bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the role of two populations of Aedes japonicus japonicus for Zika virus transmission under a constant and a fluctuating temperature regime.
Authors: Glavinic Uros , Varga Jasmin , Paslaru Anca Iona , Hauri Jeannine , Torgerson Paul , Schaffner Francis , Veronesi Eva
Published: March 2020

Background Since the huge epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil in 2015, questions were raised to understand which mosquito species could transmit the virus. Although Aedes aegypti has been described as the main vector, other Aedes species (e.g. Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus) which can potentially transmit viruses from the same family (Flavivirus) such as West Nile, dengue and yellow fever, at least under laboratory conditions, have been incriminated as potential vector for ZIKV. Among these, the Asian bush mosquito Ae. japonicus is widely spread with high abundances in Central-Western Europe. In the present study, infection, dissemination and transmission rates of ZIKV (Dak84 strain) in two populations of Ae. japonicus from Switzerland (Zürich) and France (Steinbach, Haut-Rhin) were investigated under constant (27 °C) and fluctuating (14-27 °C, mean 23 °C) temperature regimes.Results Both populations were positive for ZIKV transmission. Infectious virus particles were present already 7 days post exposure to infectious rabbit blood. The highest amount of Plaque Forming Unit (PFU) (400/female) were recorded 14 days post oral infection in the Swiss population incubated at constant temperature. No difference in term of infection, dissemination and transmission rate were found according to the mosquito population.Temperature had no effect on infection rate but the fluctuating temperature regime resulted in higher dissemination rates comparing to constant temperature, regardless of the population. Finally, transmission efficiency ranged between 7-23% and 7-10% for the constant temperature and 0-10% and 3-27% under fluctuating temperatures for the Swiss and the French populations, respectively.Conclusions This is the first work confirming vector competence for ZIKV of Ae. japonicus originating from Switzerland and France under realistic summer temperatures. Considering the continuous spread of this species in the northern part of Europe and its adaptation at cooler temperatures, preventative control measures should be adopted to prevent possible ZIKV epidemics.
­­­Opportunities for gender transformative approaches in a community-based drowning reduction program in Bangladesh
Authors: Gupta Medhavi , Rahman Aminur , Dutta NC , Nambiar Devaki , Ivers Rebecca , Jagnoor Jagnoor
Published: March 2020

Background: Community-based programs in rural low-and middle-income country settings are well-placed to conduct gender transformative activities that aid program sustainability and catalyse wider social change, such as reducing gender inequities that in turn improve health outcomes. The Anchal program is a drowning prevention intervention for children aged 1-5 years old in rural Bangladesh. It provides community crèche-based supervision delivered by local trained paid-female volunteers. We aimed to identify the impact of the Anchal program on gender norms and behaviours in the community context, and the effects these had on program delivery and men and women’s outcomes. Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observations were conducted with program beneficiaries and providers. Gender impacts and outcomes were analysed using FHI 360’s Gender Integration Framework. Results: The Anchal program was found to be a gender accommodating program as it catered for communities’ gender-based roles and constraints but did not actively seek to change underlying beliefs, perceptions and norms that led to these. The program in some cases enhanced the independence and status of female community staff. This changed perceptions of communities towards acceptable levels of physical mobility and community involvement for women. Conversely, gender impacted program delivery by reducing the ability of female supervisory staff to engage with male community leaders. The double burden of wage and household labour carried by local female staff also limited performance and progression. Gender-based constraints on staff performance, attrition and community engagement affected efficiency of program delivery and sustainability. Conclusions: The Anchal program both adapted to and shaped community gender norms and roles. The program has well-established relationships in the community and can be leveraged to implement gender transformative activities to improve gender-based equity. Health programs can broaden their impacts and target social determinants of health like gender equity to increase program sustainability and promote equitable health outcomes.
Trends of multimorbidity in 15 European countries: a population-based study in community-dwelling adults aged 50 and over
Authors: Roig Javier Jerez , Souza Dyego L. B. , Oliveras-Fabregas Albert , Minobes-Molina Eduard , Cancela Marianna de Camargo , Galbany-Estragués Paola
Published: March 2020

Background: The objective of this work was to analyse the prevalence trends of multimorbidity among European community-dwelling adults.Methods: A temporal series study based on waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ (n=274,614) from 15 European countries were selected, for the period 2004-2017. Prevalence, adjusted by age, Annual Percentage Change (APC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were all calculated. Trend analyses were realised by period, age groups and groups of diseases. Results: The results showed a large variability in the prevalence of multimorbidity in adults aged 50 and over among European countries. Increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity in the countries of central Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany and Switzerland) and Spain in both sexes, and in the Netherlands among men. Stability was observed in northern and eastern European countries. Musculoskeletal and neurodegenerative groups showed more significant changes in the trend analyses. Conclusions: This information can be useful for policy makers when planning health promotion and prevention policies addressing modifiable risk factors in health.
A nomogram model to predict death rate among non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with surgery in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database
Authors: Jia Bo , Zheng Qiwen , Wang Jingjing , Sun Hongyan , Zhao Jun , Wu Meina , An Tongtong , Wang Yuyan , Zhuo Minglei , Li Jianjie , Yang Xue , Zhong Jia , Chen Hanxiao , Chi Yujia , Zhai Xiaoyu , wang ziping
Published: March 2020

Background This study aimed to establish a novel nomogram prognostic model to predict death probability for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who received surgery. Methods We collected data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute in the United States. A nomogram prognostic model was constructed to predict mortality of NSCLC patients who received surgery. Results A total of 44,880 NSCLC patients who received surgery from 2004 to 2014 were included in this study. Gender, race, tumor anatomic sites, histologic subtype, tumor differentiation, clinical stage, tumor size, tumor extent, lymph node stage, examined lymph node, positive lymph node, type of surgery showed significant associations with lung cancer related death rate (P<0.001). Patients who received chemotherapy and radiotherapy had significant higher lung cancer related death rate but were associated with significant lower non-cancer related mortality (P<0.001). A nomogram model was established based on multivariate models of training data set. In the validation cohort, the unadjusted C-index was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.72-0.74), 0.71 (95% CI, 0.66-0.75) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.68-0.70) for lung cancer related death, other cancer related death and non-cancer related death. Conclusions A prognostic nomogram model was constructed to predict death rate for NSCLC patients who received surgery. This novel prognostic model may be helpful for physicians to develop the most appropriate treatment strategies for resected NSCLC patients. Parts of these results were presented at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (Abstract #8525)
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the intrahepatic bile ducts: a case report and literature review
Authors: jia fan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Ling-Qiang , Wang Yu-Le , Liu Yan , Ma Xiao-Lei , Chen Gong-Fu , Ren Bin , Guo Xin-Jian , Jia Guo-Bing , Yangdan Cai-Rang
Published: March 2020

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile ducts (IPMN-B) is a rare malignant tumor originated from the epithelium of the bile duct. It can secrete a large amount of mucin to cause biliary obstruction. This disease has just been recognized in recent years.Case presentation: We found a 60-year-old woman with intermittent right upper abdominal pain. Imaging examination showed that the left intrahepatic bile duct was dilated with a solid mass. We had left hepatectomy. During the operation, there was colloidal mucus in the bile duct. There was a papillary mass on the wall of the bile duct. -to have developed into invasive adenocarcinoma. At a postoperative 6 months follow-up, the patient had no recurrence and is in good conditions. Conclusion: In our case, IPMN-B has underwent a malignant transformation at the early stage. Therefore, we think that surgical resection should be done as early as possible after the diagnosis of IPMN-B, so as to get a favorable prognosis.
Extended-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy and dosage boost for lymph node metastasis are beneficial for the prognosis of FIGO IIICr and IVA cervical cancer patients with positive regional lymph nodes
Authors: Zhao Yuhua , Li Gong , Gao Lei
Published: March 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of extended-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (EF-IMRT) and dosage boost for positive lymph nodes, prognostic factors, treatment failure, and toxicity for Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIICr and IVA cervical cancer patients with positive regional lymph nodes.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 34 patients with stage IIICr and IVA who had received treatment in our institute between 2013 and 2016. Patients with stage IVA cervical cancer who had been enrolled in the analysis all had positive regional lymph nodes (pelvic or/and para-aortic). All 34 patients were treated with EF-IMRT and simultaneously integrated boost-IMRT (SIB-IMRT) for lymph node metastasis with concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy. Positive regional lymph nodes (short-axis diameter ≥5 mm in computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) remaining after SIB-IMRT were then treated with sequential boost-IMRT (SeB-IMRT). The prognostic factors for overall survival (OS); disease-free survival (DFS); local control rate (LCR); regional control rate (RCR); distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), including age, FIGO stage, pretreatment hemoglobin (HB) level, tumor size, para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis, point A equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2 dose), concurrent chemotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy cycles, were analyzed.Results: Complete response (CR) was achieved in 31 (91.2%) patients with acceptable adverse effects. Notably, the three-year OS, DFS, LCR, RCR, DMFS for these patients were 73.5%, 70.6%, 88.1%, 87.9%, and 81.6%, respectively. In particular, the three-year OS, DFS, LCR, RCR, and DMFS of patients with positive PALNs was 41.7%, 33.3%, 65.6%, 72.2%, and 60.2%, respectively. The corresponding values in patients without positive PALNs were 90.9%, 90.9%, 100%, 95.5%, and 90.9%, respectively.Conclusions: Our study suggested that the EF-IMRT and nodal dosage boost decreased regional node failure and that patients with stage IIIC1r and IVA cervical cancer without PALN metastasis who received EF-IMRT and SIB-IMRT with or without SeB-IMRT had a significant survival advantage in terms of the DFS and OS.
Co-Registered Solid-State 123i-Mibg Spect And Ct Imaging For The Assessment Of Sympathetic Cardiac Innervation In Healthy Individuals And Variation Over Time
Authors: Nikitin Nikita , Minin Stanislav , Stirrup James , Pokushalov Evgeny , Romanov Alexander
Published: March 2020

Background. To evaluate global and regional ventricular and atrial cardiac iodine-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine ( 123 I-mIBG) uptake and consistency over time in healthy individuals using co-registered SPECT and CT imaging. Fifteen healthy individuals (median age 31 years [26; 41]) were included in the study. All participants underwent CT and subsequent baseline 123 I -mIBG SPECT imaging (early and late acquisition) using a dedicated cardiac solid-state gamma camera. The heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio, wash out rate (WR), summed 123 I-mIBG defect score (SDS) as well as presence and patterns of left atrium (LA) discrete 123 I-mIBG uptake areas were assessed. Follow-up SPECT imaging was acquired 5-7 days after initial procedure. Results. At baseline median H/M ratio on the early and late acquisitions were 1.61 [1.57; 1.71] and 1.68 [1.65; 1.71] respectively, the WR was 22.5% [18.8; 22.8]. Areas of reduced 123 I-mIBG uptake were detected in 60% (9/15) of cases and the median SDS was 1 [0; 2]. No significant changes were observed in global and regional 123 I-mIBG cardiac uptake between baseline and follow-up studies. At baseline 36 discrete uptake areas (DUA) were identified, 16 (44%) of which (median per individual 1 [1;1]) had moderate-high confidence score (CS). 5/16, 4/16, 4/16 and 3/16 moderate-high CS DUAs were located around the left sided-, right sided- PV ostia, LA walls, right atrium (RA) or superior vena cava (SVC), respectively. At follow-up 33 DUAs were identified, 16 (48%) of which (median per individual 1 [1;1], p=0.5 vs baseline) had moderate-high CS. Moderate-high CS discrete uptake areas had generally the same location as on the baseline procedure. Conclusion. Co-registered 123 I-mIBG SPECT and CT imaging demonstrated no significant changes in the global and regional 123 I-mIBG cardiac uptake (ventricular and atrial) over a short time interval in healthy individuals.
Preclinical evaluation of new α-radionuclide therapy targeting LAT1: 2-[211At]astato-α-methyl-L-phenylalanine in tumor-bearing model
Authors: OHSHIMA Yasuhiro , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Hanaoka Hirofumi , Sasaki Ichiro , Watanabe Shigeki , Haba Hiromitsu , Arano Yasushi , Tsushima Yoshito , Ishioka Noriko S.
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE: Targeted α-radionuclide therapy has growing attention as a promising therapy for refractory cancers. However, the application is limited to certain types of cancer. Since L-type amino acids transporter 1 (LAT1) is highly expressed in various human cancers, we prepared LAT1-selective α-emitting amino acid analog, 2-[211At]astato-α-methyl-L-phenylalanine ([211At]-2-AAMP), and evaluated its potential as a therapeutic agent. METHODS: [211At]-2-AAMP was prepared from the stannyl precursor. Stability of [211At]-2-AAMP was evaluated by both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies using LAT1 expressing human ovary cancer cell line, SKOV3, were performed for evaluating cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of [211At]-2-AAMP. Biodistribution and therapeutic studies in SKOV3 bearing mice were performed after intravenous injection of [211At]-2-AAMP. RESULTS: [211At]-2-AAMP was stable in murine plasma in vitro and excreted into urine as intact. Cellular uptake of [211At]-2-AAMP was inhibited by treatment with LAT1-selective inhibitor. After 24 hours of incubation, [211At]-2-AAMP suppressed clonogenic growth at 10 kBq/ml, and induced cell death and DNA double strand break at 25 kBq/ml. When injected to mice, [211At]-2-AAMP exhibited the peak accumulation in the tumor at 30 min postinjection, and the radioactivity levels in the tumor retained up to 60 min. The majority of the radioactivity was rapidly eliminated from the body into the urine as an intact form immediately after injection. [211At]-2-AAMP significantly improved the survival of mice (P<0.05) without serious side effects. CONCLUSION: [211At]-2-AAMP showed α-radiation-dependent cellular growth inhibition after taking up via LAT1. Furthermore, [211At]-2-AAMP provided a beneficial effect on survival in vivo. These findings suggest that [211At]-2-AAMP might be useful for treatment of LAT1-positive cancer.
Improving the Hip Fracture Surgical Consenting Process: A Single Centre Multi-Cycle Quality Improvement Process
Authors: Singh Kirit , Assaf Ali , Bayley Morgan , Gillespie Gordon
Published: March 2020

Background Hip fractures are a common acute trauma presentation that if requiring surgery, should be performed within 48 hours. Consenting the patient is an important element of the pathway from admission to operating theatre and errors can lead to delayed procedures, medico-legal exposure and may represent a loss of patient autonomy. The aim of this project was to evaluate areas for improvement in our consenting process for patients with capacity and trial new strategies to determine which achieved the greatest improvement. Methods Following a baseline measurement (n=24), deficiencies were noted in three key process measures of clarity of documentation, failure to record procedure-specific risks and not offering a copy of the consent form to the patient. Two quality improvement cycles then followed using targeted teaching for doctors performing the consenting process. Results Cycle 1 (n=26) following targeted teaching demonstrated improved clarity, with a reduction in abbreviations from 38% to 20%, while more than doubling the documentation of discussion of key procedure-specific risks from 31% to 72%. More patients were offered a copy of their consent form, rising from 12% to 48%. Cycle 2 (n=24) saw the introduction of pre-printed “risk of procedure” stickers. Although clarity measures continued to improve, improvements in pre-procedure risk documentation remained broadly static while the number of forms being offered to patients starkly declined to 8%. Conclusions Our project would suggest that while pre-printed stickers can be useful memory aids, specific teaching on consenting produces the greatest benefit. The usage of such tools should therefore be limited, as adjuncts only to detailed training.
Development of Information Road map for Personalized Colorectal Cancer Screening in Iran
Authors: maserat elham , Mohammadzadeh Zeinab , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2020

Background A data-driven colorectal cancer screening strategy based on personalized approach can improve health outcomes, facilitate early stratification of at-risk patients and reduce health care costs. This study aims to develop an information road map for personalized colorectal cancer screening in Iran. Methods This study is a Mix-Method Research (MMR) which consisted of three phases: phase I, development of a checklist with 275-items for assessing required data elements of personalized colorectal cancer screening; phase II, situational analysis of colorectal cancer screening dataset according to the checklist; phase III, development of national information road map for personalized colorectal cancer screening with in-depth interview and focus groups. Results Personalized datasets of colorectal cancer screening were defined in four dimensions, including clinical dataset (5 sub-dimensions, 162 items), genetic dataset (2 sub-dimensions, 67 items), demographic dataset (1 sub-dimension, 6 items) and a social determinant dataset (3 sub-dimensions, 40 items). The next step data elements of colorectal cancer screening based on personalized datasets were analyzed. Of the 275-items, only 96 items are recorded. Only 17.8% of clinical dataset of screening program were entered. The highest data elements of clinical dimension were related to pathological datasets (53.6%) in the present screening program. The lowest data elements of the clinical dimensions were related to the clinical history dataset (3.4%). 73% of pedigree data elements and 15.33% of social determinant datasets were entered. In the final step, a national information road map of personalized CRC screening with 6 layers (information leadership, personalized datasets, data integration, data architecture, data descriptor, and screening program layers) was developed. Conclusion Personalized screening based on integration dataset play a key role for the successful implementation of the screening program. Eliminating data deficiencies can improve the quality of documentation and may lead to improved screening performance. Therefore, standard datasets and indicators can help to identify information gaps and facilitate precise decision-making. Entering data was inadequate and poor in this study. Implementation of national road map can assist to improve the quality of data in personalized screening.
Helicobacter pylori infection as a risk factor for diabetes: A Meta-analysis of Case-Control Studies
Authors: Mansori Kamyar , Moradi Yousef , Naderpour Sara , Rashti Roya , Moghaddam Ali Baradaran , Saed Lotfolah , Mohammadi Hedye
Published: March 2020

Background There are several studies with varied and mixed results about the possible relationship between H. pylori and diabetes. Therefore, this current meta-analysis performed to determine the association between H. pylori infection and the risk of diabetes mellitus. Methods A systematic literature searches of international databases, including Medline (PubMed), Web of Sciences, Scopus, EMBASE, and CINHAL (January 1990–March 2019) was conducted to identify studies investigating the relationship between H. pylori infection and diabetes mellitus. Only case–control studies were analyzed using odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Stratified and subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies and assess effects of study quality. Logarithm and standard error logarithm odds ratio (OR) were also used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 41 studies involving 9559 individuals (case; 4327 and control; 5232) were analyzed. The pooled estimate of the association between H. pylori infection with diabetes was OR=1.27 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.45, P = 0.0001, I2 = 86.6%). The effect of H. pylori infection on diabetes mellitus (both types), type 1 and type 2 diabetes was 1.17 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.45), 1.19 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.45), and 1.43 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.85) respectively. Subgroup analysis by the geographical regions showed in Asian population risk of the effect of H. pylori infection on diabetes was slightly higher than other population.Conclusion In overall a positive association between H. pyloriinfection and diabetes mellitus was found.
Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Karimian Mohammad , Salamati Majid , Shafiee Elham , Azami Milad
Published: March 2020

Introduction : Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which leads to acid reflux into the esophagus, is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Several studies have shown the prevalence of GERD in Iranian population, but their evidence is contradictory. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of GERD in Iran. Methods: The entire steps of this systematic review and meta-analysis were based on the MOOSE protocol, and the results were accordance with the PRISMA guideline. To find potentially relevant published articles, comprehensive search was done on international online databases Scopus, Science Direct, EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, EBSCO, Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - CDSR), Web of Science (ISI) and Iranian online databases IranDoc, (SID), Magiran, RICST, Iranian National Library, and Barakat Knowledge Network System and the Google Scholar search engine in June 2019. Cochran test and I 2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies. Data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Results: The daily, weekly, monthly, and overall prevalence of GERD symptoms in Iranian population was 5.64% (95%CI [confidence interval]: 3.77%-8.35%; N=66,398), 12.50% (95%CI: 9.63%-16.08%; N=110,388), 18.62% (95%CI: 12.90%-26.12%; N= 70,749) and 43.07% (95%CI: 35.00%-51.53%; N=73,189), respectively. The daily, weekly, monthly, and overall prevalence of heartburn in Iranian population was 2.46% (95%CI: 0.93%-6.39%; N=18,774), 9.52% (95%CI: 6.16%-14.41%; N=54,125), 8.19% (95%CI: 2.42%-24.30%; N=19,363) and 23.20% (95%CI: 13.56%-36.79%; N=26,543), respectively. The daily, weekly, monthly, and overall prevalence of regurgitation in Iranian population was 4.00% (95%CI: 1.88%-8.32%; N=18,774), 9.79% (95%CI: 5.99%-15.60%; N=41,140), 13.76% (95%CI: 6.18%-44.31%; N=19,363) and 36.53% (95%CI: 19.30%-58.08%; N=21,174), respectively. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis provides comprehensive and useful information on the epidemiology of GERD in Iran for policy-makers and health care providers. This study showed a high prevalence of GERD in Iran. Therefore, effective measures on GERD-related factors such as lifestyle can be among the health policies of Iran.
Antibodies from multiple sclerosis brain identified Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 & 2 epitopes which are recognized by oligoclonal bands
Authors: Wang Zhe , Kennedy Peter GE , Dupree Cecily , Wang Min , Lee Catherin , Pointon Tiffany , Langford T. Dianne , Graner Michael , Yu Xiaoli
Published: March 2020

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), the etiology of which is poorly understood. The most common laboratory abnormality associated with MS is increased intrathecal IgG synthesis and the presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, the major antigenic targets of these antibody responses are unknown. The risk of MS is increased after infectious mononucleosis (IM) due to EBV infection, and MS patients have higher serum titers of anti-EBV antibodies than control populations. Objectives To identify disease-relevant epitopes of IgG antibodies in MS. Methods We screened phage-displayed random peptide libraries (12-mer) with total IgG antibodies purified from the brain of a patient with acute MS. We identified and characterized the phage peptides for binding specificity to intrathecal IgG from patients with MS and from controls by ELISA, phage-mediated Immuno-PCR, and isoelectric focusing. Results Two phage peptides were identified that share sequence homologies with EBV nuclear antigens 1 and 2 (EBNA1 and EBNA2), respectively. The specificity of the EBV epitopes found by panning with MS brain IgG was confirmed by ELISA and competitive inhibition assays. Using a highly sensitive phage-mediated immuno-PCR assay, we determined specific bindings of the two EBV epitopes to IgG from CSF from 46 MS and 5 inflammatory control (IC) patients. MS CSF IgG have significantly higher bindings to EBNA1 epitope than to EBNA2 epitope, whereas EBNA1 and EBNA2 did not significantly differ in binding to IC CSF IgG. Further, the EBNA1 epitope was recognized by OCBs from multiple MS CSF as shown in blotting assays with samples separated by isoelectric focusing. Conclusions The EBNA1 epitope is reactive to MS intrathecal antibodies corresponding to oligoclonal bands. This reinforces the potential role of EBV in the etiology of MS.
Person-Centred, Occupation Based Intervention Program Supported with Problem-Solving Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ağce Zeynep Bahadır , Ekici Gamze
Published: March 2020

Background: Individuals with diabetes mellitus both have difficulty in solving problems in daily life and have similar difficulties with self-care regimens. We examined the effect of occupation-based intervention supported with problem-solving therapy of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus on participation and satisfaction of meaningful occupations, diabetes-related psychosocial self-efficacy, preferred coping strategies and individual well-being. Methods: This study was planned as a single-blind, randomized controlled study with 3-months’ follow-up involving sixty-seven adults with type 2 diabetes. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale, the Brief COPE and the Five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index were used. The intervention was conducted in 6 modules, and each implemented about 60 minutes and for 1 session per week. The six modules included evaluations, diabetes education, and problem-solving therapy. The most important feature of the program is its focus on meaningful occupations for the person and provided an opportunity for the participants to apply problem-solving therapy through valued occupation. Differences between groups were analysed with the Mann Whitney U test, and the Friedman test was used to calculate group-time interaction differences (i.e. baseline, after six modules and after three months). Results: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in both groups identified the most significant meaningful activity problems in self-care as personal care. Significant improvement was reported in the intervention group when compared to the control group regarding the participation in meaningful occupation, the satisfaction of performance, psychological self-efficacy and well-being results (p<0.001) after the six modules and 3 months follow-up. The participants' use of the effective coping strategies, active coping and acceptance strategies, self-efficacy as revealed results showed improvement in favor of the intervention group (p<0.05). The intervention group showed significantly improving between measurements at baseline and after three months of modules except for ineffective coping style (p<0.001). Conclusions: The person-centred occupation-based problem-solving therapy encourages participation in meaningful occupations, positive effects on psychological self-efficacy, and improves effective coping styles and well-being of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Problem-solving therapies that incorporate individuals’ priorities via meaningful occupation could be used to supported to lead a meaningful life of individuals of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03783598. Retrospectively Registered. First Posted-December 21, 2018, Last Update Posted-February 18, 2020. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Person-centred, Occupation-based, Problem-solving, Psychosocial self-efficacy, Coping, Well-being, Quality of life, Occupational therapy
Beauveria bassiana ERL836 and JEF-007 with similar virulence show different gene expression when infecting western flower thrips, Frankniella occidentalis
Authors: Kim Jae Su , Kim Sihyeon , Kim Jong Cheol , Lee Se Jin , Lee Mi rong , Park So Eun , Li Dongwei , Baek Sehyeon , Shin Tae Young
Published: March 2020

Background: Insect-killing fungal species, Beauveria bassiana, is as an environment-friendly pest management tool, and many isolates are on the track of industrialization. However, some of B. bassiana isolates show similar morphology and virulence against insect pests, and so it is hard to differentiate them. Herein we used two patented isolates, ERL836 and JEF-007, and investigated their virulence against western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and further analyzed genome structures and transcriptional responses when infecting the thrips to see possible differences.Results: The two isolates showed no significant differences in fungal growth, conidial production, virulence against thrips, and they were structurally similar in genome. But, in transcription level, ERL836 appeared to infect thrips easily, while JEF-007 appeared to have more difficulty. In the GO analysis of ERL836 DEGs (differentially expressed genes), the number of up-regulated genes was much larger than that of down-regulated genes, when compared to JEF-007 DEGs (more genes down-regulated). Interestingly, in the enrichment analysis using shared DEGs between two infecting isolates, plasma membrane-mediated transporter activity and fatty acid degradation pathway including cytochrome P450 were more active in infecting ERL836.Conclusion: The two B. bassiana isolates had similar morphology and virulence as well as genome structure, but in transcription level they differently infected western flower thrips. This comparative approach using shared DEG analysis could be easily applied to characterize the difference of the two B. bassiana isolates, JEF-007 and ERL836.
Integrated analysis of autophagy-related genes(ATGs) reveals the prognostic value of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Guangzhao , Li Zhi-yun , Rao Yu , Lv Xiao-zhi
Published: March 2020

Background: Increasing evidence demonstrated that autophagy paly a crucial role in initiation and progression of OSCC. The aim of this study was to explore the prognostic value of autophagy-related genes(ATGs) in patients with OSCC. RNA-seq and clinical data were downloaded from TCGA database following extrating ATGs expression profiles. Then, differentially expressed analysis was performed in R software EdgeR package, and the potential biological function of differentially expressed ATGs were explored by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Furthermore, a risk score model based on ATGs was constructed to predict the overall survival. Moreover, univariate, multivariate cox regression and survival analysis were used to select autophagy related biomarkers which were identified by RT-qPCR in OSCC cell lines, OSCC tissues and matched normal mucosal tissues. Results: Total of 232 ATGs were extrated and 37 genes were differentially expressed in OSCC. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes were mainly located in autophagosome membrane, and associated with apoptosis, platinum drug resistance, ErbB signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Furthermore, a risk score model including 9 variables was constructed and subsequently identified with univariate, multivariate cox regression, survival analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve(ROC). Moreover, ATG12 and BID were identified as potential autophagy related biomakers. Conclusion: This study successfully constructed a risk model to predict the prognosis of patients with OSCC, and the risk score may be as a independent prognostic biomarker in OSCC. ATG12 and BID were identified as potential biomarkers in tumor diagnosis and treatment of OSCC.
Host DNA contents in fecal metagenomics as a biomarker for intestinal diseases and effective treatment
Authors: Jiang Puzi , Lai Senying , Wu Sicheng , Zhao Xing-Ming , Chen Wei-Hua
Published: March 2020

BackgroundCompromised intestinal barrier (CIB) has been associated with many enteropathies, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that CIB could lead to increased host-derived contents including epithelial cells into the gut, change its physio-metabolic properties, and globally alter microbial community and metabolic capacities. ResultsConsistently, we found host DNA contents (HDCs), calculated as the percentage of metagenomic sequencing reads mapped to the host genome, were significantly elevated in patients of CRC and Crohn’s disease (CD). Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that HDC correlated with microbial- and metabolic-biomarkers of these diseases, contributed significantly to machine-learning models for patient stratification and was consequently ranked as a top contributor. CD patients with treatment could partially reverse the changes of many CD-signature species over time, with reduced HDC and fecal calprotectin (FCP) levels. Strikingly, HDC showed stronger correlations with the reversing changes of the CD-related species than FCP, and contributed great in classifying treatment responses, suggesting that it was also a biomarker for effective treatment. ConclusionsTogether, we identified a novel biomarker from fecal metagenomics for intestinal diseases and effective treatment; our results also suggested that host-derived contents may have greater impact on gut microbiota than previously anticipated.
A pan-genome guided metabolic network reconstruction of five Propionibacterium species reveals extensive metabolic diversity
Authors: McCubbin Tim , Gonzalez-Garcia R. Axayacatl , Palfreyman Robin W. , Stowers Chris , Nielsen Lars K. , Marcellin Esteban
Published: March 2020

Background: Propionibacteria have been studied extensively since the early 1930’s due to their relevance to industry and importance as human pathogens. Still, their unique metabolism is far from fully understood. This is partly due to their signature high GC content which has hampered the acquisition of quality sequence data, the accurate annotation of the few available genomes and the functional characterization of genes. The recent completion of the genome sequences for several species enable a comparative genomic approach to annotation and provides a new opportunity to revisit our understanding of their metabolism. Results: Using pan-genome analysis combined with the reconstruction of the first high-quality Propionibacterium genome-scale metabolic model and a pan-Propionibacterium metabolic model we demonstrate that Propionibacterium have an unexpected diversity in central carbon metabolism and a hidden layer of metabolic complexity. This combined approach gave us new insights into the evolution of Propionibacterium metabolism and led us to propose a novel, putative ferredoxin-linked energy conservation strategy. The pan-genomic approach highlighted key differences in Propionibacterium metabolism that reflect adaptation to their environment. Results were mathematically captured in genome-scale metabolic reconstructions which can be used to further explore metabolism using metabolic modelling techniques. Conclusions: Overall, the data provides a platform to explore Propionibacterium metabolism and provides a tool for the rational design of strains.
Measuring Early Childhood Development with the Early Human Capability Index (eHCI): A Reliability and Validity Study in China
Authors: Zhao Jin , Brinkman Sally Anne , Song Yingquan , Lu Chunling , Young Mary Eming , Zhang Yue , IP Patrick , Shan Wenjie , Zhang Yunting , Fan Jiang
Published: March 2020

Background: With the importance of early childhood development more recognized by the international society, low-cost and cross-culturally comparable measures of early childhood development is in great demand, both in China and worldwide. In this study, we aim to test the psychometrics of the Chinese version of The Early Human Capability Index (eHCI), which is designed as a measurement for school readiness in large population. Methods: We evaluated the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, factor structure, criterion-related validity, and discriminant validity of the eHCI in 20,324 preschool children in Shanghai. We also compared eHCI scores with test result of ASQ in 815 children in Yexian and EAP-ECDS in 6,947 children in Daming. Results: The ICC between parents and teachers were 0.83 and 0.63 for Literacy Numeracy and Overall Development. The confirmatory factor analyses showed good model fit (2 = 509323, p<0.001; CFI=0.901; RMSEA=0.038). The correlations between the scores of eHCI and other ECD metrics ranged between r =-0.42 and r =0.53. The scale discriminated between children’s developmental level based on gender, parental education, family income and family assets.Conclusions: Results from Chinese population suggested that eHCI is valid and reliable for measuring early childhood development in children aged 3-6 years. The eHCI can be applied to map the global distribution of early childhood development for allocating scarce resources to help those in greatest demand. Longitudinal studies are warranted to test its predictive validity for later outcomes.
The role of the α7nAChR-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis
Authors: Chen Feng , Wei Xiaoyu , Chen Xiaohua , Xiang Lei , Meng Xinyao , Feng Jiexiong
Published: March 2020

Background To investigate the role and the underlying mechanism of the α7nAChR-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung(HSCR) associated enterocolitis（HAEC）. Methods Experimental group:twenty-one-day-old Ednrb-/- mice were selected (n=10), with comparable-age wild type(Ednrb+/+) mice controls (n=10). Intestinal samples were collected. The experimental colons were divided into narrow and dilated segments according to morphology changes. The control colons were divided into distal and proximal segments.Colon HE staining was used to judge HAEC.Acetylcholine levels in colon was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Detected phosphorylated Jak2 (p-Jak2), Jak2, phosphorylated Stat3 (p-Stat3), Stat3, phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) and IκBα were studied by Western blotting; mRNA levels of Jak2, Stat3, and IκBα were detected by RT-qPCR. Results Colon HE staining indicated that HAEC mainly occured in the dilated segments of HSCR mice (Ednrb-/- mice) (EDNRB-P).Acetylcholine content in EDNRB-P was significantly lower than that in the narrow segments (EDNRB-D) (P<0.05). Western blotting showed that the Jak2, p-Jak2, Stat3 and p-Stat3 levels in EDNRB-D were significantly higher than those in EDNRB-P (P<0.05). The p-IκBα and IκBα levels in EDNRB-P were significantly higher than those in EDNRB-D(P<0.05). The mRNA levels of Jak2 and Stat3 in EDNRB-D were higher than those in EDNRB-P, but the IκBα mRNA level was significantly lower than that in EDNRB-P (P<0.05). Conclusions During HAEC, the inflammation in the dilated segment was more severe ,while in the narrow segment there was no obvious inflammatory reaction and the content of acetylcholine was higher, which was associated with the α7nAChR-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
Proximal and distal predictors of self-regulatory growth in children aged 4 to 7 years
Authors: Williams Kate E. , Howard Steven J.
Published: March 2020

Background Growth in early self-regulation skills has been linked to positive health, wellbeing, and achievement trajectories across the lifespan. While individual studies have documented specific influences on self-regulation competencies in early childhood, few have modelled a comprehensive range of predictors of self-regulation growth across health, development, and environment simultaneously. This study aimed to examine the concurrent associations among a range of proximal and distal influences on growth in children’s self-regulation skills over 2 years from age 4-5 years.Methods Data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N= 4983) were used in a structural equation model, predicting a multi-source composite measure of self-regulation at each of 4-5 years and 6-7 years. By controlling for earlier self-regulation and covariates, the model examined the relative contributions of a comprehensive range of variables to self-regulation growth including health, development, educational, home environment, time-use, and neighbourhood characteristics. Results The significant predictors of children’s self-regulation growth across 4 to 7 years were fewer behavioural sleep problems, higher gross motor and pre-academic skills, lower levels of maternal and paternal angry parenting, and lower levels of financial hardship. There were also marginal effects for high-quality home learning environments and child-educator relationships.Conclusion Findings suggest that if we are to successfully grow children’s self-regulation skills, interventionists would do well to operate not only on children’s current capacities but also key aspects of their surrounding context.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of SnRK family genes in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhu Weizhuo , Wu Dezhi , Jiang Lixi , Ye Lingzhen
Published: March 2020

Background: Sucrose non-fermenting 1 related protein kinases (SnRK) play crucial roles in responding to biotic and abiotic stresses through activating protein phosphorylation pathways. However, little information of SnRK genes was available in Brassica napus, one of important oil crops. Recently, the released sequences of the reference genome of B.napus provide a good chance to perform genome-wide identification and characterization of BnSnRK gene family in the rapeseed.Results: Totally 114 SnRK genes distributed on 19 chromosomes were identified in the genome of B.napus and classified into three subfamilies on the basis of phylogenetic analysis and the domain types. According to gene structure and motif composition analysis, the BnSnRK sequences showed obvious divergence among three subfamilies. Gene duplication and synteny between the genomes of the rapeseed and Arabidopsis were also analyzed to provide insights into the evolutionary characteristics of BnSnRK family genes. Cis-element analysis revealed that BnSnRKs may response to diverse environmental stresses. Moreover, the expression patterns of BnSnRKs in various tissues and under diverse abiotic stresses were distinct difference. Besides, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) distribution analysis suggests the function disparity of BnSnRK family genes in different genotypes of the rapeseed.Conclusion: We examined genomic structures, evolution features, expression patterns and SNP distribution of 114 BnSnRKs. The results provide valuable information for functional characterization of BnSnRK genes in future studies.
In Vitro Hypoxia Responsiveness Of Fdg And Faza Retention: Influence Of Shaking Versus Stagnant Conditions, Glass Versus Polystyrene Substrata And Cell Number Down-Scaling
Authors: Busk Morten , Horsman Michael R , Overgaard Jens , Jakobsen Steen
Published: March 2020

Background. In vitro experiments using radiolabeled molecules is fundamental for Positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) tracer development and various metabolic assays, but no consensus on appropriate incubation conditions exists. Specifically, the use of shaking versus non-shaking conditions, cell number to medium volume and the choice of cell plating material may unintentionally influence cellular oxygenation and medium composition. This is problematic when testing the oxygen-dependence of tracers including 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) and hypoxia-selective 2-nitroimidazoles (e.g., 18F-fluoroazomycin-arabinoside, FAZA) or when doing prolonged experiments. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of various experimental conditions on tracer retention. Methods. Tumor cells were seeded in a) Glass or standard Polystyrene Petri dishes or as b) discrete droplets in polystyrene Petri dishes or on 9 mm glass coverslips positioned in glass Petri dishes. When confluent, cells were pre-equilibrated for 2h to 21%, 0.5% or 0% O2 and FDG or FAZA was added, followed by cell harvest and analysis of radioactivity 1h (FDG) or 3h (FAZA) after. Experiments were conducted with/without orbital shaking. Results. The influence of hypoxia on tracer retention varied widely among cell lines, but shaking-induced convection did not influence uptake. In contrast, hypoxia-driven FAZA, and to some extent FDG, retention was much lower in cells grown on polyethylene than glass. Scaling-down the number of cells did not compromise accuracy. Conclusions. Most experiments can be performed appropriately in the absence of shaking and with downscaling of cell number but the use of conventional plasticware is highly problematic for studies on tracers and drugs that are metabolized and retained or activated at low O2 levels.