bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of pyruvate carboxylase in thyroid fine-needle aspiration wash-out fluid for predicting PTC lymph node metastasis
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Lu , Liu Yang , Zhao Qingqing , Pan Yu , Zhang Yifan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing yearly. Knowing whether there is lymph node metastasis is of great value in choosing surgery and surgical methods, but ultrasound cannot qualitatively diagnose and effectively detect lymph node metastases in the central area. Metabolic dysregulation is an important factor associated with malignancy and metastasis of tumors. Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) is a major anaplerotic enzyme that catalyzes the carboxylation of pyruvate to form oxaloacetate (OAA) and is involved in tumorigenesis in several cancers. This study aims to explore the relationship between PC mRNA expression in thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) wash-out fluid and lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsThe expression levels of PC in PTCs and normal thyroid tissues were first compared based on bioinformatics analysis of public databases, including the Gene Expression Profiling (GEPIA), Oncomine and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Then, the PC mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR in surgical tissues in a total of 42 patients with surgically confirmed PTC and compared to those of patients with and without central lymph nodal metastasis (CLNM). Further, to identify PC expression in diagnostic biopsies, a total of 71 thyroid nodule patients with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration wash-out fluid samples and cytological diagnosis were prospectively enrolled in the study. ResultsThrough data mining, we found that PC is overexpressed in PTC and PTC with lymph node metastasis. In 42 surgically diagnosed PTC patient tumor tissues, PC was significantly higher in patients with CLNM (n=15) than in those without (n=27) nodal metastasis (median: 6.490 vs. 2.430, p = 0.014). Furthermore, in thyroid FNA wash-out fluid, PC was significantly higher in patients with cytologically diagnosed PTC (n=52) than in those with benign nodules (n =19) (median: 2.456 vs. 0.495, p = 0.005). Thirty-four of the 52 patients with PTC received a total thyroidectomy, and PC was also significantly higher in patients with CLNM (n=17) than in those without nodal metastasis (n=17) (median: 3.665 vs. 1.621, p = 0.013). The area under the ROC curve for PC predicting PTC with lymph node metastasis in FNA wash out samples was 0.751 (p = 0.013), and the sensitivity and specificity were 70.6% and 76.5%, respectively.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that PC may predict malignancy in thyroid nodules and lymph nodal metastasis with thyroid FNA wash-out fluid in PTC patients.
‘I no longer know that person’: Grief and loss in families living with someone using crystal methamphetamine
Authors: Sampson Dara , Heinsch Milena , Geddes Jenny , Velleman Richard , Velleman Gill , Teesson Maree , Newton Nicola , Kay-Lambkin Frances
Published: October 2020

Background: Although crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) use is a large and growing worldwide problem, few research studies have explored the impact of crystal methamphetamine use on affected friends and family members. In order to inform the development of a Family and Friend Support Program for those affected by someone else’s use of ice, the experiences and narratives of family members and friends were explored. Methods: This paper reports on a subset of findings from a mixed method study, which sought to better understand the experiences of affected friends and family members of people using ice. Participants were recruited via a Facebook ad and asked to complete a survey outlining their experiences. At the end of the survey, participants were invited to be interviewed by the clinical psychologist on the research team, to discuss their experiences in greater depth. Seventeen people (out of the 39 who completed the survey) agreed to be interviewed. This paper is based on a qualitative thematic analysis of those seventeen interviews conducted with family members and friends of people using ice.Results: The thematic analysis highlighted common areas of concern and experience. Key themes emerged from the thematic analysis, namely loss, stigma, support (or lack thereof), ways of coping, and the value in sharing personal experiences. The pre-eminent theme was that of grief and loss. Concepts of ambiguous loss, disenfranchised grief, and narrative constructivist approaches to understanding loss were applied to the analysis of results. Loss was often compounded by social constructions and stigma attached to ice usage, which extended to the people caring for friends and family members as well. Conclusion: The experiences of the people interviewed in relation to a person in their life who was using ice, were complicated by social constructions of the drug itself. It emerged that this resulted in grief processes which were made more complex because of the stigma attached to the use of ice. These results warrant further clinical consideration and research.
Eight-year Health Risks Trend Analysis of a Comprehensive Workplace Health Promotion Program
Authors: Äikäs Antti , Absetz Pilvikki , Hirvensalo Mirja , Pronk Nicolaas
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThis prospective longitudinal quasi-experimental study investigated trends in health risks of a multiyear comprehensive workplace health promotion (WHP) program. MethodsA comprehensive, eight-year WHP program was implemented emphasizing lifestyle behaviors as key targets in 2010-2013 and environmental supports focused on stress management and mental health resources in 2014-2017. Health risk data was collected from health risk assessments, applying both a questionnaire and biometric screenings. Health risk trends were analyzed for the three time points 2010-2011, 2013-2014 and 2016-2017. Single health risk changes were investigated for three different cohorts using descriptive analyses, t-test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank and McNemar´s test where appropriate. Overall health risk transitions were assessed according to low, moderate and high risk categories. ResultsTrend analyses observed 50-60% prevalence for low, 30-35% for moderate and 9-11% high risk levels across the eight years. In the overall health risk transitions of the three cohorts, 66-73% of participants stayed at the same risk level, 13-15% of participants improved, and 12-21% deteriorated their risk level across the three intervention periods. ConclusionOur findings appear to indicate that the multiyear WHP program was effective in slowing the accumulation of measured health risks but fell short of reducing the number of health risks at the population level. In context of expected age-related health risk changes over time, this comprehensive multi-year WHP program was able to generate modest but important shifts in population health risk profiles.
Significance of Sphenoclea Zeylanica as a Food Resource in Twenty-first Century Urban Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Putro Radityo Haryo
Published: October 2020

Background Diversifying food sources by including edible wild plants or weeds as food resources can help to combat the issues of simplified diets and food security in the modern world. The present study investigated the case of Sphenoclea zeylanica Gaertn. (gooseweed or wedgewort), an edible wild plant with traces of historical consumption in Indonesia. Because previous studies have failed to clarify its significance for consumption by society, the present study aimed to clarify the significance of S. zeylanica as a food resource in the 21st century.Methods Data were collected in Bali Province (Denpasar City and Timpag Village, Tabanan Regency) through interviews with a farmer, direct field visits to wet markets and supermarkets, and an online questionnaire. Supply distribution was analyzed using geographical information system mapping to visualize point data density, while statistical significance of consumption data was analyzed using the R software.Results The results showed that S. zeylanica was cultivated as a vegetable crop by local farmers in Timpag Village from 2014. Fresh S. zeylanica could be found mainly sold in wet markets within Denpasar City, while prepared or cooked versions of the plant were noted to be sold in several food and beverage establishments. The selling price of S. zeylanica was also found to be high among other similar vegetables. A majority of the study’s survey respondents have consumed S. zeylanica at least once in the past, with most of them tended to be older and were more often female. However, it was identified that factors such as low production, unequal distribution, and high market pricing were probable causes in limiting its use and consumption. Conclusions It was concluded that S. zeylanica has limited significance in 21st century urban Bali, Indonesia, despite high awareness of the plant as a food resource. However, commercialization and preservation of cultural plant knowledge surrounding S. zeylanica were thought to be potentially important actions for maintaining its use as a future food resource. Consequently, further research is necessary on potential marketing methods and strategies to generate greater interest or demand towards S. zeylanica as a vegetable crop.
DenseCapsNet: Detection of COVID-19 X-ray Images Using a Capsule Network
Authors: Quan Hao , Xu Xiaosong , Zheng Tingting , Li Zhi , Zhao Mingfang , Cui Xiaoyu
Published: October 2020

Objective: A deep learning framework for detecting COVID-19 is developed, and a small amount of chest X-ray data is used to accurately screen COVID-19.Methods: In this paper, we propose a deep learning framework that integrates convolution neural network and capsule network. DenseNet and CapsNet fusion are used to give full play to their respective advantages, reduce the dependence of convolution neural network on a large amount of data, and can quickly and accurately distinguish COVID-19 from Non-COVID-19 through chest X-ray imaging.Results: A total of 1472 chest X-ray COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 images are used, this method can achieve an accuracy of 99.32% and a precision of 100%, with 98.55% sensitivity and 100% specificity.Conclusion: These results show that the deep fusion neural network DenseCapsNet has good performance in novel coronavirus pneumonia X-ray detection. We also prove through experiments that the detection performance of DenseCapsNet is not affected fundamentally by a lack of data augmentation and pre-training.
Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale (CPAS-11): Development and Initial Validation
Authors: Bernardo Allan B. I. , Mendoza Norman B. , Simon Patricia D. , Cunanan Angela Lorraine P. , Dizon John Ian Wilzon T. , Tarroja Maria Caridad H. , Balajadia-Alcala Ma. Araceli , Saplala Jesus Enrique G.
Published: October 2020

The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will increase as the outbreak continues and persist even after the pandemic passes. We developed a 11-item Coronavirus Pandemic Anxiety Scale (CPAS-11) to measure symptoms of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic to help identify individuals who might need mental health services. In developing the scale items, we considered previous research and theory on anxiety symptoms and symptoms reported by clinically referred cases in the Philippines. The scale was validated in a Filipino sample (N=925). Exploratory factor analysis indicated two factors corresponding to somatic and non-somatic symptoms; confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit for the two-factor model. CPAS-11 showed good internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and screening accuracy. A cutoff score of 15 showed adequate sensitivity and specificity to distinguish GAD-7 screened participants. The results support the viability of CPAS-11 as a screening tool to identify individuals experiencing COVID-19-related anxiety.
LRP4 LDLα Repeats of Astrocyte Enhances Dendrite Arborization of the Neuron
Authors: Yan Min , Guo Amin , Chen Peng , Jing Hongyang , Ren Dongyan , Zhong Yanzi , Wu Yongqiang , Fei Erkang , Lai Xinsheng , Zou Suqi , Wang Shunqi
Published: October 2020

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) is essential for inducing the neuromuscular junction formation in muscle fibers, and LRP4 plays a role of dendritic development and synaptogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS). As a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, LRP4 contains an enormously large extracellular region possessing multiple LDLα repeats in the N-terminal. LRP4 only with extracellular domain acts as a similar mechanism of full-length LRP4 in muscles to stimulate acetylcholine receptor clustering. In this study, we elucidated that LDLα repeats of LRP4 maintained the body weight and survival rate. Dendritic branches of the neurons in Lrp4-null mice with LRP4 LDLα repeats residue were more than in Lrp4-null mice without residual LRP4 domain. Supplement with conditioned medium from LRP4 LDLα over expression cells, primary culture neurons achieved strong dendritic arborization ability. In addition, astrocytes with LRP4 LDLα repeats residue could promoted the dendrite arborization of neurons in primary co-cultured system. These observations signify that LRP4 LDLα repeats play an underlying prominent role in dendrite arborization.
Focal Loss of the Paranodal Domain Protein Neurofascin155 in the Internal Capsule Impairs Cortically Induced Muscle Activity in Vivo.
Authors: Kunisawa Kazuo , Hatanaka Nobuhiko , Shimizu Takeshi , Kobayashi Kenta , Osanai Yasuyuki , Mouri Akihiro , Shi Qian , Bhat Manzoor A. , Nambu Atsushi , Ikenaka Kazuhiro
Published: October 2020

Paranodal axoglial junctions are essential for rapid nerve conduction and the organization of axonal domains in myelinated axons. Neurofascin155 (Nfasc155) is a glial cell adhesion molecule that is also required for the assembly of these domains. Previous studies have demonstrated that general ablation of Nfasc155 disorganizes these domains, reduces conduction velocity, and disrupts motor behaviors. Multiple sclerosis (MS), a typical disorder of demyelination in the central nervous system, is reported to have autoantibody to Nfasc155. However, the impact of focal loss of Nfasc155, which may occur in MS patients, remains unclear. Here, we examined whether restricted focal loss of Nfasc155 affects the electrophysiological properties of the motor system in vivo. Adeno-associated virus type5 (AAV5) harboring EGFP-2A-Cre was injected into the glial-enriched internal capsule of floxed-Neurofascin (NfascFlox/Flox) mice to focally disrupt paranodal junctions in the cortico-fugal fibers from the motor cortex to the spinal cord. Electromyograms (EMGs) of the triceps brachii muscles in response to electrical stimulation of the motor cortex were successively examined in these awake mice. EMG analysis showed significant delay in the onset and peak latencies after AAV injection compared to control (Nfasc+/+) mice. Moreover, EMG half-widths were increased, and EMG amplitudes were gradually decreased by 13 weeks. Similar EMG changes have been reported in MS patients. These findings provide physiological evidence that motor outputs are obstructed by focal ablation of paranodal junctions in myelinated axons. Our findings may open a new path toward development of a novel biomarker for an early phase of human MS, as Nfasc155 detects microstructural changes in the paranodal junction.
ZnO-NWs/Metallic Glass Nanotube Hybrid Arrays: Fabrication and Material Characterization
Authors: Weldegrum Getabalew Shifera , Singh Pragya , Huang Bohr-Ran , Chiang Ting-Yen , Tseng Kuan-Wei , Yu Chun-Ju , Ji Chen , Chu Jinn
Published: October 2020

In this work, we fabricated first-ever nanohybrid ZnO nanowires (ZnO-NWs)/Metallic Nanotube Arrays (MeNTA) structure for the large-scale fabrication of highly dense laterally and vertical aligned ZnO-NWs. To prepare heterogeneous surface MeNTA by using sputter-deposition of different metallic glass Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5), Cu47Zr42Al7Ti4, Pd72Cu12Si16, W50Ni25B25 and Ni54B0.3Si36Cr2.7Fe7) over on contact-hole arrays created by a photoresist template with 650 nm height and various diameter (2, 10 and 20 µm). A ZnO seed layer is deposited by sputtering method on MeNTA to provide the nucleation sites to grow the nanowires inside the MeNTA. To perform the material analysis like surface morphology, crystal structural, and optical properties were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL), respectively. Our results confirm that, the nanowires are single crystal with hexagonal wurtzite structure presenting strong UV emissions can be used in optoelectronics, sensors, piezoelectric-nanogenerator, solar cells and battery applications in near future.
Reactivity and Increased Proliferation of NG2 Cells Following Central Nervous System Infection With Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Authors: Bell Laura A , Wallis Glenna J , Wilcox Karen S
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNeuron-Glial Antigen 2 (NG2) cells are a glial cell type tiled throughout the grey and white matter of the Central Nervous System (CNS). NG2 cells are known for their ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and are commonly referred to as oligodendrocyte precursor cells. However, recent investigations have begun to identify additional functions of NG2 cells in CNS health and pathology. NG2 cells form physical and functional connections with neurons and other glial cell types throughout the CNS, allowing them to monitor and respond to the neural environment. Growing evidence indicates that NG2 cells become reactive under pathological conditions, though their specific roles are only beginning to be elucidated. While reactive microglia and astrocytes are well-established contributors to neuroinflammation and the development of epilepsy following CNS infection, the dynamics of NG2 cells remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated NG2 cell reactivity in a viral-induced mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. MethodsC57BL6/J mice were injected intracortically with Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis 36 Virus (TMEV) or PBS. Mice were graded twice daily for seizures between 3–7 days post-injection (dpi). At 4 and 14 dpi, brains were fixed and stained for NG2, the microglia/macrophage marker IBA1, and the proliferation marker Ki-67. Confocal z-stacks were acquired in both the hippocampus and the overlying cortex. Total field areas stained by each cell marker and total field area of colocalized pixels between NG2 and Ki67 were compared between groups. ResultsBoth NG2 cells and microglia/macrophages displayed increased immunoreactivity and reactive morphologies in the hippocampus of TMEV-injected mice. While increased immunoreactivity for IBA1 was also present in the cortex, there was no significant change in NG2 immunoreactivity in the cortex following TMEV-infection. Colocalization analysis for NG2 and Ki-67 revealed a significant increase in overlap between NG2 and Ki-67 in the hippocampus of TMEV-injected mice at both timepoints, but no significant differences in cortex.ConclusionsNG2 cells acquire a reactive phenotype and proliferate in response to TMEV-infection. These results suggest that NG2 cells alter their function in response to viral encephalopathy, making them potential targets to prevent the development of epilepsy following viral infection.
The Association Between Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Microglial Polarization in Spinal Cord Injury: Nicotine as an Alternative Therapy for Neuroinflammation
Authors: Badripour Abolfazl , Moradi Kamyar , Soltani Zahra Ebrahim , Bagheri Sayna , Azar Pasha Reza Shams , Hashemizadeh Shiva , Khavandi Mohammad Mahdi , Khavandi Marzieh , Ahmadi Seyed Mohsen , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: October 2020

Background: Nicotine is an agonist of alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). The association between the expression of α7 nAChR and neuroinflammation has been extensively reported. Herein, we assessed the efficacy of Nicotine in the management of spinal cord injury (SCI) complications and mediating mechanisms.Methods: In this study, 64 male rats were randomly allocated to 7 SCI and a sham-operated groups. SCI was induced through an aneurysmal clip at the T9/T10 level. The group list consists of a non-treated group as the control, four Nicotine-treated groups receiving 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 mg/kg of the drug, a Methyllycaconitine (MLA, 1.5 mg/kg)-treated group, a group of rodents receiving MLA plus the most effective dosage of Nicotine, and a sham one. Locomotion and mechanical allodynia were assessed during 28 days using the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) and von Frey methods, respectively. In the end, spinal cord samples were taken to assess cavity formation, the expression levels of M1 and M2 macrophages, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, as well as α7 nAChR and NF-κB gene levels.Results: Repeated measures analysis revealed significant effect of time-treatment interaction on locomotion [F (42, 336) = 120.2, p < 0.001] and mechanical sensitivity [F (35, 280) = 45.47, p < 0.001]. Behavioral response to Nicotine was dose-dependent, and 1 mg/kg of this reagent was the most efficient dosage. H&E staining represented lesser histopathological disruptions in Nicotine-treated animals. SCI increased the M1/M2 ratio (p < 0.001) via shifting macrophages polarization towards M1 subset and 1 mg/kg of Nicotine could attenuate this ratio (p < 0.001) through reversing the shift. Meanwhile, Nicotine administration resulted in a significant elevation of α7 nAChR and a reduction of NF-κB genes. Finally, in the Nicotine group, there were declines in the levels pro-inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while IL-10 was found higher than the control group (p values < 0.05). MLA-treated groups showed almost none of the aforementioned alterations. Conclusion: Single-dose therapy with Nicotine could improve locomotor and sensory complications of SCI. Nicotine possible mechanism of action is through increasing the α7 nAChR level, which alleviates neuro-inflammation by changing microglial phenotyping.
Relationship between the dynamic changes of serum 2019-nCoV IgM/IgG and patient immunity after discharged six months
Authors: Shen Yinfeng , Ba Yuanming , Hu Yaling , Wang Linqun , Li Weinan
Published: October 2020

Objectives To investigate the relationship between the dynamic changes of serum 2019-nCoV IgM/IgG and immunity alteration for patients after discharged six months. Methods 1 with IgM(+) and IgG(-), 32 with IgM(+) and IgG(+), 38 with IgM(-) and IgG(+), and 40 with IgM(-) and IgG(-) were included. Demographic data were collected. IgM and IgG antibodies, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and lymphocyte subsets in serum were determined on weeks 0, 2 and 4. Results Hs-CRP and IL-6 for all patients were within the normal ranges. All testing items of the lymphocyte subsets were 12/110 (10.9%) of weeks 0, 15/110 (13.6%) of weeks 2 and 18/110 (16.4%) of weeks 4 within the normal ranges. The percentages of CD8+, NK cells and B lymphocytes in the IgM(+) and IgG(+) group were quite different from the IgM(-) and IgG(+) group and the IgM(-)and IgG(-) group, with much more the percentages of CD8+ and much less the percentages of NK cells and B lymphocytes on weeks 0, 2 and 4. 12 patients with IgM(+) had converted to IgM(-) in the IgM(+) and IgG(+) group, and the percentages of NK cells and B lymphocytes were significantly increased on weeks 4.Conclusions The changes of serum IgM and IgG are closely related to immunity for patients in recovery stage. However, immunity isn't recovery with the turning negative of antibodies.
Modelling Internet of Things (IoT) driven global sustainability in multi-tier agri-food supply chain under natural epidemic outbreaks
Authors: Yadav Sanjeev , Luthra Sunil , Garg Dixit
Published: October 2020

The resilience of Agri-Food Supply Chain (AFSC) due to recent epidemics outbreak (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) has not been matching with, globalisation of AFSC, and complicated networking system of AFSC and thus poses huge global sustainable issues. Thus, the aim of this research is the modelling of the sustainable AFSC secure mechanism managed through different emerging application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology (Blockchain, Robotics, Big data analysis and Cloud computing). Competitive Supply Chain Management (SCM) needs cautious incorporation of multi- tiers suppliers, specifically during dealing with globalised sustainability issues. Firms have been advancing towards their multi suppliers for driving social and environments and economical practices. This paper also studies the interrelationship and their cause and effect magnitude among various enablers contributing to IoT based food secure model. The methodology used in the paper is Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) for establishing interrelationship among the variables and Fuzzy-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (F-DEMATEL) to provide the magnitude of the cause‒effect strength of the hierarchical framework. Finally, this paper has limitation of taking only factors related to food security system by considering present natural epidemics of COVID-19. In future, other dimensions of AFSC may be considered based on COVID-19 epidemics effect on AFSC.
Exploring the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors through molecular dynamics and binding free energy simulations
Authors: PINHEIRO ANDREY , XAVIER GABRIEL , SIQUEIRA ANDREI , LIMA ALEX , AGUIAR DÉLIA , GONÇALVES EVONNILDO
Published: October 2020

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan in China, a novel Coronavirus was identified as the causative agent of a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, later called Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the identification of the agent and sequencing of its genome, proteases such as 3CLpro and PLprothat participate in the viral cycle have been identified as possible pharmacological targets. This study aimed to evaluate the affinity of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro (PDB 6LU7) concerning promising binders identified by other studies using virtual screening against the ZINC database and other molecules within the possibility of inhibiting the protease, such as Hydroxychloroquine, Chloroquine, and Remdesivir. Around 1,140 ns of molecular dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate stability and binding free energy values of protein-ligand complexes (60 ns for each ligand). The estimated affinity, based on 5000 frames trajectories, revealed that N3, 11b, remdesivir and a ZINC database ligand are the most promising inhibitors of 3CLpro.Given that most studies present energy results based on docking runs and one-frame coordinates analyses, the results found may present a more accurate energy value and may help experimental approaches to developing a drug against COVID-19. Despite the importance of vaccine development, alternative strategies, such as specific viral inhibitors, are important to reduce the impact of the disease on people.
Precise adenine base editors that exhibit minimized cytosine catalysis
Authors: Jeong You Kyeong , Lee SeokHoon , Hwang Gue-Ho , Hong Sung-Ah , Park Se-eun , Kim Jin-Soo , Woo Jae-Sung , Bae Sangsu
Published: October 2020

Adenine base editors (ABEs) promise specific A-to-G conversions at genomic sites of interest. However, ABEs also induce cytosine deamination at the target DNA site and exhibit transcriptome-wide off-target RNA editing. To alleviate the ABE-mediated cytosine editing activity, here we engineered the commonly-used version of adenosine deaminase, TadA7.10, to contain rationally designed mutations. We ultimately found that ABE7.10 with a D108Q mutation in TadA7.10 exhibited greatly reduced cytosine deamination activity, and conversely, ABE7.10 containing a P48R mutation displayed increased cytosine deamination activity rather than adenine editing. We found that the D108Q mutation also reduces cytosine deamination activity in two recently-developed versions of ABE, ABE8e and ABE8s, and has a synergistic effect with V106W, a key mutation that reduces off-target RNA editing. On the other hand, by incorporating the P48R mutation into ABE7.10, we demonstrated TC-specific base editing tools that enable either TC-to-TT or TC-to-TG conversions, broadening the utility of base editors.
Palmitic acid increases HCK protein and gene expression levels in vascular smoot muscle cells
Authors: Ghasempour Ghasem , Zamani-Garmsiri Fahimeh , Mohammadi Asghar , Najafi Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims: Some saturated fatty acids are known to involve in atherosclerosis through different biologic pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of palmitic acid on the HCK gene and protein expression levels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods and Results: The cells were treated with palmitic acid (0.5 mM, 24 hours) on the cell viability assays. The HCK gene and protein expression levels were measured by real time q-PCR and western blot techniques, respectively. Oil Red O staining method was used to determine the intracellular lipid values. The HCK gene expression level was increased significantly in the PA-treated VSMCs (P 0.02). The total and phosphorylated HCK (p-HCK) protein expression levels increased in VSMCs. However, there was a significant increase in p-HCK value (P 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that the palmitic acid increases p-HCK function so that it may affect the VSMC proliferation.
Self-rated health among people living with HIV in Spain in 2019: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ruiz-Algueró Marta , Hernando Victoria , Marcos Henar , Gutiérrez Gonzalo , Pérez-Elías Maria Jesus , de Quirós Juan Carlos López-Bernaldo , Pulido Federico , Górgolas Miguel , Sanz Jesus , Suarez-García Inés , Fernandez Maria Teresa , Losa Juan Emilio , Pérez Jose Luis , Ladrero Maria Oliva , Prieto Miguel Angel , González Gustavo , Izquierdo Ana , Viloria Luis Javier , López Irene , Martínez Eva , Castrillejo Daniel , Aranguren Rosa , Belmonte Maria Antonia , Aranda-García IV , Arraiza Antonio , Diaz Asuncion , Group the Hospital Survey Study
Published: October 2020

Background: HIV infection has become a chronic disease and well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is now of particular concern. The objectives of this paper are to describe self-rated health among PLHIV, on ART and on ART virally suppressed and to analyse its determinants. Methods: Data were obtained from a second-generation surveillance system based on a cross-sectional one-day survey in public hospitals. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected among HIV-infected inpatients and outpatients receiving HIV-related care the day of the survey in 86 hospitals in 2019. Self-rated health was measured using a question included in the National Health Survey: “In the last 12 months, how would you rate your health status?” Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Factors associated with very good/good self-rated health were estimated using logistic regression.Results: Of 800 PLHIV, 67.5% perceived their health as very good/good, 68.4% among PLHIV on ART and 71.7% of those virally suppressed. Having a high educational level (aOR:2.1), being unemployed (aOR:0.3) or retired (aOR:0.2), ever being diagnosed of AIDS (aOR:0.6), comorbidities (aOR:0.3), less than 2 year since HIV diagnosis (aOR:0.3) and not receiving ART (aOR:0.3) were associated with good self-rated health. Moreover, among PLHIV on ART, viral load less than 200 copies (aOR:3.2) were related to better perceived health. Bad adherence was inversely associated with good self-rated health among PLHIV on ART and of those virally suppressed. Conclusions: Nearly seven in 10 PLHIV in Spain considered their health status as very good/good, being higher among virally suppressed PLHIV. Both demographic and clinical determinants affect quality of life.
Doppler ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detection of stent stenosis after iliac vein stenting
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Jing , Zhao Yu. , Chen Zheng , Wang Dong , Wei Miao , Lv Fajin , Ye Xiaoping
Published: October 2020

Background: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of Doppler ultrasound (DUS) with contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for detection of iliac vein stent stenosis using multidetector computed tomography venography (MDCTV) as the reference method.Methods: Patients with iliac vein obstructive disease treated with nitinol stents between January 2016 and December 2017 were consecutively included in this study. DUS, CEUS, and MDCTV were carried out in all patients within one week of each other at one year post stenting to investigate the presence of stent compression and in-stent restenosis (ISR). Results: The study included 139 patients (87 females; mean age 58 ± 15 years). For detecting stent compression, the kappa coefficient between the ultrasound modality of gray-scale imaging and MDCTV was 0.901, indicating very good agreement between these two modalities. ISR was detected in 50, 61, and 65 patients by DUS, CEUS, and MDCTV, respectively. DUS and CEUS (kappa=0.449) and DUS and MDCTV (kappa=0.516) had moderate agreement for ISR diagnosis, while for which CEUS and MDCTV (kappa 0.884) had very good agreement. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of DUS and CEUS for diagnosing ISR were 63.1% and 90.8%, 87.8% and 97.3%, 82.0% and 96.7%, and 73.0% and 92.3%, respectively.Conclusions: CEUS is superior to DUS in terms of diagnostic accuracy for the follow-up of patients with iliac vein stent stenosis.
Organizing as negotiation. The making of a pathway in Norwegian psychiatry.
Authors: Nesbø Tine Tørseth
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to provide a thorough examination on the making of a pathway in Norwegian Psychiatry. During the last decades, much research has examined implementations and outcomes of different public health sector reforms and services in Western societies. However, there has been a lack of research on the process and the making of these reforms and/or services, in particular how they emerge as constructs in context policy, profession and practice. Based on qualitative data and theories on institutional logics, it shows how the two main actor groups are guided by values belonging to a specific logic when understanding the concept of a clinical pathway. The findings show that actors within the political field believe in control and efficiency, in contrast to actors in psychiatry guided by values of discretion and autonomy. This led to a debate of the concept of clinical pathway and psychiatry. The discussion became a polarization between concerns for patients as opposed to efficiency concerns. The making of the pathway was led by the Directorate of health, health professionals operating in the political domain, and with knowledge on both logic`s values. The end result became a logistic pathway were both “logics” got to keep their values, but where the original aims were highly negotiated.
Impact of intensive training on mental health, the experience of Port Said, Egypt.
Authors: Bellizzi Saverio , Khalil Amal , Sawahel Ahmed , Nivoli Alessandra , Lorettu Liliana , Padrini Susanna
Published: October 2020

Background
Mental disorder is extremely common globally and integration of mental health in primary health services represents a critical gap especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries like Egypt. The World Health Organization has repeatedly called for effective training and support of primary care providers in the identification and treatment of mental health problems over the last decades.
Methods
This paper aimed to evaluate attitudes and knowledge of health care providers toward mentally ill patients and measure knowledge and retention of training messages over time. A three-day mental health training workshop for nurses of public health facilities in the Governorate of Port Said was organized. Pre-training and post-training questionnaires (immediately after the workshop and three months later) were used. Significance of gain in scores was examined between baseline and following cross sectional rounds.
Results
The 73 participants at the study revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and attitude toward mental health from the baseline (pre-training), from a general mean score for desirable answers of 10.5 (+/- 1.2) to 21.2 (+/- 0.6). However, results slightly declined after the months from the workshop (18.5 (+/- 0.6)).
Conclusions
Intensive short-term training on mental illness could be instrumental in improving knowledge and attitudes in a country like Egypt with extensive needs in terms of quality of comprehensive healthcare at primary and secondary level. However, additional evidence is needed to improve retention of information over time and to translate knowledge in clinical practice.
Kesalahan Siswa SMK dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Program Linier Ditinjau dari Pemahaman Konseptual dan Prosedural
Authors: Afifah Dian Septi Nur , Sarjono Basuki , Marsalina Lutfia , Listiawan Tomi , Putri Ika Mariana
Published: October 2020

This research aims to describe the mistake of vocational student in solving linier program question in term of conceptual and procedural understanding. The research was conducted at SMKN I Boyolangu Tulungagung. Subject was chosen based on the highest number of mistakes when completing linier program question. Data collection techniques in this research are test and interview. The instruments used in this research were the main instrument and supporting instrument. The main instrument is the researcher itself, while the supporting instrument are the test sheet and interview guidelines. To test the data validity in this research used time triangulation. Data analysis based on indicator of conceptual and procedural understanding that include data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The result of this study indicate that students who make mistake do not have a good conceptual and procedural understanding. This can be seen from subject cannot explain how to solve the question. In addition, subject cannot continue the answer because subject do not know the next step that must be done. Subject alsocan not explain the steps in solving linier program question. For this reason, teacher need to pay attention to students’ understanding when learning in class, especially conceptual and procedural understanding. In addition, teacher mut choose or design a conceptual learning design and procedural understanding to achieve the learning objective.
Hasil dan Motivasi Belajar Siswa Menggunakan Pembelajaran Kooperatif Tipe STAD
Authors: Simaguna Lalu Hasgar , Kristayulita Kristayulita , Kurniawati Kiki Riska Ayu
Published: October 2020

This research aims to determine the impact of the Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) learning model on learning outcomes and students’ motivation for learning. This type of experimental research with quasi design methods, i.e. using design research nonequivalent control group design. The subject in this research was students from class VII at MTs Islam Selaparang Putra by sampling the VII A class as an experimental class and class VII B as the control class. The research instruments are test and questionnaires. The results of the research showed that there was an impact of the STAD type learning model towards learning outcomes and students’ motivation. The average scores of learning outcomes on students using the STAD model are higher than students taught with conventional models and the students’ motivation for learning with the STAD model is higher than those with conventional models. Implications for teachers with learning STAD model learning are more organized, so that teachers can be more optimal in the learning process. Students become more active and confident because of the help of the group members and the provision of reward at the end of learning to support motivation for students in learning.
Moderation of treatment effects by parent-adolescent conflict in a randomised controlled trial of Attachment-Based Family Therapy for adolescent depression
Authors: Rognli Erling W. , Waraan Luxsiya , Czajkowski Nikolai O. , Aalberg Marianne
Published: October 2020

Background:

Conflict with parents is frequent in adolescent depression, and has been shown to predict poor treatment outcomes. Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) is a manualised treatment for adolescent depression that may be robust to parent-adolescent conflict.

Objective:

To evaluate the hypothesis that parent-adolescent conflict moderates the outcome of Attachment-Based Family Therapy compared with treatment as usual.

Methods:

Data were obtained from a randomised trial comparing 16 weeks of ABFT to treatment as usual, in Norwegian Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Sixty adolescents with moderate to severe depression and their parents were recruited. Change in Grid-Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores from baseline to week 16 was modelled using linear mixed models, and a three-way interaction of time, treatment allocation and a continuous measure of parent-adolescent conflict was fitted to estimate a moderator effect. The moderator model was compared to simpler models using leave-one-out cross-validation.

Results:

Better outcomes were predicted for Attachment-Based Family Therapy at high levels of mother-adolescent conflict, and for treatment as usual at low levels of mother-adolescent conflict, giving preliminary support to the moderator hypothesis. Findings for father-adolescent conflict were mixed. Cross-validation did not clearly support the moderator model over a simple effect of time, indicating that the replicability of these findings is uncertain.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that parent-adolescent conflict should be further studied as a moderator of outcome in Attachment-Based Family Therapy. The trial did not meet its recruitment target and had high attrition, limiting the conclusions that may be drawn.
Does Antarctic Oscillation have links and influence precipitation over the Uruguay River Drainage Basin in Southeastern South America?
Authors: Oliva Fábio Guimarães , Justi da Silva Maria Gertrudes A.
Published: October 2020

This article examines the links and the influence of Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) on precipitation over the Uruguay River Drainage Basin and adjacent regions, situated in Southeastern South America. In this article, we used monthly data of AAO Index obtained from the Climate Prediction Center/National Centers for Environmental Prediction (CPC/NCEP); monthly data of 500 hPa vertical motion through omega variable (ω = Dp/Dt) and converted to vertical velocity (cm/s) from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis; monthly data of precipitation from the NCEP Reanalysis 2 and monthly data of precipitation rate from the CPC Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) with a latitude × longitude spatial resolution of 2.5° × 2.5°. All data are monthly means and were obtained from January 1979 to December 2008. The methodological procedures used Grid Analysis and Display System (GrADS) software to generate composites of vertical motion and precipitation rates. In the case of CMAP precipitation data, the methodology consists of applying the Aspin Welch statistical test, which verifies the statistical significance of the difference between two means using a significance level of 5%. The study region indicates a tendency to present higher (lower) mean rates of precipitation during the AAO negative (positive) phase. The vertical motion analysis results corroborate with the precipitation rates since the higher vertical motions were found during the negative phase of AAO. The statistical test showed, to some areas of Uruguay River Drainage Basin and adjacent regions, statistically significant differences between mean rates of precipitation observed in both phases of AAO.
Pushing the limits of solids retention time for enhanced biological phosphorus removal: process characteristics and Accumulibacter population structure
Authors: Roots Paul , Rosenthal Alex , Wang Yubo , Sabba Fabrizio , Jia Zhen , Yang Fenghua , Zhang Heng , Kozak Joseph , Wells George
Published: October 2020

Reducing the solids retention time (SRT) of the enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process can increase organic carbon diversion to the sidestream for energy recovery, thereby realizing some of the benefits of the high rate activated sludge (HRAS) process. Determining the washout (i.e. minimum) SRT of polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), therefore, allows for simultaneous phosphorus and carbon diversion for energy recovery from EBPR systems. However, few studies have investigated the washout SRT of PAOs in real wastewater, and little is known of the diversity of PAOs in high rate EBPR systems. Here we demonstrate efficient phosphorus removal (83% orthophosphate removal) in a high rate EBPR sequencing batch reactor fed real primary effluent and operated at 20 °C. Stable operation was achieved at a total SRT of 1.8 ± 0.2 days and hydraulic retention time of 3.7–4.8 hours. 16S rRNA gene sequencing data demonstrated that Accumulibacter were the dominant PAO throughout the study, with a washout aerobic SRT between 0.8 and 1.4 days. qPCR targeting the polyphosphate kinase gene revealed that Accumulibacter clades IIA, IIB and IID dominated the PAO community at low SRT operation, while clade IA was washed out at the lowest SRT values.
Clinical Outcomes and Safety of Patients Treated with NAb-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: The NAPA Study
Authors: Catalano Martina , Roviello Giandomenico , Conca Raffaele , D’Angelo Alberto , Palmieri Valeria Emma , Panella Benedetta , Petrioli Roberto , Ianza Anna , Nobili Stefania , Mini Enrico , Ramello Monica
Published: October 2020

Background:

The phase III MPACT trial demonstrated the superiority of gemcitabine
(Gem) combined with Nab-paclitaxel (Nab-P) versus gemcitabine alone in previously untreated patients
with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The purpose of this study was to

Methods:

From January 2015 to December 2018, patients with metastatic PDAC receiving firstline
treatment with a combination of gemcitabine and Nab-paclitaxel were included in a multicentre
retrospective observational study. Exploratory analyses of efficacy, and prognostic and predictive
markers, were performed.

Results:

The cohort comprised 115 patients (median age 65 [range 50-84] years) with good performance
status (ECOG PS 0-1). The median overall survival (OS) was 11 months (95% CI; 9-13)
and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 months (95% CI 5-7). Partial response and
stable disease were achieved in 44 and 30 patients, respectively, yielding an overall disease control
rate (DCR) of 64.3%. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity frequency was 22.61% for neutropenia,
5.22% for anemia, and 3.48% for thrombocytopenia. Grade 3 asthenia was recorded in 2.61% of patients.
No grade 4 non-hematological events were reported. Dose reduction was necessary in 51.3%
of the patients.

Conclusions:

Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of a first-line regimen comprising gemcitabine
and Nab-paclitaxel in metastatic PDAC in a real-life population.