bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les ordanchites et roches affines du massif du Cantal
Authors: Goer de Herve Alain de , Vatin-Perignon Nicole
Published: June 2020

The ordanchites (tephrites with haueyne) of the Cantal [massif, Central Massif of France] are limited to the deposits at Pailherols, Falgoux, Limon, and Gelneuf-le Chaumeil-Brujalaine. Very homogeneous despite their apparent variations in facies, these are all leucocratic rocks, subplagioclasic, with augite and hornblende. The other 'andesites with haueyne' or tephrites, cited in the literature [on this area], are actually labradorites (l'Heritier), basic andesites (La Chevade), aphyric basalts or latites (Prat-de-Bouc).
Remarques sur la diagnose d'Amussium subpleuronectes (d'Orb.), pectinides, lamellibranches
Authors: Anglada Roger , Catzigras France
Published: June 2020

Amussium subpleuronectes (d'Orbigny), a pectinid from the Oligocene of southern France, is a very polymorphic species. However, the absence of a dentate crest in the right valve and the size of the auricles in relation to the antero-posterior diameter of the shell are constant characteristics of specific value.
A propos de l'anciennete de la flore continentale; decouverte de 'charbons' et de 'phytomorphes' dans le Francevillien (Precambrien du Gabon)
Authors: Feys Robert , Greber Charles , Pascal Michel
Published: June 2020

Plant organs, one of which seems to be a prothallus, another a section of a rachis, have been found in the Precambrian of Gabon. Some 'coals' from the same region seem to have been formed by botryococcal algae. The authors briefly review the various known very ancient 'coals'. Conclusions are drawn concerning the antiquity of the continental flora.
Sur la genese des gisements de bauxite du sud-est de la France
Authors: Valeton Ida
Published: June 2020

The bauxites of southern France--in particular those of upper Var--result from the alteration of lateritic soils formed at the expense of various rocks from crystalline and crystalline-phyllitic massifs (notably the Maures-Esterel of the Brignoles region). The resulting detrital grains are of varied granulometric and mineralogic composition; they have been transported into vast basins formed on surfaces of Jurassic and basal Cretaceous limestone karst into which they were deposited. Various hydrostatic levels in different basins have caused, during the course of diagenesis, modifications in structure and chemical and mineralogic composition (gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore facies of the bauxites). The intensity of development is related to erosion that has acted mainly in a vertical direction; it has been controlled by subterranean karst drainage. Post-diagenetic effects, such as the mobilization of iron and the formation of terra rossa, have caused the formation of polygenetic soils.
Contribution a la connaissance des cephalopodes cretaces du sud-est de la France; a propos de deux specimens interessants d'ammonites du Cretace inferieur des Basses-Alpes
Authors: Thomel Gerard
Published: June 2020

The validity of Ammonites julianyi [now Valdedorsella cf. julianyi] is discussed with reference to research on the types of the Honnorat-Bastide collection at the Digne museum. A new specimen is figured. A special form of Neocosmoceras [N. cf. sayni] from the Berriasian of the Jabron valley (Basses-Alpes) is described.
Contribution a l'etude tectonique du versant nord du massif de la Lare; les collines d'Encauron et des Lagets
Authors: Aubouin Jean , Chorowicz Jean , Le Dore Nicole
Published: June 2020

The Encauron Jurassic hills are allochthonous on the upper Cretaceous Etienne syncline which borders the Lare anticline on the north. The Lagets hills are autochthonous--relatively--and represent the north flank of the Etienne syncline and the south flank of the Huveaune Triassic belt. Superposed tectonic phases are emphasized, being represented by three successive groups of structures: overthrusts, folds, fractures. After an account of the historical geology, the Encauron hills are compared with the Sainte Baume series.
Etude micropaleontologique et illustration des filons-couches granoclasses du Capo Sant'Andrea (Sicile)
Authors: Sigal Jacques , Truillet Rene
Published: June 2020

Sedimentary sills in the vicinity of Taormina contain material which exhibits graded bedding and ranges in age from Dogger-Malm (Jurassic) to Paleocene-Ypresian (Eocene). The sills parallel the dip of the encasing rock, and the filling material is composed of superposed sequences of limestones containing globigerinids, globotruncanids, and guembelitriines (foraminifera). Reworked material is found predominantly at the base of the sills. The sills are probably the result of tectonic disturbances in the Cretaceous which opened fractures in the Mesozoic rocks in which they occur. The absence of lateral gradation in addition to the vertical grading suggests that the filling sediments were in homogeneous suspension in the turbulent waters which circulated in the fractures. The turbulence may be due to either climatic or paleoseismic phenomena.
Influence du milieu sur une espece de Terebratulidae de l'Oxfordien du Jura
Authors: Rollet Annick
Published: June 2020

Size, morphologic, and assemblage composition variations controlled by lithofacies, Jurassic, France
La marge orientale du causse Méjean et du causse Noir. Stratigraphie et paléogéographie du Lias et de l' Aalénien-Bajocien dans la région de Meyrueis (Lozère)
Authors: Fleury Jeas-Jacques
Published: June 2020

Sommaire

L'étude de coupes lithostratigraphiqucs, entreprise à l'occasion de la carto­graphie de la bordure orientale du causse Méjean et du causse Noir, a conduit à distinguer de notables variations d'épaisseur et de faciès dans la série liasique de cette région. Ces diverses modifications sont en rapport avec une côte, ou un haut-fond, situé vers l'Est (à l'emplacement des Cévennes actuelles) et un "talus" jalonnée par les failles d'un faisceau d'orientation NNE­SSW qni s'observe depuis Mende jusqu'à Nant et passe par Meyrueis.
Intra-specific comparison of mitochondrial genomes reveals host gene fragment exchange via intron mobility in Tremella fuciformis
Authors: Deng Youjin , Zhang Xunxiao , Xie Baogui , Lin Longji , Hsiang Tom , Lin Xiangzhi , Lin Yiying , Zhang Xingtan , Ma Yanhong , Miao Wenjing , Ming Ray
Published: June 2020

Background: Mitochondrial genomic sequences are known to be variable. Comparative analyses of mitochondrial genomes can reveal the nature and extent of their variation.Results: Draft mitochondrial genomes of 16 Tremella fuciformis isolates (TF01-TF16) were assembled from Illumina and PacBio sequencing data. Mitochondrial DNA contigs were extracted and assembled into complete circular molecules, ranging from 35,104 bp to 49,044 bp in size. All mtDNAs contained the same set of 41 conserved genes with identical gene order. Comparative analyses revealed that introns and intergenic regions were variable, whereas genic regions (including coding sequences, tRNA, and rRNA genes) were conserved. Among 24 introns detected, 11 were in protein-coding genes, 3 in tRNA genes, and the other 10 in rRNA genes. In addition, two mobile fragments were found in intergenic regions. Interestingly, six introns containing N-terminal duplication of the host genes were found in five conserved protein-coding gene sequences. Comparison of genes with and without these introns gave rise to the following proposed model: gene fragment exchange with other species can occur via gain or loss of introns with N-terminal duplication of the host genes.Conclusions: Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of fungal mitochondrial gene evolution: partial foreign gene replacement though intron mobility.
Inequalities, harm reduction and non-combustible nicotine products: a meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence
Authors: Lucherini Mark , Hill Sarah , Smith Katherine
Published: June 2020

Background We sought to review qualitative evidence on how smokers in different socioeconomic groups engage with non-combustible nicotine products (NCNP), including electronic cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapies, in order to provide insight into how these products might impact on smoking inequalities. Methods We searched ten electronic databases in February 2017 using terms relating to NCNP and socioeconomic status. We included qualitative studies that were published since 1980 and were available in English. We used guidelines adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for appraising qualitative research.Results The review only identified studies exploring the attitudes of socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers towards NCNP for harm reduction or cessation purposes (i.e. we did not identify any relevant studies of more advantaged socioeconomic groups). Using a lines-of-argument meta-ethnographic approach, we identified a predominantly pessimistic attitude to NCNP for harm reduction or cessation of smoking due to: wider circumstances of socio-economic disadvantage; lack of a perceived advantage of alternative products over smoking; and a perceived lack of information about relative harms of NCNP compared to smoking. Optimistic findings, although fewer, suggested the potential of NCNP being taken up among smokers experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Conclusions Overall, our review highlights the importance of considering the social, cultural and economic circumstances that influence experiences of smoking and of alternative product use.
Exploring characteristics of COPD patients with clinical improvement after integrated disease management or usual care: post-hoc analysis of the RECODE study
Authors: Meijer Eline , Eeden Annelies E. van , Kruis Annemarije L. , Boland Melinde R.S. , Assendelft W. J.J. (Pim) , Tsiachristas Apostolos , Mölken Maureen P.M.H. Rutten-van , Kasteleyn Marise J. , Chavannes Niels H.
Published: June 2020

Background: The cluster randomized controlled trial on (cost-)effectiveness of integrated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management in primary care (RECODE) showed that integrated disease management (IDM) in primary care had no effect on quality of life (QOL) in COPD patients compared with usual care (guideline-supported non-programmatic care). It is possible that only a subset of COPD patients in primary care benefit from IDM. We therefore examined which patients benefit from IDM, and whether patient characteristics predict clinical improvement over time.Method: Post-hoc analyses of the RECODE trial among 1086 COPD patients. Logistic regression analyses were performed with baseline characteristics as predictors to examine determinants of improvement in QOL, defined as a minimal decline in Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) of 0.4 points after 12 and 24 months of IDM. We also performed moderation analyses to examine whether predictors of clinical improvement differed between IDM and usual care.Results: Regardless of treatment type, more severe dyspnea (MRC) was the most important predictor of clinically improved QOL at 12 and 24 months, suggesting that these patients have most room for improvement. Clinical improvement with IDM was associated with female gender (12-months) and being younger (24-months), and improvement with usual care was associated with having a depression (24-months).Conclusions: More severe dyspnea is a key predictor of improved QOL in COPD patients over time. More research is needed to replicate patient characteristics associated with clinical improvement with IDM, such that IDM programs can be offered to patients that benefit the most, and can potentially be adjusted to meet the needs of other patient groups as well.Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register, NTR2268. Registered 31 March 2010, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/2144.
Prognostic role of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and albumin for 30-day mortality in patients with postoperative acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Liu Chuan , Zhan Hui-lu , Huang Zhang-Heng , Hu Chuan , Tong Yue-Xin , Fan Zhi-Yi , Zheng Meng-Ying , Zhao Cheng liang , Ma Gui-Yun
Published: June 2020

Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin for 30-day mortality in patients with postoperative acute pulmonary embolism (PAPE).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients with PAPE admitted from September 1, 2012, to March 31, 2019. The characteristics, surgical information, admission examination data and mortality within 30 days after PAPE were obtained from our electronic medical recording system and follow-up. The associations between the NLR, PLR, and other predictors and 30-day mortality were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Then, the nomogram including the independent predictors was established and evaluated.Results: Twenty-four patients died within 30 days, corresponding to a 30-day mortality rate of 23.8%. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that both the NLR and albumin were independent predictors for 30-day mortality in patients with PAPE. The probability of death increased by approximately 17.1% (OR=1.171, 95% CI: 1.073–1.277, P=0.000) with a one-unit increase in the NLR, and the probability of death decreased by approximately 15.4% (OR=0.846, 95% CI: 0.762c–0.939, P=0.002) with a one-unit increase in albumin. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.812-0.964).Conclusion: Our findings showed that an elevated NLR and decreased albumin were related to poor prognosis in patients with PAPE. The NLR and albumin were independent prognostic factors for PAPE.
Dynamic Conversion of Cell Sorting Patterns in Aggregates of Embryonic Stem Cells with Differential Adhesive Affinity
Authors: Tse Jeffrey D , Moore Robert , Meng Yue , Tao Wensi , Smith Elizabetg R , Xu Mike Xiang-Xi
Published: June 2020

Background: Mammalian early development comprises the proliferation, differentiation, and self-assembly of the embryonic cells. The classic experiment undertaken by Townes and Holtfreter demonstrated the ability of dissociated embryonic cells to sort and self-organize spontaneously into the original tissue patterns. Here, we further explored the principles and mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of spontaneous tissue organization by studying aggregation and sorting of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with differential adhesive affinity in culture. Results: As observed previously, in aggregates of wild-type and E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, the cell assemblies exhibited an initial sorting pattern showing wild-type cells engulfed by less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, which fits the pattern predicted by the differential adhesive hypothesis proposed by Malcom Steinberg. However, in further study of more mature cell aggregates, the initial sorting pattern reversed, with the highly adhesive wild-type ES cells forming an outer shell enveloping the less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient cells, contradicting Steinberg’s sorting principle. The outer wild-type cells of the more mature aggregates did not differentiate into endoderm, which is known to be able to sort to the exterior from previous studies. In contrast to the naive aggregates, the mature aggregates presented polarized, highly adhesive cells at the outer layer. The surface polarity was observed as an actin cap contiguously spanning across the apical surface of multiple adjacent cells, though independent of the formation of tight junctions. Conclusions: Our experimental findings suggest that the force of differential adhesive affinity can be overcome by even subtle polarity generated from strong bilateral ligation of highly adhesive cells in determining cell sorting patterns.
Understanding transmission and control of the pork tapeworm with CystiAgent: a spatially explicit agent-based model
Authors: Pray Ian Wright , Wakeland Wayne , Pan William , Lambert William E. , Garcia Hector H. , Gonzalez Armando E. , O’Neal Seth E.
Published: June 2020

Background The pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) is a serious public health problem in rural low-resource areas of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where the associated conditions of nuerocysticercosis (NCC) and porcine cysticercosis cause substantial health and economic harms. An accurate and validated transmission model for T. solium would serve as an important new tool for control and elimination, as it would allow for comparison of available intervention strategies, and prioritization of the most effective strategies for control and elimination efforts. Methods We developed a spatially-explicit agent-based model (ABM) for T. solium (“CystiAgent”) that differs from prior T. solium models by including a spatial framework and behavioral parameters such as pig roaming, open human defecation, and human travel. In this article, we introduce the structure and function of the model, describe the data sources used to parameterize the model, and apply sensitivity analyses (Latin hypercube sampling–partial rank correlation coefficient (LHS-PRCC)) to evaluate model parameters. Results LHS-PRCC analysis of CystiAgent found that the parameters with the greatest impact on model uncertainty were the roaming range of pigs, the infectious duration of human taeniasis, use of latrines, and the set of “tuning” parameters defining the probabilities of infection in humans and pigs given exposure to T. solium.Conclusions CystiAgent is a novel ABM that has the ability to model spatial and behavioral features of T. solium transmission not available in other models. There is a small set of impactful model parameters that contribute uncertainty to the model and may impact the accuracy of model projections. Field and laboratory studies to better understand these key components of transmission may help reduce uncertainty, while current applications of CystiAgent may consider calibration of these parameters to improve model performance. These results will ultimately allow for improved interpretation of model validation results, and usage of the model to compare available control and elimination strategies for T. solium.
Overexpression of TGFβ1 in murine mesenchymal stem cells improves lung inflammation by impacting the Th17/Treg balance in LPS-induced ARDS mice
Authors: Chen Jianxiao , Zhang Xiwen , Xie Jianfeng , Xue Ming , Liu Ling , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo
Published: June 2020

Background: T helper 17 cells (Th17) /regulatory T cells (Treg), as subtypes of CD4+ T cells, play an important role in the inflammatory response of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there is still a lack of effective methods to regulate the differentiation balance of Th17/Treg. It was proven that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could regulate the differentiation of CD4+ T cells, but the mechanism is still unclear. TGFβ1, a paracrine cytokine of MSCs, could also regulate the differentiation of Th17/Treg but is lowly expressed in MSCs. Therefore, mouse MSCs (mMSCs) overexpressing TGFβ1 were constructed by lentivirus transfection and intratracheally transplanted into LPS-induced ARDS mice in our study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 on inflammation and immunoregulation by impacting the Th17/Treg balance in LPS-induced ARDS mice.Methods: mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 were constructed using lentiviral vectors. Then, mouse bone-marrow-derived MSCs (mBM-MSC) and mBM-MSC-TGFβ1 (mBM-MSC overexpressing TGFβ1) were transplanted intratracheally into ARDS mice induced by lipopolysaccharide. At 3 d and 7 d after transplantation, the mice were sacrificed, and the homing of the mMSCs was assayed by ex vivo optical imaging. The relative numbers of Th17 and Treg in the lungs and spleens of mice were detected by FCM. IL-17A and IL-10 levels in the lungs of mice were analysed by western blot. Permeability and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by analysing the protein concentration of BALF using ELISA. Histopathology of the lungs was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and lung injury scoring. Alveolar lung fibrosis was assessed by Masson’s trichrome staining and Ashcroft scoring. The mortality of ARDS mice was followed until 7 days after transplantation.Results: The transduction efficiencies mediated by the lentiviral vectors ranged from 82.3-88.6%. Overexpressing TGF-β1 inhibited the proliferation of mMSCs during days 5-7 (p<0.05) but had no effect on mMSCs differentiation or migration (p>0.05). Compared to that in the LPS+mBM-MSC-NC group mice, engraftment of mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 led to much more differentiation of T cells into Th17 or Treg (p<0.05), improved permeability of injured lungs (p<0.05) and ameliorative histopathology of lung tissue in ARDS mice (p<0.05). Moreover, IL-17A content was also decreased while IL-10 content was increased in the LPS+mBM-MSC-TGFβ1 group compared with those in the LPS+mBM-MSC-NC group (p<0.05). Finally, mMSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 did not aggravate lung fibrosis in ARDS mice (p>0.05).Conclusion: MSCs overexpressing TGFβ1 could regulate lung inflammation and attenuate lung injuries by modulating the imbalance of Th17/Treg in the lungs of ARDS mice.
The prognosis of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: a propensity score-based analysis
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Anqiang , Ao Sheng , Chen Jiahui , Ji Ke , He Qifei , Ji Xin , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ji , Li Zhongwu , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate whether there is a distinct difference in prognosis between hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) and non-hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (non-HAS) and whether HAS can benefit from radical surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 722 patients with non-HAS and 75 patients with HAS who underwent radical gastrectomy between 3 November 2009 and 17 December 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to eliminate the bias among the patients in our study. The relationships between gastric cancer type and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression.Results: Our data demonstrate that there was no statistically significant difference in the OS between HAS and non-HAS {K-M, P=log rank (Mantel-Cox), (before PSM P=0.397); (1:1 PSM P=0.345); (1:2 PSM P=0.195)}. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the 1-, 2-, or 3-year survival rates between patients with non-HAS and patients with HAS (before propensity matching, after 1:1 propensity matching, and after 1:2 propensity matching).Conclusion: HAS was generally considered to be an aggressive gastric neoplasm, but its prognosis may not be as unsatisfactory as previously believed.
Trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country in South America: is it possible?
Authors: Carvajal Sandra , URIBE FRANCISCO , Angel Ana Maria , Lopez Maria Camila , Gonzalez Andres , Chica Julian , Benitez Manuel , Garcia Alberto
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Trauma teams (TTs) improve outcomes in trauma patients. A multidisciplinary TT was conformed in September 2015 in a tertiary Level I trauma university hospital in southwestern Colombia, a middle-income war-influenced country. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a TT in admission-tomography and admission-surgery times as well as mortality in a tertiary center university hospital in a middle income country war influenced country. Material & Methods: Retrospective analytical study. Patients older than 17 years, admitted to the emergency room 15 months prior and 15 months after the TT implementation were included. Patients prior to the TT implementation were taken as controls. No exclusion criteria. 464 patients were included, 220 before the TT implementation (BTT) and 244 after (ATT). Demographic data, trauma characteristics, admission-tomography, and admission-surgery time interval as well as mortality were recorded. Requirement of CT scan or surgery was based on physician decision. The analysis was made on Stata 15.1®. Categorical variables were described as quantities and proportions, continuous variables as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range (IQR). Categorical variables were compared using Chi2 or Fisher's test and continuous variables using Student's T-test or Wilcoxon-Mann-Withney. A multiple logistic regression model was created to evaluate the impact of being treated in the ATT group on mortality, adjusted by age, trauma severity, and physiological response upon admission.Results: The admission-tomography time interval was 56 min (IQR 39-100) in the BTT group and 40 min (IQR 24-76) in the ATT group, p<0.001. The admission-surgery time interval was 116 min (IQR 63-214) in the BTT group and 52 min (IQR 24-76) in the ATT group, p<0.001. Mortality in the BTT group was 18.1% and 13.1% in the ATT group. Adjusted OR was 0.406 (0.215 - 0.789) P = 0.006Conclusions: A trauma team conformation in a war-influenced middle-income country is feasible and reduces mortality as well as admission-surgery and admission-tomography time intervals in trauma patients.
Surgical implantation of electronic tags does not induce medium-term effect. Insights from growth and stress physiological profile in two marine fish species
Authors: Alfonso Sébastien , Zupa Walter , Manfrin Amedeo , Fiocchi Eleonora , Dioguardi Maria , Dara Mariano , Lembo Giuseppe , Carbonara Pierluigi , Cammarata Matteo
Published: June 2020

Background: Telemetry applied to aquatic organisms has recently developed greatly. Physiological sensors have been increasingly used as tools for fish welfare monitoring. However, for the technology to be used as a reliable welfare indicator, it is important that the tagging procedure does not disrupt fish physiology, behaviour and performance. In this communication, we share our medium-term data on stress physiological profile and growth performance after surgical tag implantation in two important marine fish species for European aquaculture, the sea bream (Sparus aurata) and the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).Results: Blood samples after surgical tag implantation (46 days for the sea bream and 95 days for the sea bass) revealed no differences between tagged and untagged fish in cortisol, glucose and lactate levels, suggesting that the tag implantation does not induce prolonged stress in these species. Moreover, the specific growth rates were similar in the tagged and untagged fish of both species.Conclusion: Surgical tag implantation does not have medium-term consequences for the stress physiology and growth performance of these two marine fish species in a controlled environment. These observations support the use of accelerometer tags as valuable tools for welfare monitoring in aquaculture conditions. This study also shows that tagged fish can be sampled during experiments and considered a representative portion of the population, as they display growth and physiological parameters comparable to those of untagged fish.
Trends in and predictors of pregnancy termination among young women in Nigeria: a multi-level analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys 2003-2018
Authors: Onukwugha Franklin I , Magdi Monica , Sarki Ahmed , Smith Lesley
Published: June 2020

Background
Three-quarters of pregnancy terminations in Africa are carried out in unsafe conditions. Unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal mortality among young women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Greater understanding of the wider determinants of pregnancy termination in this age group could inform the design and development of interventions to mitigate the harm. Previous research has described the trends in and factors associated with termination of pregnancy for women of reproductive age in Nigeria. However, the wider determinants of pregnancy termination have not been ascertained, and data for all women have been aggregated which may obscure differences by age groups. Therefore, we examined the trends in and individual and contextual-level predictors of pregnancy termination among young women aged 15–24 years in Nigeria.
Methods
We analysed data from the 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) comprising 45,793 women aged 15–24 years. Trends in pregnancy termination across the four survey datasets were examined using bivariate analysis. Individual and contextual predictors of pregnancy termination were analysed using a three-level binary logistic regression analysis.
Results
Trends in pregnancy termination declined from 5.8% in 2003 to 4.2% in 2013 then reversed to 4.9% in 2018. The declining trend was greater for women with higher socioeconomic status. Around 17% of the total variation in pregnancy termination was attributable to community factors, and 7% to state-level factors. Of all contextual variables considered, only contraceptive prevalence (proxy for RH service access by young women) at community level was significant. Living in communities with higher contraceptive prevalence increased odds of termination compared with communities with lower contraceptive prevalence (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI 2.7–6.6). At the individual-level, sexual activity before age 15 increased odds of termination (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI 1.9–2.8) compared with women who initiated sexual activity at age 18 years or older, and married women had increased odds compared with never married women (aOR = 3.0; 95% CI 2.5–3.7).
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the importance of disaggregating data for women across the reproductive lifecourse, and indicates where tailored interventions could be targeted to address factors associated with pregnancy termination among young women in Nigeria.
Cardiovascular safety of the new estrogen-free contraceptive pill containing 4 mg drospirenone alone in a 24/4 regime.
Authors: Palacios Santiago , Colli Enrico , REGIDOR PEDRO ANTONIO
Published: June 2020

Background: A new estrogen-free contraceptive has been approved by both the FDA and more than 15 European authorities. It is composed of drospirenone at a dosage of 4 mg in a regimen 24/4. The molecule is known to have anti-gonadotropic, anti-mineralocorticoid, anti-estrogenic, and antiandrogenic properties.Methods: The purpose of these clinical trials with a new estrogen-free contraceptive was to introduce a method with high efficacy and reducing cardiovascular risks.Study design: Three European and American multicenter clinical trials have been conducted in more than 2.500 patients and more than 25.000 cycles, not only demonstrating an excellent efficacy (Pearl Index of 0.73) but also investigating possible cardiovascular risks. In the USA study, 422 participants (41,9 %) had a risk factor for VTE, while in the European studies, 261 patients (16,6 %) had at least one VTE risk factor. Amount of arterial and venous thromboembolic events, hemostasiological data, blood pressure development, and ECG data were evaluated. Results: No single case of VTE was documented, no changes in hemastosiological parameters were observed, a small decrease in RR in patients with pretreatment values between 130 and 140 and7or 85 to 90 mm HG and no influence on ECG parameters were observed.Conclusions: The introduction of a new estrogen-free contraceptive with 4 mg of non-micronized drospirenone in a 24/4-day regimen expands contraception options for women as not only a high efficacy could be demonstrated during clinical trials but also a very high cardiovascular safety profile was observed even in women with cardiovascular risk factors.EudraCT registration numbers: 2010-021787-15 & 2011-002396-42. Clincaltrials.gov: NCT02269241
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Egg Production in Nandan-Yao Domestic Chicken
Authors: Sun Tiantian , Xiao Cong , Deng Jixian , Yang Zhuliang , Xu Wenwen , Zou Leqin , Du Wenya , Li Shuxia , Huo Xianqiang , Zeng Linghu , Wang Juan , Yang Xiurong
Published: June 2020

Background

Egg production is a very important economic trait in chicken breeding, but its molecular mechanism is unclear until now. Nandan-Yao chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a native breed in Guangxi province, China, which is famous for good meet quality, but low egg production. To explore the molecular regulation related egg production, high egg production (HEP) and low egg production (LEP) were divided according to the total egg number at 50 weeks, and the concentration of serum sex hormones was tested to evaluate the physiological function of ovary and uterus. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to explore the transcriptome from the ovary and uterus of Nandan-Yao chicken.
Results

The levels of serum sex hormone were showed that concentrations of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteotropic hormone (LH) were very significantly higher in HEP compared with LEP respectively (P < 0.01), and concentrations of testosterone (T) were very significantly lower in HEP compared with LEP (P < 0.01), which indicated there were better physiological function in HEP compared with LEP. Analysis results of RNA-Seq showed that 901 and 2763 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ovary and uterus between HEP and LEP chicken, respectively. Enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that DEGs were involved significantly in the regulation of tight junction in the ovary (P < 0.05), while in uterus DEGs were mainly enriched significantly in the phagosome, ECM-receptor interaction, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), focal adhesion, cardiac muscle contraction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and the regulation of MAPK signaling pathway (P < 0.05). Protein network interaction and function analyses revealed FN1, FGF7, SOX2,ALDOB, HSPA2 in the ovary, and UQCRH, COX5A, FN1, TGFB, ACTN1 in the uterus were key candidate genes for egg production in Nandan-Yao chicken.
Conclusions

The current study identified key genes and pathway contribute to improving our understanding of reproductive biology of chicken and isolating effective molecular markers that can be used for genetic selection in Nandan-Yao chicken.
Cloning and Expression Analysis of GATA1 gene in Carassius auratus red var.
Authors: Tian Yusu , Sun Yuandong , Ou Mi , Cui Xiaojuan , Zhou Dingguang , Che Wen’an
Published: June 2020

Background
GATA1 is a key transcription factor in the GATA family, and promotes the differentiation and maturation of red blood cell, which is essential for normal hematopoiesis.
Results
Our results showed that the cDNA sequence of GATA1 was 2730 bp long encoding 443 amino acids. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that GATA1 had the highest expression in testis(T), followed by pituitary(P) and spleen(S). The expression of GATA1 gene in C auratus red var. embryo from the neuroblast stage (N) to the embryo hatching(H); and the gene expression levels of NP-treated and control embryos were significantly different. Methylation results in NP-treated and control embryos indicated that NP affected the methylation level of GATA1. NP increases the methylation level of GATA1 gene in embryos.
Conclusions
Our study provides important information for further studying the function of GATA1 gene in fish development and the molecular mechanism of NP leading to abnormal development of fish embryos.
Family Achievements in the Battle with Schizophrenia: :Life Experiences in a Qualitative Content Analysis Study in IRAN
Authors: darban fatemeh , Mehdipour_Rabori Roghayeh , Farokhzadian Jamileh , Nouhi Esmat , Sabzevari Sakineh
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The challenges of living with and taking care of a patient with schizophrenia can lead to positive changes depending on the experiences and reactions of the families. Such changes may directly affect the family performance and the patient's recovery stage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explain the positive experiences reported by families of patients with schizophrenia.Materials and methods: In this qualitative study of content analysis, data were collected using semi-structured and in-depth interviews with 15 family members of patients with schizophrenia who referred to one of the psychiatric hospitals in Zahedan City, Iran. Targeted sampling method was applied and data analysis was conducted using contractual content analysis proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.Results: Data analysis resulted in a theme entitled 'family achievements in the battle with schizophrenia'. This theme included four main categories of: Developing positive personality traits in family members, Strengthening family ties, Developing insight into life, and Social mobility.Conclusion: The findings provided evidences that the experience of taking care of patients with schizophrenia led to positive consequences for the families.Highlights- Caring for a patient with schizophrenia promotes personality traits in caregivers- Participating in patient care strengthens family ties- Living with schizophrenia patients developed their insight into life.- Family members of a schizophrenic patient try to reach their previous social status
The impact of new electronic communication mode in treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Fang Zhaoxiong , Gu Zhiqiang , Zhang Tian , Lei Junjie , Lin Lu , Yan Zhixiang , Liu Zhigang , Feng Keke , Xie Mengsha , Guo Shuanshuan , Hong Zhongsi , Li Xiaofeng
Published: June 2020

Background: More than 230,000 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported worldwide. We sought to discuss the impact of new electronic communication tools with patients in diagnosis and treatment of these cases.Methods: We recruited adult patients from Jan 20 to Feb 26, 2020, with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, in Zhuhai, China. 47 eligible patients were enrolled and randomly classified into either a test or control group. All of them were treated with standard therapeutic regimen and routine ward-round. The test group was subdivided into three subgroups. The first subgroup was arranged an extra 5min on-line ward-round by WeChat voice call once daily for basic disease communication. The second subgroup was given an extra 10min voice call once daily for further detail, similarly, the third subgroup was given an extra 10min than the second group every three days. The main end point was the duration of positive-to-negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.Results: 47 patients were included in the final analysis. The median time from disease diagnosed to the endpoint of test group was 7.0 days (interquartile range, 3.8 to 10.8), whereas the control group was 10.0 days (interquartile range, 6.5 to 14.5). It showed significant reduced the duration time of virus from positive to negative by the NAT (nucleic acid testing) (P=0.032), especially compared the 10 minutes group (3.0 days, interquartile range, 3.0 to 7.5) to control group (P=0.0065).Conclusions: The patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection might benefit from the use of the new electronic communication mode. It’s very valuable to reduce the shortage of medical protection resources and the risk of occupation.
Transmission Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Among Close Contacts- Results of Case- Contact Tracing
Authors: Jia Haimei , CHen Minhong , Wang Hanwei , Guan Chenping , Chen Yangwei , Wang Jiangquan , Zhang Xiaoyang
Published: June 2020

Background: The ongoing outbreak of corona virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is rapid escalation and global spread.The epidemiological characteristics and particularly its ability to spread in the human population of COVID-19 were uncertainty. We analyzed infection of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) and close contacts in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, and to understand the risk of infection and morbidity in different exposure mode. Methods: We investigated cases and their close contacts by face-to –face or telephone interview and conducted laboratory test on nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs or anal swab for evidence of COVID-19 infection. Information on cases including the epidemiology, expose and laboratory were collected. Results: There were 72 patients of COVID-19 and 1 asymptomatic case were confirmed in Fuzhou. A total of 1159 close contacts were traced, the secondary infection rate (SIR) was 2.07% (24/1159), the median of interval was 12 days (rang 2-21 days). In the relationship between close contact and cases, the SIR of old people under care were the highest (28.57% ) than family members (5.52%), medical staff (3.23%), relatives (2.41%) and colleagues / classmates (1.67%), respectively( 2＝534.38， P＜0.00 ). Among the contact ways, the SIR of Nursing (nursing home) were the highest (28.57% ) than medical care (3.23%), family gathering (2.82%), same building (1.77%) and short talk or handle affairs (1.55%),respectively. The median of incubation period was 5days (rang1-12days). Conclusions: The COVID-19 has highly contagious. Timely and strict quarantine should be conducted for close contacts to reduce the possibility of community communication.
Characteristics of Endoscopic and Pathological Findings of Amebic Colitis
Authors: Yue Bing , meng ying , zhou hua yan , zhao ying hai , wu dong yong , Zong Ye
Published: June 2020

Backgroud The clinical features of amoebic colitis resemble those of inflammatory bowel Disease(IBD), and therefore the risk of misdiagnosis is very high.Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of the endoscopic and pathological findings of amebic colitis and the lessons from our patients, which were useful for diagnosing the amebic colitis timely and avoiding the serious complications.Methods We retrospectively reviewed data of all amebic colitis admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2015 to January 2020. Cases were diagnosed by clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and colonoscopy with biopsy and histological examination. Results 16 patients were diagnosed with amebic colitis by the colonscopy accompanied by biopsy and microscopic examination. At first time, 12 (75%) patients were misdiagnosed as IBD. Cecum was the most common site of amebic colitis(100%), and the caecum and rectum were also involved in many lesions(68.75%). Multiple lesions of erosion and/or ulcer were recognized in all patients(100%).The features of endoscopic findings included multiple irregular shaped ulcers and erosions with surrouding erythema, and the ulcers and erosions were covered by the white or yellow exudates. The intervening mucosae between the ulcers or erosions were normal. The features of rectums can be divided to 2 types: in 6 patients(54.5%), the irregular ulcer or erosions covered with white or yellow exudates were observed in rectum and cecum, and the bloody exudates in rectum were more severe than those in cecum; in other 5 patients(45.5%), rectal lesions were much less severe than those in cecum, the small superficial erosion or reddened mucosa were observed in the rectal ampulla. All patients were diagnosed as detection of amebic trophozoites from HE-stained biopsy specimens. The number of trophozoites ranged from 1 /HPF to ＞50/HPF. Among 16 cases, mild architectural alteration of colon crypt were observed in 10 cases(62.5%), and serious architectural alteration of colon crypt was found which had crypt branch in 1 case(16.7%). Cryptitis was observed in 12 cases(75%) and its severity was mild or moderate. No crypts abscess was observed in all cases. Conclusions The colonoscopy with histological examination are very important to diagnose the amebic colitis. Detect the amoebic trophozoites in the esudates by histological examination is the vital. Sometimes a negative biopsy does not rule out amebiasis, repeated biopsies may be needed to make the diagnosis.
Determinants of Preterm Birth among Newborns Delivered in Bahir Dar City Public Hospitals, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Mengistu , Manaye Yibekal , Abeje Gedefaw , Tifrie Mulat , Worku Gizachew
Published: June 2020

Background: Globally about 15 million newborns are born preterm every year. Over one million of them die due to complications related to prematurity. Preterm birth was a leading cause of neonatal death in Ethiopia. One in four of neonatal deaths in Ethiopia were due to prematurity related complications. But studies to identify determinants of preterm birth in the study area are limited. Objective: To identify determinants of preterm birth among newborns delivered in Bahir Dar city public hospitals, North West Ethiopia in 2019. Method: An institutional based unmatched case control study was conducted in 314 samples with 105 cases and 209 controls among newborns delivered in Bahir Dar city public hospitals. The sample size was calculated by Epinfo version7. All individual cases were selected consecutively. For each cases two controls were selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using interviewer administrated structured questioners. The collected data was entered into Epinfo version 7 and then exported to SPSS version 20. Independent variables with p-value less than 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were entered into multivariable logistic regression model. Statistical significance level was declared at p-value less than 0.05. Model assumption were checked by Hosmer-lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Result: The study identified; low birth interval AOR = 2.28 (95 % CI= 1.18- 4.42), lower number of ANC visit AOR = 3.89 (95 % CI =2.17- 6.97), previous history of preterm birth AOR = 5.69 (95 % CI =1.93- 16.66), premature rapture of membrane AOR = 3.58 (95 % CI =1.11-11.54), preeclampsia/eclampsia AOR = 2.86 (95 % CI =1.01- 8.08), lower level hemoglobin level AOR = 3.89 (95 % CI =2.01- 7.51) were positively associated with preterm birth. Conclusion: Previous history of preterm births, preeclampsia and premature rapture of membrane, fewer number of antenatal care visit, lower birth interval, and lower hemoglobin level were found determinants of preterm birth. Therefore encouraging women to attend four or more antenatal care visits, health education on the importance of birth spacing and anemia prevention and treatment may help to prevent preterm birth.
Care deficiencies and super-organization of American nursing homes in hospital referral region: an ecological cohort study
Authors: Pittman Tyler
Published: June 2020

Background

Super-organization has been associated with worse care quality in nursing homes. Previous research on the chain ownership of American nursing homes excluded government facilities in public-private partnerships, and focused on corporate entities. This longitudinal study proposes a novel method of demarcating the latent ownership networks of for-profit, government and non-profit nursing homes in hospital referral region.
Methods

Facility characteristics and care quality measures were analyzed from an ecological cohort of 9,001 American nursing homes that had a registered organization for owner and were reimbursed through Medicare and Medicaid. Information was obtained from the Nursing Home Compare open datasets at five semi-annual processing dates from March 2016 to March 2018. Ownership networks of American nursing homes were constructed through application of social network analysis, using the exact legal name of registered organizations. As hospital discharge is a routine admission source of nursing home residents, hospital referral region was actualized to demarcate focal area. Utilizing Bayesian hierarchical models, the association between nursing home super-organization in hospital referral region (inferred by degree-based centrality and Herfindahl-Hirschman Index) to scope of cited care deficiencies (denoted by Total Weighted Health Survey Score) was explored.
Results

The percentage of nursing homes having super-organization increased from 56.8–56.9% over the two-year period. During this interval, the mean size of nursing home ownership group in hospital referral region increased from 3.11 to 3.23 facilities.
Conclusions

Overall, super-organization in hospital referral region was not associated with care deficiencies in American nursing homes. However, among nursing home with super-organization, being part of an ownership group with more facilities was beneficial for care quality. Evidence suggests that super-organization is detrimental for government nursing homes.