bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Smoking Among Health Care Workers and Non-Health Care Workers in Zambezi Region, Namibia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mahoto Sylvia Kahimbi , Mitonga Kabwebwe Honoré , Oladimeji Olanrewaju
Published: December 2020

Smoking is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and remains a significant public health challenge in many lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) including Namibia. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking and its associated risk factors among HCWs and non-HCWs in Zambezi region. An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and October 2020 among residents of the eight (8) constituencies of Zambezi region. Four hundred and sixty-one (461) respondents who had been residents of the selected constituencies for over five years and aged between 17-60 years were selected for the study. The main outcome measure was current cigarette smoking status. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. We stratified data analysis by individual being health workers or non-health workers. A bivariate Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and the smoking status. Statistically significant variables in the bivariate analysis were used as predictors in the univariate and multivariate models. The response rate of potential participants was 95% (n=434). The mean (±SD) age of participant’s was 32.5 (± 11.34 years). Significant relationships were observed between smoking status and area of residency (constituency), gender, age category, level of education, age of onset of smoking and the daily smoking frequency. The majority of smokers (n=108) were none-HCWs with males being the majority (n=62). Age (p=0.001), education levels (p=0.001) and area of residency (p=0.022) were highly associated with smoking among none-HCW while marital status was associated with smoking among HCWs (p=0.013). In the final multivariate model, the odds of smoking among female non-HCWs were significantly lower (OR: 0.386; 95% CI: 0.228 – 0.655). Furthermore, the odds of smoking among this same group were lower among those who had secondary level education (OR: 0.178; 95% CI: 0.0659 – 0.483), post-secondary (OR: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.0412 – 0.330) and first stage tertiary (OR: 0.306: 95% CI: 0.106 – 0.881) compared to those who had primary school education. In conclusion, smoking prevalence among none HCWs and HCWs working in Zambezi included in the study was similar to that of the general Namibian population but higher than other neighboring countries within SADC. The results showed a need for the establishment of specific smoking related strategies that target HCWs to address smoking use parallel to the running of none HCWs which would ultimately decrease the smoking prevalence and improve health.
O Ensino da história da escravidão no Rio Grande do Sul através de documentos: um relato de experiência
Authors: Machado Vanderlei , Boenavides Dionathas Moreno
Published: December 2020

O presente relato descreve uma experiência de ensino baseada em documentos sobre a escravidão no Rio Grande do Sul e realizada em turma de EJA do segundo ano do Ensino Médio XXXXXX, no segundo semestre de 2017. No desenvolvimento da atividade foi utilizada a Caixa Pedagógica “AfricaNoArquivo”, disponibilizada pelo Arquivo Público do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (APERS). A caixa comporta fac-símiles de documentos oficiais sobre a escravidão e outros materiais pedagógicos. Ao aplicar essa atividade buscou-se aprofundar análises sobre a história da escravidão no estado, atendendo à Lei 10.639; colocar as/os estudantes no contato com documentos históricos; demonstrar um pouco do métier da/do historiador/a e auxiliar na compreensão mais complexa de alguns aspectos da história afro-brasileira no período escravocrata. A atividade contribuiu para que os/as estudantes compreendessem como se produz o conhecimento histórico.
As matrizes teóricas da aprendizagem histórica no Brasil: um estudo compreensivo
Authors: Mistura Letícia
Published: December 2020

Neste artigo, perscruta-se um corpus de 63 trabalhos – 48 dissertações e 16 teses – que tematizam a aprendizagem histórica, advindos de programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu brasileiros, a fim de identificar seus aportes teóricos e conceituais, em um recorte temporal de treze (13) anos (2005-2018). Dessa análise resulta um mapeamento compreensivo que permite visualizar a existência de três matrizes teóricas basilares dos estudos sobre aprendizagem histórica no Brasil, a saber, (1) a Teoria da História de Jörn Rüsen; (2) os estudos da History Education inglesa e (3) uma terceira via matricial, a “desviante”, cujos estudos têm como aporte autores do campo da Educação e da Psicologia.
Refigurações narrativas discentes nas aulas de História: reflexões sobre aprendizagens dessa disciplina escolar
Authors: Martins Marcus Leonardo Bomfim , Barbosa Alexandre Rodrigues de Frias , Gabriel Carmen Teresa
Published: December 2020

O objetivo desse artigo é problematizar processos de aprendizagens da História escolar. Situado em uma abordagem pós-fundacional, ele se inscreve nas lutas pela significação e fixação de um sentido particular do ato de aprender História.  Em diálogo com autores que nos oferecem pistas para pensar de outro lugar epistêmico o processo de aprendizagem, em geral, e da disciplina História, em particular, o artigo explora a interface de três categorias - relação com o saber, verdade histórica e refiguração narrativa - como chaves de leitura para um entendimento possível desse processo. A empiria é constituída por um conjunto de fragmentos narrativos produzidos por estudantes da educação básica em aulas de História. A análise reafirma a possibilidade de compreensão da aprendizagem histórica para além de aquisições de conhecimentos disciplinares, evidenciando processos multidimensionais que se inscrevem na cultura histórica e na cultura escolar.
FEEDING OF SPORTING DOGS PART II. MINERALS, VITAMINS AND FUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES REQUIREMENTS
Authors:   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Division of Animal Nutrition and Food, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland, KAZIMIERSKA Katarzyna , BIEL Wioletta ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Division of Animal Nutrition and Food, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland
Published: December 2020

Sporting dog owner should realize that proper nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing the sports results achieved by the dog. In addition to the increased demand for energy and basic nutrients, particular attention should be paid to the adequate supply of vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary supplements. Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize the importance of minerals, vitamins and functional additives in the nutrition of sporting dogs. The significant elements in the sporting dogs nutrition are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and magnesium. Micronutrients such as copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc are also very important. Of the vitamins in the sporting dogs nutrition, vitamins with antioxidant properties (vitamin E, vitamin C) are crucial, as well as vitamin D and B-group vitamins. Moreover, the diet of a sporting dog can also be enriched with functional additives that support the function of joints, muscles and circulatory system, as well as plants with an adaptogenic effect that improve the dog's immunity. Selecting the right amounts of individual additives so they fulfill their planned functions and are completely safe may be a problem. Since it should be remembered that both the deficiency and the excess of nutrients can be dangerous for the body.
THE PROPOSAL FOR MONITORING OF GOLDEN JACKAL (Canis aureus)
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Poland, MAŃKO Oliwia
Published: December 2020

Golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a mesopredator. As an opportunistic species, it can both compete and pose a threat to native species. The golden jackal was first documented in Poland in 2015, where it came probably due to the natural expansion of the species distribution range. Currently, its estimated population size is based only on observations of single individuals, but this may change in the future. The recent expansion of the golden jackal, as well as its small population size in Poland, result in a low level of knowledge about this species and its impact on the native fauna and flora. The purpose of monitoring is to help in the future control of the population size, as well as to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge on the biology and the impact of this species on the environment. The monitoring method of the golden jackal presented in this article consists of the assessment of both the species’ habitat and its population. Overall, the proposed assessment of the habitat and population is based on evaluation of 7 indicators (population density, number of litters, height above sea level, presence of wolves, access to water reservoirs, scrubs, food base availability). Indicator assessment allows to determine, whether a given site is favorable for the settlement and growth of the golden jackal population. Observations carried out during the monitoring process may additionally facilitate the recognition of the species in the newly occupied areas, and allow to determine its impact on the environment.
Radiologic Findings of Complicated Alloplastic Implants in the Nasal Dorsum
Authors: Kim Sung Hee , Kim Ji Won , Jang Yong Ju
Published: December 2020

Objectives. When performing cosmetic rhinoplasty with alloplastic materials, complications such as implant visualization, inflammation, dislocation, and extrusion should be thoroughly evaluated. Although computed tomography (CT) can provide useful information about the implant status and its interaction with the skin soft tissue envelope (SSTE), the radiologic findings of these interactions have rarely been reported.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 80 patients who underwent facial bone CT or ostiomeatal unit CT at Asan Medical Center between July 2008 and January 2020 for the evaluation of dorsal implants with complications. We reviewed the implantation period, implant dislocation, implant curling or deformation, radiodensity (in Hounsfield units), and nasal bone changes including bone erosion or hyperostosis.Results. Of the 80 patients, 67 (83.8%) had silicone implants and 13 (16.2%) had Gore-Tex implants. The radiologic findings of the silicone implants were as follows: maintenance of the implant shape (80.6%), radiolucency (similar density to that of fat tissue) halo (83.6%), and homogeneous attenuation (82.1%). Peri-implant calcification was often found in silicone implants with >20-year implantation periods. The findings of Gore-Tex were as follows: curling or deformation (84.6%), heterogeneous attenuation (84.6%), and consistent peri-implant calcification over time.Conclusions. Silicone and Gore-Tex implants have distinctive radiologic features. These findings of alloplastic materials help us to understand how implants behave in the nasal dorsum and how they affect the SSTE.
Changes in Mucin Production in Human Airway Epithelial Cells After Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Vapor With or Without Nicotine
Authors: Song Si-Youn , Na Hyung Gyun , Kwak So Young , Choi Yoon Seok , Bae Chang Hoon , Kim Yong-Dae
Published: December 2020

Objectives. The emergence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has created new perceptions of the tobacco market. Unlike traditional tobacco, the greatest advantage of e-cigarettes is that they have less smell and are convenient and inexpensive. Most e-cigarette smokers believe that e-cigarette smoking is less harmful than traditional smoking. Information on the effects of e-cigarettes on human health is limited, and the issue remains controversial.Methods. We studied the effects of e-cigarette vapor on mucin (MUC5AC and MUC5B) and the change of MUC5AC and MUC5B from e-cigarette liquid with or without nicotine in respiratory epithelial cells. The effects of e-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine on mucin, along with the involved signaling pathways, were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, enzyme immunoassays, and immunoblot analysis with several specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA.Results. E-cigarette vapor with or without nicotine stimulated MUC5AC, but not MUC5B, expression in respiratory epithelial cells. In addition, we showed that e-cigarette vapor with and without nicotine induced MUC5AC expression via activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] 1/2 and p38) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathways in human airway epithelial cells.Conclusion. E-cigarette vapor with and with nicotine significantly increased MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelial cells.
Fluvial architecture and paleoenvironmental evolution of the Los Colorados Formation (Norian): Postrift stage of the Ischigualasto–Villa Unión Basin, NW Argentina
Authors: Santi Malnis Paula , Colombi Carina E. , Rothis Luis Martin , Alcober Oscar
Published: December 2020

The last stage of activity of the Ischigualasto–Villa Unión Rift Basin in west-central Argentina is represented by the 1100-m-thick fluvial red-beds of the Los Colorados Formation (Norian). Facies and architectural-element analysis were applied and vertical stacking patterns evaluated in the Los Colorados Formation to develop a depositional model for the postrift stage of basin fill. The Los Colorados Formation is subdivided into eleven stratigraphic intervals, generally characterized by multistory and multilateral channelized bodies interspersed with thick floodplain deposits developed under seasonal semihumid to semiarid climate conditions. The evolution of the fluvial architectural style shows changes in the location of channel facies concentration, in paleocurrents, and sediment provenance from the sixth stratigraphic interval toward the upper part of the Los Colorados Formation. The fluvial architecture observed in the upper part exhibits a drift in paleocurrents from a SE to a NE mean direction, together with a radial pattern in paleocurrent directional data. Thus, the paleoenvironmental evolution of the Los Colorados Formation is interpreted in terms of axial vs. transverse drainage system fluvial architecture under ongoing postrift conditions. While the fluvial architecture of the lower part responds to an axial fluvial system, the upper part is compatible with the entrance of a fluvial transverse drainage system. The role of axial vs. transverse drainage systems is discussed in the Los Colorados Formation paleoenvironmental evolution. Despite the axial system being considered the main sediment feeder of the basin fill in most interpretations of the rock record, our results indicate that transverse drainage systems can play a central role in postrift basin filling, as is proposed in modern examples.
Ampule-sealed Acidolysis for Monosaccharide Composition Analysis of Serum or Plasma Samples
Authors: Zeng Pengjiao , Zeng Xuan , Hao Cui , Chen Yulong , Zhang Yiran , Zhang Meng , Zhang Lijuan
Published: December 2020

This protocol describes the procedures where an ampule-sealed acidolysis is used for releasing glycan monosaccharides from serum or plasma samples. The monosaccharide composition analysis is subsequently obtained by a traditional HPLC method that separates and quantifies all 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP)-labeled monosaccharides in 10 μl serum in 55 minutes. The described workflow takes approximately 2 days, up to 26 serum samples can be analyzed with one HPLC instrument per day. Each step of the experimental procedures has been optimized with repeated tests of monosaccharide standards and serum samples.
Microwave Instrument-assisted Acid Hydrolysis plus HPAEC-PAD for Quantitative Glycan Monosaccharide Composition Analysis of Serum/Plasma Samples
Authors: He Yanli , Zhang Yiran , Zhang Lijuan
Published: December 2020

This protocol describes the procedures where our published microwave instrument-assisted acid hydrolysis (MAAH) coupled HPAEC-PAD analysis are optimized for glycan monosaccharide composition analysis of serum/plasma samples. The optimized acid hydrolysis of serum/plasma samples takes only 10 min and 10 μl of acid and 2 μl serum/plasma samples. The monosaccharide composition analysis is subsequently accomplished by HPAEC-PAD analysis. Each step of the experimental procedures has been optimized with repeated tests of monosaccharide standards and serum samples. The described workflow takes approximately 70-90 min, up to 48 serum/plasma samples can be analyzed with one HPAEC-PAD instrument per day.
Visual impairment and its predictors among people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Dessie town hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia: Institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Seid Mohammed Abdu , Ambelu Adugnaw , Diress Mengistie , Yeshaw Yigizie , Akalu Yonas , Dagnew Baye
Published: December 2020

Background: Visual impairment (VI) is a functional limitation of the eye(s) that results in reduced visual acuity, visual field loss, visual distortion, perceptual difficulties, or any combination of the above. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the common causes of visual impairment. No study was conducted in Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its predictors among people living with T2DM. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of visual impairment among people living with T2DM at Dessie town Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2020.Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from 15 February to 15 March 2020 using simple random sampling technique to recruit study participants among people living with T2DM. Visual impairment was measured using visual acuity test. We used Epi-Data 3.1 and SPSS version 22 for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Bi-variable binary logistic regression was performed to check independent association of each factor with visual impairment. After selecting candidate variables at p<0.25, we computed multivariable binary logistic regression to identify statistically significant factors of visual impairment. The degree of association was determined using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval. In the final model, statistical significance was declared at p ≤0.05.Results: Three hundred and twenty-two people living with T2DM participated in this study with 97% response rate. The prevalence of visual impairment was 37.58% (95% CI: 32.3, 42.9). Age (AOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.09, p≤0.001), poor regular exercise (AOR=2.91, 95%CI: 1.47-5.76, p≤0.001), duration of DM above 5 years (AOR=2.42, 95% CI: 1.25-4.73, p≤0.01), insulin treatment (AOR=14.05, 95% CI: 2.72, 72.35, p≤0.01), and poor glycemic control (AOR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.13-4.14, p≤0.05) were statistically associated with visual impairment.Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment in Dessie town hospitals accounted for more than a third of patients living with T2DM. Visual impairment is associated with increased age, poor regular exercise, longer duration of DM, and insulin treatment. Thus, early detection of VI through screening and regular follow-up is recommended to reduce the risk of VI and vision loss.
Total rupture of achilles tendon induces inflammatory response and glial activation on the mice spinal cord 
Authors: Paula Diego De , França Martha , Leão Luana , Maciel Analú , Moura Thalita , Moraes Suellen , Bahia Carlomago , Borges Rosivaldo , Batista Evander , Passos Adelaide , Oliveira Karen , Herculano Anderson
Published: December 2020

Rupture of Achilles tendon is a common accident affecting professional and recreational athletes. Acute and chronic pains are symptoms commonly observed in ruptured patients. Despite that, no studies have described whether Achilles tendon rupture is able to promote disorders in CNS. Based in these finds, the current study aimed to evaluate nociceptive alterations and inflammatory response in L5 lumbar segment of Balb/c mice spinal cord after Achilles tendon rupture. We demonstrated increased algesic response in the paw of ruptured group on the 7th and 14th days post tenotomy when compared with control group. This phenomenon was accompanied by over expression of COX-2 and NOS-2 as well as hyperactivation of astrocytes and microglia in nociceptive areas of L5 spinal cord as evidenced by intense GFAP and IBA-1 immunostaining, respectively. Biochemical studies also demonstrated increased levels of nitrite in the L5 spinal cord of tenotomized animals when compared with control group. Thus, we have demonstrate for the first time that total rupture of the Achilles tendon induces inflammatory response, nitrergic and glial activation in the CNS at L5 spinal cord region.
Serology in COVID-19 – Comparison of Two Methods
Authors: Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna , Jelski Wojciech , Dunaj Justyna , Mroczko Barbara , Czupryna Piotr , Kruszewska Ewelina , Pancewicz Sławomir
Published: December 2020

The aim of our study was to investigate the difference in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies assessment with two various assays. 127 patients exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were included. Two serological tests were used: SARS-CoV-2 IgG CMIA on the Alinity system (ABBOTT) and LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG CLIA (DiaSorin). Both assays exhibited 96.85% (123/127 patients) overall compatibility. In 2 cases the positive results in N-based test, were negative in S-based test, and in 2 cases negative results in S-based test were positive in N-based test. Based on the results of our study we concluded that the assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against N and S protein in population medicine shows comparable usefulness of both tests.
Central Retinal Vascular Trunk Deviation in Unilateral Open-angle Glaucoma
Authors: Lee Kyoung Min , Kim Martha , Oh Sohee , Kim Seok Hwan
Published: December 2020

Patients with unilateral open-angle glaucoma (OAG) have suffered glaucomatous optic neuropathy in one eye only despite shared systemic factors between two eyes. It suggests a locoregional susceptibility factor associated with glaucoma development. In this study, we measured the distance of the central retinal vascular trunk from the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) center relative to that of the BMO margin: the shift index, since it can be used as a surrogate of lamina cribrosa (LC) shift caused by different growth between retinal and scleral layers during eyeball expansion. The shift index was compared between OAG and fellow control eyes within individuals (129 OAG patients). Although OAG eyes also had higher baseline IOP, a larger β-zone parapapillary atrophy area, a larger shift index was the only risk factor of OAG diagnosis in a generalized linear mixed-effects model. Further, a generalized estimating equation regression model revealed that the shift index was larger in the OAG eyes than in the control eyes for all ranges of axial length, while it was the smallest for the axial length of 23.7 mm. Thus, a larger shift index and LC shift may act as a locoregional susceptibility factor for unilateral OAG eyes.
Efficacy of combination treatment using YHO-1701, an orally active STAT3 inhibitor, with molecular-targeted agents on cancer cell lines
Authors: Taniguchi Keisuke , Konishi Hiroaki , Yoshinaga Akiko , Tsugane Momomi , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Nishisaka Fukiko , Shishido Yoshiyuki , Asai Akira
Published: December 2020

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, survival, and metastasis. STAT3 signaling is constitutively activated in various types of hematologic or solid malignancies. YHO-1701 has been developed as an orally available STAT3 inhibitor. Herein, YHO-1701 in combination with molecular-targeted agents was evaluated. Additive or synergistic effects were observed in a broad spectrum of “combination treatment + cell line” pairs. Of particular interest was the synergistic effect observed when YHO-1701 was combined with imatinib or dasatinib [breakpoint cluster region-abelson (BCR-ABL) inhibitors], osimertinib [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor], crizotinib, alectinib, or ceritinib [anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors]. The results further showed a close relationship between these synergistic effects and the cellular levels of the key molecules involved in the target pathways for YHO-1701 and each combination drug. The combination of YHO-1701 with alectinib resulted in a significantly greater antitumor activity without exhibiting body weight loss in an NCI-H2228 [echinoderm microtubule–associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK fusion] xenograft mouse model. Our results strongly suggest that the logical strategy in combination with the novel STAT3 inhibitor YHO-1701 and other mechanistically different targeted agents could be a promising approach in the clinical setting.
Endometriosis-Associated Symptoms and Diagnostic Delay: An Online Survey
Authors: Moradi Maryam , Niazi Azin , Parker Melissa , Sneddon Anne , Lopez Violeta , Ellwood David
Published: December 2020

Background: Endometriosis is found in women of all ethnic and social groups with a prevalence of around 10%. However, data on diagnostic-delay and associated symptoms are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the endometriosis-associated symptoms and diagnosis-delay through an online survey. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Australia using an online web-based survey. All data were entered and analyzed using STATA (version 14/1). A total of 903 responders completed an online survey from September 2013 to October 2015.Results: Total participants of 903, 71.10% Australians (were born in Australia) and 28.90% Non-Australian (were not born in Australia), with self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by surgery in 86.5% of participants completed the online survey. Delay in diagnosis was 8.1±6.2 years. There was no difference between age range (p = 0.35), mean age of onset of the first symptoms (p = 0.93), and delay in diagnosis (p = 0.11) in both groups. Most common endometriosis-related symptoms that all responders had experienced in their lifetime were period pain 98.11%, fatigue 94.01%, bloating 90.69%, ovulation pain 88.70%, pelvic pain 87.26%, pain during before/after sexual activity 82.72% and heavy bleeding 82.17% and delayed fertility 37.98%. Treatments used in affected women included: pain killers 96.01% (n=867), hormonal medication 84.71% and surgical treatments 84.49 %. Rate of miscarriage or stillbirth was 13.4% and hysterectomy because of endometriosis was 9.6%. Conclusions: Vast similarities in demographics and endometriosis-associated symptoms among the Australian and non-Australian women with endometriosis support the universality of the disease characteristics. Delay in diagnosis of endometriosis is a problem and the reasons for delayed diagnosis must be better understood to try to shorten this delay. Except for pain, endometriosis patients suffer from a variety of symptoms and treatment must take into account the most prominent symptoms.
WITHDRAWN: Do provider behaviors influence client satisfaction of family planning services in Togo? Evidence from a cross-sectional facility survey
Authors: Dougherty Leanne , Spielman Kathryn , Silva Martha
Published: December 2020

BackgroundStrengthening quality of family planning care is a key objective in Togo to improve maternal and reproductive health. Structural attributes or inputs to care, and process attributes or content of care, including providers’ interaction with clients, are key factors determining quality of care. Client satisfaction with family planning services is linked to contraceptive uptake and continuation, yet the relationship between quality of care elements and client satisfaction of family planning services has not been assessed in Togo, particularly process factors related to client-provider interactions. MethodsWe conduct a secondary analysis using data from a facility-based survey. The survey was conducted in August 2016 in six health districts of Lomé Togo, including a facility audit (N=16), client observations (N=1096) and client exit interviews with women of reproductive age (N=1089). We used multi-variable logistic regression to assess the association between factors related with service structure and process, including provider-client interaction and client perception of provider treatment as a proxy for client satisfaction.ResultsWe did not find a relationship between structural attributes of quality and client perception of provider treatment. Among process attributes, we found that several behaviors related to interpersonal skills, including encouraging clients to ask questions and asking clients to describe any concerns they have with their method, and providers use of visual aids were significantly associated with client perception of provider treatment. ConclusionThe quality of care a woman receives when seeking to adopt or continue family planning methods is essential to improving use of family planning service. Family planning programs must address provider related behaviors that may inhibit the uptake and continuation of contraceptive use, and strengthen inter-personal skills, which may improve client perception of provider treatment with services and facilitate their continued use.
An improved biolistic delivery and analysis method for evaluation of DNA and CRISPR-Cas delivery efficacy in plant tissue
Authors: Miller Kyle , Eggenberger Alan , Lee Keunsub , Liu Fei , Kang Minjeong , Drent Madison , Ruba Andrew , Kirscht Tyler , Wang Kan , Jiang Shan
Published: December 2020

Biolistic delivery is widely used for genetic transformation but inconsistency between bombardment samples for transient gene expression analysis often hinders quantitative analyses. We developed a methodology to improve the consistency of biolistic delivery results by using a double-barrel device and a cell counting software. The double-barrel device enables a strategy of incorporating an internal control into each sample, which significantly decreases variance of the results. The cell counting software further reduces errors and increases throughput. The utility of this new platform is demonstrated by optimizing conditions for delivering DNA using the commercial transfection reagent TransIT®-2020. In addition, the same approach is applied to test the efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing. The novel combination of the bombardment device and analysis method allows simultaneous comparison and optimization of parameters in the biolistic delivery. The platform developed here can be broadly applied to any target samples using biolistics, including animal cells and tissues.
Construction and Validation of the Prognostic Model for Patients With Neuroendocrine Cervical Carcinoma: A Competing Risk Nomogram Analysis
Authors: Jiang Ai-Guo , Cai Xu
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (NECC) is an uncommon malignancy of the female reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the cancer-specific mortality and to construct prognostic nomograms for predicting the survival of patients with NECC.Methods: we assembled the patients with NECC diagnosed between 2004 to 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Meanwhile, we identified other patients with NECC from the Wenling Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between 2002 to 2017. Fine and Gray’s test and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to evaluate cancer-specific mortality and overall survival (OS) rates, respectively. Nomograms were constructed for predicting cancer-specific survival (CSS) and OS for patients with NECC. The developed nomograms were validated both internally and externally.Results: a total of 894 patients with NECC extracted from the SEER database, then classified them into the training cohort (n=628) and the internal validation cohort (n=266). Besides, 106 patients from the Wenling Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital served as an external validation cohort. Nomograms for predicting CSS and OS were constructed on clinical predictors. The validation of nomograms was calculated by calibration curves and concordance indexes (C-indexes). Furthermore, the developed nomograms presented higher areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves when compared to the FIGO staging system.Conclusions: we established the first competing risk nomograms to predict the survival of patients with NECC. Such a model with excellent performance could be a practical tool for clinicians.
Association Between miR-30a/SNAI1 Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Yang CaiLian , Tong Tao , Sun MingFang , Zhou Bo
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetic kidney disease is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide, its incidence is still increasing and the precise mechanism is not yet fully understood.This study aimed to investigate the possible association of miR-30a and its potential target gene, SNAI1, polymorphisms with diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: This case-control is study included 240 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic kidney disease and 280 patients without diabetic kidney disease. Genotyping of miR-30a and SNAI1 polymorphisms were performed by allelic discrimination assay with Taq-Man-MGB probes. Result: The results demonstrated that the CC genotype of rs2222722 in miR-30a was associated with an increased risk of diabetic kidney disease in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (OR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.58-4.97, p < 0.001). Stratified analyses revealed that the miR-30a CC genotype was strongly associated with an increased risk of diabetic kidney disease in subjects who were young (< 65 years), male, and had a low body mass index, as well as those with poor glycemic control. What’s more, CC genotype carriers were more likely to exhibit decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate levels and urinary protein production. In addition, the GG genotype of SNAI1 was also associated with the development of diabetic kidney disease, and the risk was 1.73 times higher than that in AA+AG genotype carriers (95% CI 1.01-2.96, p = 0.046). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the miR-30a CC and SNAI1 GG genotypes were indispensable and dangerous contributing factors to the development of diabetic kidney disease. Conclusion: The CC genotype of miR-30a rs2222722 and GG genotype of SNAI1 rs1543442 might be associated with diabetic kidney disease risk in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Primiparous and Multiparous Ewes Undernourished During Gestation: A Study on Mother-Lamb Bond at Birth and at 3 Months of Age
Authors: de Melo Aline Freitas , Pérez-Clariget Raquel , Terrazas Angélica , Ungerfeld Rodolfo
Published: December 2020

The aims were to compare ewe-lamb behaviours between primiparous (PRI) and multiparous (MUL) undernourished grazing ewes at birth and at 3 months of age, and to determine if mothers’ parity affects milk yield and composition, and lambs’ body weight (BW). Food availability restricted the nutritional requirements from day 30 to day 143 of gestation. The PRI ewes had lower BW than MUL during gestation, and their lambs tended to vocalize less times until their first suckle. PRI ewes displayed a lower frequency of acceptance behaviours toward the alien lamb than toward their own lamb, but MUL did not. Whilst PRI ewes emitted a greater number of high-pitched bleats toward the alien lambs than toward their own lamb, MUL did not. PRI ewes produced less milk than the MUL ewes. The heart rate was greater in lambs reared by MUL ewes than by PRI. Although PRI ewes had a lower BW throughout the gestation, this difference was stable and did not affect the establishment of the ewe-lamb bond at birth or at 3 months postpartum. At least under nutritionally restricted conditions during gestation, inexperienced mothers appeared to have a shorter sensitivity period of maternal responsiveness than experienced mothers.
Fully Coupled Stochastic Geomechanical-Geochemical - Reservoir Modeling for Fracture Reservoirs
Authors: zeqiraj dulian Dushan
Published: December 2020

Carbonate reservoirs contain a significant portion of the world's oil reserves. The uptake of oil from these reservoirs is difficult due to the complex hydro-thermo-geomechanical-geochemical processes. In recent years many efforts have been made to model these processes in fractured rocks. A few studies have been done on the stochastic nature of these processes. Geomechanical models need to take into account the reservoir rock deformations that are the result of the pores and fracture pressure, while geochemical models deal with the chemical reactions that take place into fracture and matrix with their principal processes such dissolution and precipitation. In this paper we will make the modeling from the stochastic point of view of these processes by making a model to deal with such parameters and coefficients that are stochastic, seeing them as random variables. In our knowledge this is the first work of this kind. From the geomechanical point of view we will use the stochastic nature of the Biot linear model with uncertain coefficients, while for the stochastic geochemical model we will use the Langrazhian formulation.
A Man with Simultaneous Occurrence of Acute Lower Extremity Arterial Embolization and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Lu Liangyuan , Xue Yanyan , Han Yalei , Bao Tongxin , Xue Jing , Yang Zhanmin
Published: December 2020

Background: Spontaneous co-occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute lower extremity arterial embolism (ALEAE) has rarely been reported.Case presentation: A 44-year-old male with a history of 4 years of type1 diabetes was admitted to hospital when he suddenly experienced severe pain in his right lower limb and felt tightness in the left anterior chest area. Ultrasonography revealed distal occlusion of the right superficial femoral artery. ECG showed acute anterior interstitial myocardial infarction. After conservative treatment for 2 days, the patient had severe necrosis of lower limbs and secondary injury of multiple organs. Hemodialysis and heparin anticoagulant therapy were performed before amputation. Twelve days after the operation, the patient's condition was stable and he was transferred out of ICU.Conclusions: Emergency amputation and multidisciplinary approaches may offer a chance for survival if patents lost the opportunity for early treatment.
Associations of Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Function with Abnormal Lipid Profile in Newly Diagnosed Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tang Xiaohan , Yan Xiang , Zhou Houde , Huang Gan , Niu Xiaohong , Jiang Hongwei , Su Heng , Yang Xilin , Li Xia , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: December 2020

Background: Abnormal lipids are strong predictive factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the potential associations of insulin resistance (IR) and beta cell function (BCF) in diabetes and abnormal lipids, i.e. high triglyceride (TG), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are not fully understood. In this study, we aim to explore whether decreased BCF and increased IR in newly diagnosed T1DM or T2DM are associated with abnormal lipids.Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from 16334 adults with newly diagnosed diabetes in this cross-sectional study. Types of diabetes were diagnosed based on clinical characteristics and diabetes-related biochemical measurement results. Homeostasis model assessment were used to estimate IR and BCF. Restricted cubic spline and binary logistic regression were used to examine the associations of IR or BCF and abnormal lipids in T1DM and T2DM, respectively. Results: High TG, low HDL-C and high LDL-C accounted for 49.7%, 47.7% and 59.2%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, high IR was associated with increased risk of high TG (Odds ratios (ORs) of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) ≥2, ≥1-<2 vs <1: 4.77, 95% CI 2.69-8.57; 2.31, 95% CI 1.54-3.47, p for trend < 0.001) in T1DM and was associated with elevated risk of high TG, low HDL-C and high LDL-C (all p for trend <0.01) in T2DM. Low BCF, i.e., homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function (HOMA2-B) <30 versus ≥30, was associated with marginally increased risk of high TG (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.98-2.10, p = 0.07) in T1DM and associated with increased risk of high TG (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.34, p <0.001) and high LDL-C (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.12-1.36, p <0.001) in T2DM.Conclusions: In patients with newly diagnosed diabetes, high IR and low BCF had different associations with risk of dyslipidemia in T1DM and T2DM, suggesting that early treatment that improve IR or BCF may have a benefit for abnormal lipid metabolism.
Aerobic Exercise Training Effects on Omentin-1, Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile Among Male Smokers
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Maysam , Heidarianpour Ali , Tavassoli Hassan
Published: December 2020

Background: Omentin-1 is a recently discovered circulating adipokine that plays a crucial role in modulating insulin resistance and diabetes. We investigated the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise training on serum omentin-1, insulin resistance and lipid profile in the smokers and non-smokers with normal weight. Methods: Nineteen male healthy and twenty male smokers were randomly assigned into healthy control group (C), healthy exercise group (E), control smoker group (CS) and exercise smoker group (ES). Exercise groups participated in an eight-week aerobic exercise training program (three times a week, 20-35 min per session at 55%-70% of maximum heart rate). Serum omentin-1 and insulin values were determined by ELISA and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glucose and lipid profile was measured before and after the intervention. Paired samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test were applied to analyze the data (p<0.05).Results: Aerobic exercise improved both serum omentin-1 and high lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the exercise groups (p<0.05). Also, Exercise training reduced insulin, blood sugar, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (p<0.05). Omentin-1 was significantly correlated with insulin (r=-0.40, P=0.01), HOMA-IR (r=-0.38, P=0.04), TG (r=-0.40, P=0.01), TC (r=-0.49, P=0.02), LDL-C (r=-0.70, P=0.02) and HDL-C (r=0.55, P=0.03).Conclusion: The findings suggest that aerobic exercise-induced changes in omentin-1 in exercise trained smokers may be associated with the beneficial effects of exercise on reduced insulin resistance and lipid profile.
Identification of biomarkers complementary to homologous recombination deficiency for improving the clinical outcome of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Shi Zhiwen , Zhao Qingguo , Lv Bin , Qu Xinyu , Han Xiao , Qiu Junjun , Wang Hongyan , Hua Keqin
Published: December 2020

Background: Ovarian cancer patients with tumors positive for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) would benefit from PAPR inhibitor (PAPRi)therapy. However, patients with HRD-positive tumors account for less than 50% of the whole cohort. So new biomarkers still need to be developed. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers complementary to HRD for improving the clinical outcome of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC).Methods: The HRD score was established from SNP array data of OSC cohort from TCGA. The genomic landscape and transcriptome data of patients with different HRD scores were analyzed in order to identify biomarkers complementary to HRD. The candidate biomarker was validated in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results: Based on the data from the SNP array and somatic mutation profiles in the OSC patients’ genome, we found that high frequency of actionable mutations existed in NF1 and CDK12 in patients with HRD-negative tumors. We then leveraged the gene expression profiles to screen out CXCL11 expression that was associated with the HRD score and could be used as a predictor of survival outcome. Further comprehensive analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) revealed that CXCL11 expression was closely correlated with cytotoxic cells, neoantigen load and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that PAPRi increased the expression of CXCL11. Conclusions: Collectively, our study not only provides biomarkers of ovarian cancer complementary to the HRD score but also introduced a potential new perspective for identifying cancer biomarkers associated with genomic instability.
NIR Laser Responsive Nanoparticles for Ovarian Cancer Targeted Combination Therapy with Dual-modal Imaging Guidance
Authors: Zhao Jiawen , Zhang Liang , Qi Yingjie , Liao Kui , Wang Zhigang , Wen Ming , Zhou Di
Published: December 2020

Background: Multifunctional nanoparticles with targeted therapeutic function and diagnostic-imaging are of great interest in the domain of precision therapy. The synergetic photothermal therapy (PTT)/chemotherapy with the guidance of CT/PA imaging is greatly expected to precisely kill cancer cells.Results: The synthesized FBPD NPs not only own excellent CT/PA imaging contrast increase ability but also reveal superior tumor-killing efficiency. The prepared FBPD NPs revealed excellent dispersity, great stability, outstanding optical properties. The release effciency of Dox in FBPD NPs after laser irradiation was achieved 86.7%. Meanwhile, Liquid-gas phase conversion of perfluoropentane (PFP) induced by PTT was discovered and verified, which significantly enhanced the drug release efficiency in the tumor region. Furthermore, a photosensitizer irradiated by PTT engenders heat toward tumor region. According to CCK-8 assay, the cell viability of FBPD NPs + laser group reached 8.9%. In addition, in the cytotoxicity assay in vivo, the tumors in the FBPD NPs + laser group were completely ablated. These results revealed whether in vitro or in vivo, assessments on tumor-bearing mice proved that the precise inhibiting efficiency of PTT combined with FBPD NPs, which played a significant role in the inhibition of tumor growth.Conclusion: The FBPD NPs was successfully fabricated, realizing CT/PA imaging-guided combination therapy against ovarian cancer. The unique nanoparticles with multiple abilities paves a emerging way toward precise treatment.