bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of obesity, impaired carbohydrate metabolism and bariatric surgery on adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels in different adipose tissue depots
Authors: Vasileva L. B. , Artemyeva M. S. , Ma Yi. , Kondratov K. A. , Anopova A. D. , Neymark A. E. , Babenko A. Yu. , Fedorov A. V.
Published: February 2020

Objective. To determine the effect of morbid obesity, impaired carbohydrate metabolism and bariatric surgery on adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue.

Design and methods. The study included 30 obese female patients. Eleven patients had co-existent impaired carbohydrate metabolism. The control group consisted of 10 healthy non-obese women. In all obese patients, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue samples were taken during bariatric surgery. In obese patients 1 year after the intervention and in control individuals subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were collected. The circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin were determined by the enzyme immunoassay. The amount of adiponectin and leptin mRNA in adipose tissue were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results.During the first postoperative year, all patients showed a monotonous decrease in body mass index. After the surgery, the circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin returned to reference values (for healthy population). Compared with the control group, obese patients showed 1,4-times lower adiponectin mRNA level (p < 0,01) in subcutaneous adipose tissue, while leptin mRNA level did not change. In obese patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, the adiponectin mRNA level was twice lower in visceral adipose tissue (p < 0,01), compared to patients without impaired carbohydrate metabolism. In obese patients with and without impaired carbohydrate metabolism, mRNA levels of adipokines were more than 2-times lower in visceral adipose tissue compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue (p < 0,05). In subcutaneous adipose tissue, 1 year after bariatric intervention, adiponectin mRNA level decreases by 4,5 times (p < 0,01) in obese patients, and leptin mRNA level decreases by 3,1 times (p < 0,01) in patients with obesity and by 1,5 times (p < 0,05) in patients with obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Neither adiponectin nor leptin mRNA levels from adipose tissue of different localization showed statistically significant correlation. No correlation was found between the levels of circulating adipokines and their mRNA amount in adipose tissue.

Conclusions.Our results indicate that adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels in adipose tissue cells depend on their localization in the body, as well as the presence of obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. We also showed that adiponectin and leptin mRNA levels in adipose tissue change in response to bariatric surgery.
Relational Aggression Victimization as a Predictor of Middle-School Girls' Self-Disclosure to Peers
Authors: Jones Jayme L. , Kahn Jeffrey H. , Sullivan Samantha DeHaan
Published: February 2020

Being a victim of relational aggression is associated with many negative outcomes among adolescent girls, and diminished self-disclosure to peers may be one of them. Given this possibility, it is important to examine potential mediators of this relation. Middle-school girls (N = 180) completed paper-and-pencil measures of relational aggression victimization, self-disclosure to their peer group, and four potential mediators—outcome expectations about self-disclosure, loneliness, social anxiety, and self-esteem. Negative outcome expectations about disclosure and loneliness were significant mediators of the relation between being a victim of relational aggression and self-disclosing to the peer group. Despite the limitations of these cross-sectional data, the present findings suggest that relational aggression is associated with diminished disclosure to others because victimized girls experience heightened loneliness and because they believe that self-disclosure will lead to negative outcomes.
An Exploration of Sexual Assault Survivors' Discourse Online on Help-Seeking
Authors: Abavi Rebecca , Branston Allison , Mason Robin , Du Mont Janice
Published: February 2020

Although sexual assault is associated with significant negative psychological health outcomes, few survivors seek support from formal providers. This study explored the barriers to accessing and benefitting from services for sexual assault, as disclosed in narrative posts on social media, using qualitative methodology. Of the 1,179 narratives posted to the subreddit‘r/rapecounseling’ that were reviewed, 81 data extracts from 52 women were included in this study based on predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Six themes were identified that prevented survivors from accessing or benefitting from help. Internal barriers included feeling overwhelmed and avoidance-based coping. External barriers included availability of services, suitability of services, and therapist-caused harms. Stigma was the only barrier that was experienced both internally and externally. These findings suggest a need for more supportive mental health services.
INFORMATIVE ASPECTS OF THE TERM «THE SEGMENT OF THE SPINAL CORD»
Authors: Shvedavchenko A. I. , Nykolenko V. N. , Oganesyan M. V. , Alieva F. F.
Published: February 2020

Anatomical terminology carries an important semantic characteristic of organs and separate parts of the human body. The term in anatomy is a word that has a special, strictly defined meaning, unambiguous. Each term in human anatomy from the point of view of the anatomical nomenclature should have a certain characteristic, reflecting its uniqueness. However, this is not always possible. From these positions, the definition of the segment of the spinal cord is of interest. A characteristic feature of the external organization of the spinal cord is the periodicity of the exits of symmetrically arranged radicular filaments in the form of the posterior and anterior roots and the absence of visible external division into segments. The authors propose to define the segment of the spinal cord as a conditionally isolated part of the spinal cord in the form of a flattened cylinder (thickened disc), including regions with a symmetrically extending pair of spinal nerves and half of the intercortical distances located above and below the rootlets.
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THYMUS OF RATS WITH ALLOXAN DIABETES AT DIFFERENT METHODS OF TREATMENT OF DEEP PURULENT WOUNDS OF THE LOWER LIMBS
Authors: Nuzova O. B. , Stadnikov A. A. , Studenikin A. V.
Published: February 2020

The treatment of purulent wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus is a difficult and urgent problem of the modern medicine. The disruption of the immune status is one of the pathogenetic links of the cascade of pathological processes with purulent wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study is to revealing the features of the morphological and functional reorganization of the thymus in various methods of the treatment of purulent wounds against the background of alloxan diabetes under experimental conditions. The therapeutic efficacy of the drug miliacylum and EHF-therapy was studied in 128 white outbred albino rats to whom simulated the wound process of the hind limbs against the background of alloxan diabetes. In 32 rats of the main group, miliacylum and EHF-therapy were used in the local treatment of wounds. In 32 animals of the first control group, wounds were not treated. Wounds in 32 rats of the second control group were treated with miliacylum. In 32 animals of the third control group, EHF-therapy was used in the treatment of wounds. We were conducted histological and immune-cytochemical studies of the thymus in animals of all groups on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of treatment. The terms of the healing of purulent wounds in animals against the background of alloxan diabetes, in the main group were 11.91 ± 0.28 days, which is statistically significantly shorter than the terms in animals that were treated only with miliacylum (13.88 ± 0.26 days), and in animals who were not treated or used only EHF-therapy (more than 28 days). In the analysis of a series of histological preparations of the thymus, an atrophy of the thymus parenchyma (of the cortex and of the medullary substance) was found, in combination with hyperplasia of the interlobar perivascular spaces with a simultaneous increase in the proportion of adipose tissue. However, the phenomenon of accidental involution was less pronounced in animals of the main group than in rats of the control groups. Treatment of purulent wounds with miliacylum and EHF-therapy provides not only optimization of reparative processes in the wound area, but also limits the involution of the thymus gland and, thus, prevents disturbances in the central organ of immunogenesis.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE BONE MARROW XENOTRANSPLANTATION ON PRODUCING OF MEDIATORS BY ITS NEUROAMINE-PRODUCING CELLS
Authors: Vorob’Eva O. V. , Lubovtseva L. A.
Published: February 2020

The quantitative indicators of neuroamine-producing cells and the content of neuromediators in them were analyzed, the correlation of indicators of their production after bone marrow xenotransplantation was studied. The experiments were conducted on white laboratory mice, which were injected with a cell suspension obtained from a domestic cats into the tail vein. In the early stages of the experiment, the number of neuroamine-producing cells increases, with an increase in the content of neurotransmitters in them. In the subsequent periods of the experiment, their number decreases and the production of all neuromediators (catecholamines, serotonin, histamine) sharply decrease. The formation of lipocytes in the transplanted tissue is showed. Correlations between the levels of neuromediators in neuroamine-producing bone marrow cells also change. Thus, bone marrow xenotransplantation leads to a decrease in the number and production of neuromediators by neuroamine-producing cells within two days.
LYMPHATIC MICROVESSELS IN THE MYOCARDIUM: ARTIFACT OR OBJECTIVE REALITY?
Authors: Markov I. I. , Malykhina T. V. , Nizametdinova D. R.
Published: February 2020

Most of the current information on the lymphatic flow bed of the heart was obtained by the method of interstitial injection of various dyes, including the masses of Gerot. Low information content and numerous artifacts do not allow us to consider the data obtained by this method on lymphatic microvessels of myocardium reliable. The purpose of the work is to confirm or refute the data on the presence of lymphatic microvessels in the myocardium, using various methods for their detection. The vessels of the microvascular flow bed of the myocardium of intact experimental animals, rats (n = 7), cats (n = 3), rabbits (n = 3) was detected by the methods of Grant and Ranvier-Goyer in modification II. Markov. As a control, a universal method for the impregnation of argyrophilic structures was used. The data obtained give unambiguously reason to believe that there are no lymphatic microvessels in the myocardium of mammals.
THE VARIABILITY OF LINEAR PARAMETERS OF THE FACIAL PART OF THE SCULL DEPENDING ON THE ITS TYPE
Authors: Efimova E. Yu. , Krayushkin A. I. , Efimov Yu. V. , Fyodorov S. V.
Published: February 2020

Earlier studies of the linear characteristics of the parameters of the skull demonstrate the lack of a unified point of view on this issue. The current level of development of practical medicine requires morphometric accuracy in determining the shapes, spatial location and dimensional characteristics of the craniofacial complex parameters. The search for the most informative features using new technical and statistical methods is one of the current trends in modern craniology. The purpose of the study is to identify the variability of the morphometric linear parameters of the facial section of the skull, taking into account the craniological type. The article presents the morphometric characteristics of the linear parameters of the facial section of the skull of persons of mature age of both sexes. The work was carried out taking into account the craniological type. The presence of sexual dimorphism with prevalence of indicators on male preparations was found for the length and width parameters of the facial section of the skull only on mesocranic type skulls, for the parameters of the upper and middle depths of the facial section of the skull - only on mesocranic and dolichocranic type skulls. A sign of stability of indicators was established for indicators of the dents-alveolar part of the upper and lower jaw, the height of the lower jaw, the upper and middle depths of the facial section of the skull on preparations of the brachycranic type and the upper height of the facial section of the skull on preparations of the mesocranic type. Thus, the presence of sexual dimorphism with prevailing indicators on male preparations, depending on the type of skull, is proved.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MOLECULES OF THE INTERCELLULAR ADHESION ON BLOOD LEUKOCYTES DEPENDING ON THEIR MORPHOLOGY
Authors: Sherstennikova A. K. , Kashutin S. L. , Neklyudova V. S. , Kalmin O. V. , Nikolaev V. I.
Published: February 2020

Physiological understanding of the processes of migration of immunocompetent cells, as well as the conditions under which migration can be activated or slowed down, is especially important for the interpretation of the reserves of stability and preservation of homeostasis. Migration of leukocytes through the endothelium of the microcirculation is regulated by adhesion molecules. The aim of the study was to study the distribution of intercellular adhesion molecules on leukocytes depending on their morphology. An examination of 50 healthy individuals aged 20 to 60 years with no history of chronic disease was carried out. Venous blood for the study was taken in the morning on «empty» stomach. On a flow cytometer FC-500 company Beckman Coulter (USA) determined the number of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes of venous blood containing molecule L-selectin (CD62L), LFA-1 (CD11a), LFA-3 (CD58), ICAM-1 (CD54), PECAM-1 (CD31), while differentiated them based on morphology. The results is shown that more than 50% of neutrophils and 42% of monocytes are ready to enter the slip phase, while the number of lymphocytes entering this phase is relatively small - 11%. In the phase of strong adhesion and transmigration more than 90% of neutrophils and monocytes were ready to enter, while the number of lymphocytes in blood did not exceed 13%. Correlation analysis showed that in the absence of antigenic stimulation the greatest readiness for the implementation of the slip phase, strong adhesion and the transmigration was observed in neutrophils with 5-segments in the nucleus and polymorphonuclear monocytes. Willingness to transmigrate lymphocytes was relatively small and concerned mainly of medium size lymphocytes and large granular lymphocytes.
THE ULTRASONIC EVALUATION OF THE DIAMETER OF COMMON CAROTID ARTERIES AND THE THICKNESS OF THE INTIMA-MEDIA COMPLEX IN EVENKS OF THE ARCTIC ZONE OF THE REPUBLIC SAKHA (YAKUTIA)
Authors: Egorova N. P. , Garmaeva D. K.
Published: February 2020

By ultrasonography was study the anatomical structure of the common carotid arteries and the total thickness of their inner and middle membranes (intima-media complex) in Evenks in the Arctic zone of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), depending on age and gender. It were studied 210 patients aged 21 to 74 years, the average age was 47 years. The thickness of the intima-media complex was measured on the back (relative to the sensor) vessel wall 1-1,5 cm proximal to the bifurcation. In the presence of thickening of the complex, the measurement was performed in the zone of maximum visual thickening. It was found that the diameter of the left common carotid artery is larger than the diameter of the right; an increase in the total thickness of the inner and middle membranes of the common carotid arteries with age occurs more on the left side, regardless of gender. The average age at which there is a thickening of the intima-media complex to 1,0 mm or more in general for all groups was 58,73 years, which is 5,2 years later than among residents of Central Russia.
THE STUDY OF THE DEPENDENCE OF SIZES OF MEASURED MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS AT THE POSITION OF THE SLICE PLANE
Authors: Lun'kov A. E. , Gladilin U. A. , Ibragimova K. E.
Published: February 2020

For microscopic objects in the form of spheres of different radii have been calculated the functions of distribution of the cross sections radii, taking into account the dependence on the position of the plane of the slice. Taking into account this dependence, the distribution functions of the cross sections radii of the spheres whose radii were given by the normal distribution law with the variation of its parameters were calculated. It is found that the difference between the given distribution function of the radii of spheres and the distribution function of their sections in the plane of the slice depends on the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean value of the radii. Depending on this relation, two simple algorithms are proposed to reconstruct the distribution function of the radii of objects by the distribution function of the radii of their sections. It is shown that these algorithms can be used to correct the experimental curve of the size distribution of micro-objects in the form of ellipsoid.
ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS OF THE PANCREATIC DUCT SYSTEM
Authors: Setdikova G. P. , Paklina O. V. , Gordienko E. N.
Published: February 2020

Authors was study pancreatic duct system in our population. It was found that the main function of draining in the pancreas performs the main pancreatic duct and only in those cases where there was a deep location of the main pancreatic duct (closer to the hook-shaped appendages) helper function drainage was carried out through an additional duct. Also found separate pancreatic ductal system - pancreas divisum. Due to the extensive use of technology endo-sonography in various tumor and neoplastic diseases of the pancreas knowledge of the anatomic and topographic features of the duct system will improve the quality of diagnosis in this nosologically group.
O mercado de trabalho no Reino Unido em face do retrocesso no combate aos “cinco gigantes”
Authors: Wolf Paulo José Whitaker
Published: February 2020

O artigo analisa as características do sistema de proteção social do Reino Unido e seu efeito sobre o mercado de trabalho. Foi o primeiro país a conhecer os efeitos perversos do capitalismo não regulado. Após a II Guerra Mundial, o Estado de bem-estar social avançou no atendimento de necessidades fundamentais dos indivíduos. A partir da década de 1970, o sistema de proteção social começou a retroceder. Esse retrocesso atingiu seu auge depois de 2008, quando o país foi atingido por uma crise financeira (e uma crise migratória) e iniciou os preparativos para a saída do projeto de integração regional europeu. A análise mostrou que a austeridade na política econômica e o enfraquecimento da política social (e a menor articulação entre tais políticas), depois de 2008, tiveram sérias consequências. O aumento do emprego e a redução do desemprego foram acompanhados por deterioração das condições de trabalho e aumento de empregos precários (com baixa remuneração e menores garantias).
Identification of Culicidae Family Diversity as Vector Control Management and Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevention in Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta
Authors: Windyaraini Dila Hening , Siregar Fiola Tiarani , Vanani Asti , Marsifah Titi , Poerwanto Soenarwan Hery
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Family Culicidae was the presence of a mosquito that had a potential vector to cause the spread of dengue fever and some diseases. Mosquito diversity could be different due to human and environmental factors in those regions. This study aims to identify mosquito (family Culicidae) diversity and characteristics of breeding places as vector control management and mosquito-borne disease prevention in the area of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. Method: The study was conducted from April to September 2018. A sampling of mosquito larvae and observation of mosquitoes breeding places characteristics were carried out inside and outside the Universitas Gadjah Mada campus building which was divided into 5 clusters, there were Science and Engineering cluster, Medica, Agro, Vocational School, and Social Science. Mosquito diversity in the Universitas Gadjah Mada campus area was analyzed used the Shannon-Wienner diversity index. Result and Discussion: Mosquitoes found in the area of Universitas Gadjah Mada consist of two phases with total number 153 larvae and pupae, namely Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles spp., and Culex spp. The mosquito with the highest number of larvae and pupae was Aedes albopictus, while Anopheles spp. Only found 1 pupa phase. The number of obtained containers was 50 containers, with 6 positive containers of mosquito larvae. Mostly, the type of container found with mosquito larvae was bucket. For each container observed, the temperature and pH of water in the container were measured and it was found that the water temperature reached 24 – 28°C with pH 6 – 7. Conclusion: Mosquito diversity from all of the areas in Universitas Gadjah Mada was grouped as a medium category, with the greatest number of mosquito larvae were found in Science and Engineering cluster. Containers were located in the open area had more mosquito larvae. Mosquito control is focused on environmental management, biological control, and chemical use.
“NoTaMe”: Workflow for Non-Targeted LC-MS Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Kokla Marietta , Klåvus Anton , Noerman Stefania , Koistinen Ville M. , Tuomainen Marjo , Zarei Iman , Meuronen Topi , Häkkinen Merja R. , Rummukainen Soile , Farizah Babu Ambrin , Sallinen Taisa , Kärkkäinen Olli , Paananen Jussi , Broadhurst David , Brunius Carl , Hanhineva Kati
Published: February 2020

Metabolomics analysis generates vast arrays of data, necessitating comprehensive workflows involving expertise in analytics, biochemistry and bioinformatics, in order to provide coherent and high-quality data that enables discovery of robust and biologically significant metabolic findings. In this protocol article, we introduce NoTaMe, an analytical workflow for non-targeted metabolic profiling approaches utilizing liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. We provide an overview of lab protocols and statistical methods that we commonly practice for the analysis of nutritional metabolomics data. The paper is divided into three main sections: the first and second sections introducing the background and the study designs available for metabolomics research, and the third section describing in detail the steps of the main methods and protocols used to produce, preprocess and statistically analyze metabolomics data, and finally to identify and interpret the compounds that have emerged as interesting.
Direct Electron Transfer-type Bioelectrocatalysis of Redox Enzymes at Nanostructured Electrodes
Authors: Adachi Taiki , Kitazumi Yuki , Shirai Osamu , Kano Kenji
Published: February 2020

Direct electron transfer (DET)-type bioelectrocatalysis, which couples electrode reactions and catalytic functions of redox enzymes without any redox mediator, is one of the most intriguing subjects studied over the past decades in the field of bioelectrochemistry. In order to realize the DET-type bioelectrocatalysis and to improve the performance, nanostructures of the electrode surface have to be carefully tuned for each enzyme. In addition, enzymes can also be tuned by protein engineering approach for the DET-type reaction. This review summarizes the resent progresses in this field of the research, while taking into consideration of the importance of nanostructure of electrodes as well as redox enzymes. Described are basic concepts and theoretical aspects of DET-type bioelectrocatalysis, significance of nanostructures as scaffolds for DET-type reactions, protein engineering approached for DET-type reactions, and concepts and facts of bidirectional DET-type reactions, from a cross-disciplinary viewpoint.
Analisis Unifikasi pada Gerak Dasar Running ABC Mahasiswa FIO 2018 Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Authors: Susiono Ricky , Hernawan
Published: February 2020

Mahasiswa olahraga yang baru masuk universitas pada umumnya belum menguasai pengetahuan gerak dasar Running ABC. Begitu juga mahasiswa Fakultas Ilmu Olahraga (FIO) 2018 Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Ini bisa dilihat dari hasil tes fisik dan keterampilan mahasiswa baru FIO UNJ. Rata-rata mahasiswa baru gagal dalam tes kemampuan gerak dasar. Mereka banyak gagal dalam kemampuan dasar seperti kemampuan berlari, melompat, melempar. Mahasiswa saat sekolah hanya mendapatkan pelatihan konvensional mengenai gerak dasar Running ABC.  Kegagalan dalam tes kemampuan dasar Running ABC ini seharusnya dapat dihindari jika mereka mendapatkan metode dan pelatihan yang tepat. Oleh karena itu analisis menggunakan metode Unifikasi mengenai kemampuan gerak dasar perlu dilakukan. Metode unifikasi adalah salah satu metode dan pelatihan memperkenalkan para mahasiswa baru memahami gerak dasar Running ABC yang baik, efisien, harmonis. Dengan analisis unifikasi dapat mendeskripsikan kesalahan-kesalahan gerak dasar yang sering dilakukan mahasiswa saat latihan.
Group Counseling of Trait and Factor Model Improves Career Decision Stability of Students of BPI IAIN Pekalongan
Authors: Ani Ani
Published: February 2020

This research aimed to find out whether group counseling of trait and factor model  can improve career decision stability of students of BPI IAIN Pekalongan. The type of research is quantitative with a quasi experiment design. The researcher employed one group pretest – posttest design with no control group. Data collection used the questionnaire of career decision stability developed from the theory of career of Donald Super. The t-test results retrieved the data of t score of 2.550 and the significance of 0.00. Based on the data, then the hypothesis test criteria are met i.e. t score is greater than t table i.e. 2.550 > 1.833 and the extent of significance or p<0.05 i.e. 0.000 < 0.05. The results indicate that group counseling of trait and factor model can improve students’ career decision stability.
Sarcopenic obesity and associations with mortality in older women and men – a prospective observational study
Authors: von Berens Åsa , Obling Sine R , Nydahl Margaretha , Koochek Afsaneh , Lissner Lauren , Skoog Ingmar , Frändin Kerstin , Skoglund Elisabeth , Rothenberg Elisabet , Cederholm Tommy
Published: February 2020

Background: The combined effect of sarcopenia and obesity, i.e., sarcopenic obesity, has been associated with disability and worse outcomes in older adults, but results are conflicting. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) in older adults, and to examine how the risk of mortality is associated with SO and its components.
Methods: Data were obtained from two Swedish population studies, the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies of 521 women and men at the age of 75, and the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM), which included 288 men aged 88 years. Sarcopenia was defined using the EWGSOP2 definition. Obesity was defined by any of three established definitions: body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 , fat mass >30%/ >42% or waist circumference ≥88 cm/≥102 cm for women and men, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Cox proportional hazard model were used for 10-year and 4-year survival analyses in the H70 and ULSAM cohorts, respectively.
Results: SO was observed in 4% of the women and 11% of the men in the H70 cohort, and in 10% of the ULSAM male cohort. The 75-year-old women with SO had a higher risk (HR 3.25, 95% confidence interval (1.2-8.9)) of dying within ten years compared to those with a “normal” phenotype. A potential similar association with mortality among the 75-year-old men was not statistically significant. In the older men aged 88 years, obesity was associated with increased survival.
Conclusions: SO was observed in 4-11% of community-dwelling older adults. In 75-year-old women SO appeared to associate with an increased risk of dying within ten years. In 88-year-old men, the results indicated that obesity without sarcopenia was related to a survival benefit over a four-year period.
Late Diagnosis among patients with Prostate Cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute: A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Bunani Nelson , Kisakye Angela Nakanwagi , Ssennyonjo Aloysius , Nuwaha Fred
Published: February 2020

Background Late diagnosis of prostate cancer is common in Uganda and elsewhere. Diagnosis in advanced stages is associated with high mortality, morbidity and low quality of life. We estimated time taken from perception of symptoms attributable to prostate cancer to biopsy among patients with prostate cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the associated factors. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of records of 280 patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer at UCI from January 2016 to December 2017. Time to diagnosis was obtained from the difference between approximate date of onset of initial symptoms and date when a biopsy was taken. Late diagnosis was that when an individual was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage III or IV whereas stages I and II were classified as early. We used modified Poisson regression to assess factors associated with timing of diagnosis among the patients. Results The median time from first perceived symptoms to biopsy for prostate cancer patients was 12 (IQR 5-24) months and 76% were diagnosed after 4 months of symptoms. Median age at time of diagnosis of patients was 70 (IQR66-74.5) years and at least 50% were aged between 65-74 years. About 81.8% of patients were diagnosed late; of which 35.7% were in stage III and 46.1% were in stage IV. Nearly all patients presented with raised prostate specific antigen with a median prostate specific antigen of 100.2 (IQR 36.02-350) ng/ml of blood at the time of admission. In adjusted analysis, patients whose biopsies were taken before 5 months of recognising symptoms were two times as likely to have cancer stage I and II compared to those patients in whom the biopsies were taken after 4 months. Conclusion More than three in four patients were diagnosed late. Taking a biopsy after 4 months of initiation of symptoms was partially responsible for the delay. To improve time to diagnosis, communities should be educated about symptoms of prostate cancer and advised to seek health care early. Health care workers should be sensitised to suspect prostate cancer among patients to allow timely referral for specialised assessment and management.
Reducing sitting at work: process evaluation of the SMArT Work (Stand More AT Work) cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Biddle Stuart JH , O'Connell Sophie E , Davies Melanie , Dunstan David , Edwardson Charlotte , Esliger Dale W , Gray Laura J , Yates Thomas , Munir Fehmidah
Published: February 2020

Background: Office based workers accumulate high amounts of sitting time. SMArT (Stand More AT) Work aimed to reduce occupational sitting time and a cluster randomised controlled trial demonstrated it was successful in achieving this aim. The purpose of this paper is to present the process evaluation of the SMArT Work intervention.
Methods: Questionnaire data were collected from intervention participants at 6 (n=58) and 12 months (n=55). Questionnaires sought feedback on the different components of the intervention (education, height-adjustable desk, Darma cushion, behaviour feedback, progress chats (coaching) with research team, action planning/goal setting diary) and experiences of evaluation measures. Control participants (n=37) were asked via questionnaire about the impact of the study on their behaviour and any lifestyle changes made during the study. Participants from both arms were invited to focus groups to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences upon completion of 12 month follow up.
Results: Focus group and questionnaire data showed a positive attitude towards the height-adjustable workstation with a high proportion of participants using it every day (62%). Most participants (92%) felt the education seminar increased their awareness of the health consequences of too much sitting and motivated them to change their behaviour. Receiving feedback on their sitting time and support from the research team also encouraged behaviour change. The Darma cushion and action planning/goal setting diary were seen to be less helpful for behaviour change. Benefits experienced included fewer aches and pains, improved cognitive functioning, increased productivity, more energy, and positive feelings about general health.
Conclusions: Key elements of the programme identified as facilitating behaviour change were: the educational seminar, the height-adjustable workstation, behavioural feedback and regular contact with research staff through regular progress chats.
Antibiotic use among twelve Canadian First Nations communities: A retrospective chart review of skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Jeong Dahn , Nguyen Ha Nhan Thi , Tyndall Mark , Schreiber Yoko S
Published: February 2020

Background

Previous publications indicated an emerging issue with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), particularly skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), in Indigenous communities in Canada. The objectives of this analysis were to explore the prevalence of SSTIs due to CA-MRSA and patterns of antimicrobial use in the community setting.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted as part of an environmental scan to assess antibiotic prescriptions in 12 First Nations communities across five provinces in Canada including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Charts were randomly selected from nursing stations and patients who had accessed care in the previous 12 months and were ≥18 years were included in the review. Data was collected from September to December, 2013 on antibiotic prescriptions, including SSTIs, clinical symptoms, diagnostic information including presence of CA-MRSA infection, and treatment.

Results

A total of 372 charts were reviewed, 60 from Alberta, 70 from Saskatchewan, 120 from Manitoba, 100 from Ontario, and 22 from Québec. Among 372 patients, 224 (60.2%) patients had at least one antibiotic prescription in the previous 12 months and 569 prescriptions were written in total. The prevalence of SSTIs was estimated at 36.8% (137 cases of SSTIs in 372 charts reviewed). In 137 cases of SSTIs, 34 (24.8%) were purulent infections, and 55 (40.2%) were due to CA-MRSA.

Conclusions

This study has identified a high prevalence of antibiotic use and SSTIs due to CA-MRSA in remote and isolated Indigenous communities across Canada. This population is currently hard to reach and under-represented in standard surveillance system and randomized retrospective chart reviews can offer complimentary methodology for monitoring disease burden, treatment and prevention.
Evolutionary history of two cryptic species of Northern African jerboas
Authors: Moutinho Ana Filipa , Serén Nina , Paupério Joana , Silva Teresa Luísa , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Sotelo Graciela , Faria Rui , Mappes Tapio , Alves Paulo Célio , Brito José Carlos , Boratyński Zbyszek
Published: February 2020

Background
Climatic variation and geologic change both play significant roles in shaping species distributions, thus affecting their evolutionary history. In Sahara-Sahel, climatic oscillations shifted the desert extent during the Pliocene-Pleistocene interval, triggering the diversification of several species. Here, we investigated how these biogeographical and ecological events have shaped patterns of genetic diversity and divergence in African Jerboas, desert specialist rodents. We focused on two sister and cryptic species, Jaculus jaculus and J. hirtipes , where we (1) evaluated their genetic differentiation, (2) reconstructed their evolutionary and demographic history; (3) tested the level of gene flow between them, and (4) assessed their ecological niche divergence.
Results
The analyses based on 231 individuals sampled throughout North Africa, 8 sequence fragments (one mitochondrial and seven single copy nuclear DNA, including two candidate genes for fur coloration: MC1R and Agouti ), 6 microsatellite markers and ecological modelling revealed: (1) two distinct genetic lineages with overlapping distributions, in agreement with their classification as different species, J. jaculus and J. hirtipes , with (2) low levels of gene flow and strong species divergence, (3) high haplotypic diversity without evident geographic structure within species, and (4) a low level of large-scale ecological divergence between the two taxa, suggesting species micro-habitat specialization.
Conclusions
Overall, our results suggest a speciation event that occurred during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition. The contemporary distribution of genetic variation suggests ongoing population expansions. Despite the largely overlapping distributions at a macrogeographic scale, our genetic results suggest that the two species remain reproductively isolated, as only negligible levels of gene flow were observed. The overlapping ecological preferences at a macro-geographic scale and the ecological divergence at the micro-habitat scale suggest that local adaptation may have played a crucial role in the speciation process of these species.
The effect of milrinone on mortality in adult patients who underwent CABG surgery: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials with a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Ren Yu-shan , Li Lan-fang , Peng Tao , Tan Yu-jun , Sun Ying , Cheng Guo-liang , Zhang Gui-min , Li Jie
Published: February 2020

Background: As an inodilator, milrinone is commonly used for patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery because of its effectiveness in decreasing the cardiac index and mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic meta-analysis of existing studies from the past 20 years to evaluate the impact of milrinone on mortality in patients who undergo CABG surgery.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search on the application of milrinone in patients who underwent CABG surgery in studies published between 1997 and 2017 in BioMed Central, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register. The included studies evaluated milrinone groups compared to groups receiving either placebo or standard treatment and further compared the systemic administration.Results: The network meta-analysis included 723 patients from 16 randomized clinical trials. Overall, there was no significant difference in mortality between the milrinone group and the placebo/standard care group when patients underwent CABG surgery. In addition, 9 trials (with 440 randomized patients), 4 trials (with 212 randomized patients), and 10 trials (with 470 randomized patients) reported that the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmia was lower in the milrinone group than in the placebo/standard care group. Between the milrinone treatment and placebo/standard care groups, the occurrence of myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmia was significantly different. However, the occurrence of stroke and renal failure, the duration of inotropic support (h), the need for an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and mechanical ventilation (h) between these two groups showed no differences.Conclusions: Based on the current results, compared with placebo, milrinone might be unable to decrease mortality in adult CABG surgical patients but can significantly ameliorate the occurrence of MI, myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmia. These results provide evidence for the further clinical application of milrinone and of therapeutic strategies for CABG surgery. However, along with milrinone application in clinical use, sufficient data from randomized clinical trials need to be collected, and the potential benefits and adverse effects should be analyzed and reevaluated.
Psychometric Testing of the Support and Control in Birth Scale
Authors: Liu shuyu , Lu Yu-Ying , Gau Meei-ling , Liu Chieh-Yu
Published: February 2020

Background: The Support and Control in Birth (SCIB) scale primarily measures the perceived support and control of expectant mothers during childbirth, thereby obtaining an understanding of their birth experiences. The advantages of this scale are its good reliability and validity and that it consolidates birth support and control. However, a Chinese version of the scale has yet to be developed. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of the Support and Control in Birth Scale (C-SCIB). Methods: A total of 228 postpartum women participated in this study. The C-SCIB scale was developed through a translation and back translation, followed by an evaluation of its content validity by a group of experts. Cronbach's α internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used to test the reliability of the scale. In addition, criterion-related validity (predictive validity and concurrent validity) and construct validity were used to test the validity of the scale.Results: The C-SCIB scale showed good results in terms of the item-level and scale-level content validity indices. The Cronbach's α internal consistency was 0.81, and its test-retest reliability was 0.96. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed the overall goodness-of-fit was parsimony fit indices. The predictive validity analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the C-SCIB scale and the Questionnaire Measuring Attitudes About Labor and Delivery (r =0.31, p<0.01). Furthermore, the concurrent validity analysis showed a significant and moderate correlation between the C-SCIB and the Bryanton Adaptation of the Nursing Support in Labor Questionnaire (r =0.49, p< 0.01) as well as the Labor Agentry Scale (r =0.51, p< 0.01).Conclusion: The C-SCIB scale was proven to have good reliability and validity, and thus can be used to measure the degree of support and the locus of control perceived by expectant women during labor.
Transcriptome analysis reveals differential immune related genes expression in Ruditapes philippinarum under hypoxia stress: Potential HIF and NF-κB crosstalk in immune responses in clam
Authors: Nie Hongtao , Wang Huamin , Jiang Kunyin , Yan Xiwu
Published: February 2020

Background: Hypoxia is an important environmental stressor in aquatic ecosystems, with increasingly impacts on global biodiversity. Benthic communities are the most sensitive parts of the coastal ecosystem to eutrophication and resulting hypoxia. As a filter-feeding organism living in the seafloor sediment, Ruditapes philippinarum represents an excellent "sentinel" species to assess the quality of marine environment. In order to gain insight into the molecular response and acclimatization mechanisms to hypoxia stress in marine invertebrates, we examined hypoxia-induced changes in immune-related gene expression and gene pathways involved in hypoxia regulation of R. philippinarum.Results: We investigated the response of the Manila clam R. philippinarum to hypoxia under experimental conditions and focused on the analysis of the differential expression patterns of specific genes associated with hypoxia response by RNA-seq and time course qPCR analysis. A total of 75 genes were captured significantly differentially expressed, and were categorized into antioxidant/oxidative stress response, chaperones/heat shock proteins, immune alteration, and cell proliferation/apoptosis. Fourteen hypoxia responsive genes were validated significantly up/down regulated at different time 0, 2, 5, and 8 d in gills of R. philippinarum in hypoxia challenged group. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the HIF signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway play pivotal roles in hypoxia tolerance and resistance in R. philippinarum.Conclusion: The HIF signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway play a critical role in hypoxia tolerance and resistance in Manila clam. The immune and defense related genes and pathways obtained here gain a fundamental understanding of the hypoxia stress in marine bivalves and provide important insights into the physiological acclimation, immune response and defense activity under hypoxia challenge. The reduced metabolism is a consequence of counterbalancing investments in immune defense against other physiological processes.
Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies on the adsorption of atrazine in soils of the water fluctuation zone in the Three-Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Yu Haiyan , Liu Yongfeng , Shu Xingquan , Fang Han , Sun Xiaojing , Pan Yuwei , Ma Limin
Published: February 2020

Background: Environmental behavior of pesticide in soils is a key current research focus. Studying the adsorption characteristics of pesticides in soils as a parameter for evaluating the risk of groundwater pollution by pesticides, is commonly applied in agriculture. Results: In order to provide a theoretical basis for environment risk assessment and pollution remediation, the thermodynamics and kinetics of the equilibrium of atrazine adsorption in the Three Gorges Reservoir area were assessed and analyzed via batch experiments. Results showed that the sorption of atrazine was an exothermic and spontaneous process at temperatures of 298–318K. Atrazine was more easily adsorbed by soils at concentrations of 0–30 mg·L-1, with low temperature adsorption being more effective than high temperature adsorption. The adsorption of atrazine to the two assessed soils were well fitted by the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The adsorption kinetics of atrazine in soils were consistent with the quasi-second order kinetic model and intraparticle diffusion was found not to be the only control step. The monolayer adsorption occurred with non-uniform energy distribution on the soil surface, indicating that the adsorption of atrazine by the two kinds of soil was controlled by internal diffusion surface adsorption and liquid film diffusion, leading to the complexity of its adsorption kinetics. The values of standard free energy <0, indicated that the adsorption of atrazine in soils was spontaneous and dominated by physical adsorption. Changes in standard enthalpy ( ) indicated that the adsorption was exothermic. Conclusion: Atrazine exhibited a weak adsorption capacity in both soils, indicating it is highly mobile in the soil-water environment and can easily cause groundwater pollution. Therefore, much attention should be paid to the environmental behavior of pesticide soil moisture fluctuations, potentially leading to the broad transfer and spread of pollution.