bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Выявление адаптивности природных штаммов дрожжей к солям тяжёлых металлов и радионуклидов
Authors: Степанова В. П. , Суслов А. В. , Суслова И. Н. , Суханова Е. А. , Яровой Б. Ф. , Вербенко В. Н.
Published: October 2020

Изучена способность природных штаммов дрожжей расти в условиях высоких концентраций солей тяжёлых металлов и радионуклидов. Свыше 500 штаммов проверены на устойчивость к солям тяжёлых металлов (U, Cs, Sr, Ni, Ar, Cu, Cd, Co) и к повышенной температуре (t) (+37…+52 °C). Бόльшая часть изученных штаммов оказалась устойчива к одному или нескольким селективным факторам. С максимальной частотой — 36 и 26 % — возникают комбинации (t, Cd, Cu, Co) и (Cd, Cu, Co) соответственно. Установлена способность отобранных штаммов расти в условиях высокой концентрации радиоактивных изотопов Cs и Ni и связывать их с высокой эффективностью. Полученные результаты показали потенциальную возможность использования библиотеки природных микроорганизмов для осаждения как радионуклидов, так и тяжёлых металлов (основных загрязнителей природных и техногенных объектов), а также возможность применения выделенных и изученных штаммов микроорганизмов для концентрирования металлов из малообогащённых руд или из отходов добывающей промышленности. Обнаруженное разнообразие фенотипов свидетельствует о том, что существует, скорее всего, несколько механизмов устойчивости к высоким концентрациям тяжёлых металлов.
Schistosomiasis and Associated Risk Factors Among School-Aged Children in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Dogara Musa M. , Ahmad Saadatu , Balogun Babalola J. , Dawaki Salwa S. , Mustapha Muzammil B. , Abdurrahman Aminu U. , Bala Lawal , Zakari Abubakar , Livingstone David U.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The Jigawa State Ministry of Health in Northern Nigeria undertook a pilot intervention to control schistosomiasis through preventive chemotherapy by ensuring that each child swallows praziquantel once annually from 2009 to 2013 in five primary schools in Dutse metropolis. Previously, the overall prevalence for urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis determined using sedimentation and Kato-Katz methods was 22.9%. The objective of this study is to follow-up on this pilot effort.

Methods:

A cross sectional study involving 150 randomly selected pupils, aged 6 - 15 years old was conducted using sedimentation and Kato-Katz methods to determine the prevalence of urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis respectively in three schools in July, 2018. Information on demographic and associated risk factors was collected using a structured questionnaire and the data generated were analyzed using SPSS statistics version 18.0.

Results:

The overall prevalence was 10.00% with S. haematobium 8.00%, S. mansoni 2.67% and co-infection 0.67%. Males had higher prevalence (15.10%) than females (1.75%). The 11 - 15 years age group had higher prevalence, (10.10%) than 6 - 10 years, (9.68%). Nearly all the infections occurred among class 4-6 pupils with 12.10% and 2.94% in class 1-3. Based on parental occupations, children of unskilled laborers had the highest prevalence of 16.67% followed by children of civil servants (12.50%), and children of butchers (0%). Kachi School had the highest prevalence of 14.00% while Sir Muhammadu Sunusi had the lowest (4.00%). Schistosomiasis prevalence was found only to be significantly associated with gender; higher among males than females (15.10% vs 1.75%, p = 0.011).

Conclusion and Implications for Translation:

Schistosomiasis is still endemic among school-aged children in Dutse metropolis, but with a drop in overall prevalence from 22.9% to 10.00%. Chemotherapy and health education should be sustained on both schooled and unschooled children in order to control the transmission.
Avaliação Comparativa de Métodos de Mensuração e Avaliação de Desempenho para Organizações do Terceiro Setor
Authors: Raptopoulos Maria Madalena Santos Constantin , Silva Jorge Ferreira da
Published: October 2020

Organizações do Terceiro Setor são financiadas por recursos públicos e privados. Mas, para que possam receber esses recursos, necessitam demonstrar os resultados gerados, com base nos objetivos e metas pactuados com seus financiadores. Logo, a adoção de melhores práticas de mensuração de desempenho é importante para assegurar maior transparência e aderência aos resultados esperados. Portanto, o objetivo deste ensaio teórico é apresentar as práticas de mensuração de desempenho adotadas pelo setor e determinar aquelas que podem ser consideradas benchmarkings internacionais. Esse trabalho apresenta contribuições ao estabelecer um referencial teórico para avaliação de desempenho que pode ser adotado como instrumento de comparação aos modelos atuais. Desta forma, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória qualitativa cujos dados foram tratados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Os achados demonstraram que as melhores práticas de avaliação de desempenho estão relacionadas à mensuração de eficácia e pela apuração dos resultados e impactos gerados aos diversos beneficiários.
A Local-Effective-Viscosity Multirelaxation-Time Lattice Boltzmann Pore-Network Coupling Model for Gas Transport in Complex Nanoporous Media
Authors: Song Wenhui , Yin Ying , Landry Christopher J. , Prodanovic Maša , Qu Zhiguo , Yao Jun
Published: October 2020

Gas transport in nanoporous media is controlled by both the nanoscale mechanisms and complex pore structure, details of which can accurately capture the detailed gas-transport behavior. However, direct-simulation methods in large digitized samples are not feasible because of high memory and computational-time demands. Furthermore, our previous work (Landry et al. 2016) shows that when resolution of the digitized sample is not ample, the sample has to be further magnified up to five times along each linear dimension to achieve the desired accuracy. Here we propose a local-effective-viscosity multirelaxation-time lattice Boltzmann pore-network coupling model (LEV-LBM-PNM) to tackle these problems. We ran a large number of LEV-LBM simulations in high-resolution geometries with simple cross sections that had surface roughness added to them in a controlled manner. Such carefully selected geometries were run at a large number of pressure conditions to establish gas-flux correlations that depend on shape, Knudsen number, and surface roughness and can be directly used in PNM to account for all of those properties. The semianalytical gas-transport models for a single pore with various cross-sectional shapes and surface roughness were established using the LEV-LBM simulation results. The established semianalytical gas-transport model is then implemented into a 3D pore-network model to investigate the gas-transport behavior at various conditions. In an example application, the pore-network model was extracted from a Marcellus Shale focused-ion-beam scanning-electron-microscopy (FIB-SEM) image using the maximum inscribed sphere method. We found that the proposed LEV-LBM-PNM accurately predicts gas apparent permeability by accounting for gas slip in irregular pore shape and surface roughness.
Shared decision-making in advance care planning for persons with dementia in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Goossens Bart , Sevenants Aline , Declercq Anja , Audenhove Chantal Van
Published: October 2020

Background: Shared decision-making provides an approach to discuss advance care planning in a participative and informed manner, embodying the principles of person-centered care. A number of guided approaches to achieve shared decision-making already exist, such as the three-talk model. However, it is uncertain whether daily practice methods in nursing home wards for persons with dementia comply with the underpinnings of this model. It is also uncertain whether professionals consider shared decision-making to be important in this context, and whether they perceive themselves sufficiently competent to practice this approach frequently. Methods: The study has a cross-sectional design, with 65 wards (46 Belgian nursing homes) participating in the study. We compared nursing home professionals’ and residents’ perspectives on the level of shared decision-making during advance care planning conversations with ratings from external raters. Residents and professionals rated the level of shared decision-making by means of a questionnaire, which included the topic of the conversation. External raters assessed audio recordings of the conversations. Professionals filled in an additional self-report questionnaire on the importance of shared decision-making, their competence in practicing the approach, and with what frequency.Results: At ward level, professionals and residents rated the average achieved level of shared decision-making 71.53/100 (σ=16.09) and 81.11/100 (σ=19.18) respectively. Meanwhile, raters gave average scores of 26.97/100 (σ=10.45). Only 23.8% of residents referred to advance care planning as the topic of the conversation. Professionals considered shared decision-making to be important (x̄=4.48/5, σ=0.26). This result contrasted significantly with the frequency (x̄=3.48/5, σ=0.51) and competence (x̄=3.76/5, σ=0.27) with which these skills were practiced (P<0.001).Conclusions: Residents with dementia are grateful when involved in discussing their care, but find it difficult to report what is discussed during these conversations. Receiving more information about advance care planning could provide them with the knowledge needed to prepare for such a conversation. External raters observe a discrepancy between the three-talk model and daily practice methods. Training programs should focus on providing professionals with better knowledge of and skills for shared decision-making. They should also promote team-based collaboration to increase the level of person-centered care in nursing home wards for persons with dementia.
A protocol for the extraction, identification, and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in silages using Reverse Phase – High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (RP-HPLC-DAD)
Authors: Vargas Julián Andrés Castillo , Araújo Tiago Costa de , Mezzomo Rafael
Published: October 2020

Short-chain fatty acid profile (SCFAs) in silage provides significant information regarding its fermentative patter in the rumen. Thus, we developed a protocol to extract, identify, and quantify the SCFAs of silages. The proposed method was tested with satisfactory results in corn silages. Despite literature findings suggest that the most common instrumental method for determining SCFAs is the gas chromatography technique, the liquid chromatography technique using both C18 column and ion-exchange columns can be proposed as analytical technique for SCFAs determination as well. The use of the C18 column in HPLC-DAD has a particular limitation because it does not allow efficient separation of butyric and iso-butyric acids. However, considering that the concentration of iso-butyric acid in silages is significantly lower than that of butyric acid, a good estimation of butyric acid can be obtained.
WITHDRAWN: The effect of electroacupuncture on hemodialysis patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS): study protocol for a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Chen Jia-Ming , Chiu Ping-Fang , Chang Yu-Jun , Hsu Po-Chi , Chang Chia-Chu , Lo Lun-Chien
Published: October 2020

Background The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in hemodialysis patients with restless leg syndrome (RLS) by heart rate variability (HRV) monitor. Methods112 subjects who were hemodialysis patients with RLS will be divided into 2 groups: experimental and control. Each subject will receive the treatment relevant to their group 2 times a week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment the subject will enter a 2-week washout period, after which the subjects will switch groups. Measurements will include HRV recordings, International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLSRS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). DiscussionThis study is the first investigation to analyze the relationship between EA and the change of HRV by an objective monitor. If the findings of the current trial are positive, this study will also help support an effective, safe and cheap approach to clinical treatment of this challenging disorder, help foster improved understanding the relationship between RLS and HRV, and ultimately contribute to elucidate the mechanisms of EA. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04356794; registration date: April 22, 2020.
Interprofessional medication assessment among home care patients: Any impact on functioning? Results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Auvinen Kati Johanna , Voutilainen Ari , Jyrkkä Johanna , Lönnroos Eija , Mäntyselkä Pekka
Published: October 2020

Background Multimorbidity and polypharmacy are related to the use of potentially inappropriate medicines and negative clinical outcomes including drug-related adverse events and functional declines. Home care clients are a vulnerable patient group often exposed to these risks. The aim of this study was to examine whether an interprofessional medication assessment can influence the functioning of home care patients.Methods The FIMA study was a randomised controlled intervention study comparing a general practitioner-led interprofessional medication assessment conducted at the baseline of the study with usual care with a six-month follow-up. We used linear mixed models (LMM) with a random subject effect to detect differences between the usual care and intervention groups in the following outcome measures; Katz index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Lawton and Brody scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Timed up and go-test (TUG), Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale and the 3-level version of EQ-5D. Results Home care patients (n= 512) had major disease burdens and functional limitations. Regarding TUG times, the LMM detected a one second improvement in the FIMA group and 2.4 seconds worsening in the usual care group. However, the result was not statistically significant. The ADL revealed an interaction across time, treatment and sex (p=0.026). The ADL score decreased in both groups; the decline being the steepest among women in the intervention group. Conclusions In general, medication assessments may have limited impact on functioning of older people. Nonetheless, the FIMA intervention may prevent worsening of mobility among older home care patients. Trial registration The Interprofessional Medication Assessment for Older Patients, Clinical Trials.gov. NCT02398812. First registration, 26 March 2015. Retrospectively registered. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02398812
Contraceptive needs and fertility intentions of women with breast cancer in Cape Town, South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Harries Jane , Constant Deborah , Cairncross Lydia , Moodley Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Background: No known studies have been undertaken in South Africa exploring the contraceptive and fertility needs and preferences of women of reproductive age (18-49) diagnosed with breast cancer. This study set out to understand the contraceptive needs and fertility intentions of women with breast cancer in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 women diagnosed with breast cancer and 4 health care providers at a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. We explored contraceptive use prior to diagnosis; the impact of breast cancer on future fertility intentions and contraceptive use; understanding of suitable contraceptive methods during and after treatment and women’s fertility related counseling needs during their continuum of care. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Since being diagnosed with breast cancer, of those women using a contraceptive method, the non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) was the most commonly used method. However, women reported receiving limited information from health care providers about contraceptive use and future fertility planning post treatment when fertility desires might change. Many women reported limited information received from healthcare providers about the impact of cancer treatment on their future fertility. Most women did not receive information around fertility preservation options, and few were familiar with the concept. Providers focus was more on preventing pregnancy during treatment and ensuring a patient was on a non-hormonal contraceptive method. Providers supported a more holistic, multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer patient’s contraceptive and future fertility needs. Conclusions:Limited contraceptive and future fertility counseling were reported by women despite many women being provided with the IUD. There is a need for improved information and counseling regarding the impact of treatment on contraceptive and fertility options. It is important that cancer care providers provide timely information regarding fertility options and communicate with patients about their fertility concerns prior to treatment and throughout the course of survivorship. The development of evidence-based information tools to enhance patient-provider communication and counseling could address knowledge gaps.
A governmental program to encourage medical students to deliver primary prevention: experiment and evaluation in a French Faculty of Medicine
Authors: Roux Enora Le , Muro Marta Mari , Mognon Kore , Saïd Mélèa , Caillavet Viviane , Matheron Sophie , Ledoux Séverine , Decq Philippe , Vorspan Florence , Strat Yann Le , Delaugerre Constance , Bras Morgane Le , Alberti Corinne , Ruszniewski Philippe , Zerr Philippe , Faye Albert
Published: October 2020

BackgroundA public health student service was set up by the French government in 2018 with the aim of increasing awareness of primary health promotion among the 47,000 students of medicine and other health professions. It is an annual program involving community-based actions nutrition, physical activity, addiction or sexuality. Our objective was to evaluate its implementation at local level and the different experiences of the stakeholders.MethodsA quasi-experimental study using process evaluation was performed in a Faculty of Medicine in Paris. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from medical students who carried out preventive health actions, in the institutions in which the actions took place and from a subsample of beneficiaries.ResultsOne hundred and eight actions were carried out by 341 students in 23 educational or social institutions, mostly high schools (n=12, 52%). Two thirds of the students did not feel sufficiently prepared to deliver preventive health interventions (65.7%, 224/341); however the beneficiaries found that the interventions were good (278/280, 99,2%). Nineteen (83%) of the host institutions agreed to welcome health service students again, of which 9 required some modifications. For students, the reporting of a satisfactory health service experience was associated with the reporting of skills or knowledge acquisition (p<0.01). Delivering actions in high schools and to a medium-sized number of beneficiaries per week was associated with students’ satisfaction. No effect of gender or theme of prevention was observed. For 248/341 (72.7%) students, the public health service program prompts them to address prevention issues in the future.ConclusionThe public health service undertaken by medical students through the program is a feasible and acceptable means of delivering preventive actions. Reinforcement of training and closer interaction with the host institutions would improve results.
Comparative Cost Analysis Of Cervical Cancer Screening Programme Based On Molecular Detection Of HPV In Spain
Authors: Ibáñez Raquel , Mareque María , Granados Rosario , Andía Daniel , García-Rojo Marcial , Quílez Jose C , Oyagüez Itziar
Published: October 2020

Background: HPV cervical cancer screening (CCS) must use validated HPV tests based on the molecular detection of either viral mRNA (Aptima HPV Assay – AHPV) or DNA. AHPV has demonstrated the same cross-sectional and longitudinal sensitivity for the detection of HSIL/CIN2+ lesions but with greater specificity than HPV-DNA tests. The study aimed to estimate the total costs of a CCS with a primary HPV test based on the detection of mRNA compared to DNA in women aged 35-65 years for the National Health System.Methods: A decision-tree-based model to estimate the cost of the CCS until the first colposcopy was designed based on Spanish CCS guidelines. The total cost (€,2019) for CCS with AHPV or DNA tests (HC2 and Cobas) was calculated, including HPV test, liquid-based cytology (LBC) and colposcopy, for a population of 7,263,529 women aged 35-65 years (assuming 70% coverage). Clinical inputs derived from a literature review were validated by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Data from head-to-head studies between different HPV tests were selected. Results: The use of AHPV showed reduction of 290,541 (-35%) and 355,913 (-40%) LBC compared to HC2 or Cobas, respectively. Furthermore, AHPV avoided 151,699 (-47%) colposcopies vs HC2 and 151,165 (-47%) vs Cobas. The total cost of CCS was €282,747,877 with AHPV, €322,587,588 with HC2 and €324,614,490 with Cobas. Therefore, AHPV savings €-39,839,711 vs HC2 and €-41,866,613 vs Cobas.Conclusions: Assuming that 70% of women from 35-65 years attend the CCS programme, the cost of screening up to the first colposcopy using AHPV would provide cost savings of up to €41.9 million vs DNA tests in Spain.
Self-perceived preparedness of dental school graduates and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their confidence
Authors: Alraheam Islam Abd , Alashqar Mays A. , Hattar Susan , AlHadidi Abeer , Alhaddad Alaa , Sawair FA
Published: October 2020

Background. To study self-perceived preparedness of dental school graduates and the impact of COVID-19 on their preparedness. Method. An online survey was designed and sent electronically to students who are graduating in 2020, dentists who graduated in 2019 and doing their prelicensure training, and dentists who graduated before 2019. Four- point Likert scale was used to assess participants’ perception. Results. There were 209 participants responded to the online questionnaire. The mean total preparedness score (TPS) for the 209 participants was 97.6 (SD ±9.7) with a range of 69 to 120. The mean TPS of the different classes of participants was 99.5 for the class graduated before 2019, 98.1 for the 2020 class, and 95.1 for the 2019 class. Participants felt they are confident and extremely confident doing the majority of the required competencies. Weakness was mainly reported in surgical extraction for 2020 graduates due to the 8 weeks loss of their training. COVID-19 has considerable impact on 59.7% of the participants and marginal to no impact on 40.3%. The highest prevalence of those who thought it had some to severe impact on their confidence were those who graduated in year 2019 (73.4%). Conclusions. The graduates of University of Jordan felt confident in performing the majority of general dentistry procedures. COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the confidence of all the classes of participants even those graduated before 2019.
Female Breast Cancer Treatment and Survival in South Australia: Results from Linked Health Data
Authors: Li Ming , Roder David , D’Onise Katina , Walters David , Farshid Gelareh , Buckley Elizabeth , Karapetis Christos , Joshi Rohit , Price Timothy , Townsend Amanda , Miller Caroline , Currow David , Powell Kate , Buranyi-Trevarton Dianne , Olver Ian
Published: October 2020

Background: We investigated treatment and survival by clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in South Australia for service evaluation using linked data.Method: Data on invasive female breast cancers (n=13494) from the South Australian Cancer Registry (2000-2014 diagnoses) were linked to hospital inpatient, radiotherapy, and universal health insurance data. Treatments <12 months from diagnosis and survival were analysed, using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from logistic regression, and adjusted sub-hazard ratios (aSHRs) from competing risk regression. Results: Five-year disease-specific survival increased to 91% for 2010-2014. Survival was lower for: ages 70+ years, and lowest for 80+ years (aSHR 2.04, 95%CI 1.69-2.47), compared with ages <50 years; and in the presence of comorbidity (aSHR 2.00, 95%CI 1.06-3.78), higher TNM stage and higher grade. Differences in aSHRs were not found by birth country or residential remoteness, but survival was higher in the least disadvantaged areas (aSHR 0.77, 95%CI 0.65-0.92). Most women had breast surgery (90%) (breast conserving surgery (56%), mastectomy (26%), and both surgery types (9%)), systemic therapy (72%) and radiotherapy (60%). Less treatment applied for ages 80+ vs <50 years (aOR 0.10, 95%CI 0.05-0.20) and TNM stage IV vs stage I (aOR 0.13, 95%CI 0.08-0.22). Surgical treatment increased during the study period. More women from least disadvantaged areas had systemic therapy (aOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.26-1.63). Radiotherapy was less common in outer regional/remote residents compared with major city residents (aOR 0.88, 95%CI 0.78-0.99). Conclusions: High survival from breast cancer in South Australia was comparable to the Australia-wide rate and did not differ by residential remoteness and country of birth. Surgical treatment within 12 months after cancer diagnosis increased during the study period and strongly predicted higher survival. Patients aged 70+ years had lower survival and less treatment, and more trial evidence is needed to optimize trade-offs between benefits and harms in this older age range. Systemic therapy was less for residents from most disadvantaged areas, while radiotherapy was less for residents of outer regional and remote areas.
Hospital Length of Stay For COVID-19 Patients: Data-Driven Methods for Forward Planning
Authors: Vekaria Bindu , Overton Christopher , Wisniowski Arkadiusz , Ahmad Shazaad , Aparicio-Castro Andrea , Curran-Sebastian Jacob , Eddleston Jane , Hanley Neil , House Thomas , Kim Jihye , Olsen Wendy , Pampaka Maria , Pellis Lorenzo , Ruiz Diego Perez , Schofield John , Shryane Nick , Elliot Mark
Published: October 2020

Background: Predicting hospital length of stay (LoS) for patients with COVID-19 infection is essential to ensure that adequate bed capacity can be provided without unnecessarily restricting care for patients with other conditions. Here, we demonstrate the utility of three complementary methods for predicting LoS using UK national- and hospital-level data. Method: On a national scale, relevant patients were identified from the COVID-19 Hospitalisation in England Surveillance System (CHESS) reports. An Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) survival model and a truncation corrected method (TC), both with underlying Weibull distributions, were fitted to the data to estimate LoS from hospital admission date to an outcome (death or discharge) and from hospital admission date to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission date. In a second approach we fit a multi-state (MS) survival model to data directly from the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT). We develop a planning tool that uses LoS estimates from these models to predict bed occupancy. Results: All methods produced similar overall estimates of LoS for overall hospital stay, given a patient is not admitted to ICU (8.4, 9.1 and 9.3 days for AFT, TC and MS, respectively). Estimates differ more significantly between the local and national level when considering ICU. National estimates for ICU LoS from AFT and TC were 12.4 and 13.4 days, whereas in local data the MS method produced estimates of 22.8 days. Conclusions: Given the complexity and partiality of different data sources and the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is most appropriate to use multiple analysis methods on multiple datasets. The AFT method accounts for censored cases, but does not allow for simultaneous consideration of different outcomes. The TC method does not include censored cases but does consider these different outcomes. The MS method can model complex pathways to different outcomes whilst accounting for censoring, but cannot handle non-random case missingness. Overall, we conclude that data-driven modelling approaches of LoS using these methods is useful in epidemic planning and management, and should be considered for widespread adoption throughout healthcare systems internationally where similar data resources exist.
Optical and Topological Characterization of Hexagonal DNA Origami Nanotags
Authors: Chen Congzhou , Xu Jin , Shi Xiaolong
Published: October 2020

Background: DNA origami can be applied as a “ruler” for nanoscale calibration or super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with an ideal structure for defining fluorophore arrangement, allowing the distance between fluorophores to be precisely controlled at the nanometer scale. DNA origami can also be used as a nanotag with arbitrary programmable shapes. Result: We formed a hexagonal origami structure embedded with three different fluorescent dyes on the surface. The distance between each fluorescent block was ~120 nm, which is below the diffraction limit of light, allowing for its application as a nano-ruler for super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. The outside edge of the hexagonal structure was redesigned to form three different substructures as topological labels. Atomic and scanning force microscopy demonstrated consistency of the nanoscale distance between morphological and fluorescent labels. Conclusion: We assembled the hexagonal origami platform and confirmed the fluorescent and topological lables, this fluorophore-embedded hexagonal origami platform can be used as a dual nano-ruler for both optical and topological calibration.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Congenital Heart Disease in Qingdao: A Prospective Census Study
Authors: Jin Xiao , Ni Wei , Li Guoju , Wang Guolan , Wu Qin , Zhang Jun , Jiao Na , Chen Wenjing , Liu Qing , Gao Li , Xing Quansheng
Published: October 2020

Background The incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) were greatly inconsistent among many studies with a range from 4/1,000 to 50/1,000. A large prospective population study was performed to investigate the incidence and find risk factors of congenital heart disease (CHD) during fetal and neonatal period.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted in Qingdao, China, from August 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. All local registered pregnant were continuously investigated and followed from the first trimester to delivery, collecting the characteristics of pregnant and their newborns. A Poisson regression model was applied to assess the association between CHD and possible risk factors.Results The incidence of fetal CHD and neonatal CHD are 15.84 per 1000 fetuses and 7.32 per 1000 live births, respectively. Results from Poisson regression indicated that, countryside (0.821; 95% CI, 0.730-0.920) and first gestation (0.890; 95% CI, 0.813-0.975) was negatively associated with CHD. However, paternal factors such as multi-fetal infants (RR: 1.631, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.276-2.036), greater than high school degree (1.390; 95% CI, 1.129-1.701), illness in 1st trimester (1.214; 95% CI, 1.080-1.359), family history of CHD (2.480; 95% CI, 1.362-3.967), and having a baby with birth defect before (1.780; 95% CI, 1.300-2.345) were positive associated with CHD.Conclusion The incidence of CHD in Qingdao was similar to existing research. Compared with neonate, the incidence of CHD is higher in fetal. Multi-fetal infants, greater than high school degree, illness in 1st trimester, family history of CHD and having a baby with birth defect before were correlated with an increased risk of CHD. This prospective study would provide great implications for on CHD intervention.
Effectiveness of the Oral Care Program in Type 2 Diabetic Elderly Patients with Periodontitis: A Clustered Randomised Controlled Study With 6-month Follow-Up
Authors: Phetnin Namon , Tippanart Vichayanrat , Chuchai Anunmana
Published: October 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the oral care program in reducing glycaemic status and improving oral health behaviours and oral hygiene among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) older patients with periodontitis.Methods: A clustered randomised controlled study was conducted in Nakhon Ratchasima province between July 2019 and January 2020. The two health centres were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups, which thirty-five T2DM older patients with chronic periodontitis were recruited in each group. The intervention group received the program consisted of oral health education based on Health Belief Model (HBM), individual oral hygiene instruction and scaling and root planning at one month and followed by individual oral hygiene instruction at three months. The patients in the control group received the routine program provided by the health centre. Outcomes were measured using the interviewed questionnaire, simplified oral hygiene index, and the glycaemic status (HbA1c) at baseline, 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Data were analysed using a descriptive statistic, Chi-square test, t-test, repeated measure ANOVA at p-value = 0.05. Results: After the 3 and 6 months, the results showed that the intervention group significantly improved in the HBM scores, oral health behaviours scores, and decreased in OHI-S scores and HbA1c level (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in the control group.Conclusion: The findings suggested that the proposed program was effective among diabetic older people with periodontitis to improve oral health perception, behaviours, oral hygiene, and decreased glycaemic status at 3- and 6-month evaluation.Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR), TCTR202004230005. Registered 22 April 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
Partnership between Primary Health and Social Care Services in the Long-Term Care of Older People with Dementia: A Vignette Study
Authors: Kontrimiene Ausrine , Blazeviciene Aurelija , Liseckiene Ida , Raila Gediminas , Valius Leonas , Jaruseviciene Lina
Published: October 2020

Background. Dementia is considered to be a significant cause of disability and dependency for older people worldwide and it raises difficulties in providing adequate formal and informal assistance. Research on the experience of long-term care (LTC) services for older people with dementia is scarce in Eastern European countries. This study aimed to understand the system of care for older people with dementia from the perspective of health and social care workers providing LTC services in Lithuania. Methods. A total of 72 primary health care and social care professionals from public and private institutions in Kaunas city participated in this study. One-to-one interviews were conducted with family physicians, community nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. A vignette situation of two fictitious patients with dementia and their informal caregiver was discussed during the interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis by induction approach.Results. Thematic analysis of the data revealed two main themes: LTC provision trajectory, and three-dimensional relationship perception in realization of LTC activities. LTC provision trajectory reflected activities performed as a response to the described situation embracing formal procedures for the endorsement of LTC needs as well as the range of LTC services. Three-dimensional relationship perception in realization of LTC activities mirrored the participants’ relationships with themselves, with each other, and with the informal caregiver.Conclusions. Our study revealed the potential of complex measures that could be instrumental for the refinement of the caregiving process. First, a change in the special needs’ endorsement logic is needed, shifting focus from medical diagnosis to functional abilities assessment. Second, establishing clear procedures for formal cooperation between the health and social care sectors in the trajectory of LTC service provision. Finally, finding an adequate balance between LTC and institutional care by creating a wider range of LTC services. A more consistent and coordinated delivery of services by both health and social care sectors seems to be an untapped resource for the improvement of the LTC potential.
Bioinformatics-Aided Identification, Characterization of Fungal Linalool Synthases and Applications in Linalool biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Congqiang , Chen Xixian , Lee Raphael Tze Chuen , T Rehka , Mauer-Stroh Sebastian , Rühl Martin
Published: October 2020

Enzymes empower chemical industries and are the keystone for metabolic engineering. For example, linalool synthases (LSs) are indispensable for the biosynthesis of linalool, an important fragrance used in 60-80% cosmetic and personal care products. However, plant LSs have low activities while expressed in microbes. Aided by bioinformatics analysis, four linalool/nerolidol synthases (LNSs) from various Agaricomycetes were accurately predicted and validated experimentally. Furthermore, we discovered a novel LS with exceptionally high levels of selectivity and activity from Agrocybe pediades, ideal for linalool bioproduction. It effectively converted glucose into enantiopure (R)-linalool in Escherichia coli, 44-fold and 287-fold more efficient than bacterial and plant counterparts, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the divergent evolution paths for plant, bacterial and fungal LSs. More critically, structural comparison provided catalytic insights in Ap.LS superior specificity and activity, and mutational experiments validated the key residues responsible for the specificity.
Visceral Adipose Tissue Promotes Pressure-Induced Heart Failure Associated with Circulating Fatty Acids
Authors: Shi Wenjiao , Peng Yuanzhi , Du Jianer , Weng Xiaojian
Published: October 2020

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is the main source of circulating fatty acids (FAs) that provides the energy substrate for the heart. Till now, studies have not shown a clear association between individual circulating FAs and heart failure (HF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in circulating FAs in HF mice and their association with VAT by removing epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Here, we found that the serum levels of four fatty acids, namely arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and docosapentaenoic acid, were significantly decreased in pressure-induced HF mice via transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery accompanied with cardiac enlargement and fibrosis. Most importantly, removal of eWAT in mice led to a significant decrease in the levels of the above-mentioned fatty acids without any significant difference between the HF and sham groups. Accordingly, cardiac enlargement and fibrosis were significantly alleviated. We concluded that VAT excision alleviated TAC-induced cardiac failure by decreasing serum arachidic acid, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, and docosapentaenoic acid levels.
Molecular Characteristics of HBV Among Blood Donors in Southern China with Different HBsAg ELISA Results by Two Kits
Authors: Ye Xianlin , Li Tong , Li Ran , Liu Heng , Zhao Junpeng , Zeng jinfeng
Published: October 2020

Background: The blood donors tested reactive (R) for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) but were missed by routine nucleic acid test (NAT), which can be resulted by the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with extremely low viral load. This phenomenon remains a strict threat to blood transfusion in China.Objectives: We aimed to investigate and analyze the molecular characteristics of HBV among blood donors that detected as HBsAg reactive (R) in single ELISA Reagent. Methods: The blood donations were detected as HBsAg R in one ELISA kit, using two kinds of ELISA reagents. These samples with non-reactive (NR) results by NAT were collected and tested for HBsAg by Abbott chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CLIA) with neutralization test, the level of HBsAg were further detected by Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The viral basic core promoter (BCP) and pre-core (PC) and S regions were also amplified by nested-PCRs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for viral load determination and individual donation NAT of Roche reagent were adopted simultaneously. HBsAg was confirmed by the results of CLIA, ECLIA, nested-PCR, qPCR, and ID-NAT.Results: Of 100,252 donations, 38 and 41 were identified as HBsAg reactive only in WanTai and DiaSorin ELISA kit respectively, after blood screening using WanTai and DiaSorin ELISA assays. 79 (0.077%, 79/100,252) blood samples with ELISA R-NR and NAT NR results were enrolled in the study. Of which, 17 (21.5%,17/79) were confirmed as HBsAg positive. Of 14 cases genotyped, genotype B were 78.6% (11/14), C and D was observed in 2 (14.2%, 2/14) and 1 sample (7.1%, 1/14), respectively. Mutations in the S gene such as Y100C, Y103I, G145R, and L175S were found, which can affect the detection of HBsAg. A high-frequency mutation, T1719G (93.3%), was detected in BCP/PC and would reduce the replication of the virus. Conclusion: A small part of blood samples with HBsAg ELISA R-NR and NAT NR results were confirmed as HBV infection, viral nucleic acids were found in most of those samples through the in-house NAT methods. It is necessary to apply more sensitive and specific assays for the detection of HBV infection among blood donors.
PLGF Knockdown Attenuates Hypoxia-Induced Stimulation of Cell Proliferation and Glycolysis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Through Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Yanwei , Zhou Wensheng , Qian Fangfei , Hu Minjuan , Chen Ya , Lu Jun , Lou Yuqing , Han Baohui
Published: October 2020

Background: Angiogenic placental growth factor (PLGF) plays a role in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate the biological roles of PLGF in cell proliferation and glycolysis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: PLGF was knocked down in H358 and H1975 cells by lentiviruses, which were then cultured under hypoxia (90% N2, 5%CO2 and 5%O2) for 24 h. PLGF was overexpressed in PC9 cells treated with XAV939, inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. PLGF-silencing H1975 cells were implanted into mice, and tumor xenografts were harvested and analyzed. Results: Hypoxia treatment led to up-regulation of PLGF, C-myc, lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and β-catenin, promotion of cell proliferation and glycolysis inH358 and H1975 cells, which were obviously reversed by knocking down PLGF. In tumors, PLGF knockdown significantly prohibited cell proliferation and glycolysis, and decreased expression of C-myc, LDHA, and β-catenin. PLGF overexpression markedly strengthened cell proliferation and glycolysis, and increased β-catenin expressionin PC9 cells, which were abrogated by XAV939. Conclusion: PLGF knockdown inhibited the stimulatory effect of hypoxia on cell proliferation and glycolysis of LUAD through deactivating Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
WITHDRAWN: Near 14 cm2 V-1 s-1 Charge Carrier Mobility Enabled by Amorphous Indacenodithiophene-based Polymers with Controlled Regioregularity
Authors: Cho Yongjoon , Park Sohee , Jeong Seonghun , Yang Heesoo , Lee Byongkyu , Lee Sang Myeon , Lee Byoung , Yang Changduk
Published: October 2020

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of four regioregular, well-defined donor–acceptor polymers (P1, P2, P3, and P4), comprising different compositions of axisymmetric cyclopentadithiophene (CDT) and centrosymmetric indacenodithiophene (IDT) donors in conjugation with the asymmetric 5-fluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole acceptor that is precisely oriented in the regular pattern along the backbone. Morphological analyses of the above polymer series show that exclusive CDT donor-containing P1 is semicrystalline, whereas the others (IDT donor-containing ones) are near-amorphous in nature. Comparatively, IDT donor-containing polymers have superior hole mobilities; in particular, exclusive IDT donor-containing polymer P4 offers an ultra-high mobility of 13.82 cm2 V− 1 s− 1 at a channel length of 200 µm, which is comparable to the recently reported values for state-of-the-art semicrystalline semiconductors. In addition, the near-amorphous characteristics render the IDT donor-containing polymer films highly ductile and stretchable. Such superior features, which are associated with excellent charge transport and ductility, demonstrate a promising possibility for application in viable stretchable electronics.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein as a Drug Target for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Schmidt Amand , Hunt Nicholas , Gordillo-Maranon Maria , Charoen Pimphen , Drenos Fotios , Casas Juan-Pablo , Kivimaki Mika , Franceschini Nora , Gaunt Tom , Mook-Kanamori Dennis , Hughes Alun , Lawlor Debbie , Price Jackie , Giambartolomei Claudia , Wong Andrew , Papacosta Olia , Chaturvedi Nishi , Wannamethee Goya , Bis Joshua , O'Donnell Christopher , Zwierzyna Magdalena , Sofat Reecha , Hingorani Aroon , Finan Chris
Published: October 2020

Drug development of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) has yet to deliver licensed medicines. To distinguish compound from drug target failure, we compared evidence from clinical trials and Mendelian randomization (MR) results. Findings from meta-analyses of CETP inhibitor trials (≥ 24 weeks follow-up) were used to judge between-compound heterogeneity in treatment effects. Genetic data were extracted on 190 + pharmacologically relevant outcomes; spanning 480,698 − 21,770 samples and 74,124-4,373 events. Drug target MR of protein concentration was used to determine the on-target effects of CETP inhibition and compared to that of PCSK9 modulation. Fifteen eligible CETP inhibitor trials of four compounds were identified, enrolling 79,961 participants. There was a high degree of heterogeneity in effects on lipids, lipoproteins, blood pressure, and clinical events. For example, dalcetrapib and evacetrapib showed a neutral effect, torcetrapib increased, and anacetrapib decreased cardiovascular disease (CVD); heterogeneity p-value < 0.001. In drug target MR analysis, lower CETP concentration (per \(\mu\)g/ml) was associated with CHD (odds ratio 0.95; 95%CI 0.91; 0.99), heart failure (0.95; 95%CI 0.92; 0.99), chronic kidney disease (0.94 95%CI 0.91; 0.98), and age-related macular degeneration (1.69; 95%CI 1.44; 1.99). Lower PCSK9 concentration was associated with a lower risk of CHD, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke, and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and asthma. In conclusion, previous failures of CETP inhibitors are likely compound related. CETP inhibition is expected to reduce risk of CHD, heart failure, and kidney disease, but potentially increase risk of age-related macular disease.