bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights on bio-degumming of kenaf bast based on metagenomi and proteomics
Authors: Duan Shengwen , Cheng Lifeng , Feng Xiangyuan , Yang Qi , Liu Zhiyuan , Zheng Ke , Peng Yuande
Published: January 2020

Background: Microbial play important roles in kanef-degumming. This study aims at identifying the key candidate microbial and proteins responsible for the degumming of kenaf bast ( Hibiscus cannabinus ). Kenaf bast was cut into pieces and immersed into microbial fermentation liquid collected from different sites. Fermentation liquid samples were collected at 0, 40, 110 and 150 h and then subjected to the 16S/18S rRNA sequencing analysis and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis. The microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity and the differentially expressed proteins/peptides (DEPs) were identified.
Results: With the prolonged degumming time, the weight loss rate increased, the bacterial diversity was decreased. [Weeksellaceae], Enterobacteriaceae and Moraxellaceae were rapidly increased at 0~40 h, and then decreased and were gradually replaced by Bacteroidaceae from 40 h to 150 h. Similarly, Chryseobacterium and Dysgonomonas were gradually increased at 0~110 h and then decreased; Acinetobacter and Lactococcus were increased at 0~40 h, followed by decrease. Bacteroides was the dominant genus at 150 h. 18S rRNA-seq showed the gradually decreased Wallemia_hederae and increased Codosiga_hollandica during degumming. iTRAQ data analysis showed Rds1, and pyruvate kinase I was decreased and increased in the kanef-degumming, respectively. Other DEPs of ferredoxin I, superoxide dismutase and aconitatehydratase were identified to be related to the Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (ko00630).
Conclusions : Bacteria including Chryseobacterium , Dysgonomonas , Acinetobacter , Lactococcus and Bacteroides and fungi like Wallemia_hederae and Codosiga_hollandica are key candidate microbial for kanef degumming.
Cloning, molecular and functional characterization by overexpression in Arabidopsis of MAPKK genes from grapevine (Vitis vinifera)
Authors: Wang Gang , Liang Ying-hai , Zhang Ji-yu , Cheng Zong-Ming (Max)
Published: January 2020

Background : The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), as a part of the MAPKKK-MAPKK-MAPK cascade play crucial roles in plant development as an intracellular signal transduction pathways to respond various environmental signals. However, few MAPKK have been functionally characterized in grapevine.
Results : In the study, five MAPKK (MKK) members were identified in grapevine (cultivar ‘Pinot Noir’), cloned and designated as VvMKK1-VvMKK5. A phylogenetic analysis grouped them into four sub-families based on the similarity of their conserved motifs and gene structure to Arabidopsis MAPKK members. qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression of VvMKK1, VvMKK2, VvMKK4, and VvMKK5 were up-regulated in mature leaf and young blades, and roots, but exhibited low expression in leaf petioles. VvMKK2, VvMKK3, and VvMKK5 genes were differentially up-regulated when grapevine leaves were inoculated with spores of Erisyphe necator , or treated with salicylic acid (SA), ethylene (ETH), H 2 O 2, or exposed to drought, indicating that these genes may be involved in a variety of signaling pathways. Over expression of VvMKK2 and VvMKK4 genes in transgenic Arabidopsis plants resulted in the production of seeds with a significantly higher germination and survival rate, and better seedling growth under stress conditions than wild-type plants. Overexpression of VvMKK2 in Arabidopsis improved salt and drought stress tolerance while overexpression of VvMKK4 only improved salt stress tolerance.
Conclusions: Results of the present investigation provide a better understanding of the interaction and function of MAPKKK-MAPKK-MAPK genes at the transcriptional level in grapevine and led to the identification of candidate genes for drought and salt stress in grapes.
Prognostic significance of preoperative plasma fibrinogen levels in primary gastrointestinal stromal tumours: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Song Shibo , Cao Xianglong , Pan Hongda , Hu Maolin , Yan Qiuxia , Song Jinghai , Yang Hua , Zhao Gang , Xiao Gang
Published: January 2020

Background Improved prediction of prognosis for gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) has become increasingly important since the introduction of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Here, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative plasma fibrinogen (Fib) levels in patients with primary GISTs and to analyse their correlations with clinicopathological characteristics. Methods A total of 201 previously untreated patients with primary GISTs who had undergone radical surgery at our institution between October 2004 and July 2018 were enrolled. Patient demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, preoperative plasma Fib levels and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analysed. The optimal cut-off value for Fib levels was calculated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RFS, the primary endpoint, was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were calculated. Results Patients in the high Fib group had a shorter RFS than those in the low Fib group (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, high preoperative plasma Fib levels were detected as an independent adverse prognostic factor (P = 0.008, hazard ratio 3.136, 95% CI 1.356‒7.256). Furthermore, high preoperative plasma Fib levels also indicated a poor prognosis within the modified National Institutes of Health (mNIH) high-risk subgroup (P = 0.041). In addition, preoperative plasma Fib levels showed a positive correlation with several prognostic factors and even a linear relationship with tumour size (Spearman correlation coefficient [ r ] = 0.411, P < 0.001). Conclusions High preoperative plasma Fib levels may indicate a poor prognosis in patients with primary GISTs. As a cost-effective biomarker, preoperative assessment of plasma Fib levels may help to further risk stratify patients with mNIH high-risk GISTs and instruct the application of targeted therapy.
Reconstruction and analysis of genome-scale metabolic model of weak Crabtree positive yeast Lachancea kluyveri
Authors: Nanda Piyush , Patra Pradipta , Das Manali , Ghosh Amit
Published: January 2020

Background Lachancea kluyveri, a weak Crabtree positive yeast, has been extensively studied for its unique URC pyrimidine catabolism pathway. It produces more biomass than Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to the underlying weak Crabtree effect and resorts to optimal fermentation only in oxygen limiting conditions that render it a suitable host for industrial-scale protein production. Ethyl acetate, an important industrial chemical, has been demonstrated to be a major overflow metabolite during aerobic batch cultivation with a specific rate of 0.12 g per g dry weight per hour. Here, we reconstruct a genome-scale metabolic model of the yeast to better explain the observed phenotypes and aid further hypothesis generation. Results We report the first genome-scale metabolic model, iPN730, using Build Fungal Model in KBase workspace. The inconsistencies in the draft model were semi-automatically corrected using literature and published datasets. The curated model comprises of 1235 reactions, 1179 metabolites, and 730 genes distributed in 8 compartments (organelles). The in silico viability in different media conditions and the growth characteristics in various carbon sources show good agreement with experimental data. Dynamic flux balance analysis describes the growth dynamics, substrate utilization and product formation kinetics in various oxygen-limited conditions. The URC pyrimidine degradation pathway incorporated into the model enables it to grow on uracil or urea as the sole nitrogen source. Conclusion The genome-scale metabolic construction of L. kluyveri will provide a better understanding of metabolism, particularly that of pyrimidine metabolism and ethyl acetate production. Metabolic flux analysis using the model will enable hypotheses generation to gain a deeper understanding of metabolism in weakly Crabtree positive yeast and in fungal biodiversity in general.
Anticipatory Care Planning Intervention for Older Adults at Risk of Functional Decline: Study protocol for a Primary Care Cluster Feasibility Randomised Trial
Authors: Brazil Kevin , Scott David , Wallace Emma , Clarke Mike , Fahey Tom , Gillespie Patrick , O’Halloran Peter , Cardwell Christopher , Carter Gillian , McGlade Kieran , Doyle Frank
Published: January 2020

Background The treatment and management of long-term health conditions is the greatest challenge facing health systems around the world today. Innovative approaches to patient care in the community such as Anticipatory Care Planning (ACP), which seek to help with the provision of high-quality comprehensive care to older adults at risk of functional decline, require evaluation. This study will evaluate one approach that will include primary care as the setting for Anticipatory Care Planning. Methods This study will help to determine the feasibility for a definitive randomised trial to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of an ACP intervention. The intervention will be delivered by specially trained registered nurses in a primary care setting with older adults identified as at risk of functional decline. The intervention will comprise of: a) information collection via patient assessment; b) facilitated informed dialogue between the patient, family carer, general practitioner and other healthcare practitioners; and, c) documentation of the agreed support plan and follow-up review dates. Through a structured consultation with patients and their family carers, the nurses will complete a mutually agreed personalized support plan. Discussion This study will determine the feasibility for a full trial protocol to evaluate the implementation and outcomes of an (ACP) intervention in primary care to assist older adults aged 70 years of age or older and assessed as at risk of functional decline. The study will be implemented in two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland which employ different health systems but which face similar health challenges. This study will allow us to examine important issues, such as the impact of two different healthcare systems on the health of older people and the influence of different legislative interpretations on undertaking cross jurisdictional research in Ireland.
Be Quiet and Man Up: A Qualitative Study into Men Who Experienced Birth Trauma
Authors: Daniels Emily , Arden-Close Emily , Mayers Andrew
Published: January 2020

Background Research focusing on paternal mental health is limited and the consequences of this are ignored. For example, little is known about the experiences of men who witness their partner’s traumatic birth and the subsequent impact. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore men’s experiences of witnessing a traumatic birth, how these experiences impacted on their wellbeing, and what support they received during and following the traumatic birth. Methods Sixty-one participants were recruited via targeted social media to complete an online qualitative questionnaire regarding their birth trauma experience. Eligible participants were aged over eighteen, resided in the UK and had witnessed a traumatic birth that did not result in loss of life. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the questionnaire data. Results: Three main themes were identified: ‘fathers’ understanding of the experience’ (subthemes: nothing can prepare you for it; merely a passenger; mixed experiences with staff; not about me); ‘life after birth trauma’ (subthemes: manhood after birth; inability to be happy; impact on relationships); and ‘the support fathers received vs what they wanted’ (subthemes: prenatal support; birth support; and postnatal support). Conclusions Fathers reported that witnessing their partner’s traumatic birth had a significant impact on them. They felt this impacted on their mental health and relationships long into the postnatal period. However, there is no nationally recognised support in place for fathers to use as a result of their experiences. The participants attributed this to being perceived as less important than women in the perinatal/childrearing period, and maternity services’ perceptions of the father more generally. Implications include ensuring support is given to all involved in the perinatal period, with additional staff training geared towards the father’s role.
Physical activity types and risk of dementia in community-dwelling older people: the Three-City cohort.
Authors: Dupré Caroline , Bongue Bienvenue , Helmer Catherine , Dartigues Jean François , Hupin David , Roche Frédéric , Berr Claudine , Carriere Isabelle
Published: January 2020

Background Physical activity may decrease the risk of dementia; however, previous cohort studies seldom investigated the different types of physical activity and household activities. Our objective was to analyze the links between two physical activity types and dementia in older people. Methods The study used data from the prospective observational Three-city cohort and included 1550 community-dwelling individuals aged 72 to 87 without dementia at baseline. Physical activity was assessed with the Voorrips questionnaire. Two sub-scores were calculated to assess household/transportation activities and leisure/sport activities. Restricted cubic spline and proportional hazard Cox models were used to estimate the non-linear exposure-response curve for the dementia risk and the appropriate activity level thresholds. Models were adjusted for possible confounders, including socio-demographic variables, comorbidities, depressive symptoms and APOE genotype. Results The median age was 80 years, and 63.6% of participants were women. After a median follow-up of 4.6 years, dementia was diagnosed in 117 participants (7.6%). An inverse J-shaped association was found between household/transportation physical activity sub-score and dementia risk, which means that the risk is lowest for the moderately high values and then re-increases slightly for the highest values. The results remained significant when this sub-score was categorized in three classes (low, moderate, and high), with hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of 0.55 (0.35-0.87) and 0.62 (0.38-1.01) for moderate and high activity levels, respectively. No significant effect was found for leisure/sport activities. Conclusions The 5-year risk of dementia was significantly and negatively associated with the household/transportation activity level, but not with the leisure and sport activity sub-score. This highlights the importance of considering all physical activity types in 72 years or older people.
Development and Validation of a Preoperative Nomogram for Predicting Survival of Patients with Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Zhou Xianghong , Ning Qingyang , Jin Kun , Zhang Tao , Ma Xuelei
Published: January 2020

Background: For selected locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients, radical prostatectomy (RP) is one of the first-line treatments. We aimed to develop a preoperative nomogram to identify what kinds of patients can get the most survival benefits after RP. Methods: We conducted analyses with data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Covariates used for analyses included age at diagnosis, marital status, race, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 7th TNM stage, Prostate specific antigen, Gleason biopsy score (GS), percent of positive cores. We estimated the cumulative incidence function for cause-specific death. The Fine and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard approach was used to perform multivariable competing risk analyses and reveal prognostic factors. A nomogram was built by these factors (including GS, percent of positive cores and N stage) and validated by concordance index and calibration curves . Risk stratification was established based on the nomogram. Results: We studied 14185 patients. N stage, GS, and percent of positive cores were the independent prognostic factors used to construct the nomogram. For validating, in the training cohort, the C-index was 0.779 (95% CI 0.736–0.822), and in the validation cohort, the C-index was 0.773 (95% CI 0.710–0.836). Calibration curves showed that the predicted survival and actual survival were very close. The nomogram performed better over the AJCC staging system (C-index 0.779 versus 0.764 for training cohort, and 0.773 versus 0.744 for validation cohort). The new stratification of risk groups based on the nomogram also showed better discrimination than the AJCC staging system. Conclusions: The preoperative nomogram can provide favorable prognosis stratification ability to help clinicians identify patients who are suitable for surgery.
Effects of social network incentives and financial incentives on physical activity and social capital among older women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yamashita Ryo , Sato Shinji , Akase Ryoichi , Doi Tatsuo , Tsuzuku Shigeki , Yokoi Toyohiko , Otsuki Shingo , Harada Eisaku
Published: January 2020

Background Financial incentives have been used to increase physical activity. However, the benefit of financial incentives is lost when an intervention ends. Thus, for this study, we combined socail network incentives that leverage the power of peer pressure with finacial incentives. Few reports have examined the impact of physical activity on social capital. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to ascertain whether a combination of two incentives could lead to more significant changes in physical activity and socail capital during and after an intervention. Methods The participants were 39 older women over 65 years of age in Kumamoto, Japan. The participants were randomly divided into a financial incentive group (FI group) and a social network incentive plus financial incentive group (SNI+FI group). Both groups underwent a three-month intervention. Measurements of physical activity and social capital were performed before and after the intervention. Additionally, the effects of the incentives on physical activity and social capital maintenance were measured six months postintervention. The financial incentive group received a payment ranging from US$4.40 to US$6.20 per month, depending on the number of steps taken during the intervention. For the other group, we provided a social network incentive in addition to the financial incentive. The SNI+FI group walked in groups of three people to use the power of peer pressure. Results A two-way ANOVA revealed that in terms of physical activity, there was a statistically significant interaction between group and time (p=0.017). The FI group showed no statistically significant improvement in physical activity during the observation period. In terms of social capital, the change in trust approached significance (p=0.08). Conclusion Our results suggest that social network incentives, in combination with financial incentives, are more effective for promoting physical activity and social trust than financial incentives alone among older women and that these effects can continue after an intervention.
Lung injury induced by short-term mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia and its mitigation by deferoxamine in rats
Authors: Wang Xiao-Xia , Sha Xiao-Lan , Li Yulan , Li Chun-Lan , Chen Su-Heng , Wang Jing-Jing , Xia Zheng-Yuan
Published: January 2020

Backgroud Long-term mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia can induce lung injury.General anesthesia is associated with a very high incidence of hyperoxaemia, despite it usually lasts for a very short period of time. It still remains unclear whether short-term mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia has an adverse impact or cause injury to the lungs. The present study aimed to assess whether short-term mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia causes lung injury in rats and whether deferoxamine(DFO)could mitigate such injury to the lungs and explore the possible mechanism. Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:mechanical ventilated with normoxia group (MV group, FiO2 =21%), with hyperoxia group(HMV group, FiO2 =90%), or with hyperoxia+DFO group(HMV+DFO group, FiO2 =90%). Mechanical ventilation under different oxygen concentrations was given for 4h. The HMV+DFO group received continuous intravenous infusion of DFO at 200mg•kg -1 •d -1 , while the MV and HMV groups received an equal volume of NS. Carotid artery intubation was carried out to monitor the blood gas parameters under mechanical ventilation for 2h and 4h, respectively, and the oxygenation index(OI) was calculated. After 4h ventilation, the right anterior lobe of the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the right lung was sampled for pathological and biochemical assays. Results PaO2 in the HMV and HMV+DFO groups were significantly higher, but the OI were significantly lower than those of the MV group( p <0.01), while PaO2 and OI between HMV+DFO and HMV groups did not differ significantly. The lung pathological scores and the wet-to-dry weight ratio(W/D) in the HMV and HMV+DFO groups were significantly higher than those of the MV group, but score and the W/D were reduced by DFO( p <0.05,HMV+DFOvs.HMV). Biochemically, HMV resulted in significant reductions in SP-C, SP-D, and GR levels and elevation of XOD in both the Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the lung tissue homogenate, and all these changes were prevented or significantly reverted by DFO. Conclusions Mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia for 4h induced oxidative injury of the lungs, accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the concentrations of SP-C and SP-D. DFO could mitigate such injury by lowering XOD activity and elevating GR activity.
Electroencephalographic alpha band power enhancement during rapid eye movement sleep in rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Qiu Zhijun , Zhang Liang , Tao Huaying
Published: January 2020

Objective Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a common sleep disorder in the elderly. We aim to reveal the physiological mechanism underlying RBD by analyzing changes in the electroencephalographic (EEG) spectrum during REM sleep.Methods Twenty patients with RBD monitored using video polysomnography and 13 age-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. The EEG signal was acquired using an average reference electrode. A Fourier transform was performed on both EEG data. Furthermore, the absolute power values and relative power values of five different frequency bands were calculated. The range of each frequency band was defined as follow: δ: 0.5–3 Hz, θ: 4–7 Hz, α: 8–13 Hz, β: 14–30 Hz, and γ: 30–35 Hz. The normal distribution of EEG power was tested compared using the t-test.Results The dominant frequency band with the most power on EEG was θ band in both groups. Compared with control group, the RBD group had obvious power enhancement in α band. However, δ/α and θ/α power ratios in the RBD group were significantly lower than those in the control group.Conclusion The cerebral cortex is hyperactive in RBD. This phenomenon may associate with higher power in the alpha band, which is similar to that observed when the skeletal muscle is not atonic. The cerebral cortex is involved in RBD neuropathic disorders as well as skeletal muscle achalasia. Our finding could provide a new method for improving RBD treatment via the moderate inhibition of cerebral cortex hyperactivity.
Study on the relationship between Cardio-cerebrovascular events and the level of Atherosclerosis evaluated by Heart-brain Integrated CTA
Authors: Yu Huan , Zhang Yue , Zhu Dong , Duan Kuai , Hu Yi , Song Chunhua
Published: January 2020

Background: To establish a one-stop cardio-cerebral vascular scanning technique based on double-source helical CT by analyzing the relationship between the nature of coronary artery, extracranial and extracranial vascular plaque, the degree of lumen stenosis and the occurrence and development of cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD).Methods: the plaque properties, vascular stenosis degree, and plaque quantitative analysis results of coronary artery, extracranial and intracranial segments of coronary artery, extracranial and intracranial carotid artery in 39 patients who underwent combined heart-brain CTA scanning were analyzed. The correlation between the load degree of cardio-cerebrovascular plaque and cardio-cerebrovascular events was analyzed comprehensively. Results: there were significant differences in age, high-density lipoprotein, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, plaque nature, plaque location, plaque composition and NIHSS score between the two groups. Conclusion: the combination of heart and brain CTA can help to establish the best clinical predictive model to prevent and stop the occurrence and development of coronary heart disease and stroke in time.
A retrospective clinical observation of long-term survival in patients after prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu
Published: January 2020

Background The 1-year survival rate of patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation was 29-42% before 2000. By 2012, Carson reported the 1-year survival rate of prolonged mechanical ventilation patients was 52%, an unsatisfactory improvement in survival time. We explored the long-term survival rate of prolonged mechanical ventilation patients at our hospital, 2012-2017. Methods We analyzed retrospectively data from our respiratory care center patients to investigate the discharge status, long-term survival rate, and cause of death. We also compared the 5-year survival rates of prolonged mechanical ventilation patients and our hospital lung cancer patients. Results Five hundred seventy-four patients were admitted to respiratory care center during the study period. The long-term follow-up data of 403 prolonged mechanical ventilation, including 186 patients died in the hospital, 157 discharged prolonged mechanical ventilation patients, and 60 respiratory care ward patients until October 30, 2018. The 1-year survival rate of all prolonged mechanical ventilation patients, discharged prolonged mechanical ventilation patients, and respiratory care ward patients were 24.3%, 50.3%, and 31.7%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates of all prolonged mechanical ventilation patients, discharged prolonged mechanical ventilation patients, and respiratory care ward patients were 18.1%, 40.05%, and 11.7%, respectively. Successful weaning from mechanical ventilation was a key factor in the long-term survival of prolonged mechanical ventilation patients. The 5-year survival rate of discharged prolonged mechanical ventilation patients was better than that of all lung cancer patients. The 5-year survival rates of all prolonged mechanical ventilation patients and respiratory care ward patients were similar to that of stage IV lung cancer patients. Conclusions Prolonged mechanical ventilation patients had the worst long-term survival rate of all patients with chest diseases in our hospital. Successful weaning from the mechanical ventilator was most important factors for improving long-term outcomes in prolonged mechanical ventilation patients.
Case discussions using WeChat: Are they reliable?
Authors: Li Yongwei , Hu Shugang , Alkhatatbeh Tariq , Wang Jialin , Song Jidong , Ma Rui , Wang Wei
Published: January 2020

Background : At present, more and more clinicians in China are partaking in case discussions using WeChat groups for the purposes of communication, diagnosis, treatment planning, and information sharing. However, the reliability of discussions using WeChat groups remains debatable. This study aimed to analyze case discussions in WeChat groups and evaluate their significance. Methods : By taking screenshots of the chat records from the most-used WeChat groups by orthopedic surgeons, all of the data related to the cases were collected from June to August in 2019. We analyzed the purpose, participation, and completeness of each case. Furthermore, we analyzed whether the conclusion reached in each case discussion, which was supported by the majority of members, was consistent with the opinion of three experts after evaluating all of the data from the case records. Results : Seven WeChat groups and 60 cases were included. WeChat group members often discussed cases to show surgical results (40.0%), to obtain treatment advice (39.0%), and to seek diagnostic advice (9%). The rate of ‘likes’ for ‘surgical results show’ was greater than the rate of ‘likes’ for alternative purposes (P<0.05). The percentage of complete, relatively complete and incomplete cases was 23%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. The relatively complete cases received more effective comments than the other cases (P<0.05). The cases for diagnostic purposes were more complete than those for other purposes (P<0.05). Among 60 cases, only 29 cases led to the same conclusions being reached among the three experts and WeChat group members. The consistency rate of conclusions relating to treatment was higher than that associated with the other purposes (P<0.05). The consistency rate of the complete cases was higher than that of the relatively complete and incomplete cases (P<0.05). Conclusions : Clinicians should treat discussions in WeChat groups for clinical decision-making with caution. Online discussions using WeChat groups should be standardized in respect to the cases presented and the comments that are generated.
Impact of patient-perceived quality of primary health care on the patients' bypass behaviour in China
Authors: Zhang WeiWei , Huang Yuankai , Li Gaojie , Zhou Hongjie , Xi Xiaoyu
Published: January 2020

Background Patient bypass often occurs under the loose gatekeeper system. Additionally, patients’ perceived quality of primary health care (PHC) is one of the important factors affecting bypass behaviour. Objective to explore individuals’ bypass behaviour in China and the associations between patients’ perceived quality of PHC and their bypass behaviour. MethodIn 2019, this study investigated Chinese bypass behaviour and the potential influencing factors. The questionnaire that was used assessed the following: the perceived quality of primary care using the Primary Care Assessment Tool; bypass experience; age; health insurance; and other factors. A logit regression model was used to analyse the impact of perceived quality of PHC on bypass behaviour. Results The data of 2070 residents in 706 health care facilities in China were collected. The results show that perceived quality of PHC is significantly associated with bypass behaviour in China. After adjustments were made for patients’ sociodemographic and other characteristics, an increase of one standard deviation (SD; odds ratio (OR) per 1-SD increase) in the PCAT scores led to a 2% decrease in bypass behaviour (OR 0.98, p<0.05). Gender, hukou and cold fee for PHC were negatively associated with bypass behaviour. Conclusion Patients' perceptions of PHC service quality play an active role in reducing their bypass behaviour, which may provide a new perspective for the design of PHC health policies.
Genomics of tailless bacteriophages in a complex lactic acid bacteria starter culture
Authors: Alexeeva Svetlana , Liu Yue , Zhu Jingjie , Kaczorowska Joanna , Kouwen Thijs R. H. M. , Abee Tjakko , Smid Eddy J.
Published: January 2020

Background Our previous study on a model microbial community originating from artisanal cheese fermentation starter revealed that bacteriophages not only co-exist with bacteria but also are highly abundant. To gain more insight into the potential role of prophages in the microbial community, we analysed the genomic content of 6 phage crops released by different strains in the starter culture, performed comparative genome analysis, and demonstrated their roles in phage defence of respective hosts. Results The identified prophages belong to three different subgroups of the Siphoviridae P335 phage group. Remarkably, most analysed prophages show disruptions in different tail encoding genes, resulting in a common tailless phenotype. Furthermore, a number of potentially beneficial features for the host carried by prophages were identified. The prophages carry up to 3 different phage defence systems per genome that are functional in protecting the host from foreign phage infection. Conclusion We suggest that the presumably defective prophages are a result of bacteria-phage coevolution and convey advantages to host bacteria; knowledge on the ecological role of such (defective) prophages may contribute to a refreshed look in strain selection criteria in (dairy) industry.
Vertebroplasty in patients with prostate cancer raises skeletal morbidity characterized by bone loss
Authors: Lallier Julie , Buy Xavier , Barthelemy Philippe , Palussiere Jean , Brouste Véronique , Sargos Paul , Cazeau Anne-Laure , Hoepffner Jean-Luc , Houédé Nadine , Krakowski Ivan , Gross-Goupil Marine , Cazzato Robert , Roubaud Guilhem
Published: January 2020

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with high skeletal morbidity especially vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occurring on bone loss. We aimed to characterize benign (bVCF) versus malignant VCF (mVCF), in PCa patients who underwent vertebroplasty, and describe respective populations. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted in two French cancer centers. Characterization of VCF was made using a composite criterion (bone scan, CT scan, MRI +/- bone biopsy). Results: From 2008 to 2016, 100 patients, mean age 73.5 (45-94) and 128 VCFs were reported: 66 (52%) mVCF and 62 (48%) bVCF. Among bVCF, 17 (27%) occured in bone metastatic patients. Among mVCF, 28 (42%) of bone metastases were purely osteolytic and 38 (58%) with osteolytic component. Regarding bVCF, continuous androgen deprivation therapy and high doses of corticosteroids (> 6 months, ≥7.5 mg/day prednisone equivalent) were given in respectively 85% and 24% of cases. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry was performed in 13% of pts. Vitamin D supplementation was prescribed in 38% of patients. Conclusion: These data suggest the necessary prevention of bVCF even in patients with bone metastases with consequences on patient management, while studies for bone targeted agents approval used skeletal related events with no definition of the cause, i.e. benign or malignant. Occurrence of bVCF is a rising concern since these pts are experiencing longer survival. Malignant VCF were mostly with osteolytic component, which constitutes one feature of rising dedifferentiated phenotype. Vertebroplasty may play a major role in these newly defined populations.
The Influence of Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells on the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Tsubosaka Masanori , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Sobajima Satoshi , Matsushita Takehiko , Iwaguro Hideki , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: January 2020

Background Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells are a mixed cell population that includes cells with multilineage potential, similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Our purpose is to investigate the influence of SVF cells in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the short-term treatment effects. Methods Fifty-seven patients were enrolled and treated with intra-articular injection of 5.0×10 7 SVF cells into the knee joint between September 2017 and March 2018. All patients were followed up for 12 months or longer. Mean age at treatment and follow-up period were 69.4±6.9 years and 13.7±2.0 months, respectively. The mean preoperative HKA angle was 6.7±3.6°. SVF cells were prepared using the Celution®800/CRS system from the patients’ abdominal or breech subcutaneous fat. The mean SVF cell viability was 90.6±2.7%. Clinical evaluations were performed for range of motion, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Imaging evaluations, which included the HKA angle assessed via radiography, and T2 mapping value using a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging unit were also assessed. Both clinical and imaging evaluations were performed preoperatively, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and compared among all timepoints (p<0.05). Results Knee extension angle at 6 and 12 months postoperatively was significantly better than the preoperative angle. Total WOMAC, VAS, and KOOS scores at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively were significantly better than preoperative scores. There was no significant difference in HKA angle among the five time periods. T2 mapping values of lateral femur and tibia were significantly higher 12 months postoperatively than preoperatively. Conclusions The short-term clinical effects of intra-articular SVF cell injection on knee OA were excellent. Intra-articular SVF cell injection is a novel and innovative approach for treating patients with knee OA.
Dynamics on the field: A focused ethnographic study of pediatric pain management at four Ghanaian hospitals
Authors: Amponsah Abigail Kusi , Oduro Evans , Bam Victoria , Kyei-Dompim Joana , Ahoto Collins Kwadwo , Axelin Anna
Published: January 2020

BackgroundAs part of efforts to develop and implement a short course educational program on pediatric pain management, the current study sought to understand the culture and contextual factors that influence children’s pain management in order to improve the practice in pediatric care settings.MethodsGuided by Bourdieu’s theory of practice, a focused ethnographic study was conducted from October, 2018 to February, 2019. The study was contextualized at four Ghanaian hospitals among purposefully sampled nurses, physicians, hospitalized children and their families. During the 20-week study period, three ethnographers spent 144 hours conducting participant-observation sessions. Formal and informal interviews were held with participants in addition to review of hospital records. Results Analysis of the field data resulted in four themes. “Children’s pain expression and response of caregivers” described the disposition (habitus) of both children and caregivers to act in particular ways due to children’s incomplete health status (bodily capital) which caused them pain and also resulted in discomforting procedures. “Pharmacological pain management practices and attitudes” elucidated the use of analgesics as the mainstay disposition (habitus) in children’s pain management due to high level of respect (symbolic capital) given to such interventions on the pediatric units (field). “Managing pain without drugs” illustrated healthcare providers and family caregivers’ disposition (habitus) of using diverse nonpharmacological methods in managing children’s pain. “Communication and interaction between pain actors” depicted how children’s access to care givers (social capital) can serve as a powerful tool in influencing pediatric pain assessment and management disposition (habitus) on the pediatric units (field). ConclusionsThe habitus of pediatric pain actors toward pain assessment and management practices are influenced by various forms of capital (social, cultural, symbolic, bodily and economic) operating at different levels on the pediatric care field. Quality improvement programs that seek to enhance pediatric pain management should use the insights obtained in this study to guide the development, implementation and evaluation stages.
Psychological characteristics and associations between kidney transplant recipients and biologically related or unrelated living donors: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Park Hyewon , Lee Yujin , Jee Hee-Jung , Lee Heon-Jeong , Gwon Jun Gyo , Min Hyeonjin , Jung Cheol Woong , Kim Myung-Gyu , Cho Chul-Hyun
Published: January 2020

Background : Although recipients and donors in living kidney transplantation are exposed to psychological distress, including depression and anxiety during the pre-operative period, only a few studies have evaluated their psychological relationship. This study aimed at determining the psychological characteristics and correlation between transplant recipients and donors as well as at investigating it in relation to biologically related and unrelated donors. Methods : This retrospective study on living kidney transplantation at the Korea University Anam Hospital was conducted from April 2008 to June 2019. While participants’ personality patterns were assessed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2(MMPI-2), their mood states before transplantation were evaluated via both the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test and Spearman’s correlation analyses. Results : The recipient group showed a significantly higher sub-score in hypochondriasis (t =-4.49, P=.0001), depression (t =-3.36, P=.0015), hysteria (t =-3.30, P=.0018), STAI-T (t =-2.14, P=0.0372), and CES-D (t =-3.93, P=.0003) than donor group. A comparison of the psychological association between the recipient and donor groups revealed a significant positive correlation in the STAI-S (r=.357, P=.009) and CES-D (r=.362, P=.008). When assessing the difference in correlation based on the biological relationship between the recipients and donors, there is a positive correlation in CES-D (r=.415, P=.0202) in biologically related donors and recipients. In biologically unrelated but emotionally related group, recipients’ STAI-S score and donors’ STAI-S (r=0.413, P=.163), STAI-T (r=.559, P=009) score is positively correlated, and recipients’ STAI-T score and donors’ STAI-S (r=.466, P=.033), STAI-T (r=.520, P=.016) score is also positively correlated. Besides, recipients’ CES-D and donors’ STAI-S (r=.529, P=.014) and STAI-T (r=.560, P=.008) score show a positive correlation. Conclusions : The study indicated that transplantation recipients suffered from a higher level of depression and anxiety compared to the donors before transplantation. The findings suggest that recipients are more depressive and anxious than donors, and psychological problems like depression and anxiety can be shared in living kidney transplantation donors and recipients, especially in biologically unrelated but emotionally related groups.
The efficacy of tamoxifen in the treatment of thin endometrium in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle
Authors: Ji Jingjuan , Luo Lihua , Huang Lingli
Published: January 2020

Background: Thin endometrium is known to adversely affect reproductive performance. There is no agreement about a consensus treatment on thin endometrium. Tamoxifen(TAM) has a positive effect on endometrium when used as ovulation induction agent. Little information is available regarding its use in patients with thin endometrium during frozen-thaw embryo transfer (FET) cycles. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of TAM on women with thin endometrium in frozen-thaw embryo transfer cycles. Methods: A total of 345 thin endometrium women were retrospectively analyzed during their FET cycles. Among them 190 received TAM protocol (TAM 20 mg per day for 5 days) and 155 hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocol (estradiol val­erate 6 mg/d for 14 to 21days). Endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcome were compared between the two groups. Result(s): The endometrial thickness in TAM group was significantly higher compared with HRT group. The clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate were significantly higher in TAM group than HRT group. Conclusion(s): In patients of recurrent thin endometrium, tamoxifen treatment in endometrium preparation may be a successful alternative approach
Effect of Low-temperature Storage on Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Pollen Quality
Authors: Özcan Akide
Published: January 2020

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of low storage temperatures on the quality of pollen obtained from the sweet cherry cultivars 0900 Ziraat, Regina, Starks Gold, and Sweet Heart. The pollen was stored at 4 °C, –20 °C, and –80 °C for 12 months, and its viability and germinability were determined at 3-month intervals. The results demonstrated that the initial pollen viability varied between 73.62% and 79.37%, while pollen germinability varied between 41.24% and 53.56%. The percentage of pollen viability declined remarkably from the third to 12th month by almost 3% in 4 °C storage. The pollen viability for the other two storage temperatures (–20 °C and –80 °C) was greater than 50% by the end of the 12th month. It can be concluded that the pollen quality of these cultivars can be preserved sufficiently at temperatures less than –20 °C.
Detailed experimental and numerical characterization of turbulent flow in components of a water treatment plant
Authors: Ragessi Ivan Matías , García Carlos Marcelo , Márquez Damián Santiago , Pozzi Piacenza Cecilia , Cantero Mariano Ignacio
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a detailed characterization of turbulence in the incoming flow to the clarification component of a water treatment plant, ‘Los Molinos’ (Córdoba, Argentina). The main problems were related to the presence of turbulent flow patterns throughout the treatment, affecting the proper development of the physical processes required for water clarification. Namely: (a) a poor hydraulic design that could produce a non-homogeneous spatial distribution of the flow, recirculation zones and flow stagnation, and a non-uniform discharge distribution among the sedimentation units as a result of different cross-sectional dimensions of the transverse-channel, and (b) high turbulence intensity that affect the flocs' size as well as the efficiency of the settling tanks and filters. Firstly, a detailed in-situ experimental characterization of the turbulent flow was undertaken. An acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) was used to characterize the flow turbulence, whereas for discharge measurements and mean flow velocity field an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) was employed. Secondly, a numerical model, based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and the - turbulence closure model, was validated with the experimental data. Finally, based on the results, a diagnosis and recommendations were made for the optimization of the hydraulic design of the water treatment plant.
Annotating Narrative Levels: Review of Guideline No. 7
Authors: Martens Gunther
Published: January 2020

The guideline under review builds on the acquired knowledge of the field of narrative

theory. Its main references are to classical structuralist narratology, both

in terms of definitions (Todorov, Genette, Dolezel) and by way of its guiding principles,

which strive for simplicity, hierarchy, minimal interpretation and a strict

focus on the annotation of text-intrinsic, linguistic aspects of narrative. Most

recent attempts to do “computational narratology” have been similarly “structuralist”

in outlook, albeit with a stronger focus on aspects of story grammar: the

basis constituents of the story are to some extent hard-coded into the language

of any story, and are thus more easily formalized. The present guideline goes

well beyond this restriction to story grammar. In fact, the guideline promises

to tackle aspects of narrative transmission from the highest level (author) to the

lowest (character), but also demarcation of scenes at the level of plot, as well as

focalisation. Thus, the guideline can be said to be very wide in scope.
Entrevista a la Doctora Margarita Palacios Sierra
Authors: Uscanga Barradas Abril
Published: January 2020

Margarita Palacios Sierra obtuvo los grados de licenciatura y maestría en lengua y literaturas hispánicas en la Facultad de Filosofia y Letras de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, hizo estudios de doctorado en la Universidad de Paris en Análisis del Discurso y es doctora en Ciencias Políticas y Sociales con orientación en Comunicación en la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Fue investigadora del Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas y ha sido profesora de tiempo completo en la Facultad de Filosofia y Letras desde hace 48 años donde ha recibido la medalla al Mérito Universitario. Ha sido asesora del Instituto Nacional de Educación para Adultos, Secretaria de Educaci´ón Pública; de la Preparatoria Nacional, del Consejo Nacional de Turismo, del Colegio de Bachilleres y del Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades. Actualmente es coordinadora del Seminario universitario de Estudios del discurso forense en la UNAM.