bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Short Stature and Malnutrition among Egyptian Primary School Children and their Coexistence with Anemia
Authors: Shafie Ali M. El , Kasemy Zeinab A. , omar Zein A. , Alkalash Safa H. , salama Amal A. , mahrous kerollos s. , Hewedy Shaimaa M. , Kotb Nessreen M. , El-Hady Heba S. Abd , Eladawy Eman S. , Zeid Mohamed A. , Hamid Manar E. Abd El , Hemeda Emad H. , Elshafie Mohamed A. , meligy Esraa A. El , bahbah Wael A.
Published: May 2020

Background: Under nutrition and overweight typically occur during nutritional transition periods in developing countries including Egypt. Short stature and anemia are public health concern due to its strong link with malnutrition which is a preventable risk factor. Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, underweight and short stature and its concurrence with anemia, also to determine the etiological profile of short stature among primary school children in Egypt.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 33150 Egyptian children aged 6-11 years old from January 2018 to January 2020, allocated in 59 primary schools from diverse geographical districts in Egypt. Complete anthropometric measurements were conducted and applied according to WHO growth charts. Hemoglobin level was measured. Systematic approach to detect the etiology of short stature was applied randomly to a sample of 380 stunted children.Results: The prevalence of underweight was 8.2 %, while obesity and overweight represented 21.8% (9.6% and 12.2% respectively). Overall short stature constituted 17%. The main etiologies of short stature were familial (40.8%) and constitutional (24.2%). Anemia was diagnosed in 26% of children; while concurrent anemia and stunting was reported in 9.9%. Regarding anemia and anemia with stunting were more common among girls (30.0 % (OR=1.50, CI95%: 1.43-1.58) and 11.4% (OR=1.39, CI95%:1.29-1.49) respectively), who were living in rural areas (33.4% (OR=1.96, CI 95%:1.87-2.06) &12.7% (OR= 1.72, CI 95%:1.60-1.85)) and those who had low socioeconomic status )34.6% (OR= 2.54, CI 95%:2.29-2.82) & 17.2% (OR= 3.32, CI 95%:2.85-3.88() respectively. Anemia with stunting was significantly higher among children aged ≥9 years old representing 12% (OR= 1.40, CI 95%:1.30-1.51). Conclusion: Prevalence of short stature, obesity and anemia was high among primary school children in Egypt with a strong concurrence between anemia and stunting. Intensive parental health education and in-depth nutritional assessment are required.
SUV39H1-mediated DNMT3A is participated in the epigenetic regulation of Tim-3 and galectin-9 in cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Li , Tian Sijuan , Zhao Minyi , Yang Ting , Quan Shimin , Yang Qing , Song Lihua , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2020

Background: Methylation of histone 3 at lysine 9 (H3K9) and DNA methylation are among the most highly conserved epigenetic marks that correlate well with gene silencing. The tumor microenvironment significantly influences therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes. The epigenetic-regulation mechanism of the costimulatory factors Tim-3 and galectin-9 in cervical cancer remains unknown. Methods: The methylation status of HAVCR2 and LGALS9 was detected by MS-PCR in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The underlying molecular mechanisms of SUV39H1-DNMT3A-Tim-3/galectin-9 regulation was elucidated using cervical cancer cell lines containing siRNA or/and over-expression system. Confirmation of the regulation of DNMT3A by SUV39H1 used ChIP-qPCR. Results: Here, we show that SUV39H1 up-regulates H3K9me3 expression in DNMT3A promoter region, which in turn induced expression of DNMT3A. In addition, our mechanistic studies indicate that DNMT3A mediates the epigenetic modulation of the HAVCR2 and LGALS9 genes by directly binding to their promoter regions in vitro . Moreover, in an in vivo assay, the expression profile of SUV39H1 up-regulates the level of H3K9me3 in the DNMT3A promoter region was found to correlate with Tim-3 and galectin-9 expression at the cellular level，indicating that SUV39H1-H3K9me3-DNMT3A is a crucial regulatory axis in cervical cancer. Conclusion: These results indicate that SUV39H1-DNMT3A is a crucial Tim-3 and galectin-9 regulatory axis in cervical cancer.
Identification of Differential Methylation Regions and Correspondence Targeted Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Niu Yan , Shan Qiusheng , Guo Yuanling
Published: May 2020

Background

The differential methylation included hypermethylation and hypomethylation plays significant role in the progression of many kind of cancers but study little in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods

GSE123781 and GSE87053 was used to analysis the differential methylation regions (DMRs) and predict the target genes in OSCC by R software and wANNOVAR respectively. the biological process and cell pathways of common targeted genes between GSE123781 and GSE87053 were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The hub genes (hub genes 1) in common targeted genes associated with cancer biological process was identified by protein to protein interaction network (PPI). In addition, GSE74530 and GSE30784 was used to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OSCC by R software. The biological process and cell pathways of common DEGs was analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The hub genes (hub genes 2) in common DEGs associated with cancer biological process was identified by PPI network. The significant hub genes between hub genes 1 and hub genes 2 were identified by Venn picture. Finally, the expression level of significant hub genes and correspondence relationship with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patient survival were confirmed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset.
Results

There are 2146 common targeted genes regulated by DMRs between GSE123781 and GSE87053 and 278 hub genes in common targeted genes associated with cancer biological process. In addition, there are 895 common DEGs between GSE74530 and GSE30784 and 144 hub genes in common DEGs associated with cancer biological process. There are 9 significant hub genes between hub genes 1 and hub genes 2. Finally, these 9 significant hub genes differentially expressed in HNSCC tissues except CCR7 and quite associated with the survival of HNSCC patients.
Conclusions

CCR7, ETS1, RUNX3, CCR1, C3AR1, LAMB1, IRF7, LGALS3 and CDKN3 both are DEGs and regulated by DMRs in OSCC, which are quite associated with the progression of OSCC and the survival of HNSCC patients. All of these genes have much potential to be new biomarkers in targeted therapy of OSCC.
Comparison of Overall Survival of Gastric Neoplasms Containing Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Components with Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Wang Anqiang , Ji Ke , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu
Published: May 2020

Background Gastric neoplasms containing neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) components are rare malignancies with highly aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, including pure NEC and mixed tumor containing NEC components. We attempt to investigate whether there is a distinct difference in overall survival (OS) between Gastric neoplasms containing NEC components and gastric adenocarcinoma.Methods Surgically resected gastric neoplasms containing NEC components (n = 54) and gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 600) from January 2013 to December 2019 at Peking University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into the surgical group and the neoadjuvant group and adjusted using propensity score matching. In the two groups, gastric neoplasms containing NEC components were divided into pure NEC, mixed tumors with neuroendocrine carcinoma components less than 30% (< 30% G-HMiNEN), between 30% and 70% (G-HMiNEN) and more than 70% (> 70% G-HMiNEN). OS was compared between these groups and gastric adenocarcinoma.Results The OS of gastric neoplasms containing neuroendocrine NEC components was poorer than that of gastric adenocarcinoma in the surgical group, whether the ratio of neuroendocrine cancer components was less than 30%, between 30% and 70%, higher than 70% or 100%. Cox multivariate regression analysis proved tumor category (neoplasms containing NEC components or gastric adenocarcinoma) to be an independent risk factor for prognosis. In patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy, however, the difference was not significant.Conclusions Gastric neoplasms containing NEC components, regardless of the proportion of neuroendocrine carcinoma components, had poorer overall survival than gastric adenocarcinoma in patients treated with surgery directly, indicating a higher degree of malignancy than gastric adenocarcinoma.
Serum CGRP, VIP, and PACAP Usefulness in Migraine: A Case-Control Study in Chronic Migraine Patients in Real Clinical Practice.
Authors: Pereda Sara Pérez , Toriello-Suárez María , Ocejo-Vinyals Gonzalo , Guiral-Foz Sandra , Castillo-Obeso Jesús , Montes-Gómez Silvia , Martínez-Nieto Rosa M , Iglesias Fernando , González-Quintanilla Vicente , Oterino Agustin
Published: May 2020

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypetide-38 (PACAP-38) have relevant roles in migraine pathophysiology. Their serum levels have been proposed as biomarkers for migraine. Our aim was to assess their diagnostic value in real clinical practice in a cohort of chronic migraine (CM), episodic migraine (EM) and healthy controls (HC).Methods: We recruited subjects with CM, EM and HC at two medical centers. Blood samples were drawn under fasting conditions in the interictal period, immediately centrifuged and stored at -80º C. Serum levels were determined by ELISA. Neuropeptide levels, the effect of preventatives, correlations with clinical and demographic variables, and their diagnostic value were studied among clinical categories.Results: 296 age- and sex-matched subjects (101 CM, 98 EM and 97 HC) were included. All three neuropeptide serum levels were higher in CM [median and IQ for CGRP= 18.023 pg/ml (14.4-24.7); VIP= 121.732 pg/ml (48.72-186.72) and PACAP= 204.931 pg/ml (101.08-597.64)] vs EM [CGRP = 14.659 pg/ml (10.29-17.45); VIP = 75.603 pg/ml (28.722-107.10); and PACAP = 94.992 pg/ml (65.77-128.48)] and vs HC [CGRP = 13.988 pg/ml (10.095-17.87); VIP = 84.685 pg/ml (35.32-99.79), and PACAP = 103.142 pg/ml (59.42-123.97)]. Using multinomial modeling, only VIP (OR 1.011, 95% CI=1.003-1.018, p=0.005) and PACAP (OR=1.003, 95% CI=1.001-1.005, p=0.002) increased the risk for CM, but not for EM. CGRP did not predict CM or EM. This model could correctly classify only 62/101 (61.38%) of CM, 75/98 (76.53%) of EM, and 5/97 (4.12%) of HC [globally 147/296 (49.8%)]. Individually, PACAP performed the best for classifying clinical categories [global accuracy 150/296 (50.67%)]. In CM, neuropeptide levels were higher in those OnaBT-treated than in no-treated patients.Conclusions: Although interictal serum CGRP and VIP were higher in CM than both EM or HC, their utility to discriminate migraine categories was low. Contrary to other studies, PACAP serum levels were also higher in CM than in EM or HC and had more discriminative capability to distinguish CM from EM and HC. Further investigation is needed for determination technique standardization.
Prevalence and impact of burnout, secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction on hand hygiene of healthcare workers in medical aid team during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhou Qian , Lai Xiaoquan , Wan Chaoyang , Zhang Xinping , Tan Li
Published: May 2020

Background Healthcare workers suffered mental burden, especially in the period of COVID-19. Professional quality of life quality is suitable to measure how healthcare workers feel in medical aid team. Current evidence of impact of professional quality of life on hand hygiene behavior or even IPC measures was limited, especially in emerging infectious disease period. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout, secondary traumatic stress and compassion satisfaction and explore their impact on self-reported hand hygiene behavior among medical aid team in Wuhan, China, where strict management was conducted to prevent COVID-19 spread and guarantee healthcare workers’ health. Results A cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaire covering professional quality of life and self-reported hand hygiene behavior based on COVID-19 guideline. A total of 1,734 healthcare workers were surveyed. The prevalence of burnout, secondary trauma and compassion satisfaction were low and average levels (69.61 and 30.39%), low and average levels (33.33 and 66.21%), average and high levels (49.65 and 49.71%), respectively. Burnout was negatively associated with overall hand hygiene (Coef. =-0.088, p<0.001), low hand hygiene (Coef. =-0.109, p<0.001), medium hand hygiene (Coef. =-0.088, p<0.001) and high hand hygiene (Coef. =-0.065, p<0.001). Conclusions Healthcare workers with higher compassion satisfaction reported higher hand hygiene compared to the lower. Healthcare workers in medical aid team experience lower level burnout, and higher level of compassion satisfaction during COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general period. The lower burnout and higher compassion satisfaction are associated with higher self-reported hand hygiene behavior. Burnout and compassion satisfaction in healthcare workers should be emphasize and need interventions targeting. The management of healthcare workers in Wuhan, China may be constructive for the future medical aid team.
Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy compared to open biopsy: a new diagnostic approach to major salivary gland enlargement in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Zabotti Alen , Callegher Sara Zandonella , Lorenzon Michele , Pegolo Enrico , Scott Cathryn Anne , Tel Alessandro , Giovannini Ivan , Robiony Massimo , Loreto Carla Di , Zuiani Chiara , Vita Salvatore De
Published: May 2020

Objective

Persistent (≥2 months) major salivary gland (SG) enlargement in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients is a well-known sign of possible involvement by B-cell lymphoma. The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-guided CNB) of major SGs in comparison to open surgical biopsy.

Methods

Prospective pSS patients (cases) with clinically persistent SG enlargement underwent US-guided CNB, and were compared to retrospective pSS patients (controls) submitted to open surgical biopsy. The features analyzed were pre-biopsy clinical and laboratory findings, biopsy-related complications (reported by the patient with a questionnaire and clinically verified), adequacy of the material for histology and diagnosis rendered.

Results

Thirteen cases underwent US-guided CNB: in 9/13 biopsy was performed on the parotid and in 4/13 on the submandibular gland. Sufficient material was obtained for pathological diagnosis in all samples. The final diagnoses were: 5/13 (38.5%) B-cell lymphoma, 1/13 (7.7%) lympho-epithelial sialadenitis, 4/13 (30.7%) other sialadenitis (granulomatous consistent with sarcoidosis, IgG4-related disease, chronic sclerosing, diffuse chronic) and 3/13 (23.1%) miscellaneous lesions. Thirteen controls underwent open surgical biopsy of the parotid, in one inadequate material was obtained, in 12 (92.3%) the pathologic diagnoses were: 4/12 (33.3%) B-cell lymphoma, 2/12 (16.7%) lympho-epithelial sialadenitis, 4/12 (33.3%) uncertain lymphoproliferative lesions, 2/12 (16.7%) miscellaneous lesions. 6/13 (46.1%) cases reported 6 transient complications, and 12/13 (92.3%) controls 2 persistent and 14 transient complications.

Conclusion

US-guided CNB represents a novel, clinically relevant and safe approach to the management of pSS patients with parotid or submandibular persistent enlargement.
Imaging analysis of 13 rare cases of renal collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma patients in northen China.
Authors: Lyu Zhehao , Liu Lili , Li Huimin , Wang Haibo , Liu Qi , Chen Tingting , Xu Meiling , Tian Lin , Fu Peng
Published: May 2020

Background: Collective duct carcinoma (CDC) is a highly malignant kidney tumor which is rare in clinical. We report our 12-year experience of Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) and retrospectively analyzed patients and tumour characteristics, clinical manifestations, different imaging characteristics including CT, MRI and PET/CT. Methods: From January 2007 to December 2019, we retrospectively examined all renal tumors and identifed 13 cases of CDC and tried to improve the understanding of the imaging features of the disease.Results: The study group included 10 men and 3 women, with an average age of 64.23±10.74 years old. Of these 13 patients, the main clinical manifestations include gross hematuria, flank pain or waist discomfort. The mean tumour size was 8.48 ± 2.48 cm. In this group of cases, 6 cases are cortical-medullary involved type, 7 cases are cortex-medullary-pelvis involved type. 11 cases were nephritis type and 2 cases were mass type. The lesions appeared solid or complex solid and cystic on CT and MRI. The parenchymal part of 13 CDC tumors showed isodensity or slightly higher density on unenhanced CT scan. Two patients with PET/CT showed increased radioactivity intake. Evidence of intra-abdominal metastatic disease was present on CT in 9 of 13 ( 69.23% ) cases. The incidence of metastasis reached 69%.Conclusions: The Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma has its certain imaging characteristics which were different from the other renal cell carcinoma. A renal tumor should be considered as CDC when it locates in the junction zone of the renal cortex and medulla, with unclear border, slight enhancement and metastases in early stage. PET/CT can greatly enrich the key information of diagnosis, surgery and treatment options, which provide significant help to the clinic.
Nuclear overexpression levels of MAGE-A3 predict poor prognosis in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: khalvandi Azadeh , Abolhasani Maryam , Madjd Zahra , Shekarabi Mehdi , Arami Masoumeh Kourosh , Mohsenzadegan Monireh
Published: May 2020

Melanoma antigen gene A3 (MAGE-A3) is one of the most immunogenic cancer- testis antigens and is common in various types of cancers. Due to its high immunogenicity and oncogenicity, it has been a candidate for cancer immunotherapy and used as a cancer vaccine in clinical trials of various types of cancers. In this study, for the first time, we performed immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the expression of MAGE-A3 in 153 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostate tissue samples including 112 cases of prostate cancer (PCa), 22 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 19 cases of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HPIN). Both nuclear and cytoplasmic expressions of MAGE-A3 with different staining intensities were observed among the tissues. Increased expression of MAGE-A3 was significantly found in PCa tissues compared to both HPIN and BPH tissues (nuclear expression at P = 0.011, and cytoplasmic expression at p = 0.034; for both comparisons P < 0.0001, respectively). A significant correlation was observed between higher nuclear and cytoplasmic expressions of MAGE-A3 with Gleason score (P < 0.0001 and 0.006, respectively). Increased expression of MAGE-A3 was associated with shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCR-FS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients (P = 0.042 and P = 0.0001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, nuclear expression of MAGE-A3 and Gleason score (≤ 7 vs > 7) were independent predictors of the DFS (both; P = 0.019). Nuclear expression of MAGE-A3 was also significantly related to BCR-FS (P = 0.015). MAGE-A3 can be considered as a valuable predictor for poor prognosis and an attractive option for vaccine immunotherapy in patients with PCa.
Persistent Barriers to the Adoption of Active Surveillance in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Qualitative Analysis of Community and Academic Urologists
Authors: Ellis Shellie D , Hwang Soohyun , Morrow Emily , Kimminau Kim S. , Goonan Kelly , Petty Laurie , Ellerbeck Edward , Thrasher J Brantley
Published: May 2020

Background Clinical practice guidelines recommend active surveillance as the preferred treatment option for low-risk prostate cancer, but only a minority of eligible men receive active surveillance, and practice variation is substantial. The aim of this study is to describe barriers to urologists’ recommendation of active surveillance in low-risk prostate cancer and explore variation of barriers by setting.Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews among 22 practicing urologists, evenly distributed between academic and community practice. We coded barriers to active surveillance according to a conceptual model of determinants of treatment quality to identify potential opportunities for intervention.Results Community and academic urologists were generally in agreement on factors influencing active surveillance. Urologists perceived patient-level factors to have the greatest influence on recommendations, particularly tumor pathology, patient age, and judgements about the patient’s ability to adhere to follow-up protocols. They also noted cross-cutting clinical barriers, including concerns about the adequacy of biopsy samples, inconsistent protocols to guide active surveillance, and side effects of biopsy procedures. Urologists had differing opinions on the impact of environmental factors, such as financial disincentives and fear of litigation.Conclusions Despite national and international recommendations, both academic and community urologists note a variety of barriers to implementing active surveillance in low risk prostate cancer. These barriers will need to be specifically addressed in efforts to help urologists offer active surveillance more consistently.Trial Registration: N/A
Sphingomyelin(d35:1) as a novel predictor for lung adenocarcinoma recurrence after a radical surgery: a case control study
Authors: Takanashi Yusuke , Funai Kazuhito , Sato Shumpei , Kawase Akikazu , Tao Hong , Takahashi Yutaka , Sugimura Haruhiko , Setou Mitsutoshi , Kahyo Tomoaki , Shiiya Norihiko
Published: May 2020

Background
To improve the postoperative prognosis of patients with lung cancer, predicting the recurrence high-risk patients is needed for the efficient application of adjuvant chemotherapy. However, predicting lung cancer recurrence after a radical surgery is difficult even with conventional histopathological prognostic factors, thereby a novel predictor should be identified. As lipid metabolism alterations are known to contribute to cancer progression, we hypothesized that lung adenocarcinomas with high recurrence risk contain candidate lipid predictors. This study aimed to identify candidate lipid predictors for the recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma after a radical surgery.
Methods
Frozen tissue samples of primary lung adenocarcinoma obtained from patients who underwent a radical surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Recurrent and non-recurrent cases were assigned to recurrent (n = 10) and non-recurrent (n = 10) groups, respectively. Extracted lipids from frozen tissue samples were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The average total lipid levels of the non-recurrent and recurrent groups were compared. Candidate predictors were screened by comparing the folding change and P-value of t-test in each lipid species between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups.
Results
The average total lipid level of the recurrent group was 1.65 times higher than that of the non-recurrent group (P < 0.05). A total of 203 lipid species were increased (folding change, ≥ 2; P < 0.05) and 4 lipid species were decreased (folding change, ≤ 0.5; P < 0.05) in the recurrent group. Among these candidates, increased sphingomyelin (SM)(d35:1) in the recurrent group was the most prominent candidate predictor, showing high performance of recurrence prediction (AUC, 9.1; sensitivity, 1.0; specificity, 0.8; accuracy, 0.9).
Conclusion
We propose SM(d35:1) as a novel candidate predictor for lung adenocarcinoma recurrence. Our finding can contribute to precise recurrence prediction and qualified postoperative therapeutic strategy for lung adenocarcinomas.
Malaria Incidence and Associated Risk Factors in and Around Anger Gute Town, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Dufera Mebrate , Kenea Oljira , Tadele Geleta
Published: May 2020

Background: Malaria is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. About 75% of the total area of the country is an area of malaria transmission and an estimated 68% of the Ethiopian population is at risk from malaria. Therfore, this study was aimed to evaluate local malaria incidence and associated risk factors in and around Anger Gute town, East Wollega Zone,Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia. Methods: Health-facility based cross-sectional study was carried out from June to December 2018. 462 malaria suspected patients attending three health posts and one health center were included in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and laboratory diagnosis of malaria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 for windows. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of each independent variable on incidence of malaria. P values of less or equal to 0.05 were considered significant. Results : Of 462 malaria suspected cases, 122 (26.4%) had Plasmodium infection which was confirmed by microscopy or RDT. 64.75 %, 32 % and 3.75% of malaria was caused by P. falciparum, P. vivax and mixed infections respectively. Malaria incidence in and around Anger Gute town from June to December 2018 was found to be 0.343 % (122/ 35, 585). No significant difference in incidence of malaria was found by sex and age categories of study participants (P>0.05). Incidence of malaria was significantly lower in urban kebeles compared to rural kebeles (COR= 0.359, P=0.00). Incidence of malaria was significantly associated with presence of stagnant water nearby living house (AOD=186.3, P=0.000), utilization of bed net (AOD=0.08, P=0.000), and IRS (AOD=0.056,P=0.03). Six years malaria trend analysis at Anger Gute Health Center showed that number of confirmed malaria cases was significantly decreased in 2014 - 2018 as compared to 2013. Since 2014; numbers of confirmed malaria cases have been more or less constant in Anger Gute health center. Conclusions: Incidence of malaria in and around Anger Gute town was 3.43 per 1000 population at risk of the disease during the study period and was lower than recent incidence of malaria reported from Ethiopia. Trend analysis of malaria from 2014 to 2018 indicated nearly unchanged numbers of malaria cases. This shows presence of low sustained malaria transmission. Integrated vector control efforts are needed to suppress transmission that lead to elimination of the disease in the study setting. Key words: Anger Gute, malaria, malaria incidence
Evaluation of standardized training effect for surgery residents based on WeChat public platform
Authors: Xiao Jianchun , Zhou Ruilin , Lin Chen , Zhou Jiaolin , Ye Xin , Wu Bin
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent years, with the wide application of WeChat, new teaching methods have been established. Current teaching reforms are mainly based on the usage of WeChat’s group chat function. We intend to establish our teaching reform based on WeChat platform function instead of the traditional group chat function. To explore the feasibility and teaching effect of a new teaching model based on WeChat public platform in standardized training and teaching of surgical residents, we designed this study.
Methods

Residents who underwent standardized training of residents in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were assisted by using “PUMCH surgical standardized training”, which is a teaching product based on WeChat platform. “PUMCH surgical standardized training” WeChat public platform comprise regular lectures, trainings, classroom notes, extra-curricular reading and many other learning materials, which can all be easily downloaded from WeChat platform, providing a new teaching method for medical students. After one year of training, teaching evaluation was conducted through objective structured clinical examinations. Compare objective structured clinical examination results with previous years.
Results

Residents who received WeChat public platform teaching had higher clinical operation and clinical speculative scores than residents who received traditional teaching. There were no other teaching reforms taken place during this year, and the difficulty of the tests were the same. To eliminate the impact of clinical experience on test scores, we selected two different groups of students in our training. The results of the questionnaire showed that residents thought WeChat public platform assisted teaching was superior to traditional teaching.
Conclusion

The teaching interaction of WeChat public platform is helpful to improve the teaching effect of surgical resident physician training, and the application effect is satisfactory.
Myofibroma/myofibromatosis: MDCT and MR imaging findings in 24 patients with radiological-pathological correlation
Authors: Yi Kun-ming , Chen Kang , Ma Qiang , Wang Lu , Li Ran , Wang Yi
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to characterize the radiological features of myofibroma on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and correlate the imaging findings with pathologic features. Methods: The radiological findings of 24 patients with 29 myofibromas were retrospectively reviewed. All images were evaluated with emphasis on density, signal intensity, hypointense area, and enhancement, correlating these with pathologic findings. Results: On plain MDCT scan, 4(26.7%) tumors were homogeneous isodensity, 4(26.7%) tumors were heterogeneous hyperdensity, and 7(46.7%) tumors were heterogeneous hypodensity. On contrast-enhanced MDCT scan, all tumors (9/9) showed heterogeneous enhancement with moderate in 3(33.3%) and marked in 6(66.7%) tumors, and their enhancements were higher compared to adjacent skeletal muscle (P=0.0001). On MRI, heterogeneous slight hyperintensity, homogeneous slight hyperintensity, and heterogeneous hypointensity on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) were observed in 14(82.3%), 1(5.9%) and 2(11.8%) tumors, respectively. On T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and fat-suppressed (FS) T2WI, all tumors demonstrated heterogeneous hyperintensity. All tumors showed heterogeneous marked enhancement on FS contrast-enhanced T1WI. On T1WI, T2WI, FS T2WI, and FS contrast-enhanced T1WI, irregular strip or/and patchy hypointensities were found in 16(94.1%), 12(100%), 17(100%) and 17(100%) tumors, respectively, and pseudocapsule was seen in 5(29.4%) tumors. The hypointensities and pseudocapsule on MRI were exactly corresponding to pathological interlacing collagen fibers and fibrosis. The age of the recurrent group was lower than that of the non-recurrent group (P=0.001) and the tumors without pseudocapsule were more likely to recur than those with pseudocapsule (P=0.034). Conclusion: Myofibromas are characterized by heterogeneous density or signal intensity, with moderate or marked enhancement. The hypointensities and pseudocapsule on MRI may be helpful in diagnosis, and the absence of pseudocapsule and younger age may be risk factors for tumor recurrence.
Surgical Selection of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures: Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation Combined With or Without Cerclage Cable
Authors: Huang Qing-Chao , Wu Xing
Published: May 2020

Background: Due to the instability of unstable intertrochanteric fractures, the selection of a suitable internal fixation remains challenging for orthopedic surgeons. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) combined with a cerclage cable and without a cerclage cable so as to recommend a stable internal fixation method.Methods: From January 2014 to January 2018, we retrospectively analyzed all unstable intertrochanteric fracture cases who received treatment in the Orthopedics Department of our hospital. One hundred and twenty cases were screened, of which 51 were treated with a cerclage cable, and 69 without a cerclage cable. The follow-up period was one year. Patients were divided into either the PFNA and cerclage cable group (PFNA+cable) or the PFNA only (PFNA) group. Results: The Harris hip score (HHS), Barthel Index (BI), and Radiographic Union Scale for Hip (RUSH) were evaluated.The fracture healing and weight-bearing time of the PFNA+cable group were shorter than the PFNA group. Regarding the HHS, BI, and RUSH, the PFNA+cable group was higher than the PFNA group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. For the HHS rating, the PFNA+cable group had a higher-excellent rate than the PFNA group, with 96.1% and 84.1%, respectively. All the results mentioned above were statistically significant. The application of a cerclage cable was found to reduce the incidence of complications.It was found that PFNA combined with a cerclage cable improved the stability of fracture reductions, shortened the fracture healing time and postoperative weight-bearing time, significantly improved patients’ ability to self-care, and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications. Conclusions: Therefore, we think PFNA combined with a cerclage cable is a good choice for patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures.
Anti-IL-23 exerted protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Lichao , Zhou Lichun
Published: May 2020

Background
Ischemia-reperfusion is frequently occurred in ischemic cerebral vascular disease, during which process the inflammatory signaling played essential roles. The aim of study was to discover the efficacy of the antibody to a key immune cytokine IL-23 (anti-IL-23) for the therapy of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Methods
We established the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Anti-IL-23 injection attenuated the lesions indicated by histology study. RT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 after anti-IL-23 treatment. ELISA was utilized to measure the levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, curcumin and IL-6 were implicated in the endogenous intervention of IL-23/IL-23R signaling in vivo.
Results
Our data demonstrated that the treatment of anti-IL-23 might transcriptionally activate the classic immune pathway in the brain. Anti-IL-23 augment the phosphorylation levels of both JAK2 and STAT3, suggesting the amplification signaling of JAK/STAT after exogenous IL-23 intervention. Anti-IL-23 reduced the ROS molecules of STAT downstream in the serum and brain. It also alleviated the injury by lowering the levels of MDA and SOD in the serum. JAK2 inhibitor could abolish the effect of anti-IL-23 whereas JAK3 ameliorated the injury. The combination of anti-IL-23 and JAK3 displayed synergetic results.
Conclusions
In summary, this study indicated that anti-IL-23 had protection effects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by targeting the immune specific JAK2-STAT3 in JAK/STAT pathway.
Comparative Structural Studies of the Silver and Nickel Nano Composites Synthesized by Chemical Methods
Authors: Tailor Giriraj , Chaudhary Jyoti , Sarma Bhupendra Kr. , Verma Deepshikha
Published: May 2020

Silver and nickel nanoparticles were synthesized from urea and formaldehyde by using chemical method, followed by calcination at 8000C. The chemical composition and crystallographic structure of silver and nickel nanoparticles were confirmed by XRD. Surface imaging studies like AFM was carried out for understanding surface morphology and particles size distribution. The spherical and porous-like morphology of silver and nickel nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and TEM. White spots are observed because of the the presence of silver and nickel metal ions in spherical forms. The particles size of silver and Nickel metal ions obtained through XRD are found to be 41.43 nm and 13.71 nm respectively.
Hepatitis B and C viruses’ infection and associated factors among pregnant women in the Amhara region, Ethiopia: implications for prevention of vertical transmission.
Authors: Dagnew Mulat , Million Yihenew , Gizachew Mucheye , Eshetie Setegn , Yitayew Gashaw , Asrade Lakachew , Adefris Mulat , Moges Feleke , Tiruneh Moges
Published: May 2020

Background

Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health burden and silent killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization, screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnant women is not done routinely in public health institutions. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the burden of HBV and HCV and its associated factors among pregnant women in the Amhara region, Ethiopia.
Methods

A total of 1121 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Data on sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood was collected from the pregnant women, and serum samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) using ELISA. The status of HIV-infected pregnant women was collected from the records of their charts. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and a binary logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between factors associated with HBV and HCV infection.
Results

The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody were 4.6% and 1.6, respectively. The co-infection rate of HBV/HCV was 1.4% (1/69). Ten out of 52 HBV positive cases (19.2%) were co-infected with HIV. Only 20 (1.8%) pregnant women had the HBV vaccine. Interestingly, pregnant women with a history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.2,95% CI,1.7–7.6), blood transfusion (AOR = 7.6,95% CI,2.9–16.9), family history of HBV (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI,1.7–7.6), being HIV-positive (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI,1-5.9), and tattooing (AOR = 2, 95% CI, 1-3.8) were significant predictors of HBV infection.
Conclusions

HBV and HCV infections were intermediate among pregnant women; risk factors were responsible for the majority of cases. Infants born from these infected mothers are at risk of infection. This calls for integration of HBV prevention into the PMTC of HIV. Thus, the provision of health education on HBV and HCV transmission, vaccination, and screening of all pregnant women routinely is essential for PMTCT.
Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index predicts prognosis of patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Hong , Huang Jia-bao , Pan Wen , Zhang Cun-tai , Chang Xiao-yan , Yang Boyi
Published: May 2020

Background Our study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of a novel inflammatory index, systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), with the clinical outcomes of patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods We evaluated a cohort study of COVID-19 patients (18–95 years old) in Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 28th 2020 to February 29th 2020. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups (including low-SII group and high-SII group) according to the cut-off point which is analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis were performed to identify the factors associated with the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 infection. The primary and secondary outcome were in-hospital mortality and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respectively.Results A number of 326 adult patients (43.87% males, 61.22 ± 0.86 years) were enrolled in the final analyses. There were 147 cases (45.09%) died in hospital and 116 patients (35.58%) developed ARDS. ROC curve analysis indicated that the SII had a greater prediction accuracy in predicting the in-hospital mortality (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.789, sensitivity = 69.90%, specificity = 70.80%) and the development of ARDS (AUC = 0.736, sensitivity = 67.80%, specificity = 71.10%). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients in high-SII group had a greater risk of adverse clinical outcomes (all P < 0.001). The multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that elevated SII was found as the risk predictor of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.839, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.116–7.222, P = 0.028) and the developed ARDS (HR = 6.832, 95%CI = 2.583–18.074, P < 0.001). Additional significant independent predictor for adverse outcomes was the lymphocyte proportion. What’s more, it suggests that the invasive mechanical ventilation performed in the early stage of the disease progression may be beneficial for patients.Conclusion SII, a novel biomarker, might be a remarkable prognostic indicator to assess the in-hospital mortality and the development of ARDS in patients with COVID-19 and help for clinical risk assessment.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Firms: A survey in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: ZOU PENG , Huo Di , Li Meng
Published: May 2020

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all sectors of the economy and society. To understand the impact of the pandemic on firms in China and suggest the responding public policy, we investigate firms in Guangdong Province (the Province with Highest Gross Domestic Product in China).Methods : The survey sample included 524 firms in 15 cities of Guangdong Province. And we choose these firms from firm list published by government, considering the industrial characteristics of Guangdong province and firm size. The questionnaire comprised of four categories and included 17 questions was developed based on previous studies carried out by OECD. The executives of firms were contacted by phone or WeChat, and invited to answer the self-administered questionnaires through an on-line survey platform. The data was analyzed by SPSS.Results : The following findings are worth to be noticed: (1) 48.7% of firms maintained overall stability, and 35.1% of the firms experienced a halt in operation or faced closure; (2) Nearly 70%-90% of the firms are or are willing to transform to online marketing, remote office work and digital operations. (3) 46% of firms believe that there will be a certain loss this year, and 83.5% expected a decrease trend of the city's GDP growth.Conclusions : firms in Guangdong Province face great challenges in epidemic. The firms’ production and operation activities are limited, and face risks. It is necessary to effectively implement supporting policies to profoundly lower production costs for firms, and help firms survive the difficult period, even gradually transit to normal business operation status.
Verifying the feasibility of using Hand-Held X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to identify the origin of Linqing brick: evaluation of the influencing factors, assessing reliability, and providing scientific advice
Authors: Chen Zexuan , Zhang Long , Hou Feng , Xie Jialiang
Published: May 2020

Linqing brick is quite popular in Chinese history. In 2008, “The manufacturing process of Linqing brick” was selected as the intangible cultural heritage list in China. Currently, identifying the origin of Linqing brick represents an important issue to be investigated in the field of archeology and architectural history research in China, as it could be used to verify certain assumptions regarding the history of heritage buildings, the resolution for which cannot be obtained by examining the historical documents. Hand Held X-ray fluorescence (HH-XRF) spectrometry enables the in-situ determination of the main elements and concentrations of Linqing brick in a rapid non-destructive manner. HH-XRF may prove to be significant in identifying the origin of Linqing brick. However, HH-XRF could be influenced by certain factors and may be capable of measuring only the element concentrations of the surface for the brick in situ. Which method would provide the most reliable data is an important concern. The aim of the present study was to verify the reliability of HH-XRF and to systematically evaluate the different factors influencing measurement precision and accuracy, in order to assist with scientific advice for the usage of HH-XRF. Four experiments were performed to determine the influencing factors and to assess reliability through cross-validation using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Finally, the reliability of HH-XRF was ensured, and the scientific advice regarding its application in determining the concentrations of the main elements of Linqing brick was provided.
COVID Term: A Bilingual Terminology for COVID-19
Authors: Ma Hetong , Shen Liu , Sun Haixia , Xu Zidu , Hou Li , Wu Sizhu , Fang An , Li Jiao , Qian Qing
Published: May 2020

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) has shown its destructiveness with more than one million confirmed cases and dozens of thousands of death, which is highly contagious and still spreading globally. World-wide studies have been conducted aiming to understand COVID-19 mechanism, transmission, clinical features, etc. A cross-language terminology of COVID-19 is essential for improving knowledge sharing and scientific discovery dissemination.Methods We developed a bilingual terminology of COVID-19 with mapping Chinese and English terms. The terminology construction follows the workflow (1) Classification schema design; (2) Concepts and sub-concepts assignment; (3) Terminology editing strategy; (4) Terminology property development; (5) Online deployment. We built open access for the terminology named as COVID Term, providing search, browse, and download services.Results The proposed COVID Term include 10 categories: disease, anatomic site, clinical manifestation, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, living organism, qualifiers, psychological assistance, medical equipment, instruments and materials, epidemic prevention and control, diagnosis and treatment technique respectively. In total, COVID Terms covered 464 concepts with 724 Chinese terms and 887 English terms. All terms are openly accessible online (COVID Term: http://covidterm.imicams.ac.cn ).Conclusions COVID Term is a bilingual terminology focused on COVID-19, the epidemic pneumonia with a high risk of infection around the world. It will provide updated bilingual terms of the disease to help health providers and medical professionals retrieve and exchange information and knowledge in multiple languages. COVID Term was released in machine-readable formats (e.g., XML and JSON), which would contribute to the machine translation and advanced intelligent techniques.