bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aumento del peso nelle persone che vivono con infezione da HIV: ritorno al benessere o effetto indesiderato della terapia antiretrovirale?
Authors: L Taramasso , al. et
Published: March 2020

L’aumento di peso in corso di terapia antiretrovirale è stato considerato in passato un evento predittivo di aumentata sopravvivenza e migliori outcome a lungo termine nelle persone che vivono con infezione da HIV. In epoca recente, tuttavia, si è assistito ad un incremento della sopravvivenza e ad un aumento dell’invecchiamento e della prevalenza dei fattori di rischio cardiovascolari in questa popolazione, contesto in cui l’aumento di peso non è più considerato univocamente come un effetto benefico della terapia, ma piuttosto come un effetto collaterale non desiderato della stessa. In questa revisione narrativa della letteratura, riassumiamo i principali studi che hanno valutato l’effetto delle moderne terapie antiretrovirali sull’aumento di peso nei pazienti che vivono con infezione da HIV.
Inquiry-based learning as a facilitator to student engagement in undergraduate and graduate social work programs
Authors: Archer-Kuhn Beth , Lee Yeonjung , Finnessey Savannah , Liu Jacky
Published: March 2020

This seven-cohort mixed methods study examines student engagement in their learning in higher education utilizing inquiry-based learning. The study was conducted in varied settings (on-campus, in community, and study abroad), and across various degree levels (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral) in social work education. Study results reveal an increase in participant reflective and integrative learning, and an increase in higher-order learning. Qualitative findings support the results through four emergent themes: (1) experience of inquiry-based learning, (2) adjustments required for learning process, (3) impactful facilitators to learning, and (4) developing deep learning. Implications and recommendations are offered for higher education and professional programs.
Chasing impact: The tale of three SoTL studies
Authors: Pechenkina Ekaterina
Published: March 2020

This article queries the notion of impact in studies of teaching and learning located within the field of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Grounded in literature focused on measuring and challenging the impact in SoTL, and primarily on the “what works” question, the author proposes a rubric by which to judge various levels and dimensions of impact achieved in SoTL-focused projects. To operationalize it, the rubric is applied to three completed projects, which while differing in their initial scope and intended outputs were united by a shared goal of improving learning by the means of innovative teaching. By using the rubric to analyze these projects’ outputs, strengths and weaknesses of each project’s design and evaluation methodology are revealed. Diverse levels and dimensions of impact are identified and discussed. The author invites scholars of teaching and learning to use, test, and critique the rubric in the context of their completed or in-progress studies.
Relationship of Non Structural Antigen 1 (NS1) Examination Results To Clinical Signs ,Symptoms and Routine Blood Examination In Patients Suspected Dengue Infections at inpatients Clinic of Vita Medika Kepung Kediri Districts
Authors: Charisma Acivrida Mega
Published: March 2020

Early diagnosis of dengue infection is important because late diagnostic can be fatal to the patient, remembered the journey of the disease is very rapid. Currently there has been developed an examination of a non structural 1 dengue antigen (NS1) that can detect dengue viral infections earlier, even on the first day of fever. However, not all health care centers have adequate laboratory facilities for NS1 checks.Clinical symptoms and signs as well as a routine blood test are indicators that become the basis of diagnosis in health care facilities with limited facilities. This study aims to determine the relationship of NS1 examination result to clinical symptoms and signs as well as the result of routine blood tests in patients suspected dengue infection. This research uses observational analytic method with cross sectional approach. The research was conducted in clinic laboratory and inpatient clinic room of Vita Medika Kepung Kediri from November 2017 to February 2018.The number of research samples of 30 people was determined by the consecutive sampling technique. NS1 examination was done by using rapid immunochromatography test method with mono kits. Routine blood examination was done by using Micros 60. Chi square test on relationship between clinical sign and symptoms  examination of dengue with the results of NS1 examination obtained p= 0,310 (p > 0,005), while the results of chi square test on the relationship of routine blood examination results haemoglobine levels, amount of leucocyte, platelet count and hematocite of NS1 examination result obtained p value in a row p = 0,235 (p > 0,05) , p = 0,013(p < 0,05) , p = 0,028(p < 0,05)  dan p = 0,132 (p > 0,05). There was a significant correlation between leucocyte count and platelet count to NS1 antigen exanimation result , but there was no correlation between clinical signs and symptoms of dengue patients, haemoglobine level and haematocryt value on NS1 antigen examination result.
The Genetic Code, Algebraic Codes and Double Numbers
Authors: Petoukhov Sergey V.
Published: March 2020

The article shows materials to the question about algebraic features of the genetic code and about the dictatorial influence of the DNA and RNA molecules on the whole organism. Presented results testify in favor that the genetic code is an algebraic code related with a wide class of algebraic codes, which are a basis of noise-immune coding of information in communication technologies. Structural features of the genetic systems are associated with hypercomplex double (or hyperbolic) numbers and with bisymmetric doubly stochastic matrices. The received results confirm that represented matrix approaches are effective for modeling genetic phenomena and revealing the interconnections of structures of biological bodies at various levels of their organization. This allows one to think that living organisms are algebraically encoded entities where structures of genetic molecules have the dictatorial influence on inherited structures of the whole organism. New described algebraic approaches and results are discussed.
INDONESIAN WEAVING CULTURE INNOVATION: A STUDY OF COLLABORATION AND INDIVIDUAL ACTORS
Authors: Rustiadi Sony , Arina Nina
Published: March 2020

The contribution of Indonesia's economic creative subsector to total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased for about 7.38 percent in 2015. To support it, Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy continuous to improve its performance conducting a capacity building plan; two of them is through product innovation and skill development. The purpose of this study is to see the approaches, analyze the stakeholders, and observe the practice of innovation induced collaboration in two contexts. The first is collaboration between an emerging contemporary Indonesian fashion brand by the name Noesa and a group of rural textile artisans of Watubo. The second is individual wavers of Lepo Lorun. The method used in this research is explorative analysis using short ethnography and deep interview. The analysis begins with a description of the products and services offered. Analysis then conducted with 3Cs Model and 'The Condition' model from Drucker (1993). The analysis of this research concluded that there are different ways of innovating through collaboration with different individual stakeholders. Each party has its own role in the community and targets its own objective in accordance with the provisions established. However, what interesting is that these two types of capacity building have the same goal, namely to re-learn weaving through different approaches. The results of this study are also expected to be a consideration to find out an effective and efficient way to promote Indonesian waving culture.

Keywords: Creative economy, innovation, ikat weaving, collaboration, local brand, rural artisan
Russian Twitter Accounts and the Partisan Polarization of Vaccine Discourse, 2015–2017
Authors: Walter Dror , Ophir Yotam , Jamieson Kathleen Hall
Published: March 2020

Objectives. To understand how Twitter accounts operated by the Russian Internet Research Agency (IRA) discussed vaccines to increase the credibility of their manufactured personas.

Methods. We analyzed 2.82 million tweets published by 2689 IRA accounts between 2015 and 2017. Combining unsupervised machine learning and network analysis to identify “thematic personas” (i.e., accounts that consistently share the same topics), we analyzed the ways in which each discussed vaccines.

Results. We found differences in volume and valence of vaccine-related tweets among 9 thematic personas. Pro-Trump personas were more likely to express antivaccine sentiment. Anti-Trump personas expressed support for vaccination. Others offered a balanced valence, talked about vaccines neutrally, or did not tweet about vaccines.

Conclusions. IRA-operated accounts discussed vaccines in manners consistent with fabricated US identities.

Public Health Implications. IRA accounts discussed vaccines online in ways that evoked political identities. This could exacerbate recently emerging partisan gaps relating to vaccine misinformation, as differently valenced messages were targeted at different segments of the US public. These sophisticated targeting efforts, if repeated and increased in reach, could reduce vaccination rates and magnify health disparities.
Alcohol Use and Rural Youth
Authors: Jean Thompson
Published: March 2020

Ontario’s rural youth drink more frequently and in greater quantities than their urban counterparts (Boak et al., 2015). While this puts them at greater risk of sexual violence, injury, academic disruptions, and the harms associated with drinking and driving as a result of alcohol use than their counterparts, it also increases the population’s likelihood of experiencing alcohol related use or abuse issues later in life as research has demonstrated that the age of first use of alcohol has such implications (Chou & Pickering, 1992; Skidmore et al., 2011). Considering the risks associated with excessive alcohol use, determining the motivations and context for the choice to use alcohol to intoxication is very important. This presentation intends to discuss the literature related to rural youth and alcohol use, the available data, and the researcher’s plans to address the need for qualitative research on the subject.
The Role of Spirituality in the Decision-Making Process Related to Native Plant Restoration in a Southern Ontarian Aboriginal Community
Authors: Verena Kulak
Published: March 2020

This is a participatory research project with an Aboriginal community in Southern Ontario. My goal is to identify which species-at-risk are relevant to a community and to develop a strategy to restore biodiversity in a selected location with importance to that community. This research collaboration also includes the Gosling Research Institute of Plant Preservation (GRIPP), which has a mandate to reintroduce plants via tissue culture techniques. This study can help identify the role that spiritual connection to plants can have in the decision-making process regarding restoration of plants. The role of spirituality in environmental management is an understudied theme and my findings can enlighten future initiatives. One of the questions at this early stage of my research, is to determine the perceptions that a community has about the use of plant technology in general and cloning in particular, as means to restore land and maintain the spiritual connection to medicinal plants.
Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Neuron-Like Cells induced by using β-mercaptoethanol
Authors: Mohammad Maeda , Al-Shammari Ahmed Majeed , Abdulla Rafal H , Ahmed Aesar , Khalid Aseel
Published: March 2020

Background: Adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells have been used as an alternative to bone marrow cells in this study. Objective: We investigated the in vitro isolation, identification, and differentiation of stem cells into neuron cells, in order to produce neuron cells via cell culture, which would be useful in nerve injury treatment. Method: Mouse adipose mesenchymal stem cells were dissected from the abdominal subcutaneous region. Neural differentiation was induced using β-mercaptoethanol. This study included two different neural stage markers, i.e. nestin and neurofilament light-chain, to detect immature and mature neurons, respectively. Results: The immunocytochemistry results showed that the use of β-mercaptoethanol resulted in the successful production of neuron cells. This was attributable to the increase and significant overexpression of the nestin protein during the early exposure period, which resulted in the expression of the highest levels of nestin. In comparison, the expression level of neurofilament light-chain protein also increased with time but less than nestin. Non-treated mesenchymal stem cells, considered as control showed very low expression for both markers. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that adipose mesenchymal cells represent a good, easily obtainable source of bone marrow cells used to developing the differentiation process.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Copper(II) using 2,2[O-Tolidine-4,4-bis azo]bis[4,5-diphenyl imidazole](MBBAI)
Authors: Shaheed Ihsan Mahdi
Published: March 2020

Spectrophotometric method was developed for the determination of copper(II) ion. Synthesized (2,2[O-Tolidine-4,4-bis azo]bis[4,5-diphenyl imidazole]) (MBBAI) was used as chromogenic reagent at pH=5. Various factors affecting complex formation, such as, pH effect, reagent concentration, time effect and temperature effect, have been considered and studied. Under optimum conditions concentration ranged from (5.00-80.00) µg/mL of copper(II) obeyed Beer`s Low. Maximum absorption of the complex was 409nm with molar absorpitivity 0.127x104 L mol-1 cm-1. Limit of detection(LOD) and Limit of quantification were 1.924 and 6.42 μg/mL, respectively. The stoichiometric composition of the chelate is 1:2 (Cu:MBBAI). Experimental results for studying some selected ions as interference were reported. The developed method was successfully applied to determine copper (II) ion in dental filling.
Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH) transitions in western Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Metusela Christine , Usherwood Tim , Lawson Kenny , Angus Lisa , Kmet Walter , Ferdousi Shahana , Reath Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Background
Patient Centred Medical Homes (PCMHs), increasingly evidenced to provide high quality primary care, are new to Australia. To learn how this promising new healthcare model works in an Australian setting we explored experiences of healthcare providers in outer urban Sydney, where a number of practices are transitioning from traditional Australian general practice models to incorporate elements of PCMH approaches.
Methods
We collected qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers working in a range of transitioning practices and thematically analysed the data. We interviewed 35 participants including general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses from 25 purposively sampled general practices in western Sydney, Australia, seeking maximal variation in practice size, patient demographics and type of engagement in practice transformation.
Results
Interviewees described PCMH transformation highlighting the importance of whole of practice engagement with a shared vision; key strategies for transformation to PCMH models of care including leadership, training and supportive information technology; structures and processes required to provide team-based, data-driven care; and constraints such as lack of space and the current Australian fee-for-service general practice funding model. They also reported their perceptions of early outcomes of the PCMH model of care, describing enhanced patient and staff satisfaction and also noting fewer hospital admissions, as likely to reduce costs of care.
Conclusions
Our study exploring the experience of early adopters of PCMH models of care in Australia, informs the international movement towards PCMH models of care. Our findings provide guidance for practices considering similar transitions and describe the challenges of such transitions within a fee-for-service payment system.
Robotic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy(RAMPS) versus standard retrograde pancreatosplenectomy (SRPS):study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Gong , Liu Rong , Kang Yuhao , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Fei
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
There has been data from meta-analysis suggesting that RAMPS is a safe and effective procedure for adenocarcinoma in the body or tail of the pancreas and is oncologically superior to SRPS. However, previous studies on RAMPS were conducted under the open and laparoscopic surgery. Robotic surgery, on the other hand, plays a role in ergonomics and offers several advantages, including less fatigue, tremor filtering, 7° of wrist-like motion, motion scaling, and three-dimensional vision. At present, there is still a lack of clinical studies to observe the safety and clinical efficacy of Robotic RAMPS in the world. Hence,prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Robotic RAMPS and SRPS are required. We begin a RCT trial to compare short-term surgical and oncological outcomes of Robotic RAMPS and SRPS for patients with distal pancreatectomy.Methods

This is a randomized, single-center clinical trial. All included adults are patients with primary carcinoma of the distal pancreatectomy. A total of 246 patients will be randomly allocated to Robotic RAMPS or SRPS. The primary endpoints are oncological outcomes(R0 rate, number of Lymph node). Secondary endpoints are the perioperative complications, Perioperative indicators(operative time,blood loss,blood transfusion volume,costs).Discussion

To evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of Robotic RAMPS, we therefore undertake a prospective RCT. This procedure may become a standard approach to robotic pancreatosplenectomy.
H19/miR-194/E2F3 regulating loop promotes gastric cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Qin Wanxiang , Shi Ying , Zhu Dan , Chen Yaohua , Li Yuping , Cui Jian
Published: March 2020

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent malignant digestive tumors and second fatal cancer. This study was to investigate whether lncRNA-H19 can regulate E2F3 expression through competitive binding to microRNA-194 (miR-194), thus regulating GC growth and metastasis.
Methods
H19, miR-194, and E2F3 expression levels in GC tissues and cell lines were investigated using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR). Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of H19 and E2F3 in gastric cancer tissues were also analyzed through the GEPIA web tool. The binding condition of miR-194 with H19 and E2F3 was investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The regulatory effects of H19 on proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of AGS cells and SGC-7901 cells were detected by transwell assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Genes involved in proliferation, migration, and invasion (PCNA, Vimentin, and N-cadherin) were determined using QRT-PCR and western blot. The regulatory interaction between H19 and miR-194, miR-194, and E2F3 were investigated using rescue experiments.
Results
The results revealed that H19 was highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines than those of controls. Downregulated H19 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of AGS cells and SGC-7901 cells. H19 was demonstrated that being the molecular sponge of miR-194 in regulating the growth of the GC cells. The level of E2F3 expression was also found significantly higher in GC tissues and cell lines than those of controls. And then, the mimics of miR-194 inhibited the expression of E2F3 in the GC cells. CCK-8 assay showed decreased proliferative ability induced by miR-194 mimics were reversed by E2F3 overexpression. Transwell assays showed decreased migratory and invasive ability induced by miR-194 mimics were reversed by E2F3 overexpression.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that H19 promotes GC growth and metastasis by regulating E2F3 via competitive binding to miRNA-194.
Hospitalization burden and comorbidities of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Spain during the period 2002-2017
Authors: Gil-Conesa Mario , Del-Moral-Luque Juan Antonio , Gil-Prieto Ruth , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel , Mazzuccheli-Esteban Ramón , Caravaca Gil Rodriguez
Published: March 2020

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that is associated with multiple comorbidities and has a significant economic impact on the Spanish health system. The objective of this study was to estimate the rates of hospitalization of rheumatoid arthritis in Spain, and describing hospitalization rates and it's changing by age, region, RA variant, and when RA as a main cause of hospitalization or a comorbidity.

Methods: Observational descriptive study that reviewed hospital records from the CMBD. We included all hospitalizations of patients in Spain whose main diagnosis or comorbidity in the ICD-9-CM was rheumatoid arthritis during the period of 2002-2017.

Results: A total of 315,190 hospitalizations with the RA code were recorded; 67.3% were in women. The mean age of the patients was 68.5 ± 13.9 years. The median length of hospital stay was 7 days (IQR 3-11 days). In 29,809 of the admissions, RA was coded as the main diagnosis (9.4%). When RA was not coded as the main diagnosis, the most frequent main diagnoses were diseases of the circulatory system (18.9%) and diseases of the respiratory system (17.4%). The hospitalization rate during the period of 2002-2017 was 43.8 (95% CI: 43.7-44.0) per 100,000 inhabitants. The total cost for the healthcare system was 1.476 million euros, with a median of 3,542 euros per hospitalization (IQR 2,646-5,222 euros).

Conclusions: In Spain, the hospitalization rate of patients with RA increased during the study period, despite the decrease in the hospitalization rate when RA was the main diagnosis.
Severity and prevalence of various types of mental ill-health in a general adult population: Age and sex differences
Authors: Höglund Per , Hakelind Camilla , Nordin Steven
Published: March 2020

Background Taking a broad approach, the aim of this study was to better understand the extent of severity and prevalence in various types of mental ill-health across age groups and sexes in the general adult population. A first objective was to determine symptom severity of anxiety, depression, insomnia, burnout and somatization in combinations of different age groups and sex. A second objective was to determine prevalence of caseness of these types of mental ill-health in both absolute and relative terms in the combinations of age groups and sex. Methods Cross-sectional data based on validated questionnaire instruments were used from the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study in Sweden. In total, 3406 participants, aged 18 to 79 years, constituted a random sample stratified for age and sex. Results Severity and prevalence of anxiety, insomnia and burnout were high among women, in particular young women, and lower in older age groups. The prevalence rates for insomnia, burnout and somatization were particularly high based on the used cut-off scores. Men aged 30-49 years had the highest prevalence for mental ill-health compared to other age groups among men. Men and women aged 60-69 years had generally the lowest symptom severity and caseness. The prevalence for depression was similar in men and women in all age groups, whereas sex-related differences in extent in general were largest in the youngest age group, and gradually decreased with age. Conclusion The results suggest that focus in primary healthcare needs to be directed primarily towards insomnia, burnout and somatization as well as on young women.
The Interleukin 1 Receptor Type 1 Variant rs2234651 is a Risk Factor for Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Han Population: A Case Control Study
Authors: Gu Jiayi , Zhou Ping , Wei Yongyue , Gao Wei , Yang Yujiao , Liu Ying , Wang Lijuan , Lu Xiang , Liu Zhengxia
Published: March 2020

Background While increased expression of soluble CD121a (Interleukin 1 Receptor Type 1, IL-1R1) has been shown to be significantly correlated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), it is not yet clear whether IL-1R1 gene variants impact CAD pathogenesis. Methods The present study evaluated the effects of IL-1R1 variants on CAD in a Chinese-Han population; A two-stage case-control study assessed 928 Chinese-Han patients via coronary arteriography for coronary atherosclerosis. The allele and genotype frequencies of the analyzed IL-1R1 polymorphisms were determined via a polymerase chain reaction assay and directly sequenced. Results The IL-1R1 variant rs2234651 was found to be associated with both CAD risk and severity (the degree of exhibited vascular stenosis/number of affected vessels, P = 0.034; Gensini scoring, P = 0.006). Furthermore, significant increase of IL-8 and IL-11 in patients carrying the CT+TT genotype was observed. Finally, serum CD121a levels significantly increased in patients with CAD that harbored the CT+TT genotype ( P <0.05). Conclusions These results demonstrate that the IL-1R1 variant rs2234651 is significantly associated with CAD risk and severity in the analyzed Chinese-Han population and rs2234651 may be a valuable target for CAD prevention and/or treatment.
Is menopause still evolving? Evidence from a longitudinal study of multiethnic populations and its relevance to women’s health
Authors: Chan Shirley , Gomes Alyssa , Singh Rama Shankar
Published: March 2020

To reflect on the impact of changing patterns of delayed marriage and reproduction and to seek evidence as to whether menopause is still evolving, characteristics of the menopause transition were investigated within and between ethnic populations in this study. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data on 747 middle-aged women obtained from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) from 1996 to 2008. The ethnic groups included: Afro-American, Chinese, Japanese, Caucasian, and Hispanic. Perimenopause age and duration, menopause age, and hormonal indicators of menopause were examined across five ethnicities. We found a similar window of menopause age within populations, but no significant difference in perimenopause and menopause age between populations. The rate of increase of follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone differed significantly in Hispanics and African-Americans during the menopause transition period. The broad window of variation in age at menopause within the population (45-60 years) and the absence of significant differences between populations, in combination with population variation in menopause symptoms, suggest that menopause is a relatively recently evolved and still evolving trait. Under the mate choice theory of menopause, menopause is the result of the accumulation of infertility mutations in older women due to men’s preference for younger mates. We propose a shifting mate choice-shifting menopause model which posits that, as the age of mate choice/marriage shifts to older age, so will the age at menopause, and that menopause is a transient phase of female fertility; it can de-evolve, be delayed, if not disappear completely. Integrated longitudinal menopausal studies linked with genomics and hormonal studies on diverse ethnic populations can provide valuable information bearing on women’s health and personalized medicine.
Low DLG2 gene expression, a link between 11q-deleted and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, causes forced cell cycle progression, and predicts poor patient survival.
Authors: Keane Simon , Ameen Sophie , Lindlöf Angelica , Ejeskär Katarina
Published: March 2020

Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood neural crest tumor. There are two groups of aggressive NBs, one with MYCN amplification, and another with 11q chromosomal deletion; these chromosomal aberrations are generally mutually exclusive. The DLG2 gene resides in the 11q-deleted region, thus makes it an interesting NB candidate tumor suppressor gene. Methods We evaluated the association of DLG2 gene expression in NB with patient outcomes, stage and MYCN status, using online microarray data combining independent NB patient data sets. Functional studies were also conducted using NB cell models and the fruit fly. Results Using the array data we concluded that higher DLG2 expression was positively correlated to patient survival. We could also see that expression of DLG2 was inversely correlated with MYCN status and tumor stage. Cell proliferation was lowered in both 11q-normal and 11q-deleted NB cells after DLG2 over expression, and increased in 11q-normal NB cells after DLG2 silencing. Higher level of DLG2 increased the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase and decreased the percentage of cells in the G1 phase. We detected increased protein levels of Cyclin A and Cyclin B in fruit fly models either over expressing dMyc or with RNAi-silenced dmDLG, indicating that both events resulted in enhanced cell cycling. Induced MYCN expression in NB cells, lowered DLG2 gene expression, which was confirmed in the fly; when dMyc was over expressed, the dmDLG protein level was lowered, indicating a link between Myc over expression and low dmDLG level. Conclusion We conclude that low DLG2 expression level forces cell cycle progression, and that it predicts poor NB patient survival. The low DLG2 expression level could be caused by either MYCN -amplification or 11q-deletion.
Identification of differentially expressed circulating exosomal lncRNAs in IgA nephropathy patients
Authors: Guo Na , Zhou Qin , Huang Xiang , Yu Jianwen , Han Qianqian , Nong Baoting , Xiong Yuanyan , Liang Peifeng , Li Jiajia , Feng Min , Lv Jun , Yang Qiongqiong
Published: March 2020

Background: Although immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the foremost primary glomerular disease, treatment of IgAN is still in infancy. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed for IgAN diagnosis. We investigate the difference in expression profiles of exosomal long non-coding-RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma from IgAN patients compared with their healthy first-degree relatives, which may reveal novel non-invasive IgAN biomarkers.
Methods: We isolated exosomes from the plasma of both IgAN patients and their healthy first-degree relatives. High-throughput RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate lncRNA expression profiles. Pathway enrichment analysis was used to predict their nearest protein-coding genes.
Results: lncRNA-G21551 was significantly down-regulated in IgAN patients. Interestingly, the nearest protein-coding gene of lncRNA-G21551 was found to be encoding the low affinity receptor of the Fc segment of immunoglobulin G (FCGR3B).
Conclusions: Exosomal lncRNA-G21551, with FCGR3B as the nearest protein-coding gene, was down-regulated in IgAN patients, indicating its potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker for IgAN.
Background: Although Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the foremost primary glomerular disease, treatment of IgAN is still in infancy. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed for IgAN diagnosis. We investigate the difference in expression profiles of exosomal long non-coding-RNAs (lncRNAs) in plasma from IgAN patients compared with their healthy first-degree relatives, which may reveal novel non-invasive IgAN biomarkers.
Methods: We isolated exosomes from the plasma of both IgAN patients and their healthy first-degree relatives. High-throughput RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate lncRNA expression profiles. Pathway enrichment analysis was used to predict their nearest protein-coding genes.
Results: lncRNA-G21551 was significantly down-regulated in IgAN patients. Interestingly, the nearest protein-coding gene of lncRNA-G21551 was found to be encoding the low affinity receptor of the Fc segment of immunoglobulin G (FCGR3B).
Conclusions: Exosomal lncRNA-G21551, with FCGR3B as the nearest protein-coding gene, was down-regulated in IgAN patients, indicating its potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker for IgAN.
Preemptive Infiltration with Betamethasone and Ropivacaine for Postoperative Pain in Laminoplasty or Laminectomy (PRE-EASE): A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shrestha Niti , Wu Liang , Wang Xianodi , Jia Wenqing , Luo Fang
Published: March 2020

Background: Laminoplasty and laminectomy have been used for decades for the treatment of intraspinal space occupying lesions, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, injuries, etc. After these procedures, patients often experience severe postoperative pain at the surgical site. Intense immediate postoperative pain after many spinal procedures makes its control of utmost importance.Preemptive injection of local anesthetics can significantly reduce postoperative pain during rest and movement, however, the analgesic effect is maintained for a relatively short period of time. Whether betamethasone combined with local anesthetic for laminoplasty or laminectomyhas better short-term and long-term effects than the local anesthetic alone has not been reported yet. Method: The PRE-EASEtrial is a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, single-center clinical study including 116 participants scheduled for elective laminoplasty or laminectomy, with a 6 months’ follow-up process. Preemptive local infiltration with betamethasone and ropivacaine (treatment group) or ropivacaine alone (control group) throughout the entire thickness of the planned incision site will be performed by the surgeon, prior to making the incision. The primary outcome will be the cumulative butorphanol consumption within the first 48 hours’ postoperative period. Discussion: This study will add significant new knowledge to the effect and feasibility of preemptive local infiltration of betamethasone for postoperative pain management in laminoplasty and laminectomy.
Still careless: Findings from a cross-sectional study of young pedestrians’ risky road crossing behaviors
Authors: Hashemiparast Mina , Sharma Manoj , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari , Hosseini Zahra
Published: March 2020

Background: Pedestrian-vehicle collision is one of the most common traffic injuries worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of pedestrians' road crossing beliefs and behaviors in potentially risky situations using the Theory of Planned Behavior among Iranian young adults.
Methods: This was a population-based study on a sample of 562 young adults aged 18 to 25 years living in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected by using a self-administered validated questionnaire including constructs of the theory of planned behavior and items of perceived risk and severity.. The data were analyzed using independent t-test, analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis of variance.
Results: From all the respondents, 17.8% reported that they had previous experience of vehicle-collision. Among those with previous experience reported fewer safety behaviors than those who did not experience an accident. It was found significant differences between participants with and without a history of vehicle-collision for perceived risk (mean difference, adjusted multivariate P-value: -5.77, 0.027) and perceived severity (-6.08, 0.003), attitude toward traffic regulations (-6.34, 0.006), attitude toward behavior (-7.56, 0.005), perceived behavioral control (-5.20, 0.018), behavioral intention (-5.35, 0.046) and road crossing behavior in potentially risky situations (-5.37, 0.004).
Conclusions: Previous unpleasant experience of vehicle-collision is not the only determinant of self-protective behaviors in road- crossing which indicate the role of cognitive and motivational factors such as, subjective norms, attitudes towards risk, feelings of invulnerability in case of facing with vehicle collision.
Nosocomial Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Cancer Patients: A Six-Year Experience of an Oncology Center of Western China
Authors: Jiang Ai-Min , Shi Xin , Liu Na , Gao Huan , Ren Meng-Di , Zheng Xiao-Qiang , Fu Xiao , Liang Xuan , Ruan Zhi-Ping , Yao Yu , Tian Tao
Published: March 2020

Background: Bacterial infections are the most frequent complications in patients with malignancy, and the epidemiology of nosocomial infections among cancer patients has changed over time. This study aimed to evaluate characteristics, antibiotic-resistant patterns, and prognosis of nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in cancer patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed cancer patients with MDR bacteria caused nosocomial infections from August 2013 to May 2019. The extracted clinical data were recorded in a standardized form and compared based on the patient’s survival status after infection during hospitalization. Data were analyzed by using independent samples t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression. P -values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, 257 cancer patients developed nosocomial infections caused by MDR bacteria. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) was the most frequently isolated multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii , and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia . Smoking history, cancer patients who received intrapleural/abdominal infusion within 30 days, presence of indwelling urinary catheter, length of hospitalization, and haemoglobin were independent factors for in-hospital mortality in the study population. The isolated MDR bacteria were mainly sensitive to amikacin, meropenem, imipenem, tigecycline, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Conclusions: Cancer patients with prolonged hospitalization was an independent predictor of a favorable outcome. However, former smokers, cancer patients who received intrapleural/abdominal infusion within 30 days, presence of indwelling urinary catheter, and anemia were independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality. Our findings suggest that clinicians should think highly of nosocomial infections caused by MDR in cancer patients and advise policymakers to develop a guideline.
Prevalence and Distribution Pattern of Mood Swings in Thai Adolescents: A school-based Survey in The Central Region of Thailand
Authors: Angsukiattitavorn Suleemas , Seeherunwong Acharaporn , Panitrat Rungnapa , Tipayamongkholgul Mathuros
Published: March 2020

Background: Mood swings (MS) are a widely discussed psychiatric ailment of youthful patients. However, there is a lack of research about MS in this population.
Methods: A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and distribution pattern of mood swings due to personal and contextual determinants in Thai adolescents in the central region of Thailand. Participants were 2,598 students in high schools and vocational schools in Bangkok and three provinces in the central region of Thailand.
Results : The prevalence of mood swings was 26.4%. It was highest among vocational students in Bangkok at 37.1%. MS were more common in adolescents who exhibited risk behaviors and who resided in hazardous situations. The probabilities of MS by characteristic in 15 – 24 years olds were: bullying involvement 36.9% (n=1293), problematic social media use 55.9%(n=127), high expressed emotion in family 36.6% (n=1256), and studying in a vocational program 29.5% (n=1,216) and school located in Bangkok 32.4% (n=561). Also, substance use was a risk for MS with cannabis use at 41.8%(n=55) and heroin use at 48.0% (n=25). Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, having a family history of mental problems, bullying involvement, problematic social media use, high expression of emotion in the family, and the interaction between vocational program enrollments and metropolitan/urban residence associated adolescent mood swings (p < .05).
Conclusions: Findings indicate that the pattern of mood swings was associated with signiﬁcant bullying involvement, social media use, family circumstance, and school characteristics. The public needs greater awareness of MS patterns and the positive implications of MS screening. Early preventive interventions that may limit later mental illness are needed.
Keywords : Mood swings, Adolescents, Prevalence, Distribution
Impact of sublethal pyrethroid exposure on resistant Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes’ fitness
Authors: Kropf Alida , Fodjo Behi K , Zoh Marius G , Sadia Chistabelle G , Kouadio Affoué FP , Mouhamadou Chouaibou
Published: March 2020

Background : There is increasing evidence of insecticide resistance spreading among wild mosquito populations, which is widely believed to compromise vector control once it reaches a threshold that enables mosquitoes to survive exposure to long lasting treated bed-net (LLIN) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, very little is known about the long-term impact of insecticide resistance on malaria transmission, which makes the consequence of insecticide resistance spreading difficult to predict. Methods: To gain more clarity, we have assessed five life-history traits of a resistant Anopheles gambiae laboratory strain that was repeatedly exposed to a LLIN and compared with individuals issued from the same strain but exposed to an untreated bed-net. Results: The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test did not show any significant impact of gonotrophic cycle on the five traits. However, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov non-parametric test revealed a significant (i) drop in blood feeding mean rates (D = 0.800; P< 0.0001), (ii) increase in 24-hours post-exposure (D = 0.600; P< 0.001) and (iii) end of gonotrophic cycle mortality (D = 0.611; P <0.006), and (iv) drop in egg laying rate (D = 0.730, P< 0.0001) when mosquitoes were exposed. Surprisingly, there was rather an upward trend in the number of larvae/female mosquito for the exposed group comparing to the unexposed one, although the difference was not significant (D = 0.417, P> 0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that in a context of widespread of resistance to insecticides, current pyrethroid-based vector control tools can still confer protection against malaria.
Type of discrepancy between glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose is associated with in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes: findings from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China - Acute Coronary Syndrome (CCC-ACS) Project
Authors: Ye Nan , Yang Lijiao , Wang Guoqin , Bian Weijing , Xu Fengbo , Ma Changsheng , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Hao Yongchen , Liu Jun , Yang Na , Cheng Hong
Published: March 2020

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the association between types of discrepancy between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and in-hospital outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and diabetes, based on Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China - acute coronary syndrome project. MethodsCCC-ACS project is a national, hospital-based quality improvement project. Patients with ACS, diabetes and complete HbA1c and FBG value at admission were included in this study. Patients were divided into consistent group and discrepancy group based on the HbA1c and FBG value at admission. Consistent group included patients with HbA1c < 6.5% and FBG < 7.0 mmol/L, or patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and FBG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L. Discrepancy group included patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and FBG < 7.0 mmol/L, or patients with HbA1c < 6.5% and FBG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L. Discrepancy group was further divided into increased HbA1c group (HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and FBG < 7.0 mmol/L) and increased FBG group (HbA1c < 6.5% and FBG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L).ResultsA total of 7,762 patients were included in this study. Patients in consistent group and discrepancy group were 5,490 (70.7%) and 2,272 (29.3%) respectively. In discrepancy group, increased HbA1c group accounted for 77.5% (1,761/2,272), and increased FPG group accounted for 22.5% (511/2,272). After adjusting for confounders by multivariate logistic regression model, patients in increased FPG group had a significantly 1.6-fold increased risk of heart failure (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.08-2.44), a 1.6-fold increased risk of composite of cardiovascular death and heart failure (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09-2.43), and a 1.6-fold increased risk of composite of MACCE and heart failure (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08-2.24).Conclusions Patients with an increased level of FPG but normal HbA1c had a higher risk of in-hospital cardiovascular adverse outcomes than those with an increased level of HbA1c but normal FPG. These patients should be given more attention and closer monitoring in clinical practice in order to improve the in-hospital outcomes.
Early tracheostomy in severely burned pediatric patients: 16-year experience at a tertiary burn center in China
Authors: Chen Bin , Kuang Fang , Zhang Zhi , Chen Liying , Liu Zhihe , Zhang Xuhui , Tang Wenbin , Chen Yuan , Zhang Shuang , Feng Qiao , Li Xiaojian
Published: March 2020

Background: A tracheostomy is a lifesaving procedure in severely burned pediatric patients. Because of the complex operative procedures, higher incidence of complications, pulmonary infections and mortality, tracheostomy in pediatric patients has always been controversial, especially for children < 3 years of age. Our study aimed to describe the characteristics of severely burned pediatric patients who had a tracheostomy and to identify the risk factors associated with complications related to tracheostomies, so as to provide assistance and suggestions for the airway management of such patients.Method: Severely burned pediatric patients (aged ≤15 years of age) who had a tracheostomy between 1 January, 2004 and 31 December, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were collected: age; gender; total burn surface area (TBSA); burn mechanism; inhalation injury; indication for tracheostomy; time from injury to tracheotomy; duration of ventilation; duration of tracheostomy, tracheotomy-related complications; and prognosis.Results: Sixty-five severely burned pediatric patients with tracheostomies were reviewed in this study, 70.6% were < 3 years of age. The 0-3 year age group had the largest number of tracheotomies and the highest incidence of tracheostomy-related complications. Tracheotomy-related complications occurred in 15 patients (23.1%); seven, and eight were early and late complications, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the risk factors that were analyzed and early complications, but TBSA%, ventilation time, and duration of tracheostomy were significantly related to late complications. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that age, TBSA%, inhalation injury, and ventilation time were independent variables influencing the duration of tracheostomy. Decannulation was carried out successfully in 96.7% (58/60) of surviving patients. Age (B = −0.011, p = 0.008), TBSA (B = 1.5, p = 0.006), inhalation injury (B = 1.07, p = 0.004), and ventilation time (B = 1.081, p = 0.000) were independent risk factors influencing the duration of tracheostomy. Five patients died (7.7%); no children died from tracheotomy-related complications.Conclusion: Early tracheostomy is a relatively safe and effective method for airway management in severely burned children; however, patients < 3 years of age should be evaluated for tracheostomy with greater caution due to the severity of the complications.