bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carriage of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae by healthy school children from two remote villages in western Cameroun
Authors: Fewou Simon Ngamli , Nankam Wlliam Leorel Nguekap , Lontsi Thérèse Ingrid , Djuikoue Ingrid Cécile
Published: March 2020

Background: Higher carriage rate of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have already been reported among healthy community children, thus can increases the risk of developing pathological infection. Since children are the most exposed population due to lack of hygiene knowledge, determining their carriage prevalence will limit the progression or development of those pathologies. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae carriage among children in remote villages of western Cameroon where healthcare structures are absent and the use of antibiotic consumption rare. Methods: A total of 110 fresh stool samples were collected from 110 healthy primary school children between ages 2 to 5 years old from two remote villages. Upon screening using selective agar media for ESBL, Enterobacteriaceae were identified using the Api 20E gallery. Antibiotic susceptibility was investigated using the disc diffusion technique and the ESBL production was determined using the double-disc synergy test. Chi-square test was used for comparison. Results: Children had no history of hospitalization and had not been subjected to antibiotic treatment three months prior to this study. Data analysis indicated a 22% carriage rate for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among school children. Overall, 24 (67%) out of 36 isolates were ESBL producers and 15 (61%) out of 24 being Escherichia coli . Other ESBL-producing bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae (3%) and Kluyvera spp (3%). We also isolated small proportion of bacteria showing resistance to high level cepholosporinase, which overall represented 33% of the total bacteria isolate. Conclusions: The higher carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in children from some isolated villages devoid of health care structure highlights the risk for resistance transmission between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. This study also indicates that farming conditions can induces resistance. The current result may contribute to design a therapeutic policy to curtail the emergence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in remote villages in western Cameroon.
Assessment of the spatio-temporal distribution of Hepatitis-a virus transmission in the state of Pará, Brazil
Authors: Leal Philipe Riskalla , Kampel Milton , Guimarães Ricardo José de Paula Souza e
Published: March 2020

The hepatitis-A virus (HAV) is a worldwide healthcare problem, mainly affecting countries with poor sanitation and socioeconomic conditions. Spatio-temporal analyses have become an important scientific asset for identifying the clustering of disease infection, providing support for planning interventions and control strategies. This study aims to determine the spatio-temporal variability of HAV infection and related population-based demographic factors in a endemic region.
The selected area of study was Pará state, Brazil. Brazilian Ministry of Health Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) epidemiological report, MS vaccination coverage and Brazilian National Sanitation System (SNIS) sanitation condition datum have been analyzed. Spatial (Moran and Local Moran index) and space-time scan statistics techniques have been applied over Pará state using SINAN database for the assessment of the hepatitis-A incidence for a period of 10 years (from 2008 up to 2017).
A total of 5500 cases has been reported. Gender specific incidence analysis indicated that men have higher risk of contamination than women. Sociodemographic (lack of sanitation), socioeconomic (municipality governments investments in infra-structure) presented relationship with the disease incidence. There have been evidences that extreme events of severe precipitation and severe droughs were also related to increase in hepatitis-A notification cases. Spatial statistics denoted a heterogeneous geographical structure in the disease`s incidence: isolated high and low HAV incidence clusters through the years, implying in a complex disease outbreak system that is partially controlled by public vaccination actions. Space-time scan statistics denoted that hepatitis-A incidence is highly attached to the public HAV vaccination program and to municipality specific social infrastructure. Lower incidence risk were majorly aggregated over the Nordeste Paraense and Metropolitana de Belém meso-regions.
Distinct clusters of hepatitis-A incidence have been found over the studied area (Pará state), and these clusters varied over the years centered at northwest and northeast meso-regions, mainly time-located prior to the national vaccination program start (prior to 2014). National public vaccination program has not been capable of erradicating the disease in the state. Further studies are required to better assess the relationship between climate change efffects over weather events and their relation to HAV transmission outbreaks.
Correlation analysis between CT findings and duration of initial symptoms in young and middle-aged patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia
Authors: Lin Liaoyi , Chen Shuangli , Xu Chongyong , Cao Guoquan , Tao Jiejie , Sun Houzhang , Fu Gangze , Huang Dingping , Qian Andan , Pang Peipei , Yang Xiaoming , Xia Jinglin , Wang MeiHao , Yang Yunjun
Published: March 2020

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the correlation between CT findings and duration of initial symptoms in young and middle-aged patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia.Materials and methods: From January 17, 2020 to February 4, 2020, of the 54 SARS-COV-2 infection cases, 48 cases (48/54,88.8%) were young and middle-aged patients under 60 years old. Finally, thirty-three patients under 60 years old with CT imaging were enrolled in this study, including 20 men and 13 women. Patients’ clinical data, including gender, age, infection exposure history, heating temperature, the initial symptoms and the duration, were recorded. The CT imaging features of pneumonia was scored. The number of lung lobe involvement and the length of the largest lesion were recorded. All above CT findings and clinical data were evaluated.Results: The median duration of initial symptoms was 3 days (range 0-7 days). The CT score and the length of the largest lesion showed statistically significant between the groups of initial symptom duration < 3 days and initial symptom duration ≥3 days (P<0.05). while age, gender, infection exposure history, fever temperature and the number of affected pulmonary lobes between the two groups had no significant difference (P>0.05). The duration of the initial symptom was positively correlated with both the CT score of pneumonia (r=0.502, P=0.003) and the length of the largest pneumonia lesion in the lung (r=0.506, P=0.003).Conclusion: The severity of pneumonia and the size of lesions were positively correlated with the duration of the initial symptom in young and middle-aged patients.
Distinct role of the CYP4F2 polymorphisms in determining the risk of HAPE among Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhao Yanli , Wang Haiyuan , Gan Guifen , Wang Rong , Long Qifu , Zhu Derui , Shen Guoping , Si Lining
Published: March 2020

Background: CYP4F2 is potentially associated with High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) risk by regulating inflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 and arachidonic acid. However, the role of CYP4F2 in HAPE susceptibility remains unknown. For the first time, we conducted a case-control study to assess the potential association of CYP4F2 gene variants (rs3093193, rs12459936, rs3093144 and rs3093110) with HAPE susceptibility in Chinese Han population.Methods: The study included 238 BC patients and 230 healthy controls from northwest China. The polymorphisms selected in CYP4F2 gene were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY system. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and P values were used to evaluate the relationship between the two.Results: In the allele model and genotype model of the overall analysis, rs3093193 was shown to reduce the risk of HAPE (P ＜ 0.05), while rs12459936 increased susceptibility to HAPE (P ＜ 0.05). Age stratified analysis revealed that rs3093193 and rs12459936 were correlated with HAPE risk at age > 32 years (P ＜ 0.05), and rs3093193 and rs3093110 were correlated with the HAPE risk at age ≤ 32 years (P ＜ 0.05). Gender stratification analysis found that rs3093193, rs12459936 and rs3093110 were all related to HAPE risk in males (P ＜ 0.05). Haplotype analysis illuminated that GCCG and CTC could increase HAPE risk at age ≤ 32 years and males, respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions: Our research confirmed that CYP4F2 genes polymorphisms were implicated in HAPE susceptibility in Chinese Han population.
Exploring Indonesian mothers' perspective on anemia during pregnancy: A qualitative approach
Authors: Darmawati Darmawati , Siregar Tongku Nizwan , Kamil Hajjul , Tahlil Teuku
Published: March 2020

Background: Anemia is a major problem experienced during pregnancy in Indonesia due to its effect on mothers and babies. Hence, various interventions have been implemented, but a significant reduction in the prevalence of anemia has not been attained. The present study, therefore, aims to investigate the perceptions of anemia among pregnant women in Aceh to design culturally relevant interventions.Methods: This qualitative study collected data from 24 pregnant women in Aceh Besar District, Indonesia, through focus group discussions (FGDs). Data were analyzed using the inductive content analysis (ICA) method.Results: Five themes emerged from the experiences of pregnant women with anemia: (1) anemia during pregnancy is perceived as a woman’s destiny, (2) there is a lack of knowledge related to clinical indicators of anemia, (3) there is a traditional taboo related to anemia, (4) the husband and family provide support related to preventing anemia, and (5) there is a need for cultural and religious-based health counseling.Conclusions: Interventions should be designed to provide health information on anemia in Aceh that considers the local knowledge, beliefs and values, combined with medical elements. This intervention will likely change the perceptions of pregnant women about anemia to ensure that they are able to better maintain their pregnancy. Furthermore, the implementation of programs to support pregnant women with anemia should ensure that health workers are adequately trained in cultural competency and are able to understand the needs of pregnant women.
Fertility intentions and the way they change following birth—a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Preis Heidi , Tovim Selen , Mor Pnina , Grisaru-Granovsky Sorina , Samueloff Arnon , Benyamini Yael
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Women's fertility intentions, their desired number of children and desired inter-pregnancy interval (IPI) are related to micro (personal) and macro (socio-cultural) level factors. We investigated factors that contribute to changes in women's fertility intentions in Israel, a developed country with high birth rates.Methods: Pregnant women (N=1163), recruited from prenatal clinics and hospitals in two major metropolitan areas, completed self-report questionnaires prenatally (≥24 weeks gestation) and postpartum (two months after childbirth). Women reported their socio-demographic background and obstetric history prenatally, their desired number of children and IPI at both time-points, and their objective and subjective birth experiences postpartum.Results: Findings indicated that background characteristics were related to prenatal fertility intentions. The strongest contributor to prenatal fertility intentions was degree of religiosity- the more religious women were, the more children they desired and the shorter their desired IPI. Women's postpartum fertility intentions were mostly consistent with their prenatal reports. In univariate analyses, emergency modes of delivery were associated with a decrease in the desired number of children and less satisfaction with birth was associated with desiring fewer children and increasing desired IPI. In multivariate analyses, only being very-religious, more educated, and previously giving birth decreased the likelihood of desiring fewer children. Greater birth satisfaction and giving birth for the first time decreased the likelihood of changing desired IPI.Conclusion: Having a negative birth experience could adversely affect women's fertility intentions, but in a pronatalist and medicalized birth culture, social pressures may decrease the effects of birth experiences on family planning.
For COPD, regulation of miR-515-5p by hsa_circ_0061052, acting via the FoxC1/Snail pathway, is involved in cigarette smoke-induced airway remodeling
Authors: Liu Qizhan , Ma Huimin , Lu Lu , Xiang Quanyong , Xia Haibo , Sun Jing , Xue Junchao , Xiao Tian , Cheng Cheng , Shi Aimin
Published: March 2020

BackgroundRegulatory networks involving non-coding RNA (ncRNA) are involved in various lung diseases. The function of circular RNA (circRNA), a recently recognized type of ncRNA, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has not been elucidated.MethodsWestern blots and cellular immunofluorescence are used to check molecular biological changes and molecular interactions in cells, bioinformatics tools and luciferase reporter genes are used to assess molecular binding relationships, immunohistochemical examination of mouse lung tissue-related proteins A mouse model of COPD was used to validate related concubine mechanisms.ResultsIn the present study, we aimed to determine whether hsa_circ_0061052 participates in the EMT of HBE cells and to elucidate its biological mechanism. Experiments with cultured cells and animals showed that exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or cigarette smoke (CS) induced the EMT and led to lung dysfunction and airway remodeling. For HBE cells and the lung tissues of CS-exposed mice, the expression of hsa_circ_0061052 was elevated. To verify the function of this circRNA, knocking it out in HBE cells reversed the CSE-induced EMT. We analyzed the regulatory relationship between hsa_circ_0061052 and miR-515-5p using bioinformatics, a luciferase reporter gene, and qRT-PCR. We found that hsa_circ_0061052 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and acted as a sponge for miR-515-5p. Assays with a luciferase reporter gene showed that miR-515-5p binds to the 3'UTR region of FoxC1 mRNA to inhibit its transcription. For HBE cells, overexpression of miR-515-5p reversed the CSE-induced EMT. In addition, hsa_circ_0061052 regulated the expression of FoxC1/Snail by competitively binding to miR-515-5p. When an hsa_circ_0061052 siRNA and an miR-515-5p inhibitor were co-transfected into HBE cells, the effect of hsa_circ_0061052 siRNA in reducing the EMT was reversed by the inhibitor; in animal models, this effect was also evident.ConclusionExperiments relating to the mechanisms of COPD airway remodeling due to the hsa_circ_0061052/miR-515-5p/FoxC1/Snail axis point to a biomarker for COPD and provide a basis for clinical application.
Risk factors threatening health care facilities in disasters and emergencies
Authors: Pourmohammadi Behrad , Heydari Ahad , Fatemi Farin , Modarresi Ali
Published: March 2020

Background: Iran is exposed to a wide variety of natural and man-made hazards. Health care facilities can play a significant role in providing lifesaving measures in the minutes and hours immediately following impact or exposure. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors threatening the preparedness of health care facilities in disasters and emergencies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Damghan, Semnan province in 2019. The samples consist of all the eleven health care facilities which are located in Damghan County. A developed checklist including 272 questions in four sections; understanding threatening hazards, functional, structural and non-structural vulnerability of health care facilities was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using STATA 11 software. The risk factors were determined and prioritized based on mean and total vulnerability score. Results: The results showed that the health care facilities were exposed to 22 different natural and man-made hazards throughout the county. The overall preparedness of the health care centers was 45%. The average functional, structural, and nonstructural vulnerability was assessed at 40.58%, 45.12%, and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed an average preparedness of the health care facilities in the studied area. Conducting the mitigation measures is necessary for reducing the structural and non-structural vulnerability. Disaster educational programs and exercises are recommended among the health staff in order to increase the functional capacity and enhance the preparedness in the HCFs at time of emergencies and disasters.
Negative self-beliefs mediate the relationship between depression and suicide ideation among the elderly population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheng Xinfeng , Bu He , Duan Wenjie
Published: March 2020

Background: High suicide risk among the aged population is a growing concern. Research has linked depression symptoms to suicidal ideation in the general population. The present study examines whether negative self-beliefs mediate the relationship between depression symptoms and suicide ideation.Methods: A sample of 67 elderly participants from nursing homes, ranging in age from 62 to 91 years (M = 80.00, SD = 6.67 years; three participants did not indicate the age), completed the Negative Self Belief Inventory, the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale, and the 7-item depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.Results: The results show that the associations between depression symptom, negative self-beliefs and suicide ideation were positive (r = .44 - .52, p < .001). Depression symptoms contributed another 13.70% explained variances. It independently explained another 5.7% variances beyond other variables to suicide ideation after the entering of negative self-belief (B = 0.126, t = 2.183, p < .05). The indirect effect of depression symptoms on suicide ideation through negative self-belief was significant (Effect = 0.223, 95% BCa CI = [0.034, 0.468]).Conclusion: Depression predicts suicide ideation via negative self -beliefs. The current study, incorporated theoretical assumptions and empirical findings in the context of Chinese culture into western prevalent suicide theories. Treatments focusing on restructuring negative self-beliefs are promising to reduce suicide in older adults in China. Future studies should test whether the mechanism in our study can transcend national and cultural boundaries.
Association of socioeconomic variables with bullying, being a victim, life dissatisfaction, and poor self-rated health in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study
Authors: Qorbani Mostafa , Rarani Mostafa Amini , Kasaeian Amir , Djalalinia Shirin , Nouri Kourosh , Rastad Hadith , Motlagh Mohammad Esmaeil , Heshmat Ramin , Kelishadi Roya
Published: March 2020

Background Bullying, being a victim of violent behaviors, life satisfaction (LS) and self-rated health (SRH) in children and adolescents, all have consistently been recognized as vital factors in school performance and future individual life. In this study we examined the association of some socioeconomic variables with bullying, being a victim, life dissatisfaction (LDS), and poor self-rated health (SRH) in Iranian children and adolescents.Methods This cross-sectional data secondary study was a part of the fifth Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable disease (CASPIAN-V) in 2015. A total of 14,400 students 7-18 years and their parents living in 30 provinces in Iran were studied. A validated questionnaire of the World Health Organization on Global School-based Health Survey (WHO-GSHS) was used to measure the outcomes and socioeconomic variables. Family’s socioeconomic status (SES) was determined using principle component analysis (PCA).The crude and adjusted odds ratios (95%CI) were estimated using multiple logistic regression for each outcome.Results A total of 14,274 students (50.6% boys, 49.4% girls)) completed the study. The prevalence of bullying, being a victim, LDS, and poor SRH was 35.6%, 21.4%, 21.1%, and 19.0% respectively. In multiple-logistic regression analysis, mother illiteracy (versus college degree) increased the odds of bullying (Adj.OR (95%CI), 1.77(1.45-2.16), being a victim (Adj.OR (95%CI),1.58(1.26-1.98), LDS (Adj.OR (95%CI),1.64 (1.30-2.08)) and Poor-SRH (Adj.OR (95%CI), 1.60(1.25-2.04). Students with illiterate father(Adj.OR (95%CI), 1.28(1.03-1.61) or unemployed father (Adj.OR (95%CI),1.58(1.29-1.81)) had a higher odds of Poor-SRH. Moreover, family size > 4 members (Adj.OR (95%CI), 1.14(1.03-1.25), and low-SES (Adj.OR (95%CI), 1.35(1.15-1.56), and illiteracy of mother (Adj.OR (95%CI), 1.64(1.30-2.08) had direct association with LDS. Living in a two- parent family decreased the odds of LDS (Adj.OR (95%CI), 0.76(0.61—0.95).Conclusions Some socioeconomic variables can be proposed as the main attribution of bullying and being a victim, LDS, and Poor-SRH in children and adolescents.
Schizophrenia patients with a metabolically abnormal obese phenotype have milder negative symptoms
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Yulong , Liu Zhiwei , Yang Yating , Zhong Yi , Ning Xiaoshuai , Zhang Yelei , Zhao Tongtong , Xia Lei , Geng Feng , Tao Rui , Fan Mei , Ren Zhenhua , Liu Huanzhong
Published: March 2020

Background: Schizophrenia patients with a metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) phenotype have been shown poor cardiovascular outcomes, but the characteristics of their current mental symptoms have not been characterized. This study mainly explored the psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia patients with the MAO phenotype.Methods: A total of 329 patients with schizophrenia and 175 sex- and age-matched people without schizophrenia from Anhui Province in China were enrolled. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the mental symptoms of the schizophrenia patients. The MAO phenotype was defined as meeting 1-4 metabolic syndrome criteria (excluding waist circumference) and having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m 2 . And, metabolically healthy normal-weight (MHNW) phenotype was defined as meeting 0 criteria for metabolic syndrome and 18.5 ≤ BMI < 24 kg/m 2.Results: Overall, 15.8% of the schizophrenia patients and 9.1% of the control group were consistent with the MAO phenotype, and the prevalence of MAO in the schizophrenia group was higher than that in the control group. Among the patients with schizophrenia, the MAO group had lower negative factor, cognitive factor and total PANSS scores than the MHNW group. However, when confounding factors were controlled, only the negative factor remained lower. The correlation analysis showed that the MAO phenotype was strongly correlated with C-peptide and insulin levels.Conclusion: we found that schizophrenia patients with the MAO phenotype had reduced negative symptoms, which may indicate an internal mechanism linking metabolic disorders and negative symptoms.Trial registration: This study was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registration Center (No. chiCTR 1800017044)
Patient and befriender experiences of participating in a befriending programme for adults with psychosis: A qualitative study.
Authors: Burn Erin , Chevalier Agnes , Leverton Monica , Priebe Stefan
Published: March 2020

Background Befriending is a popular form of volunteering in health care, and research suggests that it can be beneficial for people with mental illness. This study aimed to explore the experiences of a large sample of volunteer befrienders and patients who participated in the same befriending programme for individuals with psychosis.Methods A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 befrienders and 28 participating patients. All participants who had participated in at least one befriending session were invited to take part in an ending interview about their experiences. This aimed to include a wide range of views, including those who had withdrawn from the befriending programme. The data was analysed using Thematic Analysis.Results Four broad themes were developed from the analysis of the befriender and patient interviews: 1) Bridging the gap, 2) A genuine relationship that developed over time, 3) A big commitment, 4) A flexible approach.Conclusions The results indicate that a befriending programme for individuals with psychosis can be a worthwhile experience for both befrienders and patients. However it also requires perseverance, flexibility and patience. Different factors have to be considered in the development and management of a befriending programme to provide effective support to both befrienders and patients.Declaration of conflicting interests None
Further Development of the 12-item EDE-QS: Identifying a Cut-Point for Screening Purposes
Authors: Prnjak Katarina , Mitchison Deborah , Griffiths Scott , Mond Jonathan , Gideon Nicole , Serpell Lucy , Hay Phillipa
Published: March 2020

Background The Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS) was developed as a 12-item version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) with a 4-point response scale that assesses eating disorder (ED) symptoms over the preceding 7 days. It has demonstrated good psychometric properties at initial testing. The purpose of this brief report is to determine a threshold score that could be used in screening for probable ED cases in community settings. Methods Data collected from Gideon et al. (2016) were re-analyzed. In their study, 559 participants (80.86% female; 9.66% self-reported ED diagnosis) completed the EDE-Q, EDE-QS, SCOFF, and Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA). Discriminatory power was compared between ED instruments using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results A score of 15 emerged as the threshold that ensured the best trade-off between sensitivity (.83) and specificity (.85), and good positive predictive value (.37) for the EDE-QS, with discriminatory power comparable to other ED instruments. Conclusion The EDE-QS appears to be an instrument with good discriminatory power that could be used for ED screening purposes.
Evidence on the capacity of severe mental disorder patients to make well-founded decisions about their healthcare: a meta-review
Authors: Calcedo-Barba Alfredo , Fructuoso Ana , Raga José Martinez , Paz Silvia , de Carmona Manuel Sanchez , Pons Enric Vicens
Published: March 2020

Background Determining the mental capacity of psychiatric patients for making decisions regarding treatment acceptance or refusal is crucial in clinical practice. This meta-review of review articles comprehensively examines the current evidence on the capacity of patients with a mental illness to make well-founded medical care decisions. Methods Systematic review of literature review articles following PRISMA recommendations. PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL were electronically searched up to 30 September 2019. Free text searches and medical subject headings in English were combined. Publications were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The AMSTAR 2 tool was used to assess the quality of reviews. Results Thirteen publications were reviewed. In one review, up to 67% of patients in a mixed psychiatric population had capacity to decide about admissions; 71% (median) had capacity for making decisions about treatments. In another, community-dwelling or clinically stable psychiatric outpatients were close to non-psychiatric subjects in decision capacity performance. In a third review, people with psychosis had moderately impaired risk-reward decision-making ability compared with healthy individuals (g =-0.57, 95% CI: -0.66 to -0.48; I 2 45%), and were more likely to value rewards over losses (k = 6, N = 516, g = 0.38, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.70, I 2 64%) and to base decisions on recent rather than past outcomes (k = 6, N =516, g = 0.30, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.65, I 2 68%). In a fourth review, future care (crisis) planning led to a 40% reduction in the use of compulsory inpatient treatment over 15 to 18 months. In other reviews, patients with mental illness were able to provide valid preference measures and gave sufficiently consistent answers regarding their preferred treatments. Decision-making responded favourably to interventions. The publications complied satisfactorily with the AMSTAR 2 critical domains. Conclusions Whilst impairments in decision-making capacity may exist, most patients with a severe mental disorder are able to make rational decisions about their care. Best practice strategies should help mentally ill patients grow into voluntary and safe users of medications, enabling them to keep a sense of control over their lives and enhancing their health-related quality of life.
A meta-analysis of the association between RGS4 gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia
Authors: Xu Feng-ling , Wu Xue , Liu Li , Xia Xi , Li Ya , Yao Jun , Wang Bao-jie
Published: March 2020

Background: Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. Regulator of G-protein signaling 4 ( RGS4 ) is regarded as a candidate gene for schizophrenia risk. The association between the RGS4 gene and the risk of schizophrenia is complicated and controversial, thus, an updated meta-analysis is needed. Methods: A search strategy using Medical Subject Headings was developed in English (PubMed, SZGene) and Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang and Weipu) databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen for eligible studies. Parameters, such as P -value of Hardy − Weinberg equilibrium ( P HWE ), odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), P -values of association ( P z ,), heterogeneity ( P h ), and publication bias ( P e ), were analyzed by the Stata software using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed to detect heterogeneity. Results: There were 15 articles regarding rs10917670 (8,046 cases and 8,837 controls), 16 regarding rs951436 (8,990 cases and 10,568 controls), 15 regarding rs951439 (7,995 cases and 8,646 controls), 15 regarding rs2661319 (8,320 cases and 9,440 controls), and 4 regarding rs10759 (2,752 cases and 2,866 controls). The frequencies of rs10917670 and rs951439 were not significantly different between the case and control groups (p > 0.05). As shown by the East Asian and hospital-based subgroup analyses, the genotype TT of rs951436 might be related to the risk of schizophrenia. The genotypes CC+CT of rs2661319 and CC+CA of rs10759 were statistically different between the two groups, and the East Asian population contributed to these differences. Conclusion: The genotypes CC+CT of rs2661319 and CC+CA of rs10759 might be associated with the risk of schizophrenia.
Risk factors analysis and stratification for microscopically positive resection margin in gastric cancer patients
Authors: kumazu yuta , Hayashi Tsutomu , Yoshikawa Takaki , Yamada Takanobu , Hara Kentaro , Shimoda Yota , Nakazono Masato , Nagasawa Shinsuke , Shiozawa Manabu , Morinaga Soichiro , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Ogata Takashi , Oshima Takashi
Published: March 2020

Background: Cancer cells are often found postoperatively at surgical resection margins (RM) in patients with gastric cancer because of submucosal infiltration or hesitation to secure adequate RM. This study was designed to evaluate risk factors for microscopic positive RM and to clarify which patients should undergo intraoperative frozen section diagnosis (IFSD). Methods: Patients who underwent R0/1 gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2018 in a single cancer center in Japan were studied. We divided the patients into a positive RM group and negative RM group according to the results of definitive histopathological examinations. We performed multivariate analysis to analyze risk factors for positive RM by and used the identified risk factors to risk stratify the patients. Results: A total of 2757 patients were studied, including 49 (1.8%) in the positive RM group. The risk factors significantly associated with positive RM were remnant gastric cancer (odds ratio [OR] 4.7), esophageal invasion (OR 6.3), tumor size ≥80 mm (OR 3.9), and a histopathological diagnosis of undifferentiated type (OR 3.6), macroscopic type 4 (OR 3.7), or pT4 disease (OR 4.6). On risk stratification analysis, the incidence of positive RM was 0.1% without any risk factors, increasing to 0.4% with one risk factor, 3.1% with two risk factors, 5.3% with three risk factors, 21.3% with four risk factors, and 85.7% with five risk factors. Conclusions: The risk of macroscopically positive RM increased in patients who have risk factors. IFSD should be performed in patients who have four or more risk factors.
Asthma control level in Finland among asthmatics with smoking history: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Helin Timo
Published: March 2020

Surprisingly little is known about asthma control level of smoking asthmatics. The aim of this study was to investigate asthma control level, according to GINA guidelines, among asthmatics with smoking history.One hundred and ninety asthmatics from primary care were investigated. The patients were current or ex-smokers with history of 10 or more pack-years. They completed a questionnaire, with questions set according to the GINA guidelines, so that their asthma control level (well controlled, partly controlled, uncontrolled) according to GINA could be determined.According to GINA guidelines, 66 (34.7%) patients had their asthma well controlled, 81 (42.6%) had their asthma partly controlled, and 43 (22.6%) were uncontrolled. Current smokers had more often uncontrolled asthma than ex-smokers OR 2.54 (95%CI 1.25-5.14, p=0.01). Patients with asthma exacerbation during the previous year had uncontrolled asthma more often than the patients without exacerbation OR 2.17 (95%CI 1.06-4.47, p=0.04), and patients with FEV1 < 80% of predicted had their asthma more often uncontrolled than patients with FEV1 > 80% of predicted OR 2.04 (95%CI 1.02-4.08, p=0.04).Primary care asthmatic patients who are either current or ex-smokers, are often not well controlled. The asthma control level was associated with current smoking status. Therefore, every attempt should be made to get smoking asthmatics to quit smoking.
Value of visceral fat area in normal body mass index (BMI) patients is a predictive factor for peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Mao Chenchen , Shi Mingming , Chen Hui , Xu Libin , Huang He , Shen Xian
Published: March 2020

Background Although peritoneal metastasis (PM) is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer (GC) patients, it is difficult to discriminate preoperatively. Our previous study has demonstrated visceral fat area (VFA) is a better obesity index than body mass index (BMI) in predicting abdominal metastasis. Aim This study aimed to further explore the relationship between obesity and PM. Methods VFA was retrieved for 859 consecutive patients undergoing radical gastrectomy between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the BMI-specific cutoff values for VFA. Univariate and multivariate analyses evaluating the risk factors for PM at different BMI levels were performed. Results The optimal cutoff values for VFA were 67.28, 88.03, and 175.32 cm 2 for low, normal, and high BMI patients, respectively, and 18 (15.52%), 220 (40.15%), and 61 (31.28%) patients were classified as having high VFA in each group. Univariate logistic regression revealed that the association between high VFA and PM was not dependent on BMI (odds ratio [OR]=9.048, P=0.007 for low BMI, OR=3.827, P<0.001 for normal BMI, and OR=2.460, P=0.049 for high BMI). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, high VFA (OR=3.816, P<0.001) and vascular invasion (OR=1.951, P=0.039) were independent risk factors for PM only in the normal BMI group. Conclusions VFA only effectively predicted PM for GC patients with normal BMI, rather than those with low and high BMI. More attentions should be paid to those GC patients with high VFA and normal BMI.
The prognostic value of long non-coding RNA PlncRNA-1 in patients with cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Lijun , Sheng Lianbing , Wu Lingyuan , Liu Jiaojing , Wei Bin , Liu Song , Xue Zhiwei , Yang Huijun
Published: March 2020

Background We performed this meta-analysis to elucidate whether the expression of PlncRNA-1 might serve as an effective prognostic marker for various cancers. Methods We conducted a database search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science and CNKI database (up to Oct 31, 2019). The pooled hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the strength of the relationship between PlncRNA-1 expression and the clinical prognosis of cancer patients. Results The results showed that elevated PlncRNA-1 expression predicted a poor OS with pooled HRs of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.25-1.63, I 2 =63.1%, P=0.004). Likewise, we found that advanced tumour stages were associated with upregulated PlncRNA-1 expression in various cancer types (III–IV vs I–II: OR=2.79, 95% CI: 1.76-4.41, I 2 =0%, P=0.822),patients with high PlncRNA-1 expression might have an increased risk of large tumours (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.31-3.14, I 2 =67.1%, P=0.028). Conclusions PlncRNA-1 might be used as a prognostic biomarker and as a tool for the early detection of various tumours.
Prognostic factors and treatment strategy for metastatic myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Shinoda Yusuke , Kobayashi Eisuke , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Mori Tomoaki , Asano Naofumi , Nakayama Robert , Morioka Hideo , Iwata Shintaro , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Ishii Takeshi , Hiruma Tohru , Kawai Akira , Kawano Hirotaka
Published: March 2020

Background Myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) has the tendency to metastasize extrapulmonary. Although prognostic factors at initial diagnosis of MLS have been reported, those at diagnosis of metastasis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for disease-specific survival at the initial diagnosis of metastasis. Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at three cancer centers and two university hospitals in Japan. Of 274 MLS patients pathologically diagnosed between 2001 and 2015, 48 metastatic patients were examined. Results Lung metastases were detected in nine patients (18.8%) and extrapulmonary metastases in 45 (93.8%). Interval from primary diagnosis to metastases was significantly shorter in patients with lung metastases than without ( p = 0.007). Median disease-specific survival after diagnosis of metastases was 52.5 months in all patients. In multivariable analysis, liver metastasis (hazard ratio (HR), 2.71 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–7.09]) and no evidence of disease (NED) achieved by radical treatment (resection with or without radiation therapy, or radiation therapy ≥60 Gy) or semi-radical (radiation therapy ≥40 Gy) treatment were significantly related to survival (HR, 0.36; 95%CI [0.13–0.95]). The number of metastases (odds ratio (OR), 0.44; 95%CI [0.25–0.78]) and abdominal/retroperitoneal metastases (OR, 0.09; 95%CI [0.008–0.95]) were the significant inhibitory factors of achieving NED. Conclusions This is the first study to statistically demonstrate the importance of achieving NED with surgical resection or radiation therapy for longer survival in metastatic MLS patients. As number of metastases was a significant factor for achieving NED, early detection of metastases might be important.
Clinical features and laboratory inspection of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in Xiangyang, Hubei 
Authors: Cao Weiliang , Shi Li , Chen Lin , Xu Xuemei , Wu Zirong
Published: March 2020

Background: Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) rapidly spread in China, reached multiple continents currently.We aimed to reveal the infectious characteristics of COVID-19 that provide more information for the research of novel coronavirus. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on the clinical characteristics of 128 COVID-19 cases with laboratory-confirmed from Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital during January 2020 to 16 February 2020.Results: Female patients account for 53.1%. The aged below 20 years that accounts for 1.6% of overall patients. The aged in 21~50, 51~65, over 66 years were accounts for 44.5%, 35.1%,18.8%, respectively. In the difference age spectrum, all severe groups compared with non-severe groups were difference significantly ( P < 0.01 ). Fever ( 89.8% ) and Cough ( 67.2% ) were common clinical symptoms. The rate of patients with sore throats (14.1%) was rare. The rate of chest computed tomography scan showing ground glass opacity in overall, non-severe, severe groups were 63.3%, 60.7%, 76.2%, respectively. White blood cell counts in the normal range of overall patients, but severe group patients were increased significantly ( P < 0.01). Lymphocytes of overall patients were decreased. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the normal range of overall patients, but its were elevated in the severe group. Creatinine (CR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of overall patients in the normal range. C-reactive protein (CRP) level of all patients were increased markedly, but it in the severe group was significantly higher than that in the non-severe group ( P < 0.01 ).Conclusions: Our data provide more information that advanced age, lower lymphocytes levels at the diagnosed COVID-19 patients may be a risk factor for unfavourable prognosis. The white blood cells and C-reactive protein level elevated in severe COVID-19 patients may be accompanying bacterial infection. 2019-nCov may be carries a risk factor of impaired liver and kidney function.
LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION AS THE MAIN FACTORS OF TRADE SUCCESS
Authors: Saher L. , Vakulishyna I.
Published: March 2020

The issue of logistics locations and distribution policies is already well known, but few have considered them at the same time. Such different and at the same time close parts of the firm's activity are quite well combined in the notion of trade logistics. At the present time, many works (textbooks, articles) are known regarding this type of logistics. Everything is considered in the complex and little attention is paid to the components of the system. What makes it necessary to consider its components in more detail. This article describes the location of logistics and distribution policies as one of the key factors for success. The main purpose is to uncover the interaction of these areas of activity and integrate them in the concept of trade logistics.

Keywords:
logistics, marketing distribution policy, success factors, trade logistics.
CONNECTIONS SMART GRIDS CONCEPT WITH UPDATES OF UKRAINIAN HEAT POWER
Authors: Vakulenko I. , Kolosok S.
Published: March 2020

The article deals with the question of potential possibilities of using the smart grid concept in the heat power industry of Ukraine. The main obstacles that limit the development of smart grid in the heat and power complex of Ukraine are identified. Possible ways of development of the centralized system of heat supply of settlements on the basis of analogy with models of the district heat supply of the EU Member States are characterized. The factors identified as activation of which will facilitate the joint development of smart energy networks and the heat supply system in Ukraine.

Key words: heat power, smart grids, models of district heating
ECONOMIC SECURITY AS A CONDITION OF EFFICIENT FUNCTIONING OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Onischenko M. , Dutchenko O. , Shpitshuz S.
Published: March 2020

The article is devoted to the actual issues of providing economic security of the enterprise. Investigated the concept of economic security of the enterprise and its components have been analyzed. The article analyzes the international experience of ensuring economic security of enterprises. Risks and threats to the economic security of enterprises are classified and the stages of forming a financial risk management system are defined. The necessity of an integrated approach to ensuring economic security as a factor in the effective functioning of the enterprise is suggested.
Keywords: economic security, enterprise, threats, classification of risks, financial risk management.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION AS A DRIVER PROVIDING FINANCIAL SECURITY IN UKRAINE
Authors: Zakharkin O. , Boronos V. , Zakharkina L. , Tverezovska O.
Published: March 2020

Theoretical approaches to defining the concept of financial inclusion are considered. It is determined that financial inclusion and the public and business confidence in the financial and credit system are driving factors for directing savings into the investment sector, reducing the level of shadow economy, increasing the financial stability of economic entities, and, as a consequence, increasing the level of government revenues and financial security ensuring. Theoretical and methodological foundations of financial inclusion spreading as a driver of financial security of Ukraine are investigated. Key words: financial inclusion, financial security, financial literacy, financial services.
MULTICULTURALISM AS A DERIVATIVE PHENOMENON OF LABOR MIGRATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Khomutenko L. , Ieremenko O
Published: March 2020

The article explores the essence of multiculturalism and its place in the politics of the European Union. This article looks at aspects of the impact of migration flows on countries of the world and world politics. It reveals the scope and main directions of international labor migration. The purpose of the article is to investigate the economic
indicators of the countries most affected by irregular migration flows and to develop practical recommendations for improving the mechanisms of employment in international relations. Analyzing and summarizing the results of scientific works and research of domestic and foreign scholars, the tendency of characteristic changes of
multiculturalism as part of cultural relations was considered. Several consequences of international labor migration from different countries are described. The importance of multiculturalism policy for international economic relations has been proved. Particular attention is paid to the problems and prospects of multicultural policy development in EU countries.
Keywords: multiculturalism, migration, labor migration, emigration, immigration, economic migrants.
Generalized Gibbs Ensemble and string-charge relations in nested Bethe Ansatz
Authors: Fehér Gyorgy , Pozsgay Balázs
Published: March 2020

The non-equilibrium steady states of integrable models are believed
to be described by the Generalized Gibbs Ensemble (GGE), which involves
all local and quasi-local conserved charges of the model. In this work
we investigate integrable lattice models solvable by the nested Bethe
Ansatz, with group symmetry SU(N)SU(N),
N\ge 3N≥3.
In these models the Bethe Ansatz involves various types of Bethe
rapidities corresponding to the “nesting” procedure, describing the
internal degrees of freedom for the excitations. We show that a complete
set of charges for the GGE can be obtained from the known fusion
hierarchy of transfer matrices. The resulting charges are quasi-local in
a certain regime in rapidity space, and they completely fix the rapidity
distributions of each string type from each nesting level.