bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of religious belief on Chinese elderly health
Authors: Chen Yucheng , Zhao Yuxiao , Wang Zengwen
Published: May 2020

Background

With the accelerated ageing of the population in China, the health problems of elderly people have attracted much attention. Although religious belief has been shown to be a key way to improve the health of elderly people in various studies, little is known about the causal relationship between these variables in China. This paper explores the effect of religious belief on the health of elderly people in China, which will provide an important reference for China to achieve healthy ageing.

Methods

Balanced panel data collected between 2012 and 2016 from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) were used. Health was assessed using self-rated health, and religious belief was measured by whether the respondents believed in a religion. The DID+PSM method was employed to solve the endogeneity problem caused by self-selection and omitted variables. In addition, the CESD score (replacing self-rated health) and different matching methods (the method of PSM after DID method) were used to perform the robustness test.

Results

The results show that religious belief has no significant effect on the health of elderly people. With the application of different matching methods (one-to-one matching, K-nearest neighbour matching, radius matching and kernel matching) and replacing the health indicator (the CESD score) with the above matching methods, the results are still robust.

Conclusion

In China, religious belief plays a limited role in promoting “healthy ageing”, and it is difficult to improve the health of elderly people only via religious belief. Therefore, except for focusing on the guidance of religion with regard to healthy lifestyles, multiple measures need to be taken to improve the health of elderly people.
Prevalence and determinants of the dangerous selfie among medical and nursing students: a cross-sectional study from eastern India
Authors: Behera Priyamadhaba , Singh Arvind Kumar , Bhatia Vikas , Preeti P. S. , Kumar Rishav , Das Satyajeet , Tholia Rupesh , Ghosh Ritajyoti , Kumar Sandeep , Safiya K. S. , Purohit Rojismita , Bansal Raman
Published: May 2020

Background

Globally, there has been an exponential rise in smartphone use and selfie taking among youth. To make selfies exciting, dangerous selfies are often taken that may lead to catastrophic consequences, including death. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of dangerous selfies and to determine the factors associated with dangerous selfies among medical and nursing students in India.

Methods

The study was conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, India, in April–August 2018. The inclusion criteria were students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and nursing courses of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Students who did not use smartphones were excluded from the study. The interview schedule and Selfitis Behaviour Scale (SBS) were used to collect information on sociodemographic variables, smartphone use and variables related to selfies and dangerous selfies. Forward stepwise logistic regression was undertaken with the probability of entry and removal as 0.05 and 0.10, respectively.

Results

Of 633 eligible participants, 595 were included in the study. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 21.2 (1.6) years. More than half (56.8%) of the participants were female, 384 (64.5%) were medical students and 211 (35.5%) were nursing students. Nearly two-thirds of the participants (70.6%) preferred to take selfie. One hundred thirty three (40.3%) of the participants posted selfies on social media daily. The prevalence of dangerous selfies was 8.74% (95% CI: 6.73–11.28). Eight injury episodes while taking selfies were reported by seven (1.2%) participants. Being male (AOR 4.96, 95% CI 2.53–9.74), posting selfies on social media daily (AOR 3.33, 95% CI 1.71–6.47) and an SBS score > 75 (AOR 4.97, 95% CI 1.43–17.28) were independent predictors of dangerous selfies.

Conclusion

Nearly one in ten medical and nursing students reported having taken a dangerous selfie, and one in one hundred reported having been injured while attempting to take a selfie. Being male, posting selfies on social media daily and an SBS score > 75 were independent predictors of dangerous selfies. Further research is required to identify the community burden of dangerous selfies and to develop strategies to prevent selfie-related fatalities among youths.
Radial neck fracture or Monteggia equivalent lesion: delayed radial head subluxation in an adolescent and review of literature
Authors: Xu Lujie , Ye Wensong
Published: May 2020

Background

Monteggia equivalent lesion represents a series of combined elbow and forearm injuries that resemble typical Monteggia fracture either in presentation or mechanism. The term has gradually evolved since its introduction, as sporadic case reports continued to complement it. The aim of this study was to present a furthermore type of that lesion which no previous study had reported and arouse pediatric orthopedists’ additional awareness of it.

Case presentation

A 11-year-old girl, whose injury pattern initially appeared to be a mild radial neck fracture with undisplaced proximal ulnar fracture, and without radial head dislocation, was treated with closed reduction and long-arm splint immobilization. Acceptable results were acquired at first-week follow-up, yet dramatic changes turned up 2 weeks later when the dislocated radial head was found. A further reduction to the fracture and joint site only resulted in a subluxated and incongruous radiocapitellar joint on the three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Then a definitive operation was performed, which involved a Boyd incision, correction of radial head tilting, opening wedge osteotomy of the proximal ulna and proper fixation respectively. And acceptable results were achieved 1 year later.

Conclusions

This case, with occult proximal ulna fracture, angulated radial neck fracture, subsequent radiocapitellar dislocation, and articular incongruity, was deemed as a rare Monteggia type-one equivalent fracture-dislocation variant rather than an ordinary radial neck fracture and it facilitates further understanding and management of the Monteggia fracture.
Formation rate of secondary anal fistula after incision and drainage of perianal Sepsis and analysis of risk factors
Authors: He Zongqi , Du Jun , Wu Kaiwen , Chen Jiajia , Wu Bensheng , Yang Jianhua , Xu Zhizhong , Fu Zhihui , Pan Li , Wen Ke , Wang Xiaopeng
Published: May 2020

Background

The choice of surgery for perianal sepsis is currently controversial. Some people advocate one-time radical surgery for perianal sepsis, while others advocate incision and drainage. The objective of this study is to observe the formation probability of secondary anal fistula after incision and drainage in patients with perianal sepsis and determine factors that contribute to secondary anal fistula after incision and drainage.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted in 288 patients with perianal sepsis who were treated with anorectal surgery in the Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to June 2018. The patients were followed by telephone, physical examination, and pelvic MRI examination for at least 1 year after surgery.

Results

Three patients were not followed, 98 patients did not receive surgical treatment or one-time radical surgery for perianal sepsis, and 187 patients were ultimately identified for the study. Anal fistula was present in 105 patients, and the rate of formation of secondary anal fistula was 56.15%. There was no statistically significant difference in the fistula formation rate between different types of sepsis (P>0.05). And, in patients with secondary anal fistula, there was no significant correlation between the location of sepsis and the type of secondary anal fistula (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The incidence of secondary anal fistula after incision and drainage of perianal sepsis is 56.15%, which is lower than the incidence found in previous study. Young is a risk factor for secondary anal fistula after incision and drainage of perianal sepsis. There is no significant correlation between the location of sepsis and the type of secondary anal fistula. Simple incision and drainage is a suitable choice for patients with acute perianal sepsis.
Serum omentin-1 level in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: He Haiqing , Wu Shuiqing , Hao Jun , Wang Long , Ai Kai , Zhu Xuan , Xu Ran , Zhao Xiaokun , Wang Yinhuai , Zhong Zhaohui
Published: May 2020

Backgroud

To evaluate the relationship between omentin-1 and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the most common urological disease in elderly men worldwide. Lower serum omentin-1 levels were reported to be negatively associated with the incidence of inflammation, diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, which all play a role in the development of BPH. To the best of our knowledge, the relationship between omentin-1 and BPH has not been investigated previously.

Methods

A total of 70 males participated in this study, including forty patients diagnosed with BPH and thirty healthy males. The anthropometric measurements and the biochemical parameters were measured in this study. We evaluated serum omentin-1 levels and the correlation with those data. We also test the gene expression of IL-8, IL-18 in BPH group using the TURP tissues.

Results

The serum omentin-1 levels were lower in the BPH patients than in the control group (27.95 ± 4.18 versus 32.03 ± 5.46, p < 0.001). The general characteristics and biochemical parameters were investigated, and a negative correlation was found between serum omentin-1 levels and BMI in the BPH group (r = − 0.391, p = 0.013) as well as the whole group (r = − 0.457, p < 0.001). Multiple-factor binary regression analysis revealed that serum omentin-1was a protective factor of BPH development. Furthermore, lower serum omentin-1 levels were associated with higher mRNA expression of IL-8 or IL-18 in the BPH group.

Conclusion

Omentin-1 may suppress the development of BPH and Lower serum omentin-1 levels in BPH patients might associated with higher prostate volume and higher IL-8 and IL-18 expression levels in their prostatic cells.
Process optimization and effect of thermal, alkaline, H2O2 oxidation and combination pretreatment of sewage sludge on solubilization and anaerobic digestion
Authors: Siami Salar , Aminzadeh Behnoush , Karimi Razieh , Hallaji Seyed Mostafa
Published: May 2020

Background

This study investigated the feasibility of enhancing anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge with triple, dual, and individual pretreatment of waste activated sludge with heat, alkalinity, and hydrogen peroxide. These pretreatments disrupt sludge flocs, organisms’ cell walls, extracellular polymeric substance, and intracellular organic matter, which increase biodegradability and hydrolysis rate of activate sludge. In addition, the influence of various variables on methane production was analyzed using the response surface methodology with the quadratic model. Eventually, an optimized temperature and chemical concentration for the highest methane production and lowest chemical usage is suggested.

Results

The highest amount of methane production was obtained from the sludge pretreated with triple pretreatment (heat (90 °C), alkaline (pH = 12), and hydrogen peroxide (30 mg H2O2/g TS)), which had better performance with 96% higher methane production than that of the control sample with temperature of 25 °C approximately and a pH = 8. Response surface methodology with a quadratic model was also used for analyzing the influence of temperature, pH, and hydrogen peroxide concentration on anaerobic digestion efficiency. It was revealed that the optimized temperature, pH, and hydrogen peroxide concentration for maximizing methane production and solubilization of sludge and minimizing thermal energy and chemical additives of the pretreatments are 83.2 °C, pH = 10.6 and 34.8 mg H2O2/g TS, respectively, has the desirability of 0.67.

Conclusion

This study reveals that triple pretreatment of waste activated sludge performed better than dual and individual pretreatment, respectively, in all desirable output parameters including increasing methane production as the most important output, increasing in COD solubilization, protein and polysaccharide, and decreasing in VSS solubilization.
Feel4Diabetes healthy diet score: development and evaluation of clinical validity
Authors:   on behalf of the Feel4Diabetes research group, Virtanen Eeva , Kivelä Jemina , Wikström Katja , Lambrinou Christina-Paulina , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Huys Nele , Vraukó-Tóth Katalin , Moreno Luis A. , Usheva Natalya , Chakarova Nevena , Rado Sándorné A. , Iotova Violeta , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Cardon Greet , Liatis Stavros , Manios Yannis , Lindström Jaana
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this paper is to present the development of the Feel4Diabetes Healthy Diet Score and to evaluate its clinical validity.

Methods

Study population consisted of 3268 adults (63% women) from high diabetes risk families living in 6 European countries. Participants filled in questionnaires at baseline and after 1 year, reflecting the dietary goals of the Feel4Diabetes intervention. Based on these questions the Healthy Diet Score was constructed, consisting of the following components: breakfast, vegetables, fruit and berries, sugary drinks, whole-grain cereals, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, oils and fats, red meat, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and family meals. Maximum score for each component was set based on its estimated relative importance regarding T2DM risk, higher score indicating better quality of diet. Clinical measurements included height, weight, waist circumference, heart rate, blood pressure, and fasting blood sampling, with analyses of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Analysis of (co) variance was used to compare the Healthy Diet Score and its components between countries and sexes using baseline data, and to test differences in clinical characteristics between score categories, adjusted for age, sex and country. Pearson’s correlations were used to study the association between changes from baseline to year 1 in the Healthy Diet Score and clinical markers. To estimate reproducibility, Pearson’s correlations were studied between baseline and 1 year score, within the control group only.

Results

The mean total score was 52.8 ± 12.8 among women and 46.6 ± 12.8 among men (p <  0.001). The total score and its components differed between countries. The change in the Healthy Diet Score was significantly correlated with changes in BMI, waist circumference, and total and LDL cholesterol. The Healthy Diet Score as well as its components at baseline were significantly correlated with the values at year 1, in the control group participants.

Conclusion

The Feel4Diabetes Healthy Diet Score is a reproducible method to capture the dietary information collected with the Feel4Diabetes questionnaire and measure the level of and changes in the adherence to the dietary goals of the intervention. It gives a simple parameter that associates with clinical risk factors in a meaningful manner.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02393872. Registered March 20, 2015.
Knowledge and attitude of reproductive age group (15–49) women towards Ethiopian current abortion law and associated factors in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
Authors: Bantie Getasew Mulat , Aynie Amare Alamirew , Assefa Mihret kassa , Kasa Ayele Semachew , Kassa Tigabu Birhan , Tsegaye Gebiyaw Wudie
Published: May 2020

Background

Unsafe abortion accounts for nearly 60% of all gynecologic admissions and almost 30% of all obstetric and gynecologic admissions. Studies on abortion in Ethiopia have given less attention to women’s perceptions and experiences of abortion laws. Although the 2005 revised abortion law allows women to access safe abortion services, still unsafe abortion is one of the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess women’s knowledge and attitude towards the Ethiopian current abortion law in Bahir Dar City Administration.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study using a systematic random sampling technique was carried out among 403 randomly selected reproductive age women using a pre-tested structured questionnaire in Bahir Dar City Administration from May to June /2017. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 software. Logistic regression was done to identify the possible factors associated with women’s knowledge and attitude towards the Ethiopian current abortion law.

Results

Three hundred eighty-six respondents partook with a response rate of 95.7%. The study showed that 43% had good knowledge and 38% had a favorable attitude towards the Ethiopian current abortion law. Women’s in the age group of 25–29 years (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.02, 6.9), partner’s educational status of primary (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.19, 7.08), secondary (AOR = 5.5, 95% CI: 2.09, 14.4) and college and above (AOR = 8.2, 95% CI: 2.3, 28.6) were significantly associated with good knowledge of the Ethiopian current abortion law. While partner’s educational status; college and above (AOR = 6.15, 95% CI: 1.87, 20.22) was significantly associated with the favorable attitude towards the Ethiopian current abortion law.

Conclusions

43% of respondents had good knowledge and 38% had a favorable attitude towards the Ethiopian current abortion law. Forty-nine respondents had a history of abortion of which, 8 occurred through induction. Woman’s age and partner’s education determine the status of knowledge while merely; the partner’s educational status of college and above was significantly associated with the attitude towards Ethiopian current abortion law, respectively.
Traditional and complementary medicine use among Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone: a qualitative exploratory study of the perspectives of healthcare workers providing care to Ebola survivors
Authors: James Peter Bai , Wardle Jon , Steel Amie , Adams Jon , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Sevalie Stephen
Published: May 2020

Background

Considerable number of patients, including Ebola survivors, in Sierra Leone, are using traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM). Healthcare providers’ (HCPs) views about T&CM is crucial in addressing the increased need for T&CM among patients. However, healthcare providers’ views about T&CM in Sierra Leone is unknown. Our study explores healthcare providers’ knowledge of and perception towards T&CM and how that influence their personal and professional T&CM use, communication with Ebola survivors about T&CM as well as its integration into the healthcare system in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We employed a qualitative exploratory study design using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 15 conveniently sampled HCPs in all four geographical regions of Sierra Leone. We analysed our data using thematic network analysis framework.

Results

Healthcare providers perceived their knowledge about T&CM to be low and considered T&CM to be less effective and less safe than conventional medicine as well as not evidence-based. HCPs perception of T&CM as non-scientific and their lack of knowledge of T&CM were the key barriers to HCPs’ self-use and recommendation as well as their lack of detailed discussion about T&CM with Ebola survivors. HCPs are open to T&CM integration into mainstream healthcare in Sierra Leone although at their terms. However, they believe that T&CM integration could be enhanced by effective professional regulation of T&CM practice, and by improving T&CM evidenced-based knowledge through education, training and research.

Conclusion

Changing HCPs’ negative perception of and increasing their knowledge about T&CM is critical to promoting effective communication with Ebola survivors regarding T&CM and its integration into the healthcare system in Sierra Leone. Strategies such as educational interventions for HCPs, conducting rigorous T&CM research, proper education and training of T&CM practitioners and effective professional regulation of T&CM practice could help in that direction.
20-Hydroxyecdysone ameliorates metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction in high-fat-high-fructose-fed ovariectomized rats
Authors: Buniam Jariya , Chukijrungroat Natsasi , Rattanavichit Yupaporn , Surapongchai Juthamard , Weerachayaphorn Jittima , Bupha-Intr Tepmanas , Saengsirisuwan Vitoon
Published: May 2020

Background

Ecdysteroids are polyhydroxylated steroids present in invertebrates and plants. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) is the most common and the main biologically active compound of ecdysteroids. Previous studies have demonstrated anabolic and metabolic effects of 20E in mammals. However, it is unknown whether 20E has a positive effect on all aspects of cardiometabolic syndrome. The aims of this study were to investigate the favorable effect and possible underlying mechanisms of 20E in a rat model of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) induced by a high-calorie diet combined with female sex hormone deprivation.

Methods

20E (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 20 mg/kg) or pioglitazone (PIO) (10 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered to sham-operated Sprague-Dawley female rats and ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat-high-fructose diet (OHFFD) for 8 weeks. The phenotypic characteristics of CMS, including central adiposity, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, glucose tolerance, insulin action on skeletal muscle glucose transport activity and hepatic protein expression, were determined.

Results

Some CMS characteristics were improved by 20E treatment. Rats treated with 20E had lower body weight, abdominal fat accumulation than rats treated with vehicle control without changes in total caloric intake and fat-free mass. OHFFD rats exhibited high blood pressure, but 20E-treated rats maintained normal blood pressure with a lower level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. Although 20E showed no positive effect on inducing insulin-mediated glucose transport in the skeletal muscle of OHFFD rats, 20E improved whole body glucose homeostasis. Analysis of protein expression in livers from 20E-treated rats revealed significantly increased expression of pAkt Ser473, pFOXO1 Ser256, pAMPKα Thr172, and FGF21.

Conclusion

20E treatment can alleviate cardiometabolic disorder caused by a high-fat-high-fructose diet and female sex hormone deprivation. In particular, 20E helps improve whole body insulin sensitivity in OHFFD rats, and the mechanisms that underlie this favorable effect are potentially mediated by the activation of AMPK and FGF21. The present study indicates that 20E could be an alternative therapeutic option for the prevention and alleviation of cardiometabolic syndrome.
Implementation of sexual and gender minority health curricula in health care professional schools: a qualitative study
Authors: Pratt-Chapman Mandi L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people—inclusively termed “sexual and gender minorities”—have unique health and health care needs that are not being met by most healthcare providers due to lack of training in health care professional schools. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine implementation factors for advancing sexual and gender minority health professional student curricula in academic settings.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were conducted with sixteen curricular champions to identify factors relevant to curricular adoption, integration, and sustainment. Themes were coded using a hybrid of deductive and inductive approaches and reported using major CFIR domains.

Results

Facilitators supporting implementation of sexual and gender minority health curricula included collaboration among multiple stakeholders, alignment of formal and hidden curricula, fostering an organizational culture that valued inclusion and diversity, engagement with external subject matter experts or faculty with content expertise, and thoughtful and inclusive planning.

Conclusion

This study contributes to health care professional education research as well as to implementation science. Facilitators that were identified in this study can be used to increase the adoption, integration, and sustainment of sexual and gender minority health curricula in diverse academic settings.
GP trainees’ perceptions on learning EBM using conversations in the workplace: a video-stimulated interview study
Authors: Welink Lisanne S. , de Groot Esther , Pype Peter , Van Roy Kaatje , van den Wittenboer Iris D. , Bartelink Marie-Louise E. L. , Damoiseaux Roger A. M. J.
Published: May 2020

Background

To be able to practice evidence-based medicine (EBM) when making decisions for individual patients, it is important to learn how to combine the best available evidence with the patient’s preferences and the physician’s clinical expertise. In general practice training, these skills can be learned at the workplace using learning conversations: meetings between the supervising general practitioner (GP) and GP trainee to discuss medical practice, selected topics or professional performance. This study aimed to give insight into the perceptions of GP trainees on their EBM learning processes during learning conversations.

Methods

We held semi-structured video-stimulated elicitation interviews (n = 22) with GP trainees affiliated to GP training institutes in the Netherlands and Belgium. GP trainees were shown fragments of their learning conversations, enabling reflection during the interview. Taking an inductive approach, interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed with NVivo software.

Results

GP trainees perceived learning conversations as useful for learning and discussing EBM. Multiple EBM learning activities were identified, such as discussing evidence together, relating evidence to cases in daily practice and discussing the supervisor’s experience and the specific local context in the light of what the evidence recommends. However, for learning to occur, trainees need and expect specific behaviour, both from their supervisors and themselves. Supervisors should supply well-substantiated answers that are applicable in practice and give the trainee confirmation. In turn, the trainee needs to prepare well in order to ask focused, in-depth questions. A safe space allowing equal and open discussion between trainee and supervisor is perceived as an essential context for optimal EBM learning.

Conclusions

Our findings show that trainees find learning conversations useful for EBM learning in general practice. To bring EBM learning to its full potential, attention should be paid to optimising the behavioural and contextual factors found relevant to enhancing EBM learning.
Influence of nurse and midwife managerial leadership styles on job satisfaction, intention to stay, and services provision in selected hospitals of Rwanda
Authors: Ngabonzima Anaclet , Asingizwe Domina , Kouveliotis Kyriakos
Published: May 2020

Background

Nurses and midwives are a critical part of the healthcare team and make up the largest section of health professionals. Leadership styles are believed to be an important determinant of job satisfaction and retention making effective leadership within nursing and midwifery crucial to health systems success. In Rwanda, there are gaps in knowledge of managerial leadership styles of nurses and midwives and the influence of these styles on job satisfaction and retention for nurses and midwives who report to them, as well as their influence on the provision of health services. This study describes the managerial leadership styles adopted by nurses/midwives and examines the relationship between managerial leadership styles and job satisfaction, intention to stay, and service provision.

Methods

The Path-Goal Leadership questionnaire was adopted and used to collect data on leadership styles while other questionnaires with high validity and reliability were used to collect data on job satisfaction, intention to stay and service provision. The study involved 162 full-time nurses and midwives practicing in 5 selected hospitals with a minimum of 6 months of experience working with their current direct managers. Regression analysis was used to draw conclusions on relationships between variables.

Results

Nurses and midwives managers were more inclined to the directive leadership style followed by a supportive leadership style, and the participative leadership style. The nurse and midwife’s managerial leadership styles together significantly explained 38, 10 and 23% of the variance in job satisfaction, intention to stay and service provision, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that managerial leadership styles play a substantial role in enhancing job satisfaction, intention to stay and service provision.

The implication for nursing and midwifery management

There is a need to develop a comprehensive formal professional continuous development course on leadership styles and ensure that all nurses and midwives managers benefit from this course prior to or immediately after being appointed as a manager. Having such a course may even prepare future leaders for their role early in their career. Effective leadership in nursing and midwifery should be enhanced at all levels to improve the job satisfaction of nurses and midwives, address the issue of retention in their respective health facilities and strengthen service provision.
Smoking is associated with a higher risk of unplanned medical visits among adult patients with diabetes, using retrospective electronic medical record data from 2014 to 2016
Authors: Selya Arielle , Johnson Eric L. , Weber Tess L. , Russo Jaymi , Stansbury Cheryl , Anshutz Drake , Griese Emily , Hsu Benson
Published: May 2020

Background

Smoking exacerbates the complications of diabetes, but little is known about whether patients with diabetes who smoke have more unplanned medical visits than those who do not smoke. This study examines the association between smoking status and unplanned medical visits among patients with diabetes.

Methods

Data were drawn from electronic medical records (EMR’s) from a large healthcare provider in the Northern Plains region of the US, from adult (≥18 years old) patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who received care at least once during 2014–16 (N = 62,149). The association between smoking status (current, former, or never smoker) and having ≥1 unplanned visit (comprised of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, hospital observations, and urgent care) was examined after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). The top ten most common diagnoses for unplanned visits were examined by smoking status.

Results

Both current and former smoking were associated with an approximately 1.2-fold increase in the odds of having at least one unplanned medical visit in the 3-year period (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.16–129; OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.19–1.28, respectively), relative to never-smokers. Most common diagnoses for all patients were pain-related. However, diagnoses related to musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders were more common among smokers. Smoking is associated with a higher rate of unplanned medical visits among patients with diabetes in this regional healthcare system.

Conclusions

Results from this study reveal higher rates of unplanned visits among smokers and former smokers, as well as increased frequencies of unplanned medical visits among current smokers.
Expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in feline mammary gland carcinomas: association with pathological characteristics and clinical outcomes
Authors: Chen Bo , Lin Susanne Je-Han , Li Wen-Ta , Chang Hui-Wen , Pang Victor Fei , Chu Pei-Yi , Lee Chin-Cheng , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Wu Ching-Ho , Jeng Chian-Ren
Published: May 2020

Background

The microenvironment within solid malignant tumors, including feline mammary gland carcinomas (FMGCs), is commonly hypoxic, possibly due to the lack of functional blood vessels in rapidly proliferating neoplastic tissue. Malignant cells can undergo genetic and adaptive changes that prevent them from dying due to oxygen deprivation through expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, HIF-1α and VEGF are ideal biomarkers for cancer therapy and prognostic evaluation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in feline mammary carcinomas and analyze their correlations with clinical and pathological factors, such as clinical stage, histologic grading, regional metastasis, and overall survival rate.

Results

Paraffin-embedded tissue samples collected from 72 cats with FMGCs were retrospectively studied. Histologic pattern and histologic grading (Elston and Ellis grading system) of these FMGCs were determined. Our data indicated that grade II tubulopapillary carcinomas (43/72, 59.7%) prevailed in this study, and most FMCGs showed apparent necrosis, squamous metaplasia, and intratumoral stromal response. According to the results of immunohistochemical (IHC) stainings performed in tissue microarrays (TMAs), HIF-1α and VEGF overexpressions were respectively noted in 69.4% (50/72) and 77.8% (56/72) of FMGC cases. Chi-square test showed no correlation of HIF-1α overexpression with clinical and pathological factors. VEGF overexpression was significantly correlated with histologic pattern (p = 0.021), stromal response (p = 0.048), squamous metaplasia (p = 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.007). However, neither HIF-1α nor VEGF overexpression was correlated with histologic grading and metastasis. Of 38 cats with 1-year follow-up, IHC stainings of HIF-1α and VEGF were performed on whole tissue sections. The results showed that overexpression of HIF-1α was significantly correlated with the overall survival rate (p < 0.05) (log-rank test), whereas there was no significant correlation between VEGF overexpression and overall survival rate.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the overexpression of HIF-1α may indicate poor prognosis/overall survival rate in cats with FMGCs. Developing compounds that inhibit HIF-1α may be a potential approach to FMGC treatment.
Characterization of Clostridium novyi isolated from a sow in a sudden death case in Korea
Authors: Jeong Chang-Gi , Seo Byoung-Joo , Nazki Salik , Jung Byung Kwon , Khatun Amina , Yang Myeon-Sik , Kim Seung-Chai , Noh Sang-Hyun , Shin Jae-Ho , Kim Bumseok , Kim Won-Il
Published: May 2020

Background

Multifocal spherical nonstaining cavities and gram-positive, rod-shaped, and endospore-forming bacteria were found in the liver of a sow that died suddenly.Clostridium novyitype B was identified and isolated from the sudden death case, and the isolate was characterized by molecular analyses and bioassays in the current study.

Results

C. novyiwas isolated from the liver of a sow that died suddenly and was confirmed asC. novyitype B by differential PCR. TheC. novyiisolate fermented glucose and maltose and demonstrated lecithinase activity, and the cell-free culture supernatant of theC. novyiisolate exhibited cytotoxicity toward Vero cells, demonstrating that the isolate produces toxins. In addition, whole-genome sequencing of theC. novyiisolate was performed, and the complete sequences of the chromosome (2.29 Mbp) and two plasmids (134 and 68 kbp) were identified for the first time. Based on genome annotation, 7 genes were identified as glycosyltransferases, which are known as alpha toxins; 23 genes were found to be related to sporulation; 12 genes were found to be related to germination; and 20 genes were found to be related to chemotaxis.

Conclusion

C. novyitype B was isolated from a sow in a sudden death case and confirmed by biochemical and molecular characterization. Various virulence-associated genes were identified for the first time based on whole-genome sequencing.
Prevalence of Dal blood type and dog erythrocyte antigens (DEA) 1, 4, and 7 in canine blood donors in Italy and Spain
Authors: Proverbio Daniela , Lubas George , Spada Eva , Medina Valentin Anyela Andrea , Viñals Florez Luis Miguel , del Rosario Perlado Chamizo Maria , Perego Roberta , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Ferro Elisabetta , Baggiani Luciana , Gavazza Alessandra , Blais Marie-Claude
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Dal, and DEA 1, 4, 7 blood types, in a population of canine blood donors from Italy and Spain. Three hundred and twenty blood donor dogs receiving an annual health evaluation were included in the study. DEA 1 blood type was determined using an immunochromatographic strip technique while Dal, DEA 4 and 7 blood types were determined with polyclonal antisera using agglutination on gel columns.

Results

Out of 320 dogs blood typed 7 (2 Cane Corso and 5 Doberman Pinschers) (2.2%) were Dal negative; 137 (42.8%) were positive for DEA 1; 320 (100%) were positive for DEA 4 and 43 (13.4%) were positive for DEA 7.

Conclusion

This study showed a similar prevalence of DEA 1, 7 and 4 to that reported in previous studies in the same, and in different, geographic areas, and provides new data on the prevalence of the Dal blood group in Italy and Spain. There was no significant difference (P = 0.8409) between prevalence of Dal negative blood types found in our population (2.2%) and the prevalence reported in a canine blood donor population from the USA (2.5%). Our study identified Dal negative dogs in a previously tested breed i.e. Doberman Pinschers, but also the Cane Corso breed was found to have Dal negative dogs.
Modulation of human platelet activation and in vivo vascular thrombosis by columbianadin: regulation by integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out but not outside-in signals
Authors: Hou Shaw-Min , Hsia Chih-Wei , Tsai Cheng-Lin , Hsia Chih-Hsuan , Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Velusamy Marappan , Sheu Joen-Rong
Published: May 2020

Background

Columbianadin (CBN) is one of the main coumarin constituents isolated from Angelica pubescens. The pharmacological value of CBN is well demonstrated, especially in the prevention of several cancers and analgesic activity. A striking therapeutic target for arterial thrombosis is inhibition of platelet activation because platelet activation significantly contributes to these diseases. The current study examined the influence of CBN on human platelet activation in vitro and vascular thrombotic formation in vivo.

Methods

Aggregometry, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopic analysis, fibrin clot retraction, and thrombogenic animals were used in this study.

Results

CBN markedly inhibited platelet aggregation in washed human platelets stimulated only by collagen, but was not effective in platelets stimulated by other agonists such as thrombin, arachidonic acid, and U46619. CBN evidently inhibited ATP release, intracellular ([Ca2+]i) mobilization, and P-selectin expression. It also inhibited the phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC)γ2, protein kinase C (PKC), Akt (protein kinase B), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK] 1/2, but not p38 MAPK) in collagen-activated platelets. Neither SQ22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, nor ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, reversed the CBN-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation. CBN had no significant effect in triggering vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation. Moreover, it markedly hindered integrin αIIbβ3 activation by interfering with the binding of PAC-1; nevertheless, it had no influences on integrin αIIbβ3-mediated outside-in signaling such as adhesion number and spreading area of platelets on immobilized fibrinogen as well as thrombin-stimulated fibrin clot retraction. Additionally, CBN did not attenuate FITC-triflavin binding or phosphorylation of proteins, such as integrin β3, Src, and focal adhesion kinase, in platelets spreading on immobilized fibrinogen. In experimental mice, CBN increased the occlusion time of thrombotic platelet plug formation.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that CBN exhibits an exceptional activity against platelet activation through inhibition of the PLCγ2-PKC cascade, subsequently suppressing the activation of Akt and ERKs/JNKs and influencing platelet aggregation. Consequently, this work provides solid evidence and considers that CBN has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of thromboembolic disorders.
Reappraisal on pharmacological and mechanical treatments of heart failure
Authors: Liang Bo , Zhao Yu-Xiu , Zhang Xiao-Xiao , Liao Hui-Ling , Gu Ning
Published: May 2020

Heart failure (HF) is a highly frequent disorder with considerable morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality; thus, it invariably places pressure on clinical and public health systems in the modern world. There have been notable advances in the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of HF, and newly developed agents and devices have been widely adopted in clinical practice. Here, this review first summarizes the current emerging therapeutic agents, including pharmacotherapy, device-based therapy, and the treatment of some common comorbidities, to improve the prognosis of HF patients. Then, we discuss and point out the commonalities and areas for improvement in current clinical studies of HF. Finally, we highlight the gaps in HF research. We are looking forward to a bright future with reduced morbidity and mortality from HF.
High triglyceride-glucose index is associated with subclinical cerebral small vessel disease in a healthy population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nam Ki-Woong , Kwon Hyung-Min , Jeong Han-Yeong , Park Jin-Ho , Kwon Hyuktae , Jeong Su-Min
Published: May 2020

Background

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a marker of insulin resistance (IR) and has been associated with various metabolic syndromes, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. However, limited information is available regarding its association with subclinical cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the TyG index and cSVD, including silent brain infarcts (SBIs) and white matter hyperintensity (WMH).

Methods

We assessed health check-up participants aged 40–79 years from 2006 to 2013. The TyG index was calculated using the log scale of fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2. The Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. This was compared with two insulin surrogates and cSVD as another IR indicator and compared the association between two insulin surrogates and cSVD. SBI was measured for both prevalence and burden. The WMH volume was quantitatively rated using a computer-assisted semi-automated technique.

Results

A total of 2615 participants were evaluated (median age: 56 years, male sex: 53%). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the TyG index was seen to be associated with SBI prevalence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.81). Further quantitative analyses showed a positive dose–response relationship between the TyG index and SBI burden (P for trend = 0.006). In multivariable linear regression analysis, the TyG index was also found to be related to the volume of WMH (β = 0.084; 95% CI = 0.013 to 0.154). Additionally, the TyG index showed a similar or slightly stronger association with the prevalence of SBI and the volume of WMH than did HOMA-IR.

Conclusions

A high TyG index was associated with a higher prevalence and burden of cSVD in a neurologically healthy population. This marker of IR could be a convenient and useful predictor of cSVD.
Comprehensive dissection of dispensable genomic regions in Streptomyces based on comparative analysis approach
Authors: Bu Qing-Ting , Li Yue-Ping , Xie Huang , Wang Jue , Li Zi-Yue , Chen Xin-Ai , Mao Xu-Ming , Li Yong-Quan
Published: May 2020

Background

Large-scale genome reduction has been performed to significantly improve the performance of microbial chassis. Identification of the essential or dispensable genes is pivotal for genome reduction to avoid synthetic lethality. Here, taking Streptomyces as an example, we developed a combinatorial strategy for systematic identification of large and dispensable genomic regions in Streptomyces based on multi-omics approaches.

Results

Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the model strains including S. coelicolor A3(2), S. albus J1074 and S. avermitilis MA-4680 were preferred reference for comparative analysis of candidate genomes. Multiple genome alignment suggested that the Streptomyces genomes embodied highly conserved core region and variable sub-telomeric regions, and may present symmetric or asymmetric structure. Pan-genome and functional genome analyses showed that most conserved genes responsible for the fundamental functions of cell viability were concentrated in the core region and the vast majority of abundant genes were dispersed in the sub-telomeric regions. These results suggested that large-scale deletion can be performed in sub-telomeric regions to greatly streamline the Streptomyces genomes for developing versatile chassis.

Conclusions

The integrative approach of comparative genomics, functional genomics and pan-genomics can not only be applied to perform a multi-tiered dissection for Streptomyces genomes, but also work as a universal method for systematic analysis of removable regions in other microbial hosts in order to generate more miscellaneous and versatile chassis with minimized genome for drug discovery.
FENDRR suppresses cervical cancer proliferation and invasion by targeting miR-15a/b-5p and regulating TUBA1A expression
Authors: Zhu Yunheng , Zhang Xiaohua , Wang Lifeng , Zhu Xiuxiang , Xia Ziyin , Xu Ling , Xu Jun
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous literature has revealed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators for cell functions and gene expression. LncRNA fetal-lethal non-coding developmental regulatory RNA (FENDRR) was reported as a biological suppressor in several types of human cancers, yet relevant mechanisms and biological effects of FENDRR with regards to cervical cancer (CC) are not explored until now.

Methods

In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis detected gene expression in tissues and cells. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments revealed the biological effects of FENDRR and miR-15a/b-5p on CC cell functions. Bioinformatics tools were used to predict the relevant genes. Mechanism experiments including RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, pull down assay and luciferase reporter assay depicted the binding situation and coexistence of indicated genes.

Results

FENDRR was downregulated in CC tissues and cells, which suppressed CC progression. MiR-15a-5p and miR-15b-5p shared binding sites with FENDRR and had interaction with FENDRR. Tubulin alpha1A (TUBA1A) was downregulated in CC tissues and positively modulated by FENDRR. TUBA1A was the target of miR-15a/b-5p. TUBA1A silencing rescued the effect of FENDRR overexpression on CC cell growth and migration.

Conclusion

FENDRR inhibits CC progression through upregulating TUBA1A in a miR-15a/b-5p-dependent manner.