bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating habits associated with nutrition-related knowledge among university students enrolled in academic programs related to nutrition and culinary arts in Puerto Rico
Authors: Medina Christian Rivera - , Urbano Mercedes Briones , Espinosa Aixa De Jesus , Lopez Angel Toledo
Published: March 2020

Background: University students frequently develop unhealthy eating habits. However, it is unknown if students enrolled in academic programs related to nutrition and culinary arts have healthier eating habits. To evaluate the relationship of the eating habits and nutritional status of university students enrolled in academic programs related to nutrition and culinary arts with their knowledge in nutrition as well as cooking methods and techniques. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2019, during which time students completed a survey that measured their eating habits, and their knowledge in nutrition as well as cooking methods and techniques. Anthropometric measurement data were also collected for nutritional status estimation. The non-probabilistic convenience sample comprised 93 university students pursuing their Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Culinary Nutrition and Culinary Management in Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Puerto Rico.The statistical analysis included summary measures. Relationships between variables were measured using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: An inadequate body mass index (BMI) was observed in 59% of the sample. Eating habits, knowledge in nutrition, and knowledge in cooking methods and techniques were inadequate in 86%, 68%, and 41% of the population, respectively. Eating habits were associated with knowledge in nutrition and the type of academic program enrolled in, but not with knowledge in cooking methods and techniques. Conclusions: Most of the students reported having inadequate eating habits and BMI values. The Nutrition and Dietetics students had the best knowledge levels pertaining to nutrition compared to the Culinary Management students, a majority of whom had inadequate knowledge levels. Our results demonstrate that there are other factors inherent to students’ university life that may have a stronger influence on eating habits than knowledge in appropriate nutritional practice. Trial registration : Universidad Ana G Méndez Institutional Review Board January 23, 2019 Protocol number: 06-085-18
A novel bone cement screw system combined with vertebroplasty for the treatment of Kummell disease with bone deficiency at vertebral anterior border: minimum 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Wang Biao , Zhang Xinliang , Kong Lingbo , Yuan Li , He Simin , Yan Liang , Hao Dingjun
Published: March 2020

Background: When vertebroplasty is used to treat Kummell disease with bone deficiency at vertebral anterior border, bone cement displacement often occurs intraoperative or postoperative. We designed and used a new bone cement screw system to avoid the serious complication. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this novel operation method through more than 3 years of follow-up. Methods: From January 2012 to August 2016, 27 patients suffering from single-segment Kummell disease with bone deficiency at vertebral anterior border were treated by vertebroplasty combined with novel bone cement screw. Bone cement is released into the diseased vertebrae through screw to fully fill the intravertebral vacuum cleft. Screw fixation of bone cement can avoid intraoperative or postoperative displacement. All patients were operated by unilateral technique, only one screw was implanted for each patient. The clinical efficacy was evaluated using Odom’s criteria and statistical analysis based on the results of vertebral body index (VBI), vertebral body angle (VBA), bisegmental Cobb angle (BCA), visual analogue scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), and the MOS 36-item short from health survey (SF-36). Results: The operation was completed successfully in 27 cases. The average operation time was 49.63±10.82 min, and the average volume of cement injected was 4.70±0.87 ml. The patients’ preoperative VBI, VBA, BCA, VAS and ODI scores were 43.11±5.94, 21.04±2.55, 45.00±6.26, 7.59±0.84, and 79.85±7.58, respectively. The postoperative measurements were 78.70±2.55, 12.70±2.11, 26.11±4.73, 3.22±0.93 and 50.04±9.28. At the last follow-up, the measurements were 78.04±2.30, 13.15±2.38, 27.07±4.87, 2.04±0.65, and 22.85±5.06, respectively. There was significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative data, as well as the preoperative and the last follow-up data (P<0.05). Compared the results of SF-36 preoperative and at the last follow-up, there were significant differences in physical function, role-physical, body pain, vitality, and social function these 5 items (P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in general health, emotional function and mental health. Finally, 26 patients (96.3%) had good to excellent clinical outcomes according to Odom's criteria. Conclusions: This 3-year follow-up study shows that the novel bone cement screw system combined with vertebroplasty has a good short and medium-term therapeutic effect on patients with Kummell disease and bone deficiency at vertebral anterior border, while its long-term efficacy is subject to further studies.
Correlation between lumbar sagittal alignment, Modic changes, and endplate erosion in patients with degenerative disease
Authors: Lv Bin , Wang Haosheng
Published: March 2020

Purpose To explore the role of lumbar sagittal alignment in the occurrence of Modicchanges and endplate defects (MC&ED) development in patients with a spinal degenerative disease, and the relationship between lumbar sagittal alignment and patient-report outcomes. Background Increasing attention has been focused on MC&ED as playing a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of lumbar degeneration. The precise understanding of the mechanisms leading to progression of MC&ED is lacking. Hence, we investigated how lumbar sagittal alignment influences the MC&ED. Patients and methods Ninety-six consecutive asymptomatic or symptomatic patients with Modic changes or endplate defect were retrospectively recruited in this study from August 2016 to December 2018. MC&ED were observed in 76 patients and not observed in 20 patients, representing two groups for comparison. The lumbar sagittal parameters were measured, including lumbar lordosis (LL),pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT). The lumbar lordosis index (LLI) and idea LL were then calculated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale(VAS) and a Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after operation. Results There were no significant differences in the distribution of demographics and baseline clinical variables between both groups. Mean age and BMI showed a significant difference between both groups (P<0.05). There were significant correlations between LL, LLI, Lossof LL, and Level 1 (r=0.281, 0.230, and 0.284, P<0.05) Also, PI, PT were significantly correlated with Level 4 (r=0.249, 0.202, P<0.05).Compared with presurgery scores, an improvement was seen in postoperative VAS and ODI scores (P<0.05). Further, the postoperative scores at 24 months in the without Modicor end plate defect group showed greater improvements compared with the with Modic or endplate defect group (P<0.05). Conclusion This analysis indicated that maintaining lumbar sagittal alignment was related to a lower risk of Modic changes in patients with the spinal degenerative disease. The lumbar sagittal alignment might be a factor that influenced the posterior inclination of the pelvis in symptomatic lumbar disease.
Ozone-oxidative-preconditioning alleviates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats via PKC- ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Tao Zhenyun , Jiang Zutai , Li Lizhen , Wang Lanlan , Li Lianghui , Zhong Weixin , Liu Junle , Chen Wenhua
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: To explore the protective effect of ozone-oxidative-preconditioning (OzoneOP) through the protein kinase C (PKC), ERK1/2, and heat shock protein70 (HSP70) signal transduction in rats during hepatic ischemic-reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS: We constructed an IR model by occluding all vessels of the rats’ left and median liver lobes for 45 min, followed by reperfusion for 3 h. Afterwards, we constructed the OzoneOP model via intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg · kg -1 · d -1 of 50 mg · L -1 ozone for 5 days to investigate the significance of PKC, ERK1/2 and HSP70 signal transduction in OzoneOP. The PKC inhibitor chelerythrine chloride (CHE), activator phorobol12-myristate13-acetate (PMA) and MEK inhibitor PD98059 were utilized to analyze the phosphorylation of PKC and the expression levels of ERK1/2 and HSP70. After ischemia and reperfusion, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartase aminotransferase (AST) were detected in the abdominal aorta blood. Meanwhile, the expression of HSP70 protein and the activities of PKC and ERK1/2 in the left hepatic lobe were analyzed, and the ultrastructure of the hepatic was observed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the phosphorylation of PKC and ERK1/2 and the expression of HSP70 were higher in the OzoneOP-treated model ( P <0.05). Conversely, inhibiting PKC and ERK1/2 abolished the protection conferred by OzoneOP ( P <0.05). CONCLUSION: OzoneOP significantly increased the expression of HSP70 by activating PKC and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, thus significantly alleviating hepatic IR injury in rats. KEYWORDS: ERK1/2 MAPKs; HSP70; Liver ischemia-reperfusion; O zone - oxidative - preconditioning; PKC
Relatives of patients with metastatic lung cancer’s views on the achievement of treatment goals and the choice to start treatment: an interview study
Authors: Mieras Adinda , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje D. , Becker-Commissaris Annemarie , Bos Jose C.M. , Pasman H.Roeline W.
Published: March 2020

Purpose. Lung cancer has a high impact on both patients and relatives. Previous studies looked into treatment goals patients have before starting a treatment. However, studies on relatives’ perceptions of treatment at the end of life are scarce. Therefore, we studied the perspectives of relatives in hindsight on the achievement of treatment goals and the choice to start treatment for metastatic lung cancer of their loved one.Methods. We conducted a semi-structured telephone interview study in six hospitals across the Netherlands, one academic and five non-academic hospitals between February 2017 and November 2019. We included 118 relatives of deceased patients diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer who started a systemic treatment and who completed a questionnaire on their treatment goals before start of the treatment and when treatment was finished. We asked the relatives about the achievement of patients’ treatment goals and relatives’ satisfaction with the choice to start treatment.Results. Relatives reported the goals ‘quality of life’, ‘decrease tumour size’ and ‘life prolongation’ as achieved in 21%, 37% and 41% respectively. Most of the relatives (78%) were satisfied with the choice to start a treatment. Also, when none of the goals were achieved, 70% of the relatives were satisfied. About one in two relatives who were satisfied with the patient’s choice did mention negative aspects of the treatment choice, such as that the treatment did not work, that there were side effects or that it would not have been the relatives choice. This was four in five for relatives who were not satisfied. Most mentioned positive aspects were that they tried everything and that it was the patient’s choice. Conclusion. Relatives reported patients’ treatment goals as not achieved in a majority of cases. They were, however, in majority of the cases satisfied about the treatment choice. Being satisfied does not provide a full picture of their experience with the treatment decision as a majority mentions negative aspects of this decision. At the time of making the treatment decision it is important to manage expectations about chance of success and possible side effects of the treatment.
A Serological Survey of Brucellosis in Wildlife in Four Major National Parks of Uganda
Authors: Aruho Robert , MacLeod Ewan T. , Manirakiza Leonard , Rwego Innocent Bidason
Published: March 2020

Background: Brucellosis is a contagious zoonotic disease of great public health and economic significance especially in developing countries. The disease affects humans and several species of livestock and wildlife. Studies on Brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda have been limited to single populations particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This study aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in wildlife in four major national parks of Uganda. This was a retrospective survey which utilized archived samples collected from wildlife during the annual disease surveillance activities between 2013 and 2017. Results: A total of 241 samples from seven species namely African buffalo (Syncerus caffer, n = 109), African elephant (Loxodonta africana, n = 20), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, n = 41), Ugandan kob (Kobus kob thomasi, n = 36), lion (Panthera leo, n = 6), plain zebra (Equus quagga, n = 25), and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus, n = 2), were tested for antibodies using the Rose Bengal Plate Test. The overall seroprevalence in the four national parks was 31.1% (75/241; 95% CI: 25.6 - 37.2). Kidepo Valley National Park had a significantly higher seroprevalence of 55.9% (19/34; 95% CI: 39.5 - 71.1) compared to other sampled national parks (p < 0.05). Lions had the highest seroprevalence at 66.7% (4/6; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 30.00 – 90.3), followed by African buffalo with 48.6% (53/109; 95% CI: 39.5 - 57.9). There were no antibodies for Brucella spp. detected in African elephant and bushbuck. Conclusion: This study shows variations in prevalence of brucellosis between species and across national parks and notably a high prevalence of brucellosis in wildlife in Uganda than that recorded elsewhere in sub-Saharan region of Africa. Potential for transmission to other wildlife and spill over to livestock is high especially in national parks with high livestock-wildlife interaction.
Expression and clinical significance of LAG-3, FGL1, PD-L1 and CD8+T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma using Multiplex Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Guo Mengzhou , Yuan Feifei , Qi Feng , Sun Jialei , Rao Qianwen , Zhao Zhiying , Huang Peixin , Fang Tingting , Yang Biwei , jinglin xia
Published: March 2020

Background FGL1-LAG-3 pathway is a promising immunotherapeutic target and has synergistic effect with PD-1/PD-L1. However, the prognostic significance of FGL1-LAG-3 pathway and the correlation with PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unkonwn. Method The distributions, associations, and clinical significances of LAG-3, FGL1, PD-L1 and CD8 protein expression in 143 HCC patients were assessed by multiplex immunofluorescence. Results We found FGL1 and LAG-3 densities were elevated while PD-L1 and CD8 were decreased in HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues. High levels of FGL1 were strongly associated with high densities of LAG-3 + cells but not PD-L1. CD8 + T cells densities had positive correlation with PD-L1 levels and negative asscociation with FGL1 expression. Elevated densities of LAG-3 + cells and low levels of CD8 + T cells were correlated with poor disease outcome.Moreover,LAG-3 + cells deteriorated patient stratification based on the abundance of CD8 + T cells. Paitents with positive PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (PD-L1TC + ) tended to have a improved survival than that with negative PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (PD-L1TC - ). Futhermore, PD-L1TC - in combination with high densities of LAG-3 + cells showed the worst prognosis, and PD-L1TC + patients with low densities of LAG-3 + cells had the best prognosis. Conclusions LAG-3, FGL1, PD-L1 and CD8 have distinct tissue distribution and relationships with each other. High levels of LAG-3 + cells and CD8 + T cells represent unfavorable and favorable prognostic biomarkers for HCC respectively. Levels of LAG-3 + cells in combination with PD-L1 status on tumor cells have potential to identify patients who may benefit from immune checkpoints blockade combination strategies.
Dysregulation of HULC promotes contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) via regulating signaling pathway of micorRNA-512 and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)
Authors: Zhang Liang , Li Pan , Zhang Bi-li , Yu Man-li , Xu Rong-liang , Wu Hong , Chen Shao-ping
Published: March 2020

Background It has been shown that contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) could be attenuated by the administration of PGE1. As an enzyme responsible for the production of PGE1, PTGS1 is confirmed in this study as a miR-512 target. Meanwhile, HULC has been identified as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-512. Therefore, in this study, we tested the diagnostic value of HULC and miR-512 in subjects with or without CIN. In addition, we evaluated the regulatory relationship among HULC, miR-512, PTGS1 and PGE1 in vitro. Methods We enrolled 320 patients with coronary heart disease and divided them into a CIN group and a non-CIN group. Subsequently, we detected the differential expression of miR-512, HULC and PGE1 in the two groups. We also used a dual luciferase reporter assay to evaluate the regulatory relationship among HULC, miR-512, PTGS1 and PGE1 in THP-1 cells. Results In patients with CIN, the expression levels of HULC and PGE1 were lower, but the expression level of miR-512 was higher. MiR-512 could directly bind to and negatively regulate the expression of PTGS1 and HULC. The expression of HULC is positively correlated with the expression of PTGS1 and PGE1, while negatively correlated with the expression of miR-512. Conclusions MiR-512 is highly expressed in patients with CIN and promotes the progression of CIN by negatively regulating the expression of PTGS1 and HULC.
Human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretome reduce liver fibrosis by regulating TGF-β/Smad signal pathway
Authors: Yao Xia , Wang Jing , Zhu Jiajing , Rong Xiaoli
Published: March 2020

Background: Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injury is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Stem cells-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease, while maintaining its advantages. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cells (hFFSCs) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFFSCs secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model, and administered hFFSCs secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFFSCs secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Our results showed that hFFSCs secretom effectively reduced collagen content in liver, improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretom inhibited the TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, however, increased Smad7 expression. Conclusions: In conclusions, our results suggest that hFFSCs secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway.
A novel β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase from Chitinolyticbacter meiyuanensis possessing transglycosylation activity and its use in generating long-chain N-acetyl chitooligosaccharides
Authors: Zhang Alei , Mo Xiaofang , Zhou Ning , Wang Yingying , Wei Guoguang , Chen Jie , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: March 2020

Background: N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetyl chitooligosaccharides (N-acetyl COSs) exhibit antitumor and antimicrobial activities, and have been widely used in the pharmaceutical, agriculture, food, and chemical industries. Thus, it is crucial to discover a NAGase that can both synthesize GlcNAc and N-acetyl COSs. Results: The gene encoding the novel β-N-acetyl glucosaminidase, designated CmNAGase, was cloned from Chitinolyticbacter meiyuanensis SYBC-H1. The deduced amino acid sequence of CmNAGase contains a glycoside hydrolase family 20 catalytic module that shows low identity with the corresponding domain of the well-characterized NAGases. CmNAGase gene was highly expressed with soluble form in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells, whereupon it had a specific activity of 4,878.6 U/mg of protein toward p-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl glucosaminide. CmNAGase had a molecular mass of 92 kDa, and its optimum activity was at pH 5.4 and 40ºC. The Vmax, Km, and Kcat of CmNAGase were 833.33 μmol·L-1 ·min-1, 10.9 mmol, and 6.37 ´ 108 mM·mg-1, respectively. Analysis of the hydrolysis products of N-acetyl chitooligosaccharides and colloidal chitin revealed that CmNAGase exhibits exo-acting activities. Particularly, it possesses transglycosylation activity, which can synthesize (GlcNAc)n+1 from (GlcNAc)n (n=1−6), respectively. In addition, CmNAGase also can catalyze GlcNAc to its dimers with various linked forms. Conclusions: The observations recorded in this study that CmNAGase is an exo NAGase with unique transglycosylation activity, suggests a possible application in the production of long-chain N-acetyl CHOs. This is first report of a bacterial NAGase, which can produce long-chain N-acetyl COSs via transglycosylation activity.
WITHDRAWN: Targeting exosomal miR-488 inhibits head and neck squamous cell carcinoma growth by mediating RAB25
Authors: Wang Xueping , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Zhao Yulin
Published: March 2020

Background: Cancer cell-derived exosomes and its packaged miRNAs have been identified to regulate tumor growth and progression. However, its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the potential mechanism still need to be further investigated. Methods: RNA sequencing was conducted to select the dysregulated genes in HNSCC. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and TCGA database were performed to analyze the potential candidate genes for HNSCC progression. Cell viability was analyzed using MTT, and colony formation was visualized using crystal violet staining. Luciferase reporter assay was employed to identify the interaction between miR-488 and RAB25. The role of miR-488 and RAB25 in tumor growth and drug response were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Results: The dysregulated genes in HNSCC captured the signaling of exosomes biogenesis dysfunction. Compared with the normal cells NP69, HNSCC cells had enriched exosomes and its packaged miRNAs, including miR-488. Luciferase reporter assay showed that RAB25 is a downstream target of miR-488. RAB25 was downregulated in HNSCC patients and predicted a poor prognosis. MiR-488/RAB25 signaling controlled cancer cell viability and colony formation ability in vitro and growth in vivo. Importantly, targeting miR-488 significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted drug response to chemotherapy, suggesting a potential therapeutic promising for HNSCC. Conclusion These findings demonstrate a tumor-cell derived exosomal miR-488 promotes tumor growth by targeting RAB25 that could be targeted for HNSCC treatment.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia Seen in Enugu, Nigeria.
Authors: Chinawa Josephat Maduabuchi , Chukwu Bartholomew F , Chinawa Awoere T , Ossai Ndudi , Ikefuna Anthony N , Aronu Ann E , Obidike Egbuna O
Published: March 2020

Background: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is characterized by attendant ischemia-reperfusion injury especially to the heart. Objectives: To compare the right ventricular function of children with SCA in steady state (subjects) with those with haemoglobin AA genotype (controls), using echocardiography. Methods: The cross-sectional study utilized echocardiographic measurements to assess right ventricular function among children with SCA and their controls. Results: The mean trans annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in subjects, 28.24±5.23 (Z score: 0.258±1.10) was higher than that in control, 25.82±3.59 (Z score: - 0.263±0.80), and the difference in mean was statistically significant, (t=2.703, p=0.008). Significantly higher proportion of subjects with sickle cell anaemia had right ventricular dysfunction (Abnormal TAPSE), 25 (50.0% when compared with those in control, 11 (22.0%, (χ 2 =8.5, p=0.0035). A higher proportion of subjects with sickle cell anaemia (25.5%) had Pulmonary hypertension (RVP) when compared with control (2.0%) and the difference in proportions was found to be statistically significant, (χ 2 =11.668, p=0.001). The prevalence of right ventricular diastolic dysfunction in subjects was 9.8 % while control was 0%. Conclusion Children with sickle cell anaemia present with right ventricular dysfunction. Prevalence of right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction were higher in subjects. More children with genotype SS group, (25.5%) had pulmonary hypertension (RVP). Key words: Anaemia; children; Enugu; sickle cell anaemia; right ventricular function
Investigation into the reproducibility of the association of cord blood magnesium concentration and cerebral palsy or death in children
Authors: Dixon Christopher Luke , Liu Xiaoxi , Balch Alfred , Costantine Maged , Sherwin Catherine M.
Published: March 2020

Objective: To evaluate the association of cord blood magnesium concentrations at the time of birth with cerebral palsy (CP) and neonatal death. Study Design: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial that randomized women at imminent risk of delivery between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation to receive magnesium sulfate or placebo. This ‘study’s primary outcome was a composite of either moderate to severe CP or death. Secondary outcomes included CP, moderate to severe CP, neonatal death, and neonatal head ultrasound findings. We used a logistic regression model to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of magnesium in cord blood and study outcomes. Results: A total of 668 women were included in this analysis and were randomized to magnesium sulfate at 28 ± 2.5 ‘weeks’ gestation. Cord blood magnesium concentrations were not associated with the primary outcome of infant death by 1 year of age or moderate or severe cerebral palsy, as assessed at or beyond 2 years of age (aOR 0.95 (0.67, 1.36), p = 0.79). Cord blood magnesium concentrations were not associated with any of the secondary outcome measurements. Conclusion: Cord blood magnesium concentrations were not associated with moderate to severe cerebral palsy or death, or other neurodevelopmental or sonographic outcomes.
Preterm birth determinants among newborns at six public hospitals in Northeast Amhara, Ethiopia: unmatched case-control study
Authors: Shiferaw Mesfin , Tebeje Nigusie Birhan , Mekonnen Habtamu Sewunet
Published: March 2020

Background Preterm birth is a global public health problem. Worldwide, every year about 15 million newborns are born preterm and about 1.1 million of them die due to complications related to prematurity. More than 81% of preterm births were in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Nowadays, preterm birth is the first leading cause of under-five mortality and is one of the limiting factors for achieving a reduction in under-five mortality rate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the determinants of preterm birth at public hospitals in the Northeast Amhara, Ethiopia, 2019. Method Hospital-based unmatched case-control study was conducted at public hospitals in Northeast Amhara, Ethiopia from March 15 th to April 25 th , 2019. Data were collected using interviewer-administered structured pre-tested tool and document review for cases and controls. Data were entered in to Epi Info version 7.2.2.6 and exported to SPSS version 23 software for data analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to measure the association between preterm birth and risk factors. Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated and P value ≤0.05 declared statistically significant. Result The study identified that ANC follow up less than four visits [AOR 2.267, Cl (1.205, 4.264)], pregnancy-induced hypertension [AOR 4.453, Cl (1.276, 15.536)], no iron/folic acid supplementation during pregnancy [AOR 4.175, Cl (1.632, 10.680)], anemia during pregnancy [AOR 4.776, Cl (1.492, 15.285)], and birth defect [AOR 6.160, Cl (l.896, 20.013)] were significantly associated determinants of preterm birth. Conclusion Antenatal care follow up fewer than four visits, pregnancy induced hypertension, no iron/folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, being anemic during pregnancy, and birth defect were important determinants of preterm birth.
Analysis of KIF2C, 4A, 10, 11, 14, 18B, 20A, and 23 in HCC and their clinical significance as new-born prognostic markers of HCC
Authors: Qiu Meng-jun , Wang Qiu-shuang , He Xiao-xiao , Li Qiu-ting , Jiang Xin , Xiong Zhi-fan , Yang Sheng-li
Published: March 2020

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. However, the molecular mechanism of its pathogenesis remains to be studied. This study aimed to identify potential KIF genes associated with HCC progression. Methods: We used bioinformatics to initially analyze the expression level and prognostic significance of KIF factors in HCC. Results: We found that compared with the normal control group, KIF2C, 4A, 10, 11, 14, 18B, 20A, and 23 mRNA expression levels increased significantly in HCC. 8 KIF factors had different levels of gene amplification, depth to delete, and missense mutation, and were closely related to the clinical-pathologic stage. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that high mRNA expression of 8 KIF factors in HCC patients were associated with cell cycle, mismatch repair, homologous recombination, and DNA replication. Conclusions: This study expands our understanding of KIF factors in HCC and can provide a theoretical basis for further basic and clinical research in HCC.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can improve the prognosis of high-risk pediatric t (8;21) acute myeloid leukemia in first remission based on MRD-guided treatment
Authors: Hu Guan-hua , Cheng Yi-fei , Lu Ai-dong , Wang Yu , Zuo Ying-xi , Yan Chen-hua , Wu Jun , Sun Yu-qian , Suo Pan , Chen Yu-hong , Chen Huan , Jia Yue-ping , Liu Kai-yan , Han Wei , Xu Lan-ping , Zhang Leping , Huang Xiao-jun
Published: March 2020

Background Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t (8;21) (q22;q22) or RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement is classified as a low-risk group. However, relapse is still the main factor affecting survival. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) on reducing recurrence and improving the survival of high-risk pediatric t (8;21) AML based on MRD-guided treatment, and to further explore the prognostic factors to guide risk stratification treatment and define who will benefit from allo-HSCT. Methods Overall, 129 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with AML with t (8;21) were included in this study. The patients were divided into a high-risk and low-risk group according to RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript levels after two cycles of consolidation chemotherapy. We recommended allo-HSCT for the high-risk group and chemotherapy for the low-risk group. The characteristics and outcomes of 125 patients were analyzed.Results For the high-risk patients, allo-HSCT improved event-free survival (EFS) compared to chemotherapy (87.4% [95% CI, 86%–108.7%]) vs. 61.9% [95% CI, 51.96%–80.41%]; P = 0.026). Overall survival (OS) of the high-risk HSCT group was better than that of the high-risk-chemo group but the difference was not statistically significant (82.8% [95% CI, 78.6%–101.7%]) vs. 71.4% [95% CI, 62.09%–87.6%]; P = 0.26). The EFS of the C-KIT+ high-risk-HSCT group was better than that of the C-KIT+ high-risk-chemo group but the difference was not statistically significant (82.9% [95% CI, 59.3%–84.8%]) vs. 75% [95% CI, 49.3%–85.6%]; P = 0.4). Extramedullary infiltration (EI) at diagnosis was associated with high cumulative incidence of relapse for high-risk patients (50% [95% CI, 17.2%–66.5%]) vs. 18.4% [95% CI, 3.0%–18.9%]; P = 0.004); allo-HSCT can improve survival (P = 0.009). Conclusions allo-HSCT can improve the prognosis of high-risk pediatric t (8;21) AML based on MRD-guided treatment. Patients with KIT mutation may benefit from allo-HSCT, but this result was not statistically significant. EI is an independent prognostic factor for high-risk patients and allo-HSCT can improve the prognosis.
Degree of Coronal Alignment Correction Can’t Predict Knee Function in Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Zhu Shibai , Chen Xi , Wang Yiou , Qian Wenwei , Peng Huiming , Wei Wei , Lin Jin , Jin Jin , Weng Xisheng
Published: March 2020

Background: Whether neutral alignment brings better clinical outcomes is controversial. Consideration of the preoperative knee condition of patients and some limitations of previous studies, we suggested that other index may be more important than a generic target of 0° ± 3° of a neutral axis to reflect changes in coronal alignment after TKR. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between alignment and functional outcome with a new grouping method and the concept of correction rate. Methods: A new grouping method was adopted to divide patients into three groups based on the degree of correction of MFTA: neutral, under and over-correction. HSS were compared among the 3 groups. In addition, we also attempt to further explore whether the concept of correction rate can predict postoperative functional score. Results: HSS showed significant improvement in all groups. There was no difference in HSS or incremental scores based on the postoperative alignment category for the degree of correction of MFTA. The correlational analyses also didn’t find any relevant results. Conclusion: TKR is a soft tissue procedure and clinical outcome depends on many factors, only reaching neutral alignment after surgery may not mean a good clinical result. Therefore, categorization of optimal coronal alignment after TKR may be impractical. But we still believe that the concept of correction rate and new grouping method are worthy of research which can reflects the preoperative knee condition and the change of coronal alignment. Perhaps it can be better used in TKR in the future.
Integrative bioinformatic characterization of driver genes and prognostic features in human gastric carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Jie , Rao Lan , Han Yiming , Ding Li , Ao Jin’e , Liu Changqing
Published: March 2020

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide but could be more curable if diagnosed at an earlier stage. At present, the capability to predict the efficaciousness of molecular diagnosis for GC for each patient remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to identify tumor biomarkers through systems analysis of multigene predictors exploiting the available data resource.Results: Our study showed that 61 shared DEGs were significantly involved in functions such as gastric acid secretion. COL1A1, MMP9, and SPP1 were highly connected nodes in the PPI network. Among the 61 common DEGs, 34 driver genes were identified, including CST1 and MMP9. A total of 34 drug-gene interactions were found, which involved 9 common DEGs. Moreover, CTHRC1 and INHBA were related to clinical outcome in gastric cancer patients.Conclusion: The identification of new driver genes, such as MMP9, CTHRC1, and INHBA, may contribute to the understanding of the etiology of gastric cancer and the development of individualized therapies.
Different clinical presentations of two renal transplant recipients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: a case report
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Gang , chen chao
Published: March 2020

Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 has spread rapidly worldwide and disease spread is currently increasing. The clinical picture of transplant recipients and the effect of the anti-rejection immunosuppressive regimens on the clinical course of COVID-19 are lacking.Case presentation: We report two cases of COVID-19infection in renal transplant recipients with variable clinical presentations. The first patient presented with mild respiratory symptoms and a stableclinical course. The second patient had more severe clinical characteristics and presented with severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. Both patients received a combination therapy including antiviral treatment and reducedimmunosuppressiontherapy and finally recovered.Conclusions: We report COVID-19 infectionin two renal transplant recipients with a favorable outcome but different clinical courses, which may provide a reference valuefor treating such patients. Additional data are needed to gain a better understanding of the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on the clinical presentation, severity, and outcome of COVID-19in solid organ transplant recipients.
Study on the Mechanism of Application of Eucalyptus Volatile oil in Prevention and Treatment of Burn Wound Infections in Vitro
Authors: Yang Lei , Huang Qing , Gao Xingxin , Lin Zhimin , Chen Songlin , Huang Xiaodong , Feng Jinpeng , Zhao Lili , Lin Yinghui , Hua Guangzong , Li Sheng
Published: March 2020

Objective To investigate working mechanism of Eucalyptus volatile oil on the prevention and treatment of burn wound infections. Methods P.a biofilm model was used to investigate the effect of Eucalyptus volatile oil on bacterial biofilm. The expression of LasI mRNA in P.a was detected by RT-PCR. Results MIC test showed that the volatile oil of Eucalyptus Urophylla in a concentration of 20% or more could exert anti-bacterial effect. However, no zone of inhibition could be observed in the neither high nor low concentration of the Eucalyptus volatile oil. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a significant delay in volatile oil groups when compared with the control group. The expression of LasI mRNA in the volatile oil group was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conclusion As Chinese medicine, the volatile oil of Eucalyptus Urophylla can affect the proliferation of P.a and biofilm formation by interfering with the expression of LasI, thus achieving the purpose of preventing and treating infection of burn patients.
Inter-scanner reproducibility of brain volumetry: influence of automated brain segmentation software
Authors: Liu Sirui , Hou Bou , Zhang Yiwei , Lin Tianye , Fan Xiaoyuan , You Hui , Feng Feng
Published: March 2020

Background: The inter-scanner reproducibility of brain volumetry is important in multi-site neuroimaging studies, where the reliability of automated brain segmentation (ABS) tools plays an important role. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ABS tools on the consistency and reproducibility of the quantified brain volumetry from different scanners. Methods: We included fifteen healthy volunteers who were scanned with 3D isotropic brain T1-weighted sequence on three different 3.0 Tesla MRI scanners (GE, Siemens and Philips). For each individual, the time span between image acquisitions on different scanners was limited to one hour. All the T1-weighted images were processed with FreeSurfer v6.0, FSL v5.0 and AccuBrain ® with default settings to obtain volumetry of brain tissues (e.g. gray matter) and substructures (e.g. basal ganglia structures) if available. Cofficient of variation (CV) was calculated to test inter-scanner variability in brain volumetry of various structures as quantified by these ABS tools. Results: The mean inter-scanner CV values per brain structure among three MRI scanners ranged from 6.946% to 12.29% (mean, 9.577%) for FreeSurfer, 7.245% to 20.98% (mean, 12.60%) for FSL and 1.348% to 8.800% (mean value, 3.546%) for AccuBrain @ . In addition, AccuBrain ® and FreeSurfer achieved the lowest mean values of region-specific CV between GE and Siemens scanners (from 0.818% to 5.958% for AccuBrain ® , and from 0.903% to 7.977% for FreeSurfer), while FSL-FIRST had the lowest mean values of region-specific CV between GE and Philips scanners (from 2.603% to 16.310%). Conclusion: There is a large discrepancy in the inter-scanner reproducibility of brain volumetry when using different processing software. Image acquisition protocols and selection of ABS tool for brain volumetry quantification have impact on the robustness of results in multi-site studies.
Reliability of maternal recall of delivery and immediate newborn care indicators in Sarlahi, Nepal
Authors: Carter Emily D , Chang Karen , Mullany Luke , Khatry Subarna , LeClerq Steven , Munos Melinda , Katz Joanne
Published: March 2020

Background: The intrapartum period is a time of high mortality risk for newborns and mothers. Numerous interventions exist to minimize risk during this period. Data on intervention coverage are needed for health system improvement. Maternal report of intrapartum interventions through surveys is the primary source of coverage data, but they may be invalid or unreliable. Methods: We assessed the reliability of maternal report of delivery and immediate newborn care for home and health facility births in Sarlahi, Nepal. Mothers were visited as soon as possible following delivery (<72 hours) and asked to report circumstances of labor and delivery. A subset was revisited 1-24 months after delivery and asked to recall interventions received using standard household survey questions. We assessed the reliability of each indicator by comparing what mothers reported immediately after delivery against what they reported at the follow-up survey. We assessed potential variation in the reliability of maternal report by characteristics of the mother, birth event, and intervention prevalence. Results: 1502 mother/child pairs were included in the reliability study, with approximately half of births occurring at home. A higher proportion of women who delivered in facilities reported “don’t know” when asked to recall specific interventions both initially and at follow-up. Most indicators had a high observed percent agreement, but kappa values were below 0.4, indicating agreement was primarily due to chance. Only “received any injection during delivery” demonstrated high reliability among all births (kappa: 0.737). The reliability of maternal report was typically lower among women who delivered at a facility. There was no difference in reliability based on time since birth of the follow-up interview. We observed over-reporting of interventions at follow-up that were more common in the population and under-reporting of less common interventions. Conclusions: This study reinforces previous findings that mothers are unable to report reliably on many interventions within the peripartum period effectively. Household surveys which rely on maternal report, therefore, may not be an appropriate method for collecting data on coverage of many interventions during the peripartum period. This is particularly true among facility births, where many interventions may occur without the mother’s full knowledge.
Production of catechol siderophores by bacteria selected from feces of a healthy female adult through screening NRPS A domain
Authors: Hu Huiling , Wu Yihe , Zhang Minai , Zhang Qing , Wang Huan , Zhang Xichun
Published: March 2020

Background: Catechol siderophores, which are widespread in the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and play important roles in maintaining iron-nutrition balance between microorganisms and host, are small molecules with a high affinity for ferric iron and are assembled by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS). In this study, we select strains encoding NRPS A domain gene from feces of a health female adult, predict its products type, and check it out in vitro . Results: Firstly, eight bacteria were determined encoding NRPS A domain gene, and then two kind of catechol siderophores, Bacillibactin and Enterobactin, were predicted according to NRPS A domain substrate specificity. Secondly, Bacillibactin and Enterobactin were checked out in cultured medium aerobic incubated with selected strains of E. Coli, Bacillus sp. and B. Cereus. For the yield of catechol siderophores, B. cereus Gut 16 secreted highest yield of Bacillibactin and E. coli Gut 07 produce highest yield of Enterobactin. Conclusion: By presence determination and activity prediction of NRPS A domain, two siderophores, Bacillibactin and Enterobactin, were checked out finally being secreted by selected strains cultured in a aerobic medium. Further research on the potential probiotic property is necessary to affirm the application in biological industry, as well as to elucidate their mechanism in human gut. Keywords : Catechol siderophores, Enterobactin, Bacillibactin, NRPS A domain, Feces, Probiotics
Berry Raw Materials in Functional Soft Cheese Production
Authors: Borisova Anna , Ruzyanova Anna , Tyaglova Anna , Polikarpova Ksenia
Published: March 2020

Introduction. Healthy diet has been in the focus of scientific attention for many years. This issue is closely connected with the production of functional foods. Functional food products contain functional ingredients that are beneficial to living systems. The present research features functional soft cheese based on dried berries that are rich in vitamin C, which possesses antioxidant activity, reduces the risk of blood clots, and improves the immune system.

Study objects and methods. An online survey was conducted to study the Russian cheese market. The experiments featured samples of sea-buckthorn, aronia, and rosehip berries and samples of milk whey obtained at different stages of cheese production. The sampels of the berries were analysed for physical and chemical properties, i.e. acidity, contents of dry substances, moisture, food fibers, vitamin C content, etc. Acidity of milk whey was evaluated in pH.

Results and discussion. The market analysis revealed that Russian cheese market needs to be expanded. Potential customers would agree to purchase cheese with various berry additives. Almost 30% of respondents claimed that they would like to buy cheese with sea-buckthorn berries. We produced four samples of cheese with raw material that was rich in vitamin C. A panel of six potential customers evaluated the samples for sensory properties using a five-point scale, i.e. color, taste, aroma, consistency, and shape. The sea-buckthorn cheese received the highest score: 22.3 points out of 25.

Conclusion. Powdered sea-buckthorn, aronia, and rosehip berries could be used to produce quality functional soft cheese. The research helped to define the optimal way of introducing berry additives into cheese products. Powdered berries were introduced while mixing curd, which helped to maintain whey acidity at the required level and improve the qualitaty of the final product. When the powdered berries were introduced into the milk before the enzyme, the consistency of the obtained cheese was unsatisfying: it broke down into curds, and its viscosity was low.