bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Karriere für Sekretärinnen?
Authors: Scheinecker Martina , Zdiarsky Christine
Published: October 2020

Der folgende Beitrag stellt ein bei der Firma Alcatel Austria AG durchgeführtes personalwirtschaftliches Projekt dar, dessen Ziele darin bestanden, differenzierte Berufsbilder für Sekretärinnen sowie ein Modell für eine Laufbahn im Sekretariatsberuf zu erarbeiten und neue Karrierewege im Wechsel zwischen Sekretariatsfunktion und anderen Funktionen im Unternehmen aufzuzeigen. Das Projekt wurde vom Personalchef des Unternehmens geleitet, die Autorinnen wirkten in der Rolle als externe Beraterinnen mit.

Die Annahme, daß unter dem Titel “Sekretärin” sehr unterschiedliche Typen von Aufgaben geleistet werden, wurde durch die Untersuchung bestätigt. Auf Basis der Befunde wurde ein Laufbahnmodell entwickelt, das ausgehend von einer Grundqualifikation als Bürokraft oder einfacher Sachbearbeiterin Entwicklungswege einerseits zur Chefsekretärin, andrerseits zur Gruppenleiterin mit fallweiser Stellvertretung der Abteilungsleitung – bzw. sogar zur Abteilungsleiterin – vorzeichnet. Charakteristikum dieses Modells ist, daß es auch in fortgeschritteneren Entwicklungsphasen noch Übertrittsmöglichkeiten zwischen den beiden Schienen: Sekretariats-Laufbahn und Sachbearbeitungs-Laufbahn mit Weiterentwicklungsmöglichkeit zur Führungstätigkeit erlaubt.
Internationale Personalmanagementkoordination - Befunde und Interpretationen aus einem empirischen Forschungsprojekt
Authors: Wolf Joachim
Published: October 2020

Angesichts der zunehmenden Internationalisierung der Wirtschaft sehen sich immer mehr Unternehmen vor der Notwendigkeit, neben den Basisaktivitäten auch die unterstützenden Aktivitäten und in diesem Zusammenhang auch das Personalmanagement auf die veränderten Bedingungen des Weltmarkts auszurichten. Im vorliegen den Beitrag wird zunächst untersucht, welche Kernprobleme dem Bereich “internationales Personalmanagement” zuzuordnen sind and welche Gestaltungsvorschläge hierzu bislang verfügbar sind. Im Anschluß daran werden Befunde einer empirischen Untersuchung präsentiert, welche die Einsatzintensität technokratischer (Zentralisation, Standardisierung, formales Berichtswesen) und personenorientierter (Führungskräftetransfer, Besuchsverkehr, Unternehmenskultur) Koordinationsinstrumente beschreiben, die zur grenzüberschreitenden Abstimmung von Personalmaßnahmen eingesetzt werden können.
Psychometrische Validierung von Expertenentscheidungen im Assessment-Center. Entscheidungsoptimierung und -kontrolle mittels eines stochastischen Nutzenmodells
Authors: Schulz Ulrich , Niebergall Andreas
Published: October 2020

Psychologische Maßnahmen der Personalauswahl bzw. Personalentwicklung sollten möglichst ökonomisch und objektiv sein. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird in dem vorliegenden Beitrag eine Methodik zur kontrollierten Erfassung eignungsdiagnostischer Entscheidungen und der Bewertungsmaßstäbe von Urteilsträgern im Assessment-Center dargestellt. Unter Verwendung eines stochastischen Nutzenmodells war es möglich, Entscheidungsunsicherheiten in Form von individuellen Urteilsinkonsistenzen zu berücksichtigen. Das Modell erwies sich als geeignet, individuelles Entscheidungsverhalten auf der Grundlage subjektiver Präferenzen angemessen vorherzusagen. Interindividuelle Unterschiede in der Bedeutungszuschreibung zu den wesentlichen Dimensionen als auch Abweichungen von institutionell gesetzten Kriterien konnten herausgestellt werden. So lassen sich Nutzenschätzungen als Entscheidungsunterstützung, als Orientierungshilfe bei der Auswahl und Gestaltungeignungsdiagnostischer Verfahren, als Kontroll instrument für Urteiler-und Beobachtertrainings oder auch für Reflexionen über institutionell gesetzte Kriterien einsetzen.
Wirkungen von Gesundheitszirkeln in einem großen Industrieunternehmen: Eine explorative Evaluationsstudie in der Automobilindustrie
Authors: Gerpott Torsten J.
Published: October 2020

In einer empirischen Studie in einem deutschen Produktionswerk eines großen Automobilunternehmens wurden personalwirtschaftlich relevante Wirkungen von Gesundheitszirkeln (GZ) auf Arbeitsbeanspruchungs-, Arbeitszufriedenheits- und GZ-bezogene Zufriedenheitsvariablen bei Mitarbeitern erkundet, die in einem Organisationsteilbereich tätig waren, in dem ein GZ eingeführt wurde. Hierzu wurden Daten mehrfach über einen Zeitraum von 7 Monaten durch Befragungen von Mitarbeitern aus zwei Abteilungen mit jeweils einem GZ und aus einer Kontrollabteilung ohne GZ erhoben. Die Befunde deuten darauf hin, daß GZ 2 bis 3 Monate nach Abschluß der letzten GZ-Runde (1) nur dann zu signifikanten Verringerungen ausgewählter Arbeitsbeanspruchungen führen, wenn eine rasche Umsetzung von GZ-Vorschlägen erfolgte, (2) nicht zu einer Erhöhung der Arbeitszufriedenheit führen und (3) zu enttäuschten Erwartungen hinsichtlich der Berücksichtigung von Mitarbeiterinteressen bei der Implementierung von GZ-Vorschlägen führen.
Class II HLA mismatch improves outcomes following haploidentical transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide
Authors: Solomon Scott R. , Aubrey Michael T. , Zhang Xu , Jackson Katelin C. , Morris Lawrence E. , Holland H. Kent , Solh Melhem M. , Bashey Asad
Published: October 2020

HLA disparity is the major predictor of outcome following unrelated donor (UD) transplantation, where a single mismatch (mm) at the HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, or HLA-DRB1 locus leads to increased mortality, and mismatching at multiple loci compounds this effect. In contrast, HLA disparity has not been shown to increase mortality in the context of haploidentical transplant using posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). To better define the consequences of loci-specific HLA mm, we analyzed 208 consecutive patients undergoing haploidentical transplantation for hematologic malignancy using PTCy at our institution (median age, 52 years [range, 19-75 years]; peripheral blood stem cell, 66%; reduced-intensity conditioning, 59%). Median follow-up was 65.4 months (range, 34.3-157.2 months). In univariate analysis, a single class II HLA mm at HLA-DR, HLA-DQ or a nonpermissive (np) HLA-DP mm had a protective effect on disease-free and overall survival (OS), primarily a result of reduced relapse risk. Furthermore, this survival effect was cumulative, so that patients with 3 class II mm (HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and np HLA-DP) had the best OS. In multivariate analysis, HLA-DR mm and np HLA-DP mm were both independently associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; P =.001; and HR, 0.47; P =.011, respectively). In contrast, single or multiple mm at HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-C loci had no effect on acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), nonrelapse mortality (NRM), relapse, or survival, although the presence of an HLA-A mm was associated with increased chronic GVHD incidence. The association of class II mm with lower relapse occurred without a corresponding increase in NRM or acute or chronic GVHD. These findings will require validation in larger registry studies.
Improving continuity of care of patients with respiratory disease at hospital discharge
Authors: Dummer Jack , Stokes Tim
Published: October 2020

Continuity of care refers to the delivery of coherent, logical and timely care to an individual. It is threatened during the transition of care at hospital discharge, which can contribute to worse patient outcomes. In a traditional acute care model, the roles of hospital and community healthcare providers do not overlap and this can be a barrier to continuity of care at hospital discharge. Furthermore, the transition from inpatient to outpatient care is associated with a transition from acute to chronic disease management and, in a busy hospital, attention to this can be crowded out by the pressures of providing acute care. This model is suboptimal for the large proportion of patients admitted to hospital with acute-on-chronic respiratory disease.

In a chronic care model, the healthcare system is designed to give adequate priority to care of chronic disease. Integrated care for the patient with respiratory disease fits the chronic care model and responds to the fragmentation of care in a traditional acute care model: providers integrate their respiratory services to provide continuous, holistic care tailored to individuals. This promotes greater continuity of care for individuals, and can improve patient outcomes both at hospital discharge and more widely.

Educational aims

To understand the concept of continuity of care and its effect at the transition between inpatient and outpatient care.

To understand the difference between the acute and chronic models of healthcare.

To understand the effect of integration of care on continuity of care for patients with respiratory disease and their health outcomes.
Inhibition of the harmful alga Microcystis aeruginosa by sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) bark
Authors: Suzuki Yuri , Johuchi Tomoyuki , Saijo Hiromi , Takahashi Koetsu , Ashitani Tatsuya
Published: October 2020

To utilize woody waste for the inhibition of harmful algae, we examined the growth inhibitory activities of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) bark powder against Microcystis aeruginosa, which is a cyanobacteria species that causes algal blooms in lake or pond areas. The growth of M. aeruginosa was inhibited by the direct mixing of sugi bark powder into media in flasks. The inhibitory activity against M. aeruginosa was decreased when the bark underwent organic solvent extractions. Thus, the inhibitory activity was promoted by the extract components. After solvent extraction, the bark maintained a level of inhibitory activity suggestive of both chemical and physical effects. These results show that the growth of M. aeruginosa can be suppressed by directly using sugi bark with no extraction treatment.
A cross-sectional study on the burden and impact of migraine on work productivity and quality of life in selected workplaces in the Philippines
Authors: Haw Nel Jason , Cabaluna Ian Theodore , Kaw Germaine Erika , Cortez Joanna Feliz , Chua Maria Pamela , Guce Kristel
Published: October 2020

Background

Migraine imposes a substantial personal and economic burden to many working age individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the burden and impact of migraine on work productivity in selected workplaces in the Philippines.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among employees suspected or diagnosed with migraine February to May 2020. Volunteer employees were screened for migraine using the ID-Migraine™ test. Eligible employees were tested for migraine severity and impact on work productivity using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire. Quality of life was measured using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and additional questions on triggers, coping mechanisms, workplace assistance, and health care utilization were asked. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors of migraine disability (high – MIDAS Grade III/IV vs. low – MIDAS Grade I/II). Differences in quality of life scores by migraine disability were measured using multiple linear regression. Productivity costs lost to migraine disability were calculated as the number of days lost to migraine multiplied by the self-reported wage rate, and costs according to migraine severity were measured using a two-part generalized linear model.

Results

From around 24,000 employees who were invited to participate in the survey, 954 respondents provided consent and attempted to respond to the survey resulting to a response rate of around 4.1%. A total of 511 positive migraine screens were included in the final sample. Females comprised two-thirds of all positive migraine screens and were more likely to have high migraine disability (odds ratio: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.03–2.49) than males. Those with high migraine disability scored lower on role limitations compared to those with low migraine disability. Stress and looking at computer screens were cited as the top trigger for migraine, while sleeping enough hours and getting a massage were cited as top coping mechanisms. Three in four (77%) visited their company clinic within the past 3 months, which meant that most doctors seen for migraine-related symptoms were general practitioners. Five in six (85%) took medication for migraine, almost all of which were over-the-counter medications. Mean annual productivity costs lost due to migraine disability were PHP27 794 (USD556) per person.

Conclusion

Migraine poses a significant threat to work productivity in the Philippines. Many opportunities, such as disease management and introduction of alternative options for migraine treatment, may be introduced to help address these issues.
Variable selection from a feature representing protein sequences: a case of classification on bacterial type IV secreted effectors
Authors: Zhang Jian , Lv Lixin , Lu Donglei , Kong Denan , Al-Alashaari Mohammed Abdoh Ali , Zhao Xudong
Published: October 2020

Background

Classification of certain proteins with specific functions is momentous for biological research. Encoding approaches of protein sequences for feature extraction play an important role in protein classification. Many computational methods (namely classifiers) are used for classification on protein sequences according to various encoding approaches. Commonly, protein sequences keep certain labels corresponding to different categories of biological functions (e.g., bacterial type IV secreted effectors or not), which makes protein prediction a fantasy. As to protein prediction, a kernel set of protein sequences keeping certain labels certified by biological experiments should be existent in advance. However, it has been hardly ever seen in prevailing researches. Therefore, unsupervised learning rather than supervised learning (e.g. classification) should be considered. As to protein classification, various classifiers may help to evaluate the effectiveness of different encoding approaches. Besides, variable selection from an encoded feature representing protein sequences is an important issue that also needs to be considered.

Results

Focusing on the latter problem, we propose a new method for variable selection from an encoded feature representing protein sequences. Taking a benchmark dataset containing 1947 protein sequences as a case, experiments are made to identify bacterial type IV secreted effectors (T4SE) from protein sequences, which are composed of 399 T4SE and 1548 non-T4SE. Comparable and quantified results are obtained only using certain components of the encoded feature, i.e., position-specific scoring matix, and that indicates the effectiveness of our method.

Conclusions

Certain variables other than an encoded feature they belong to do work for discrimination between different types of proteins. In addition, ensemble classifiers with an automatic assignment of different base classifiers do achieve a better classification result.
Whole-genome resequencing provides insights into the evolution and divergence of the native domestic yaks of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Chai Zhi-xin , Xin Jin-wei , Zhang Cheng-fu , Dawayangla  , Luosang  , Zhang Qiang , Pingcuozhandui  , Li Chao , Zhu Yong , Cao Han-wen , Wang Hui , Han Jian-lin , Ji Qiu-mei , Zhong Jin-cheng
Published: October 2020

Background

On the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, known as the roof ridge of the world, the yak is a precious cattle species that has been indispensable to the human beings living in this high-altitude area. However, the origin of domestication, dispersal route, and the divergence of domestic yaks from different areas are poorly understood.

Results

Here, we resequenced the genome of 91 domestic yak individuals from 31 populations and 1 wild yaks throughout China. Using a population genomics approach, we observed considerable genetic variation. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the earliest domestications of yak occurred in the south-eastern QTP, followed by dispersal to the west QTP and northeast to SiChuang, Gansu, and Qinghai by two routes. Interestingly, we also found potential associations between the distribution of some breeds and historical trade routes such as the Silk Road and Tang-Tibet Ancient Road. Selective analysis identified 11 genes showing differentiation between domesticated and wild yaks and the potentially positively selected genes in each group were identified and compared among domesticated groups. We also detected an unbalanced pattern of introgression among domestic yak, wild yak, and Tibetan cattle.

Conclusions

Our research revealed population genetic evidence for three groups of domestic yaks. In addition to providing genomic evidence for the domestication history of yaks, we identified potential selected genes and introgression, which provide a theoretical basis and resources for the selective breeding of superior characters and high-quality yak.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the GRAS family genes respond to gibberellin in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots
Authors: Li Wenrui , Liu Chuangfeng , Liu Jingling , Bai Zhenqing , Liang Zongsuo
Published: October 2020

Background

Salvia miltiorrhiza is one of the most important traditional Chinese medicinal plants with high medicinal value. Gibberellins are growth-promoting phytohormones that regulate numerous growth and developmental processes in plants. However, their role on the secondary metabolism regulation has not been investigated.

Results

In this study, we found that gibberellic acid (GA) can promote hairy roots growth and increase the contents of tanshinones and phenolic acids. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed that many genes involved in the secondary metabolism pathway were the GA-responsive. After further analysis of GA signaling pathway genes, which their expression profiles have significantly changed, it was found that the GRAS transcription factor family had a significant response to GA. We identified 35 SmGRAS genes in S. miltiorrhiza, which can be divided into 10 subfamilies. Thereafter, members of the same subfamily showed similar conserved motifs and gene structures, suggesting possible conserved functions.

Conclusions

Most SmGRAS genes were significantly responsive to GA, indicating that they may play an important role in the GA signaling pathway, also participating in the GA regulation of root growth and secondary metabolism in S. miltiorrhiza.
Genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the self-flocculating microalga Scenedesmus obliquus AS-6-11
Authors: Chen Bai-Ling , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Ho Shih-Hsin , Chang Jo-Shu , Zhao Xin-Qing , Bai Feng-Wu
Published: October 2020

Background

Scenedesmus obliquus belongs to green microalgae and is widely used in aquaculture as feed, which is also explored for lipid production and bioremediation. However, genomic studies of this microalga have been very limited. Cell self-flocculation of microalgal cells can be used as a simple and economic method for harvesting biomass, and it is of great importance to perform genome-scale studies for the self-flocculating S. obliquus strains to promote their biotechnological applications.

Results

We employed the Pacific Biosciences sequencing platform for sequencing the genome of the self-flocculating microalga S. obliquus AS-6-11, and used the MECAT software for de novo genome assembly. The estimated genome size of S. obliquus AS-6-11 is 172.3 Mbp with an N50 of 94,410 bp, and 31,964 protein-coding genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses revealed 65 GO terms and 428 biosynthetic pathways. Comparing to the genome sequences of the well-studied green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella variabilis, Volvox carteri and Micractinium conductrix, the genome of S. obliquus AS-6-11 encodes more unique proteins, including one gene that encodes D-mannose binding lectin. Genes encoding the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall proteins, and proteins with fasciclin domains that are commonly found in cell wall proteins might be responsible for the self-flocculating phenotype, and were analyzed in detail. Four genes encoding both GPI-anchored cell wall proteins and fasciclin domain proteins are the most interesting targets for further studies.

Conclusions

The genome sequence of the self-flocculating microalgal S. obliquus AS-6-11 was annotated and analyzed. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the in-depth annotation of the S. obliquus genome, and the results will facilitate functional genomic studies and metabolic engineering of this important microalga. The comparative genomic analysis here also provides new insights into the evolution of green microalgae. Furthermore, identification of the potential genes encoding self-flocculating proteins will benefit studies on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype for its better control and biotechnological applications as well.
Molecular signature comprising 11 platelet-genes enables accurate blood-based diagnosis of NSCLC
Authors: Goswami Chitrita , Chawla Smriti , Thakral Deepshi , Pant Himanshu , Verma Pramod , Malik Prabhat Singh , Jayadeva  , Gupta Ritu , Ahuja Gaurav , Sengupta Debarka
Published: October 2020

Background

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective medical management of cancer patients. Tissue biopsy has been widely used for cancer diagnosis, but its invasive nature limits its application, especially when repeated biopsies are needed. Over the past few years, genomic explorations have led to the discovery of various blood-based biomarkers. Tumor Educated Platelets (TEPs) have, of late, generated considerable interest due to their ability to infer tumor existence and subtype accurately. So far, a majority of the studies involving TEPs have offered marker-panels consisting of several hundreds of genes. Profiling large numbers of genes incur a significant cost, impeding its diagnostic adoption. As such, it is important to construct minimalistic molecular signatures comprising a small number of genes.

Results

To address the aforesaid challenges, we analyzed publicly available TEP expression profiles and identified a panel of 11 platelet-genes that reliably discriminates between cancer and healthy samples. To validate its efficacy, we chose non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent type of lung malignancy. When applied to platelet-gene expression data from a published study, our machine learning model could accurately discriminate between non-metastatic NSCLC cases and healthy samples. We further experimentally validated the panel on an in-house cohort of metastatic NSCLC patients and healthy controls via real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) (AUC = 0.97). Model performance was boosted significantly after artificial data-augmentation using the EigenSample method (AUC = 0.99). Lastly, we demonstrated the cancer-specificity of the proposed gene-panel by benchmarking it on platelet transcriptomes from patients with Myocardial Infarction (MI).

Conclusion

We demonstrated an end-to-end bioinformatic plus experimental workflow for identifying a minimal set of TEP associated marker-genes that are predictive of the existence of cancers. We also discussed a strategy for boosting the predictive model performance by artificial augmentation of gene expression data.
HiCHap: a package to correct and analyze the diploid Hi-C data
Authors: Luo Han , Li Xinxin , Fu Haitao , Peng Cheng
Published: October 2020

Background

In diploid cells, it is important to construct maternal and paternal Hi-C contact maps respectively since the two homologous chromosomes can differ in chromatin three-dimensional (3D) organization. Though previous softwares could construct diploid (maternal and paternal) Hi-C contact maps by using phased genetic variants, they all neglected the systematic biases in diploid Hi-C contact maps caused by variable genetic variant density in the genome. In addition, few of softwares provided quantitative analyses on allele-specific chromatin 3D organization, including compartment, topological domain and chromatin loop.

Results

In this work, we revealed the feature of allele-assignment bias caused by the variable genetic variant density, and then proposed a novel strategy to correct the systematic biases in diploid Hi-C contact maps. Based on the bias correction, we developed an integrated tool, called HiCHap, to perform read mapping, contact map construction, whole-genome identification of compartments, topological domains and chromatin loops, and allele-specific testing for diploid Hi-C data. Our results show that the correction on allele-assignment bias in HiCHap does significantly improve the quality of diploid Hi-C contact maps, which subsequently facilitates the whole-genome identification of diploid chromatin 3D organization, including compartments, topological domains and chromatin loops. Finally, HiCHap also supports the data analysis for haploid Hi-C maps without distinguishing two homologous chromosomes.

Conclusions

We provided an integrated package HiCHap to perform the data processing, bias correction and structural analysis for diploid Hi-C data. The source code and tutorial of software HiCHap are freely available at https://pypi.org/project/HiCHap/.
Significant progressive heterobeltiosis in banana crossbreeding
Authors: Batte Michael , Nyine Moses , Uwimana Brigitte , Swennen Rony , Akech Violet , Brown Allan , Hovmalm Helena Persson , Geleta Mulatu , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: October 2020

Background

Heterobeltiosis is the phenomenon when the hybrid’s performance is superior to its best performing parent. Banana (Musa spp. AAA) breeding is a tedious, time-consuming process, taking up to two decades to develop a consumer acceptable hybrid. Exploiting heterobeltiosis in banana breeding will help to select breeding material with high complementarity, thus increasing banana breeding efficiency. The aim of this study was therefore to determine and document the level of heterobeltiosis of bunch weight and plant stature in the East African highland bananas, in order to identify potential parents that can be used to produce offspring with desired bunch weight and stature after a few crosses.

Results

This research found significant progressive heterobeltiosis in cross-bred ‘Matooke’ (highland cooking) banana hybrids, also known as NARITAs, when grown together across years with their parents and grandparents in Uganda. Most (all except 4) NARITAs exhibited positive heterobeltiosis for bunch weight, whereas slightly more than half of them had negative heterobeltiosis for stature. The secondary triploid NARITA 17 had the highest heterobeltiosis for bunch weight: 249% versus its ‘Matooke’ grandparent and 136% against its primary tetraploid parent. Broad sense heritability (across three cropping cycles) for yield potential and bunch weight were high (0.84 and 0.76 respectively), while that of plant stature was very low (0.0035). There was a positive significant correlation (P < 0.05) between grandparent heterobeltiosis for bunch weight and genetic distance between parents (r = 0.39, P = 0.036), bunch weight (r = 0.7, P < 0.001), plant stature (r = 0.38, P = 0.033) and yield potential (r = 0.59, P < 0.001). Grandparent heterobeltiosis for plant stature was significantly, but negatively, correlated to the genetic distance between parents (r = − 0.6, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Such significant heterobeltiosis exhibited for bunch weight is to our knowledge the largest among main food crops. Since bananas are vegetatively propagated, the effect of heterobeltiosis is easily fixed in the hybrids and will not be lost over time after the release and further commercialization of these hybrids.
Hepatic predominant presentation of Kawasaki disease in adolescence case report and review of literature
Authors: Pratap Krishan , Gardner Logan S. , Gillis David , Newman Martin , Wainwright Dana , Prentice Roger
Published: October 2020

Background

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is the most common paediatric vasculitis affecting small to medium arteries. Although the average age of diagnosis is 3.4 years with a well-defined clinical presentation, older patients with KD including adolescent and adult patients demonstrate a less classical presentation with prominent findings including hepatitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and arthralgia. We describe a case of an adolescent presentation of Kawasaki Disease presenting with a predominantly cholestatic hepatic picture.

Case presentation

We describe a case of KD in a 16-year-old Caucasian female with predominately hepatic disease that showed resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The formal diagnosis of KD was made on her 8th day of symptoms. She displayed classical symptoms commencing with fever, followed by peripheral desquamation, strawberry tongue, cervical lymphadenopathy. She became clinically jaundiced with evidence of hepatic artery narrowing on ultrasound that resolved with treatment. Her disease was biphasic and required further IVIG for non-hepatic symptoms. She did not develop coronary aneurysms.

Conclusion

Significant hepatic dysfunction with clinical jaundice is rare in KD without associated gall bladder hydrops and tends to occur in older patients. We describe such a case and review the five described cases in the literature. Diagnostic delay is more common in adolescent patients and given that the prognosis of KD is closely correlated to diagnostic timing and provision of care, it is important to consider Kawasaki Disease in older demographics especially with undiagnosed hepatic disease.
Prospective GERiatric Observational (ProGERO) study: cohort design and preliminary results
Authors: Saraiva Marcos Daniel , Rangel Luís Fernando , Cunha Julia Lusis Lassance , Rotta Thereza Cristina Ariza , Douradinho Christian , Khazaal Eugênia Jatene Bou , Aliberti Márlon Juliano Romero , Avelino-Silva Thiago Junqueira , Apolinario Daniel , Suemoto Claudia Kimie , Jacob-Filho Wilson
Published: October 2020

Background

The demographic changes in Brazil as a result of population aging is one of the fastest in the world. The far-reaching new challenges that come with a large older population are particularly disquieting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Longitudinal studies must be completed in LMICs to investigate the social and biological determinants of aging and the consequences of such demographic changes in their context. Therefore, we designed the Prospective GERiatric Observational (ProGERO) study, a longitudinal study of outpatient older adults in São Paulo, Brazil, to collect data both on aging and chronic diseases, and investigate characteristics associated with adverse outcomes in this population.

Methods

The ProGERO study takes place in a geriatric outpatient clinic in the largest academic medical center in Latin America. We performed baseline health examinations in 2017 and will complete subsequent in-person visits every 3 years when new participants will also be recruited. We will use periodic telephone interviews to collect information on the outcomes of interest between in-person visits. The baseline evaluation included data on demographics, medical history, physical examination, and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA; including multimorbidity, medications, social support, functional status, cognition, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, pain assessment, frailty, gait speed, handgrip strength, and chair-stands test). We used a previously validated CGA-based model to rank participants according to mortality risk (low, medium, high). Our selected outcomes were falls, disability, health services utilization (emergency room visits and hospital admissions), institutionalization, and death. We will follow participants for at least 10 years.

Results

We included 1336 participants with a mean age of 82 ± 8 years old. Overall, 70% were women, 31% were frail, and 43% had a Charlson comorbidity index score ≥ 3. According to our CGA-based model, the incidence of death in 1 year varied significantly across categories (low-risk = 0.6%; medium-risk = 7.4%; high-risk = 17.5%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The ProGERO study will provide detailed clinical data and explore the late-life trajectories of outpatient older patients during a follow-up period of at least 10 years. Moreover, the study will substantially contribute to new information on the predictors of aging, senescence, and senility, particularly in frail and pre-frail outpatients from an LMIC city.
Treatment delay in childhood pleural tuberculosis and associated factors
Authors: Gong Huai-Zheng , Han Chao , Yang Feng-Lian , Wang Chun-Fang , Wang Jun-Li , Wang Mao-Shui
Published: October 2020

Background

Delay in diagnosis and treatment worsens the disease and clinical outcomes, which further enhances the transmission of tuberculosis (TB) in the community. Therefore, this study aims to assess treatment delay and its associated factors among childhood pleural TB patients in China.

Methods

Between January 2006 and December 2019, consecutive patients aged ≤15 years with definite or possible pleural TB were included for analysis. Treatment delay duration was defined as the time interval from the onset of symptoms to treatment initiation and was stratified into two categories: < 30 days, ≥30 days (median delay day is 30 days). The electronic medical records of children were reviewed to obtain demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations, and radiographic findings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the factors associated with treatment delay in patients.

Results

A total of 154 children with pleural TB were included, with a mean age of 12.4 ± 3.3 years. The median treatment delay was 30 days (interquartile range, 10–60 days) and 51.3% (n = 79) of patients underwent a treatment delay. Multivariate analysis revealed that heart rate (≤92 beats/min, age-adjusted OR = 2.503, 95% CI: 1.215, 5.155) and coefficient of variation of red cell distribution width (RDW-CV, ≥12.9%, age-adjusted OR = 4.705, 95% CI: 2.048, 10.811) were significant risk factors for treatment delays in childhood pleural TB.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that a significant treatment delay occurs among children with pleural TB in China. Patients with a low heart rate or a high RDW-CV experienced delays in the initiation of anti-TB therapy. Therefore, well awareness of the associations between clinical characteristics and treatment delay may improve the management of children with pleural TB and enable us to develop preventive strategies to reduce the treatment delay.
miR-203 inhibits cell proliferation and ERK pathway in prostate cancer by targeting IRS-1
Authors: Meng Yang , Hu Xiaoyan , Li Shasha , Zeng Xinyi , Qiu Lei , Wei Mingtian , Wang Ziqing , Han Junhong
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common types of cancer in men. In the course of the development and progression of this disease, abnormal expression of miR-203 is usually accompanied. However, its role in prostate tumorigenesis and the underlying mechanism are poorly understood.

Methods

Dual luciferase reporter gene analysis was used to detect miR-203 binding site in insulin receptor substrates 1 (IRS-1). Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay in PCa cells with either IRS-1 knockdown or miR-203 overexpression. IRS-1 and other proteins expression in PCa cells was assessed by Western Blot.

Results

we found that the insulin receptor substrates 1 (IRS-1) is a novel target of miR-203 in PCa and miR-203 can specifically bind to the 3′UTR region of the IRS-1 thus suppresses its expression. Moreover, we demonstrate that miR-203 functions as a tumor suppressor by directly targeting IRS-1 to inhibit cell proliferation and migration which results in PCa cell cycle arrest. Importantly, miR-203 overexpression blocks ERK signalling pathway by down-regulating IRS-1 expression.

Conclusions

Our results show a novel link between miR-203 and IRS-1, and reveal the importance of strict control of IRS − 1 by miR-203 in the progression of PCa, suggesting miR-203 may act as a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of advanced PCa.
Upregulation of miR-205 induces CHN1 expression, which is associated with the aggressive behaviour of cervical cancer cells and correlated with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Liu Jianbing , Li Yunfeng , Chen Xihua , Xu Xiangbo , Zhao Haoqi , Wang Shufang , Hao Jianqing , He Bin , Liu Shuyan , Wang Jiedong
Published: October 2020

Background

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. However, the mechanisms mediating the development and progression of cervical cancer are unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the roles of microRNAs and a1-chimaerin (CHN1) protein in cervical cancer progression.

Methods

The expression of miR-205 and CHN1 protein was investigated by in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. We predicted the target genes of miR-205 using software prediction and dual luciferase assays. The expression of mRNAs and proteins was tested by qRT-PCR and western blotting respectively. The ability of cell growth, migration and invasion was evaluated by CCK-8 and transwell. Cell apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry analysis.

Results

We found that miR-205 and CHN1 were highly expressed in human cervical cancer tissue compared with paired normal cervical tissues. The CHN1 gene was shown to be targeted by miR-205 in HeLa cells. Interestingly, transfection with miR-205 mimic upregulated CHN1 mRNA and protein, while miR-205 inhibitor downregulated CHN1 in high-risk and human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative human cervical cancer cells in vitro,. These data suggested that miR-205 positively regulated the expression of CHN1. Furthermore, the miR-205 mimic promoted cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion in high-risk and HPV-negative cervical cancer cells, while the miR-205 inhibitor blocked these biological processes. Knockdown of CHN1 obviously reduced the aggressive cellular behaviours induced by upregulation of miR-205, suggesting that miR-205 positively regulated CHN1 to mediate these cell behaviours during the development of cervical cancer. Furthermore, CHN1 was correlated with lymph node metastasis in clinical specimens.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that miR-205 positively regulated CHN1 to mediate cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion during cervical cancer development, particularly for high-risk HPV-type cervical cancer. These findings suggested that dysregulation of miR-205 and subsequent abnormalities in CHN1 expression promoted the oncogenic potential of human cervical cancer.
Venous stasis retinopathy in a ten-year-old boy with ocular hypertension: a case report
Authors: Stingl Julia V. , Nunez Laura Ponce , Schuster Alexander K. , Hoffmann Esther M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Central retinal vein occlusion is a variable disease pattern. Preliminary stages of a complete occlusion of the central vein, wich are subsumed under the term venous stasis retinopathy, may occur as transient blurred vision and with subtle alterations of the fundus. Course and prognosis are benign, visual acuity usually recovers. By now, venous stasis retinopathy in children due to Valsalva maneuver has not been described in literature yet.

Case presentation

We present an impressive case of venous stasis retinopathy in a 10-year-old boy with ocular hypertension and megalocornea due to increased intraocular pressure provoked by Valsalva maneuver. Main symptom was transient blurred vision in the left eye. The intraocular pressure was 28 mmHg, fundus exam revealed tortuous veins and a flame shaped hemorrhage at 7 o’clock. Total recovery under topical antiglaucomatous therapy could be observed after 1 month.

Conclusions

Acute increase in intraocular pressure, provoked by Valsalva maneuver is a risk factor for venous stasis retinopathy. Further general and vascular risk factors should be ruled out by extensive examination. Children with ocular hypertension might be at higher risk for impending vein occlusion as shown in this case.
Classic Ehlers–Dalnos syndrome presenting as atypical chronic haematoma: a case report with novel frameshift mutation in COL5A1
Authors: Chiu Wei-Ching , Chen Shu-Huey , Lo Mei-Chen , Kuo Yung-Ting
Published: October 2020

Background

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and soft tissue vulnerable to blunt injury. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial to patients to provide appropriate treatment, as well as to screen for life-threatening conditions such as aortic dissection and hollow organ perforation. The diagnosis of EDS is made based on clinical presentations, skin biopsy, and electron microscopy findings. To date, mutations in at least 20 genes have been found to cause the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. However, EDS is still underestimated due to lack of awareness of its variable clinical presentations. Here we reported an EDS case with atypical initial presentation and a novel genetic mutation.

Case presentation

This 4-year-old Taiwanese male patient presented with easy bruising, multiple ecchymoses, joint hypermobility, hyperextensible skin, and prolonged pretibial haematoma. He was initially suspected of a bleeding tendency due to coagulation disorders. The coagulation test results were normal. DNA sequencing was performed for molecular diagnosis. Subsequently, the diagnosis of classical EDS was made by identifying a novel frameshift mutation in COL5A1 [NM_000093.4:c.4211_4212delAG, p.Gln1404Arg]. This mutation in the type V collagen gene COL5A1 contributes to the phenotype of classical EDS. This novel frameshift mutation may disturb the structural stability of collagen V and interfere with its heparin binding capacity, explaining the chronic haematoma.

Conclusion

The reported case showed the unusual features of chronic haematoma. This novel frameshift mutation and its phenotype correlation can provide useful information for practitioners about early recognition in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
Environmental, climatic and host population risk factors of human cystic echinococcosis in southwest of Iran
Authors: Ghatee Mohammad Amin , Nikaein Koorosh , Taylor Walter Robert , Karamian Mehdi , Alidadi Hasan , Kanannejad Zahra , Sehatpour Faezeh , Zarei Fateme , Pouladfar Gholamreza
Published: October 2020

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a worldwide zoonotic disease, is affected by various biological and environmental factors. We investigated dog/livestock populations, climatic and environmental factors influencing the distribution of human CE cases in Fars province, southwest Iran.

Methods

We mapped the addresses of 266 hospitalised CE patients (2004–2014) and studied the effects of different temperature models, mean annual rainfall and humidity, number of frosty days, slope, latitude, land covers, close proximity to nomads travel routes, livestock and dog densities on the occurrence of CE using geographical information systems approach. Data were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

In the multivariate model predicting CE, living in an urban setting and densities of cattle and dogs were the most important CE predictors, sequentially. Dry (rained) farm, density of camel and sheep, close proximity to nomads travel routes, humidity, and slope also were considered as the determinants of CE distribution, when analyzed independently. Slope had a negative correlation with CE while temperature, frost days and latitude were not associated with CE.

Conclusions

In our study, an urban setting was the most important risk factor and likely due to a combination of the high density of key life cycle hosts, dogs and livestock, a large human susceptible population and the high number of abattoirs. Farmland and humidity were highly suggestive risk factors and these conditions support the increased survival ofEchinococcus granulosuseggs in the soil. These findings support the development of strategies for control of disease. More research is needed test optimal interventions.
Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression among postpartum mothers in central region, Eritrea: a health facility based survey
Authors: Gebregziabher Nahom Kiros , Netsereab Tesfit Brhane , Fessaha Yerusalem Gebremeskel , Alaza Feven Andebrhan , Ghebrehiwet Nardos Kidane , Sium Aman Hadish
Published: October 2020

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that occurs within the first 12 months after delivery. It affects 20 to 40% of women living in the low-income countries. In resource limited countries discovering the predictors of PPD is important as it allows close follow-up and targeted screening of at risk mothers. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and predictors of PPD among recently delivered mothers in Central Region of Eritrea.

Methods

This study used analytical cross-sectional study design to evaluate the magnitude of and factors associated with postpartum depression among 380 randomly selected mothers. The study was conducted in four primary health care facilities of Zoba Maekel (Central Region), Eritrea. A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to capture the socio-demographic and maternity related information of the study participants. The standard Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition was used to assess depression. The dependent variable for this study was status of the mother with regard to PPD. The socio-demographic and maternity related variables of the mothers, presumed to influence the likelihood of developing postpartum depression, were the independent variables.

Results

In this study the prevalence of PPD was found to be 7.4%. Mother’s who are housewives were less likely to develop PPD (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06–0.97;p = 0.046), whereas, mothers with perceived low economic status (AOR = 13.33, 95% CI: 2.66–66.78;p = 0.002), lack of partner support (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.33–25.29;p = 0.019), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.24–9.28;p = 0.017), maternal illness after delivery (AOR = 7.42, 95% CI: 1.44–34.2;p = 0.016), and reside in Southwest-Asmara (AOR = 6.35, 95% CI: 1.73–23.23;p = 0.05) had statistically significant higher odds of postpartum depression.

Conclusions

In the current study setting, factors that associated with PPD are grouped in to two domains; the woman’s potential to bear the forthcoming responsibility and the social support they get after delivery. The findings of this study imply the need to introduce an active screening program for PPD the health facilities as part of the postpartum care.
Liver resections for metastasis: surgical outcomes of a single center academic institution
Authors: Abreu Phillipe , Ferreira Raphaella , Bussyguin Danilo Saavedra , DaCás Eduardo , Venkatasamy Vighnesh Vetrivel , Tomasich Flávio Daniel Saavedra , Szutan Luiz Arnaldo
Published: October 2020

Background

Hepatic metastasis are frequent and liver resection may be an option for some cases, despite the high complexity of the procedure and the possibility of postoperative complications.

Methods

This retrospective comparative descriptive study aims to evaluate a series of 86 consecutive liver resections (LRs) performed for the treatment of metastatic liver tumors, comparing the results between patients undergoing major and minor LR. All patients submitted to LR from October 2010 to July 2015 at the Erasto Gaertner Hospital in Curitiba-PR were included. Quantitative numerical variables were analyzed with the Student t-test. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test was used for numerical variables of non-normal distribution. Categorical variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test with Fisher's correction. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 23.0 and STATA 15 programs, being p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Eighty-six LR were performed, 56 cases by colorectal metastasis. The major LR corresponded to 68 cases, with 13.2% of Clavien-Dindo III–V complications and 2.9% of reoperation rate. Eighteen minor LR were performed and one patient had a postoperative complication requiring reoperation.

Conclusion

Preoperative elevation of transaminases and jaundice negatively influence surgical outcomes in patients undergoing LR. Tumors greater than 3 cm presented worse postoperative survival. Major LR did not significantly increase the surgical morbidity rate.

Institutional Review Board registration

1.122.319/2015