bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MUDANÇA DE COBERTURA DA TERRA NOS MUNICÍPIOS DE CHAPADINHA E BURITI – MA, ENTRE OS ANOS DE 1990 A 2017/ Change of earth coverage in the municipalities of Chapadinha and Buriti – MA, between the years 1990 to 2017
Authors: Araújo Hugo Borges , Pereira Paulo Roberto Mendes , Rodrigues Taissa Caroline Silva , Costa Júnior Erivaldo Plínio Borges da
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo quantificar e mapear os padrões de mudança da cobertura da terra nos municípios de Chapadinha e Buriti, estado do Maranhão, comparando os anos de 1990, 2000, 2007 e 2017 associando ao avanço da agricultura mecanizada sobre o bioma cerrado. Para a análise foram utilizadas imagens de satélites: Landsat 5 e 8, nas bandas: órbita/ponto 219/062; 220/062 e 220/063, dos anos de 1990, 2000, 2007 e 2017, o processamento digital de imagens e classificação por meio de análise de componentes principais a partir da agregação entre os softwares Geodma e Geoda, sendo utilizada a classificação por objetos , realizada no software Saga Gis. A técnica de análise foi realizada a partir da tabulação cruzada das imagens classificadas utilizando a ferramenta cross-classification, implementada no software Saga Gis. utilizando características espaciais e espectrais para a definição das classes de cobertura da terra para as datas supracitadas. Os resultados mostraram que os municípios estudados passaram por intensas mudanças ambientais provocadas principalmente por transformações na cobertura da terra, estas diretamente ligadas as atividades socioeconômicas relacionadas a inserção da monocultura da soja no Leste Maranhense em substituição do Bioma Cerrado, o que causou elevada perda da biodiversidade, principalmente pela perda da cobertura vegetal.
 
Palavras chaves: Biodiversidade; Cerrado; Soja; Leste Maranhense
Analysis of Affecting Factors on Patient Safety Culture in Public and Private Hospitals in Iran
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Amir Hossein , Khatooni Elham , Akbarzadeh Isa , Yazdanirad Saeid , Sheidaei Ali
Published: December 2019

Background : Patient safety culture is one of the main components of the quality of health services and is one of the main priorities of health studies. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine and compare the views of healthcare staff on the patient safety culture and the impact of effective factors on patient safety culture in public and private hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Methods : This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1203 health care workers employed in three public and three private hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Stratified random sampling was used in this study. Data were collected using the Maslach burnout inventory and patient safety culture questionnaire (HSOPSC). IBM SPSS v22 and Amos v23 were used to perform path analysis. Results : 867 (72.57%) females and 747 (27.43%) males with a mean age of 33.88 ± 7.66 were included. The average percentage of positive responses to the safety culture questionnaire in public and private hospitals was 65.5% and 58.3%, respectively. The strengths of patient safety culture in public hospitals were in three dimensions including non-punitive response to errors (80%), organizational learning—continuous improvement (79.77%), and overall perceptions of patient safety (75.16%), and in private hospitals, were three dimensions including non-punitive responses to errors (71.41%), organizational learning & continuous improvement (69.24%), and teamwork within units (62.35%). The type of hospital and work-shift hours influenced the burnout and patient safety questionnaire scores (P-value <0.05). The path analysis results indicate the fitness of the proposed model (RMSEA= 0.024). The results showed a negative impact of a work shift (β= -0.791), occupational burnout (β= -0.554) and hospital type (β= -0.147) on the observance of patient safety culture. Conclusion : providing feedback on errors and requirements for the frequent incident reporting, and patient information exchange seem necessary to promote the patient safety culture. Also, considering the negative impact of the shift work and burnout on patient safety culture, by planning and managing these factors appropriately, correct actions could be designed to improve the safety culture. Keywords: Patient safety culture, shift work, job burnout, path analysis
Screening differentially expressed genes of pancreatic cancer between Mongolian and Han people using bioinformatics technology
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Liao Kaili , FU ZHONGHUA , XIONG ZHENFANG
Published: December 2019

Objective: To screen and analyze differentially expressed genes in pancreatic carcinoma tissues taken from Mongolian and Han patients by Affymetrix Genechip. Methods: Pancreatic ductal cell carcinoma tissues were collected from the Mongolian and Han patients undergoing resection in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from March 2015 to May 2018 and the total RNA was extracted. Differentially expressed genes were selected from the total RNA qualified by Nanodrop 2000 and Agilent 2100 using Affymetrix and a cartogram was drawn; The gene ontology (GO) analysis and Pathway analysis were used for the collection and analysis of biological information of these differentially expressed genes. Finally, some differentially expressed genes were verified by real-time PCR.

Results: Through the microarray analysis of gene expression, 970 differentially expressed genes were detected by comparing pancreatic cancer tissue samples between Mongolian and Han patients. A total of 257 genes were significantly up-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissue samples in Mongolian patients; while a total of 713 genes were down-regulated. In the Gene Ontology database, 815 differentially expressed genes were identified with clear GO classification, and CPB1 gene showed the highest increase in expression level (multiple difference: 31.76). The pathway analysis detected 28 signaling pathways that included these differentially expressed genes, involving a total of 178 genes. Among these pathways, the enrichment of differentially expressed genes in the FAK signaling pathway was the strongest and COL11A1 gene showed the highest multiple difference (multiple difference: 5.02). The expression of differentially expressed genes CPB1, COL11A1、ITGA4、BIRC3、PAK4、CPA1、CLPS、PIK3CG and HLA-DPA1 determined by real-time PCR were consistent with the results of gene microarray analysis.

Conclusions: The results of microarray analysis of gene expression profiles showed that there are a large number of differentially expressed genes in pancreatic cancer tissue samples comparing Mongolian and Han population. These genes are closely related to the cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis and multi-drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. They are also involved in the regulation of multiple important signaling pathways in organisms.
Diagnostic Value of Pituitary Volume in Girls with Precocious Puberty
Authors: Wu Su , Yang Yan , Wang Yujiao , Liu Qianqi , Zhu Zi-yang , Gu Wei
Published: December 2019

Background: To date, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test is still the pivotal guarantee of precocious puberty (PP) diagnosis. However, it has many disadvantages, including low sensitivity, high cost, and invasive operation. This study aimed to evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived variables, including pituitary volume (PV), could be used as diagnostic factors for PP in girls, providing a non-invasive diagnostic method for PP. Methods: A total of 288 young female patients who presented to the Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology for evaluation of PP from January 2015 to December 2017 were enrolled. The sample included 90 girls diagnosed with premature thelarche (PT), 133 girls determined as idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP), 35 early pubertal girls, and 30 normal girls. All patients received pituitary MRI. Results: The largest PV and pituitary height were shown in the ICPP and pubertal groups, followed by the PT group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that PV might be a predictive marker for ICPP, with a sensitivity of 54.10% and a specificity of 72.20% at the cutoff value of 196.01 mm3. By univariate analysis, PV was significantly and positively associated with peak luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), age, bone age, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (all P < 0.05). However, bone age and peak LH were the only significant predictors of PV by the stepwise multivariate regression analysis (Model: PV = 9.431 * bone age + 1.230 * peak LH + 92.625 [P = 0.000, R2 = 0.159)). Conclusions: The PV in the ICPP group was significantly higher than that in the PT and control groups, but there was no reliable cutoff value to distinguish ICPP from PT. Pituitary MRI should be combined with clinical and laboratory tests to maximize the diagnostic value of PV for PP.
The Association between Parental Migration and Early Childhood Nutrition of Left-behind Children in Rural China
Authors: Shi Huifeng , Zhang Jingxu , Du Yufeng , Zhao Chunxia , Huang Xiaona , Wang Xiaoli
Published: December 2019

Background: More than one-third of children under 3 years old are left behind at home due to parental migration in rural China, and we know very little about early childhood nutrition of left-behind children (LBC) because of the dearth of research. This study examined the impact of parental migration on early childhood nutrition of LBC in rural China.
Methods: We used repeat cross-sectional data of rural children aged 6–35 months who participated in two surveys in six counties of northern and southern China in 2013 and 2016 respectively. The length, weight, and hemoglobin concentration were measured by trained health‑care workers blinded to parental migration status. Stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia were identified with the standards recommended by WHO. Generalized linear regressions and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to explore the association between parental migration and these nutritional outcomes at each time point.
Results: 2,336 and 2,210 children aged 6–35 months were enrolled in 2013 and 2016 surveys, respectively. The results show a reduction of the risks of stunting, underweight, and wasting from 2013 (16.4%, 8.5%, and 3.5%, respectively) to 2016 (12.1%, 4.0%, and 1.5%, respectively) but highlight a constantly and alarmingly high risk of anemia among these children (44.8% in 2013 and 43.8% in 2016). Children with migrant fathers performed as well as or better than those with non-migrants on these indicators. Children with migrant parents performed slightly worse in 2013, but equal or slightly superior in 2016 on these indicators compared with children with non-migrants and migrant fathers. Children aged 6–17 months with migrant parents had a significantly lower risk of anemia than those living with their mothers or with both parents (43.1% vs. 63.6% and 61.5 in 2013, and 42.5 vs. 60.1% and 66.2% in 2016), even after controlling for children’s sociodemographic characteristics.
Conclusions: Parental migration may be not detrimental and even beneficial to early childhood nutrition of LBC in rural China. Programs for LBC are recommended to continue to focus on nutrition but pay more attention to other important health issues.
Association of information, education, and communication; and enrollment in health insurance: A case of Nepal
Authors: Acharya Devaraj , Devkota Bhimsen , Gautam Kamal , Bhattarai Radha
Published: December 2019

Background Most of the studies have indicated that various programmes were failing due to lack of appropriate information, education, and communication [IEC] to the target audiences. But still unanswered that which methods or means of communication could be the most powerful for changing behaviour, decision making, and or desired action. The paper aims to assess the effects of IEC on the enrollment of health insurance [HI] in Nepal.Methods A cross-sectional study, with randomly selected 810 [405 enrolled and 405 not-enrolled] households, was conducted at Baglung and Kailali districts of Nepal in 2018 using pretested structured interview tool. Background characteristics of family and respondents, and exposure to the means of communication were independent variables; and enrollment of HI was the dependent variable. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done to interpret the data.Results Data show that socio-demographics and exposure to HI related information were associated with the enrollment of HI. Demographic characteristics of the respondents and households particularly age, wealth status, and presence of chronic diseases in the family were significantly associated with the enrollment of HI. Similarly, exposure to communication and media such as heard about HI and knowledge of contribution amount of HI, having HI related books or guidelines, participation in training and workshop, discussion with peers and neighbours, exposure to HI related messages from radio and television, seen hoarding board, newspaper, and HI related pamphlet, brochure, and posters were significantly associated with enrollment in HI. Heard about HI and knowledge of contribution amount, having HI related books and guidelines, and discussion with peers and neighbours appeared to be the positive and significant predictors for enrollment in HI.Conclusion Communication and interaction with peers and neighbours about HI scheme of the government could lead to higher participation in HI programme. It would be better to incorporate this strategy while planning policies and interventions on HI.
Short and Long-term Barriers and Facilitators of Skin Self-Examination Among Individuals Diagnosed with Melanoma
Authors: Coroiu Adina , Moran Chelsea , Bergeron Catherine , Drapeau Martin , Wang Beatrice , Kezouh Abbas , Ernst Jochen , Batist Gerald , Körner Annett
Published: December 2019

Background Melanoma can be lethal if not detected early and treated. Early detection can be facilitated via skin self-examination (SSE) and as such, SSE is part of melanoma follow-up care for individuals with a prior history, who face a life-long risk of reoccurrence. The objective of the current study was to identify short- and long-term predictors of SSE among melanoma survivors to inform future prevention interventions in high-risk groups. Method This is an observational study with longitudinal assessments conducted with adult melanoma patients in active follow-up care. Primary Outcome Measures: Behavioral outcomes, comprehensive SSE (checking up to 5 body areas in the last 3 months) and optimal SSE (checking the entire body at least monthly in the last 3 months) were assessed at 3, 12, and 24 months post a dermatological educational session on skin cancer prevention. T tests and chi square analyses were used to examine changes in outcomes from 3 to 12 and 24 months. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between predictors and the primary outcomes. Results Comprehensive SSE did not decrease significantly from 3 (M=2.7, SD=1.1) to 12 (M=2.6, SD=1.2) and 24 months (M=2.4, SD=1.2) post the education session, with the stronger predictor at all timepoints being intentions to perform SSE. Optimal SSE was higher at 3 months (59%) compared to 12 (46%) and 24 months (34%), with key predictors including self-efficacy and intentions to perform SSE and male sex at 3 months post; self-efficacy and reliance on medical advice at 12 months; and (lower) education and self-efficacy at 24 months. Conclusions The key findings of this study are that 1) survivors maintain SSE behaviour over time, but rates of SSE performed in agreement with medical recommendations are higher immediately post standard dermatological education (i.e. usual care) and decrease somewhat over a 24-month period; and 2) the strongest psycho-social predictors of SSE are intentions and self-efficacy to perform the behavior, which are highly modifiable, for example via motivational interviewing and goal setting health interventions.
Archaic mitochondrial DNA inserts in modern day nuclear genomes
Authors: Bücking Robert , Cox Murray P , Hudjashov Georgi , Saag Lauri , Sudoyo Herawati , Stoneking Mark
Published: December 2019

Background:
Traces of interbreeding of Neanderthals and Denisovans with modern humans in the form of archaic DNA have been detected in the genomes of present-day human populations outside sub-Sahara Africa. Up to now, only nuclear archaic DNA has been detected in modern humans; we therefore attempted to identify archaic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) residing in modern human nuclear genomes as nuclear inserts of mitochondrial DNA (NUMTs).
Results:
We analysed 221 high-coverage genomes from Oceania and Indonesia using an approach which identifies reads that map both to the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. We then classified reads according to the source of the mtDNA, and found one NUMT of Denisovan mtDNA origin; analysis of the flanking region suggests that this insertion is more likely to have happened in a Denisovan individual and introgressed into modern humans with the Denisovan nuclear DNA, rather than in a descendant of a Denisovan female and a modern human male.
Conclusions:
Here we present our pipeline for detecting introgressed NUMTs in next generation sequencing data that can be used on genomes sequenced in the future. Further discovery of such archaic NUMTs in modern humans can be used to detect interbreeding between archaic and modern humans and can reveal new insights into the nature of such interbreeding events.
Increased urinary volumes in symptomatic Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Berardino Federica Di , Zanetti Diego
Published: December 2019

Objective. The purpose of the research is to test the measurement of the total urinary volume, induced by the diuretic osmotic action of mannitol, in a group of symptomatic MD patients and in healthy controls. Results. An altered excretory urinary volume after mannitol challenge was observed in symptomatic MD (874.3 ± 302.1) compared to healthy volunteers (361.7 ± 181.6). (p = 0.0001) This easy and self-administered method might be proposed to replace the analysis of the urinary sugars’ concentration in symptomatic MD patients.
Suicide by pesticide poisoning in India: a review of pesticide regulations and their impact on suicide trends
Authors: Bonvoisin Toby , Utyasheva Leah , Knipe Duleeka , Gunnell David , Eddleston Michael
Published: December 2019

Background

Pesticide self-poisoning is a common means of suicide in India. Banning highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) from agricultural use has been successful in reducing suicides in several Asian countries without affecting agricultural output. Here, we describe national and state-level regulation of HHPs and explore how they might relate to suicide rates across India.Methods

Information on pesticide regulation was collated from agriculture departments of the central and state governments. National and state-level data on suicides from 1995 to 2015 were obtained from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). We used joinpoint analysis and negative binomial regression to investigate any effects on trends in suicide rates nationally and in Kerala.Results

As of October 2019, 318 pesticides were registered for use in India, of which 18 were extremely (Class Ia) or highly (Class Ib) hazardous according to World Health Organization criteria. Despite many HHPs still being available, several bans have been implemented during the period studied. In our quantitative analyses we focused on the permanent bans in Kerala in 2005 (of endosulfan) and 2011 (of 14 other pesticides); and nationally in 2011 (of endosulfan). NCRB data indicate that pesticides were used in 441,918 reported suicides in India from 1995-2015, 90.3% of which occurred in 11 of the 29 states. There was statistical evidence of lower than expected rates of pesticide suicides (rate ratio [RR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.49-0.54) and total suicides nationally by 2014 (0.90, 0.87-0.93) after the 2011 endosulfan ban. In Kerala, there was a lower than expected pesticide suicide rate (0.45, 0.42-0.49), but no change to the already decreasing trend in total suicides after the 2011 ban of 14 pesticides. The 2005 ban on endosulfan showed a similar effect. Agricultural outputs continued growing following the bans.Discussion

Highly hazardous pesticides continue to be used in India and pesticide suicide remains a serious public health problem. However, some pesticide bans do appear to have impacted previous trends in the rates of both pesticide suicides and all suicides. Comprehensive national bans of HHPs could lead to a reduction in suicides across India, in addition to reduced occupational poisoning, with minimal effects on agricultural yield.
High-throughput sequencing analysis of intestinal flora changes in ESRD and CKD patients
Authors: Hu Jianguang , Zhong Xiaoshi , Yan Jing , Zhou Daoyuan , Qin Danping , Xiao Xiao , Zheng Yuanyuan , liu yan
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) disease affects gut flora by causing dysbiosis and lead to systemic inflammatory conditions. Here, we provide intestinal flora changes of CKD patients undertook different hemodialysis therapy.Methods

Patients were recruited during 2017-2019 and divided into healthy control group (CT), CKD non-dialysis group (CKD), hemodialysis group (HD) and peritoneal dialysis group (PD). Intestinal flora genome 16S rDNA sequencing and further bio-informatic analysis were performed.Results

Decreased diversity and altered communities of intestinal flora in PD patients, in which microbial diversity was positive correlated with the albumin level were observed. A total of 20 intestinal flora phyla were detected in 166 fecal samples, divided into 3 dominant intestinal types including Bacteroides-dominant gut type, Firmicutes-dominant type and Proteobacteria-dominant gut type. Further analyses found 198 genera, the abundance of 86 genera were significantly different. Butyrate-producing taxa as Faecalibacterium in genera level and Bifidobacteriaceae and Prevotellaceae in family level were dominant genus in CT, CKD, and HD groups, while urease containing-, indole- and p-cresol-forming taxa as Escherichia in genera and Enterobacteriaceae , Enterococcaceae in family level was dominated genus in PD group. Number of differential expressed genes in KEGG enrichment pathways were significantly different in PD group in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, translation, and membrane transport.Conclusion

Our results suggest peritoneal dialysis therapy could result in reduced diversity and altered microbial communities, with reduced probiotic butyrate-producing taxa and increased urease containing-, indole- and p-cresol-forming taxa. The disordered intestinal flora can seriously affect the nutrition level in CKD patients with PD therapy.
Hyperhomocysteinemia accompany with metabolic syndrome increase the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy in rural Chinese
Authors: Yu Shasha , Chen Yintao , Yang Hongmei , Guo Xiaofan , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: December 2019

Background: To investigate the influence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in residents in rural Northeast China. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional baseline data analysis of 6837 subjects (mean age: 54±10 years) recruited from a rural area of China. Anthropometric indicators were measured according to standard methods. MetS was defined by the modified ATP III criteria. HHcy was defined according to the WHO standard: an Hcy level >15 μmol/L representing HHcy. Four groups were defined: non-HHcy & non-MetS, HHcy & non-MetS, MetS & non-HHcy and HHcy & MetS. Results: The left ventricular mass index for height2.7 (LVMH2.7) in both sexes was significantly higher in the HHcy & MetS group than in the non-HHcy & non-MetS group (females: 51.23±16.34 vs. 40.09±10.55 gm-2.7, P<0.001; males: 48.67±12.24 gm-2.7 vs. 42.42±11.38 gm-2.7, P<0.001). A similar result was observed in those groups when using the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) for body surface area to define LVH (females: 103.58±31.92 gm-2 vs. 86.63±20.47 gm-2, P<0.001; males: 106.10±24.69 gm-2 vs. 98.16±23.29 gm-2, P<0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the HHcy & MetS group had a higher risk of LVH than the other three groups (OR: 1.628 for LVMI, P<0.001, OR: 2.433 for LVMH2.7, P<0.001). Moreover, subjects in the HHcy & non-MetS group [OR (95% CI): 1.297 (1.058, 1.591) for LVMI, P<0.05; OR (95% CI): 1.248 (1.044, 1.492) for LVMH2.7, P<0.05] also had a statistically greater risk of LVH than subjects in the non-HHcy & non-MetS group. The HHcy & non-MetS group was also found to be significantly and independently associated with LVH. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia has an independent effect on LVH. The combined effect of MetS and hyperhomocysteinemia might increase the strength of the abovementioned effects.
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Low T3 Syndrome in Neurocritical Patients
Authors: Chen Yihao , Chang Jianbo , Yin Rui , Wen Junxian , Ma Baitao , Zuo Wei , Zhang Xiao , Wei Junji
Published: December 2019

Background Low serum T3 level is considered as a strong predictor of mortalities and poor prognosis in critical care patients. Few reports, however, focus on neurocritical patients. The application of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in neurocritical patients with low T3 syndrome also remains controversial. We studied the role of low T3 state as a predictor in neurocritical patients and presented our experience of HRT from a single-center perspective.Methods From January 2012 to October 2018, a total of 32 neurocritical patients with low T3 syndrome were admitted to the neuro-intensive care unit (NICU) of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Among them, 18 (56.25%) patients received HRT (HRT group) since the diagnosis of low T3 syndrome, while the other 14 (43.75%) patients did not (non-HRT group). We collected the clinical baseline and laboratory data of all the patients and conducted follow-up from 3 to 72 months. Overall survival was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier curve and compared by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was applied to estimate the prognostic power of HRT for mortality. We also performed the Mann-Whitney U test or t-test to assess the influence of HRT on the final neurological function.Results The cohort consists of 32 patients, with an average Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 6.41 (HRT=6.44±3.14, non-HRT=6.36±2.06). The neurocritical events include postoperative complications (n=18), traumatic brain injury (n=8), and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (n=6). A total of 15 (46.87%) deaths were recorded (HRT=7, non-HRT=8). In the HRT group, the low T3 situation in 5 patients (33.3%) was corrected and 10 (66.7%) were not. It turns out that the overall survival rate of the non-HRT group was significantly lower than that of the HRT group (P=0.034, 16.445 vs. 47.470 months). The non-HRT group has 3.322 times the mortality risk of the HRT group, according to univariate regression analysis, while the multivariate regression analysis showed no significant difference in mortality risk between the two groups (P=0.087, HR=0.340 95%CI 0.099-1.172). There was no significant difference in the short and long-term effects of HRT on neurological function (short-term GCS P=0.587, long-term GCS P=0.419, long-term GOS P=0.419).Conclusion Low T3 syndrome can significantly influence the prognosis of neurocritical patients. Therefore much attention should be paid to the changes in serum T3 level during treatment. Although it is unclear to what extent can HRT improve the short or long-term outcome of neurological function, it can significantly benefit the survival of neurocritical patients.
Shoulder imbalance treated with scapuloplasty surgery in scoliosis patients:a clinical retrospective study
Authors: Rui Zhong , Zhengjun Hu , Deng Zhao , Fei Wang , Hehong Zhao , Yijian Liang
Published: December 2019

BackgroundTo discuss the clinical efficacy and safety of scapuloplasty treating the shoulder imbalance in scoliosis patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on 21 patients who underwent scoliosis corrective surgery combined with scapuloplasty from September 2013 to March 2015. The average follow-up was 31.4±5.3 months (24-42 months). The shoulder vertical difference (SVD), adjusted Constant-Murley score, range of shoulder motion function, Cavendish grade and the overall satisfaction were compared among the pre-surgery, post-surgery and the final follow-up periods.ResultsThe Shoulder vertical difference (SVD) significantly decreased at the time of post-surgery and the final follow-up, comparing the score of the pre-surgery. The SVD of all patients were decreased from preoperatively 3.2±1.1cm to 0.4±0.3cm, with the Cavendish grade improved to grade 1 at the final follow-up. The adjusted Constant-Murley score and range of shoulder motion function showed no significant difference during the three time periods (P>0.05). And no severe complications had occurred over 2 years follow-up.ConclusionThe scapuloplasty surgery shows to be an effective and safety procedure to improve the shoulder imbalance, cosmetic appearance and the overall satisfaction in scoliosis patients without impairing the shoulder function, which can be widely applied in clinic.
Sputum and plasma adiponectin levels in clinically stable adult cystic fibrosis patients with CFTR I1234V mutation
Authors: AbdulWahab Atqah , Allangawi Mona , Thomas Merlin , Bettahi Ilham , Sivaraman Siveen K. , Jerobin Jayakumar , Chandra Prem , Abou-Samra Abdul-Badi , Ramanjaneya Manjunath
Published: December 2019

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is associated with chronic inflammation leading to progress in lung function. Adiponectin is a predominantly anti-inflammatory adipokine that may have a role in CF lung. This study aims to determine total sputum and total plasma adiponectin levels in clinically stable adults CF patients with CFTR I1234V mutation, compared to plasma adiponectin levels in healthy controls and to investigate their correlations with body mass index (BMI) and spirometry in patients with CF. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprises 17 CF patients and 18 healthy controls. Adiponectin levels were measured by magnetic bead-based multiplex assay. Results: The mean age of adult CF patients was 22.9 years± 3.8 (18-30) and 76.5% CF patients had pancreatic sufficiency. The mean BMI in healthy controls was slightly higher than CF patients. The mean sputum adiponectin level was significantly lower than plasma adiponectin levels in CF patients and healthy controls (p<0.001), whereas no significant difference in plasma adiponectin levels between CF patients and healthy controls. The mean sputum adiponectin level was observed to be higher in CF patients with pancreatic insufficiency. Sputum adiponectin level was correlated positively with plasma adiponectin level in CF patients (r= 0.47, p=0.06). Sputum and plasma adiponectin levels in CF patients were correlated negatively with BMI and percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced vital capacity (FVC). Conclusions: Sputum adiponectin may provide a minimally invasive tool in the assessment of an inflammatory status in CF patients. Further larger study to address any difference in sputum and plasma adiponectin levels among CF patients with pancreatic sufficiency versus pancreatic insufficiency.
Evidence of nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Keutchafo Esther Lydie Wanko , Kerr Jane , Jarvis Mary A.
Published: December 2019

Background : Communication is an integral part of life and of nurse-patient relationships. Effective communication with patients can improve the quality of care. However, due to specific communication needs in older adults, the communication between them and nurses is not always effective. Additionally, though research has focused on communication, there is scant evidence on nonverbal communication between nurses and older adults with no communication impairment nor mental illness. Methods : This scoping review describes the type of nonverbal communication used by nurses to communicate with older adults. It also describes the older adults’ perceptions of nurses’ nonverbal communication cues. It followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Relevant studies and grey literature were identified by searches in Pubmed, Science Direct, Sabinet, Academic search complete, CINAHL with Full Text, Education Source, Health Source- Consumer Edition, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and MEDLINE. Google Scholar, and World Health Organization library. The studies and grey literature were then filtered by two reviewers independently. Eligibility criteria for inclusion were: (i) studies focused on nurses’ nonverbal communication with older adults; (ii) studies focused on older adults’ interpretation of nurses’ communication behaviors; (iii) any existing literature from 2000 to 2019 and (iv) literature in English and French. Results : Twenty-two studies were included in this review. The results demonstrate limited published research addressing nonverbal communication between older adults and nurses. The review also revealed that haptics, kinesics, proxemics, and vocalics were most frequently used by nurses when communicating with older adults; while there was limited use of artefacts and chronemics. There was no mention of silence as a nonverbal communication cue used by nurses. Additionally, older adults had both positive and negative perceptions about nurses’ nonverbal communication behaviors. Conclusion : Nurses should be self-aware of their nonverbal communication behaviors as well as the way in which the meanings of the messages might be misinterpreted. In addition, nurses should identify their own style of nonverbal communication and understand its modification as necessary in accordance with patient’s needs.
High fat-induced inflammation in vascular endothelium can be improved by Abelmoschus esculentus and metformin via increasing the expressions of miR-146a and miR-155
Authors: Gou Luoning , Liu Geng , Ma Rong , Regmi Anita , Zeng Tianshu , Zheng Juan , Zhong Xueyu , Chen Lulu
Published: December 2019

Background Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which contributes to cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are reported to be involved in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) and metformin have been suggested to improve inflammation in vascular. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether miRNAs are involved in high fat induced endothelial inflammation, and whether AE and metformin improve endothelial inflammation by regulating miRNAs.Methods We established high fat treated rats and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). AE and metformin were added to explore their effects on endothelial inflammation induced by high fat and the possible mechanism.Results Rats treated with high fat diet displayed increased inflammation in vascular. The decreased miR-146a and miR-155 were involved in endothelial inflammation induced by high fat by targeting IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), respectively. While AE and metformin could ameliorate the endothelial inflammation by increasing miR-146a and miR-155.Conclusions These results indicate that miR-146a and miR-155 play roles in the high fat induced endothelial inflammation, which could be potential therapeutic targets, AE and metformin have protective roles to attenuate endothelial inflammation through regulating miR-146a and miR-155.
Spatial variation in the frequency of knockdown resistance genotypes in Florida Aedes aegypti populations
Authors: Mundis Stephanie Jane , Estep Alden S. , Waits Christy M. , Ryan Sadie J.
Published: December 2019

BackgroundThe development of insecticide resistance in disease-vectoring mosquito species can lead to vector control failure and disease resurgence. However, insecticide applications remain an essential public health intervention. In Florida, insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti, an anthropophilic mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, is a major concern. Understanding the location, scale, and driving factors of insecticide resistance can enhance the ability of vector control organizations to target populations effectively.MethodsWe used previously collected data on frequencies of mutations that confer resistance to commonly used pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes aegypti specimens from 62 sites distributed across 18 counties in Florida. To determine the scale of clustering for the most resistant variant, we used a Ripley’s K function. We also used a spatial scanning statistic technique to identify the locations of clusters where higher than expected frequencies of susceptible or resistant mosquitoes occurred. We then tested for associations between landscape, demographic, and insecticide-use factors using a beta regression modelling approach and evaluated the effect of spatial lag and spatial error terms on overall explanatory power of these models. ResultsThe scale at which maximum clustering of the most resistant variant occurs is approximately 20 kilometers. We identified statistically significant clusters of resistance in several coastal cities, although some of these clusters were near significant clusters of susceptible mosquitoes, indicating selection pressures vary at the local scale. Vegetation density, distance from roads, and pyrethroid-use by vector control districts were consistently significant predictors of insecticide resistance frequency in the top-performing beta regression models, although pyrethroid-use surprisingly had a negatively associated with resistance. The incorporation of spatial lags resulted in improvements to the fit and explanatory power of the models, indicating an underlying diffusion process likely explains some of the spatial patterns in resistance observed.ConclusionsThe genetic mutations that confer resistance to pyrethroids in Aedes aegpyti mosquitoes in Florida exhibit spatial autocorrelation and patterns that can be partially explained by landscape and insecticide-use factors. Further work at local scales should be able to identify the mechanisms by which these variables influence the outcome of resistance.
Does physical activity reinforce adolescents’ body-esteem? A cross-sectional study from Finland
Authors: Ojala Kristiina Sari Anne , Huotari Pertti Raimo Tapio , Villberg Jari Juhani , Tynjälä Jorma Antero
Published: December 2019

Background Physical activity promotes a positive physical self-image, but less is known about whether the positive effect covers the general self-evaluation of adolescent appearance. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between physical activity and body-esteem in 15-year-old Finnish adolescents, via a country-representative cross-sectional study. Methods The data for the study were drawn from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from 122 schools, comprising 15-year-old adolescents (N=1956) in Finland in 2014. The main measures were self-reported (i) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and (ii) Body-esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). The measures also covered other relevant factors for body image, as highlighted in previous studies. A mixed effects linear regression analysis for body-esteem was conducted. The explanatory variables included were (i) MVPA; (ii) weight status, as defined by the international (IOTF) body mass index with cut-offs for thinness, overweight, and obesity; (iii) self-esteem; and (iv) socio-economic status. The covariates in the model were maturation state and ethnic background. Results In both genders, the body-esteem score increased linearly with physical activity. It was highest among adolescents who reported having been engaged in MVPA corresponding to the international recommendation for adolescents’ physical activity. MVPA was a significant determinant for body-esteem in boys, but not in girls. In both genders, lower body-esteem was in part explained by obesity, but general self-esteem was by far the most significant factor determining body-esteem. Conclusions The several positive effects of physical activity provide feasible explanations as to why body-esteem was higher among physically active adolescents than among those who were less physically active. However, physical activity was a significant determinant for body-esteem only in boys. The difference between genders should be taken into consideration in efforts to promote health and physical activity.
Combined effects of weight change trajectories and lifestyle factors on adiposity status at four years of age, a birth cohort study
Authors: Lin Qingmin , Jiang Yan-rui , Wang Guang-hai , Sun Wan-qi , Dong Shu-mei , Deng Yu-jiao , Meng Min , Zhu Qi , Mei Hao , Zhou Ying-chun , Zhang Jun , Clayton Peter E. , Spruyt Karen , Jiang Fan
Published: December 2019

Background : Prior studies suggested that rapid weight change in infancy is associated with increased childhood and adulthood weight status. However, the weight change trajectory in early life over time and the extent to which childhood lifestyle behaviors may modify the risk of infant rapid weight change are not completely understood. Our aims were to characterize weight change trajectory early in life and explore its independent/combined effects with childhood lifestyle factors on adiposity outcomes at four years of age. Methods : In our ongoing birth cohort study, we used nine follow-up time points (birth, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 months, and 3, 4 years) to calculate the change between two adjacent weight for age z-scores ( WAZ-change ), and then to define WAZ-change trajectories using group-based trajectory modeling. The independent/combined effects of WAZ-change trajectories with each lifestyle factor ( eating behaviors , physical activity, media exposure time and total sleep duration) on childhood adiposity measures were determined using multivariate regression (where applicable). Results : A total of 84 (38.0%) children had a steady growth trajectory while the other 137 (62.0%) children had an early rapid growth trajectory most notable during the first six months. Compared to children with steady growth, children with early rapid growth had significantly higher adiposity status at four years of age - body mass index (β = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.37), waist circumference (β = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.68, 3.12), and subcutaneous fat (β = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.01). Moreover, WAZ-change trajectory not only had an independent effect, but also a combined effect with eating behaviors on most adiposity measures. Conclusions : We have identified two distinct weight change trajectories and described their independent and combined effects with eating behaviors on childhood adiposity measures. Larger samples and a longer period of observation through childhood are needed to replicate our findings.
Analysis and comprehensive comparison of PacBio and nanopore-based RNA sequencing of the Arabidopsis transcriptome
Authors: Cui Jiawen , Shen Nan , Lu Zhaogeng , Xu Guolu , Wang Yuyao , Jin Biao
Published: December 2019

Background The number of studies using third-generation sequencing using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is rapidly increasing in many different research areas. Among them, plant full-length single-molecule transcriptome studies have mostly used PacBio sequencing, whereas ONT is rarely used. Therefore, in this study, we examined ONT RNA sequencing methods in plants. We performed a detailed evaluation of reads from PacBio, Nanopore direct cDNA (ONT Dc), and Nanopore PCR cDNA (ONT Pc) sequencing including characteristics of raw data and identification of transcripts. In addition, matched Illumina data were generated for comparison.Results ONT Pc showed overall better raw data quality, whereas PacBio generated longer read lengths. In the transcriptome analysis, PacBio and ONT Pc performed similarly in transcript identification, simple sequence repeat analysis, and long non-coding RNA prediction. PacBio was superior in identifying alternative splicing events, whereas ONT Pc could estimate transcript expression levels.Conclusions This paper made a comprehensive comparison of PacBio and nanopore-based RNA sequencing of the Arabidopsis transcriptome, the results indicate that ONT Pc is more cost-effective for generating extremely long reads and can characterise the transcriptome as well as quantify transcript expression. Therefore, ONT Pc is a new cost-effective and worthwhile method for full-length single-molecule transcriptome analysis in plants.
RNA-seq screening of the CPGs in Culex pipiens pallens among cypermethrin-resistant populations
Authors: Shi Qiqi , Cheng Peng , Zhang Chongxing , Liu Lijuan , Song Xiao , Guo Xiuxia , Wang Haifang , Wang Yang , Liu Hongmei , Wang Huaiwei , Gong Maoqing
Published: December 2019

Background Long-lasting overdependence on insecticides has led to the rapid spread of pyrethroid resistance in mosquito vectors, which is of great concern to the general public. There are many studies on metabolic resistance and target resistance, but fewer studies have been conducted on cuticle resistance and behaviour resistance. The cuticle of mosquitoes has been hypothesized to play a role in insecticide resistance by reducing penetration or sequestering insecticides. Methods We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyse the transcriptome of cypermethrin-resistant and cypermethrin-susceptible strains of Culex pipiens pallens . Sequenced 6 samples using an Illumina HiSeq platform, and generated approximately 6.66 Gb bases from each sample on average. Mapping the sequenced reads to a reference genome and reconstructing the transcripts, through gene expression analysis, we detected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the samples. Followed Gene Ontology (GO) classification and functional enrichment. Finally, we screened the genes of cuticle proteins associated with drug resistance throughout the genome, selected the significant DEGs with a log2 fold change>3.0 and Padj<0.05, and applied real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR to verify the DEGs. Results We obtained 13,517 novel transcripts, of which 8,653 were previously unknown splicing events for known genes, 665 were novel coding transcripts without any known features, and 4,199 were long noncoding RNA. A total of 1035, 944, and 657 genes were upregulated in comparisons between samples, and 2680, 1215, and 975 genes were downregulated in comparisons between samples. Finally, among all samples, 167 genes upregulated, and 145 genes downregulated. The GO classification and functional enrichment of DEGs as follows: molecular function, 224 genes; cellular component, 149 genes; and biological process, 272 genes. The expression of XM_001863852 and XM_001845881 in resistant strains of Culex pipiens pallens was lower than that in the laboratory sensitive strain, with fold changes in expression of 0.177 and 0.548, respectively; the expression of the XM_001845883.1 in the resistant strain was higher than that in the susceptible strain, and a 2.281-fold change in expression. Conclusions The results provide a reference for resistance mechanisms through the mosquito cuticle, furthermore, could provide a new perspective for disease vector control.