bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female genital mutilation/cutting in Sierra Leone: are educated women intending to circumcise their daughters?
Authors: Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Tetteh Justice Kanor , Armah-Ansah Ebenezer Kwesi , Aduo-Adjei Kofi , Sena-Iddrisu Aisha
Published: July 2020

Background

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been recognized as a gross violation of human rights of girls and women. This is well established in numerous international legal instruments. It forms part of the initiation ceremony that confers womanhood in Sierra Leone. Girls and women who are subjected to this practice are considered to be ready for marriage by their parents and communities and are rewarded with celebrations, gifts, and public recognition. Following this, we examined the relationship between education and women’s FGM/C intention for their daughters in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from the women’s file of the 2013 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) to explore the influence of education on FGM/C intention among women in the reproductive age (15–49). A sample of 6543 women were included in the study. Our analysis involved descriptive computation of education and FGM/C intention. This was followed by a two-level multilevel analysis. Fixed effect results were reported as Odds Ratios and Adjusted Odds Ratios with their respective credible intervals (CrIs) whilst results of the random effects were presented as variance partition coefficients and median odds ratios.

Results

Our findings showed that women who had no formal education were more likely to intend to circumcise their daughters [aOR = 4.3, CrI = 2.4–8.0]. Among the covariates, women aged 20–24 [aOR = 2.3, CrI = 1.5–3.4] were more likely to intend to circumcise their daughters compared to women between 45 and 49 years old. Poorest women were more likely to report intention of circumcising their daughters in the future compared with the richest [aOR = 2.1, CrI = 1.3–3.2]. We noted that, 63.3% of FGM/C intention in Sierra Leone is attributable to contextual factors.

Conclusion

FGM/C intention is more common among women with no education, younger women as well as women in the lowest wealth category. We recommend segmented female-child educational and pro-poor policies that target uneducated women in Sierra Leone. The study further suggests that interventions to end FGM/C need to focus on broader contextual and social norms in Sierra Leone.
Genomic architecture of endogenous ichnoviruses reveals distinct evolutionary pathways leading to virus domestication in parasitic wasps
Authors: Legeai Fabrice , Santos Bernardo F. , Robin Stéphanie , Bretaudeau Anthony , Dikow Rebecca B. , Lemaitre Claire , Jouan Véronique , Ravallec Marc , Drezen Jean-Michel , Tagu Denis , Baudat Frédéric , Gyapay Gabor , Zhou Xin , Liu Shanlin , Webb Bruce A. , Brady Seán G. , Volkoff Anne-Nathalie
Published: July 2020

Background

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are mutualistic endogenous viruses inoculated by some lineages of parasitoid wasps into their hosts, where they facilitate successful wasp development. PDVs include the ichnoviruses and bracoviruses that originate from independent viral acquisitions in ichneumonid and braconid wasps respectively. PDV genomes are fully incorporated into the wasp genomes and consist of (1) genes involved in viral particle production, which derive from the viral ancestor and are not encapsidated, and (2) proviral segments harboring virulence genes, which are packaged into the viral particle. To help elucidating the mechanisms that have facilitated viral domestication in ichneumonid wasps, we analyzed the structure of the viral insertions by sequencing the whole genome of two ichnovirus-carrying wasp species, Hyposoter didymator and Campoletis sonorensis.

Results

Assemblies with long scaffold sizes allowed us to unravel the organization of the endogenous ichnovirus and revealed considerable dispersion of the viral loci within the wasp genomes. Proviral segments contained species-specific sets of genes and occupied distinct genomic locations in the two ichneumonid wasps. In contrast, viral machinery genes were organized in clusters showing highly conserved gene content and order, with some loci located in collinear wasp genomic regions. This genomic architecture clearly differs from the organization of PDVs in braconid wasps, in which proviral segments are clustered and viral machinery elements are more dispersed.

Conclusions

The contrasting structures of the two types of ichnovirus genomic elements are consistent with their different functions: proviral segments are vehicles for virulence proteins expected to adapt according to different host defense systems, whereas the genes involved in virus particle production in the wasp are likely more stable and may reflect ancestral viral architecture. The distinct genomic architectures seen in ichnoviruses versus bracoviruses reveal different evolutionary trajectories that have led to virus domestication in the two wasp lineages.
Identification of metabolites associated with prostate cancer risk: a nested case-control study with long follow-up in the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study
Authors: Röhnisch Hanna E. , Kyrø Cecilie , Olsen Anja , Thysell Elin , Hallmans Göran , Moazzami Ali A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. Metabolomics can potentially provide new insights into the aetiology of prostate cancer by identifying new metabolic risk factors. This study investigated the prospective association between plasma metabolite concentrations and prostate cancer risk, both overall and by stratifying for disease aggressiveness and baseline age.

Methods

In a case-control study nested in the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study, pre-diagnostic concentrations of 148 plasma metabolites were determined using targeted mass spectrometry- and nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics in 777 prostate cancer cases (follow-up ≥ 5 years) and 777 matched controls. Associations between prostate cancer risk and metabolite concentrations were investigated using conditional logistic regression conditioned on matching factors (body mass index, age and sample storage time). Corrections for multiple testing were performed using false discovery rate (20%) and Bonferroni. Metabolomics analyses generated new hypotheses, which were investigated by leveraging food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) and oral glucose tolerance tests performed at baseline.

Results

After correcting for multiple testing, two lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) were positively associated with risk of overall prostate cancer (all ages and in older subjects). The strongest association was for LPC C17:0 in older subjects (OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.45–2.98; p < 0.0001, significant also after the Bonferroni correction). Observed associations with risk of overall prostate cancer in younger subjects were positive for glycine and inverse for pyruvate. For aggressive prostate cancer, there were positive associations with six glycerophospholipids (LPC C17:0, LPC C20:3, LPC C20:4, PC ae C38:3, PC ae C38:4 and PC ae C40:2), while there was an inverse association with acylcarnitine C18:2. Moreover, plasma LPC C17:0 concentrations positively correlated with estimated dietary intake of fatty acid C17:0 from the FFQs. The associations between glycerophospholipids and prostate cancer were stronger in case-controls with normal glucose tolerance.

Conclusions

Several glycerophospholipids were positively associated with risk of overall and aggressive prostate cancer. The strongest association was observed for LPC C17:0. The associations between glycerophospholipids and prostate cancer risk were stronger in case-controls with normal glucose tolerance, suggesting a link between the glucose metabolism status and risk of prostate cancer.
Circular RNA ITCH suppresses proliferation, invasion, and glycolysis of ovarian cancer cells by up-regulating CDH1 via sponging miR-106a
Authors: Lin Chunli , Xu Xiaofeng , Yang Qiumin , Liang Lu , Qiao Shulin
Published: July 2020

Background

Accumulating data suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) played important roles in the development of human cancer. However, the potential mechanism of circRNAs in ovarian cancer remains unclear.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure the levels of circRNA itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (circ-ITCH), microRNA-106a (miR-106a) and E-cadherin (CDH1). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assay were carried out to measure cell proliferation and invasion. Glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP level were assessed by the glucose, lactate, and ATP assay kits, respectively. Cell apoptosis was detected by Flow cytometry. The binding sites were predicted by StarBase v.2.0 or microT-CDS and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. CDH1 protein level was determined by western blot. The functional role of circ-ITCH was measured by xenograft tumor model in vivo.

Results

Circ-ITCH was down-regulated in ovarian cancer and positively correlated with 5-year overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer. RNase R digestion assay confirmed that circ-ITCH was more stable than its linear mRNA form. Moreover, circ-ITCH was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of ovarian cancer cells.

Functionally, circ-ITCH overexpression hindered proliferation, invasion, glycolysis and promoted apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Besides, circ-ITCH overexpression inhibited ovarian cancer cell progression by targeting miR-106a. Additionally, CDH1 was a target of miR-106a, and the protein level of CDH1 was negatively regulated by miR-106a. Similarly, CDH1 knockdown recovered the inhibition effects of miR-106a inhibitor or circ-ITCH overexpression on the progression of ovarian cancer cells. Importantly, circ-ITCH up-regulated the protein level of CDH1 by sponging miR-106a in ovarian cancer cells. Circ-ITCH overexpression suppressed the growth of ovarian cancer cells in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ-ITCH suppressed proliferation, invasion, glycolysis, and promoted apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by modulating the miR-106a/CDH1 axis.
A high-throughput drug combination screen identifies an anti-glioma synergism between TH588 and PI3K inhibitors
Authors: Chen Zhen , Chen Chao , Zhou Tingting , Duan Chao , Wang Qianqian , Zhou Xiaohui , Zhang Xia , Wu Fangrong , Hua Yunfen , Lin Fan
Published: July 2020

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal type of primary brain tumor. More than half of GBMs contain mutation(s) of PTEN/PI3K/AKT, making inhibitors targeting the PI3K pathway very attractive for clinical investigation. However, so far, PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors have not achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects in clinical trials of GBM. In this study, we aimed to develop a high-throughput screening method for high-throughput identification of potential targeted agents that synergize with PI3K inhibitors in GBM.

Methods

A Sensitivity Index (SI)-based drug combination screening method was established to evaluate the interactions between BKM120, a pan-PI3K inhibitor, and compounds from a library of 606 target-selective inhibitors. Proliferation, colony and 3D spheroid formation assays, western blotting, comet assay, γ-H2AX staining were used to evaluate the anti-glioma effects of the top-ranked candidates. The drug combination effects were analyzed by the Chou-Talalay method.

Results

Six compounds were successfully identified from the drug screen, including three previously reported compounds that cause synergistic antitumor effects with PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. TH588, an putative MTH1 inhibitor exhibited significant synergy with BKM120 in suppressing the proliferation, colony formation and 3D spheroid formation of GBM cells. Further investigation revealed that both DNA damage and apoptosis were markedly enhanced upon combination treatment with TH588 and BKM120. Finally, activation of PI3K or overexpression of AKT compromised the anti-glioma efficacy of TH588.

Conclusions

The screening method developed in this study demonstrated its usefulness in the rapid identification of synergistic drug combinations of PI3K inhibitors and targeted agents.
Decellularization and recellularization of the ovary for bioengineering applications; studies in the mouse
Authors: Alshaikh Ahmed Baker , Padma Arvind Manikantan , Dehlin Matilda , Akouri Randa , Song Min Jong , Brännström Mats , Hellström Mats
Published: July 2020

Background

Fertility preservation is particularly challenging in young women diagnosed with hematopoietic cancers, as transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian cortex in these women carries the risk for re-introducing cancer cells. Therefore, the construction of a bioengineered ovary that can accommodate isolated small follicles was proposed as an alternative to minimize the risk of malignancy transmission. Various options for viable bioengineered scaffolds have been reported in the literature. Previously, we reported three protocols for producing mouse ovarian scaffolds with the decellularization technique. The present study examined these scaffolds further, specifically with regards to their extracellular composition, biocompatibility and ability to support recellularization with mesenchymal stem cells.

Material and methods

Three decellularization protocols based on 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate (Protocol 1; P1), or 2% sodium deoxycholate (P2), or a combination of the two detergents (P3) were applied to produce three types of scaffolds. The levels of collagen, elastin and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) were quantified in the remaining extracellular matrix. Detailed immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy imaging were conducted to assess the morphology and recellularization efficiency of the constructs after 14 days in vitro utilizing red fluorescent protein-labelled mesenchymal stem cells.

Results

All protocols efficiently removed the DNA while the elastin content was not significantly reduced during the procedures. The SDS-protocol (P1) reduced the sGAG and the collagen content more than the SDC-protocol (P2). All scaffolds were biocompatible and recellularization was successful, particularly in several P2-derived scaffolds. The cells were extensively distributed throughout the constructs, with a denser distribution observed towards the ovarian cortex. The cell density was not significantly different (400 to 550 cells/mm2) between scaffold types. However, there was a tendency towards a higher cell density in the SDC-derived constructs. Scanning electron microscope images showed fibrous scaffolds with a dense repopulated surface structure.

Conclusions

While there were differences in the key structural macromolecules between protocols, all scaffolds were biocompatible and showed effective recellularization. The results indicate that our SDC-protocol might be better than our SDS-protocol. However, additional studies are necessary to determine their suitability for attachment of small follicles and folliculogenesis.
Precise quantification of the time course of voluntary activation capacity following Botulinum toxin injections in the biceps brachii muscles of chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Chandra S. , Afsharipour B. , Rymer W. Z. , Suresh N. L.
Published: July 2020

Background

Spasticity is a key motor impairment that affects many hemispheric stroke survivors. Intramuscular botulinum toxin (BT) injections are used widely to clinically manage spasticity-related symptoms in stroke survivors by chemically denervating muscle fibers from their associated motor neurons. In this study, we sought to understand how BT affects muscle activation, motor unit composition and voluntary force generating capacity over a time period of 3 months. Our purpose was to characterize the time course of functional changes in voluntary muscle activity in stroke survivors who are undergoing BT therapy as part of their physician-prescribed clinical plan.

Method

Our assessment of the effects of BT was based on the quantification of surface electromyogram (sEMG) recordings in the biceps brachii (BB), an upper arm muscle and of voluntary contraction force. We report here on voluntary force and sEMG responses during isometric elbow contractions across consecutive recording sessions, spread over 12 weeks in three segments, starting with a preliminary session performed just prior to the BT injection. At predetermined time points, we conducted additional clinical assessments and we also recorded from the contralateral limbs of our stroke cohort. Eight subjects were studied for approximately 86 experimental recording sessions on both stroke-affected and contralateral sides.

Results

We recorded an initial reduction in force and sEMG in all subjects, followed by a trajectory with a progressive return to baseline over a maximum of 12 weeks, although the minimum sEMG and minimum force were not always recorded at the same time point. Three participants were able to complete only one to two segments. Slope values of the sEMG-force relations were also found to vary across the different time segments. While sEMG-force slopes provide assessments of force generation capacity of the BT injected muscle, amplitude histograms from novel sEMG recordings during the voluntary tasks provide additional insights about differential actions of BT on the overall motor unit (MU) population over time.

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that there are potential short term as well as long term decrements in muscle control and activation properties after BT administration on the affected side of chronic stroke survivors. Muscle activation levels as recorded using sEMG, did not routinely return to baseline even at three months’ post injection. The concurrent clinical measures also did not follow the same time course, nor did they provide the same resolution as our experimental measures. It follows that even 12 weeks after intramuscular BT injections muscle recovery may not be complete, and may thereby contribute to pre-existing paresis.
Developing a Theory of Change model of service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening in primary health care in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Abayneh Sisay , Lempp Heidi , Alem Atalay , Kohrt Brandon A. , Fekadu Abebaw , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: July 2020

Background

The involvement of service users and caregivers is recommended as a strategy to strengthen health systems and scale up quality mental healthcare equitably, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Service user and caregiver involvement is complex, and its meaningful implementation seems to be a worldwide challenge. Theory of Change (ToC) has been recommended to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of such complex interventions. This paper aims to describe a ToC model for service user and caregiver involvement in a primary mental health care in rural Ethiopia.

Methods

The ToC was developed in two workshops conducted in (i) Addis Ababa with purposively selected psychiatrists (n = 4) and multidisciplinary researchers (n = 3), and (ii) a rural district in south-central Ethiopia (Sodo), with community stakeholders (n = 24). Information from the workshops (provisional ToC maps, minutes, audio recordings), and inputs from a previous qualitative study were triangulated to develop the detailed ToC map. This ToC map was further refined with written feedback and further consultative meetings with the research team (n = 6) and community stakeholders (n = 35).

Results

The experiential knowledge and professional expertise of ToC participants combined to produce a ToC map that incorporated key components (community, health organisation, service user and caregiver), necessary interventions, preconditions, assumptions and indicators towards the long-term outcomes. The participatory nature of ToC by itself raised awareness of the possibilities for servicer user and caregiver involvement, promoted co-working and stimulated immediate commitments to mobilise support for a grass roots service user organization.

Conclusions

The ToC workshops provided an opportunity to co-produce a ToC for service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening linked to the planned model for scale-up of mental health care in Ethiopia. The next steps will be to pilot a multi-faceted intervention based on the ToC and link locally generated evidence to published evidence and theories to refine the ToC for broader transferability to other mental health settings.
The accuracy of preliminary diagnoses made by paramedics – a cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Koivulahti Outi , Tommila Miretta , Haavisto Elina
Published: July 2020

Background

Clinical decision-making skills of paramedics have been emphasized because of the growing complexity of emergency medicine nursing. A preliminary diagnosis made by a paramedic has an essential role in directing the subsequent care. An accurate preliminary diagnosis improves the patient’s outcome. The research in this area is relatively scarce and there are no previous studies in Finland describing the accuracy of preliminary diagnoses made by paramedics. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether paramedics are making accurate preliminary diagnoses for the patients they are transporting to hospital. In addition, the aim was to describe the variables related to an accurate preliminary diagnosis.

Methods

A cross-sectional comparative approach was used and conducted through a questionnaire to gather data from the paramedics. A total of 71 paramedics participated in the study and 378 patient cases were included. The paramedics were asked to describe the basic information of a case, to state their preliminary diagnosis, and give their own educational background. The accuracy of the paramedic’s preliminary diagnosis was compared with the discharge diagnosis of the ED physicians retrieved from hospital’s patient records. Logistic regression analysis and a binomial test were used to test the statistical significance.

Results

The agreement between the paramedics’ preliminary diagnosis vs. hospital diagnosis was 70% (n = 261). Diagnostic accuracy varied according to the medical condition from mental diseases and intoxication (86%, p = 0,000), cerebral strokes (81%, p = 0,007) to infections (31% p = 0,029). The educational background of a bachelor-degree-level paramedic (p = 0,016, 95% Cl 1,7-139,6) and a good self-assessment value (p = 0,003, 95% Cl 1,2-2,7) were related to making a correct diagnosis.

Conclusions

Paramedics are able to determine preliminary diagnoses at satisfactory level. The relationship between educational background and diagnostic accuracy suggests that there is a definitive need for a specific pre-hospital nursing education.
The effect of blue dishware versus white dishware on food intake and eating challenges among residents living with dementia: a crossover trial
Authors: Donnelly Rachael , Wei Cindy , Morrison-Koechl Jill , Keller Heather
Published: July 2020

Objective

Residents living with dementia (RLWD) often experience changes in their visual perception, which could reduce food intake. Inadequate food intake is known to cause malnutrition, which increases the risk of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using blue dishware compared to white dishware to improve food intake and mitigate eating challenges among 18 RLWD (mean age 84.6 ± 7.9 years, 72.2% female).

Results

A within-within person crossover design determined differences in food intake and eating challenges between blue and white dishware conditions. Five participants responded to the blue dishware and increased their average food intake by ≥ 10%. Responders were not different from non-responders in terms of demographic or health characteristics. The proportion of eating challenges experienced was not significantly different between the blue and white dishware conditions. Percent food intake was significantly greater at lunch (83.5 ± 19.0%) compared to dinner (75.8 ± 22.1%; p < 0.0001), regardless of dishware condition. However, there were no significant differences for food intake between the dishware conditions, even after matching food choices. Promoting food intake and reducing eating challenges in RLWD likely needs multi-component interventions targeting meal quality, meal access, and mealtime experience.

Trial registration ClincialTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04298788. Retrospectively registered: 6 March 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04298788?term=NCT04298788&draw=2&rank=1.
Integrated epigenetic biomarkers in circulating cell-free DNA as a robust classifier for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cao Feng , Wei Ailin , Hu Xinlei , He Yijing , Zhang Jun , Xia Lin , Tu Kailing , Yuan Jue , Guo Ziheng , Liu Hongying , Xie Dan , Li Ang
Published: July 2020

Background

The high lethal rate of pancreatic cancer is partly due to a lack of efficient biomarkers for screening and early diagnosis. We attempted to develop effective and noninvasive methods using 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) markers from circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Results

A 24-feature 5mC model that can accurately discriminate PDAC from healthy controls (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.977, sensitivity = 0.824, specificity = 1) and a 5hmC prediction model with 27 features demonstrated excellent detection power in two distinct validation sets (AUC = 0.992 and 0.960, sensitivity = 0.786 and 0.857, specificity = 1 and 0.993). The 51-feature model combining 5mC and 5hmC markers outperformed both of the individual models, with an AUC of 0.997 (sensitivity = 0.938, specificity = 0.955) and particularly an improvement in the prediction sensitivity of PDAC. In addition, the weighted diagnosis score (wd-score) calculated with the 5hmC model can distinguish stage I patients from stage II–IV patients.

Conclusions

Both 5mC and 5hmC biomarkers in cfDNA are effective in PDAC detection, and the 5mC-5hmC integrated model significantly improve the detection sensitivity.

Graphical abstract
Different fertilization treatments in coal mining-affected soils change bacterial populations and enable soil reclamation
Authors: Cao Yanzhuan , Zhou Bingrui , Wang Xiangying , Meng Huisheng , Zhang Jian , Li Li , Hong Jianping
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Coal mining activities result in large-scale soil degradation and ecosystem imbalances in many countries. Fertilization is an effective way to improve soil fertility and microbial activity. However, the effect of different fertilizers and remediation time on the subsided soil is not clear. The aim of this study is to explore the effects on soil fertility and the bacterial community.

Methods

In this study, we compared three fertilization regimes (inorganic, organic, and combined) applied over a 5-year period for the purpose of rehabilitating subsoil through measurement of soil’s chemical properties and microbial biomass. Bacterial diversity was evaluated in different reclaimed soils via high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing; 1,938,561 total sequences were obtained.

Results

The results showed that fertilization improved various soil properties, including the concentrations of available phosphorus, available potassium, and alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen, therefore, increasing microbial biomass. A significant increase in soil microbial diversity was observed in fertilized soils compared to the initial conditions. A positive correlation between microbial diversity and soil properties was observed. Regarding an improvement in soil properties and crop yields, the organic fertilizer demonstrated significantly more effectiveness compared to the inorganic fertilizer. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia increased, but the relative abundance of Chloroflexi and Nitrospirae decreased. More specifically, we found that several Proteobacteria subgroups, such as Rhizobiales, Myxococcales, Sphingomonadales, Rhodospirillales, Xanthomonadales, and Burkholderiales, increased after the restoration. Additionally, the composition of the bacterial community in the 5-year groups (M5, O5, and MO5) was similar to the composition of the FS group, and the yield of the maize test crop following the 5-year restoration period was close to the average in China.

Conclusion

This result indicates that soil reclamation via fertilization can contribute to soil recovery over time. Therefore, we concluded that fertilization is an effective strategy for the restoration of soil properties and bacterial communities in mining soil.
The prognostic value of gender in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Rong Jianfang , Chen Sihai , Song Conghua , Wang Huan , Zhao Qiaoyun , Zhao Rulin , He Yajing , Yan Lili , Song Yanping , Wang Fangfei , Xie Yong
Published: July 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach are the most common GISTs. The risk, incidence, and outcome of cancer are different between the sexes. Whether gender is related to the prognosis of gastric stromal tumors is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between gender and gastric GIST prognosis.

Methods

Data from gastric GIST patients were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce confounding factors, and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of GIST patients were comprehensively evaluated.

Results

There were 512 male patients and 538 female patients with gastric GIST. The gender of gastric GIST patients was associated with marital status, surgical treatment, tumor size, and mitotic index (P< 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test revealed that male patients had a higher mortality rate than female patients (P= 0.0024). After matching all the potential confounding factors, the survival of the female gastric GIST patients was better than that of the male gastric GIST patients (P= 0.042). Cox regression analysis revealed that gender was an independent risk factor for overall survival. The risk of death was higher for males than for females (HR 1.677, 95% CI 1.150–2.444,P= 0.007).

Conclusion

Gender could be a prognostic factor for gastric GIST survival, and male patients had a higher risk of death.
SARS-CoV-2 post-infective myocarditis: the tip of COVID-19 immune complications?
Authors: Tissières Pierre , Teboul Jean-Louis
Published: July 2020

Recent paediatric cases of acute myocarditis following a SARS-CoV-2 infection have raised the possibility of post-infective complications of COVID-19. This short editorial is reviewing current understanding of this new complication, its pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutic strategy.
Improved synchronization criteria for fractional-order complex-valued neural networks via partial control
Authors: Li Hong-Li , Muhammadhaji Ahmadjan , Zhang Long , Jiang Haijun , Teng Zhidong
Published: July 2020

In this article, without dividing a complex-valued neural network into two real-valued subsystems, the global synchronization of fractional-order complex-valued neural networks (FOCVNNs) is investigated by the Lyapunov direct method rather than the real decomposition method. It is worth mentioning that the partial adaptive control and partial linear feedback control schemes are introduced, by constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, some improved synchronization criteria are derived with the help of fractional differential inequalities and L’Hospital rule as well as some complex analysis techniques. Finally, simulation results are given to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of our theoretical analysis.
Nonparametric threshold estimation of spot volatility based on high-frequency data for time-dependent diffusion models with jumps
Authors: Cai Jingwei , Zhu Quanxin , Chen Ping
Published: July 2020

We construct a spot volatility kernel estimator of time-dependent diffusion models with jumps. Instead of idiomatic intraday return over an observation interval, in the proposed estimator, we use intraday range. Since the range represents the maximum difference among all observations within an interval, all data are used, and no information is lost. By setting a reasonable threshold and making the range not greater than it we effectively eliminate the negative effect of jump on volatility estimation. In this paper, we also prove the consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimator and testify its higher accuracy.
Measuring disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to low back pain in Malta
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Wyper Grant M. A. , Calleja Neville , Gorasso Vanessa , Devleesschauwer Brecht
Published: July 2020

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a public health concern and a leading cause of ill health. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints has been reported for Malta, a small European state. The aim was to estimate for the first time the burden of LBP at population level in Malta in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and compare to estimates obtained by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study.

Method

The Maltese European Health Interview Survey dataset for 2015 provided the LBP prevalence data through representative self-reported history of chronic LBP within the past 12 months in combination with limitations to daily activities. Proportions of LBP severity (with and without leg pain – mild, moderate, severe and most severe) and their corresponding disability weights followed values reported in the GBD study. Years lived with disability (YLD) for LBP were estimated for the whole population by age and sex. Since LBP does not carry any mortality, YLD reflected DALYs. The estimated local DALYs per 100,000 were compared to the GBD 2017 study results for Malta for the same year.

Results

LBP with activity limitation gave a point prevalence of 6.4% (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI] 5.7–7.2%) (5.6% males [95% UI 4.6–6.6%]; 7.3% females [95% UI 6.2–8.4%]), contributing to a total of 23,649 (95% UI 20,974–26,463) Maltese suffering from LBP. The LBP DALYs were of 716 (95% UI 558–896) per 100,000. Females experienced higher LBP burden (739 [95% UI 575–927] DALYs per 100,000) than males (693 [95% UI 541–867] DALYs per 100,000). Our DALY estimates were lower than those reported by the GBD 2017 study (i.e., 1829 [95% UI 1300–2466] per 100,000).

Conclusions

LBP imposes a substantial burden on the Maltese population. Differences observed between national estimates and those of the GBD study suggest the integration of updated locally sourced data into the model and encouraging local contributors in order to improve the DALY estimates of each country.
Climate change induced vulnerability and adaption for dengue incidence in Colombo and Kandy districts: the detailed investigation in Sri Lanka
Authors: Udayanga Lahiru , Gunathilaka Nayana , Iqbal M. C. M. , Abeyewickreme W.
Published: July 2020

Background

Assessing the vulnerability of an infectious disease such as dengue among endemic population is an important requirement to design proactive programmes in order to improve resilience capacity of vulnerable communities. The current study aimed to evaluate the climate change induced socio-economic vulnerability of local communities to dengue in Colombo and Kandy districts of Sri Lanka.

Methods

A total of 42 variables (entomological, epidemiological, meteorological parameters, land-use practices and socio-demographic data) of all the 38 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in the districts of Colombo and Kandy were considered as candidate variables for a composite index based vulnerability assessment. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used in selecting and setting the weight for each indicator. Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity and Vulnerability of all MOH areas for dengue were calculated using the composite index approach recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Results

Out of 42 candidate variables, only 23 parameters (Exposure Index: six variables; Sensitivity Index: 11 variables; Adaptive Capacity Index: six variables) were selected as indicators to assess climate change vulnerability to dengue. Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) MOH area denoted the highest values for exposure (0.89: exceptionally high exposure), sensitivity (0.86: exceptionally high sensitivity) in Colombo, while Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) area reported the highest exposure (0.79: high exposure) and sensitivity (0.77: high sensitivity) in Kandy. Piliyandala MOH area denoted the highest level of adaptive capacity (0.66) in Colombo followed by Menikhinna (0.68) in Kandy. The highest vulnerability (0.45: moderate vulnerability) to dengue was indicated from CMC and the lowest indicated from Galaha MOH (0.15; very low vulnerability) in Kandy. Interestingly the KMC MOH area had a notable vulnerability of 0.41 (moderate vulnerability), which was the highest within Kandy.

Conclusions

In general, vulnerability for dengue was relatively higher within the MOH areas of Colombo, than in Kandy, suggesting a higher degree of potential susceptibility to dengue within and among local communities of Colombo. Vector Controlling Entities are recommended to consider the spatial variations in vulnerability of local communities to dengue for decision making, especially in allocation of limited financial, human and mechanical resources for dengue epidemic management.
The role of isolation rooms, facemasks and intensified hand hygiene in the prevention of nosocomial COVID-19 transmission in a pulmonary clinical setting
Authors: Zhang Gu-Qin , Pan Hua-Qin , Hu Xing-Xing , He Shao-Jun , Chen Yi-Fei , Wei Chao-Jie , Ni Lan , Zhang Li-Ping , Cheng Zhen-Shun , Yang Jiong
Published: July 2020

From December 25, 2019 to January 31, 2020, 33 cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were identified in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China, yet none of the affiliated HCWs was infected. Here we analyzed the infection control measures used in three different departments in the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University and correlated the measures with the corresponding infection data of HCWs affiliated with these departments. We found that three infection control measures, namely the isolation of the presumed positive patients, the use of facemasks and intensified hand hygiene play important roles in preventing nosocomial transmission of COVID-19.
A case of IgG4-related anterior mediastinal sclerosing disease coexisting with autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Matsui Hiroshi , Utsumi Takahiro , Maru Natsumi , Taniguchi Yohei , Saito Tomohito , Hino Haruaki , Ishida Mitsuaki , Tsuta Koji , Murakawa Tomohiro
Published: July 2020

Background

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic fibro-inflammatory condition that predominantly involves exocrine organs. Concerning its thoracic presentation, it often manifests as interstitial lung disease or fibrosing mediastinitis. It is very rare for IgG4-RD to form a well-defined mass in the anterior mediastinum, mimicking an encapsulated thymoma.

Case presentation

An 82-year-old man with autoimmune pancreatitis under treatment with oral corticosteroids was found to have peripancreatic lymphadenopathy on computed tomography. Subsequent positron emission tomography revealed abnormal uptake (maximal value 3.6) by a thymic mass as well as the peripancreatic lymph nodes. Exacerbation of IgG4-RD was suspected, and we increased the oral steroid dosage. As a result, the peripancreatic lymph nodes, and the anterior mediastinal mass, decreased in size. The thymic mass was suspected to be an encapsulated thymoma because of its lobulated shape, degree of fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation, and response to steroids, and the patient was referred to our department. The serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody test was negative. A thoracoscopic tumor resection was performed as diagnostic therapy. Histopathological analysis revealed dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with sclerotic stroma within the tumor. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed abundant IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltrates and over 50% IgG4/IgG-positive plasma cells. We did not see either keratin-positive thymocytes or terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-positive lymphocytes. Furthermore, deviation in the kappa chain and lambda chain-positive plasma cells was not noted. Accordingly, IgG4-related sclerosing disease was diagnosed.

Conclusions

IgG4-related sclerosing masses in the anterior mediastinum are very rare, and the effect of tumor resection on prognosis remains unclear. IgG4-RD had potentially been categorized as Castleman’s disease.
Sexual behavioural differences and risk-taking differences among born-abroad and native university students in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli Giuseppe , Paterno Anna , Strozza Salvatore
Published: July 2020

There is a substantial lack of information in the literature on affective and sexual behaviours in youths with migratory backgrounds, despite immigrants’ immediate descendants growing in recent years in many destination countries. In order to fill this gap, we use original information, collected by the “Sexual and Emotional Life of Youths (SELFY)” survey carried out in Italy in 2017. We aim to provide a deeper understanding of sexual behaviours by comparing, for the very first time, university students with a migratory background and their native counterparts, stratifying them by gender. Our results show that born-abroad male students have a greater exposure to more liberal attitudes than their native counterparts, while there are no notable differences between born-abroad and native women. Moreover, we analyse, among a number of factors, the association between three sexual behaviours (extra-couple sexual intercourse, occasional sexual intercourse, and numerous sexual partners) and multiple “risk” behaviours. Behaviours defined as “risky” include voluntary attitudes which can be responsible for negative outcomes. Our results show that reckless driving and drug use are directly associated with sexual behaviours, with no differences by gender or migratory status. The association of binge drinking and early sexual debut with the three considered sexual behaviours is largely present only among natives, while having problems with family and school rules have a gender-related role on sex.
Doctor-patient distancing: an early experience of telemedicine for postoperative neurosurgical care in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Ashry Ahmed Hamdy , Alsawy Mohamed Fathalla
Published: July 2020

Background

Telemedicine remains an important tool of healthcare services delivery especially in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its advantages include saving the time and money of the patients and the prevention of infection among healthcare providers.

Objectives

In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of telemedicine visits in providing postoperative care of neurosurgical patients.

Materials and methods

We conducted this prospective study on 30 neurosurgical patients who were evaluated after surgery via telemedicine visits for 30 days. During the virtual visits, we discussed the clinical progress of patients, wound status, treatment modification, the time of return to work, postoperative complications, and the radiological data of the patients. All the patients were given an emergency number to call in case of urgent issues. The satisfaction of patients and doctors was measured with the aid of two questionnaires.

Results

The patients’ age ranged from 18 to 65 years. Twenty patients were male and 10 patients were female. We performed 20 cranial operations and 10 spinal operations. Most patients needed more than 4 h to reach the hospital. The total number of telemedicine visits was 67 visits. We received about 62 emergency calls. Pain management, seizures control, wound infection, and hydrocephalus is among issues that were evaluated and managed via telemedicine visits. The overall satisfaction rate among patients and doctors was 90% and 95%, respectively.

Conclusion

Virtual outpatient clinics seem to be a safe and effective way of postoperative care especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Influence of insect traps and insecticides sequential application as a tactic for management of tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Nasr Mohamed , Abdel-Aziz Nahed Fawzy , Sammour Elham Ahmed , Agamy Essam Abd El Maguied , El-Bakry Ahmed Mohamed , Kandil Mohamed Abdel-Hady
Published: July 2020

Background

Tomato crop, Lycopersicon esculentum L. (Solanaceae), usually attacked by many insect species, including the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), where its larvae cause damage up to 80–100% by due to its feeding habits by making tunnels in all tomato parts. The influence of insect traps application and insecticides sequential as a tactic for T. absoluta management was carried out.

Results

Sex pheromone and sticky traps were used for mass trapping this pest; sex pheromone traps were more effective than the sticky one; the number of caught insects was higher in the untreated plots than the treated one. Also, the general mean number of captured insects by sex pheromone traps was 432.89 and 633.40 (vegetative stage) and 691.3 and 1865.5 (fruiting stage) adults/trap/week, for treatment and control, respectively. When the first infestation appeared, the non-conventional insecticides were consecutively sprayed once/week for 3 weeks with the following order: Radiant, Coragen, and Emperor (during the vegetative stage). After that, the formulated essential oils Nimbecidine (commercial) and Rosa (prepared) were respectively sprayed twice/week for 2 weeks (during the fruiting stage). The general average of reduction in infestation reached 95.81% when non-conventional insecticides were used, while it reached 92.15% when the formulated essential oils were used. Finally, at the end of the experiment, promising mean reduction in infestation reached 93.98% was achieved. Yield of marketable healthy fruits was recorded and expressed as ton/feddan. Treatments gave significantly higher yield over untreated control. The tomato yield reached 28.25 t/fed. compared with control (8.35 t/fed.), which gain 19.94 t/fed. equal to 238.32% more than the untreated control.

Conclusions

The results indicated that insect traps and insecticides sequential application as a tactic for management T. absoluta were more effective; the rotation of insecticides avoid build up resistance and achieved satisfied reduction (93.98%) in the infestation and high yield production.