bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indoor Tanning Trends Among US Adults, 2007–2018
Authors: Bowers Jennifer M. , Geller Alan C. , Schofield Elizabeth , Li Yuelin , Hay Jennifer L.
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To examine indoor tanning trends among US adults, and the relation to indoor tanning youth access legislation.

Methods. This study analyzed the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a mailed survey, from the years 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018 (combined n = 20 2019).

Results. Indoor tanning prevalence decreased significantly over time among all US adults from 2007 (10%) to 2018 (4%; P < .001), among young adults aged 18 to 34 years (14% to 4%; P < .001), and among both women (14% to 4%; P < .001) and men (5% to 4%; P < .05). Indoor tanning significantly decreased in states that enacted youth access legislation by 2018, but did not significantly decrease for other states. Frequent indoor tanning was common in 2018; about one quarter of respondents who reported any indoor tanning did so 25 times or more in the past year.

Conclusions. This study identifies several challenges in continuing to reduce indoor tanning in the United States. Youth access legislation may be effective for reducing tanning among the broader population of tanners; however, there remains a need for focus on highly frequent tanners, as well as men.
Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving a Bicycle Before and After Introduction of a Bike Share Program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2010–2018
Authors: Hamra Ghassan B. , Schinasi Leah H. , Quistberg D. Alex
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To quantify the impact of a citywide bicycle share program on rates of motor vehicle collisions involving a bicycle.

Methods. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis, using crash records from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for Philadelphia County from 2010 through 2018. We also calculated summary statistics to illustrate annual and monthly trends in rates of motor vehicle crashes involving a bicycle.

Results. The baseline rate of bike events was 106% greater (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25, 3.38) at the time bicycle share was implemented compared with January 2010. Before bicycle share implementation, the rate of bicycle events decreased 1% (95% CI = 0.95, 1.03) annually. After the bicycle share program started, the rate of bicycle events decreased 13% (95% CI = 0.82, 0.94) annually.

Conclusions. In the long term, programs that increase the number of bicycles on the road, such as bike share, may reduce rates of motor vehicle crashes involving a bicycle.
Smoking Behavior in Low- and High-Income Adults Immediately Following California Proposition 56 Tobacco Tax Increase
Authors: Keeler Courtney , Max Wendy , Yao Tingting , Wang Yingning , Zhang Xueying , Sung Hai-Yen
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To compare the association of California Proposition 56 (Prop 56), which increased the cigarette tax by $2 per pack beginning on April 1, 2017, with smoking behavior among low- and high-income adults.

Methods. Drawing on a sample of 17 206 low-income and 21 324 high-income adults aged 21 years or older from the 2012 to 2018 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, we explored 2 outcomes: current smoking prevalence and smoking intensity (average number of cigarettes per day among current smokers). For each income group, we estimated a multivariable logistic regression to analyze the association of Prop 56 with smoking prevalence and a multivariable linear regression to analyze the association of Prop 56 with smoking intensity.

Results. Although we observed no association between smoking intensity and Prop 56, we found a statistically significant decline in smoking prevalence among low-income adults following Prop 56. No such association was found among the high-income group.

Conclusions. Given that low-income Californians smoke cigarettes at greater rates than those with higher incomes, our results provide evidence that Prop 56 is likely to reduce income disparities in cigarette smoking in California.
Laws Mandating Coprescription of Naloxone and Their Impact on Naloxone Prescription in Five US States, 2014–2018
Authors: Green Traci C. , Davis Corey , Xuan Ziming , Walley Alexander Y. , Bratberg Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To examine early impacts of laws that require naloxone to be prescribed to patients at increased overdose risk.

Methods. Using data from 2014 to 2018 from a large pharmacy chain, CVS Pharmacy, we examined the effects of naloxone-prescribing mandates 90 days before and after they took effect in Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. We compared the number of naloxone doses initiated directly by prescribers and by pharmacy standing order, prescriber specialty, pharmacies dispensing, and payor type by applying linear models and the χ2 test.

Results. Naloxone-prescribing mandates increased pharmacy naloxone provision 255% from 90 days before to after implementation. This approach appeared to engage more prescribers (1028 before to 4285 after), complement ongoing naloxone provision under pharmacy standing orders, expand geographic reach (from 40% to 80% of pharmacies dispensing), and broaden the naloxone payor mix in 4 (P < .05) of 5 states.

Conclusions. Mandating the prescribing of naloxone quickly expands access to this life-saving medication for more people in more places. Other states should consider mandating the coprescription of naloxone to individuals at increased risk of overdose.
Traumatic Brain Injury–Related Deaths From Firearm Suicide: United States, 2008–2017
Authors: Miller Gabrielle F. , Kegler Scott R. , Stone Deborah M.
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To document the increasing influence of firearm suicide on the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI)–related death in the United States.

Methods. We used national vital statistics data from 2008 to 2017 to identify TBI-related deaths, overall and by cause, among US residents. National counts stratified by year, sex, and age group (to facilitate age adjustment) were merged with corresponding population estimates to calculate incidence rates.

Results. During the 10-year period beginning in 2008, when it became the leading cause of TBI-related death in the United States, firearm suicide accounted for nearly half (48.3%) of the increase in the absolute incidence of TBI-related death when combining all injury categories showing absolute increases. Rates of TBI-related firearm suicide increased among both males and females.

Conclusions. Safe storage of firearms among people at risk and training of health care providers and community members to identify and support people who may be thinking of suicide are part of a comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention.

Public Health Implications. States, communities, and health care systems can save lives by prioritizing comprehensive suicide prevention.
Managing Resident Workforce and Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Schwartz Andrew M. , Wilson Jacob M. , Boden Scott D. , Moore Thomas J. , Bradbury Thomas L. , Fletcher Nicholas D.
Published: April 2020

Background:

The novel coronavirus and associated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly spreading throughout the world, with robust growth in the United States. Its drastic impact on the global population and international health care is swift, evolving, and unpredictable. The effects on orthopaedic surgery departments are predominantly indirect, with widespread cessation of all nonessential orthopaedic care. Although this is vital to the system-sustaining measures of isolation and resource reallocation, there is profound detriment to orthopaedic training programs.

Methods:

In the face of new pressures on the finite timeline on an orthopaedic residency, the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics has devised a 5-pronged strategy based on the following: (1) patient and provider safety, (2) uninterrupted necessary care, (3) system sustainability, (4) adaptability, and (5) preservation of vital leadership structures.

Results:

Our 5 tenants support a 2-team system, whereby the residents are divided into cycling “active-duty” and “working remotely” factions. In observation of the potential incubation period of viral symptoms, phase transitions occur every 2 weeks with strict adherence to team assignments. Intrateam redundancy can accommodate potential illness to ensure a stable unit of able residents. Active duty residents participate in in-person surgical encounters and virtual ambulatory encounters, whereas remotely working residents participate in daily video-conferenced faculty-lead, case-based didactics and pursue academic investigation, grant writing, and quality improvement projects. To sustain this, faculty and administrative 2-team systems are also in place to protect the leadership and decision-making components of the department.

Conclusions:

The novel coronavirus has decimated the United States healthcare system, with an unpredictable duration, magnitude, and variability. As collateral damage, orthopaedic residencies are faced with new challenges to provide care and educate residents in the face of safety, resource redistribution, and erosion of classic learning opportunities. Our adaptive approach aims to be a generalizable tactic to optimize our current landscape.
Properties of Fuzzy Compact Linear Operators on Fuzzy Normed Spaces
Authors: Et al. Kider
Published: April 2020

In this paper the definition of fuzzy normed space is recalled and its basic properties. Then the definition of fuzzy compact operator from fuzzy normed space into another fuzzy normed space is introduced after that the proof of an operator is fuzzy compact if and only if the image of any fuzzy bounded sequence contains a convergent subsequence is given. At this point the basic properties of the vector space FC(V,U)of all fuzzy compact linear operators are investigated such as when U is complete and the sequence ( ) of fuzzy compact operators converges to an operator T then T must be fuzzy compact. Furthermore we see that when T is a fuzzy compact operator and S is a fuzzy bounded operator then the composition TS and ST are fuzzy compact operators. Finally, if T belongs to FC(V,U) and dimension of V is finite then T is fuzzy compact is proved.
A Semianalytical Poroelastic Solution To Evaluate the Stability of a Borehole Drilled Through a Porous Medium Saturated with Two Immiscible Fluids
Authors: Gao Jiajia , Lau Hon Chung , Sun Jin
Published: April 2020

Conventional drilling design assumes that the porous rock is fully saturated with a single fluid and therefore tends to inaccurately predict the mud weight needed for borehole stability because the pore space of the porous rock may actually have two or more fluids. This paper provides a new semianalytical poroelastic solution for the case of an inclined borehole subjected to nonhydrostatic stresses in a porous medium saturated with two immiscible fluids: water and gas. The new solution is obtained under plane-strain condition. The wellbore loading is decomposed into axisymmetric and deviatoric cases. The time-dependent field variables are obtained by performing the inversion of the Laplace transforms. On the basis of the expansion of the Laplace-transform solution, we derive the unsaturated poroelastic asymptotic solutions for early times and for a small radial distance from an inclined wellbore. Sensitivity analyses are performed on different ratios of bulk modulus of two fluid phases to pore pressures of the unsaturated case. In addition, the comparative analyses of pore-pressure differences are made between the unsaturated and saturated cases. The impact of the unsaturated poroelastic effect on pore pressure, stresses, and borehole stability is investigated. Our results show that the excess pore pressure caused by the poroelastic effect is generally higher for the saturated case (water) than the unsaturated case because of the large difference between the compressibility of fluid phases (water and gas). The time dependency of the poroelastic effect causes the safe-mud-pressure window of both the unsaturated and saturated cases to narrow and approach the long-time poroelastic one with increasing time. The safe-mud-pressure window narrows with increasing initial gas saturation. Contrary to the unsaturated case, the saturated case that assumes the formation to be saturated by one fluid (e.g., water) tends to optimistically predict a wider safe-mud-pressure window required for borehole stability. This new semianalytical poroelastic solution enables the drilling engineer to more accurately estimate the time-dependent stresses and the pore pressure around a borehole, thus allowing a mud weight design that will ensure borehole stability.
A Life-History Perspective On Sexual Selection in a Polygamous Species
Authors: Gao Ke , Wijk Michiel van , Clement Zoe , Egas Martijn , Groot Astrid
Published: April 2020

Background: Ever since Darwin, evolutionary biologists have studied sexual selection driving differences in appearance and behaviour between males and females. An unchallenged paradigm in such studies is that one sex (usually the male) signals its quality as a mate to the other sex (usually the female), who is choosy in accepting a partner. Here, we hypothesize that in polygamous species these roles change dynamically with the mating status of males and females, depending on direct reproductive costs and benefits of multiple matings, and on sperm competition. We test this hypothesis by assessing fitness costs and benefits of multiple matings in both males and females in a polygamous moth species, as in moths not males but females are the signalers and males are the responders. Results: We found that multiple matings confer fitness costs and benefits for both sexes. Specifically, the number of matings did not affect the longevity of males or females, but only 67 % of the males and 14 % of the females mated successfully in all five nights. In addition, the female’s reproductive output increased with multiple matings, although when paired with a new virgin male every night, more than 3 matings decreased her reproductive output, so that the Bateman gradient for females fit a quadratic model better than a linear model. The male’s reproductive success was positively affected by the number of matings and a linear regression line best fit the data. Simulations of the effect of sperm competition showed that increasing last-male paternity increases the steepness of the male Bateman gradient and thus the male’s relative fitness gain from additional mating. Irrespective of last-male paternity value, the female Bateman gradient is steeper than the male one for up to three matings. Conclusion: Our results suggest that choosiness in moths may well change throughout the mating season, with males being more choosy early in the season and females being more choosy after having mated at least three times. This life-history perspective on the costs and benefits of multiple matings for both sexes sheds new light on sexual selection forces acting on sexual signals and responses.
An ethnographic exploration of factors that drive policing of street-based female sex workers in a U.S. setting - identifying opportunities for intervention.
Authors: Footer Katherine HA , Silberzahn Bradley E. , Lim Sahnah , Huettner Steven , Kumar Victor A. , Loeffler Derek , Peitzmeier Sarah M. , Sherman Susan G.
Published: April 2020

Background: Building on a broader sociological discourse around policing approaches towards vulnerable populations, increasing public health and human rights evidence points to policing practices as a key health determinant, particularly among street-based sex workers. Despite the importance of policing as a structural health determinant, few studies have sought to understand the factors that underlie and shape harmful policing practices towards sex workers. This study therefore aimed to explore the drivers for policing attitudes and practices towards street-based cisgender female sex workers.Methods: Drawing on ethnographic methods, 280 hours of observations with police patrol and 10 stakeholder interviews with senior police leadership in Baltimore City, USA were carried out to better understand the drivers for policing strategies towards cisgender female sex workers. Analysis was data- and theory-driven, drawing on the concepts of police culture and complementary criminological and sociological literature that aided exploration of the influence of the ecological and structural environment on policing practices.Results: Ecological factors at the structural (e.g., criminalization), organizational (e.g., violent crime control), community and individual level (e.g., stigmatizing attitudes) emerged as key to shaping individual police practices and attitudes towards cisgender female sex workers in this setting. Findings indicate senior police support for increased alignment with public health and human rights goals. However, the study highlights that interventions need to move beyond individual officer training and address the broader structural and organizational setting in which harmful police practices towards sex work operate. Conclusions: A more in-depth understanding of the circumstances that drive law enforcement approaches to street-based sex work is critical to the collaborative design of interventions with police in different settings. In considering public health-police partnerships to address the rights and health of sex worker populations in the U.S. and elsewhere, this study supports existing calls for decriminalization of sex work, supported by institutional and policy reforms, neighborhood-level dialogues that shift the cultural landscape around sex work within both the police and larger community, and innovative individual-level police trainings.
Proportion of unplanned pregnancies, their determinants and health outcomes of women delivering at a teaching hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranatunga Jayani Chalindra , Jayaratne Kapila
Published: April 2020

BackgroundUnplanned pregnancy is a significant public health issue in both low- and high-income countries. The burden of unplanned pregnancy is reflected in women opting for pregnancy terminations and it can be detrimental to the women and her family as well as the health system and society. Solid data on the proportion of unplanned pregnancies are using more specific tools such as the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP) needed to address the issue in Sri Lankan contexts. The objective was to describe the proportion of unplanned pregnancies, their determinants and the health outcomes of women delivering at Colombo North Teaching Hospital-Ragama (CNTH).MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among 494 consecutive pregnant women selected by non-probability consecutive sampling who were admitted for the confinement at CNTH. A pre-tested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on antenatal women and intentionality measured by self-administered six-item LMUP. Maternal and newborn health outcomes were ascertained in each post-partum women before discharge. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests and spearman rank correlation. We also evaluated the psychometric properties of the Sinhalese version of LMUP.ResultsThe response rate was 97.8% and 17.2% of pregnancies ending at birth were unplanned, 12.7% were ambivalent and 70.1% were planned. Associated factor profile of women with unplanned pregnancies includes; not married women (p=0.001), educated up to the passing of GCE ordinary level by women (p<0.001) and spouse (p<0.001), primiparity (p=0.002) and inadequate knowledge on emergency contraceptives (p=0.037). Less planned pregnancies were also significantly associated with anemia (p=0.004), low mood for last two weeks (p<0.001), having a partner with problematic alcohol consumption (p<0.001), presence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) (p<0.001), poor relationship satisfaction with partner (p<0.001) and family (p<0.001). Inadequate pre-pregnancy preparation and antenatal care were associated with an unplanned pregnancy. No differences were found in neonatal outcomes. Sinhalese version of the LMUP scale was found to be accepted, valid and reliable with the Cronbach's alpha of 0.936.ConclusionsA sizeable proportion of pregnancies were unplanned. Teenage pregnancies, non-marital relationships and inadequate knowledge on emergency contraceptives, maternal anemia, low mood, and GBV were modifiable associated factors which could be prevented by evidence-based locally applicable approaches.
Central line bundle including split-septum device and single-use prefilled flushing syringes to prevent port-associated bloodstream infections: A cost and resource-utilization analysis
Authors: Devrim Ilker , Ozkul Mustafa Taha , Çağlar İlknur , Oruç Yeliz , Demiray Nevbahar , Tahta Neryal , Vergin Canan
Published: April 2020

Background: Central line bundle programs were found to be effective in decreasing central line-associated bloodstream infection rates in pediatric cancer patients with ports. However, cost-effectiveness studies of central line bundle programs in pediatric cancer patients are limited, and most available data are from intensive care unit or adult studies.Methods: In this cross-sectional study spanning 6 years, comprehensive assessment of total health care costs attributable to CLABSI's associated with ports between two periods.Results: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the pediatric hematology-oncology ward of Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital from 1 August November 2011 to 31 July 2017. The CLABSI rates decreased significantly from 8.31 CLABSIs to 3.04 per 1000 central line days (p<0.001). In the pre-bundle period, total attributable costs spent for of patients with CLABSI were $130661, and in the bundle period, total attributable costs spent for patients with CLABSI were $116579. Within bundle implantation, 71 potential CLABSI were prevented, which saved an additional $208977. Conclusion: Our study shows that central line bundles decreases not only the CLABSI rate but also decreases attributable costs due to CLABSI. Expenses spent for bundle elements, were covered by savings by preventing CLABSI with higher costs
Depression, Anxiety and Associated Factors among Housemaids Working in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Authors: Ejigu Alem Kebede , Seraj Zahra Reshid , Libanos Mahlet Wolday Gebre , Jelcha Tolesa Fanta , Bezabih Yodit Habtamu
Published: April 2020

Background: Housemaids are part of women with low socioeconomic status and most of them are migrant from rural to central part of Ethiopia, less educated, either with poor, separated, single or divorced family and/or dead parents. Housemaid may experience problems like depression and anxiety more than other groups of women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and determinants of those problems among housemaids. Objective: to assess the magnitude and determinants of depression & anxiety among housemaids in Addis Ababa; Ethiopia; 2018.Methods: community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to August 30, 2018 among housemaids working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was applied with a total of 826 samples. Quantitative data was employed by using structured questionnaires. The collected data was coded, entered in to Epi-Info version 7 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Descriptive, analytical statistical procedures; bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions with odds ratios and 95% confidence interval was employed. The statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05.Results: This study enrolled 862 participants with response rate 99.5%, 99.5% refers to the number of people who actually completed the interview. The result showed prevalence of depression and anxiety among housemaids 27.5% and 32.3% respectively. Among all participants 44.6% (95% CI= 41.0 – 47.9) have mild, 18.5% (95% CI= 15.7 – 21.2) have moderate and 6.1% (95% CI= 4.5 – 7.8) have severe form of comorbid anxiety with depression. Depression (44.9%) and anxiety (41.9%) found more prevalent among the age group 16 to 20. In this study history of parental divorce, divorce, physical violence and sexual violence are positively associated. Other factors; being less educated and living with relatives; were associated negatively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Depression and Anxiety is found high among housemaid; its prevalence is more among age group 16 to 20 than other age groups. Violence, divorce, history of parental divorce and contraceptive use has positively associated with depression and anxiety.
Impact of Hemodialysis and Post-Dialysis Period on Granular Activity Levels
Authors: Larkin John W , Han Maggie , Han Hao , Guedes Murilo H , Gonçalves Priscila Bezerra , Poli-de-Figueiredo Carlos Eduardo , Cuvello-Neto Américo Lourenço , Barra Ana Beatriz L , de Moraes Thyago Proença , Usvyat Len A , Kotanko Peter , Canziani Maria Eugenia F , Raimann Jochen G , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Investigators For the HDFIT Study
Published: April 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) is typically lower on hemodialysis (HD) days. Albeit intradialytic inactivity is expected, it is unknown whether recovery after HD contributes to low PA. We investigated the impact of HD and post-HD period on granular PA relative to HD timing.Methods: We used baseline data from the HDFIT trial conducted from August 2016 to October 2017. Accelerometry measured PA over one week in patients who received thrice-weekly high-flux HD (vintage 3 to 24 months), were clinically stable, and had no ambulatory limitations. PA was assessed on HD days (0 to ≤24 hours after start HD), first non-HD days (>24 to ≤48 hours after start HD) and second non-HD day (>48 to ≤72 hours after start HD). PA was recorded in blocks/slices: 4 hours during HD, 0 to ≤2 hours post-HD (30 minute slices), and >2 to ≤20 hours post-HD (4.5 hour slices). Blocks/slices of PA were captured at concurrent/parallel times on first/second non-HD days compared to HD days.Results: Among 195 patients (mean age 53±15 years, 71% male), step counts per 24-hours were 3919±2899 on HD days, 5308±3131 on first non-HD days (p<0.001), and 4926±3413 on second non-HD days (p=0.032). During concurrent/parallel times to HD on first and second non-HD days, patients took 1308 and 1128 more steps (both p<0.001). Patients took 276 more steps and had highest rates of steps/hour 2-hours post-HD versus same times on first non-HD days (all p<0.05). Consistent findings were observed on second non-HD days.Conclusions: PA was higher within 2-hours of HD versus same times on non-HD days. Lower PA on HD days was attributable to intradialytic inactivity. The established PA profiles are of importance to the design and development of exercise programs that aim to increase activity during and between HD treatments.Trial Registration: HDFIT was registered 20 April 2016 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02787161) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02787161.
Transcriptomic profiling and discovery of key genes involved in adventitious root formation from green cuttings of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Authors: An Haishan , Zhang Jiaying , Xu Fangjie , Jiang Shuang , Zhang Xueying
Published: April 2020

Background: Propagation of cuttings is frequently used in various plant species, including blueberry, which shows special root characteristics that may hinder adventitious root (AR) formation. AR formation is influenced by various factors, and auxin is considered to play a central role; however, little is known of the related regulatory mechanisms. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis of green cuttings treated with or without indole-butyric acid (IBA) was performed via RNA_seq to identify candidate genes associated with IBA-induced AR formation.Results: Rooting phenotypes, especially the rooting rate, were significantly promoted by exogenous auxin in the IBA application. Blueberry AR formation was an auxin-induced process, during which adventitious root primordium initiation (rpi) began at 14 days after cutting (DAC), root primordium (rp) was developed at 21 DAC, mature AR was observed at 28 DAC and finally outgrowth from the stem occurred at 35 DAC. Higher IAA levels and lower ABA and zeatin contents might facilitate AR formation and development. A time series transcriptome analysis identified 14970 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during AR formation, of which there were 7467 upregulated and 7503 downregulated genes. Of these, approximately 35 candidate DEGs involved in the auxin-induced pathway and AR formation were further identified, including 10 auxin respective genes (ARFs and SAURs), 13 transcription factors (LOB domain-containing protein (LBDs)), 6 auxin transporters (AUX22, LAX3/5 and PIN-like 6 (PIL6s)) and 6 rooting-associated genes (root meristem growth factor 9 (RGF9), lateral root primordium 1 (LRP1s), and dormancy-associated protein homologue 3 (DRMH3)). All these identified DEGs were highly upregulated in certain stages during AR formation, indicating their potential roles in blueberry AR formation.Conclusions: The transcriptome profiling results indicated candidate genes or major regulatory factors that influence adventitious root formation in blueberry and provided a comprehensive understanding of the rooting mechanism underlying the auxin-induced AR formation from blueberry green cuttings.
Transcriptome analysis of lateral buds from Phyllostachys edulis rhizome during germination and early shoot stages
Authors: Shou Yuting , Zhu Yihua , Ding Yulong
Published: April 2020

Background: The vegetative growth is an important stage for plants when they conduct photosynthesis, accumulate and collect all resources needed and prepare for reproduction stage. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plant species. The rapid growth of Phyllostachys edulis results from the expansion of intercalary meristem at the basal part of nodes, which are differentiated from the apical meristem of rhizome lateral buds. However, little is known about the major signaling pathways and players involved during this rapid development stage of bamboo. To study this question, we adopted the high-throughput sequencing technology and compared the transcriptomes of Moso bamboo rhizome buds in germination stage and late development stage. Results: We found that the development of Moso bamboo rhizome lateral buds was coordinated by multiple pathways, including meristem development, sugar metabolism and phytohormone signaling. Phytohormones have fundamental impacts on the plant development. We found the evidence of several major hormones participating in the development of Moso bamboo rhizome lateral bud. Furthermore, we showed direct evidence that Gibberellic Acids (GA) signaling participated in the Moso bamboo stem elongation. Conclusion: Significant changes occur in various signaling pathways during the development of rhizome lateral buds. It is crucial to understand how these changes are translated to Phyllostachys edulis fast growth. These results expand our knowledge on the Moso bamboo internodes fast growth and provide research basis for further study.
Epidemiology and clinico-pathological characteristics of current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam
Authors: Hong Trang Pham , Lila Mohd Azmi Mohd , Rahaman Nor Yasmin Abd. , Lan Huong Lai Thi , Thi Lan Nguyen , Van Khien Do , Noordin Mohamed Mustapha
Published: April 2020

Background: In view of the current swine fever outbreak and the government aspiration to increase the goat population, a need arises to control and prevent outbreaks of goat pox. Despite North Vietnam facing sporadic cases of goat pox, this most recent outbreak had the highest recorded morbidity, mortality and case fatality rate. Thus, owing to the likelihood of a widespread recurrence of goat pox infection, an analysis of that outbreak was done based on selected signalment, management and disease pattern (signs and pathology) parameters. This includes examination of animals, inspection of facilities, tissue sampling and analysis for confirmation of goatpox along with questionaires. Results: It was found that the susceptible age group were between 3-6 months old kids while higher infection rate occurred in those under the free-range rearing system. The clinical signs of pyrexia, anorexia, nasal discharge and lesions of pocks were not restricted to the skin but have extended into the lung and intestine. The pathogen had been confirmed in positive cases via PCR as goat pox with prevalence of 79.69%. Conclusions: The epidemiology of the current goat pox outbreak in North Vietnam denotes a significant prevalence which may affect the industry. This signals the importance of identifying the salient clinical signs and post mortem lesions of goat pox at the field level in order to achieve an effective control of the disease.
Distal locked versus unlocked intramedullary nailing for stable intertrochanteric fractures, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yan-Hui , Yu Tiecheng , Shao Wenjing , Liu Yanwei , Zhu Dong , Tan Lei
Published: April 2020

Background: Intramedullary nails have become the main treatment for intertrochanteric fractures. However, a distal locking procedure during nailing gradually raised controversy. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed to summarize existing evidence, aiming to determine the safety and efficacy of distal locking or unlocking in the nailing of stable intertrochanteric fractures. Methods: Appropriate articles were identified using the most common public databases, such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from the inception of each database to April 2019, without restriction of language, publication date, and considering ongoing trials. Eligible studies were represented by randomized controlled trials or retrospective cohort studies, comparing distal locking and unlocking for the treatment of acute stable intertrochanteric fractures in adult patients. Information regarding methodological quality, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes were extracted independently by two reviewers. Subsequently, patients were divided into a locking and unlocking group.Results: This study included 9 articles, comprising a total of 1978 patients with a similar baseline. The results showed that the unlocking group had a shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, lower transfusion rate, and less thigh pain after the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fracture when compared with the distal locking group. No significant differences were observed in safety-related outcomes, including mortality, infection rate, cutting out, loss of reduction, backing out of lag screws, cephalic screw breakage, nail breakage, and peri-implant fractures between the two groups. In addition, efficacy-related outcomes including nonunion, delayed healing rates, and the Harris functional score were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Our pooled analysis demonstrated that distal unlocking of stable intertrochanteric fractures can shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and reduce the blood transfusion rate. The use of locked or unlocked intramedullary nailing does not affect long-term outcomes regarding complications and function.
Growth and Elongation of Axons through Mechanical Tension Mediated by Fluorescent-Magnetic Bifunctional Fe3O4·Rhodamine 6G@PDA Superparticles
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Binxi , Xu Hao , Du Shulin , Liu Ting , Ren Jingyan , Zhang Jiayi , Zhang Hao , Liu Yi , Lu Laijin
Published: April 2020

Background: The primary strategy to repair peripheral nerve injuries is to bridge the lesions by promoting axon regeneration. Thus, the ability to direct and manipulate neuronal cell axon regeneration has been one of the top priorities in the field of neuroscience. A recent innovative approach for remotely guiding neuronal regeneration is to incorporate magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into cells and transfer the resulting MNP-loaded cells into a magnetically sensitive environment to respond to an external magnetic field. To realize this intention, the synthesis and preparation of ideal MNPs is an important challenge to overcome. Results: In this study, we designed and prepared novel fluorescent-magnetic bifunctional Fe 3 O 4 ·Rhodamine 6G@polydopamine superparticles (FMSPs) as neural regeneration therapeutics. With the help of their excellent biocompatibility and ability to interact with neural cells, our in-house fabricated FMSPs can be endocytosed into cells, transported along the axons, and then aggregated in the growth cones. As a result, the mechanical forces generated by FMSPs can promote the growth and elongation of axons and stimulate gene expression associated with neuron growth under external magnetic fields. Conclusions: Our work demonstrates that FMSPs can be used as a novel stimulator to promote noninvasive neural regeneration through cell magnetic actuation.
New contributions to two ciliate genera (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea) based on morphological and molecular analyses, with description of a new Gruberia species
Authors: Chi Yong , Li Yuqing , Zhang Qianqian , Ma Mingzhen , Warren Alan , Chen Xiangrui , Song Weibo
Published: April 2020

Background: Heterotrichous ciliates are common members of microeukaryote communities which play important roles in both the transfer of material and the flow of energy in aquatic food webs. This group has been known for over two centuries due to their large body size and cosmopolitan distribution. Nevertheless, species identification and phylogenetic relationships of heterotrichs remain challenging due to the lack of accurate morphological information and insufficient molecular data.Results: The morphology and phylogeny of two heterotrichous ciliates, namely Gruberia foissneri spec. nov. and Linostomella vorticella (Ehrenberg, 1833) Aescht in Foissner et al., 1999, were studied using rigorous methods (living morphology, stained preparations, and small subunit rDNA sequence data). Gruberia foissneri spec. nov. is morphologically very similar to G. uninucleata Kahl, 1932, however, it can be distinguished from the latter by having more ciliary rows (about 32 vs. about 20) and macronuclear shape (sausage-shaped vs. ellipsoid). Based on a combination of previous and present studies, an improved diagnosis of L. vorticella is supplied and several taxonomic anomalies are clarified. In addition, phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data support the generic assignment of these two species.Conclusions: Modern ciliate taxonomy should be performed by means of detailed living observation, stained preparations and molecular information. For those species that have been reported in previous studies, it is necessary to provide as much useful information as possible using state-of-the-art methods in order to resolve taxonomic anomalies.
Comparison of ED95 of Butorphanol and Sufentanil for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Sedation: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhu Xiaona , Chen Limei , Zheng Shuang , Pan Linmin
Published: April 2020

Background: Butorphanol, a synthetic opioid partial agonist analgesic, has been widely used to control perioperative pain. However, the ideal dose and availability of butorphanol for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluated the 95% effective dose (ED95) of butorphanol and sufentanil in GI endoscopy and compared their clinical efficacy, especially regarding the recovery time. Methods: The study was divided into two parts. For the first part, voluntary patients who needed GI endoscopy anesthesia were recruited to measure the ED95 of butorphanol and sufentanil needed to achieve successful sedation before GI endoscopy using the sequential method (the Dixon up-and-down method). The second part was a double-blind, randomized study. Two hundred cases of painless GI endoscopy patients were randomly divided into two groups (n= 100), including group B (butorphanol at the ED95 dose) and group S (sufentanil at the ED95 dose). Propofol was infused intravenously as the sedative in both groups. The recovery time, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, hand grip strength, fatigue severity scores, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and incidence of dizziness were recorded.Results: The ED95 of butorphanol for painless GI endoscopy was 9.07 μg/kg (95% confidence interval: 7.81-19.66 μg/kg). The ED95 of sufentanil was 0.1 μg/kg (95% CI, 0.079-0.422 μg/kg). Both butorphanol and sufentanil provided a good analgesic effect for GI endoscopy. However, the recovery time for butorphanol was significantly shorter than that for sufentanil (P < 0.05, group B vs. group S:21.26 ± 7.70 vs. 24.03 ± 7.80 min).Conclusions: Butorphanol at 9.07μg/kg was more effective than sufentanil for GI endoscopy sedation and notably reduced the recovery time.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry (Registration number # ChiCTR1900022780; Date of Registration on April 25rd, 2019) http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj= 37972.
Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors for non- malignancy associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children
Authors: Pan Hua , Wang Gaoyan , Guan Enben , Song Liang , Song Aiqin , Liu Xiaodan , Yi Zhi , SUN Li-rong
Published: April 2020

Background: Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A risk-stratification model that could be used to identify high-risk pediatric patients with HLH who should be considered for second-line therapies, including salvage regimens and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), was developed. Methods: The medical records of 88 pediatric patients (median age 1.4 years, range 0.2-15 years) with non-malignancy associated secondary HLH were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment strategies included dexamethasone, etoposide, and cyclosporine. Results: Survival analysis showed HLH patients with infections other than Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and unknown causes experienced better 5-year overall survival (OS) than patients with HLH due to autoimmune disease, EBV or immunodeficiency (76% vs. 65%, 33.3 %, 11%, p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, among all patients, non-response at 8 weeks was the most powerful predictor of poor OS. When treatment response was excluded, hemoglobin <60g/L and albumin <25g/L at diagnosis were associated with poor OS. In patients with EBV-HLH, hemoglobin <60g/L at diagnosis was associated with poor OS. A prognostic risk score was established and weighted based on hazard ratios calculated for three parameters measured at diagnosis: hemoglobin <60g/L (2 points), platelets <30x109/L (1 point), albumin < 25g/L (2 points). Five-year OS of low-risk (score 0-1), intermediate-risk (score 2), and poor-risk (score ≥3) patients were 88%, 38%, and 22%, respectively (p<0.001).Conclusions: These findings indicate that clinicians should be aware of predictive factors at diagnosis and consider 8-week treatment response to identify patients with high-risk of disease progression and the need for second-line therapy and allogeneic HCT.
Integrated sRNAome and RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals miRNA Effects on Betalain Biosynthesis in Pitaya
Authors: Chen Canbin , Xie Fangfang , Hua Qingzhu , Zur Noemi Tel , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Zhike , Zhang Rong , Zhao Jietang , Hu Guibing , Qin Yonghua
Published: April 2020

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory functions in anthocyanin, carotenoid, and chlorophyll accumulation have been extensively characterized in many plant species. However, the miRNA regulatory mechanism in betalain biosynthesis remains mostly unknown. Results In this study, 126 conserved miRNAs and 41 novel miRNAs were first isolated from Hylocereus monacanthus , among which 95 conserved miRNAs belonged to 53 miRNA families. 34 candidate miRNAs related to betalain biosynthesis were differentially expressed. The expression patterns of those differential expressed miRNAs were analyzed in various pitaya tissues by RT-qPCR. A significantly negative correlation was detected between the expression levels of half those miRNAs and corresponding target genes. Target genes of miRNAs i.e. Hmo-miR157b- HmSPL6-like , Hmo-miR160a- Hpcyt P450-like3 , Hmo-miR6020- HmCYP71A8-like , Hmo-novel-2- HmCYP83B1-like , Hmo-novel-15- HmTPST-like , Hmo-miR828a- HmTT2-like , Hmo-miR858- HmMYB12-like , Hmo-miR858- HmMYBC1-like and Hmo-miR858- HmMYB2-like were verified by 5′RACE and transient expression system in tobacco. Conclusions Hmo-miR157b, Hmo-miR160a, Hmo-miR6020 Hmo-novel-2, Hmo-novel-15, Hmo-miR828a and Hmo-miR858 play important roles in pitaya fruit coloration and betalain accumulation. Our findings provide new insights into the roles of miRNAs and their target genes of regulatory functions involved in betalain biosynthesis of pitaya.
Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes stimulate cutaneous wound healing mediates through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Tiechao , Wang Zhongyu , Sun Ji
Published: April 2020

Background: Cutaneous wound healing represents a morphogenetic response to injury, and is designed to restore anatomic and physiological function. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (hBM-MSCs-Ex) is a promising source for cell-free therapy and skin regeneration. Methods: In this study, we investigated the cell regeneration effects and its underlying mechanism of hBM-MSCs-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in rats. In vitro studies, we evaluated the role of hBM-MSCs-Ex in the two types of skin cells: human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) for the proliferation. For in vivo studies, we used a full-thickness skin wound model to evaluate the effects of hBM-MSCs-Ex on cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Results: The results demonstrated that hBM-MSCs-Ex promote both two types of skin cells growth effectively and accelerate the cutaneous wound healing. Interestingly, we found that hBM-MSCs-Ex significantly down-regulated TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 expression, while up-regulated TGF-β3 and Smad7 expression in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that hBM-MSCs-Ex effectively promote the cutaneous wound healing through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway. The current results providing a new sight for the therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cutaneous wounds.
Factors and Predictors of Length of stay in Offenders diagnosed with schizophrenia- A Machine-learning-based approach
Authors: Kirchebner Johannes , Günther Moritz , Sonnweber Martina , King Alice , Lau Steffen
Published: April 2020

Background: Prolonged forensic psychiatric hospitalizations have raised ethical, economic, and clinical concerns. Due to the confounded nature of factors affecting length of stay of psychiatric offender patients, prior research has called for the application of a new statistical methodology better accommodating this data structure. The present study attempts to investigate factors contributing to long-term hospitalization of schizophrenic offenders referred to a Swiss forensic institution, using machine learning algorithms that are better suited than conventional methods to detect nonlinear dependencies between variables. Methods: In this retrospective file and registry study, multidisciplinary notes of 143 schizophrenic offenders were reviewed using a structured protocol on patients’ characteristics, criminal and medical history and course of treatment. Via a forward selection procedure, the most influential factors for length of stay were preselected. Machine learning algorithms then identified the most efficient model for predicting length-of-stay. Results: Two factors have been identified as being particularly influential for a prolonged forensic hospital stay, both of which are related to aspects of the index offense, namely (attempted) homicide and the extent of the victim's injury. The results are discussed in light of previous research on this topic. Conclusions: In this study, length of stay was determined by legal considerations, but not by factors that can be influenced therapeutically. Results emphasize that forensic risk assessments should be based on different evaluation criteria and not merely on legal aspects.