bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GCSscore: an R package for differential gene expression analysis in Affymetrix/Thermo-Fisher whole transcriptome microarrays
Authors: Harris Guy M. , Abbas Shahroze , Miles Michael F.
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite the increasing use of RNAseq for transcriptome analysis, microarrays remain a widely-used methodology for genomic studies. The latest generation of Affymetrix/Thermo-Fisher microarrays, the ClariomD/XTA and ClariomS array, provide a sensitive and facile method for complex transcriptome expression analysis. However, existing methods of analysis for these high-density arrays do not leverage the statistical power contained in having multiple oligonucleotides representing each gene/exon, but rather summarize probes into a single expression value. We previously developed a methodology, the Sscore algorithm, for probe-level identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between treatment and control samples with oligonucleotide microarrays. The Sscore algorithm was validated for sensitive detection of DEGs by comparison with existing methods. However, the prior version of the Sscore algorithm and a R-based implementation software, sscore, do not function with the latest generations of Affymetrix/Fisher microarrays due to changes in microarray design that eliminated probes previously used for estimation of non-specific binding.

Results

Here we describe the GCSscore algorithm, which utilizes the GC-content of a given oligonucleotide probe to estimate non-specific binding using antigenomic background probes found on new generations of arrays. We implemented this algorithm in an improved GCSscore R package for analysis of modern oligonucleotide microarrays. GCSscore has multiple methods for grouping individual probes on the ClariomD/XTA chips, providing the user with differential expression analysis at the gene-level and the exon-level. By utilizing the direct probe-level intensities, the GCSscore algorithm was able to detect DEGs under stringent statistical criteria for all Clariom-based arrays. We demonstrate that for older 3′-IVT arrays, GCSscore produced very similar differential gene expression analysis results compared to the original Sscore method. However, GCSscore functioned well for both the ClariomS and ClariomD/XTA newer microarrays and outperformed existing analysis approaches insofar as the number of DEGs and cognate biological functions identified. This was particularly striking for analysis of the highly complex ClariomD/XTA based arrays.

Conclusions

The GCSscore package represents a powerful new application for analysis of the newest generation of oligonucleotide microarrays such as the ClariomS and ClariomD/XTA arrays produced by Affymetrix/Fisher.
Dynamic characteristics and functional analysis provide new insights into long non-coding RNA responsive to Verticillium dahliae infection in Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Wang Guoning , Wang Xingfen , Zhang Yan , Yang Jun , Li Zhikun , Wu Lizhu , Wu Jinhua , Wu Nan , Liu Lixia , Liu Zhengwen , Zhang Man , Wu Liqiang , Zhang Guiyin , Ma Zhiying
Published: February 2021

Background

Verticillium wilt is a widespread and destructive disease, which causes serious loss of cotton yield and quality. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in many biological processes, such as plant disease resistance response, through a variety of regulatory mechanisms, but their possible roles in cotton against Verticillium dahliae infection remain largely unclear.

Results

Here, we measured the transcriptome of resistant G. hirsutum following infection by V. dahliae and 4277 differentially expressed lncRNAs (delncRNAs) were identified. Localization and abundance analysis revealed that delncRNAs were biased distribution on chromosomes. We explored the dynamic characteristics of disease resistance related lncRNAs in chromosome distribution, induced expression profiles, biological function, and these lncRNAs were divided into three categories according to their induced expression profiles. For the delncRNAs, 687 cis-acting pairs and 14,600 trans-acting pairs of lncRNA-mRNA were identified, which indicated that trans-acting was the main way of Verticillium wilt resistance-associated lncRNAs regulating target mRNAs in cotton. Analyzing the regulation pattern of delncRNAs revealed that cis-acting and trans-acting lncRNAs had different ways to influence target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that the regulatory function of delncRNAs participated significantly in stimulus response process, kinase activity and plasma membrane components. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that delncRNAs participated in some important disease resistance pathways, such as plant-pathogen interaction, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and plant hormone signal transduction. Additionally, 21 delncRNAs and 10 target genes were identified as being involved in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism associated with the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid (JA). Subsequently, we found that GhlncLOX3 might regulate resistance to V. dahliae through modulating the expression of GhLOX3 implicated in JA biosynthesis. Further functional analysis showed that GhlncLOX3-silenced seedlings displayed a reduced resistance to V. dahliae, with down-regulated expression of GhLOX3 and decreased content of JA.

Conclusion

This study shows the dynamic characteristics of delncRNAs in multiaspect, and suggests that GhlncLOX3-GhLOX3-JA network participates in response to V. dahliae invasion. Our results provide novel insights for genetic improvement of Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton using lncRNAs.
Effects of the reservoir bag disconnection on inspired gases during general anesthesia: a simulator-based study
Authors: Križmarić Miljenko , Maver Uroš , Zdravković Marko , Mekiš Dušan
Published: February 2021

Background

Fresh gas decoupling is a feature of the modern anesthesia workstation, where the fresh gas flow (FGF) is diverted into the reservoir bag and is not added to the delivered tidal volume, which thus remains constant. The present study aimed to investigate the entraining of the atmospheric air into the anesthesia breathing circuit in case the reservoir bag was disconnected.

Methods

We conducted a simulator-based study, where the METI HPS simulator was connected to the anesthesia workstation. The effect of the disconnected reservoir bag was evaluated using oxygen (O2) and air or oxygen and nitrous oxide (N2O) as a carrier gas at different FGF rates. We disconnected the reservoir bag for 10 min during the maintenance phase. We recorded values for inspiratory O2, N2O, and sevoflurane. The time constant of the exponential process was estimated during reservoir bag disconnection.

Results

The difference of O2, N2O and sevoflurane concentrations, before, during, and after reservoir bag disconnection was statistically significant at 0.5, 1, and 2 L/min of FGF (p < 0.001). The largest decrease of the inspired O2 concentrations (FIO2) was detected in the case of oxygen and air as the carrier gas and an FGF of 1 L/min, when oxygen decreased from median [25th–75th percentile] 55.00% [54.00–56.00] to median 39.50% [38.00–42.50] (p < 0.001). The time constant for FIO2 during reservoir bag disconnection in oxygen and air as the carrier gas, were median 2.5, 2.5, and 1.5 min in FGF of 0.5, 1.0, and 2 L/min respectively.

Conclusions

During the disconnection of the anesthesia reservoir bag, the process of pharmacokinetics takes place faster compared to the wash-in and wash-out pharmacokinetic properties in the circle breathing system. The time constant was affected by the FGF rate, as well as the gradient of anesthetic gases between the anesthesia circle system and atmospheric air.
Psychosocial interventions to support the mental health of informal caregivers of persons living with dementia – a systematic literature review
Authors: Wiegelmann Henrik , Speller Sarah , Verhaert Lisa-Marie , Schirra-Weirich Liane , Wolf-Ostermann Karin
Published: February 2021

Background

Informal caregivers of persons living with dementia have an increased risk of adverse mental health effects. It is therefore important to systematically summarize published literature in order to find out which mental health interventions generate effective support for informal caregivers of persons living with dementia. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of intervention content, effectiveness and subgroup differentiation of mental health interventions for informal caregivers of persons with dementia living at home.

Method

We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus and CINAHL) and included only methodically high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English or German language between 2009 and 2018. The intervention programmes focused on mental health of family caregivers. A narrative synthesis of the included studies is given.

Results

Forty-eight publications relating to 46 intervention programmes met the inclusion criteria. Burden, depression and quality of life (QoL) are the predominant parameters that were investigated. Twenty-five of forty-six interventions (54.3%) show positive effects on at least one of the outcomes examined. Most often, positive effects are reported for the outcome subjective burden (46.2%). Only six studies explicitly target on a certain subgroup of informal dementia caregivers (13%), whereas all other interventions (87%) target the group as a whole without differentiation.

Conclusion

The most beneficial results were found for cognitive behavioural approaches, especially concerning the reduction of depressive symptoms. Besides this, leisure and physical activity interventions show some good results in reducing subjective caregiver burden. In order to improve effectiveness, research and practice may focus on developing more targeted interventions for special dementia informal caregiver subgroups.
Etiology, clinical characteristics and coinfection status of bronchiolitis in Suzhou
Authors: Tan Jiahong , Wu Jinfeng , Jiang Wujun , Huang Li , Ji Wei , Yan Yongdong , Wang Meijuan , Shao Xuejun
Published: February 2021

Background

Bronchiolitis is a clinical syndrome commonly encountered in practice, particularly among infants and young children. To investigate the prevalence of pathogens in hospitalized children with bronchiolitis and study the clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis with or without coinfections.

Methods

We investigated the respiratory specimens and clinical data of 1012 children with bronchiolitis who were treated at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between November 2011 and December 2018. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined to detect viruses by direct immunofluorescence assay or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) was tested by PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Of the 1134 children less than 2 years with bronchiolitis, 122 were excluded by exclusion criteria. Causative pathogen was detected in 83.2% (842 of 1012). The majority of these (614 [72.9%] of 842) were single virus infection. The most common pathogens detected were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (44.4%), MP (15.6%), and human rhinovirus (HRV) (14.4%). Coinfection was identified in 13.5% (137 of 1012) of the patients. Coinfection included mixed virus infection and virus infection with MP infection. Children with single virus infection had a higher rate of oxygen therapy compared with single MP infection.

Conclusions

The most common pathogen detected in children with bronchiolitis is RSV, followed by MP and HRV. Coinfection leads to a longer period of illness, increased severity of the symptoms and increased risk of hypoxemia.
Clinical characteristics, management and health related quality of life in young to middle age adults with COVID-19
Authors: Temperoni Chiara , Grieco Stefania , Pasquini Zeno , Canovari Benedetta , Polenta Antonio , Gnudi Umberto , Montalti Roberto , Barchiesi Francesco
Published: February 2021

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 has rapidly spread to Italy, including Pesaro-Urbino province. Data on young to middle age adults with COVID-19 are lacking. We report the characteristics, management and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with COVID-19 aging ≤50 years.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in all patients ≤50 years with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to Emergency department (ED) of San Salvatore Hospital in Pesaro from February 28th to April 8th, 2020. Data were collected from electronical medical records. HRQoL was investigated after 1 month from hospital discharge using the SF-36 questionnaire. Outcomes were evaluated between hospitalized and not hospitalized patients.

Results

Among 673 patients admitted to the ED and diagnosed with COVID-19, 104 (15%) were ≤ 50 years old: 74% were discharged at home within 48 h, 26% were hospitalized. Fever occurred in 90% of the cases followed by cough (56%) and dyspnoea (34%). The most frequent coexisting conditions were hypertension (11%), thyroid dysfunction (8%) and neurological and/or mental disorders [NMDs] (6%). Mean BMI was 27. Hypokalaemia and NMDs were significantly more common in patients who underwent mechanical ventilation. Regardless of hospitalization, there was an impairment in both the physical and mental functioning.

Conclusions

Overweight and hypertension are frequent conditions in young to middle age adults with COVID-19. Hypokalaemia and NMDs are commonly associated with progressive disease. A significant impact on HRQoL in the early stage of post-discharge is common in this population.
Hypersensitive C-reactive protein-albumin ratio predicts symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Peng Qiang , Hou Jiankang , Wang Siyu , Zhou Feng , E Yan , Wang Wei , Huang Ting , Wang Meng , Huang Shi , Zhou Junshan , Chen Nihong , Zhang Yingdong
Published: February 2021

Background

Approximately 10% of patients would develop symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after endovascular therapy. The aim of our study was to explore the ability of hypersensitive C-reactive protein-albumin ratio (HAR) in predicting sICH after endovascular therapy.

Methods

From April 2016 to December 2018, 334 consecutive patients with anterior circulation infarction undergoing endovascular therapy were enrolled in our study. sICH was defined using Heidelberg bleeding classification after endovascular therapy. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the potential risk factors of sICH after endovascular therapy. We used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and nomogram analysis to assess the overall discriminative ability of the HAR in predicting sICH after endovascular therapy.

Results

Among these 334 patients enrolled, 37 (11.1%) patients with anterior circulation infarction were identified with sICH after endovascular therapy. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that patients with higher levels of HAR may be inclined to develop sICH (odds ratio, 10.994; 95% confidence interval, 4.567–26.463;P= 0.001). This association remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders. Also, a cutoff value of 0.526× 10− 3for HAR was detected in predicting sICH (area under curve, 0.763). Furthermore, nomogram analysis also suggested that HAR was an indicator of sICH (c-index was 0.890,P< 0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed that high levels of HAR could predict sICH after endovascular therapy.
Impact of increasing the availability of healthier vs. less-healthy food on food selection: a randomised laboratory experiment
Authors: Pechey Rachel , Sexton Olivia , Codling Saphsa , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Environmental cues shape behaviour, but few studies compare the impact of targeting healthier vs. less-healthy cues. One online study suggested greater impact on selection from increasing the number of less-healthy (vs. healthier) snacks. The current study aimed to: (1) extend the previous study by using physically-present snacks for immediate consumption; (2) explore responsiveness by socio-economic position; (3) investigate possible mediators (response inhibition, food appeal) of any socio-economic differences in selection.

Methods

In a between-subjects laboratory experiment UK adults (n = 417) were randomised according to their ID number (without blinding) to one of three ranges of options: Two healthier, two less-healthy [“Equal”] (n = 136); Six healthier, two less-healthy [“Increased Healthier”] (n = 143); Two healthier, six less-healthy [“Increased Less-Healthy”] (n = 138). Participants completed measures of response inhibition and food appeal, and selected a snack for immediate consumption from their allocated range. The primary outcome was selection of a healthier (over less-healthy) snack.

Results

The odds of selecting a less-healthy snack were 2.9 times higher (95%CIs:1.7,5.1) in the Increased Less-Healthy condition compared to the Equal condition. The odds of selecting a healthier snack were 2.5 times higher (95%CIs:1.5,4.1) in the Increased Healthier (vs. Equal) condition. There was no significant difference in the size of these effects (− 0.2; 95%CIs:-1.1,0.7). Findings were inconclusive with regard to interactions by education, but the direction of effects was consistent with potentially larger impact of the Increased Healthier condition on selection for higher-educated participants, and potentially larger impact of the Increased Less-Healthy condition for less-educated participants.

Conclusions

A greater impact from increasing the number of less-healthy (over healthier) foods was not replicated when selecting snacks for immediate consumption: both increased selections of the targeted foods with no evidence of a difference in effectiveness. The observed pattern of results suggested possible differential impact by education, albeit not statistically significant. If replicated in larger studies, this could suggest that removing less-healthy options has the potential to reduce health inequalities due to unhealthier diets. Conversely, adding healthier options could have the potential to increase these inequalities.

Trial registration

ISRCTN: ISRCTN34626166; 11/06/2018; Retrospectively registered.
Trends of inequalities in care seeking behavior for under-five children with suspected pneumonia in Ethiopia: evidence from Ethiopia demographic and health surveys (2005–2016)
Authors: Shibre Gebretsadik , Zegeye Betregiorgis , Idriss-Wheeler Dina , Yaya Sanni
Published: February 2021

Background

Pneumonia is a leading public health problem in under-five children worldwide and particularly in Africa. Unfortunately, progress in reducing pneumonia related mortality has been slow. The number of children with symptoms of pneumonia taken to health facilities for treatment is low in Ethiopia, and disparities among sub-groups regarding health seeking behavior for pneumonia have not been well explored in the region. This study assessed the trends of inequalities in care seeking behavior for children under five years of age with suspected pneumonia in Ethiopia.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from the 2005, 2011 and 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT), this study investigated the inequalities in health seeking behavior for children with suspected pneumonia. Four measures of inequality were calculated: Difference, Ratio, Slope Index of Inequality and Relative Index of Inequality. Results were disaggregated by wealth, education, residence, and sex with computed 95% Uncertainty Intervals for each point estimate to determine significance.

Results

The percentage of under-five children with symptoms of pneumonia who were taken to a health facility was significantly lower for children in the poorest families, 15.48% (95% UI; 9.77, 23.64) as compared to children in the richest families, 61.72% (95% UI; 45.06, 76.02) in 2011. Substantial absolute (SII = 35.61; 95% UI: 25.31, 45.92) and relative (RII = 4.04%; 95% UI: 2.25, 5.84) economic inequalities were also observed. Both educational and geographic inequalities were observed; (RII = 2.07; 95% UI: 1.08, 3.06) and (D = 28.26; 95% UI: 7.14, 49.37), respectively. Economic inequality decreased from 2011 to 2016. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female under-five children with pneumonia symptoms taken to health facility, in all the studied years.

Conclusions

Health care seeking behavior for children with pneumonia was lower among the poorest and non-educated families as well as children in rural regions. Policies and strategies need to target subpopulations lagging behind in seeking care for pneumonia treatment as it impedes achievement of key UN sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Long-term results of uncemented allograft prosthesis composite reconstruction for the tumor in proximal femur: a minimum follow-up of sixty-five months
Authors: Liu Cai , Min Li , Zhou Yong , Luo Yi , Tang Fan , Lu Minxun , Duan Hong , Zhang Wenli , Yu Xinzhu , Tu Chongqi
Published: February 2021

Background

Uncemented allograft prosthesis composite (APC) has been applied for tumorous bone defect reconstruction in the proximal femur. However, the long-term results are rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes of uncemented APC.

Methods

Eighteen patients who received uncemented APC reconstruction in the proximal femur after tumor resections were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The average resection length was 110 mm (80–154) and the average follow-up was 106.7 months (65–141). Bone union achieved in all patients with an average duration of 7.6 months (5–10). The average HHS, MSTS score and gluteus medius strength at one-year follow-up were 88.0 (80–94), 25.2 (22–28) and 4 (3–5), respectively. While at the last follow-up, the HHS, MSTS score and gluteus medius strength were 83.0 (48–100), 24.0 (10–30) and 4 (2–5), respectively. Five intraoperative fractures were fixed with cerclage wires. Two postoperative periprosthetic and prosthetic fractures received a revision. Three local recurrent patients received a secondary surgery. One of these three lung metastatic patients underwent lung metastatic tumor resection. Another two patients were diagnosed with both bone and lung metastases, only one of them underwent amputation. Two greater trochanteric fractures received no treatment. There were10 severe, 3 moderate and 5 mild allograft resorptions without treatment.

Conclusion

Uncemented APC is a reliable reconstruction for neoplastic bone defect of the proximal femur, especially for the young patient who expected long-life expectancy and good function. Though allograft resorption and trochanteric fracture are the common complications, they seem no effect on the function.
Wound infection following implant removal of foot, ankle, lower leg or patella; a protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial investigating the (cost-)effectiveness of 2 g of prophylactic cefazolin compared to placebo (WIFI-2 trial)
Authors: Sanders Fay R K , Penning Diederick , Backes Manouk , Dingemans Siem A , van Dieren Susan , Eskes Anne M , Goslings J Carel , Kloen Peter , Mathôt Ron A A , Schep Niels W L , Spijkerman Ingrid J B , Schepers Tim
Published: February 2021

Background

Elective implant removal (IR) after fracture fixation is one of the most common procedures within (orthopedic) trauma surgery. The rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) in this procedure is quite high, especially below the level of the knee. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely prescribed, even though it has proved to lower SSI rates in other (orthopedic) trauma surgical procedures. The primary objective is to study the effectiveness of a single intravenous dose of 2 g of cefazolin on SSIs after IR following fixation of foot, ankle and/or lower leg fractures.

Methods

This is a multicenter, double-blind placebo controlled trial with a superiority design, including adult patients undergoing elective implant removal after fixation of a fracture of foot, ankle, lower leg or patella. Exclusion criteria are: an active infection, current antibiotic treatment, or a medical condition contraindicating prophylaxis with cefazolin including allergy. Patients are randomized to receive a single preoperative intravenous dose of either 2 g of cefazolin or a placebo (NaCl). The primary analysis will be an intention-to-treat comparison of the proportion of patients with a SSI at 90 days after IR in both groups.

Discussion

If 2 g of prophylactic cefazolin proves to be both effective and cost-effective in preventing SSI, this would have implications for current guidelines. Combined with the high infection rate of IR which previous studies have shown, it would be sufficiently substantiated for guidelines to suggest protocolled use of prophylactic antibiotics in IR of foot, ankle, lower leg or patella.

Trial registration Nederlands Trial Register (NTR): NL8284, registered on 9th of January 2020, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8284
Characteristics and treatments for pediatric ordinary and incarcerated inguinal hernia based on gender: 12-year experiences from a single center
Authors: Wang Kai , Tan Sarah Siyin , Xiao Yue , Wang Zengmeng , Peng Chunhui , Pang Wenbo , Wu Dongyang , Chen Yajun
Published: February 2021

Background

Congenital primary inguinal hernia is a common condition among children. Although much literature regarding inguinal hernia is available, large scale analysis are few, and rarely do they expand on gender difference or incarcerated hernias.

Methods

Patients with unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia who were admitted to our hospital and received open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) or laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) under general anesthesia were included. LIHR was performed using single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (SLPEC). Medical records were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 12,190 patients were included in this study. The ratio of male to female was 4.8:1. There was a total of 10,646 unilateral hernias (87.3%) and 1544 bilateral hernias (12.7%), with a corresponding ratio of 6.9:1. 12,444 hernia repair surgeries, 11,083 (89.1%) OIHR and 1361 (10.9%) LIHR, were held. OIHR had a shorter operative time than LIHR for all unilateral and female bilateral repair, unlike for bilateral male repair. There was no difference between OIHR and LIHR for ipsilateral recurrent hernia in males. There was a difference between OIHR and LIHR for metachronous contralateral hernia. Incarcerated inguinal hernia was associated with longer operative time, hospital stay and higher hospital costs. Females and patients under 1 year were more likely to present with incarcerated hernia.

Conclusions

OIHR should be considered for male patients, especially for unilateral and complete inguinal hernia. LIHR is highly recommended for female patients. For incarcerated hernia, attention should be paid to patients under 1 year old, as they can be 60 times more susceptible, and females. Surgeons should also be aware of ovary hernias in females.
Single-cell RNA-seq reveals a concomitant delay in differentiation and cell cycle of aged hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Hérault Léonard , Poplineau Mathilde , Mazuel Adrien , Platet Nadine , Remy Élisabeth , Duprez Estelle
Published: February 2021

Background

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the guarantor of the proper functioning of hematopoiesis due to their incredible diversity of potential. During aging, heterogeneity of HSCs changes, contributing to the deterioration of the immune system. In this study, we revisited mouse HSC compartment and its transcriptional plasticity during aging at unicellular scale.

Results

Through the analysis of 15,000 young and aged transcriptomes, we identified 15 groups of HSCs revealing rare and new specific HSC abilities that change with age. The implantation of new trajectories complemented with the analysis of transcription factor activities pointed consecutive states of HSC differentiation that were delayed by aging and explained the bias in differentiation of older HSCs. Moreover, reassigning cell cycle phases for each HSC clearly highlighted an imbalance of the cell cycle regulators of very immature aged HSCs that may contribute to their accumulation in an undifferentiated state.

Conclusions

Our results establish a new reference map of HSC differentiation in young and aged mice and reveal a potential mechanism that delays the differentiation of aged HSCs and could promote the emergence of age-related hematologic diseases.
LncRNA MEG8 promotes NSCLC progression by modulating the miR-15a-5p-miR-15b-5p/PSAT1 axis
Authors: Guo Kai , Qi Di , Huang Bo
Published: February 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common tumor with severe morbidity and high mortality. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial regulators participate in multiple cancer progressions. However, the role of lncRNA MEG8 in the development of NSCLC remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect of lncRNA MEG8 on the progression of NSCLC and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Cell proliferation was analyzed by EdU assays. The impacts of lncRNA MEG8, miR-15a-5p, and miR-15b-5p on cell invasion and migration of NSCLC were assessed by transwell assay. The luciferase reporter gene assay was performed using the Dual-luciferase Reporter Assay System. The effect of lncRNA MEG8, miR-15a-5p, and miR-15b-5p on tumor growth was evaluated in nude mice of Balb/c in vivo.

Results

We revealed that the expression levels of MEG8 were elevated in the NSCLC patient tissues compared to that in adjacent normal tissues. The expression of MEG8 was negatively relative to that of miR-15a-5p and miR-15b-5p in the NSCLC patient tissues. The expression of MEG8 was upregulated, while miR-15a-5p and miR-15b-5p were downregulated in NSCLC cell lines. The depletion of MEG8 inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. MEG8 contributed to NSCLC progression by targeting miR-15a-5p/miR-15b-5p in vitro. LncRNA MEG8 contributes to tumor growth of NSCLC via the miR-15a/b-5p/PSAT1 axis in vivo. Thus, we concluded that lncRNA MEG8 promotes NSCLC progression by modulating the miR-15a/b-5p/PSAT1 axis.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that lncRNA MEG8 plays a critical role in NSCLC development. LncRNA MEG8, miR-15a-5p, miR-15b-5p, and PSAT1 may serve as potential targets for NSCLC therapy.
Associations between the built environment and obesity: an umbrella review
Authors: Lam Thao Minh , Vaartjes Ilonca , Grobbee Diederick E. , Karssenberg Derek , Lakerveld Jeroen
Published: February 2021

Background

In the past two decades, the built environment emerged as a conceptually important determinant of obesity. As a result, an abundance of studies aiming to link environmental characteristics to weight-related outcomes have been published, and multiple reviews have attempted to summarise these studies under different scopes and domains. We set out to summarise the accumulated evidence across domains by conducting a review of systematic reviews on associations between any aspect of the built environment and overweight or obesity.

Methods

Seven databases were searched for eligible publications from the year 2000 onwards. We included systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses and pooled analyses of observational studies in the form of cross-sectional, case–control, longitudinal cohort, ecological, descriptive, intervention studies and natural experiments. We assessed risk of bias and summarised results structured by built environmental themes such as food environment, physical activity environment, urban–rural disparity, socioeconomic status and air pollution.

Results

From 1850 initial hits, 32 systematic reviews were included, most of which reported equivocal evidence for associations. For food- and physical activity environments, associations were generally very small or absent, although some characteristics within these domains were consistently associated with weight status such as fast-food exposure, urbanisation, land use mix and urban sprawl. Risks of bias were predominantly high.

Conclusions

Thus far, while most studies have not been able to confirm the assumed influence of built environments on weight, there is evidence for some obesogenic environmental characteristics.

Registration: This umbrella review was registered on PROSPERO under ID CRD42019135857.
Warfarin versus direct oral anticoagulants for treating left ventricular thrombus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dalia Tarun , Lahan Shubham , Ranka Sagar , Goyal Amandeep , Zoubek Sara , Gupta Kamal , Shah Zubair
Published: February 2021

Background

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is not uncommon and pose a risk of systemic embolism, which can be mitigated by adequate anticoagulation. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly being used as alternatives to warfarin for anticoagulation, but their efficacy and safety profile has been debated. We aim to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of DOACs versus warfarin for the treatment of LVT.

Methodology

We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and LILCAS databases from inception to 14th August 2020 to identify relevant studies comparing warfarin and DOACs for LVT treatment and used the pooled data extracted from retrieved studies to perform a meta-analysis.

Results

We report pooled data on 1955 patients from 8 studies, with a mean age of 61 years and 59.7 years in warfarin and DOACs group, respectively. The pooled odds ratio for thrombus resolution was 1.11 (95% CI 0.51–2.39) on comparing warfarin to DOAC, but it did not reach a statistical significance (p = 0.76). The pooled risk ratio (RR) of stroke or systemic embolization and bleeding in patients treated with warfarin vs DOACs was 1.04 (95% CI 0.64–1.68; p = 0.85), and 1.15 (95% CI 0.62–2.13; p = 0.57), respectively; with an overall RR of 1.09 (95% CI 0.70–1.70; p = 0.48) for mortality.

Conclusions

DOACs appears to be non-inferior or at least as effective as warfarin in the treatment of left ventricular thrombus without any statistical difference in stroke or bleeding complications.
Is the lack of smartphone data skewing wealth indices in low-income settings?
Authors: Poirier Mathieu J. P. , Bärnighausen Till , Harling Guy , Sié Ali , Grépin Karen A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Smartphones have rapidly become an important marker of wealth in low- and middle-income countries, but international household surveys do not regularly gather data on smartphone ownership and these data are rarely used to calculate wealth indices.

Methods

We developed a cross-sectional survey module delivered to 3028 households in rural northwest Burkina Faso to measure the effects of this absence. Wealth indices were calculated using both principal components analysis (PCA) and polychoric PCA for a base model using only ownership of any cell phone, and a full model using data on smartphone ownership, the number of cell phones, and the purchase of mobile data. Four outcomes (household expenditure, education level, and prevalence of frailty and diabetes) were used to evaluate changes in the composition of wealth index quintiles using ordinary least squares and logistic regressions and Wald tests.

Results

Households that own smartphones have higher monthly expenditures and own a greater quantity and quality of household assets. Expenditure and education levels are significantly higher at the fifth (richest) socioeconomic status (SES) quintile of full model wealth indices as compared to base models. Similarly, diabetes prevalence is significantly higher at the fifth SES quintile using PCA wealth index full models, but this is not observed for frailty prevalence, which is more prevalent among lower SES households. These effects are not present when using polychoric PCA, suggesting that this method provides additional robustness to missing asset data to measure underlying latent SES by proxy.

Conclusions

The lack of smartphone data can skew PCA-based wealth index performance in a low-income context for the top of the socioeconomic spectrum. While some PCA variants may be robust to the omission of smartphone ownership, eliciting smartphone ownership data in household surveys is likely to substantially improve the validity and utility of wealth estimates.
Lived experience of intimate partner violence among women using antiretroviral therapy and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia: a phenomenological study
Authors: Meskele Mengistu , Khuzwayo Nelisiwe , Taylor Myra
Published: February 2021

Background

Ethiopia is one of the nations which has an enormous burden of intimate partner violence (IPV), and where it is usually difficult to talk about HIV separately from IPV.

Objectives

This research aimed to explore the lived experience of IPV against women using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other outpatient services in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Methods

We used an Interpretive (hermeneutic) Phenomenological Analysis design among purposively selected adult women aged 18–49 years. A total of 43 women participated in this study, of whom 30 were using ART, and 13 women were using other health services. We used an in-depth interview and focus group discussions until data saturation, while conscious of the need to maintain the scientific rigor, dependability, and credibility. The data were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. We read the transcripts repeatedly to understand the content. We used NVivo 11 software to assist with data organisation, and also, we used the framework analysis method.

Results

We identified five themes, namely: “women's terrifying experiences of violence,” “the effect of violence on women's health,” “support/lack of support /partner’s controlling behaviours,” “women’s feelings about the available services,” and “IPV prevention strategies from the perspective of women.” Interviewees described their violent experiences which included wife-beating, being stigmatised in front of others, having material thrown at the woman’s face, wife’s hand and teeth were broken, forced sex, restriction of movement, name-calling, threats to hurt, being insulted, being left alone, and the withdrawal of finances. The negative health impacts reported included abortion, infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, disability, child’s death, and depression. The disclosure of HIV test information resulted in violence. Inappropriate punishment of the perpetrator and the lack of a supportive women’s network to avert IPV were perceived as legal limitations.

Conclusions

IPV is a considerable health burden, varying in its presentation and its negative impact on women’s health. Improved laws should provide justice for all victims. Establishing a women’s network to assist women at risk of violence, should be emphasised. Unwise HIV test result disclosure leads to IPV; hence HIV disclosure should be facilitated through health care providers.
Systematic review on wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait training in neuromuscular impairments
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Antonio , Lobo-Prat Joan , Font-Llagunes Josep M.
Published: February 2021

Gait disorders can reduce the quality of life for people with neuromuscular impairments. Therefore, walking recovery is one of the main priorities for counteracting sedentary lifestyle, reducing secondary health conditions and restoring legged mobility. At present, wearable powered lower-limb exoskeletons are emerging as a revolutionary technology for robotic gait rehabilitation. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview on wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for people with neuromuscular impairments, addressing the following three questions: (1) what is the current technological status of wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation?, (2) what is the methodology used in the clinical validations of wearable lower-limb exoskeletons?, and (3) what are the benefits and current evidence on clinical efficacy of wearable lower-limb exoskeletons? We analyzed 87 clinical studies focusing on both device technology (e.g., actuators, sensors, structure) and clinical aspects (e.g., training protocol, outcome measures, patient impairments), and make available the database with all the compiled information. The results of the literature survey reveal that wearable exoskeletons have potential for a number of applications including early rehabilitation, promoting physical exercise, and carrying out daily living activities both at home and the community. Likewise, wearable exoskeletons may improve mobility and independence in non-ambulatory people, and may reduce secondary health conditions related to sedentariness, with all the advantages that this entails. However, the use of this technology is still limited by heavy and bulky devices, which require supervision and the use of walking aids. In addition, evidence supporting their benefits is still limited to short-intervention trials with few participants and diversity among their clinical protocols. Wearable lower-limb exoskeletons for gait rehabilitation are still in their early stages of development and randomized control trials are needed to demonstrate their clinical efficacy.
COVID-19: how has a global pandemic changed manual therapy technique education in chiropractic programs around the world?
Authors: de Luca Katie , McDonald Marcus , Montgomery Laura , Sharp Stephen , Young Anika , Vella Simon , Holmes Michelle M. , Aspinall Sasha , Brousseau Danica , Burrell Chris , Byfield David , Dane Dawn , Dewhurst Philip , Downie Aron , Engel Roger , Gleberzon Brian , Hollandsworth Dana , Nielsen Anne Molgaard , O’Connor Laura , Starmer David , Tunning Michael , Wanlass Paul , D French Simon
Published: February 2021

Background

Manual therapy is a cornerstone of chiropractic education, whereby students work towards a level of skill and expertise that is regarded as competent to work within the field of chiropractic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, chiropractic programs in every region around the world had to make rapid changes to the delivery of manual therapy technique education, however what those changes looked like was unknown.

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the immediate actions made by chiropractic programs to deliver education for manual therapy techniques and to summarise the experience of academics who teach manual therapy techniques during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to describe the immediate actions made by chiropractic programs to deliver manual therapy technique education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chiropractic programs were identified from the webpages of the Councils on Chiropractic Education International and the Council on Chiropractic Education – USA. Between May and June 2020, a convenience sample of academics who lead or teach in manual therapy technique in those programs were invited via email to participate in an online survey with open-ended questions. Responses were entered into the NVivo software program and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis by a qualitative researcher independent to the data collection.

Results

Data from 16 academics in 13 separate chiropractic programs revealed five, interconnected themes: Immediate response; Move to online delivery; Impact on learning and teaching; Additional challenges faced by educators; and Ongoing challenges post lockdown.

Conclusion

This study used a qualitative descriptive approach to describe how some chiropractic programs immediately responded to the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in their teaching of manual therapy techniques. Chiropractic programs around the world provided their students with rapid, innovative learning strategies, in an attempt to maintain high standards of chiropractic education; however, challenges included maintaining student engagement in an online teaching environment, psychomotor skills acquisition and staff workload.
Determinants and prevalence of relapse among patients with substance use disorders: case of Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Centre
Authors: Kabisa Eric , Biracyaza Emmanuel , Habagusenga Jean d’Amour , Umubyeyi Aline
Published: February 2021

Background

Relapse to substance use after successful detoxication and rehabilitation is a public health concern worldwide. Forty to sixty percent of persons in general relapsed after completing detoxication and rehabilitation treatments. Although substance use remains a burden in Rwanda, very little is known about relapse among people with substance use disorder (SUD). Hence, this study aimed to examine prevalence and the factors associated with relapse to substance use at Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Centre (IPC), Rwanda.

Methods

Retrospective, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 391 patients with SUD at IPC. Multiple logistic regression models using STATA version 13 were used to determine the factors associated with relapse among the patients with SUD.

Results

Majority (84.1 %) of the participants were males. More than half (54.1 %) of them were aged between 18 and 30 years with the age average of 33 years (SD = 11.9 years). The results showed a higher prevalence of relapse among patients with SUD (59.9 %). The multivariate analyses indicated that people with SUD living only with their mothers had a greater risk of relapse compared to those with both biological parents [OR = 1.9, 95 % CI (1.02–3.6), p = 0.04]. Patients that were hospitalized between one to three months were more likely (11.2 times) to relapse after treatments compared to those who spent more than three months in hospitalization [OR = 9.2, 95 % CI (1.1–77.6), p = 0.02]. Furthermore, people that used more than two substances had 1.5 greater risk to relapse than those who consumed one substance. Participants were more likely to relapse if they lived with their peers [OR = 2.4, 95 % CI: (1.2–7.8), p = 0.01] or if they lived in a family with conflicts [OR = 2.1, 95 % CI (1.05–9.7), p = 0.02].

Conclusions

This study is conducted at one institution caring for patients with SUD. The prevalence was 59.9 %. Future studies are recommended to investigate the effectiveness of the existing relapse prevention programs in order to adjust prevention strategies.
Cytogenomic characteristics of murine breast cancer cell line JC
Authors: Azawi Shaymaa , Rincic Martina , Liehr Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background

Breast cancer (BC), one of the most frequent human tumors, is genetically and histologically heterogeneous. Treatment options can be adapted according to BC subtype. Still, research is necessary to characterize BC biology better and to study potential new treatment options. Murine BC-cell lines can be used as model systems in this respect.

Results

Here for the first time murine BC-cell line JC was cytogenomically characterized as being complex rearranged and near-tetraploid. Multicolor banding and array comparative genomic hybridization were applied and the result was in silico translated to the human genome.

Conclusions

Even though being commercially available, cell line JC was yet not much included in BC-research, most likely due to a lack of cytogenomic data. Thus, here comprehensive data is provided on chromosomal aberrations, genomic imbalances and involved breakpoints of JC cell line. Also JC could be characterized as a model for BC of luminal B type, basal-like tumor rather than for luminal A type.