bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WISP2 promotes cell proliferation via targeting ERK and YAP in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Shi Zi-Qing , Chen Zi-Yan , Han Yao , Zhu Heng-Yan , Lyu Meng-Dan , Zhang Han , zhang Yi , Yang Liu-Qing , PAN WEI-WEI
Published: April 2020

Background Wnt inducible signaling protein 2 (WISP2) is a wnt1-induced signaling pathway protein 2. Although studies indicate that WISP2 may promote the development of various tumors, its role in ovarian cancer remains unclear. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effects of WISP2 on proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo . Results Immunohistochemistry and western blot results indicated that WISP2 was highly expressed in various ovarian tissues and cell lines. WISP2 deletion inhibited cell growth, clone formation, and migration of ovarian cancer cells. WISP2 deletion promoted cell apoptosis and affected the cell cycle. This growth inhibitory effect caused by WISP2 loss is due to the inhibition of extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK)1/2, as well as CEBPα and CEBPβ. In addition, WISP2 deletion also activated the Yes-associated protein (YAP). Conclusion WISP2 deletion inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation by affecting ERK signaling pathways.
Long - term follow up of a simplified and less burdened pancreatic duct ligation model of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in Goettingen Minipigs
Authors: Luu Andreas Minh , Brock Alexander , Ritz Sabrina , Junghänel Sandra , Aldag Ingo , Edskes Stella , Hartmann Marcus , Hessler Michael , Praktiknjo Michael , Arnemann Philip , Ertmer Christian , Uhl Waldemar , Schnekenburger Jürgen , Herzog Torsten
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPancreatic duct ligation in a minipig model leads to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). This allows studies of digestive processes and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapies (PERT). However, detailed descriptions of the surgical procedure, perioperative management, and determination of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are scarce in literature. To date, data of long-term health status of minipigs after induction of EPI are not available. This study describes in detail the experimental approach of EPI-induction via pancreatic duct ligation in minipigs and long-term results of the animal’s health state.Methods14 Goettingen minipigs underwent pancreatic duct ligation via midline laparotomy for the induction of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Fecal fat content, fat absorption, body weight, chymotrypsin levels, blood vitamin levels and glucose levels were determined. Follow-up data was gathered for a period of 180 weeks postoperatively.ResultsExocrine pancreatic insufficiency was successfully induced in 12 Goettingen minipigs. Fecal fat content increased from 9.0% to 30.9% (p < 0.001). Mean coefficient of fat absorption decreased from 90% (± 2.8) to 24.2% (± 8.3). PERT led to a significant increase of fat absorption. Two minipigs failed to develop exocrine insufficiency most likely due to undetected accessory pancreatic ducts. All animals tolerated the procedure very well and gained weight within 6 weeks past surgery. Follow up for 180 weeks showed a stable body weight and health state of the animals with normal blood glucose levels. Vitamin E and B12 levels dropped significantly between post-op week 125 and 134 requiring vitamin supplementation. ConclusionsPancreatic duct ligation in minipigs is an excellent method to induce exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. It is important to identify and ligate accessory pancreatic ducts since persistence of accessory ducts will lead to maintenance of exocrine pancreatic function. The EPI model caused no persistent side effects in the animals and can be applied in long-term EPI studies. However, it is important to substitute Vitamin B12 and E as their concentration drops in the long-term period.
Comparing the SF-36 and SF-12 in Psychometric Properties as Measuring Quality of Life among Adolescent in China: a Large Sample Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lin Yanwei , Yu Yulan , Zeng Jiayong , Zhao Xudong , Wan Chonghua
Published: April 2020

Objective: By comparing psychometric properties of the SF-36 and the SF-12, supplied evidence for the election of instruments of the quality of life (QOL) and decision-making processes to promote the Quality of Life of adolescent. Methods: Stratified cluster random sampling was adopted. The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess QOL. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to show correlation. Cronbach’s Alpha and Construct Reliability (CR) were used to evaluate reliability of SF-36 and the Short-Form 12 (SF-12), Criterion Validity and Average Variance Extracted (AVE, Convergence Validity) for validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to calculate load factor for each item, then obtained CR and AVE. The Semejima grade response model (Logistic two-parameter module) in the item response theory was used to estimate the Item Discrimination, Item Difficulty and Item Average Information of each item. Results: 19,428 samples were included in the study. The mean age was 14.78 years (SD=1.77). High correlations between corresponding domains and components of both scales were found. Reliability of sf-36 each domain was better than that corresponding domain of sf-12. Domains of PF, RP, BP, and GH in SF-36 had good construct reliability (CR,>0.6). The Criterion Validities of SF-36 were little higher in some corresponding dimensions except PCS. Convergence validities of SF-12 were higher than SF-36 in PF, RP, BP and PCS. The items of BP, SF, RP and VT in SF-12 had acceptable discriminations of items and higher than in SF-36. The items Average Amounts of Information of BP, VT, SF, RE and MH in SF-36 and SF-12 were poor. Conclusion: Two components (PCS and MCS) measurements of SF-12 appeared to perform at least as well as the SF-36 in cross-sectional settings in adolescence. Some domains, for instance SF and BP, were suitable for adolescents or not need study further.
PEDF Induces Native Coronary Collateral Microcirculation Remodeling in a Manner Similar to That of FSS Through Activing Canonical and Non-canonical Notch1 Signaling Pathway Simultaneously
Authors: Chen Jiali , Liu Xiucheng , Qin Xichun , Zhang Hao , Liu Zhiwei , Zhu Lidong , Quan Xiaoyu , Wang Yuzhuo , Zhou Yeqing , Dong Hongyan , Zhang Zhongming
Published: April 2020

Background Our previous studies showed that the coronary collateral microcirculation reserve (CCMR) in rat hearts is abundant, but the structure is naturally flawed, which preventing it from continuously providing alternative blood flow to the ischemic myocardium. Further research indicated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) can induce CCMR vessels remodeling in a manner similar to that of fluid shear stress (FSS), thus improving compensatory blood flow. However, the specific mechanism remained unclear. Methods We established the rat model of PEDF overexpression in the myocardium and the cardiac explant angiogenesis model in matrigel to identify the role of the canonical and non-canonical Notch1 signaling pathway in the process of PEDF-induced CCMR remodeling. Results: We found that pharmaceutical blockage of Notch1 pathway via γ-secretase inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) would effectively abrogate the remodeling process, including the diameter expansion and adherens junctions reorganization of CCMR induced by PEDF. In vitro, western blot and enzyme activity assay analysis indicated that PEDF treatment simultaneously active the canonical Notch1 pathway (NICD/AKT/eNOS/NO) and non-canonical Notch1 pathway (TMD/VE-cadherin-LAR-Trio complex). To our amusement, using L-Nitromonomethylarginine (L-NMMA) acetate to inhibit endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity could significantly block PEDF-induced the diameter expansion of the nascent blood vessels, but it had little effect on the reassembly of adherens junctions. While activation of non-canonical Notch1 pathway seems to be the cause of adherens junctions remodeling. Blocking of the non-canonical Notch1 pathway canceled PEDF-driven adherens junctions assembly. Conclusions We demonstrate the specific mechanism of PEDF-induced native collateral microcirculation remodeling. PEDF can active the canonical Notch1 pathway signaling pathway to promote lumenal remodeling and, Simultaneously, active non-canonical Notch1 signaling pathway responsible for adherens junctions assembly.
Incidence and Survival Trends of Bladder Rhabdomyosarcoma:A SEER-based Analysis of 125 Cases
Authors: Li Pin , Zhou Huixia , Cao Hualin , Guo Tao , Zhu Weiwei , Zhao Yang , Ma Lifei , Zhou Xiaoguang , Tao Tian , Feng Zhichun
Published: April 2020

Background To elucidate the bladder rhabdomyosarcoma clinicopathological characteristics and reveal the prognostic factors. Methods We screened data from SEER database (1975-2016) stratified by age group, evaluated the differences between groups with Chi-square and Fisher’s test, conducted the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and plotted the survival curve. The significant factors were brought into Cox regression analysis and calculated the HR(95%CI). Results About half of the patients who develop bladder RMS will be younger than 2 years of age. Embryonal RMS account for 76% of all histopathology types. Age at diagnosis more than 16-y (HR=6.595,95%CI:3.62-12.01, p=7.04e-10), NOT embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (HR=3.61, 95%CI:1.99-6.549, p =4.1e-06), without radiotherapy combined or surgery alone (HR=4.382, 95%CI:1.99-6.549, p =2.4e-05) and not performed the surgery (HR=2.982,95%CI:1.263-7.039, p =0.0126) were negatively correlated with 5-year survival time, while race( p =0.341), whether performed the lymphadenectomy( p =0.722) showed no influence on survival time. Cox regression results show that age, histology, SEER stage, treatment combined or alone influence the clinical outcomes. Conclusions We demonstrated the demographic and characteristic of bladder rhabdomyosarcoma, identified and excluded the prognostic factors for the 5-year overall survival and clinical outcomes.
Clinical Implications of Alanine Transaminase Level in the Diagnostic Accuracy of Alpha-Fetoprotein for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatis B Infection
Authors: Hu Bo , Chen Jiahao , Wu Manli , Gong Jiao , Liu Zhihuan , He Guowei , Zhu Huiqing , Li Zhaoxia
Published: April 2020

Background Abnormally elevated AFP level is often observed in patients with chronic hepatitis infections without evident of (hepatocellular carcinoma) HCC. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of alanine transaminase (ALT) on the accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for detecting HCC. Methods This retrospective study recruited 799 patients with HCC, cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis B infection and healthy adults between July 2017 and January 2019. Comparisons of the area under the receiver-operating curves (AUCs) for detecting HCC in different ALT levels were calculated. Results Serum ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase level were significantly associated with elevated AFP in patients without HCC. The AUC of AFP was higher in patients with ALT ≤ 2 upper limit of normal (ULN) than in patients with ALT > 2ULN (0.806 vs 0.611, P <0.001). Nevertheless, there was not significant differences in the AUCs of AFP/(ALT×Aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in patients with ALT ≤ 2 ULN and with ALT > 2ULN (0.769 vs 0.769, P = 0.68). AFP/(ALT×AST) was better than AFP in patients with ALT > 2ULN for detecting HCC (P <0.001). Conclusions Higher ALT level might impair the accuracy of AFP for diagnosing HCC. AFP tests showed better accuracy in patients with ALT ≤ 2 ULN whereas AFP/(ALT×AST) ratio was recommended in patients with elevated ALT level.
A patient distance metric for neurology
Authors: Hier Daniel B , Kopel Jonathan , Brint Steven U , II Donald C Wunsch , Olbricht Gayla R , Azizi Sima , Allen Blaine
Published: April 2020

Objective: Neurologists lack a metric for measuring the distance between neurological patients. When neurological signs and symptoms are represented as neurological concepts from a hierarchical ontology and neurological patients are represented as sets of concepts, distances between patients can be represented as inter-set distances.Methods:We converted the neurological signs and symptoms from 721 published neurology cases into sets of concepts with corresponding machine-readable codes. We calculated inter-concept distances based a hierarchical ontology and we calculated inter-patient distances by semantic weighted bipartite matching. We evaluated the accuracy of a k-nearest neighbor classifier to allocate patients into 40 diagnostic classes.Results:Within a given diagnosis, mean patient distance differed by diagnosis, suggesting that across diagnoses there are differences in how similar patients are to other patients with the same diagnosis. The mean distance from one diagnosis to another diagnosis differed by diagnosis, suggesting that diagnoses differ in their proximity to other diagnoses. Utilizing a k-nearest neighbor classifier and inter-patient distances, the risk of misclassification differed by diagnosis.Conclusion:If signs and symptoms are converted to machine-readable codes and patients are represented as sets of these codes, patient distances can be computed as an inter-set distance. These patient distances given insights into how homogeneous patients are within a diagnosis (stereotypy), the distance between different diagnoses (proximity), and the risk of diagnosis misclassification (diagnostic error).
Impeding factors of early rehabilitation postoperatively after rheumatoid toe arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Goto Shunsaku , Kasuya Yusuke , Okuyama Keiko , Ikari Katsunori , Ozaki Makoto
Published: April 2020

Background: It is important to promote early ambulation postoperatively but there are many factors that can hinder the possibility of walking after surgery. Studies have been done to research the benefits related to early ambulation postoperatively but few are focused on patients that have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We retrospectively investigated the incidence and predictors of the inability to start walking on the first postoperative day (POD) after rheumatoid toe arthroplasty.Methods: RA patients who underwent toe arthroplasty at an academic teaching hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We divided patients into the two groups: possible group, who were able to walk on the first day postoperatively and impossible group, who were unable to walk on the first day postoperatively. The primary outcome was odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) between various patient factors and the impossible group with logistic regression analysis. The post hoc analysis for association between anesthesia methods and postoperative outcome was carried out.Results: A total of 300 patients were included and divided into two groups: possible group (n = 191) and impossible group (n = 109). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) before rehabilitation was significantly associated with the infeasibility of walking rehabilitation on the first POD [OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.22-4.14, P = 0.003]. The number of rescue analgesics administered before rehabilitation and the supplementation of peripheral nerve block (PNB) was also associated with the infeasibility of walking rehabilitation on the first POD [OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.59, P = 0.003], [OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.79, P = 0.010], respectively. In the post hoc analysis, incidence of PONV was highly associated with postoperative intravenous continuous opioid (48.7%, P < 0.0001) compared to regional analgesia; PNB (11.3 %) and epidural (26.7%).Conclusions: In our study, the incidence of PONV and inadequate postoperative pain management hindered early rehabilitation. Adding PNB to general anesthesia had an advantage for postoperative rehabilitation and decreased PONV after rheumatoid toe surgery.
Perioperative glucocorticoids are associated with improved long-term survival after pancreatic cancer surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yun-Xiao , Mu Dong-Liang , Jin Ke-Min , Li Xue-Ying , Wang Dong-Xin
Published: April 2020

Background Perioperative anesthetic management may affect long-term outcome after cancer surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effect of perioperative glucocorticoids on long-term survival in patients after radical resection for pancreatic cancer.Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic cancer from January 2005 to December 2016 were recruited. Baseline and perioperative data including use of glucocorticoids for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting were collected. Patients were followed up for tumor recurrence and survival. The primary outcome was the overall survival (OS); the secondary outcome was the recurrence-free survival (RFS). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the influence of perioperative glucocorticoid use on OS and RFS after correction for confounding factors.Results A total of 215 patients after radical surgery for pancreatic cancer were included in the study; of these, 112 received perioperative glucocorticoids and 103 did not. Patients were followed up for a median of 74.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.3-79.7). Both OS and RFS were significantly longer in patients with glucocorticoids than in those without (for OS: median 19.7 months [95% CI 12.3-36.2] vs. 13.9 months [8.0-23.9], P=0.001; for RFS: 12.0 months [6.0-28.0] vs. 6.9 months [4.2-17.0], P=0.002). After correction for confounding factors, perioperative glucocorticoids were significantly associated with prolonged OS (HR 0.692, 95% CI 0.499-0.959, P=0.027) and RFS (HR 0.634, 95% CI 0.459-0.878, P=0.006).Conclusions Perioperative use of low-dose glucocorticoids may improve long-term survival in patients undergoing radical surgery for pancreatic cancer.
Prediction of deep vein thrombosis by ultrasonography and D-dimer in Asian patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Ha Sang Hee , Kim Yeon-Jung , Heo Sung Hyuk , Chang Dae-il , Kim Bum Joon
Published: April 2020

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an important complication of ischemic stroke, although the incidence of DVT is regarded as being lower in Asian than in non-Asian patients. Here, we investigated the incidence and factors associated with DVT in Asian patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Acute ischemic stroke patients received lower extremity ultrasonography (LEUS) to diagnose the presence of DVT. Clinical characteristics and laboratory results, including D-dimer level, were compared between patients with and without DVT. Independent risk factors for DVT were investigated using multivariable analysis. Similar analysis was performed to identify factors associated with elevated D-dimer level (>0.5 mg/dl was regarded as abnormal) in acute ischemic stroke patients. Results: During the study period, 289 patients were enrolled, and 38 (13.1%) showed DVT. Female sex (OR=2.579, 95% CI=1.224–5.432; p=0.013) and a high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR=1.191 95% CI=1.095–1.294; p=0.005) were independently associated with the presence of DVT, although D-dimer level was not. Stroke mechanism, especially cardioembolism (OR=3.440 95% CI=1.051–4.078; p=0.006; reference: large artery atherosclerosis), and high NIHSS score (OR=1.135, 95% CI 1.051–1.224; p=0.001) were independently associated with elevated abnormal D-dimer level. Conclusion: The s everity of ischemic stroke, but not the D-dimer level, was associated with the presence of DVT in Asian ischemic stroke patients. D-dimer level was influenced by the stroke mechanism. Performing LEUS in patients with severe neurological deficit, rather than screening with D-dimer, may be more beneficial for diagnosing DVT in Asian patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Over-utilisation of maternity in a tertiary referral hospital in Cambodia – a descriptive study with implications for equity in access to health services and official development assistance
Authors: Matsui Mitsuaki , Tsukada Minori , Masaki Yoko , Tung Rathavy , Iwamoto Azusa
Published: April 2020

Background: Overcrowding was observed in a maternity ward of a tertiary level referral hospital, which serves the Kampong Cham and Tbong Khmum provinces in Cambodia and was constructed by the Japanese Official Development Assistance program. This study aims to investigate the reasons for the congestion, and the functions of the maternity ward within the provincial health system.Methods: The trend in the number of deliveries was determined between 2007 and 2017, and the maternity bed occupancy rate in 2017 was calculated. At the maternity the numbers and proportions of deliveries were assessed in 2017, as well as within other public health facilities in each district. Information on the deliveries was obtained from the maternity and the Ministry of Health.Results: A marked increase in the number of deliveries at the maternity was observed after the inauguration of the new building; specifically, from 1522 births in 2007 to 4667 in 2017. Users from Kampong Cham (2782, 60%) and Tbong Khmum (1572, 34%) were dominant. The bed occupancy rate was 187%, and 52% of the occupancy was for normal vaginal births. More than 100 women came to the maternity from up to 75 km distance for vaginal delivery. Of the estimated number of births in the two provinces, 36% and 13% were conducted at health centres and district hospitals, respectively.Conclusions: The overcrowding was mainly caused by normal vaginal deliveries, and perhaps was due to the policy of self-referral and open choice of delivery location. Overcrowding hampers the standard functions of a referral hospital and can horizontally and vertically widen inequities among the population. Overcrowding of a facility can be aggravated by the construction of a modern tertiary level facility, made possible by external aid such as that by Japan. Deliberate assessment and planning are essential from the viewpoint of the district health system to maximise the effect of external assistance to low- and middle-income countries.
Characterization of an early 20th century Chinese manuscript with foxing stains
Authors: Li Jing , Li Yuhu , Luo Yujia , Teri Gele , Jia Zhihui , Fu Peng
Published: April 2020

Foxing spots are reddish-brown, brown or yellowish in irregular shapes, commonly discovered on paper materials. However, effects of the spots on degradation of Chinese papers have rarely been reported. In this study, a 20 th century Chinese manuscript with few foxing stains was explored. This manuscript is made of 80% chemical softwood pulp and 20% mechanical softwood pulp, on which foxing spots are surrounded by a clear rim of fluorescence illuminated by UV light. Paper areas with the foxing stains are more acidic than the un-foxed. However, no obvious difference of cellulose crystallinity identified by XRD (X-ray diffraction) were found between paper areas with and without foxing spots. Also, characteristic peaks of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of paper areas with and without the spots do not show obvious difference. Fungal identification of the spots demonstrates that fungi belong to the genus Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria solani . This research extends our understanding of foxing spots on Chinese archives and informs further preventive conservation.
Effect of bendiocarb based (Ficam® 80% WP) Indoor Residual Spraying on feeding patterns from malaria vectors in Burkina Faso, West Africa.
Authors: HIEN Sawdetuo Aristide , Soma Dieudonné Diloma , Sawadogo Simon Pengwende , Poda Serge Bèwadéyir , Namountougou Moussa , Ouédraogo Georges Anicet , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr
Published: April 2020

Background

The fight against vector is essential in malaria prevention strategies in several endemic countries in Africa. In Burkina Faso, malaria transmission is seasonal in most parts of country, so a single round of spraying should provide effective protection against malaria, provided the insecticide remains effective over the entire malaria transmission season. The outcomes of indoor residual spraying towards curtailing malaria transmission are firstly to decrease the life span of vector mosquitoes and also to reduce the malaria vectors density.

Methods

CDC light trap and early morning collections by pyrethrum spray catches were performed monthly to determine the change in malaria vector indices in sprayed (Diebougou) and unsprayed sites (Dano). The female’s malaria vectors collected by both methods were used to determine their blood feeding, biting and sporozoites rate and malaria transmission risk estimated by entomological inoculation rate.

Results

Anopheles gambiae complex composed to Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles arabiensis were present throughout the transmission season, but An. gambiae was the predominant species collected (P =0.0005), comprising 88% of the total collected and the most infected species. Malaria vectors densities were significantly lower in sprayed villages (n=4,303) compared with unsprayed villages (n=12,569) during post-spraying period (P = 0.0012). In addition, mean human biting rate of An. gambiae sl and An . funestus ss were significantly lower in sprayed areas compared to unsprayed areas (P<0.05). Overall, malaria vector transmission risk was significant lower in villages which received IRS (P=0.0001) whatever the malaria vectors species ( An. gambiae sl and An. funestus ss).

Conclusions

The results showed that in the sprayed area (Diebougou), vector densities, human biting rates and malaria transmission risks were very lower than unsprayed areas (Dano). The findings also showed a change in vector behavior especially within An. funestus which became more zoophagic following IRS. The indoor residual spraying could be recommanded as control tool in areas where malaria transmission occured a given period of year.
Aquatic habitats of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus in rural south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Nambunga Ismail Hassani , Ngowo Halfan S. , Mapua Salum A. , Hape Emmanuel E. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Msaky Dickson S. , Mhumbira Nicolaus T. , Mchwembo Karim R. , Tamayamali Gerald Z. , Mlembe Slyakus V. , Njalambaha Rukiyah M. , Lwetoijera Dickson W. , Finda Marceline F. , Govella Nicodem J. , Matoke-Muhia Damaris , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: April 2020

Background

In rural south-eastern Tanzania, Anopheles funestus now dominates malaria transmission, mediating nearly nine in every ten new malaria infections. However, little is known about the ecological requirements and survival strategies of this mosquito species in the wild.

Methods

Potential mosquito aquatic habitats were systematically searched along 1000 m transects radiating from the centers of six villages in south-eastern Tanzania. All water bodies were geo-referenced, characterized and examined for presence of Anopheles larvae using standard 350mls dippers or 10L buckets. Larvae were collected for rearing, and the emergent adults identified to generic or species level, to confirm habitats containing An. funestus .

Results

One hundred and eleven (111) habitats were identified and assessed from the first five villages (all <300m altitude). Of these, 36 (32.4%) had An. funestus larvae co-occurring with other mosquito species. Another 47 (42.3%) had other Anopheles species and/or culicines but not An. funestus , and 28 (25.2%) had no mosquitoes. There were three main habitat types occupied by An. funestus, namely: a) small spring-fed pools with well-defined perimeters (36.1%), b) medium-sized natural ponds retaining water most of the year (16.7%), and c) slow-moving waters along river tributaries (47.2%). The habitats generally had clear waters with emergent surface vegetation, depths > 0.5m and distances < 100m from human dwellings. They were permanent or semi-permanent, retaining water most of the year. Water temperatures ranged from 25.2 to 28.8°C, pH from 6.5 to 6.7, turbidity from 26.6 to 54.8 NTU and total dissolved solids from 60.5 to 80.3 mg/L. In the sixth village (altitude >400m), very high densities of An. funestus were found along rivers with slow-moving clear waters and emergent vegetation.

Conclusion

This study has documented the diversity and key characteristics of aquatic habitats of An. funestus in south-eastern Tanzania, and will form an important basis for further ecological studies towards improved control strategies. Given the observed characteristics, An. funestus habitats in the area can indeed be described as fixed, few and findable. Future studies should therefore investigate potential of targeting these habitats with larviciding or larval source management to complement malaria control efforts in areas dominated by this vector.
Safety and feasibility of apheresis to harvest and concentrate parasites from subjects with induced blood stage Plasmodium vivax infection
Authors: ODEDRA Anand , Mudie Kari , Kennedy Glen , Watts Rebecca , Rossignol Emilie , Mitchell Hayley , Gower Jeremy , Robelo Maria , Imitola Zuleima Pava , Pawliw Rebecca , Woolley Stephen , Lalloo David , Robinson Greg , Lynch Sean , Collins Katharine , Amante Fiona , McCarthy James
Published: April 2020

Background In the absence of a method to culture Plasmodium vivax , the only way to source parasites is ex vivo . This hampers many aspects of P. vivax research. We assessed the safety of apheresis, a method for selective removal of specific components of blood as a means of extracting and concentrating P. vivax parasites.Methods An iterative approach was employed across four non-immune healthy human subjects in separate cohorts. All four subjects were inoculated with ~564 blood stage P. vivax parasites (HMP013- Pv ) and subjected to apheresis 10 to 11 days later. Blood samples collected during apheresis were tested for the presence and concentration of P. vivax parasites by microscopy, flow cytometry, 18S rDNA qPCR for total parasites, and pvs2 5 qRT-PCR for female gametocyte transcripts. Safety was determined by monitoring adverse events. Malaria transmission to mosquitoes was assessed by membrane feeding assays.Results There were no serious adverse events and no significant safety concerns. Apheresis concentrated asexual parasites by up to 4.9-fold (range: 0.9 - 4.9-fold) and gametocytes by up to 1.45-fold (range: 0.38 - 1.45-fold) compared to pre-apheresis densities. No single haematocrit layer contained >40% of all the recovered P. vivax asexual parasites. Ex vivo concentration of parasites by percoll gradient centrifugation of whole blood achieved greater concentration of gametocytes than apheresis. Mosquito transmission was enhanced by up to 5-fold in a single apheresis sample compared to pre-apheresis.Conclusion The modest level of parasite concentration suggests that the use of apheresis may not be an ideal method for harvesting P. vivax parasites.Trial Registration Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) Trial ID: ACTRN12617001502325 registered on 19th October 2017. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373812
Enforcing ATP hydrolysis enhanced glycolysis and promoted solvent production under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Dai Zongjie , Zhu Yan , Dong Hongjun , Zhao Chunhua , Zhang Yanping , Li Yin
Published: April 2020

Background The intracellular ATP level, an indicator of cellular energy state, plays a critical role in regulating the intracellular metabolic activities. The classical ATP paradox that the glycolytic rate negatively correlates with the intracellular ATP level was well studied. Reducing intracellular ATP level could stimulate the glycolytic rate, thereby enhancing products accumulation in aerobic conditions. However, there are limited studies about the effect of reducing cellular ATP level on anaerobic glycolysis and products formation.Results Taking anaerobic ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum as a model, we reduced the intracellular ATP level by introducing an independent ATP hydrolysis module of F 1 -ATPase. We found that the low intracellular ATP level in C. acetobutylicum compared to that in aerobic microbes, was further reduced and the glucose uptake was remarkably enhanced, achieving a 78.8% increase of volumetric glucose utilization rate. The total solvent production was improved with increase in productivity (46.5%), titer (9.9%) and yield (14.5%) compared to control, with an early onset of solventogenesis and a shortened fermentation period. Consistently, genome-scale metabolic modeling revealed the elevated metabolic fluxes through glycolysis, TCA cycle, and pyruvate metabolism in F 1 -ATPase overexpression strain.Conclusions Decreasing the cellular energy level could further enhance the glycolytic rate at anaerobic condition and lead to significantly improvement on solvents synthesis. Our findings provide a novel strategy for improving ABE fermentation performance, which is beneficial for industrial Weizmann process. Engineering intracellular ATP level can thus be considered as a promising tool to enhance the efficiency of other anaerobic fermentation processes.
Diagnostic Value of WB-DWI Versus 18 F-FDG PET/CT for the Detection of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zhang Bei , Zhang Li , Bian Bingyang , Lin Fang , Zhu Zining , Wang Jiping
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND Whole body diffusion weighted imaging (WB-DWI) is commonly used for the detection of multiple myeloma (MM). Comparative data on the efficiency of WB-DWI compared with 18 F positron emission tomography computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) to detect MM are lacking. METHODS This was a retrospective, single-center study of twenty-two patients with MM enrolled from January 2019 to December 2019. All patients underwent WB-DWI and 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Pathological and clinical manifestations as well as radiologic follow-up were used for diagnosis. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of both methods were compared. The appearance diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of MM lesions and false-positive lesions were estimated. RESULTS A total of 214 MM bone lesions were evaluated. WB-DWI showed a higher overall accuracy than PET/CT (75.7% and 55.6%, respectively; < 0.05). However, for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, there were no significant differences for WB-DWI vs PET/CT (99.3% and 83.9%, 64.9% and 94.8%, 63.6% and 54.2%, 98.1% and 65.3%, respectively). The ADC value for MM lesions was significantly lower than that for false-positive lesions (p < 0.001). Receiver operating curve (ROC) curve analysis showed that the AUC was 0.846, and when the cut-off value was 0.745×10 -3 mm 2 /s, the sensitivity and specificity were 86.0% and 82.4%, respectively, which distinguished MM lesions from non-MM lesions. CONCLUSION WB-DWI may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of MM bone disease due to to higher overall accuracy and measurements of ADC values compared with PET/CT.
COVID-19 precautionary behavior: The Israeli case in the initial stage of the outbreak
Authors: Shinan-Altman Shiri , Levkovich Inbar
Published: April 2020

Background: The lay public's behavioral responses during a virus spread, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), play an important role in bringing the outbreak under control, and provide insights into development of risk communication messages to the public. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between knowledge about COVID-19, perceived susceptibility, emotional reactions and precautionary behavior among the Israeli lay public at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,407 participants, aged 18+. Participants completed measures of knowledge about COVID-19, perceived susceptibility, emotional reactions, precautionary behavior , and socio-demographic questionnaires. A multiple hierarchical regression was calculated with precautionary behavior as the dependent variable. Results: Findings indicated that precautionary behavior was higher for females, older participants, participants with higher levels of knowledge about COVID-19, and participants with greater negative emotional reactions. A negative curvilinear relationship was found between perceived susceptibility and precautionary behavior, so that the latter was highest for participants with moderate perceived susceptibility. All interaction terms were non-significant. Conclusions: Findings suggest that in order to enhance precautionary behavior in the initial stage of a virus outbreak, it is recommended to pay attention to the public’s knowledge about the virus, perceived susceptibility and emotional reactions. Although negative feelings about the virus may motivate preventive behavior, it is important to address these feelings.
Assessments of Geotechnical Condition of Landslide Sites and Slope Stability Analysis Using Limit Equilibrium Method around Gundwin Town Area, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Azeze Azemeraw Wubalem
Published: April 2020

The study area is located in northwestern Ethiopia where landslide incidence is active. The landslide incidence in the area resulted in the devastation of 233.1 hectares cultivated and non-cultivated land, death of eight people, demolition of five houses, displaced 90 households, and 45 households are under risk. The slope failure in this area also caused tilting of the power line, tilting of two houses, cracking of three-houses floor, failed of bridge and blocking of streams as well as springs. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the cause, failure mechanism, landslide distribution, geotechnical condition of the site, slope stability analysis and factor of safety determination. Soil sampling, laboratory test, terrain characteristics, groundwater-surface manifestation characterization, groundwater depth determination, slope stability analysis and factor of safety calculation were the most important activities employed in this research work. Using disturbed and undisturbed soil samples of the selected slope section, Atterberg limit (liquid limit & plastic limit), natural soil moisture, unit weight, specific gravity, and shear strength parameters (cohesion & internal friction angle) test were carryout as ASTM standard. The most marginal factor of safety of the area is determined based on the general limit equilibrium method that encompasses different methods inside using slope/w in GeoStudio 2018 software package considering various groundwater conditions for all selected slope sections. The factor of safety for all selected slope sections of the various method under different groundwater conditions is less than one. Based on the finding of field observation and laboratory results, landslide types (rock/soil slides, rock/earth fall, debris/earth flow, & soil creeping) and landslide factors of the study area (slope angle, slope shape, slope modification, land use, groundwater, soil type, and rainfall) are determined. This research finds out that the soil has a great contribution to slope failure in the study area, besides the soil moisture and improper land use practice.
Help-seeking behavior of individuals with schizophrenia in the general population of Hunan, China
Authors: Ma Jing , Zheng Qiongjuan , Zhang Yun , Liu Chunyu , Tian Xuefei , Wang Dongxin , Liu Xuejun
Published: April 2020

Purpose : This study aims to know the seeking help behavior (including seeking help or not, first choice, influential factors and barriers in seeking help) of individuals with SZ in Hunan province of China. Methods : The participants are from a larger epidemiological study of severe mental disorders in Hunan province of China. Self-made questionnaires were used to collect relative information. Results : 1) Of the 367 participants, 68.9% (253/367) sought help; of those, 64.6% (n=163) pursued professional psychiatric services and 30.8% (n=78) pursued non-medical options (i.e., relatives, praying to Buddha) as the most common first choices. 2) The help-seeking behavior ratio (seeking help individuals/total sample size) is significantly lower in the illiterate group than in other education levels. Those with a family history of mental disorders tend to have a higher help-seeking behavior ratio. And the first choice of help is largely related to education level. 3) Frequent reasons behind not seeking help include fear of stigmatization (72.9%), poor mental health literacy (64.5%), concerns over cost (50.6%), and limited access to medical services (47.0%). Conclusion : About one third of the individuals do not seek help. Individuals with SZ tend to choose psychiatric hospital and relatives as their first choice. A family history of mental disorders and higher education levels are meaningfully associated with help-seeking behavior, and individuals with more education tend to seek for professional help first. The primary reasons for not seeking help include fear of stigmatization, lack of awareness about mental illness, concerns over cost, etc.
Student Nurses’ Knowledge Acquisition on Oral Medication Administration: Comparison of Lecture Demonstration Vs. Video Demonstration
Authors: Sugathapala Ravilal Devananda Udeshika Priyadarshani , Chandrika Mattaka Gamage Ruwini
Published: April 2020

Background Safe and accurate medication administration is an important and potentially challenging nursing responsibility. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether the nursing students could learn and retain the basic guidelines for safe medication administration when taught using a video-assisted teaching method compared with the lecture-demonstration method and to assess the students' attitude towards the two types of teaching methods.Methods This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental study with a pre and post-test design. Forty-five students in the first year of the Bachelor's in nursing degree programme have participated in this study. All the participants completed a self- administered questionnaire, including background characteristics and questions of oral medication administration. Subsequently, participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Oral medication administration procedure was taught using two different teaching methods. Finally, the post-test knowledge scores in both groups were assessed and analysed using the paired-sample t-test.Results The results revealed that there is no significant difference in terms of age, gender and type of residence of students in both groups. When comparing the pre-test mean score and post-test mean score using paired sample t-test, there was a statistically significant difference in both video demonstration group (t = -4.533, p < 0.001) and lecture-demonstration group (t = -4.208, p < 0.001). Almost all the students obtained good knowledge scores disregard of the method used in teaching oral medication administration. However, when comparing post-test scores of both groups using an independent sample t-test, it was identified that there was no significant difference between the two groups. Therefore, it was difficult to identify which method is effective than the other. According to the student feedback obtained at the end of the study, 67% of them preferred to have more video demonstrations in their skills classes.Conclusion The results of this study suggest that oral medication administration can be effectively taught using both lecture demonstration and video-assisted teaching methods.
Molecular Basis for Treating COVID-19 with Official Chinese Herbal Formula LCTE
Authors: Zhang Deng-hai , Zhang Xue , Peng Bin , Deng Sheng-qiong , Wang Yu-fang , Yang Lin , Zhang Kai-zheng , Lin Chang-quan , Wu Kun-lun
Published: April 2020

Chinese herbal formulas, notably the lung-cleaning and toxicity-excluding (LCTE) soup has played an important role in treating an ongoing and life-threating worldwide pandemic, COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2). Applying LCTE outside of China may be difficult for medical society to approach due to the unfamiliar rationale behind its application in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. To overcome this barrier, we illuminate the chemical and biological mechanisms behind LCTE’s effects, by exploring the chemical compounds contained in LCTE ingredients, the proteins targeted by these compounds as well as undertaking the network pharmacology analysis. The results disclosed that LCTE contains compounds with the potential to directly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and inflammation, and that the compounds targeted proteins significantly related to the main symptoms seen in COVID-19. The general effect of LCTE was to affect the pathways involved in viral and other microbe infection, inflammation/cytokine response, and lung diseases. Our work provided chemical biological explanations for using LCTE to treat COVID-19.
Meta-analysis of Bailing Capsule After Renal Transplantation
Authors: Chen Keliang , Yu Zuohua , Huang Guangyi , Liu Dongye , Zhang Zhongpan , Qi Kai , Zhou Hao
Published: April 2020

To objectively evaluate the effectivity and safety of Bailing Capsule After Renal Transplantation. Search Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Full-text Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, PubMed, SCI, EMBase, The Cochrane Library database. Chinese uses "Bai Ling Capsule" "Kidney Transplant" as the search term, and English uses "Bailing Capsule","Bailing Jiaonang", "Corbrin Capsule", "CS-C-Q80", "Kidney transplant", "Renal transplant", etc. as search terms. Two people screened, extracted data, quality assessment and data analysis of the retrieved articles according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.A total of 10 studies were included, including 1580 patients. Meta analysis results:the experimental group was more effective than the control group in SCr level（ WMD = -28.40，95% CI： -45.87 ~ -10.94， Z = 3.19， P =0.001）、BUN levels（ WMD = -0.72，95% CI： -1.18 ~ -0.25， Z = 3.02， P =0.003）、 ALT levels( WMD = -6.05，95% CI：- 9.26 ~ -2.85， Z = 3.70， P = 0.0002）、AST levels（ WMD = -11.96，95% CI： -19.2 5~ -4.68， Z = 3.22， P = 0.001）.But the experimental group did not show significant effects in reducing the incidence of acute rejection.（ OR = 0.45，95% CI： 0.19 ~ 1.11， Z = 1.74， P =0.08）Compared with the control group, Bailing Capsule treatment group has obvious advantages in Improvement of liver and kidney function after renal transplantation1,but did not show good clinical results in reducing the incidence of acute rejection.