bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the dropout risk after treatment of obesity: Logistic regression analysis and deep neural network analysis
Authors: Yamada Tomohide , Lee Chia-lin , Liu Wei-Ju , Hiraike Yuta , Hosoe Jun , Noma Hisashi , Shojima Nobuhiro
Published: December 2019

Backgrounds Severely obese patients must follow strict regimens of diet, exercise, and medical therapy. However, such comprehensive weight-loss programs have high dropout rates. In this study, we developed a machine learning prediction model to aid in the early detection of high-risk-dropout patients.Methods 102 severely obese patients were monitored for 3 years to assess their risk of dropout from a comprehensive weight-loss program. The program targeted a 5% weight loss. It consisted of three main components, which include behavioral modification (goal setting and charting weight four times daily), diet, and exercise. A machine learning model was developed to predict dropout risk based on a 1-year dropout event. To extend the prediction ability past 1 year, we plotted a 3-year Kaplan-Meier survival curve using a deep learning (DL) algorithm and logistic regression (LR) classifications.Results Their mean age was 49±14 years, 43% were male, BMI was 42 kg/m2, and hemoglobin A1c was 7.6%. Additionally, 76% had diabetes, 21% had impaired glucose tolerance. After 1 year, the dropout rate was 19%. Using oral hypoglycemic agents had a lower risk of 3-year dropout [Odds ratio 0.26 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.83, p = 0.023)]. The area under the curve (AUC) was better with DL than LR methods for predicting dropout at 3 years (0.97 vs. 0.77, p<0.001). The AUC for DL was also better than LR using binary classifications (0.86 vs. 0.68, p=0.001).Conclusions We demonstrated a higher precision with machine learning than with the standard logistic regression, based on limited sample size and information available during hospital admission. It is vital to note that machine learning was more accurate than standard analysis. This may have clinical significance because machine learning could be used to identify high-risk groups and allow for early intervention.
Using a multi-stakeholder experience-based design process to co-develop the Creating Active Schools Framework
Authors: Daly-Smith Andrew , Quarmby Tom , Archbold Victoria S.J. , Corrigan Nicola , Wilson Dan , Resaland Geir Kare , Bartholomew John B , Singh Amika , Tjomsland Hege , Sherar Lauren B , Chalkley Anna , Routen Ash C , Shickle Darren , Bingham Daniel D , Barber Sally E , Sluijs Esther van , Fairclough Stuart J , McKenna Jim
Published: December 2019

Background UK and global policies recommend whole-school approaches to improve childrens’ inadequate physical activity (PA) levels. Yet, recent meta-analyses establish current interventions as ineffective due to suboptimal implementation rates and poor sustainability. To create effective and sustainable interventions which recognise schools as complex adaptive sub-systems, multi-stakeholder input is necessary. Further, to ensure ‘systems’ change, a framework is required that identifies the many components of a whole-school PA approach. The aim of this paper was to co-develop a whole-school PA framework using the double diamond design approach (DDDA); a four-stage reflective process to discover, define, develop, and deliver an innovative solution to a problem. Framework development process Fifty stakeholders engaged in a six-phase DDDA workshop undertaking tasks within same stakeholder (n=9; UK researchers, public health specialists, active schools coordinators, headteachers, teachers, active partner schools specialists, national organisations, Sport England local delivery pilot representatives and international researchers) and mixed (n=6) stakeholder groupings. Six draft frameworks were created before stakeholders selected one ‘initial’ framework through an individual voting process. Next, stakeholders reviewed the ‘initial’ framework, proposing modifications. Following the workshop, the original stakeholders voted on eight proposed modifications using an online questionnaire. Following voting, the final Creating Active Schools (CAS) Framework was designed. Summary To the authors knowledge, this is the first time practitioners, policy makers and researchers who understand the powerful driving agents of school systems and teacher and pupil PA behaviour, have co-designed a whole-school PA framework from initial conception. The novelty of the CAS framework resides in formally identifying the multitude of interconnecting elements of a whole-school adaptive sub-system; exposing the complexity required to create systems change. The CAS framework can be used to shape future policy, research and practice to embed sustainable PA interventions within schools. To enact such change, the CAS framework presents a potential paradigm shift, providing a map and method to guide future co-production by multiple experts of PA initiatives ‘with’ schools, while abandoning outdated traditional approaches of implementing interventions ‘on’ schools.
Geographical variations of early age sexual initiation among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Evidence from EDHS 2016
Authors: Nigatu Araya Mesfin , Birhanu Abraham Yeneneh , Endehabtu Berhanu Fikadie
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background : The early age of sexual initiation will contribute a lot for various risks such as mistimed pregnancy followed by insecure termination, developing fistula and contracting sexually transmitted infections which are currently the major public health concerns, particularly for low-income countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to detect spatial clusters and identify factors associated with an early age sexual initiation of women in the reproductive age group.

Methods : We used a population-based nationwide representative Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016 data for this analysis. A total of 12,033 respondents of reproductive age (15–49 years) who had at least one event of sexual initiation was retrieved and included for the analysis. Spatial cluster detection and autocorrelation analysis were also done to explore the patterns of early age sexual initiation.
Results : The median age at first sexual intercourse among respondents was 16 (±3.3) years and more than half (66.2%), had their first intercourse before the age of 18 years. The spatial variations of the age of sexual initiation was nonrandom and clustered with a Moran's I = 0.413 (P-value < 0.001). In addition, five significant spatial clusters were also identified. Moreover, the probability of starting sex at an earlier age was associated with the respondent’s residence, marital status, educational attainment and wealth index.
Conclusion : This study found a higher proportion of an early age sexual initiation of women. Socio-demographic variables were also significantly associated with early sexual initiation. The SaTScan analysis identified five statistical significant spatial clusters which indicate that there were geographical variations. Therefore, targeted and integrated interventions focusing on the identified high spot clustered areas are recommended to reduce early age sexual initiation.
Keywords : Early sexual initiation, geographical variations, Ethiopia
The lead toxicity and pollution with this element in Poland
Authors: Charkiewicz Angelika , Backstrand Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

Background The aim of this review is to describe lead’s toxic effects on the human body from conception through adulthood.Results One toxic heavy metal is lead. Pb is very dangerous when it is absorbed and accumulates in the main organs of the body where it can cause a range of symptoms that vary from person to person, the time of exposure and dose. Lead in adults can cause an increase in blood pressure, slow nerve conduction, fatigue, mood swings, drowsiness, impaired concentration, fertility disorders, decreased sex drive, headaches, constipation and in severe cases encephalopathy or death.Conclusions Toxic exposure to lead in Poland remains an important public health problem. This review will cover the range of lead exposures, from mild to heavy. Public health interventions and policies also are needed to reduce occupational and environmental exposure to this heavy metal.
Evaluating differences in the clinical impact of a free online weight loss programme, a resource-intensive commercial weight loss programme and an active control condition: a parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Innes Aidan Quinn , Thomson Greig , Cotter Mary , King James A , Vollaard Niels BJ , Kelly Benjamin M
Published: December 2019

Background Finding effective intervention strategies to combat rising obesity levels could significantly reduce the burden that obesity and associated non-communicable diseases places on both individuals and the National Health Service.Methods In this parallel randomised-controlled trial, 76 participants who are overweight or obese (50 female) were given free access to a fitness centre for the duration of the 12-week intervention and randomised to one of three interventions. The commercial intervention, the Healthy Weight Programme, (HWP, n=25, 10/15 men/women) consisted of twelve 1-hour nutrition coaching sessions with a nutritionist delivered as a mixture of group and 1 to 1 sessions. In addition, twice-weekly exercise sessions (24 in total) were delivered by personal trainers for 12 weeks. The NHS intervention (n=25, 8/17 men/women) consisted of following an entirely self-managed 12-week online NHS resource. The GYM intervention (n=26, 8/18 men/women) received no guidance or formal intervention. All participants were provided with a gym induction for safety and both the NHS and GYM participants were familiarised with ACSM physical activity guidelines by way of a hand-out. Results The overall follow-up rate was 83%. Body mass was significantly reduced at post-intervention in all groups (HWP: N=18, -5.17±4.22 kg, NHS: N=21 -4.19±5.49 kg; GYM: N=24 -1.17±3.00 kg; p < 0.001) with greater reductions observed in HWP and NHS groups compared to GYM (p<0.05). Out with body mass and BMI, there were no additional statistically significant time x intervention interaction effectsConclusions This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of both a free online NHS self-help weight-loss tool and a commercial weight loss programme that provides face-to-face nutritional support and supervised exercise. The findings suggest that both interventions are superior to an active control condition with regard to eliciting short-term weight-loss. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry - ISRCTN31489026. Prospectively registered: 27/07/16
GSK-3β disrupts neural oscillatory function to inhibit learning and memory in rats
Authors: Albeely Abdalla M , Williams Olivia O.F. , Perreault Melissa
Published: December 2019

Background. Alterations in glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity have been implicated in disorders of cognitive impairment including Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Another characteristic of cognitive impairment is the dysregulation of neural oscillatory activity, macroscopic electrical rhythms in brain critical to systems communication. A direct functional relationship between GSK-3β and neural oscillations has not been elucidated.Methods. In the present study, the impact of increasing GSK-3β activity in prefrontal cortex (PFC) or hippocampus (HIP) on the regulation of neural oscillations in rats was investigated using an adeno-associated viral vector containing a persistently active mutant of GSK-3β (S9A), and changes in learning and memory and tau phosphorylation assessed.Results. Increasing GSK-3β activity in either region had similar effects on oscillatory spectral power, enhancing theta and/or gamma oscillatory power recorded from one or both regions. Increasing PFC GSK-3β activity additionally suppressed high gamma PFC-HIP coherence. These oscillatory changes were accompanied by deficits in recognition memory, spatial learning and/or reversal learning. Increased pathogenic tau phosphorylation was also evident in regions where GSK-3β activity was elevated. Conclusions. These findings indicate that increased GSK-3β activity in PFC or HIP dysregulates neural oscillatory function in, and between, these regions. This suggests that GSK-3β may not only play an early role in cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease but may also play a more central role in disorders of cognitive dysfunction through the regulation of neurophysiological network function.
Low levels of thyroid hormone may reduce the risk of breast cancer: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Bolin , Huang Yan , Lin Tao
Published: December 2019

Background: At present, the relationship between hypothyroidism and the risk of breast cancer is still inconclusive. This meta-analysis was used to systematically assess the relationship between hypothyroidism and breast cancer risk, and to assess whether thyroid hormone replacement therapy can increase breast cancer risk.Methods: The relevant articles about hypothyroidism and the risk of breast cancer were obtained on the electronic database platform. Relevant data were extracted, and odd ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals(95% CI) were merged using Stata SE 12.0 software. A total of 19 related studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 6 cohort studies and 13 case-control studies.Result: The results show that hypothyroidism can reduce the risk of breast cancer(odd ratios= 0.90, 95% CI 0.77-1.03), but in Asian populations, patients with hypothyroidism have an increased risk of breast cancer(odd ratios=1.17, 95% CI 0.98-1.35). In addition, patients who received thyroid hormone replacement therapy had a lower risk of developing breast cancer(odd ratios=0.87, 95% CI 0.65-1.09).Conclusion: Hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of breast cancer, suggesting that low levels of thyroid hormone may be beneficial to breast cancer prevention. Due to the limited number of studies included more large-scale, high-quality, long-term prospective cohort studies are needed.
Clinicopathologic features and genomic analysis of pulmonary blastomatoid carcinosarcoma
Authors: Zhao Jikai , Xiang Chan , Zhao Ruiying , Guo Ping , Zheng Jingjing , Han-Zhang Han , Yu Keke , Zhang Jie , Han Yuchen
Published: December 2019

Background: This study was designed to investigate the clinicopathologic features of pulmonary blastomatoid carcinosarcoma and explore the genomic profiles of epithelial and mesenchymal components in this tumor. Methods: Three cases of pulmonary blastomatoid carcinosarcoma were enrolled in this study. Clinic-pathologic information and prognostic data were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnostic immunohistochemistry was performed. The epithelial and mesenchymal components were microdissected to investigate the genomic profiles by performing capture-based targeted next generation sequencing. Results: The epithelial component in patient one was consistent of low-grade and high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma and displayed aberrant nuclear expression of β-catenin and missense mutation of CTNNB1 in its low-grade epithelial. The epithelial component in another two patients were consistent of high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma/enteric adenocarcinoma and harbored no mutation of CTNNB1. The mesenchymal components in all three tumors were primitive round/spindle cells in morphology without definite differentiation and showed cytoplasmic dot positive of β-catenin and no corresponding mutation. Within a tumor, both components exhibited relatively comparable molecular profile. In patient one, 4 mutations: RB1, FAT3, PTCH1 and LRP1B were shared by both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Epithelial had additional mutations in BCOR, CTNNB1, CTCF, FAT1 and DICER1. In patient two, 12 mutations were shared. The epithelial had BRCA2 mutations and the mesenchymal had mutations in CREBBP, ALK, DNMT3A, ASXL2, MYCN andRICTOR. Patient three had 6 shared mutations. The epithelial had an additional mutation in KAT6A and the mesenchymal had an additional mutation in APC. Collectively, we observed heterogeneity between epithelial and mesenchymal components of the same tumor. Conclusions: Parallel detection of genetic abnormalities in epithelial and mesenchymal components of blastomatoid carcinosarcoma could provide evidence for tumor differentiation, molecular targeting and further distinguish them from conventional pulmonary blastoma and carcinosarcoma.
G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Activation Upregulates Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist in the Hippocampus after Global Cerebral Ischemia: Implications for Neuronal Self Defense
Authors: BAI NING , ZHANG QUANGUANG , ZHANG WENLI , LIU BIN , YANG FANG , Brann Darrell , Wang Ruimin
Published: December 2019

Background: G-protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER/GPR30) is a novel membrane-associated estrogen receptor that can induce rapid kinase signaling in various cells. Activation of GPER can prevent hippocampal neuronal cell death following transient global cerebral ischemia (GCI), although the mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we sought to address whether GPER activation exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects in the rat hippocampus after GCI as a potential mechanism to limit neuronal cell death. Methods: GCI was induced by four-vessel occlusion in ovariectomized-female SD rats. Specific agonist G1 or antagonist G36 of GPER was administrated using minipump and antisense oligonucleotide (AS) of interleukin-1β receptor antagonist (IL1RA) was administrated using brain infusion kit. Protein expression of IL1RA, NFkB-P65, phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB), Bcl2, Cleaved-caspase 3 and microglial markers Iba1, CD11b, as well as inflammasome components NLRP3, ASC, Cleaved-caspase 1, and Cle-IL1β in the hippocampal CA1 region were investigated by Immunofluorescent staining and Western blot analysis. The Duo-Link II in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) was performed to detect the interaction between NLRP3 and ASC. Immunofluorescent staining for NeuN and TUNEL analysis were used to analyze neuronal survival and apoptosis, respectively. We performed Barnes maze and Novel object tests to compare the cognitive function of the rats. Results: The results showed that G1 attenuated GCI-induced elevation of Iba1 and CD11b in the hippocampal CA1 region at 14d reperfusion, and this effect was blocked by G36. G1 treatment also markedly decreased expression of the NLRP3-ASC-Caspase 1 inflammasome and IL1β activation, as well as downstream NFkB signaling, the effects reversed by G36 administration. Intriguingly, G1 caused a robust elevation in neurons of a well-known endogenous anti-inflammatory factor IL1RA, which was reversed by G36 treatment. G1 also enhanced p-CREB level in the hippocampus, a transcription factor known to enhance expression of IL1RA. Finally, in vivo IL1RA-AS abolished the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of G1 after GCI, and reversed the cognitive-enhancing effects of G1 at 14d after GCI. Conclusions: Taken together, the current results suggest that GPER preserves cognitive function following GCI in part by exerting anti-inflammatory effects and enhancing the defense mechanism of neurons by upregulating IL1RA.
The expression and Clinical Significance of miRNA-135a and Bach1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Yuchen , Jiang Zhiyang , Tao Guoqing , Zhu Fei Yan
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND AIM To explore the correlation between the expression of miRNA-135a and Bach1 in colorectal cancer tissue and the patient's clinical information. Methods 60 patients with colorectal carcinoma were treated as a control group. Real-time quantitative PCR assays and immunohistochemistry method were performed to detect the expression of miRNA-135a and bach1 in 50 colorectal carcinoma and adjacent normal tissues, and the clinical and pathological classifications have also been investigated. The SPSS 19.00 software was used. All data represent mean±SD of three independent experiments. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results miRNA-135a expression levels increase significantly in the colon cancer tissues compared with the non-tumor control tissues(P<0.01). miRNA-135a expression levels are higher in stage III/IV than in stage I/II colon cancer patients. The expression level of Bach1 in colorectal cancer was significantly lower(P<0.01). Bach1 and mirna-135a are negatively correlated. Conclusions: mirna-135a and bach1 showed a negative correlation, it may be one of the important indices for colorectal cancer screening.
Digital Karyotyping for Rapid Authentication of Cell Lines
Authors: Khalil Ahmed Ibrahim Samir , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Sanyal Amartya
Published: December 2019

Background
The widespread concern about genetic drift and cross-contamination of cell lines calls for a pressing need for their authentication. The current genetic techniques for authentication are time-consuming and require specific documentary standard and laboratory protocols. Given the fact that whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data are readily available, read depth (RD)-based computational analyses has allowed the estimation of genetic profiles of cell lines.
Results
We propose WGS-derived aneuploidy profiling as a prototype of digital karyotyping for authentication of cancer cell lines. Here, we describe a Python-based software AStra for de novo estimation of the genome-wide aneuploidy profile, the copy number of every genomic loci, from raw WGS reads. We demonstrated that aneuploidy profile offers a unique signature that can distinguish the clonal variants (strains) of a cell line. We evaluated our approach using simulated data and variety of cancer cell lines. We further showed that cell lines exhibit distinct aneuploidy patterns which corroborate well with the experimental observations.
Conclusions
AStra is a simple, user-friendly, and free tool that provides the elementary information about the chromosomal aneuploidy for cell line authentication. AStra provides an analytical and visualization platform for rapid and easy comparison between different cell lines/strains. We recommend AStra for rapid first-pass quality assessment of scientific data that employ cancer cell lines. AStra is an open source software and is available at https://github.com/AISKhalil/AStra.
Limited Care Offered to People with Epilepsy in Mwanza, Tanzania: Need for Intervention
Authors: Dika Haruna , Nkola Rahel , Iddi Shabani , Magwiza Catherine , Kongola Gilbert , Dekker Marieke
Published: December 2019

Background Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorder worldwide. It is associated with high socioeconomic burden. Epilepsy successful treatment depends on appropriate diagnosis, correct choice of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and adherence to the prescribed AEDs. While up to 90% of PWE in developing countries don’t get appropriate treatment, there is limited information about care offered to people with epilepsy (PWE) in Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to describe available care offered to PWE in Mwanza.Methods This was a cross sectional descriptive study which enrolled health Care workers (HCWs) who regularly treated PWE in five selected hospitals of Mwanza region. It aslo enrolled PWE (or their caretakers) attending outpatient clinic in these hospitals. HCWs completed self-administered questionnaires while PWE or caretakers were interviewed using structured Swahili translated questionnaires. Coded data were analyzed using SPSS.Results A total of 18 HCWs and 218 PWE (or their care takers) participated in this study. Among 18 HCWs who routinely diagnosed and treated PWE, nurses were majority and none was a neurologist. Only 2/18 (11.1%) HCWs reported to use investigations to confirm epilepsy diagnosis or explore its causes. 10/18 (55.6%) of HCWs reported that counseling was given to patients. However, counseling information was largely inadequate regarding the use of AEDs. The AEDs prescriptions were mainly dictated by drug availability and affordability to patients, rather than seizure types. 27/218 (12.4%) patients were given subtherapeutic and 109/218 (50.0%) sub-optimal doses, despite some had one or more seizures in the last 30 days. No follow-up investigation was done to any of the 218 participant patients. Ten (55.6%) HCWs did not stop AEDs medication to their patients while the rest stopped medication after varying periods of seizure free.Conclusion Most PWE in Mwanza were diagnosed and treated by nurses. Patients were not thoroughly investigated, counseled and followed-up, and had limited choice and accessibility to AEDs. Some patients particularly in district hospitals were under-medicated despite of seizure recurrence. There was discrepancy between hospitals and practitioners regarding withdraw of AEDs. We recommend short-course training about epilepsy management to the HCWs who diagnose and treat PWE regularly.
A multicenter study assessing the prevalence of germline genetic alterations in Chinese gastric cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Yinjie , Yang Yang , Wei Qing , Xu Ting , Zhang Xiaotian , Gao Jing , Zhu Changbin , Shao Di , Ke Yang , Tan Siyi , Liu Baorui , Zhang Jingdong , Chen Xiaobing , Wang Zhaojie , Qiu Meng , Wang Xin , Shen Lin , Wang Xicheng
Published: December 2019

BackgroundApproximately 10% of patients with gastric cancer (GC) have a genetic predisposition for the disease. To date, knowledge regarding germline mutations in predisposing genes in the Chinese GC population is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the spectrum and distribution of predisposing gene mutations among Chinese GC patients known to have hereditary high-risk factors for cancer. Forty patients from among ten families were recruited from seven medical institutions in China. Next-generation sequencing was performed on 171 genes associated with cancer predisposition. For probands with pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants, Sanger sequencing was used to validate the variants in the probands and their relatives.ResultsSequencing indicated that 25% (10/40) of the patients carried a combined total of ten pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants involving nine different genes: CDH1 (n = 1), MLH1 (n = 1), MSH2 (n = 1), CHEK2 (n = 1), BLM (n = 1), EXT2 (n = 1), PALB2 (n = 1), ERCC2 (n = 1), and SPINK1 (n = 2). Five of these variants have not previously been reported. In addition, a total of 129 variants of uncertain significance were identified in 27 patients.ConclusionsThis study found that 25% of Chinese GC patients with hereditary high-risk factors have deleterious germline alterations. This result may indicate a unique genetic background of GC among Chinese patients.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Vernonia [Vernonia galamensis (Cass.) Less] populations from Ethiopia revealed by SSR markers
Authors: Egu Alemneh Mideksa , Dagne Kifle , Tesfaye Kassahun , Hu Xuebo
Published: December 2019

BackgroundVernonia (Vernonia galamensis) is a potential novel industrial crop due to high demand for its natural epoxidised oil, which can be used for the manufacturing of oleochemicals such as paints, plastic formulations (polyvinyl chloride), and pharmaceutical products. This study is initiated for the systematic and intensive genetic diversity assessment of V. galamensis accessions by SSR molecular markers to minimize the existing research gaps, provide a clue for germplasm conservation and further research. ResultsTwenty SSR markers were used for genetic diversity analyses of 150 individual V. galamensis accessions representing 10 populations, from which a total of 79 bands were identified across the entire loci. All the loci used showed high polymorphism that ranged from 0.50 to 0.96, while the mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) was 0.15 across all the 20 markers evaluated. The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) showed significant variations despite low differentiation among populations which accounted for only 11% of the total variations. Populations clustering showed that the dendrogram and principal coordinate’s analysis roughly classified the 150 accessions into four groups. However, the Bayesian model-based clustering (STRUCTURE) grouped into 6 (K = 6) major gene pools. These analyses showed accessions collected from the same region of origin did not often grouped entirely together within a given major groups. ConclusionsThe result suggested that the markers applied to ten populations, in which East Showa and East Harerghe revealed higher genetic diversity, signaled that these areas are the hotspots for in-situ conservation of V. galamensis. In addition, the values of SSR markers such as heterozygosity, Shannon‘s index, polymorphic information content, and population clusters are important baseline information for future V. galamensis cultivation, breeding and genetic resource conservation endeavors in Ethiopia.
Effects of Kinesio Tape on kinesiophobia, balance and functional performance of athletes with post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Gholami Milad , Kamali Fahimeh , Shamsi MohammadBagher , Motealleh Alireza
Published: December 2019

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping on Kinesiophobia (fear of re-injury), balance and functional performance in athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 20 athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (mean age 32.35 ± 6.25 years) at the time of return to sport. The participants were selected using purposive sampling approach and they were randomly assigned to kinesio tape group (n=10) or placebo kinesio tape group (n=10). While subjects under taped, the following outcomes were measured at baseline, ten minutes after the intervention, and two days later. Kinesiophobia, balance, strength, functional / agility performance was assessed by Tampa Scale, Y balance test (YBT), single leg hops and 10-yard extremity functional test, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measure analysis of variance (RMANOVA) in the SPSS v.23.Results: Two days after Kinesio taping, the difference between the scores obtained in the first and the second measurements for all variables in the kinesio tape group was not significantly different rather than placebo kinesio tape group (all P> 0.05). The difference between scores of the third and the first measurements of all variables was also not significantly different in the kinesio tape group compared to the placebo kinesio tape group (all P> 0.05). In the kinesio tape and placebo kinesio tape groups, RMANOVA indicated that the differences in all variables scores were significant over time (P < 0.001), Sidak post-hoc test indicated that the differences between the first and the second measurements, as well as between the first and the third measurements were significant (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Kinesio taping reduced kinesiophobia and provided more improvement in balance, agility and functional performance of athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but these effects were too small to be clinically worthwhile. Trial registration: This study was registered in the Iranian Clinical Trial Center with the code IRCT20190130042556N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/37312, registered 12 February 2019. Keywords: Kinesio tape, Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, Fear, Physical Functional Performance, Balance
A Novel Computational Model for Predicting Potential LncRNA-Disease Associations based on Both Direct and Indirect Features of LncRNA-Disease Pairs
Authors: Xiao Yubin , Xiao Zheng , Feng Xiang , Chen Zhiping , Kuang Linai , wang lei
Published: December 2019

BackgroundAccumulating evidence has demonstrated that lncRNAs are closely associated with human diseases, and it is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases to get the relationships between lncRNAs and diseases. Due to the high costs and time complexity of traditional bio-experiments, in recent years, more and more computational methods have been proposed by researchers to infer potential lncRNA-disease associations. However, there exist all kinds of limitations in these prediction methods as well. ResultsIn this manuscript, a novel computational model named FVTLDA is proposed to infer potential lncRNA-disease associations. In FVTLDA, its major novelty lies in the integration of direct and indirect features related to lncRNA-disease associations such as the feature vectors of lncRNA-disease pairs and their corresponding association probability fractions, which guarantees that FVTLDA can be utilized to predict diseases without known related-lncRNAs and lncRNAs without known related-diseases. Moreover, FVTLDA neither relies solely on known lncRNA-disease nor requires any negative samples, which guarantee that it can infer potential lncRNA-disease associations more equitably and effectively than traditional methods. Additionally, to avoid the limitations of single model prediction techniques, we combine FVTLDA with the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for data analysis respectively. Simulation experiment results show that FVTLDA with MLR can achieve reliable AUCs of 0.8909, 0.8936 and 0.8970 in 5-Fold Cross Validation, 10-Fold Cross Validation and Leave-One-Out Cross Validation, separately, while FVTLDA with ANN can achieve reliable AUCs of 0.8766, 0.8830 and 0.8807 in 5-fold CV, 10-fold CV, and LOOCV respectively. Furthermore, in case studies of gastric cancer, leukemia and lung cancer, experiment results show that there are 8, 8 and 8 out of top 10 candidate lncRNAs predicted by FVTLDA with MLR, and 8, 7 and 8 out of top 10 candidate lncRNAs predicted by FVTLDA with ANN, having been verified by recent literature. Moreover, comparing with the representative prediction model of KATZLDA, results illustrate that FVTLDA with MLR and FVTLDA with ANN can achieve the average case study contrast scores of 0.8429 and 0.8515 respectively, which are both higher than the average case study contrast score of 0.6375 achieved by KATZLDA.
Long non-coding RNA landscapes in benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms of distinct histological subtypes
Authors: Yakushina Valentina , Lavrov Alexander
Published: December 2019

Background: The main types of thyroid neoplasms, follicular adenoma (FA), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), classical and follicular variants of papillary carcinoma (clPTC and fvPTC), anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), are differ in the prognosis, rate of progression and metastatic behavior. It can be supposed that there are specific patterns of lncRNAs involved in the development of clinical and morphological features. The lncRNA landscapes within distinct benign and malignant histological variants of thyroid neoplasm are unknown. Methods: Comprehensive set of Microarray and RNA-Seq datasets was analyzed for the expression of lncRNAs in FA, FTC, fvPTC, clPTC and ATC. The potential biological functions were evaluated via coexpression and enrichment analysis. Results and conclusion: Abberant expression of lncRNA in FA, FTC, fvPTC, clPTC and ATC was established. The lncRNAs common for benign and malignant neoplasms, specific for papillary carcinomas, specific for clPTC, fvPTC and ATC are determined. The determined common and specific lncRNAs are found to be putatively involved into L1CAM interactions; processing of capped intron-containing pre-mRNA; Tryptophan metabolism; PCP/CE pathway and Beta-catenin independent WNT signaling; extracellular matrix organization and cell cycle and mitotic. The patterns of lncRNA expression in FA and FTC are appeared to be similar with no genes significantly differentially expressed within these subtypes. Previously known oncogenic and supressor lncRNAs (NR2F1-AS1, LINC00511, SLC26A4-AS1, CRNDE, LINC01116, RMST) are found aberrantly expressed in thyroid carcinomas. The findings enhance the understanding of lncRNA landscape in thyroid neoplasms and its role in thyroid cancer progression.
ATP measurement as an objective method to measure environmental contamination in 9 hospitals in the Dutch/Belgian border area.
Authors: Arkel Andreas van , Willemsen Ina , Kilsdonk-Bode Linda , Vlamings-Wagenaars Sindy , Oudheusden Anne van , De Waegemaeker Pascal , Leroux-Roels Isabel , Verelst Martine , Maas Evelien , Oosten Anita van , Willemse Patricia , Asselen Esther van , Klomp-Berens Ella , Franssen Karen , Cauwenberg Elise Van , Kluytmans Jan
Published: December 2019

Background The objective of this study was to determine the level of environmental contamination in hospitals in the Dutch/Belgian border area, using ATP measurements. Design A cross-sectional observational survey Methods Standardized ATP measurements were conducted in 9 hospitals on 32 hospital wards. Thirty pre-defined surfaces per hospital ward were measured with the 3M Clean Trace NG luminometer. Results are displayed in relative light units (RLU). RLU >1000 was considered as “not clean.” Differences in RLU values were compared between countries, hospitals, fomite groups and medical specialties. Results A total of 960 ATP measurements were performed, ranging from 60 up to 120 per hospital. The median RLU-value was 568 (range: 3 – 277,586) and 37.7% of the measurements were rated as not clean (RLU >1000). There were significant differences between countries, hospitals and fomite groups. Conclusion ATP measurements can be used as a more objective approach to determine the level of environmental contamination in hospitals. Significant differences in ATP levels were found between hospitals and between countries. Also, substantial differences were found between different fomite groups. These findings offer potential targets for improvement of cleanliness in healthcare facilities.
Laparoscopic adventitial renal sympathetic denervation in a canine neurogenic hypertension model
Authors: Shao Chunlai , Zhou Yan , You Tao , Xue Boxin , Stella Pieter R , Jiang TingBo , Miao Zhigang , Xu Longjiang , Yin Yin , Lan Longsheng , Rong Guang
Published: December 2019

Background Previous renal denervation (RDN) studies showed controversial results in reducing blood pressure. The aim of this study was to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of laparoscopic renal denervation (LRA) in treating hypertension.Methods Sixteen Beagle dogs were randomly divided into RDN group (n = 12) and sham group (n = 4). Neurogenic hypertension was generated in all dogs via carotid artery route. LRA was performed in the RDN group, with sham operation performed as a control. Blood pressure (BP) changes were recorded at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the procedure. Changes in serum creatinine (sCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and level of norepinephrine (NE) were analyzed. Histological changes of kidney and renal arteries were also evaluated.Results BP and NE levels were significantly elevated after hypertension induction (p < 0.01). Systolic and diastolic BP of RDN group were decreased by 15.5 mmHg and 7.3 mmHg (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0021, respectively) at the eighth week after LRA. Invasive systolic and diastolic BP of RDN group were significantly decreased by 14.5 mmHg and 15.3 mmHg (p < 0.0001). In addition, RDN group but not the sham group showed a significant decrease in NE levels (p < 0.001), while no significant changes in sCr and BUN were observed in both groups. Pathological examinations showed no discernible damage, tear, or dissection to the renal arteries in RND group.Conclusions LRA lowered BP and NE levels in hypertensive dogs without affecting renal artery morphology and kidney function.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization among HIV-infected patients in Taiwan: prevalence, molecular characteristics and associated factors with nasal carriage
Authors: Huang Yhu-Chering , Hsu Yi-Yu , Wu David , Hung Chien-Ching , Huang Shie-Shian , Yuan Fang-Hsueh , Lee Ming-Hsun , Huang Ching-Tai , Shie Shian-Sen , Huang Po-Yen , Yang Chien-Chang , Cheng Chun-Wen , Leu Hsieh-Shong , Wu Ting-Shu
Published: December 2019

Objective: To evaluate nasal carriage and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as the risk factors of MRSA colonization, in in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in northern Taiwan.Methods: From September 2014 to November 2015, HIV-infected patients seeking outpatient care at four hospitals were eligible for this study. A nasal specimen was obtained from each subject for the detection of S. aureus and a questionnaire was completed by each subject. MRSA isolates once identified were characterized.Results: Of 553 patients surveyed, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) was detected in 119 subjects (21.5%) and MRSA in 19 subjects (3.4%). Female gender, injection drug use, smoking, hepatitis C virus carrier, cancer and antibiotic use within one year were positively associated with MRSA colonization. By multivariate analysis, only cancer (adjust odds ratio (aOR) 7.78, [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.909-31.731]) and antibiotic use within one year (aOR 3.89, [95% CI, 1.219-12.433]) were significantly associated with MRSA colonization. Ten isolates were characterized as sequence type (ST) 59/staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC) IV or VT, endemic community strains in Taiwan, four isolates as ST 8/SCCmec IV (USA 300) and one isolate as ST 239/SCCmec IIIA, a hospital strain.Conclusions: Nasal MRSA carriage in HIV-infected patients seeking outpatient care was low (3.4%) in northern Taiwan, and most of the colonizing isolates were genetically endemic community strains. Cancer and antibiotic use within one year were associated with MRSA colonization.
Informal and formal care among persons with dementia immediately before nursing home admission.
Authors: Ydstebø Arnt Egil , Benth J. Šaltytė , Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Vossius Corinna
Published: December 2019

Background: This study assesses the use of formal and informal care resources among home-dwelling persons with dementia during the last month before nursing home admission. It also describes providers of informal care and assesses clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the use of care stratified by living situation. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 47 nursing homes in four counties in Norway from January 2012 to August 2014. The subjects were persons with dementia who were newly admitted to a permanent nursing home. The main outcome measures were the use of formal care and informal care by the family caregiver and the extended social network. Results: A total of 395 persons were included. The amount of informal care provided by the family caregiver was 141.9 hours (SD=227.4). Co-resident patients received five times more informal care than non-co-residents. Informal care from the extended social network was provided to 212 patients (53.7%) with a mean of 5.6 (SD=11.2) hours per month. Formal care was provided to 52.7% of the patients with a mean of 18.0 (SD=50.1) hours per month. Co-residency was significantly associated with more informal care, and the associations varied with respect to age, relation to the caregiver, and the caregiver’s working situation. Good/excellent general health was associated with less formal care. Conclusion: Persons with dementia on the verge of admission to a nursing home are mostly supported by the family caregiver, and the use of informal care is particularly high among co-residents. Future research should explore the unrealized care potential in extended social networks, as well as the potential for increasing the number of recipients and utilization of formal care services directed at persons with dementia and their caregivers in order to delay nursing home admission.
The association between non-occupational TV and computer screen-time viewing and cancer risk: Findings from the UK Biobank, a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Hunter Ruth , Murray Jennifer M. , Coleman Helen G.
Published: December 2019

Background Evidence is suggestive of sedentary behaviour being associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, but the evidence base is too limited to draw any conclusions for other cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between sedentary behaviour and total cancer incidence and site-specific cancer incidence.Methods This prospective population-based cohort study involved data from the UK Biobank (470 578 adults; 53.8% females; mean age 56.3 years). Sedentary behaviours including television viewing time, computer use time and daily total screen time were the exposure variables. Primary and secondary outcome measures included incident total cancer, and site-specific cancers identified from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th revisions (ICD-9 and ICD-10). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) showing the relationship between sedentary behaviour and cancer using continuous (hours/day) and categorical exposure variables. Partition models and isotemporal substitution models were used to investigate the impact of substituting sedentary behaviour with physical activity.Results During a mean follow-up time of 7.6 years, 28 992 incident cancers were identified. A 1-hour increase in daily TV screen time was associated with higher risk of oropharyngeal cancer (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11), stomach cancer (HR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.13), oesophagus and stomach cancer (HR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.005, 1.09), and colon cancer (HR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.06) in fully adjusted models. Participants who reported ≤1 hour/day of TV screen time had a lower risk of lung cancer (HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.997), breast (female only) cancer (HR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.996), stomach cancer (HR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.97), and oesophagus and stomach cancer (HR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.98) compared to participants who reported 1-≤3 hours/day of TV screen time. Isotemporal substitution models showed reduced risk of total cancer (HR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99) and some site-specific cancers when replacing 1-hour/day of TV viewing with moderate-intensity physical activity or walking.Conclusions Our findings show that sedentary behaviours were associated with some site-specific cancers (including oropharyngeal, oesophagus and stomach, colon and lung cancer), particularly for TV viewing time. Our findings were less consistent for time spent on computer and daily total screen time. Substitution models showed that replacing 1-hour per day of TV viewing with 1-hour of moderate-intensity physical activity or walking was associated with lower risk of total cancer and lower risk of several site-specific cancers. Health promotion strategies should endorse the message to minimise sedentary behaviour, replacing it with health-enhancing physical activity, and to particularly target TV viewing.