bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic and Predictive Values of the Autophagy Signature in Colon Cancer
Authors: Xu Qian , Guo Yugang , Fang Jintao , Zhou Jiawei , Ma Guohui , Heng You
Published: September 2020

Background: In the clinical decision-making among patients with colon cancer (COAD), making an accurate prognosis of the patients plays a central role. The effects of autophagy on the clinical outcomes of cancer, including COAD, have been widely reported in numerous studies. Here, weaim to build a novel autophagy-associated, risk-stratification scoring system to predict the overall survival(OS)of patients with COAD. Methods: In this study, the candidate autophagy-related prognostic genes correlated with the survival of COAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) public RNA microarray and clinical data sets were selected as training data set. A cohort of 67 patients from TCGA and a cohort of 124 patients from GEO were used for the external validation. The autophagy-related mRNAs(ARGs) were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression analyses. Spearman correlation analysis were used to construct autophagy-related mRNAs and lncRNAs coexpression network. Results: 6 autophagy-related mRNAs and 14 lncRNAs with prognostic value were extracted for constructing two novel autophagy-related RNAs signatures, respectively. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were then demonstrated that the two signature could act as independent prognostic predictor for OS. Additionally, a prognostic nomogram incorporating the clinicopathological characteristics(patient’s age, tumor stage) and autophagy-related lncRNA risk score was constructed to predict the OS, which was used in the training and validation sets (5-year C-index: 0.826 and 0.895, respectively), demonstrating better discrimination ability and clinical net benefit than the risk score model. Further gene set enrichment analysis revealed that autophagy-associated lncRNAs were significantly enriched in cancer-related pathways.Conclusions: The identified autophagy-related mRNAs and lncRNAs signature had important clinical implications in prognosis prediction and the user-friendly nomogram may offer an extra insight for individualized therapy of COAD.
Effectivity of Near-Peer Teaching in Training of Basic Surgical Skills – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pintér Zsolt , Kardos Dániel , Varga Péter , Kopjár Eszter , Kovács Anna , Than Péter , Rendeki Szilárd , Czopf László , Füzesi Zsuzsanna , Schlégl Ádám Tibor
Published: September 2020

BackgroundNear-peer teaching (NPT) is a special way of teaching where the tutor is one or more academic years ahead of the person being tutored. The literature agrees on the benefits of the method, but there are only a few publications examining its effectiveness using objective methods. The aim of our study was to examine the effectiveness of NPT in the training of basic surgical skills.MethodsWe included 60 volunteer students who participated in a 24-hour basic surgical skills course. Based on the results of a pre-course test, we randomly divided the students into six equal groups. All groups completed the same curriculum, with three groups being assisted by a NPT tutor. After the course, they completed the same test as at the beginning. The exams were recorded on anonymized videos and were blindly evaluated. The students’ satisfaction was monitored using a self-administered online anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.ResultsOverall, student performance improved with completion of the course (from 119.86 to 153.55 points, p<0.01). In groups where a NPT tutor assisted, students achieved a significantly better score (37.20 vs. 30.18 points, p=0.036). The difference was prominent in surgical knotting tasks (14.73 vs. 9.30 points improvement, p<0.01). In cases of suturing (15.90 vs. 15.46 points) and laparoscopy (7.00 vs. 4.98 points), the presence of the NPT tutor did not significantly affect development. Based on student feedback, although students positively assessed the presence of NPT, it did not significantly improve students’ overall satisfaction.ConclusionsOverall, the use of NPT had a positive impact on student development. An outstanding difference was observed in connection with knotting techniques. The teaching of knot tying requires a high degree of personalized attention, which can be better realized with the assistance of a NPT tutor.
Factors Associated with Ocular Surface Epithelial Damage in Patients with Primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Kim Na Rae , Chin Hee Seung , Seo Kyoung Yul , Kim Tae Im , Jung Ji Won
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic parameters, laboratory findings, oral parameters, and other ocular surface parameters on ocular surface epithelial damage in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).Methods: A total of 82 dry eye disease (DED) patients with pSS were enrolled in this study. Ocular surface epithelial damage was measured by ocular staining score (OSS). Systemic parameters, laboratory findings including serologic markers, oral parameters, and other ocular surface parameters were collected. Other ocular surface parameter assessments such as the Schirmer’s test, fluorescein tear breakup time, meibomian gland examinations, noninvasive keratographic tear film break-up time measurements using the Keratograph® 5M were performed, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index was determined. Results: In a multivariate analysis, decreased age and increased duration of pSS were significantly related to increased logarithm-transformed OSS (β = -0.011, P = 0.043 for and β = 0.040, P = 0.008). Among the ocular surface parameters, decreased fluorescein tear breakup time and increased MGD grade were significantly associated with increased logarithm-transformed OSS (β = -0.183, P < 0.001 and β = 0.192, P = 0.049).Conclusions: Ocular surface epithelial damage in patients with pSS was associated with young age, long duration of disease, unstable tear film, and decreased meibomian gland function.
Meta-analysis of Pulmonary Artery Denervation for Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Zuo Wanyun , Xiao Yunbin , Xie Yonghui , Liu Na , Liu Qiming
Published: September 2020

Objective: Pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) can reduce sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), reduce pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in PH patients, and improve the quality of life in PH patients. We conducted a systematic meta-analysis of the effectiveness of PADN in the treatment of PH patients. Methods: All public clinical trials investigating the effects of PADN on PH. Outcomes were average pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), cardiac output (CO), right ventricular (RV) Tei index, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function grading. Results: A total of eight clinical studies including 213 PH patients with PADN were included. Meta-analysis showed that after PADN, mPAP (MD -12.51, 95% CI -17.74 to -7.27, P＜0.00001) (mmHg) and PVR (MD = -5.17, 95% CI -7.70 to -2.65, P <0.0001) (wood unit) decreased significantly, CO (MD 0.59, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.86, P＜0.0001) (L/min) and 6MWD (MD 107.75, 95% CI 65.64 to 149.86, P ＜0.00001) (meter) increased significantly, and RV Tei index (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.17, P = 0.63) did not change significantly. And after PADN, the proportion of NYHA cardiac function grading (RR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.37, P <0.00001) III and IV decreased significantly.Conclusion: This meta-analysis supports PADN as a potential new treatment for PH. Further high-quality randomized controlled studies are needed.
Relationship Between Vitamin D Receptor Gene polymorphisms (BsmI, TaqI, ApaI, and FokI) and Calcium Intake on Bone Mass in Young Japanese Women
Authors: Sakamoto Yuri , Oono Fumi , Iida Kaoruko , Wang Pao-Li , Tachi Yoichi
Published: September 2020

Background: The increasing prevalence of low bone mass in young women in Japan has emerged as a serious health issue in recent years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to reevaluate the relationship between genetic and dietary factors, as well as its influence on bone mass in young Japanese women, with particular emphasis on vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and calcium intake. Methods: A total of 499 Japanese women aged 20–24 years were enrolled in the study. The bone mass of the calcaneus was assessed using the quantitative ultrasound method and expressed as the osteo sono-assessment index (OSI). VDR gene polymorphisms (BsmI, TaqI, ApaI, and FokI) were analyzed using DNA extracted from saliva. Calcium intake was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire based on food groups (FFQg) and adjusted with respect to the energy intake. Participants were divided into two groups based on the median calcium intake (250 mg/1,000 kcal). Results: Consequently, bone mass was significantly different among the BsmI genotypes and Taq I genotypes after adjusting the body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.030 and 0.019, respectively). In addition, the BsmI AA and Apa I GT genotypes showed significant differences in bone mass between the calcium-intake groups, low OSI in the low-calcium intake group and high OSI in the high-calcium intake group, respectively, even after adjusting for covariates (p = 0.020 and 0.038, respectively). Conclusions: These findings would prove instrumental in developing a logical approach towards preventing bone loss in young Japanese women.
Liraglutide Use in A Real-World Setting: Patient Characteristics at Antidiabetic Treatment Initiation Modulate Cardiovascular Safety Outcomes
Authors: Gallagher Arlene , Gydesen Helge , Jensen Thomas Jon , Major-Pedersen Atheline
Published: September 2020

Background: Generation of real-world cardiovascular drug safety evidence in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) warrants robust methodology. Regulatory authorities are increasingly seeking to support their decision making through real-world evidence. At the time of marketing authorization, this study was required by regulatory authorities to further characterize the liraglutide safety profile in routine real-world clinical practice (external validity). Safety outcomes were compared to those of other non-insulin antidiabetic (NIAD) treatments in patients with T2D initiating NIADs in a UK real-word setting. The design was endorsed by health regulatory authorities. This paper analyzes the methodology and study results, and postulates that it was the differences in patient characteristics at NIAD initiation, not the treatment itself, that modulated the observed differences in cardiovascular risk between NIAD cohorts.Methods: Data were obtained from linked UK electronic repositories: the Clinical Practice Research Datalink primary care database (CPRD GOLD) and Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). Risks of selected outcomes with current liraglutide use were compared to current use of other NIADs. Rates of each outcome and corresponding crude and adjusted incidence rate ratios were examined using Poisson regression analysis. Results: Overall, 149 788 patients met the study inclusion criteria; of these, 3432 initiated liraglutide. Components of the metabolic syndrome were more common among liraglutide initiators than those initiating other NIADs. The risk of some macrovascular conditions was increased in liraglutide initiators versus other NIAD initiators; following stepwise adjustment, this was only seen in liraglutide initiators when compared to biguanide initiators (incidence rate ratio: 1.33 [99% confidence interval (CI): 1.11;1.59]).Conclusions: The observed increase of macrovascular outcomes in liraglutide initiators compared with other NIAD initiators emphasizes the importance of countering potential selection bias when designing studies comparing cardiovascular outcomes across treatment initiator cohorts in heterogenous populations, such as patients with T2D. Baseline differences in the NIAD cohort may have modulated cardiovascular outcomes and likely explain the observed increased cardiovascular risk in liraglutide initiators. Selection bias, channeling bias and residual confounding, inherent in such observational studies, must be considered early when designing the study if the real-world data are to support decision-making.
Implications of COVID-19 on The of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Ethiopia
Authors: Bulto Tadesse Weyuma , Chebo Abdella Kosa , Ede Asnake Gudisa , Werku Birhanu Chalchisa
Published: September 2020

Background: The novel coronavirus pandemic, namely COVID-19, has become a global public health problem. COVID-19 was first reported in Ethiopia on 14 March 2020 by WHO. This paper is aimed at identifying the implication of COVID-19 on the concentration of PM2.5 from March 14, 2020 to July 31, 2020 in Ethiopia. Methods: The study gathered the environmental data released by Addis Ababa Central monitoring station before and during the coronavirus pandemic and discusses its impact on air quality. Daily concentrations of PM2.5 were compared before and during the COVId-19 for 280 days. The study compared the daily concentration of PM2.5 before COVID-19 from October 25, 2019 to March 13, 2020 and during COVID-19 from March 14, 2020 to July 31, 2020. The summary of the particulate matter, number of cases and deaths from March 14, 2020 to July 31, 2020 were analyzed in Ethiopia.Results: The results show that, the concentration of PM2.5 during COVID-19 was higher than before COVID-19. As air pollution increased the number of deaths was increased during coronavirus pandemic. There were 16,615 confirmed cases and 263 number of deaths from March 14, 2020 to July 31, 2020 in Ethiopia. Conclusion: We found that the concentration of PM2.5 during COVID-19 was higher than before COVID-19. COVID-19 has implications for the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in metropolitan city.
Clinical Characteristics, Comorbidities, Initial Management and Outcome of COVID-19 Infected Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit in Somalia: A National Retrospective Study.
Authors: Mohamud Mohamed Farah Yusuf , Hashi Abdullahi Said , Mohamed Abdikarim Hussein , Yusuf Ali Mohamed , Ali Ibrahim Hussein , Ahmed Mohamed Abdi
Published: September 2020

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics, morbidities, management, and outcomes of COVID-19 Infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Somalia.Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of laboratory 60 confirmed patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) admitted to an ICU from March 28, to May 28, 2020.The sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, exposure history, clinical manifestations (symptoms and signs), laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes were collected from medical records.Results: Most of the patients admitted to ICU were men over 59 years of age, and nearly half had diabetes followed by hypertension chronic kidney disease and asthma. The most clinical presentations were dyspnea (91.2%), Fever (81.1%), (68.75%), Fatigue and myalgia (25%), and Altered level of conscious (16.6%). Among 48 patients admitted to the ICU, about 24 (50%) patients had required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, and 11(29.9%) patients needed noninvasive ventilation, while 13(27.08%) patients treated with high-flow oxygen therapy >15 L/min (Table 3). Corticosteroids were administered to most patients (85.4%), while 77.1% of the patients received inhaled bronchodilators and morethan half of the patients administered antibiotics. 58.3% of the patients had received Oseltamivir, while 22.9% received Vasopressors.Conclusion This study represents the first description of critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to ICU in Somalia. The study identified that elder age, male gender, and diabetic and hypertensive comorbidities as independent risk factors of poor outcomes for patients admitted to the ICU (p<0.005).
Gender Differences in the Association between Sleep Duration and Cardiometabolic Risk: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Matsuo Rei , Tani Shigemasa , Matsumoto Naoya , Okumura Yasuo
Published: September 2020

Background: Inappropriate sleep duration (shorter/longer than optimal sleep duration) has come to be identified as a potential cardiometabolic risk factor, and thereby, as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Few data exist regarding the gender differences in the relationship between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a study population of 9262 apparently healthy (5004 male, 4258 female) subjects at the Health Planning Center of Nihon University Hospital between September, 2015, and October 2016.Results: In the male subjects, as compared to a sleep duration of 6 to 7 hours, a sleep duration of ³8 hours was associated with an odds ratio (OR) for abdominal obesity (defined according to the Japanese criteria for metabolic syndrome as a waist circumference of ³85 cm) of 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004-1.71) and for a non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of ³150 mg/dL (defined as “Borderline hyper” by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention of ASCVD 2017) of 1.33 (1.05-1.68), and a sleep duration of <5 hours was associated with an OR (95% CI) for a fasting blood glucose of ³100 mg/dL (defined as “high” by a specialized lifestyle checkup program for the detection of symptoms of metabolic syndrome in Japan) of 1.74 (1.25-2.42). On the other hand, in the female subjects, as compared to a sleep duration of 6 to 7 hours, a sleep duration of <5 hours was associated with an OR (95% CI) for abdominal obesity (waist circumference ³90 cm) of 1.98 (1.11-3.55) and for a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of ³5.6 % of 1.52 (1.10-2.10), whereas a sleep duration of ³8 hours was not associated with worsening of any of the examined cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusions: There may be gender differences in the relationship between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk. To further reduce the risk of ASCVD, it may be of particular importance to emphasize adequate sleep duration.Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN (http://www.umin.ac.jp/) Study ID:　 UMIN000037643 retrospectively registered on 9 August 2019
Food-Based Dietary Patterns among Low-Income Single Mothers in Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: muhamad suriyani , Yulita Yulita , Hussain Nor Ermawati , Akhir Noor Haslina Mohamad , Rashid Noorhaslinda Kulub Abdul , Ahmat Nizam
Published: September 2020

Background: The study is to explore food consumption based on the Malaysian Food Pyramid guideline and dietary related issues among low-income single mothers classified by their Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: Data were obtained from 519 low-income, single mothers who resided in Kuala Nerus, a district in the state of Terengganu in Malaysia. This study employed the Chi-square test to identify the differences in the tested parameters between the lean/normal and overweight/obese subjects. Results: The current study presented the information of single mothers with low-income, and their food consumption and preference based on the Malaysian Food Pyramid. The subjects were categorised into lean/normal BMI of < 25 and an overweight/obese BMI of > 25. There were significant differences (p-value < 0.05) in the food consumption for the food categories of rice, noodles, bread and cereals and vegetables and fruits between the lean/normal and overweight/obese subjects. Nevertheless, there were insignificant differences (p-value > 0.05) in the food consumption for the food categories of dairy, fish, chicken, meat, legumes and fat, oil, sugar and salt between lean/normal and overweight/obese subjects. There were also mixed results on the dietary related issue between the lean/normal and overweight/obese subjects. Conclusion: Even though there were differences in food consumption of two food categories between both BMI groups, the food consumption was closely consistent with the Malaysian Food Pyramid guideline. The findings had provided relevant evidence and also call for a necessary action from stakeholders to support a healthy diet and nutrition intake, not limited to low-income single mothers', but also other lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups.
Metabolic pathways inferred from a bacterial marker gene illuminate ecological changes across South Pacific frontal boundaries
Authors: Raes Eric , Karsh Kristen , Sow Swan , Ostrowski Martin , Brown Mark , de Kamp Jodie van , Franco-Santos Rita , Bodrossy Levente , Waite Anya
Published: September 2020

Global oceanographic monitoring initiatives started by measuring abiotic essential ocean variables but are currently incorporating biological and metagenomic sampling. There is, however, a large gap between the taxonomic information produced by bacterial genomic analyses and information on bacterial functions, which is sought by biogeochemists, ecologists, and modellers. Here, we provide a mechanistic understanding of how a bacterial marker gene (16S rRNA) can be used to derive latitudinal trends for core metabolic pathways and, ultimately, be used for mapping ecosystem function change in global monitoring campaigns. From a transect spanning 7000 km in the South Pacific Ocean we identified ten metabolic pathways, which were related to ecological processes of primary productivity, temperature-regulated growth, coping strategies for nutrient limitation, energy metabolism, and degradation. We compared and contrasted these metabolic pathways with measured physico-biochemical parameters within and between oceanographic provinces, and found that functional diversity is as affected by oceanographic boundaries as is taxonomic composition. This study demonstrates that bacterial marker gene data, sampled and analysed with low costs and high throughput, can be used to infer on metabolic changes at the community scale. Such analyses may provide insight into the drivers of ecological changes and, overall, into the effects of biodiversity on marine ecosystem functioning.
Persistence of Functional Microbiota Composition Across Generations
Authors: Uria Christian Ramos , Calus Mario , Schokker Dirkjan
Published: September 2020

Background: Holobionts are defined as a host and its microbiota, and there is not a consensus about their status as a unit of selection. The “it’s the song, not the singer” theory proposes that functional traits, instead of taxonomical composition, could be preserved across generations if interspecies interaction patterns perpetuate themselves. We used a novel combination of community level analysis on the functional composition of microbiota-communities to test this theory by using empirical and simulated data. We tested the conservation of functional composition across generations using mosquito and plant datasets. Then, we tested if there is a change of functional composition over time within a generation in human datasets. Finally, we simulated microbiota communities with different amounts of pairwise interspecies interactions and initial configurations to investigate if the interactions can lead to multiple stable community compositions. Results: Our results suggest that the vertically transmitted microbiota starts a predictable change of functions performed by the microbiota over time (i.e. an ecological succession) whose robustness depends on the arrival of diverse migrants. This succession culminates in a stable functional composition state. The pairwise interactions between species of the community are not sufficient to explain the stability of the final community and the existence of alternative stable states, which suggests that the host-microbiota interaction and non-pairwise interactions in general have an important contribution to the robustness of the final community.Conclusions: If the proposed mechanism proves to be valid for a diverse array of host species, this would support the concept of holobionts being used as units of selection, suggesting this has a wider applicability, including animal breeding.
Dynamics of Dark Fermentation Microbial Communities in the Light of Lactate and Butyrate Production
Authors: Detman Anna , Laubitz Daniel , Chojnacka Aleksandra , Kiela Pawel R. , Salamon Agnieszka , Barberan Albert , Chen Yongjian , Yang Fei , Blaszczyk Mieczyslaw K. , Sikora Anna
Published: September 2020

Background: This study focuses on the processes occurring during acidogenic step of anaerobic digestion, especially resulting from nutritional interactions between dark fermentation (DF) bacteria and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Previously, we have confirmed that DF microbial communities fed on molasses are able to convert lactate and acetate to butyrate in batch experiments. The aims of the study were: (i) to recognize biodiversity of DF microbial communities able and unable to convert lactate and acetate to butyrate and (ii) to define the conditions for the transformation in static batch experiments.Results: Sucrose stimulated bacterial growth, especially LAB. In the samples where the microbial communities fermented media containing carbohydrates the two main tendencies were observed: (i) a low pH (pH≤4), lactate and ethanol as the main fermentation products, microbial communities dominated with Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Leuconostoc and Fructobacillus was characterised by a low biodiversity; (ii) pH in the range 5.0-6.0, butyrate dominated among the fermentation products, the microbial communities composed mailny of Clostridium (especially Clostridium sensu stricto 12), Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Prevotella. The biodiversity increased with the ability to convert acetate and lactate to butyrate. The microbial communities processing exclusively lactate and acetate showed the highest biodiversity and was dominated by Clostridium (especially Clostridium sensu stricto 12). LAB were reduced, other genera such as Terrisporobacter, Lachnoclostridium, Paraclostridium or Sutterella were found. Butyrate was the main metabolite and pH was 7. WGS analysis of the selected butyrate-producing microbial communities independently on the substrate, revealed C. tyrobutyricum as a dominant Clostridium species. Conclusions: The batch tests revealed dynamics of metabolic activity and composition of DF microbial communities dependent on fermentation conditions. The results expand our knowledge on lactate to butyrate conversion by DF microbial communities. The relevant factor for conversion of lactate and acetate to butyrate in the presence of carbohydrates is pH in the range 5-6 and the balance between LAB (especially Lactobacillus), lactate and acetate producers (Bifidobacterium) and butyrate producers (mainly Clostridium) as well Prevotella. The pH below 4 and ethanol concentration might be the signalling factors responsible for metabolic shift of the dark fermentation microbial communities towards lactate fermentation.
Effect of mental disorders on the association between bullying, suicidality and self-harm among Australian adolescents: A mediation analysis using data from a nationwide survey
Authors: Islam Md Irteja , Khanam Rasheda , Kabir Enamul
Published: September 2020

Background

Recent research has depicted that both traditional and cyber bullying victimization report serious mental health issues, particularly suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm in adolescents. However, the little is known about the mechanism underlying the correlation between bullying and risk behaviours – suicidality and self-harm. This study aimed to examine the effect of bullying victimization on suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm, and the mediating effect of mental disorders (major depressive disorder, ADHD, conduct disorder and anxiety disorder) on the relationship between bullying victimization, suicidality and self-harm among adolescents.
Methods

Data for this study came from the Young Minds Matter: the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing and Youth dataset, which is a cross-sectional nationwide survey. A total of 2166 adolescents aged 12–17 years (M = 14.83; SD = 1.61; 52.2% boys) were analyzed. Baron and Kenny’s approach with regression analysis was employed to test the mediation effect of each mental disorder on the association between traditional and cyber bullying victimization, suicidality and self-harm. Further, the Sobel test was used to statistically assess whether the indirect effects of bullying victimization on suicidality and self-harm were significant via mental disorder.
Results

Overall, 622 (28.7%) and 255 (11.8%) of adolescents reported traditional and cyberbullying victimization, respectively. The analysis showed that victims of both bullying incurred a significantly higher risk of suicidality and self-harm among adolescents. The effect of both bullying victimization on suicidality and self-harm was mediated by major depressive disorder after adjusting for the effect of potential sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, sedentary activities. While anxiety disorder only mediated the relationship between traditional bullying, and suicidality and self-harm. ADHD and conduct disorder had no mediating effect.
Conclusions

Depression and anxiety disorder plays a mediating role in the association between bullying victimization, suicidal and self-harming behaviour. Thus, addressing such mental disorders among bullying victims is worthwhile to prevent suicidality and non-suicidal self-harm, and ultimately suicide.
Identification of floR Variants Associated with Tn4371-Like Integrative and Conjugative Elements in Human Clinical Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates
Authors: Qian Changrui , Liu Hongmao , Lu Wei , Cao Jiawei , Lu Junwan , Li Aifang , Zhu Xinyi , Shen Kai , Xu Haili , Chen Qianqian , Zhou Wangxiao , Lu Hongyun , Lin Hailong , Zhang Xueyao , Li Qiaoling , Lin Xi , Li Kewei , Zhang Hailin , Xu Teng , Bao Qiyu
Published: September 2020

Background: Florfenicol is widely used to control respiratory diseases and intestinal infections in food animals. However, dramatic and serious florfenicol resistance in various clinical strains was reported. As a key resistance gene for florfenicol, floR has often been associated with mobile genetic elements. To analyze the potential transmission of floR, we investigated floR gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from human clinical samples and characterize two floR variants, floR-T1 and floR-T2.Methods: Pooled genomic DNA sequencing and PCR were used to analyze the floR gene in P. aeruginosa. The floR variants were cloned, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare the gene expression of the two floR variants in TL1285 with or without florfenicol/chloramphenicol. Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify the genetic context of the floR variants in TL1285.Results: Three types of floR variants (designated floR, floR-T1 and floR-T2) were identified in the clinical P. aeruginosa isolates, and floR-T1 was the most prevalent variant. The positive rates of the floR-T1 gene in the P. aeruginosa strains collected in 2008-2009 and 2015-2017 were 3.00% (6/200) and 7.39% (17/230), respectively. FloR-T2 exhibited less identity with other FloR proteins than FloRv. The two floR variants, floR-T1 and floR-T2, in P. aeruginosa TL1285 were functionally active and located on a novel incomplete Tn4371 family integrative and conjugative element (ICE). The expression of the two floR variants could be induced by florfenicol and chloramphenicol at different levels.Conclusions: Two floR variants, floR-T1 and floR-T2, were identified in a clinical P. aeruginosa strain. Tn4371 family ICEs contribute to the dissemination of resistance genes among P. aeruginosa. Antimicrobial resistance could be transmitted from animal bacteria to human pathogens, posing a severe threat to public health.
Differential response to intravitreal dexamethasone implant in naïve and previously treated diabetic macular edema eyes
Authors: Zarranz-Ventura Javier , Romero-Nuñez Barbara , Bernal-Morales Carolina , Velazquez-Villoria Daniel , Sala-Puigdollers Anna , Figueras-Roca Marc , Copete Sergio , Distefano Laura , Boixadera Anna , García-Arumí Jose , Adan Alfredo
Published: September 2020

Background
To identify different response patterns to intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IDI) in naïve and previously treated diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes in a real-life setting.
Methods
342 IDI injections (203 DME eyes) were included. Number of IDI injections, percentage (%) of eyes with 1, 2, 3 and ≥ 4 injections, time to reinjections, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated for naïve and previously treated (PT) DME eyes over 24 months.
Results
Mean number of injections was significantly lower in naïve vs PT DME eyes (1.40 ± 0.9 vs 1.82 ± 0.9, p < 0.001). The percentage of eyes receiving 1 (76.1 vs 47.7), 2 (16.4 vs 29.4), or 3 injections (1.4 vs 17.6) was significantly lower in naïve vs PT DME eyes (p < 0.001), however no differences were observed in eyes receiving ≥4 injections (5.9 vs 5.1 respectively, p = 0.80). Mean time to reinjection was not significantly different between both groups for the second, third and fourth injection (9.6 ± 4.0 vs 10.0 ± 5.5, p = 0.75, 13.2 ± 4.0 vs 16.0 ± 3.5, p = 0.21 and 21.7 ± 3.8 vs 19.7 ± 5.8, p = 0.55). VA scores were consistently better in naïve vs PT DME eyes at all studied timepoints, with no significant differences in CRT reduction or adverse effect rates.
Conclusion
Naïve DME eyes required lower number of IDI injections and maintained better VA levels than PT DME eyes for 24 months in a real-world setting. This data supports the IDI use in early DME stages and provide further evidence of better IDI performance when used as first-line therapy.
Profiles of Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids and Their Correlations With Rumen Fermentation Parameters, Microbial Protein Synthesis and Bacterial Populations Based on Pure Carbohydrate Incubation in Vitro
Authors: Xin Hangshu , Liu Xin , Jiang Xin , Liu Chunlong , Zhang Shuzhi , Li Yang , Sun Yukun , Wu Haonan , Zhang Yonggen
Published: September 2020

Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the profiles of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA; including C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, C17:0, iso-C17:0 and anteiso-C17:0) during pure carbohydrates incubation in vitro and whether they correlated with ruminal fermentation parameters, microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis, and bacterial populations. The pure substrates containing five different ratios of fiber and starch (F:S; 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100:0) were incubated for 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and 24 h. Results: Except iso-C17:0, OBCFA concentrations were interacted by F:S and incubation time. The highest concentration of total OBCFA was found in the fermented mixture after 24 h of incubation when the F:S = 0:100; while the lowest level was 1.65 mg/g DM produced after 6 h of incubation with F:S = 50:50. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and MCP remarkably decreased linearly as the inclusion of fiber in the substrates increased, as expected. The proportions of investigated cellulolytic bacteria in our study were increased linearly (or linearly and quadratically) while those of R. amylophilus and S. bovis were decreased as fiber inclusion increased. The correlation analysis indicated that iso-C16:0 concentration might have potential as a marker of productions of TVFA and MCP with ρ being 0.78 and 0.82 respectively. Compared to starch degrading bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria had more correlations with OBCFA profiles, and the strongest association was found on the population of R. flavefaciens with C15:0 concentration (ρ = 0.70). Conclusions: Our study shows there might be scope for iso-C16:0 to predict rumen productions of VFA and MCP. Notedly, this is the first paper reporting linkage of OBCFA with rumen function based on pure carbohydrate in vitro incubation, which would avoid confounding interference from dietary protein and fat presence. However, more in-depth experiments are needed to substantiate the current findings.
Osteochondral Live Slices as Physiological in-vitro Model of the Human Joint for High-throughput Applications
Authors: Spinnen Jacob , Rendenbach Carsten , Kühl Anja , Sentürk Ufuk , Kendoff Daniel , Mei Henrik , Sittinger Michael , Dehne Tilo
Published: September 2020

Background: Current advances in musculoskeletal research yielded numerous new insights and therapy options for diseases of the joints but preclinical in-vitro testing is currently limited to self-manufactured 2D and 3D cell cultures only remotely mimicking the in-vivo situation in regards of tissue composition and cell configuration. While in-vivo animal models are a lot more lifelike, they are inherently connected with ethical concerns, translation to the human situation, logistic efforts and high costs. Here we explored the use of native human life slice cultures from explanted tibial plateaus upon their feasibility to serve as a highly lifelike and easy-to-handle model of the human joint which can be obtained in masses from few tissue samples.Methods: Osteochondral slices (1cm x 1cm x 500µm) were prepared with a special microtome from 23 human tibial plateaus and subsequently cultivated in hanging inserts over the course of 7 or 21 days. Short-term cultivated slices were stimulated with either 800 pM/1.2 nM TNF-α or 800 pM TGF-β3. During cultivation, viability of tissue cells was assessed via laser microscopy / resazurin assay. After cultivation, gene expression of cartilage ECM Marker proteins was quantified with RT-PCR. TNF-α stimulated slices and their controls were stained with Safranin-O and analyzed via histomorphometry to quantify tissue proteoglycan content. Results: Tissue cell viability remained >90% over the three weeks. Laser scanning microscopy revealed highly conserved spatial alignment of cells inside the cartilage. Incubation of the slice cultures with TNF-α showed a significant, dose dependent decrease in mRNA expression of cartilage proteins collagen II, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and aggrecan while incubation with TGF-β3 caused a significant increase of early bone formation proteins collagen I and also cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. Histologically, TNF-α incubation caused a 32% reduction of proteoglycans, detachment of collagen fibers and cell swelling.Conclusion: In summary, native osteochondral slice cultures provide a stable and manipulable, physiological model of human joint bone and cartilage biology. The setup is easy to produce and handle, scalable, and contributes to 3R principles in biomedical research, suggesting itself as a platform for preclinical testing especially regarding high-throughput applications.
Can Peripheral Venous Lactate Levels Substitute for Arterial Lactate Levels in The Emergency Department? An Observational Study
Authors: Oi Yasufumi , Mori Kosuke , Yamagata Hidehiro , Nogaki Ayako , Takeda Tomoaki , Watanabe Chikara , Sakaguchi Yusuke , Abe Takeru , Imaki Shouhei , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: September 2020

Background: Arterial lactate (AL) level is an important parameter used to predict patients’ prognosis. AL and peripheral venous lactate (PVL) in blood gas analysis have a low concordance rate, and PVL cannot be used as a substitute for AL. However, if the AL range can be predicted from PVL, PVL may be an alternative method of predicting patient prognosis, and the risk of arterial puncture complications with AL may be reduced. This could become a safe and rapid test method.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 143 cases in which blood gas analysis was performed on both arterial blood and venous blood in an emergency department. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r) and Bland–Altman analysis were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for PVL to predict AL < 2 mmol/L or < 4 mmol/L.Results: The median [interquartile range] AL and PVL were 1.82 [1.25–2.58] vs 2.09 [1.57–3.29], respectively, r was 0.799 (p<0.0001), and a strong correlation was observed; however, Bland–Altman analysis showed disagreement. When AL < 2 mmol/L was used as the outcome, AUC was 0.974, the PVL cutoff value was 2.55 mmol/L, sensitivity was 87.9%, and specificity was 94.1%. If PVL < 2 mmol/L was the outcome, the sensitivity for AL < 2 mmol/L was 100%, and for PVL levels ≥ 3 mmol/L, the specificity was 100%. When AL < 4 mmol/L was used as the outcome, AUC was 0.970, the PVL cutoff value was 3.4 mmol/L, sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 84.5%. When PVL < 3.5 mmol/L was the outcome, the sensitivity for AL < 4 mmol/L was 100%, and for PVL levels ≥ 4 mmol/L, the specificity was 93.8%.Conclusions: This study revealed that PVL and AL levels in the same critically ill patients do not perfectly agree with each other but are strongly correlated. Furthermore, the high accuracy for predicting AL ranges from PVL levels explains why PVL levels could be used as a substitute for AL level ranges.
WITHDRAWN: Germination of Six Indonesian Brown Rice: Evaluation of Antioxidant, Bioactive Compounds, Fatty Acids and Pasting Properties
Authors: Munarko Hadi , Sitanggang Azis Boing , Kusnandar Feri , Budijanto Slamet
Published: September 2020

BackgroundGermination can improve the palatability and alter physicochemical, nutritional, and nutraceutical value of brown rice. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, bioactive compounds, fatty acids, and pasting profiles from six Indonesian brown rice varieties during germination. The germination was carried out through a complete soaking method for up to 120 h, and the samples were taken every 24 h germination. ResultsThe results showed that germination increased GABA content in brown rice. The highest level of GABA, up to 126.55 mg/100g, obtained in rice var. Inpari 43, after 120 h. Germination also affected the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and γ-oryzanol content, but no consistent trends were observed among the varieties. Fatty acid compositions of germinated brown rice showed no changes during germination. The pasting properties of samples changed significantly after germination, especially in peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown, and setback value. ConclusionIn conclusion, the changes in brown rice characteristics during germination, especially for increased GABA content and shifting of pasting properties, are valuable information for developing functional rice-based food products.
Nomogram for predicting complicated appendicitis and aiding decision-making regarding antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis
Authors: zhang peng , Xu Tianlei , Zhang Qian , Zhao Hongwei , Meng Yiting , Wang Feng , Li Yuanxin
Published: September 2020

Background

Antibiotic therapy is a feasible treatment option for uncomplicated appendicitis, but the preoperative diagnosis of uncomplicated appendicitis is challenging. This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict complicated appendicitis based on laboratory data and CT features and to guide antibiotic treatment decision-making.
Methods

Patients with pathologically confirmed acute appendicitis (AA) were randomly split into the primary and validation cohorts. The nomogram model for predicting complicated appendicitis was constructed based on the results of the multivariate logistic analysis in the primary cohort and transformed into a nomogram risk score. The nomogram was validated in a validation cohort and an independent antibiotic therapy cohort.
Results

A total of 375 patients were included in the primary cohort, 168 patients were included in the validation cohort, and 169 patients were included in the antibiotic treatment cohort. In the primary cohort, multivariate analysis confirmed that periappendiceal fat stranding (PFS, p < 0.001, OR = 67.80), the C-reactive protein level (CRP ≥ 38, p < 0.001, OR = 5.77) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR ≥ 7, p < 0.001, OR = 3.51) were independent risk factors for complicated appendicitis. The PFS, CRP and NLR scores were 10.0, 4.0 and 3.0 points, respectively, based on the nomogram. Each patient was assigned a score obtained with the nomogram, called the nomogram risk score, and the best cutoff value for the nomogram risk score was 11.0 points. Fourteen patients (3.7%, 14/375) and seven patients (4.2%, 7/168) with complicated appendicitis were classified as having uncomplicated appendicitis in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. When the nomogram risk score was greater than 11, the failure rate of antibiotic treatment was 49.2%; when the nomogram risk score was less than 11, the failure rate of antibiotic treatment was only 5.3%. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy of the nomogram risk score for antibiotic treatment failure as measured by the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.823 (95% CI: 0.757–0.878).
Conclusion

We found that the proposed nomogram risk score based on clinical and CT features not only enables the accurate identification of complicated appendicitis patients before surgery but also serves to guide management decisions.
Spatial Distribution and Factors Associated with Low birth weight in Ethiopia using data from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016; Spatial and Multilevel analysis
Authors: Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Sisay Malede Mequanent , Muche Achenef Asmamaw
Published: September 2020

Background
Low birth weight (LBW) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. In Ethiopia, it is a public health problem that contributes to the majority of newborn deaths. To date, the effect of contextual factors on LBW was largely overlooked in Ethiopia. Besides, there is also limited evidence on the geographic variation of low birth weight in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore spatial distribution as well as individual and community-level factors associated with low birth weight in Ethiopia.
Method:
Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total of 1502 neonates were included in this study. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted to assess the spatial dependency of LBW. Besides, the spatial scan statistics and ordinary kriging interpolation were done to detect the local level clusters and to assess predicted risk areas respectively. Furthermore, a multi-level logistic regression model was fitted to determine individual and community-level factors associated with low birth weight. Finally, most likely clusters with log-likelihood ratio (LLR), relative risk and p-value from spatial scan statistics, and AOR with 95% CI for multi-level logistic regression model were reported.
Results
Low birth weight was spatially clustered in Ethiopia. Primary (LLR = 11.57; P = 0.002) clusters were detected in the Amhara region. It showed that neonates within the spatial window had 2.66 times higher risk of being LBW baby as compared to those outside the window. Besides, secondary (LLR = 11.4; P = 0.003;LLR = 10.14,P = 0.0075) clusters were identified at Southwest Oromia, north Oromia, south Afar, and Southeast Amhara regions. Neonates who were born from severely anemic (AOR = 1.47;95%CI 1.04,2.01), and uneducated (AOR = 1.82;95%CI1.12,2.96) mothers, as well as those who were born before 37 weeks of gestation (AOR = 5.91;95%CI3.21,10.10) and females (AOR = 1.38;95%CI1.04,1.84), had significantly higher odds of being low birth weight babies.
Conclusion
The high-risk areas of low birth weight were detected in Afar, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Therefore, targeting the policy interventions in those risk areas by focusing on the improvement of maternal education, strengthening anemia control programs and elimination of modifiable causes of prematurity could be vital for reduce the low birth weight disparity in Ethiopia.