actions for reduction of injuries were at the necessary (soon) level before the intervention, but at the necessary level after that(89.1%).Discussion and ConclusionThe results indicated that training ergonomic principles, correct goods transfer methods, and corrective exercises has been recommended to be effective in decreasing the risk of MSDs in this profession.
Pyogenic Lung Abscess in an Infectious Disease Unit, a 20-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Maitre Thomas , OK Vichita , CALIN Ruxandra , LASSEL Ludovic , CANESTRI Ana , DENIS Michel , HAMIDI Mohammed , TAVOLARO Sebastian , VERDET Charlotte , PARROT Antoine , CADRANEL Jacques , PIALOUX Gilles
Published: December 2020

Rationale: Pyogenic lung abscesses are rare and poorly described infections. This study aimed to describe their prognostic factors.Methods: We retrospectively included all patients hospitalized between January 1st, 1998 and June 1st, 2018, with a IDC-10 diagnosis of pyogenic lung abscess, from the Diamm ® based medical records (Micro6, Nancy; France). Parasitic, mycological, or mycobacterial lung abscesses were excluded.Results: A total of 64 patients were included. Abscesses were associated with immunosuppression in 28 patients, including HIV infection and immunosuppressive therapy for 8 and 12 patients, respectively. Bacterial identification was obtained for 36 patients. Nine patients (14%) developed lung abscesses after haematogenous dissemination. They differed from bronchogenic abscesses by their younger age (p=0.03), the absence of smoking or emphysema (p=0.05), S. aureus (p=0.001) or Streptococcus spp (p=0.05) isolation, and the smaller size of their abscess (p=0.02). Overall, evolution was marked by radiological sequelae, relapse, and death. Radiological sequelae occurred more frequently during the course of bronchogenic abscesses (p=0.02), particularly when they spontaneously discharged (p=0.04). Relapses were more frequent in patients with emphysema (p=0.04) and when H. influenzae was isolated (p=0.04). In multivariate analysis, poor outcomes, including death, sequelae, and relapse occurred more frequently in patients who had bronchogenic abscess (p=0.02), and in those who received antibiotics during less than 6 weeks (p=0.05). Conclusion: Duration of antibiotic treatment of less than six weeks and bronchogenic presentation were globally associated with poor outcome of pyogenic lung abscesses. These data should be considered when proposing guidelines for the care of pyogenic lung abscesses.
Prevalence and Associated Factors with Transfusion-Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors at the National Blood Transfusion and Research Center, Sana’a, Yemen
Authors: Ghaleb Yasser Ahmed , Alshahari Aymn Zaid , Ali Majdi Abdullhabeeb , Amad Mohammed Abdullah Al , Serouri Abdulwahed Abduljabbar Al
Published: December 2020

Background: Yemen is facing major challenges in ensuring the safety and availability of blood transfusion to meet the increased demand for blood transfusion due to the protracted conflict. However, Transfusion-transmissible infectious (TTIs) agents such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and malaria remain the greatest threats for blood transfusion safety in such fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of TTIs among blood donors attending National Blood Transfusion and Research Center (NBTRC) and its associated factors. Methods: Cross- sectional study was conducted on 340 blood donors at the NBTRC during November and December 2017. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using a predesigned questionnaire that covered socio-demographic characteristics and possible TTIs associated factors. Blood samples were drawn and tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV antibodies, HIV1, 2 by using electrochemi-luminescence immunoassay technique and rapid immunochromato-graphic for screened syphilis and malaria antibodies. Result: The overall prevalence of TTIs was 8.8% where 2.5 %, 1.2%, 0.3%, 1.2%, 3.2% have HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis and malaria respectively. HBV was significantly associated with history of jaundice and cupping. Furthermore, urethero-vaginal excretion was significantly associated with syphilis while malaria was significantly higher among donors from malaria endemic areas. Nearly three-fourth of donations were from replacement donors who had significantly higher TTIs prevalence than the voluntary donors: 10.4% vs. 3.3%, OR 3.4 (CI: 1.1-11.6). Conclusions: Although the prevalence of TTIs is low, it poses a serious risk for blood recipients especially in in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings where needs for blood transfusion are increasing and resources are limited. Therefore, using more sensitive screening methods and establishment of TTIs surveillance system should be considered. Efforts should be made to improve donor recruitment procedures and increase the proportion of regular and voluntary donation.
A Cross-National Comparison of Medicinal Plants used by the Miao, Yi and Lisu ethnic groups in Yanbian, China
Authors: Wang Ke-ru , Nan cuo , Ding Rong , Lin Jing , Hu Ding-jian , Zhong Shi-hong , Gu rui
Published: December 2020

Background: Its backdrop of multiethnic living makes Yanbian County rich in national culture, and the unique climate and topography make this area rich in medicinal plants. The exchange, collision and integration of the medical cultures of ethnic groups in Yanbian County are of great research significance. The Miao, Yi and Lisu are the most populous ethnic groups in Yanbian. Therefore, in this study, we investigated, sorted and analyzed these three ethnic medical systems with the goal of providing a basis for the study of ethnic medicine in Southwest China.Methods: The medicinal plants of Miao medicine (MM), Yi medicine (YM) and Lisu medicine (LM) in Yanbian County were inventoried by identifying the collected plant specimens and interviewing the local ethnic doctors with a semistructured form. The inventory included scientific names, family names, Latin names, medicinal parts, diseases treated and other information on the medicinal plants. Finally, the Jaccard similarity index (JI), cluster analysis and functional equivalent species mining were used to preliminarily analyze the similarities and differences of the three ethnic medical systems.Results: A total of 345 medicinal plants (from 109 families and 299 genera) and 18 unreported special situations of medicinal plant use were recorded and documented in our ethnobotanical investigation of the three medical systems. There were 102 species of medicinal plants with shared uses in MM, YM and LM, among which the families with the most species were Compositae (14 species, 14%), Labiatae (6 species, 6%), Polygonaceae (4 species, 4%) and Rosaceae (4 species, 4%). In the three medical systems, these medicinal plants are used to treat 12 types of disease, and the most commonly used medicinal parts are whole plants, roots and rhizomes. The statistical data showed that the JI of MM and YM was the highest (47.6%), and the overall similarity of these medical systems was the highest among all comparisons (45.9%). The results showed that in Yanbian, MM and YM were more similar than LM.Conclusions: The Miao, Yi and Lisu groups in the study area have inherited a wealth of ethnic medicine knowledge but are in great danger of losing this knowledge. The results of this study fill the existing knowledge gaps concerning MM, YM and LM in Yanbian, and the almost complete dataset can allow us to preserve ethnic medicine knowledge and carry out a global analysis. The important shared-use medicinal plants in the three medical systems can be used as the basis for future research on new drug resources.
Val50Met Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Not Just a Medical Problem, but a Psychosocial Burden
Authors: González-Moreno J , Losada-López I , Rodríguez A , Bosch-Rovira T , Barroso A Gaya , Ripoll-Vera T , Usón M , Figuerola A , Descals C , Montalà C , Ferrer-Nadal MA , Cisneros-Barroso E
Published: December 2020

Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a heterogeneous disease with a clinical presentation that varies according to geographical area and TTR mutation. The symptoms of Val50Met-ATTRv are mainly neuropathic and progress to complete disability and death in most untreated patients within 10 to 15 years of diagnosis. The neurological effects may also be accompanied by gastrointestinal impairment, cardiomyopathy, nephropathy and/or ocular deposition. The disease is thus associated with a high degree of patient disability. Accordingly, we aimed to describe the psychosocial burden associated with ATTRv in a group of patients, asymptomatic Val50Met carriers, relatives and caregivers in the endemic focus of the disease in Majorca via a survey addressing various aspects related to psychosocial burden.Our study revealed that, although most of the population studied had had prior contact with ATTRv through affected relatives, there was still a lack of information regarding disease diagnosis. Fear of the genetic test result and psychological issues were common in our population. Moreover, the disease had a stronger impact on the daily life of our patients than that of our asymptomatic carriers. Autonomic symptoms were the main source of burden for relatives and caregivers. In conclusion, our survey results show high psychosocial burden associated with Val50Met-ATTRv in our area.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Deterioration Diabetic Nephropathy via Stimulating Secretion of Cytokines
Authors: Liu Chen xiao , Li Qi , Feng Xiu , Zhu Jian , Li Qian
Published: December 2020

Background: Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) refers to a cardiovascular and metabolic hormone that has been identified recently for chronic kidney disease (CKD) without diabetes. Cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis element-α (TNF-α) as well as adiponectin (ADP)) contribute to development of diabetes of type 2 (T2DM). The aim here was at investigating ANP and some cytokines extents for a systematic analysis of relationship level in T2DM nephropathy patients. Methods: Plasma samples from T2DM patients (n=81) in accordance with albuminuria were split into normoalbuminuria (n=37), microalbuminuria (n=23) and macroalbuminuria (n=21), as collected after the consent was received. Based on enzyme-associated immunosorbent test, ANP, TNF-α, IL-6 and ADP in plasma underwent the quantification, and the data received the analysis for determining the correlation between ANP and cytokines among 3 cohorts. Results: The present study reported that macroalbuminuria patients exhibited higher plasma levels of ANP, TNF-α, IL-6, ADP, serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) than the cases subjected to normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. Plasma ANP level was significantly associated with TNF-α, IL-6 and ADP, independently of duration of DM and BUN. Conclusion: Elevated serum ANP levels are likely to impact the metabolism of adipose tissue and inflammation which involved in the pathogenesis and progression of DN.
Risk Factors for Abdominal Wound Dehiscence in Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Duan Shouxing , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Xuewu , Ou Wenhui , Fu Maxian , Chen Kaihong , Xie Xinquan , Xiao Wenfeng , Zheng Lian , Ma Shuhua , Li Jianhong
Published: December 2020

Background: Abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) is a major complication of abdominal surgery, neonates are a group with a high risk of AWD, which has serious consequences or can even result in death. The purpose of this study is to explore the risk factors for neonatal AWD.Methods: The clinical data for 453 cases of neonatal laparotomy from June 2009 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, among which 27 cases of AWD were found. Nine factors, including gender, age at admission, weight at admission, preterm delivery, level of preoperative anemia, hypoalbuminemia, operation time, incision length, and incision type, were analyzed to explore their correlation with neonatal AWD.Results: The incidence of neonatal AWD was 6.0% (27/453), of which partial wound dehiscence 4.9% (22/453) and complete wound dehiscence 1.1% (5/453). Anemia, hypoproteinemia, and wound contamination were the main risk factors for neonatal AWD. The AWD-free survival rates for infants with severe anemia and mild to moderate anemia were 83.3% and 91.2%, respectively. The AWD-free survival rates for those with hypoproteinemia, type II and type III incision were 88.0%, 95.1% and 87.1%, respectively.Conclusion: Neonatal AWD is closely related to anemia, hypoproteinemia, and incision contamination. It is of great significance for the prevention of neonatal AWD to strengthen nutritional support, correct preoperative anemia, and control infection.Trial registration: Research Registry, researchregistry5350. Registered 01 February 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/5e359028eef79c001577fa18/
Impact of Qiangdi 863 Nanosynergids Treated Water on Rice Physiology, Grain Production, and Grain Quality
Authors: Younas Afifa , Yousaf Zubaida , Fiaz Sajid , Rashid Madiha , Riaz Nadia , Aftab Arusa , Huang Shiwen
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGlobal warming, climate change, environmental stress and population increase have threatened food security and increased food production demand. Increasing Rice productions could be a better solution to solve or at least decrease the severity of the global food crisis. The modern rice cultivation techniques have been insufficient for sustainable rice production. So, Qiangdi 863 nano synergid is hypothesized to enhance the early growth of rice, rice physiology, grain yield, and grain quality. ResultsThe present study was carried out to determine the role of Qiangdi 863 nano synergid on the growth and yield of one Chinese rice variety Zhongzao 39 and four Pakistani rice varieties KSK 133, KS 282, Super basmati, and PK 1121 aromatic. Field experiments were conducted during the years 2017, 2018, and 2019. Appling nano-treated water enhanced the germination rate along with radicle and plumule lengths and improved the photosynthesis rate, SPAD value in rice leaves for all five varieties. The results showed that nano-treated water improved the anti-oxidant Catalase activity (CAT), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Peroxide (POD) production, declined Malondialdehyde (MDA content), enhanced endogenous Salicylic acid (SA), Jasmonates (JA) Brassinosteroids (BR) hormonal concentration and yield parameters of rice in 2017, 18 and 19 years of data. ConclusionThese findings indicate that nano synergids can be effectively used for rice cultivation in different environmental conditions (China and Pakistan). This is the first reported application of Qiangdi 863 nano synergid in Pakistani rice varieties with effective outcomes highlighting significant results in KSK 133.
Does Unilateral Thyroid Cancer Affect The Malignant Risk Of Contralateral Thyroid Nodules?-A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Huan , Jin Jun , Chen Qiao , Li Zhongmin
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe incidence of thyroid nodules increased significantly, but the mortality rate of thyroid cancer remained stable or even decreased. However, surgical treatment of thyroid nodules is more aggressive, including the number and scope of surgery. the purpose of our study was to evaluate whether unilateral thyroid nodules affect the malignancy risk of contralateral thyroid nodules. Methods We conducted a retrospective study on all patients with thyroid nodules in a tertiary hospital within one year. Unilateral and bilateral thyroid nodules were the control group and the experimental group, respectively. Based on the TI-RADS grades, the experimental group and the control group were divided into two subgroups. We used chi-square test or Fisher's exact test to evaluate whether there were statistical differences in the incidence and pathological types of thyroid cancer between the experimental group and the control group. Results Our study showed that there was no significant difference in malignant risk between the experimental group 1 and the control group 1, and the experimental group 2 and the control group 2 (20%vs35%, p=0.724, 63.16%vs76.32%, p=0.297, respectively). Both the a-side thyroid of the experimental group and the control group were papillary thyroid carcinoma, including micropapillary thyroid carcinoma, and there was no difference in the proportion of micropapillary thyroid carcinoma (p = 0.200, 0.620, respectively). Conclusions There is no evidence that bilateral thyroid nodules affect each other in terms of malignant risk, that is, in bilateral thyroid nodules, unilateral thyroid cancer does not change the malignant risk of contralateral thyroid nodules.This study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2000038611, registration time: 2020-09-26.
Associations of Early Marriage and Early Childbearing with Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis of Nationwide Survey
Authors: Tiruneh Fentanesh Nibret , Tenagashaw Mesfin Wogayehu , Asres Degnet Teferi , Cherie Hirut Assaye
Published: December 2020

Background: Early marriage and early childbearing are common practices in Ethiopia. Girls who got married and give birth at a very young age are more likely to experience several health problems including anemia among others. However, the effects of early marriage and early childbearing on anemia status of adolescent girls have not been quantified in previous studies. In this study, we assessed whether early marriage and early childbearing measured at both individual and community levels are associated with adolescent anemia. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2016 demographic and health survey of Ethiopia. Our study concentrated on 3,172 late female adolescents (15-19 years). For bivariate analysis, we used the chi-squared test and spearman correlation coefficients. The relationship between early marriage and childbearing with anemia was evaluated using multilevel binary logistic regression models while controlling other determinants.Results: Overall prevalence of anemia among female adolescents was 23.8 (95% CI; 22.3-25.2). Our multivariable multilevel analysis showed that individual-level marital status (AOR=1.53, 95% CI=1.06-2.02) and community-level childbearing status (AOR=2.80, 95% CI 1.25-6.29) were positively associated with anemia among female adolescents.Conclusion: Our findings show that the consequences of early marriage and early childbearing on adolescent anemia are significant. There is a need to avoid early marriage and childbearing in Ethiopia to improve the health status of adolescent girls.
An Environmental GIS-based Variable Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in the City of Recife, Brazil
Authors: Souza Arthur , Mota Caroline , Rosa Amanda , Figueiredo Ciro , Candeias Ana Lucia
Published: December 2020

Background: Given the increasing rates at which cases of people infected by Covid-19 have been evolving to case-fatality rates on a global scale and the context of there being a world-wide socio-economic crisis, decision-making must be undertaken based on prioritizing effective measures to control and combat the disease since there is a lack of effective drugs and as yet no vaccine. Method: This paper explores the determinant factors of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on Recife, Pernambuco-Brazil by performing both local and global spatial regression analysis on two types of environmental data-sets. Data were obtained from ten specific days between late April and early July 2020, comprehending the ascending, peak and descending behaviours of the curve of infections.Results: This study highlights the importance of identifying and mapping clusters of the most affected neighbourhoods and their determinant effects. We have identified that it is increasingly common for there to be a phase in which hotspots of confirmed cases appear in a well-developed and heavily densely-populated neighbourhood of the city of Recife. From there, the disease is carried to areas characterised by having a precarious provision of public services and a low-income population and this quickly creates hotspots of case-fatality rates. The results also help to understand the influence of the age, income, level of education of the population and, additionally, of the extent to which they can access public services, on the behaviour of the virus across neighbourhoods.Conclusion: This study supports government measures against the spread of Covid-19 in heterogeneous cities, evidencing social inequality as a driver for a high incidence of fatal cases of the disease. Understanding the variables which influence the local dynamics of the virus spread becomes vital for identifying the most vulnerable regions for which prevention actions need to be developed.
Association Between Social Capital and Obesity Among Older Adults in China: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Yang Le , Cheng Jingmin
Published: December 2020

Background: Under the global aging trend, health issues of the elderly have received more and more attention. Among them, older adults’ obesity is one of the common health problems of the elderly. There are few studies on the association between social capital and obesity in the elderly. We examined whether social capital was associated with obesity in the elderly.Methods: The data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) —wave 8 (2017–2018) was used in this study. Totally, 9551 respondents were included in the final analysis. Generalized trust, informal social interaction and participation of organized social activities were used as measures of social capital. Body mass index (BMI) were used as outcomes. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between the social capital and health outcomes, adjusting for confounders.Results: We found that the elderly who did not trust people around them had greater odds of being obese compared to those who trust people around them [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.117, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.229]. The elderly interacting with friends (AOR 1.240, 95% CI 1.006 to 1.229) and participating in organized social activities (AOR 1.182, 95% CI 1.062 to 1.301) registered considerably higher BMI.Conclusions: These results confirm the importance of social capital in older adults’ obesity prevention in China, all dimensions of social capital are associated with obesity in the elderly. Furthermore, the positive and negative effects of social capital on obesity in the elderly should be more considered and examined.
WITHDRAWN: Effectiveness of the Classification for the Phosphorus Use Efficiency Traits at the Seedling Stage in Lentil
Authors: Aski Muraleedhar S , Rai Neha , Reddy Venkat Praksh , Dikshit Harsh Kumar , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Singh Dharmendra , Chakravarty Gayacharan , B Arun Kumar M , Pandey Renu , Singh Madan Pal , Udupa Sripad , KUMAR SHIV , Mehra Reena , Sarker Ashutosh
Published: December 2020

Background: Understanding the morphology of the root system in lentils is critical for the identification of root characteristics for breeding cultivars with enhanced phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) to better adapt to poor P environments. PUE and variability in root morphological characteristics at the early vegetative stage were investigated among 40 indigenous and exotic lentil genotypes in a hydroponic phenotyping system.Results: A prerequisite for developing P-efficient crop cultivars is to categorise existing germplasm. In this experiment, 40 lentil genotypes were grown for 24 days under P deficit (3 μm KH2PO4) and P adequate (250 μm KH2PO4) conditions in hydroponics. Lentil genotypes exhibited significant variability for root, biomass, and P efficiency traits. Different techniques have identified various genotypes of lentils based on the efficiency of phosphorus uptake (PUPE) and the efficiency of phosphorus utilization (PUTE). IG 568229 showed the highest PUPE, while the wild ILWL-15 lentil showed the lowest PUPE in both media. The wild lentil ILWL-95 showed maximum PUTE under P adequate medium. The IC 560135, IG 334, IG 560157 and IG 568229 genotypes were found to be highly efficient at both P levels and to be ideal for a large range of P levels without having a drastic impact on biomass output.Conclusions: The primary step for breeding more P-efficient crop plants is the classification of the germplasm. IC 560135 and IC 268238 contrasting lentil lines may be useful for mapping population development, mapping and tagging of gene(s), QTLs for PUE in lentil. These efficient P crops also ensure food and nutritional security, in addition to reducing the cost of cultivation.
Medical Malpractice Litigation Following Spine Surgery in Beijing: The Past 6 Years.
Authors: Hu Dong , Gu Suxi , Liu Huawei , Yang Huadong , Song Fei , Xiao Songhua
Published: December 2020

Background: Spine surgeons in particular face the most hostile liability environment among the surgical specialties. Systemic studies related to spine surgery litigation in China is absent. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of medical malpractice litigation involving spine surgery in Beijing for the past 6 years.Methods: Two online legal databases, Wusong and Weike, were queried for court verdicts involving spine surgery from Jan 2013 to Dec 2018 in Beijing. For all included cases, data pertaining to defendants, plaintiffs, case outcomes, allegations, and verdicts were abstracted, and descriptive analyses were performed. Results: A total of 186 legal cases were examined, 122 cases were excluded due to irrelevance or insufficient information. Of the 64 cases included in this investigation, 40.6% of them were male. The mean age of the plaintiffs was 53.2 ± 18.6 years. The most common complaint addressed in this study is dissatisfaction with consent (53.1%, n=34), followed by additional surgery required (40.2%, n=26), unsatisfactory outcome to surgery (17.6%, n=11), postoperative paralysis (15.6%, n=10) and postoperative infection (15.6%, n=10). The most common primary disease among all the cases is lumbar spinal stenosis (28.1%, n=18), followed by spinal tumor (18.8%, n=12), cervical spondylosis (17.2%, n=11), vertebral fracture (14.1%, n=9), deformity (12.5%, n=8) and others (9.3%, n=6). Spine surgeons successfully defended themselves in 13 cases (20.3%), which resulted in no indemnity payment. The rest 51 cases (79.7%) were closed with an average verdict payout of 155,562 Yuan, which was significant lower than the average compensation claimed by the plaintiff (783,172 Yuan) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Identifying the most common reasons for litigation and summarizing their characteristics may help decrease litigation rate and improve the patient experience. Further investigations with larger sample size and more complete database are needed.