bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community and health staff perceptions on non-communicable disease management in El Salvador’s Health System: a qualitative study
Authors: Vidal Nicole , León-García Montserrat , Jiménez Marta , Bermúdez Keven , De Vos Pol
Published: April 2020

Background: Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global mortality and disability, with a rising burdenin low- and middle-income countries. Their multifactorial aetiology, and their requirement of long-term care, imply the need for comprehensive approaches. From 2009, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in El Salvador has developed a national public health system based on comprehensive primary health care. This study aims to describe the different stakeholders’ perceptions about the management of NCDs along the pathways of care in this health system. Methods : During three fieldwork periods in 2018, three complementary qualitative data collection methods were deployed and conducted in settings with high prevalence of NCDs within El Salvador. First, illness narrative methodology was used to document the life histories of people living with a chronic disease and being treated in second and third level health facilities. Second, through social mapping, support resources that NCD patients used throughout the process of their illness within the same settings were analysed. Third, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the same locations, with both chronic patients and health personnel working at different levels of the primary health care setting. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and a deductive approach was implemented for coding during the analysis phase. After grouping codes into potential themes, a thematic framework was developed using a reflexive approach and following triangulation of the data. Results : This innovative approach of combining three well-defined qualitative methods identified key implications for the implementation of a comprehensive approach to NCD management in resource-poor settings. The following elements are identified: 1) social risk factors and barriers to care; 2) patient pathways to NCD care; 3) available resources identified through social connections mapping; 4) trust in social connections; and 5) community health promotion and NCD prevention management. Conclusions: Salvadoran public health system has been able to strengthen its comprehensive approach to NCDs, combining a clinical approach – including long term follow-up – with a preventive community-based strategy. The structural collaboration between the health system and the (self-) organised community has been key to identify failings, discuss tensions and work out adapted solutions.
Indigenous uses of wild and tended plant biodiversity maintain ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes of the Terai Plains of Nepal
Authors: Thorn Jessica P. R. , Thornton Thomas F. , Helfgott Ariella , Willis Katherine J.
Published: April 2020

Background Despite a rapidly accumulating evidence base quantifying ecosystem services, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services in shared human-nature environments is still understudied, as is how indigenous and agriculturally dependent communities perceive, use and manage biodiversity. The present study aims to document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of the ecosystem service benefits derived from wild and tended plants in rice-cultivated agroecosystems, compare this to botanical surveys, and analyse the extent to which ecosystem services contribute social-ecological resilience in the Terai Plains of Nepal.Method Sampling was carried out in four landscapes, 22 Village District Committees and 40 wards in the monsoon season. Data collection was based on transects walks to collect plant specimens, structured and semi-structured interviews, and participatory fieldwork in and around home gardens, farms, and production landscapes. We asked 180 farmers to free-list vernacular names and describe use-value of wild and tended plants in rice-cultivated agroecosystems. Uses were categorized into eight broad groupings, and 61 biomedical ailment classifications. We assessed if knowledge of plant species diversity and abundance differed with regard to caste, age and gender. Results Nepalese farmers have a deep knowledge of the use and management of the 391 vascular plant specimens identified, which provide key provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural ecosystem services. Altogether, plants belong to 76 distinct plant species from 49 phylogenetic families: 56 are used to cure 61 ailments, 27 for rituals, 25 for food, 20 for timber, 17 for fuel, 17 for fodder, 11 for soil enhancement, and 8 for pesticides. Four caste groups have statistically different knowledge, and younger informants report a lower average number of useful plants. Conclusion Agricultural landscapes in Nepal are reservoirs of biodiversity. The knowledge of the use of wild and tended plant species in and around these farms differs by the caste and age group of land manager. Conducting research on agroecosystems will contribute to a deeper understanding of how nature is perceived by locals, to more efficient management and conservation of the breadbasket of Nepal, and to the conservation of valuable, but disappearing traditional knowledge and practice.
Fusion transcript detection using spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Friedrich Stefanie , Sonnhammer Erik LL
Published: April 2020

Background Fusion transcripts are involved in tumourigenesis and play a crucial role in tumour heterogeneity, tumour evolution and cancer treatment resistance. However, fusion transcripts have not been studied at high spatial resolution in tissue sections due to the lack of full-length transcripts with spatial information. New high-throughput technologies like spatial transcriptomics measure the transcriptome of tissue sections on almost single-cell level. While this technique does not allow for direct detection of fusion transcripts, we show that they can be inferred using the relative poly(A) tail abundance of the involved parental genes. Method We present a new method STfusion, which uses spatial transcriptomics to infer the presence and absence of poly(A) tails. A fusion transcript lacks a poly(A) tail for the 5´ gene and has an elevated number of poly(A) tails for the 3´ gene. Its expression level is defined by the upstream promoter of the 5´ gene. STfusion measures the difference between the observed and expected number of poly(A) tails with a novel C-score. Results We verified the STfusion ability to predict fusion transcripts on HeLa cells with known fusions. STfusion and C-score applied to clinical prostate cancer data revealed the spatial distribution of the cis-SAGe SLC45A3-ELK4 in 12 tissue sections with almost single-cell resolution. The cis-SAGe occurred in disease areas, e.g. inflamed, prostatic intraepithelial neoplastic, or cancerous areas, and occasionally in normal glands. Conclusions STfusion detects fusion transcripts in cancer cell line and clinical tissue data, and distinguishes chimeric transcripts from chimeras caused by trans-splicing events. With STfusion and the use of C-scores, fusion transcripts can be spatially localised in clinical tissue sections on almost single cell level.
Prognostic nutrition index as a predictor of coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Tai I Hsin , Wu Pei-Lin , Guo Mindy Ming-Huey , Lee Jessica , Chu Chi-Hsiang , Hsieh Kai-Sheng , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: April 2020

Background: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is considered a major acquired heart disease in children under the age of 5. Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) can occur in serious cases despite extreme therapy efforts. Previous studies have reported low serum albumin level was associated with disease outcome, but no further investigation was addressed yet. Method: This retrospective (case-control) study randomly included children with KD who were admitted and underwent laboratory tests before undergoing IVIG treatment in this institution, the largest tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan from 2012-2016. Prognostic nutrition index (PNI), an albumin-based formula product, was evaluated as a predictor of CAA the first time. The progression of CAA was monitored using serial echocardiography for six months. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis on the laboratory test and PNI with the disease outcome of the KD patients. Result: Of the 275 children, 149 had CAA, including transient dilatation, while the other 126 did not develop CAA during the 6-month follow-up period. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that PNI, gender, IVIG non-responder, and platelet count are significant predictors of CAA with a 95% confidence interval estimator of 1.999, 3.058, 3.864 and1.004, respectively. Using PNI to predict CAA presence gave an area under the receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curve of 0.596. For a cutoff of 0.5 in the logistic regression model and the PNI cut-off point is taken as 55 together with IVIG non-responder, boy gender, and platelet count take into account, sensitivity and specificity were 65.7% and 70.4%. Conclusion: PNI could be a candidate of adjunctive predictor of coronary artery aneurysm in addition to IVIG non-responder. Together with low PNI, IVIG non-responder, male gender and platelet count will give high odds to predict coronary artery aneurysm within 6 months of illness.
Identification and analysis of CYP450 and UGT supergene family members from the transcriptome of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem reveal candidate genes for triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis
Authors: Cheng Yao , Liu Hanbing , Tong Xuejiao , Liu Zaimin , Zhang Xin , Li Dalong , Jiang Xinmei , Yu Xihong
Published: April 2020

Background: Members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) gene superfamily have been shown to play essential roles in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis. However, the systematic identification of CYP450s and UGTs has not been reported in Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem, a highly valued medicinal plant. Results: In the present study, we conducted the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the leaves, stems, and roots of A. elata, yielding 66,713 total unigenes. Following annotation and KEGG pathway analysis, we were able to identify 64 unigenes related to triterpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, 254 CYP450s and 122 UGTs, respectively. A total of 150 CYP450s and 92 UGTs encoding >300 amino acid proteins were utilized for phylogenetic and tissue-specific expression analyses. This allowed us to cluster 150 CYP450s into 9 clans and 40 families, and then these CYP450 proteins were further grouped into two primary branches: A-type (53%) and non-A-type (47%). A phylogenetic analysis of 92 UGTs and other plant UGTs led to clustering into 16 groups (A-P). We further assessed the expression patterns of these CYP450 and UGT genes across A. elata tissues, with 23 CYP450 and 16 UGT members being selected for qRT-PCR validation, respectively. From these data, we identified CYP716A295 and CYP716A296 as the candidate genes most likely to be associated with oleanolic acid synthesis, while CYP72A763 and CYP72A776 were identified as being the most likely to play roles in hederagenin biosynthesis. We also selected five unigenes as the best candidates for oleanolic acid 3-O-glucosyltransferase. Finally, we assessed the subcellular localization of three CYP450 proteins within Arabidopsis protoplasts, highlighting the fact that they localize to the endoplasmic reticulum.Conclusions: This study presents a systematic analysis of the CYP450 and UGT gene family in A. elata and provides a foundation for further functional characterization of these two multigene families.
Nano-copper Enhanced Flexible Device for Simultaneous Measurement of Human Respiratory and Electro-cardiac Activities
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Feng , Lu Kechao , Abdulaziz Mohammed , Li Chao , Zhang Chongyu , Chen Jun , Li Yunlun
Published: April 2020

Background: Dysfunction of human respiratory and electro-cardiac activities could affect the ability of the heart to pump blood and the lungs to inhale oxygen. Thus, a device could simultaneously measure electro-cardiac signal and respiratory pressure could provide vital signs for predicting early warning of cardio-pulmonary function-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, and respiratory system disease. Results: In this study, a flexible device integrated with piezo-resistive sensing element and voltage-sensing element was developed to simultaneously measure human respiration and electro-cardiac signal (including respiratory pressure, respiration frequency, and respiration rhythm; electro-cardio frequency, electro-cardio amplitude, and electro-cardio rhythm). When applied to the measurement of respiratory pressure, the piezo-resistive performance of the device was enhanced by nano-copper modification, which detection limitation of pressure can reduce to 100 Pa and the sensitivity of pressure can achieve to 0.053 ± 0.00079 kPa-1. In addition, the signal-to-noise ratio during bio-electrical measurement was increased to 10.7 ± 1.4, five times better than that of the non-modified device. Conclusion: This paper presents a flexible device for the simultaneous detection of human respiration and cardiac electrical activity. To avoid interference between the two signals, the layout of the electrode and the strain sensor was optimized by FEA simulation analysis. To improve the piezo-resistive sensitivity and bio-electric capturing capability of the device, a feather-shaped nano-copper was modified onto the surface of carbon fiber. The operation simplicity, compact size, and portability of the device open up new possibilities for multi-parameter monitoring.
Subclinical Cardiovascular Risk Signs in Adults with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Sustained Remission
Authors: Aranda-Valera Inmaculada Concepcion , Rosa Iván Arias de la , Roldan-Molina Rosa , Abalos-Aguilera Maria del Carmen , Torres-Granados Carmen , Patiño-Trives Alejandra , Luque-Tevar Maria , Ibañez-Costa Alejandro , Guzman-Ruiz Rocio , Malagón Maria del Mar , Escudero-Contreras Alejandro , Lopez-Pedrera Chary , Collantes-Estevez Eduardo , Barbarroja Nuria
Published: April 2020

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood that often persists into adulthood and can result in significant long-term morbidity. As a long lasting chronic inflammatory disease, concern has been raised regarding the risk of premature development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in JIA. This study aims to determine whether adults with JIA in clinical remission display clinical and subclinical signs of CVD risk: inflammatory mediators, adipokines, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress markers.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 25 patients diagnosed with JIA according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria (ILAR 2001) and 25 age- and sex-matched controls. Remission was determined by JADAS10<1 and according to Wallace criteria. The presence of traditional CVD risk factors was analyzed. An extensive clinical analysis including body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment – insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and arterial blood pressure was performed. Intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (CIMT) was measured as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Several proinflammatory cytokines, molecules involved in the endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and adipokines were quantified on serum by ELISA and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by RT-PCR. In vitro studies were carried out in healthy PBMCs, adipocytes and endothelial cells which were treated with serum from JIA patients under sustained remission. Results: Mean duration of the disease was 13.47 ± 5.47 years. Mean age was 25.11 ± 7.21. Time in remission was 3.52 ± 3.33 years. Patients were in remission with no treatment (40%) and with treatments (60%). CVD risk factors and CIMT were similar in JIA patients and controls. However, cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in JIA patients. Levels of adipocytokines, oxidative stress and endothelial activation markers were elevated in serum and PBMCs from JIA patients. Serum of those JIA patients induced the activation of adipocytes, endothelial cells and healthy PBMCs.Conclusions: JIA adult patients in remission have subclinical signs of inflammation and CVD risk, showed by an increase in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, endothelial activation and oxidative stress markers and adipokines, molecules closely involved in the alteration of the vascular system.
The quality of clinical practice guidelines for preoperative care using the AGREE II instrument: a systematic review
Authors: Ciapponi Agustín , Elena Tapia-López , Sacha Virgilio , Bardach Ariel
Published: April 2020

Background: Our aim was to summarize and compare relevant recommendations from evidence-based CPGs (EB-CPGs). Methods: Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. Data sources: PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Tripdatabase and additional sources. In July 2017, we searched CPGs that were published in the last 10 years, without language restrictions, in electronic databases, and also searched specific CPG sources, reference lists and consulted experts. Pairs of independent reviewers selected EB-CPGs and rated their methodological quality using the AGREE-II instrument. We summarized recommendations, its supporting evidence and strength of recommendations according to the GRADE methodology.Results: We included 16 EB-CPGs out of 2262 references identified. Only nine of them had searches within the last five years and seven used GRADE. The median (percentile 25-75) AGREE-II scores for rigor of development was 49% (35-76%) and the domain ‘applicability’ obtained the worst score: 16% (9-31%). We summarized 31 risk stratification recommendations, 21.6% of which were supported by high/moderate quality of evidence (41% of them were strong recommendations), and 16 therapeutic/preventive recommendations, 59% of which were supported by high/moderate quality of evidence (75.7% strong). We found inconsistency in ratings of evidence level. ‘Guidelines’ applicability’ and ‘monitoring’ were the most deficient domains. Only half of the EB-CPGs were updated in the past five years. Conclusions: We present many strong recommendations that are ready to be considered for implementation as well as others to be interrupted, and we reveal opportunities to improve guidelines’ quality.
e-Health Interventions for Healthy Aging: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buyl Ronald , Beogo Idrissa , Fobelets Maaike , Deletroz Carole , Landuyt Philip Van , Dequanter Samantha , Gorus Ellen , Bourbonnais Anne , Giguère Anik , Lechasseur Kathleen , Gagnon Marie-Pierre
Published: April 2020

Background: Healthy aging (HA) is a contemporary challenge for population health worldwide. Electronic health (e-Health) interventions have the potential to support empowerment and education of adults aged 50 and over. Objectives: To summarize evidence on the effectiveness of e-Health interventions on HA and explore how specific e-Health interventions and their characteristics effectively impact HA.Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on the Cochrane Collaboration methods including any experimental study design published in French, Dutch, Spanish and English from 2000 to 2018. Results: Fourteen studies comparing various e-Health interventions to multiple components controls were included. The target population, type of interventions and outcomes measured were very heterogeneous across studies, thus a meta-analysis was not possible. However, effect estimates indicate that e-Health interventions could improve physical activity. Positive effects were also found for other healthy behaviors (e.g. healthy eating), psychological outcomes (e.g. memory) and clinical parameters (e.g. blood pressure). Given the low certainty of the evidence related to most outcomes, these results should be interpreted cautiously.Conclusions: This systematic review found limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of e-Health interventions, although the majority of studies show positive effects of these interventions for improving physical activity in older adults. Thus, better quality evidence is needed regarding the effects of eHealth on the physiological, psychological and social dimensions of HA.Systematic review registration: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42016033163).
Engineering of sugar transporters for improvement of xylose utilization during high-temperature alcoholic fermentation in Ogataea polymorpha yeast
Authors: Vasylyshyn Roksolana , Kurylenko Olena , Ruchala Justyna , Shevchuk Nadiya , Kuliesiene Neringa , Khroustalyova Galina , Rapoport Alexandr , Daugelavicius Rimantas , Dmytruk Kostyantyn , Sibirny Andriy
Published: April 2020

Background Xylose transport is one of the bottlenecks in the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol. Xylose consumption by the wild-type strains of xylose-utilizing yeasts occurs once glucose is depleted resulting in a long fermentation process and overall slow and incomplete conversion of sugars liberated from lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Therefore, the engineering of endogenous transporters for the facilitation of glucose-xylose co-consumption is an important prerequisite for efficient ethanol production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Results In this study, several engineering approaches formerly used for the low-affinity glucose transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , were successfully applied for earlier identified transporter Hxt1 in Ogataea polymorpha to improve xylose consumption (engineering involved asparagine substitution to alanine at position 358 and replacement of N-terminal lysine residues predicted to be the target of ubiquitination for arginine residues). Moreover, the modified versions of S. cerevisiae Hxt7 and Gal2 transporters also led to improved xylose fermentation when expressed in O. polymorpha . Conclusions The O. polymorpha strains with modified Hxt1 were characterized by simultaneous utilization of both glucose and xylose, in contrast to the wild-type and parental strain with elevated ethanol production from xylose. When the engineered Hxt1 transporter was introduced into constructed earlier advanced ethanol producer form xylose, the resulted strain showed further increase in ethanol accumulation during xylose fermentation. The overexpression of heterologous S. cerevisiae Gal2 had a less profound positive effects on sugars uptake rate, while overexpression of Hxt7 revealed the least impact on sugars consumption.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers in Adigrat University student’s cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Legese Haftom , Kahsay Tsega , Gebrewahd Aderajew , Berhe Brhane , Fseha Berhane , Tadesse Senait , Gebremariam Guesh , Negash Hadush , Mardu Fitsum , Tesfay Kebede , Adhanom Gebre
Published: April 2020

Background: Food handlers play a significant role in the transmission of foodborne infection. Salmonella and Shigella are the most common foodborne pathogens and their infections are a major public health problem of the globe. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2018 at Adigrat University student cafeteria, Northern Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fresh stool samples were collected from 301 food handlers and transported to Adigrat University Microbiology Laboratory. Bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed using standard bacteriological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 and P < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 301 food handlers were included in this study. The majority of study participants were females 265 (88.0 %). About 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) of food handlers were found to be positive for Salmonella and Shigella respectively. Hand washing after using a bathroom with water only, hand washing after using the bathroom, hand washing after touching dirty materials, hand washing before food handling and fingernails status were significant associated factors identified. None of the Salmonella and Shigella isolates was sensitive to ampicillin. On the other hand, low resistance was found for chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella among food handlers found to be 22 (7.3%) and 11 (3.7%) respectively. Such colonized food handlers can contaminate food, drinks and could serve as a source of infection to consumers via the food chain. This indicates that the need for strengthened infection control measures to prevent Salmonella and Shigella transmission in the students’ cafeteria.
“You talk about problems until you feel free”: South African adolescent girls' and young women’s narratives on the value of HIV prevention peer support clubs
Authors: Baron Deborah , Scorgie Fiona , Ramskin Lethabo , Khoza Nomhle , Schutzman Jennifer , Stangl Anne , Harvey Sheila , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead
Published: April 2020

Background: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women if used consistently during periods of risk. The EMPOWER study evaluated peer-based clubs incorporating an empowerment curriculum offered to adolescent girls and young women (16-24 years) in South Africa and Tanzania for adherence support. Methods: Using serial in-depth interviews (n=33), we assessed the benefits and challenges of club attendance among 13 EMPOWER participants in the Johannesburg site who were randomised to clubs. We used a summary matrix of coded data to support a narrative, case-based analysis. Four case studies are presented. Results: Club participants reported benefits such as increased self-esteem and self-efficacy, reduced isolation, and greater insight into gender-based violence and strategies to address it. Day-to-day PrEP adherence was not the only topic discussed in clubs; participants also appreciated the safe space for sharing problems (such as relationship conflict and PrEP stigma) and found interactive exercises helpful in improving partner communication.Conclusions: Findings support the use of peer-based clubs using a structured empowerment approach, which may offer valuable PrEP initiation support to adolescent girls and young women in settings with high HIV and gender-based violence prevalence.
Differential microRNAs expression profiles in liver from three different lifestyle modification mice models
Authors: Gong Huan , Zhang Ming , Han Yiwen , Zhang Ying , Pang Jing , Zhao Yanyang , Chen Beidong , Wu Wei , Qi Ruomei , Zhang Tiemei
Published: April 2020

Background MicroRNAs play an important role in many fundamental biological and pathological processes. Defining the microRNAs profile underlying the processes by beneficial and detrimental lifestyles, including caloric restriction(CR), exercise and high-fat diet(HF), is necessary for understanding both normal physiology and the pathogenesis of metabolic disease. We used the microarray to detect microRNAs expression in livers from CR, EX and HF mice models. After predicted potential target genes of differentially expressed microRNAs with four algorithms, we applied GO and KEGG to analyze the function of predicted microRNA targets. Results We describe the overall microRNAs expression pattern, and identified 84 differentially expressed microRNAs changed by one or two or even all the three lifestyle modifications. The common and different enriched categories of gene function and main biochemical and signal transduction pathways were presented. Conclusions We provided for the first time a comprehensive and thorough comparison of microRNAs expression profiles in liver among these lifestyle modifications.With this knowledge, our findings provide us with an overall vision of microRNAs in the molecular impact of lifestyle on health as well as useful clues for future and thorough research of the role of microRNAs.
RNA helicase DHX15 decreases cell apoptosis by NF-κB signaling pathway in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Chen Yuan , Chen Xianglei , Pan Lili , Huang Yuanmao , Cai Yuanhua , Li Jinggang , Li Yang , Wang Shanyuan
Published: April 2020

Background DHX15 is one of the RNA helicase family members involving in several biological processes, especially in anti-virus and pre-mRNA splicing. Studies have reported that overexpression of DHX15 is related to cancer progression. However, the role of DHX15 in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and latent EB virus infection remains to be elucidated.Methods Expression of DHX15 was measured in BL patient by immunohistochemical staining. In vitro study, a CCK-8 assay was used to analyze the proliferation of Raji cells infected with DHX15-shRNA-Lentivirus and flow cytometry was performed to assess Raji cell cycle, apoptosis and mitochondria membrane potential. Members of NF-κB signaling pathway and apoptotic-related proteins expression was measured by western-blot. EBV latent infection products and RNA polymerase Ⅲ transcripts expression were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western-blot. In vivo study, HE, IHC, TUNEL and ISH assays were used to analyze the effect of DHX15 on subcutaneous tumor nodes formation.Results DHX15 was overexpressed in Burkitt lymphoma patients and tends to be associated with poor progression-free survival and poor overall survival. Knockdown of DHX15 significantly inhibits BL tumor growth, reduced cell proliferation, induced G2/M-phase arrest and increased cell apoptosis. Further analysis showed that canonical NF-κB signaling and downstream targets (such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, survivin), mitochondria and Caspase were involved in the increased cell apoptosis after DHX15 gene knockdown. Furthermore, knockdown of DHX15 induced EBV latent infection products expression and inhibited RNA polymerase Ⅲ activity.Conclusion DHX15 may be an oncogene in the development of BL and a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BL and latent EBV infection.
Exploring the Features of Mobile Application of Anatomy in Basic Medical Sciences: a qualitative study
Authors: Mansouri Mahmoud , Bigdeli Shoaleh , Dehnad Afsaneh , Sohrabi Zohreh , Alizadeh Somayeh , Keshavarzi Mohammad Hasan
Published: April 2020

Background The importance of mobile phones has become one of the new research topics in health professions education due to the ease of access and flexibility. Although novel approaches to health professions education recommend the use of educational technologies such as mobile applications, a limited number of studies have been conducted with regard to teaching anatomy through mobile applications. Considering the increasing needs of medical students for mobile technology to meet their educational needs, wants and desires, we decided to explore the features of an anatomy mobile application. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in two stages of holding focus groups and an expert panel session. Students of basic Medical sciences, and faculty members of anatomy at Iran University of Medical Sciences formed the research participants. Semi-structured interviews and note-taking were used to collect the data. Brown and Clark methods were used for thematic analysis and feature extraction. Finally, four criteria presented by Lincoln and Guba for qualitative studies were used to ensure the credibility, confirmability, trustworthiness and transferability of the data. Results Based on the data analysis, 37 codes that could be used to design anatomy mobile content for medical students were extracted. These features were categorized into the main themes of “visual richness”, “scientific comprehensiveness”, “audio richness”, “affordability”, “user-friendliness”, “self-assessment”, “interactive content” and “user support”. Conclusion This study explored the features of an anatomy application that can be used by educational app developers. Anatomy departments of universities of medical sciences, policymakers, and planners in the field of medical education can also adopt the findings of the present study.
Repetitive Negative Thinking is associated with Subjective Cognitive Decline in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Schlosser Marco , Demnitz-King Harriet , Whitfield Tim , Wirth Miranka , Marchant Natalie L.
Published: April 2020

Background In the absence of a cure or effective treatment for dementia, attention has shifted towards identifying risk factors for prevention. Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) describes self-perceived worsening of cognition despite unimpaired performance on neuropsychological tests. SCD has been associated with an increased dementia risk and steeper memory decline. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic process that manifests across several mental health disorders associated with increased vulnerability to dementia. RNT has thus been proposed as a candidate marker of risk for dementia and, relatedly, could contribute to the manifestation of SCD. We aimed to investigate the relationship between SCD and RNT alongside other theoretically informed psychological risk/protective factors for dementia and cognitive decline. Methods In a cross-sectional online survey, 491 older adults (mean=64.9 years, SD =4.2; 63.1% female) completed measures of RNT, personality (including neuroticism), purpose in life, worry, rumination, and meditation practice. SCD was assessed continuously via self-perceived cognitive function (Neuro-QoL) and categorically via endorsement (yes/no) of memory complaints. Regression models, using a stepwise backwards elimination, were built to assess associations between SCD, demographics, and all risk/protective factors. Results A total of 24.2% of participants reported memory complaints. In the final prediction models, RNT was the only psychological variable associated with lower self-perceived cognitive function and with a higher likelihood of memory complaints. Conclusions This study empirically corroborates the theoretical relationship between SCD and RNT. RNT, whether it be a prodromal symptom or independent risk factor, is a promising construct for future research on SCD and dementia risk.
Comparative transcriptome analysis between thrips-resistant and thrips-susceptible alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Temuer Buhe , Wang Xiaoyu , Bao Sarula , Liu Jinyan , Zhao Danyang
Published: April 2020

Background: Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) are major insect pests on alfalfa and result in decreased plant nutrients and growth, low yields and even plant death. In our previous studies, an alfalfa variety (Caoyuan No.4) with high thrips resistance was bred through consecutive field recurrent selection. In order to better understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms of thrips resistance in Caoyuan No.4, RNA-Sequencing was employed using the thrips-resistant alfalfa accession (Caoyuan No.4) and a thrips-susceptible alfalfa accession (Caoyuan No.2), each with and without thrips infestation.Results: There were 851 genes constitutively upregulated and 434 genes downregulated in Caoyuan No.4 compared to Caoyuan No.2 without thrips infestation. The upregulated genes were mainly involved in primary metabolism such as energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and certain secondary metabolites, while the downregulated genes were mainly related to plant-pathogen interaction. In addition, very few DEGs (only 13) were detected in Caoyuan No.4 after thrips stress, but a total of 3326 contigs DEGs were detected in Caoyuan No.2 after thrips stress. The upregulated genes in Caoyuan No.2 after stress were mainly involved in isoflavonoid biosynthesis, proteasome, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis as well as plant-pathogen interaction. Moreover, 117 genes that were shared in both the S_CK vs S_T group and S_CK vs R_CK group were divided into 6 clusters, which are mainly involved in secondary metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, rust resistance kinase, WRKY transcription factor and nodule lectin.Conclusion: Both constitutive defensive genes and potential induced defensive genes were detected in the defense of Caoyuan No.4. That two distinct kinds of defensive genes — constitutive defensive genes and induced defensive genes — can be simultaneously activated and thus potentially enhance plant protection against insects attacks is a signiﬁcant finding for plant resistance breeders.
Quality of life in sarcopenia measured with the SarQoL® and nutritional status
Authors: Kim Yongtaek , Park Ki Soo , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: April 2020

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after adjusting for covariates of muscle mass, calf circumference, grip strength, and the timed up and go (TUG) test for diagnosis of sarcopenia. Methods A total of 324 elderly people living in rural villages who were able to move to senior and welfare centers was surveyed. To determine the nutritional status of the elderly subjects, a questionnaire-based screening tool called DETERMINE was used. Developed as a health-related quality of life tool for sarcopenia, the Sarcopenia-specific Quality of Life (SarQoL) questionnaire was used. For screening of sarcopenia, a rapid questionnaire based on self-reported information about falls, mobility, and strength known as the SARC-F questionnaire was used. Assessment of sarcopenia included skeletal muscle mass, calf circumference, grip strength, and the timed up and go (TUG) test. Results As a result of evaluating the relationship between SarQoL and nutritional risk in elderly subjects, the relationship between total SarQoL score and nutritional status was statistically significant in the moderate-risk group (B = -5.542, p = 0.001) and in the high-risk group (B= - 8.136, p < 0.001) in comparison to the low-risk group. Significant correlations were found in all seven domains of SarQoL, except the fear domain. The domain of ​​leisure activity was not related to variables assessing sarcopenia, but only to nutritional risk assessment (moderate-risk group (B = -8.662, p = 0.004) and high-risk group (B = -14.943, p < 0.001)). Conclusions We confirmed an association between quality of life dimensions surveyed by the SarQoL questionnaire and nutritional status. Appropriate interventions are needed following brief evaluation of sarcopenia and nutritional deficiency among elderly people in communities.
Blood loss and knee function after unicompartment knee arthroplasty(UKA) without tourniquet
Authors: Zhang Zhanfeng , Zhong Jianming , Min Jikang , Wang Dan , Wu Lidong
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe characteristics of blood loss and knee function after unicompartment knee arthroplasty(UKA) remains unclear. Utilization of tourniquet is considered to compromise the outcome of knee arthroplasty. This study aims to evaluate the hidden blood loss and function restoration of UKA without tourniquet by comparing with total knee arthroplasty(TKA).MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 112 patients were included from August 2017 to October 2018. Both the UKA group (n = 56) and the TKA group (n = 56) underwent procedure without utilization of tourniquet during the whole process. The gender, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, preioperative Hb, and volume of hidden blood loss (HBL) were recorded and analysed. Knee function was assessed at 3 month and 12 month after procedure by using HSS score.ResultThe mean volume of HBL was significant lower in UKA group (324.23ml ± 147.05, 864.82ml ± 206.37, P = 0.001). The HSS score was higher in UKA group 3 month after procedure (88.16 ± 5.57, 83.04 ± 4.88, P = 0.033). No HBL difference was observed in either groups in terms of gender nor age. Hb level dropped to the bottom at the 4th day postoperatively. No correlation was observed between HBL and knee function.ConclusionWithout utilization of tourniquet, the HBL could not be ignored in UKA though it is much less than TKA, and the knee function was not compromised by it.Trial registrationCurrent trial ISRCTN85133278 (Retrospectively registered on 06 April 2020).
Exploring factors associated with quality of life in women undergoing mammography
Authors: Wu Chih Jung , Wang Ya-Jung , Liu Liang-Chih
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Mammography is broadly used in early detection of breast cancer. However, women undergoing mammography had experienced physical, psychological, and social disturbance; this could affect their Quality of Life (QoL). Only few studies in QoL have been done on cancer screening populations. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with QoL among women undergoing mammography. Methods: This research used a cross-sectional questionnaire survey and conducted with 158 women who were undergoing mammography. Data were collected from an outpatient department in a medical center located in central Taiwan from December 2014 to October 2015. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale –General, Chinese version was used to assess the QoL. Emotional distress was measured by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Scale. Descriptive statistic and multiple liner regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The multiple liner regression results revealed that women with benign breast tumors had better functional well-being (β = 1.276, p = 0.021). Women who had higher uncertainty (β=-0.216, p < 0.01) and emotional distress (β = -1.229, p < 0.01) experienced lower QoL. Conclusion: In this study, the uncertainty, emotional distress significantly predicted the QoL in women undergoing mammography screening. Clinical staff should pay attention to the emotional problems of women undergoing mammography. When women receive the mammography, this is an opportune time to educate them regarding the examination process and inform them of how reductions in uncertainty and emotional problems may help improve their QoL.
The effectiveness of an online intervention in stimulating injury-preventive behaviour in adult novice runners. Results of a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Kemler Ellen , Cornelissen Maaike H. , Gouttebarge Vincent
Published: April 2020

Background In addition to the beneficial health effects of being active, running is also associated with a risk of sustaining injuries. The online intervention Runfitcheck was developed to stimulate injury-preventive behaviour among adult novice runners. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Runfitcheck on injury-preventive behaviour among adult novice runners. Design Randomised controlled trial Methods A randomised controlled trial with a follow-up period of five months was conducted among adult novice runners. The intervention group had access to the Runfitcheck intervention, while the control group performed their running activities as usual. One, three, and five months after enrolment, participants reported retrospectively what they had done regarding injury-preventive behaviour (operationalised as (i) using a (personalised) training schedule; (ii) performing strength and technique exercises; and (iii) performing a warm-up routine prior to running). Relative Risks ((RR) and 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI)) were used to analyse behavioural change among runners who were not performing the favourable behaviour at enrolment. Results A total of 1,411 novice runners (72.6% female, mean age 38.1 years) were included in this study and assigned to the intervention group (n=715) or control group (n=696). Runners in the intervention group searched more often for information about a warm-up routine (55.6% versus 44.9%; RR 1.211 (95%CI 1.080-1.357); Table 2), and added more often strength exercises to their warm-up routine (49.3% versus 38.2%; RR 1.228 (95%CI 1.092-1.380)). Runners in the intervention group performed more often running technique exercises compared to runners in the control group (58.6% versus 51.5%; RR 1.134 (95%CI 1.015-1.267)), but less often strength exercises (71.9% versus 77.9%; RR 0.865 (95%CI 0.752-0.995)). Within the group of runners that did not perform any warm-up routine at enrolment (n=272; 69.5% female, mean age 35.8 years (SD 9.3), runners in the intervention group performed a regular warm-up routine more often than runners in the control group (47.1% versus 28.4%; n=196; RR 1.461 (95%CI 1.084-1.968)) No significant results were found for using a training schedule. Conclusions The online intervention Runfitcheck was effective in stimulating aspects of injury-preventive behaviour in adult novice runners, mostly related to a warm-up routine.
Effects of subacute ruminal acidosis on colon epithelial morphological structure, permeability and expression of key tight junction proteins in a dairy goat model
Authors: wang Mengya , Li Yang , Gao Min , Song Liwen , Xu Ming , Zhao Xueliang , Zhao Meng , Sun Yanyong , Hu Honglian
Published: April 2020

Background: The hindgut epithelial barrier plays an important role in maintaining absorption and immune homeosrasis in ruminants. However, there is little information available on changes of colon epithelial barrier structure and function following grain-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SARA on colon epithelial morphological structure, permeability and gene expression involved in epithelial barrier function using dairy goats as a ruminant model. Methods: Twelve mid-lactating Sannan dairy goats (62.13 ± 4.76 kg) were randomly divided into either control (n = 6) or SARA treatment (n = 6). Control goats were fed a mixed diet (non-fiber carbohydrates/neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) =1.15) for 60 days, SARA induction goats were given 4 mixed diets with NFC to NDF ratios of 1.15, 1.49, 2.12 and 2.66 to induce development of SARA. The duration of each diet was 15 d including 12 d for adaption and 3 d for sampling. Continuous ruminal pH recordings were utilized to diagnose the severity of SARA. Additionally, Plasma and colonic tissue were collected to evaluate the epithelial tissue morphological structure, permeability and expression of tight junction (TJ) protein using histological techniques, Ussing chamber, real-time PCR and western blotting. Results: Profound disruption in the colonic epithelium was mainly manifested as the electron density of TJ decreased, intercellular space widened and mitochondria swelled in SARA dairy goats. Epithelial Isc, Gt and the mucosal-to-serosal flux of FD4 ( P < 0.05) were increased, PD was decreased in SARA dairy goats compared with the control. SARA increased the plasma LPS ( P < 0.001), D-lactic acid contents ( P = 0.025) and DAO activity ( P = 0.003). Increased gene and protein expression of claudin-1 and occludin ( P < 0.05) were observed in colonic epithelium of SARA goats. Conclusion: Overall, the data of present study demonstrate that SARA can impair the barrier function of the colonic epithelium in dairy goats, which is associated with severe epithelial structural damage and increased permeability and changes in the expression of TJ proteins.