bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Expression and Prognostic Significance of EPB41L1 in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Based on Data Mining
Authors: Liang Taotao , Sang Siyao , Shao Qi , Chen Chen , Deng Zhichao , Wang Ting , Kang Qiaozhen
Published: July 2020

Background: EPB41L1 gene (erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 like 1) encodes the protein 4.1N, a member of 4.1 family, playing a vital role in cell adhesion and migration, which is associated with the malignant progression of various human cancers. However, the expression and prognostic significance of EPB41L1 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remain to be investigated.Methods: In this study, we collected the mRNA expression of EPB41L1 in KIRC through the Oncomine platform, and used the HPA database to perform the pathological tissue immunohistochemistry in patients. Then, the sub-groups and prognosis of KIRC were performed by UALCAN and GEPIA web-tool, respectively. Further, the mutation of EPB41L1 in KIRC was analyzed by c-Bioportal. The co-expression genes of EPB41L1 in KIRC were displayed from the LinkedOmics database, and function enrichment analysis was used by LinkFinder module in LinkedOmics. The function of EPB41L1 in cell adhesion and migration was confirmed by wound healing assay using 786-O cells in vitro. Co-expression gene network was constructed through the STRING database, and the MCODE plug-in of which was used to build the gene modules, both of them was visualized by Cytoscape software. Finally, the top modular genes in the same patient cohort were constructed through data mining in TCGA by using the UCSC Xena browser.Results: The results indicated that EPB41L1 was down-expressed in KIRC, leading to a poor prognosis. Moreover, there is a mutation in the FERM domain of EPB41L1, but it has no significant effect on the prognosis of KIRC. The co-expressed genes of EPB41L1 were associated with cell adhesion and confirmed in vitro. Further analysis suggested that EPB41L1 and amyloid beta precursor protein (APP) were coordinated to regulated cancer cell adhesion, thereby increasing the incidence of cancer cell metastasis and tumor invasion.Conclusions: In summary, EPB41L1 is constantly down-expressed in KIRC tissues, resulting a poor prognosis. Therefore, we suggest that it can be an effective biomarker for the diagnosis of KIRC.
Palliative care delivery in residential aged care: Bereaved family member experiences of the Supportive Hospice Aged Residential Exchange (SHARE) intervention
Authors: Frey Rosemary Ann , Barham Sophia , Balmer Deborah , Robinson Jackie , Boyd Michal , Gott Merryn
Published: July 2020

Background : The supportive hospice aged residential exchange (SHARE) is a new model of palliative care education that has been designed for residential aged care. The goal of SHARE is to help clinical staff improve palliative care within residential aged care facilities and to improve specialist palliative care nurses' knowledge and skill to care for frail older people. Method : The experiences of 18 bereaved families concerning the palliative care journey (both at the start and finish of a one-year implementation of SHARE) were explored using semi-structured interviews. Results: Three themes were important to bereaved families’ experience: communication with staff, systems of care, and hospice involvement. Sub-themes indicating changes in these three components of care between the start and finish of SHARE was identified. A fourth theme highlighted challenges (relationship with GP, staff shortages and turnover) that continued across SHARE. Conclusion : Findings indicated that SHARE benefited families (improved communication and support) through the end of life journey of their relatives, but challenges remained.
­ Comprehensive analysis of key genes associated with ceRNA networks in nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Xu Yuanji , Huang Xinyi , Ye Wangzhong , Zhang Yangfan , Li Changkun , Bai Penggang , Lin Zhizhong , Chen Chuanben
Published: July 2020

Background. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy with high morbidity rates in the east and southeast Asia. The molecular mechanisms of NPC remain largely unknown. We explored the pathogenesis, potential biomarkers, and prognostic indicators of NPC.Methods. We analyzed mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the whole transcriptome sequencing dataset of our hospital (five normal tissues vs. five NPC tissues) and six microarray datasets (62 normal tissues vs. 334 NPC tissues) downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE12452, GSE13597, GSE95166, GSE126683, and GSE70970, GSE43039). Differential expression analyses, gene ontology (GO) enrichment, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed using the miRanda and TargetScan database, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was built using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) software. Hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), NetworkAnalyzer, and CytoHubba.Results. We identified 61 mRNAs, 14miRNAs, and 10 lncRNAs as shared DEGs related to NPC in seven datasets. Changes in NPC were enriched in the chromosomal region, sister chromatid segregation, and nuclear chromosome segregation. GSEA indicated that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3 OH kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) pathway, apoptotic pathway, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were involved in the initiation and development of NPC. Finally, 20 hub genes were screened out via the PPI network.Conclusions. Several DEGs and their biological processes, pathways, and interrelations were found in our current study by bioinformatics analyses. Our findings may offer insights into the biological mechanisms underlying NPC and identify potential therapeutic targets, biomarkers and prognostic indicators for NPC.
Antiviral effect of baicalin on Marek’s disease virus in CEF cells
Authors: Yang Fan , Feng Chun , Yao Yongxiu , Qin Aijian , Shao Hongxia , Qian Kun
Published: July 2020

Background: Baicalin, the main metabolic component of S.baicalensis Georgi, has various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-bactericidal and anti-viral. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-Marek’s disease virus (MDV) activities of baicalin in CEF cells.Results: Here, we showed that baicalin could inhibit viral mRNA, protein levels and overall plaque formation in a time-dependent manner. We also found that baicalin could consistently inhibit MDV replication and directly affect the virus infectivity. Moreover, baicalin treatment has no effect on expression level of antiviral cytokine and inflammatory cytokines in virus infected CEFs.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that baicalin could be a potential drug against MDV infection.
Integrating GWAS , linkage mapping and gene expression analyses reveals the genetic control of growth period traits in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: wang tengyue , Wei Lijuan , wang Jia , Xie Ling , Li Yangyang , Ran Shuyao , Ren Lanyang , Lu Kun , Li Jiana , Timko Michael P. , Liu Liezhao
Published: July 2020

Background: Brassica napus is one of the most important oilseed crops, and also an important biofuel plant due to its low air pollution and renewability. Growth period are important traits that affect yield and are crucial for its adaptation to different environments in B. napus . Results: To elucidate the genetic basis of growth period traits, genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and linkage mapping were employed to detect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for days to initial flowering (DIF), days to final flowering (DFF), days from initial flowering to final flowering (FP), days from final flowering to maturity (MT), and whole growth period (GP). A total of 146 SNPs were identified by association mapping, and 83 QTLs were identified by linkage mapping using the RIL population. Among these QTLs, 19 were pleiotropic SNPs related to multiple traits, and six (q18DFF.A03-2, q18MT.A03-2, q17DFF.A05-1, q18FP.C04, q17DIF.C05 and q17GP.C09) were consistently detected using both mapping methods. Additionally, we performed RNA sequencing to analyze the differential expression of gene (DEG) transcripts between early- and late-flowering lines selected from the RIL population, and the DEGs were integrated with association mapping and linkage analysis to confirm their roles in the growth period. Consequently, twelve candidate genes associated with growth period traits were identified in B. napus . Among these genes, seven have polymorphic sites in the coding sequence and the upstream 2-kb sequence based on the resequencing data. The haplotype BnaSOC1.A05-Haplb and BnaLNK2.C06-Hapla showed more favorable phenotypic traits. Conclusions: The candidate genes identified in this study will contribute to our genetic understanding of growth period traits and can be used as targets for target mutations or marker assisted breeding for rapeseed adapted to different environments.
Impact on Decision Making Framework for Medicine Appraisal in Chinese Public Hospital Decision-making: Determining the Value of Five DPP-4 inhibitors
Authors: Bao Yun , Gao Bei , Meng Min , Ge Bin , Yang Yan , Ding Chunchun , Shi Bingyin , Tian Limin
Published: July 2020

Background: Decision making for medicine optimization in Chinese public hospitals is decided by a hospital Pharmacy Management Committee (PMC) and is complex, subjective and requires efficient methods to ensure transparency and consistency for the factors being considered. This study aimed to evaluate the EVIDEM framework in medicine optimization for Chinese public hospitals. In this study DPP-4 inhibitors were appraised.Methods: Following EVIDEM methodology, we convened an appraisal group and asked each individual to express their perspectives by assigning weights to each criteria. The estimated value of the five DPP-4 inhibitors was obtained by Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) which combined individual weighting (between 1 and 5) of each criterion with individual scoring for each intervention in each criterion. Results: A systematic literature search was completed and the committee assigned weights for each criterion. The overall value orders for each DPP-4 inhibitor included Sitagliptin (0.45), Linagliptin (0.44), Vildagliptin (0.43), Alogliptin (0.42) and Saxagliptin (0.40). Conclusions: This study was the first pilot using the EVIDEM framework and MCDA for medicine optimization in a Chinese public hospital. We aimed to improve the transparency and consistency of decision-making by using multi-criteria decision analysis while also discussing its limitations.
Giant Nonlinear Optical Activity in Two-Dimensional
Palladium Diselenide
Authors: YU Juan , KUANG Xiaofei , Li Junzi , Zhong Jiahong , Zeng Cheng , Cao Lingkai , Liu Zongwen , Zeng Zhouxiaosong , Luo Ziyu , He Tingchao , Pan Anlian , LIU Yanping
Published: July 2020

Nonlinear optical (NLO) effects in layered atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials provide a promising prospect for multifarious optoelectronic applications. The NLO characteristics of transition metal chalcogenides (TMDCs) are attracting growing attention and have been extensively explored recently. However, these materials possess sizable bandgaps ranging from visible to ultraviolet regions, so the investigation of narrow-bandgap materials remains deficient. Here, we report our comprehensive study on the NLO processes in palladium diselenide (PdSe2) flakes that have a near-infrared bandgap. Interestingly, this material exhibits a unique thickness-dependent second harmonic generation (SHG) feature, embodied in the strong (negligible) SHG signals in even (odd) layers, in contrast with that of other TMDCs. Furthermore, the two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficients (β ~4.5×105, 2.83×105, 1.7×105, and 1.85×104 cm/GW) of 1-3 L and bulk PdSe2 are larger by two and three orders of magnitude, compared with that of the conventional 2D materials. Significantly, at the excitation wavelength of 600 nm, a robust saturable absorption with giant modulation depths (αs ~47%, 30%, and 41%) was observed in 1-3 L PdSe2, which has yet been obtained in other 2D materials. Such unique NLO characteristics enable PdSe2 to be a potential candidate for technological innovations in nonlinear optoelectronic devices.
The Transcriptomic Responses of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) to High Temperature Stress Alone, and in Combination with Moderate Hypoxia
Authors: Beemelmanns Anne , Zanuzzo Fábio Sabbadin , Xue Xi , Sandrelli Rebeccah M. , Rise Matthew L. , Gamperl Anthony Kurt
Published: July 2020

Background: Increases in seawater temperatures and in the frequency and severity of hypoxic events are expected with climate change, and may become a challenge for cultured Atlantic salmon and negatively affect their growth, immunology and welfare. Thus, we examined how an incremental temperature increase alone (Warm & Normoxic-WN: 12→20°C; 1°C week-1), and in combination with moderate hypoxia (Warm & Hypoxic-WH: ~70% air saturation), impacted salmon’s hepatic transcriptome expression compared to control fish (CT: 12°C, normoxic) using 44K microarrays and qPCR. Results: Overall, we identified 2,894 differentially expressed probes (DEPs, FDR < 5%), that included 1,111 shared DEPs, while 789 and 994 DEPs were specific to WN and WH fish, respectively. Pathway analysis suggested that the cellular mechanisms affected by the two experimental conditions were quite similar, with up-regulated genes functionally associated with heat shock response, ER-stress, apoptosis and immune defence, while genes connected with general metabolic processes, proteolysis and oxidation-reduction were largely suppressed. The qPCR assessment of 41 microarray-identified genes validated that the heat shock response (hsp90aa1, serpinh1), apoptosis (casp8, jund, jak2) and immune responses (apod, c1ql2, epx) were up-regulated in WN and WH fish, while oxidative stress and hypoxia sensitive genes were down-regulated (cirbp, cyp1a1, egln2, gstt1, hif1α, prdx6, rraga, ucp2). However, the additional challenge of hypoxia resulted in more pronounced effects on heat shock and immune-related processes, including a stronger influence on the expression of 14 immune-related genes. Finally, robust correlations between the transcription of 19 genes and several phenotypic traits in WH fish suggest that changes in gene expression were related to an impaired physiological and growth performance. Conclusion: Increasing temperature to 20°C alone, and in combination with hypoxia, resulted in the up- and down-regulation of genes involved in similar important pathways in Atlantic salmon. However, the heat shock and immune responses of fish exposed to 20°C and hypoxia were more affected, and their transcriptional dysregulation was related to reduced performance. This study provides valuable information on how these two environmental challenges affect the expression of stress-, metabolic- and immune-related genes and pathways and identifies potential biomarker genes for improving our understanding of fish health and welfare.
Integrated Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis Reveals Potential Mechanisms for Differential Abdominal Fat Deposition Between Divergently Selected Chicken Lines
Authors: Wang Lijian , Leng Li , Ding Ran , Gong Pengfei , Liu Chang , Wang Ning , Li Hui , Du Zhi-Qiang , Cheng Bohan
Published: July 2020

Background: Genetic selection for meat production performance of broilers concomitantly causes excessive abdominal fat deposition, accompanied by several adverse effects, such as the reduction of feed conversion efficiency and reproduction performance. Our previous studies have identified important genes regulating chicken fat deposition, using the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF) as an animal model. However, the molecular mechanism underlying fat deposition differences between fat and lean broilers remains largely unknown. Results: Here, we integrated the transcriptome (RNA-Seq) and quantitative proteome (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation, iTRAQ) profiling analyses on abdominal fat tissues from NEAUHLF chicken lines. Differentially expressed genes (466 DEGs) and proteins (231 DEPs) were identified, and enriched in pathways related to fatty acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and PPAR signaling, and in pathways mainly involved in protein processing, endocytosis and lipid metabolism, respectively. Moreover, several key DEGs and DEPs involved in long-chain fatty acid uptake, in situ lipogenesis (fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis), and lipid droplets accumulation were discovered, and most of them were up-regulated in the fat line, after integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis. Conclusions: Together, our findings provided a novel insight into abdominal fat content discrepancy between the fat and lean chicken lines.
Jordanian National Study of Nurses’ Barriers to Participating in Research
Authors: Hammad Sawsan Abu , Alzoubi Karem , Khabour Omar , Mukattash Tareq
Published: July 2020

Background: The nurses are the healthcare providers and researchers in critical institutions that provided health care for all people, and society needs to invest in them. The purpose of this study was to survey nurses regarding barriers to participate in research studies.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 447 nurses agreed to participate in the study. Barriers were measured using Barriers of Research Utilization Scale (BRU). Results: More than half (53.3%) of the sample perceived the barriers to be high, whereas 8.9% perceived it as low. Barriers related to the organization scored the highest (P<0.01) compared to the other domains (nurse, innovation and communication).Regression analysis model showed that age, working experience, and nationality were associated with barriers to participate in research.Conclusion: More than half of the nurses in Jordan perceived the barriers of participation in research to be high. The barriers associated with the organization had more influence. A comprehensive approach should be developed to boost participation in research by significantly improving managerial support since it may be the most productive facilitator.
Fine structure of the silk spinning system in the caddisworm, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)
Authors: KIM Hyo-Jeong , SUN Yan , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: July 2020

Silk is produced by a variety of insects, but only silk made by terrestrial arthropods has been examined in detail. To fill the gap, this study was designed to understand the silk spinning system of aquatic insect. The larvae of caddis flies, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus produce silk through a pair of labial silk glands and use raw silk to protect themselves in the aquatic environment. The result of this study clearly shows that although silk fibers are made under aquatic conditions, the cellular silk production system is quite similar to that of terrestrial arthropods. Typically, silk production in caddisworm has been achieved by two independent processes in the silk glands. This includes the synthesis of silk fibroin in the posterior region, the production of adhesive glycoproteins in the anterior region, which are ultimately accumulated into functional silk dope and converted to a silk ribbon coated with gluey substances. At the cellular level, each substance of fibroin and glycoprotein is specifically synthesized at different locations, and then transported from the rough ER to the Golgi apparatus as transport vesicles, respectively. Thereafter, the secretory vesicles gradually increase in size by vesicular fusion, forming larger secretory granules containing specific proteins. It was found that these granules eventually migrate to the apical membrane and are exocytosed into the lumen by a mechanism of merocrine secretion.
Factors Affecting Infection Control Measures Performed by Dental Workers
Authors: Cheng Hsin-Chung , Yen Yu-Chun , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Sam Li-Sheng
Published: July 2020

Background We aimed to investigate factors associated with personal self-protection in infection control among dental care workers. Methods A cross-sectional survey with self-report questionnaire was conducted between Jan and Dec, 2018. 275 dentists and 298 dental assistants were enrolled from randomly selected dental care settings.Results Compliance with wearing hair caps, facial masks, and hand washing is not as high as oral masks and gloves (over 90%). For dentists, the level of clinical setting (aOR=3.1, P<0.001) and the correct use of disinfectants for impression materials (aOR=2.0, P<0.05) were associated with hair cap wearing. Gender (aOR=0.15, P<0.05) and correct use of indicator during sterilization (aOR=2.9, P<0.05) were associated with facial mask wearing. The correct use of indicator during sterilization (aOR=2.4, P<0.05) and disinfection for impression materials (aOR=2.2, P<0.05) were associated with hand washing. For dental assistants, longer work experience (aOR=1.05, P<0.05), working days (aOR=1.82, P<0.05), the correct use of disinfectants for impression materials (aOR=2.4, P<0.001), and the frequent use of gloves (aOR=8.0, P<0.05) were associated with facial mask wearing. The surface disinfection of working tables (aOR=2.8, P<0.001) and the frequent changing of gloves (aOR=5.96, P<0.05) were associated with hand washing. Conclusions Gender, the length of work practice, and correct techniques for sterilization use were identified as major factors associated with compliance with self-protection in infection control among dental care workers.
Dimensional Stability and Surface Details Reproduction of Two Extended-Pour Alginate Materials: A Function of Chemical Disinfection and Storage Time. An In- Vitro Study
Authors: Sharif Rania A. , Abdelaziz Khalid M. , Alshahrani Najla Manis Zafer , Almutairi Fatimah Salem , Alaseri Mohrah Awadh Saeed , Abouzeid Hoda Lotfy , Elagib Mohamed Fadul A.
Published: July 2020

Background: Many new extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials have been marketed with claims that they demonstrate enhanced surface details accuracy and dimensional stability for up to 120 hours of storage. However, no data in the literature about the effect of storage time on surface details and dimensional stability of extended-pour impression materials upon disinfection. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of two chemical disinfection methods and three storage times on dimensional stability and surface details reproduction of 2 extended-pour alginates in comparison with a conventional one.Methods: A total of 243 alginate impressions were recorded from a custom metal die using Tropicalgin (conventional), Hydrogum5 and Chroma print (extended-pour) alginates. Impressions were categorized into 9 groups according to disinfection method (non-disinfected, sprayed or immersed) and storage time (0, 72, 120 hours). After storage in sealed plastic bag with a damp cotton roll, all impressions were poured with type IV dental stone. The stone models were then examined for surface details and dimensions using a magnifier (×10) and digital caliper to assess whether a 25 µm-line on the metal die was completely reproduced over the full 25 mm length and its dimensions compared to the original die. Data were analyzed using one-way (ANOVA) and Tuckey’s post-hoc test, and KrusKal Wallis test and Mann-Whitney's test.Results: With immediate pouring all alginates showed accurate surface details regardless of the disinfection condition, except for immersed Tropicalgin (P<0.05). The extended storage affected surface details of all materials. After 72h, only non-disinfected extended-pour alginates showed dimensional stability. However, after 120h of storage all materials regained dimensional stability except sprayed Tropicalgin.ConclusionsExtended-pour alginates hardly proved to be more advantageous than traditional alginate in terms of surface details accuracy. Disinfection methods had some adverse effects on surface details and dimensional accuracy of both extended-pour and conventional alginate. Extended-pour alginate proved dimensional stability after 120h. It is recommended to immediately pour all alginates whether conventional or extended-pour. Further studies are needed to evaluate impression materials directly to control the confounding variable like gypsum expansion and storage environment in terms of humidity and temperature.
Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmodium Falciparum by Multiplexed Amplicon Deep Sequencing in Senegal
Authors: NDIAYE Tolla , Sy Mouhamad , Gaye Amy , Siddle Katherine J. , Park Daniel J. , Bei Amy K. , Deme Awa B. , Mbaye Aminata , Dieye Baba , Ndiaye Yaye Die , Ndiaye Ibrahima Mbaye , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , Diongue Khadim , Volkman Sarah K. , Badiane Aida Sadikh , Ndiaye Daouda
Published: July 2020

Background
Molecular epidemiology can provide important information regarding the genetic diversity and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, which can assist in designing and monitoring elimination efforts. However, malaria molecular epidemiology including understanding the genetic diversity of the parasite and performing molecular surveillance of transmission has been poorly documented in Senegal. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers a practical, fast and high-throughput approach to understand malaria population genetics. This study aims to unravel the population structure of P. falciparum and to estimate the allelic diversity, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and evolutionary patterns of the malaria parasite using the NGS platform.
Methods
Multiplex amplicon deep sequencing of merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (PfMSP2) genes in fifty-three P. falciparum isolates from two epidemiologically different areas in the South and North of Senegal, was carried out.
Results
A total of 76 Pfmsp1 and 116 Pfmsp2 clones were identified and 135 different alleles were found, 56 and 79 belonged to the pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes, respectively. K1 and IC3D7 allelic families were most predominant in both sites. The local haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were higher in the South than in the North for both genes. For pfmsp1, a high positive Tajima’s D (TD) value was observed in the South (D = 2.0453) while negative TD value was recorded in the North (D=-1.46045) and F-Statistic (Fst) was 0.19505. For pfmsp2, non-directional selection was found with a highly positive TD test in both areas and Fst was 0.02111. The mean MOI for both genes was 3.07 and 1.76 for the South and the North, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between areas (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
This study revealed a high genetic diversity of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes and low genetic differentiation in P. falciparum population in Senegal. The MOI means were significantly different between the Southern and Northern areas. Findings also showed that multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing is a useful technique to investigate genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of P. falciparum infections.
Frequent Avoidable Admissions Amongst Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal People with Chronic Disease in New South Wales, Australia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jayakody Amanda Anne , Oldmeadow Christopher , Carey Mariko , Bryant Jamie , Evans Tiffany , Ella Stephen , Attia John , Towle Simon , Sanson-Fisher Robert
Published: July 2020

Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have high rates of avoidable hospital admissions for chronic diseases, however little is known about the frequency of avoidable admissions for this population. This study aimed to examine trends in avoidable admissions among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with ambulatory care sensitive chronic conditions in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis using de-identified linked administrative data of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients between 2005/06 to 2013/14. Eligible patients were admitted to a NSW public hospital and who had one or more of the following ambulatory care sensitive chronic conditions as a principal diagnosis: diabetic complications, asthma, angina, hypertension, congestive heart failure and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The primary outcomes were the number of avoidable admissions for an individual in each financial year, and whether an individual had three or more admissions compared with one to two avoidable admissions in each financial year. Poisson and logistic regression models and a test for differences in yearly trends were used to assess the frequency of avoidable admissions over time, adjusting for sociodemographic variables and restricted to those aged ≤75 years.Results: There were a total of 27,467 avoidable admissions corresponding to 19,025 patients over the nine-year period (71.2% Aboriginal; 28.8% non-Aboriginal). Aboriginal patients were 15% more likely than non-Aboriginal patients to have a higher number of avoidable admissions per financial year (IRR=1.15; CI: 1.11, 1.20). Aboriginal patients were almost twice as likely as non-Aboriginal patients to experience three or more avoidable admissions per financial year (OR=1.90; CI=1.60, 2.26). There were no significant differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in yearly trends for either the number of avoidable admissions, or whether or not an individual experienced three or more avoidable admissions per financial year (p=0.8599; 0.8608 respectively). Conclusion: Aboriginal people were significantly more likely to experience frequent avoidable admissions over a nine-year period compared to non-Aboriginal people. These high rates reflect the need for further research into which interventions are able to successfully reduce avoidable admissions among Aboriginal people with chronic diseases, and the importance of culturally appropriate early prevention and community health care.
Potential Hospital Care Accessibility Scores: Association with Healthcare Utilization and Non-Hospital Care Service Accessibility
Authors: GAO Fei , Jaffrelot Matthieu , Deguen Séverine
Published: July 2020

Background: Optimal healthcare access improves people's health status and decreases health inequalities. Many studies demonstrated spatial access importance in health outcomes. Recent studies assessed spatial healthcare access using the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) method. The aim of this study was to build a hospital facility access indicator at a fine geographic scale and to determine whether there is a complementarity between non-hospital and hospital care accessibility by investigating the length of hospital stays (LOS). Methods: This study focused on the ≥75-year-old population of the Nord administrative region of France. Hospital spatial accessibility was computed with the E2SFCA method, and then the LOS score was calculated from the French national hospital activity and patient discharge database. Linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between LOS and spatial accessibility to hospital-based care and to the three types of non-hospital care services (general practitioners, physiotherapists, and home-visiting nurses). Results: Overall, there were 19.0 beds in Medical, Surgical and Obstetrics (MCO) facilities and 5.58 beds in Postoperative and Rehabilitation Care facilities (SSR) per 10,000 inhabitants, but with important geographic variations. Accessibility to hospital services was higher for people in large urban areas, despite the dense population and the higher demand. In 2014, the mean LOS scores were 0.26 for MCO and 0.85 for SSR, with a non-homogeneous geographical repartition. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong negative and significant association between hospital and non-hospital care accessibility.Conclusions: This is the first study to measure spatial accessibility to hospital-based cares in France using the E2SFCA method, and the first to investigate the relationship between spatial accessibility to hospital-based care facilities and three types of non-hospital care services and healthcare utilization (LOS). Our findings should help to take decisions about deploying additional beds and to identify the best locations for non-hospital care services. Moreover, they should also help to improve access, and to ensure the best coordination and sustainability of inpatient and outpatient services, in order to better cover the population’s healthcare needs. Other international studies using multiple consensual indicators of healthcare outcomes and accessibility and sophisticated modeling methods should be developed.
Circulating levels of FAM19A5 are inversely associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yari Fatemeh Ali , Shabani Parisa , Karami Sara , Sarmadi Negar , Poustchi Hossein , Bandegi Ahmad Reza
Published: July 2020

Background: Family with sequence similarity 19 (chemokine (C-C motif)-like) member A5 (FAM19A5) is a newly identified adipokine. There is a limited number of studies linking FAM19A5 to metabolic disorders. In the current study, we aimed to explore if FAM19A5 is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We also sought to determine the possibility of FAM19A5 association with subclinical atherosclerosis in NAFLD patients. Methods: A total of 69 subjects including 37 NAFLD and 32 control subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma concentration of FAM19A5 was measured with the ELISA method. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was assessed by the ultrasonography.Results: Plasma concentration of FAM19A5 in patients with NAFLD was significantly lower in NAFLD patients than controls. Moreover, we observed significant negative correlations between plasma level of FAM19A5 and body mass index (BMI), visceral fat, alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), liver stiffness (LS), and cIMT. Following stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, ALT and cIMT were the only determinants of FAM19A5 level. Conclusions: This is the first report to describe association of circulating FAM19A5 levels with NAFLD. Our findings provide further evidence showing relation of FAM19A5 with the risk of atherosclerosis. However, more studies are necessary to unravel the contribution of lower FAM19A5 levels to the NAFLD pathogenesis and the higher risk of atherosclerosis in these patients.
Effect of Combined Training on Body Image in Women with Breast Cancer: Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Reis Andréa Dias , Pereira Paula Tâmara Vieira Teixeira , Filha Jurema Gonçalves Lopes Castro , Rodrigues Evelyn Feitosa , Laranjeira Isadora Pinheiro , Ramallo Bianca Trovello , Castro Marcela Rodrigues de , Rossi Fabrício Eduardo , Júnior Ismael Forte Freitas , Garcia João Batista Santos
Published: July 2020

Background: Improvement in body image in women with breast cancer may be linked to altered functional capacity, regardless of body composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined training (CT) on body image in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A Clinical Trial study, this was a controlled study including 26 patients with breast cancer (30 to 59 years). The patients were allotted to either the Training Group (TG)(n = 13), which underwent 12 weeks of CT (aerobic, resistance, and flexibility), or the Control Group (CG) (n = 13), which received only the standard hospital treatment. Participants were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: The patients in the TG showed a significant reduction in the limitation dimension (p = 0.036), and an increase in VO2max (p = < 0.001) and strength in the right (p = 0.005) and left arms (p = 0.033). However, the participants also presented an increase in waist circumference (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Women with breast cancer presented improved body image and functional ability through CT. Trial registration: NCT03061773. Date: February 23, 2017, retrospective.
Quantitative Evaluation of Parafoveal Microvasculature Changes in Eyes with Exudative Circumscribed Choroidal Haemangioma : An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Lai Kunbei , Huang Chuangxin , Zhang Yali , Xu Faobao , Zhong Xiaojing , Cheng Lin , Gong Yajun , Li Longhui , Jin Chenjin
Published: July 2020

Background: To quantitative evaluation of parafoveal microvasculature changes in eyes with exudative circumscribed choroidal haemangioma (CCH) compared with age- and gender-controlled healthy eyes.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, case-control study. 82 eyes of eighty-two subjects including 41 eyes of forty-one subjects in the exudative CCH group and 41 eyes of forty-one subjects in the age- and gender-controlled healthy eye group were enrolled in this study. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed in each subject, and the capillary density (CD) of superficial plexus, deep capillary plexus, and the choriocapillaris as well as the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were noted and analyzed between two groups.Results: The CD of the superficial plexus (44.51 ± 3.58 % vs 47.93 ± 2.94%) and deep plexus (47.75 ± 5.60% vs 52.66 ± 5.04%) of retina as well as the vessel density of choriocapillaris (54.42 ± 6.36% vs 61.83 ± 3.65%) significantly decreased in eyes with exudative CCH compared with age- and gender-controlled healthy eyes (all P < 0.001). Although we found that the FAZ areas in the exudative CCH group was larger than that of the healthy eye control group (0.30 ± 0.11mm2 vs 0.27 ± 0.87mm2), however, no statistical significance was found between two groups (P = 0.164).Conclusions: OCTA is a rapid, non-invasive, high-resolution procedure with which could monitor the parafoveal microvasculature changes in eyes with exudative CCH. We found that not only the CD of the superficial plexus and deep plexus but also the CD of choriocapillaris significantly decreased in eyes with exudative CCH compared with age- and gender-controlled healthy eye group.Trial registration: This study was registered on the https://www.clinicaltrials.gov (trial registration number: NCT04449900)
BMSCs Seeding in Different Scaffold Incorporation with Hyperbaric Oxygen Treat Seawater Immersed Bony Defect
Authors: Zhang Gan , Chen Xiaosong , Cheng Xunsheng , Ma Xiuwu , Chen Congcong
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The experiment was undertaken to estimate the effect of BMSCs seeding in different scaffold incorporation with HBO on the repair of seawater immersed bone defect. And future compared n-HA/PLGA with β-TCP/PLGA as scaffold in treatment effect of seawater immersed bone defect.Methods: 60 New Zealand White rabbits with standard seawater defect in radius were randomly divided to group A (implant with nothing), group B (implanted with atuogenous bone), group C (implanted with n-HA/PLGA/BMSCs, and Group D ( implanted with β-TCP/PLGA/BMSCs). After implant, each rabbit receive HBO treatment at 2.4 ATA 100% oxygen for 120 minutes per day for 2 weeeks. Radiograph, histological and biomechanical examination were used to analyze osteogenesis.Result: X-ray analysis show that n-HA/PLGA/BMSCs and β-TCP/PLGA/BMSCs could accelerate the new bone formation, and the new bone formation in group C was lager than in group D or group A, and close to group B (P < 0.05). After 12 weeks, in group A, defect without scaffold show a loose connect tissue filled in the areas. The medullary canal in group B was recanalizated. Defect in group C and D show a larger number of wove bone formation. The new wove bone formation in defect areas in group C was lager than D. The mechanical examination revealed ultimate strength at 12 weeks were group D > group C > group B > group A(P < 0.05).Conclusion: Scaffold of n-HA/PLGA and β-TCP/PLGA incorporation with HBO and BMSCs were effective to treat seawater immersed bone defect, and n-HA/PLGA was more excellent than β-TCP/PLGA.
Multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae from blood stream infections at a tertiary care hospital of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Yadav Ajay , Bhattarai Narayan Raj , Khanal Basudha
Published: July 2020

Background
Blood stream infection (BSI) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It has poses significant challenge to the clinicians and clinical microbiologists alike. Therefore its accurate diagnosis, isolation and identification of causative agents with appropriate antibiotics is required. This study is aimed to find out resistance pattern, e.g. extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, K1, carbapenemase and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) among isolates obtained from BSI.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, BPKIHS from 1st September 2014 to 31st August 2015. Isolates were screened for ESBL, AmpC, K1, and carbapenemase production by ten disk method. Confirmation for ESBL was done phenotypically by using combined disk method recommended by CLSI, AmpC sterile disk method for AmpC and K1 by combined disk method. Metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production was detected by imipenem-ethylene-diamine-tetra acetic acid double disk synergy test.
Results
A total of 11,264 blood samples were collected from the patients suspected of Blood Stream Infection. Of these isolates, 192 (1.70%) were Enterobacteriaceae. Among them, 94 (49%) were ESBL, 51 (26.5%) were carbapenemase and 10 (5%) were AmpC producers. Of 51 carbapenemase producers, 22 (11.5%) were MBL producers. None of the isolates were found to produce K1 β-lactamase. A total of 64 (33.4%) isolates were MDR.
Conclusion
MDR Enterobacteriaceae is found to be prevalent in our set up as important cause of BSI.
Dielectric Nanohole Array Metasurface For High-Resolution Near-Field Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Conteduca Donato , Barth Isabel , Pitruzzello Giampaolo , Reardon Christopher , Martins Emiliano , Krauss Thomas
Published: July 2020

Dielectric metasurfaces support resonances that are widely explored both for far-field wavefront shaping and for near-field sensing and imaging. Their design explores the interplay between localised Mie resonances and extended Bragg resonances, with a typical trade-off between Q-factor and light localisation; high Q-factors are desirable for refractive index sensing while localisation is desirable for imaging resolution. Here, we show that a dielectric metasurface consisting of a nanohole array in amorphous silicon provides a favourable trade-off between these requirements. We have designed and realised the metasurface to support two optical modes both with sharp Fano resonances that exhibit relatively high Q factors and strong spatial confinement, thereby concurrently optimizing the device for both imaging and biochemical sensing. For the sensing application, we demonstrate a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 1pg/ml for Immunoglobulin G (IgG); for resonant imaging, we demonstrate a spatial resolution below 1µm and clearly resolve individual E.coli bacteria. The combined low LOD and high spatial resolution opens new opportunities for extending cellular studies into the realm of microbiology, e.g. for studying antimicrobial susceptibility.
Vibrational Couplings and Energy Transfer Pathways of Water’s Bending Mode
Authors: Yu Chun-Chieh , Chiang Kuo-Yang , Okuno Masanari , Seki Takakazu , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Yu XIaoqing , Korepanov Vitaly , Hamaguchi Hiro-o , Bonn Mischa , Hunger Johannes , Nagata Yuki
Published: July 2020

Coupling between vibrational modes is essential for energy transfer and dissipation in condensed matter. For water, different O-H stretch modes are known to be very strongly coupled both within and between water molecules, leading to ultrafast dissipation and delocalization of vibrational energy. In contrast, the information on the vibrational coupling of the H-O-H bending mode of water is lacking, even though the bending mode is an essential intermediate for the energy relaxation pathway from the stretch mode to the heat bath. By combining static and femtosecond infrared, Raman, and hyper-Raman spectroscopy with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we find the vibrational coupling of the bending mode differs significantly from the stretch mode: the intramode intermolecular coupling of the bending mode is very weak, in stark contrast to the stretch mode. Our results elucidate the vibrational energy transfer pathways of water. Specifically, the librational motion is essential for the vibrational energy relaxation and orientational dynamics of H-O-H bending mode.
Single-layered organic photovoltaics with double cascading charge transport pathways: 18 % efficiencies
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhu Lei , Zhou Guanqing , Hao Tianyu , Qiu Chaoqun , Hu Qin , Larson Bryon , Feng Wei , Ma Zaifei , Tang Zheng , Zhu Haiming , Zhang Yongming , Russell Thomas , Liu Feng
Published: July 2020

The chemical structure of donors (Ds) and acceptors (As) limit the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) achievable with bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layers of binary D-A mixtures. However, using quaternary D-A blends, double cascading energy level alignment in BHJ organic photovoltaic active layers are realized, enabling efficient carrier splitting and transport. Numerous avenues to optimize light absorption, carrier transport, and charge transfer state energy levels are opened by the chemical constitution of the components. Record-breaking PCEs of 18.07% are achieved where, by electronic structure and morphology optimization, simultaneous improvements of the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current and fill factor occur. The D and A chemical structures afford control over electronic structure and charge transfer state energy levels, enabling manipulation of hole-transfer rates, carrier transport, and non-radiative recombination losses.
Functional and Clinical Significance of ROR1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Schiavone Giovanna , Samantha Epistolio , Vittoria Martin , Francesca Molinari , Jessica Barizzi , Luca Mazzucchelli , Milo Frattini , Wannesson Luciano
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is normally detectable in embryonic tissues and absent in adult tissues. ROR1 was shown to inhibit apoptosis, potentiate EGFR signaling and reported to be overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis in several tumor models. This study aimed to assess the expression of ROR1 and verify its prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma (AC) patients.METHODS: We analyzed ROR1 expression by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 56 histologically confirmed lung AC, stage I to IV, in addition we evaluated its association with TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor-1) expression and the main molecular alterations involved in lung cancerogenesis.RESULTS: ROR1 overexpression was observed in 28.6% of the entire cohort, using a cut-off of 1, or in 51.8% of the cases using the median value as threshold. Among patients without any genetic alteration, ROR1 overexpression was observed in 34.8% considering a cut-off of 1 and 52.2% considering the median value. The distribution of ROR1 was homogeneous among the different molecular categories: we found no association of ROR1 expression and the presence of gene mutations/rearrangements or the expression of TTF-1. Furthermore, ROR1 expression was not correlated with overall survival (OS).CONCLUSIONS: ROR1 overexpression could constitute a potential therapeutic target because altered in a consistent number of lung AC, especially in cases without druggable genetic alterations. ROR1 expression is independent of classical lung cancer molecular alterations and not correlated, in a Caucasian cohort, to TTF-1 expression. Finally, ROR1 expression does not play a prognostic significance.