bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Nystatin Prophylaxis To Prevent Systemic Fungal Infection In Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants : A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rundjan Lily , Wahyuningsih Retno , Oeswadi Chrissela Anindita , Marsogi Miske , Purnamasari Ayu
Published: March 2020

Background

Systemic fungal infection (SFI) is one of leading causes of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Because early diagnosis of SFI is challenging due to nonspecific manifestations, prophylaxis becomes crucial. This study aimed to assess effectiveness of oral nystatin as an antifungal prophylaxis to prevent SFI in VLBW preterm infants.

Methods

A prospective, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was performed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic hospital in Indonesia. Infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight of < 1500 grams with risk factors of fungal infection were assessed for eligibility and randomized to either an intervention group (nystatin) or control group. The intervention group received 1 ml of oral nystatin three times a day, and the control group received a dose of 1ml of sterile water three times a day. The incidence of fungal colonization and SFI were observed and evaluated during the six-week study period. Overall, mortality rates and nystatin-related adverse drug reactions during the study period were also documented.

Results

A total of 95 patients were enrolled. The incidence of fungal colonization was lower among infants in nystatin group compared to those in control group (29.79% and 56.25%, respectively; relative risk 0.559; 95% confidence interval 0.357-0.899; p-value=0.009). There were five cases of SFI, all of which were found in the control group (p-value=0.056). There was no difference in overall mortality between the two groups. No adverse drug reactions were noted during the study period.

Conclusions

Nystatin is effective and safe as an antifungal prophylactic medication in reducing colonization rates in the study population. Whilst the use of nystatin showed a potential protective effect against SFI among VLBW preterm infants, there was no statistical significant difference in SFI rates between groups.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis provides insights into anthocyanin and procyanidin accumulation in pear
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Tian Changping , Zhang Ya , Li Chenzhiyu , Li Xi , Yu Qiang , Wang Shuo , Wang Xinyu , Chen Xuesen , Feng Shouqian
Published: March 2020

Background Pear is one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Anthocyanins and procyanidins (PAs) are important secondary metabolites that affect the appearance and nutritive quality of pear. However, few studies have focused on the molecular mechanism underlying anthocyanin and PA accumulation in pear . Results We conducted metabolome and transcriptome analyses to identify candidate genes involved in anthocyanin and PA accumulation in young fruits of the pear cultivar ‘Clapp Favorite’ (CF) and its red mutation cultivar ‘Red Clapp Favorite’ ( RCF ). Gene–metabolite correlation analyses revealed a ‘core set’ of 20 genes that were strongly correlated with 10 anthocyanin and seven PA metabolites. Of these, PcGSTF12 was confirmed to be involved in anthocyanin and PA accumulation by complementation of the tt19-7 Arabidopsis mutant. Interestingly, PcGSTF12 was found to be responsible for the accumulation of procyanidin A3, but not petunidin 3, 5-diglucoside, opposite to the function of AtGSTs in Arabidopsis . Transformation with PcGSTF12 greatly promoted or repressed genes involved in anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis, regulation, and transport. Electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase reporter assays confirmed positive regulation of PcGSTF12 by PcMYB114 . Conclusion These findings identify a core set of genes for anthocyanin and PA accumulation in pear. Of these, PcGSTF12 , was confirmed to be involved in anthocyanin and PA accumulation. Our results also identified an important anthocyanin and PA regulation node comprising two core genes, PcGSTF12 and PcMYB114 . These results provide novel insights into anthocyanin and PA accumulation in pear and represent a valuable data set to guide future functional studies and pear breeding.
Social, economic and family factors associated with binge drinking in Spanish adolescents
Authors: Vargas-Martínez Ana Magdalena , Trapero-Bertran Marta , Mora Toni , Lima-Serrano Marta
Published: March 2020

Background: The main aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic and family factors associated with binge drinking (BD) in Spanish adolescents who participated in a web-based computer intervention for the prevention of binge drinking known as Alerta Alcohol .
Methods: Longitudinal analyses were carried out in a sample of Andalusian adolescents aged 15 to 19 enrolled in public schools, which was part of a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial with an intervention group (IG) who received the Alerta Alcohol programme and a control group (CG) who did not receive any active intervention. Panel count data and the following econometric procedures were used: negative binomial, a two-part model and a finite mixture model. The endogenous variable in all models was the number of BD occasions in the last 30 days. A total of 1,247 subjects in the pre-intervention period, with an average age of 16.8 years, plus 612 adolescents in the follow-up period (four months later), were included in the analysis.
Results: In relation to findings, being older ( ≥ 17 years old), having more pocket money and higher family alcohol consumption were associated with greater BD. By contrast, subjects who completed the questionnaire on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, further from the previous weekend, indicated a lower number of BD occasions.
Conclusions: Our results suggest the need to include families, especially parents and siblings, in interventions aimed at preventing alcohol use among adolescents, given the association shown between BD and both family alcohol consumption and weekly pocket money or availability of money to adolescents. Given the findings with regard to age, future research aimed at intervening in early adolescence to prevent BD would be justified.
Adjunctive therapies for the nonsurgical treatment of peri-implant diseases: systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: xiao yuhan , Qin Yichun , Yu Haiyang
Published: March 2020

Background Peri-implant diseases are caused by biofilms around the implant and may lead to implant failure. Non-surgical mechanical debridement (MD) with different adjunctive therapies has been applied in the treatment of peri-implant diseases. This systematic review aimed to deduce the optimal adjunctive therapy.Methods Two independent authors screened the literature using MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. Only clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about adjunctive therapies for non-surgical treatment of peri-implant diseases were included in this review. Studies selected were published before February 2020. The clinical outcomes were compared in this meta-analysis.Results: A total of 31 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The following adjunctive interventions were compared in the included studies: modification of the prosthesis; air abrasive; Er:YAG laser; diode laser; photodynamic therapy; local antibiotics; system antibiotics; probiotics; and enamel matrix derivative. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 1 year. A statistically significant difference was observed between MD with photodynamic therapy and MD alone at 3 months follow-up ( P < 0.01). However, such a difference was not detected between MD with chlorhexidine and MD alone at 3 months follow-up ( P = 0.61), between MD with probiotics and MD alone ( P = 0.47), and between systemic antibiotics and MD alone ( P = 0.96).Conclusion Currently, the optimal non-surgical intervention is not known. Also, among the interventions with similar efficiency, that with fewer side effects, easy to use, and cost-effective is yet to be identified. Thus, well-designed RCTs with prolonged follow-ups to assess the accurate effectiveness of therapies are imperative.
Mentoring in the clinical training of midwifery students. A focus study of the experiences and opinions of midwifery students at the Medical University of Warsaw participating in a mentoring programme
Authors: Stefaniak Małgorzata , Dmoch-Gajzlerska Ewa
Published: March 2020

Background: The current system of clinical training for midwifery students in Poland is in need of considerable revision to adapt it to the global standards and the expectations of healthcare providers, healthcare users and student midwives themselves. Aim of this study was report the experiences of midwifery students participating in a mentor-led clinical training programme and their opinions of mentoring as a novel training method.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study that used a focus group was undertaken in the period from October 2017 to June 2019. The participants were 12 second- and third-year midwifery students at the Medical University of Warsaw who at various times during the study period had their clinical training in the Department of Obstetrics, Solec Hospital in Warsaw. All students had previous experience of clinical training other than clinical mentorship. At the end of the study, a focus group interview was conducted with all 12 participants. Five questions were selected to guide the focus group discussion: Did you get any valuable learning experience during your clinical training? How did this clinical training differ from your previous clinical training? What was your experience of one-on-one mentoring? Did the mentoring programme meet your expectations? What do you think could be changed to make the proposed mentor-led clinical training more effective? Results: Four themes were identified. The study demonstrated that mentoring was perceived by the participants as an innovative and effective method of clinical training for midwifery students. All students positively evaluated the quality of the mentor-led clinical training which allowed improving their clinical skills and building new competencies. Students believed they could effectively use their clinical skills and make informed decisions in a safe and supportive clinical learning environment. They felt that their inclusion in the therapeutic team contributed to better patient care.Conclusions: The use of innovative forms of clinical training at undergraduate level improves its effectiveness and in the future should be reflected in a high-quality maternity care. Mentoring has its advantages for both, mentor and mentee, but the main goal is to develop and improve professional competencies of the junior partner.
Evaluation of the survival of patients with cirrhosis of viral etiology B / C in 3 hospitals of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Nkodila Aliocha , Mbendi Charles , Malumba Vanessa , Tukadila Hervé Alex , Kisalambote Grace , Kumbu Clovis , Tshiamala Pascal , Tshimpi Antoine , Mbendi Sébastien , Ennaji Moustapha Moulay , Longo Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Background and objective : The causes of declining survival in cirrhotic patients are dominated by complications in developing countries. But data on survival among cirrhotics in Sub-Saharan Africa are sketchy. The general objective was to assess the survival and predictors of mortality in patients with viral cirrhosis of the liver in 3 hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: A historic cohort study from 2009 to December 2018. Patients were recruited and followed up at the Ngaliema Clinic, CUK and HPGRK for 10 years. Death was the endpoint and patients lost to follow-up were censored. The Kaplan Méier curves made it possible to describe the survival of children at the threshold of p <0.05. Results : One hundred and four, 124 were male (75.6%), mean age 50.1 ± 16.1 years, 54.9% HBV viral etiology and 18.9% HBV-HCV co-infection were included. 37.8% cirrhotic had died. The probability of survival for cirrhotic patients at the start of follow-up was 81.7%, 69.5%, 62.2%, 62.2% and 62.2%, respectively, at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 10 years. The predictors of mortality were age ≥60 years, hepatocellular carcinoma, encephalopathy, Child Pugh class B and C and low Hb. Conclusion: complications in cirrhotics are the factors of poor prognosis for the survival of patients in this cohort. Early detection of cirrhosis increases the survival of cirrhotic patients.
Depressive Symptoms And Stigmatization Among Parents Of Children With Intellectual Disabilities: Cross-Sectional Survey In Public Primary Special Schools In Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Githara Mercy , Obondo Anne , Tele Albert , Thornicroft Graham , Kumar Manasi
Published: March 2020

Background Parents of children with intellectual disabilities may develop depressive symptoms and are prone to stigmatization due to stressful challenges encountered when providing care for their children. The study objective was to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and stigmatization among parents of children with intellectual disabilities. Method A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used to sample 121 parents of children with intellectual disabilities in four public primary special schools in Nairobi, Kenya Data were collected using a researcher designed socio-demographic questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to screen depressive symptoms and the DISC-12 used to determine stigmatization among parents of children with intellectual disabilities. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the depression scores, discrimination and stigma scores. Independent samples t-test, and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to identify group differences at the bivariate level. Generalized linear models were used to identify independent predictors of discrimination and Stigma. Results Of the 121 parents assessed for depression 24% (n=29) of parents met the criterion for being at risk of depression using BDI scores (score of 21 and above). Stigma and discrimination were significantly related to parent’s depressive symptoms, independently of other variables. On multivariate linear regression individual predictors showed that being female (P=<0.001), younger age of between 18-26 (P=<0.003), being divorced/ separated (p=<0.0001), lower education (P=<0.0001) and caregiver burden (P=0.033) were predictors of depression and high levels of stigmatization. Conclusions The risk of depression is high among parents of children with intellectual disabilities. Results of this study suggest that interventions could be developed that have a focus on the health or well- being of parents. Reduction of societal stigma could reduce psychological distress to parents.
Comparison between buttress plate and anteroposterior screw internal fixation for posterior pilon fracture: a retrospective study
Authors: zhang linyuan , liu zhiqing , wang yueting , yu chao , tang jian , sun yuehua , zhu zhen'an , xu chen , liu fengxiang
Published: March 2020

Background Posterior pilon fracture (PPF) is a serious ankle injury caused by combined vertical and rotational trauma. Surgical treatment includes buttress plate (BP), anteroposterior screw (APS) and posteroanterior screw (PAS) fixation. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic effects after PPF internal fixation with BPs and APSs. Methods From January 2015 to June 2018, 37 patients with PPFs underwent surgical treatment in our institution. The patients were divided into the BP (11 patients) and APS (26 patients) groups according to the internal fixation method. Bone healing time and postoperative complications were recorded. At the last follow-up, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Burwell-Charnley scores were used to evaluate ankle joint function, ankle joint pain, and fracture reduction on imaging, respectively. Results No significant difference in bone healing time was found between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Local necrosis of the posterolateral incision and chronic ankle pain occurred in 1 case each in the BP group. Chronic ankle joint pain occurred in 4 cases in the APS group. Two cases of soft tissue irritation were caused by screws that were too long. Local numbness of the posterolateral incision occurred in 1 case. At the last follow-up, no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at rest ( P = 0.477), but a significant difference during exercise was noted ( P = 0.033). AOFAS scores were better in the BP group than those in the APS group ( P = 0.002). According to the Burwell-Charnley scoring system, 11 cases were anatomically reduced in the BP group. In the APS group, anatomical reduction was achieved in 19 cases and fair in 7 cases. Conclusion Compared with APSs, BPs resulted in better reduction, ankle joint functional recovery and complication rates. BPs are recommended for internal fixation of PPFs.
Human epididymis protein 4 is a new biomarker to predict the prognosis of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease
Authors: Nishiyama Naoki , Masuo Masahiro , Nukui Yoshihisa , Tateishi Tomoya , Kishino Mitsuhiro , Tateishi Ukihide , Morota Kaori , Ohbo Kazuyuki , Miyazaki Yasunari
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND The clinical course and prognosis of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases ( PF-ILDs) vary from individual to individual. Predictive serum biomarkers for the management of the disease are needed. Serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) has been reported to be elevated in patients with IPF, yet its clinical utility has not been elucidated. We evaluated whether serum HE4 could be a biomarker for patients with PF-ILD.METHODS Serum HE4 was measured in a retrospective study that consisted of 34 patients with PF-ILD and 40 healthy volunteers. The relationship between serum HE4 levels and clinical parameters or prognosis was investigated. To validate the significance of the results, a prospective observational study that consisted of 37 patients with PF-ILD and 40 control patients without PF-ILD was performed.RESULTS Serum HE4 was higher in patients with PF-ILD than in health volunteers ( P < 0.01). A correlation of the serum HE4 levels with the extent of honeycombing on chest high-resolution computed tomography was identified (r = 0.41, P = 0.015). In multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazard model, higher HE4 levels (> 238 pmol/l) were associated with elevated mortality risk (HR 7.27, 95% CI 1.56-34.0, P = 0.01 in the derivation cohort; HR 44.3, 95% CI 4.19-468, P < 0.01 in validation cohort).CONCLUSIONS Serum HE4 levels may serve as a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for patients with PF-ILD.
The new nutrition label is a combination of the physical activity, traffic light and warning labels: a qualitative study
Authors: Seyedhamzeh Shirin , Nedjat Saharnaz , Shakibazadeh Elham , Hosseini Hedayat , Doustmohammadian Azam , Motlagh Ahmad-reza Dorosty
Published: March 2020

Background Unhealthy diets and inadequate physical activity are important factors in the increasing trend of obesity. In order to mitigate this harmful trend, an effective policy must be developed to target both unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity. The implementation of physical activity recommendations in nutrition labeling may influence the consumers’ food choices. In this qualitative study, we designed a new type of physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) label by considering the viewpoints of household representatives and experts. Method Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 63 mothers from different regions of Tehran based on the participants’ socioeconomic status. Furthermore, ten interviews were conducted with food quality control (FQC) experts to examine the new PACE label. The preliminary designs were based on the mothers’ viewpoints. We then presented these new labels to the nutritionists and food industry experts in two separate FGDs. After taking their opinions into consideration, we applied certain changes to the labels and emailed them to the mothers. Consequently, the final versions of the new labels were designed. Conventional content analysis was applied with the MAXQDA10 software. Result Two main themes were defined: (1) the stakeholders’ perspectives on PACE labeling (2) the new PACE label’s characteristics including the appearance and the nutritional information on the new label. Conclusion The new label is a combination of the physical activity, traffic light and warning labels.
Care taker’s compliance and Associated factors in integrated management of newborn and childhood illness with respect to Counseling in Enebise Sarmidir woreda, West Amhara, Ethiopia.
Authors: Zeru Taye , Alemirew Dehabo
Published: March 2020

Background: - The Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness strategy encompasses a range of interventions to prevent and manage the major childhood illness, both in health facilities and in the home. Information on actual compliance of care takers in integrated management of newborn and childhood illness is important for program planners, policy makers, health care providers and care takers to design appropriate local and national intervention plan, to increase community participation and to improve knowledge of care takers. Based on our knowledge there are limited studies regarding to care takers compliance towards integrated management of new born and childhood illness in the study area. Therefore the result of this study used for design appropriate intervention.Objective: - The objective of this study was to assess the care takers compliance and associated factors in integrated management of newborn and childhood illness with respect to antibiotic treatment.Methods:-Community based cross-sectional study was conducted. The study populations were all care takers of under-five children who attended integrated management of newborn and childhood illness clinic at health center. A total of 394 respondents were randomly selected by using systematic random sampling method from the seven health centers. Information on the care takers compliance was collected using structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Data entry and analysis were conducting using Statistical Package for Social Science version 16. Significance of the study was presented by using adjust odd ratio, confidence interval and p value. The result was presented in texts, tables and graphs.Result:-Three hundred seventy three care takers with under-five year children were voluntary to be interviewed, making the response rate 94.7 %. The findings of this study showed that 144(39%) were compliance to antibiotic treatment. Compliance to antibiotic treatment was significantly associated with post-secondary education with (AOR=5.33, 95%CI: 2.557, 11.109), private/NGO employee with (AOR=5.936, 95%CI: 1.632, 21.582), knowledge with (AOR=1.806, 95%CI: 1.096, 2.976) and distance with (AOR=2.366, 95%CI: 1.419, 3.945). Conclusion and recommendation: The finding of this study revealed that the high rates of noncompliance with counseling were identified. Therefore, the implementation of integrated management of childhood illness activities at all levels should be strengthened. There is a great need to improve the social status of care takers in order to reduce child hood morbidity and mortality.
WITHDRAWN: Correlation between cardiorespiratory coupling and six-minute walking tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Huang Yu-Chen , Lin Ting-Yu , Wu Hau-Tieng , Chang Po-Jui , Lo Chun-Yu , Wang Tsai-Yu , Kuo Chih-Hsi Scott , Lin Shu-Min , Chung Fu-Tsai , Lin Horng-Chyuan , Hsieh Meng-Heng , Lo Yu-Lun
Published: March 2020

Background : Cardiovascular disease is a common comorbidity and cause of mortality among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the interaction between the heart and lungs in COPD patients has yet to be fully elucidated.Aim : Our objective in this study was to characterize cardiorespiratory interactions in terms of cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC) using the synchrogram index of the heart rate and respiration flow signals.Methods : This prospective study examined 10 normal subjects and 55 COPD patients. Linear regression and forward stepwise regression were used to determine the correlation between the synchrogram index and the six-minute walking test.Results : K-means clustering analysis was used to separate the 55 COPD patients into a synchronized group (median 0.89 (0.64-0.97), n=43) and a desynchronized group (median 0.23 (0.02-0.51), n=12) based on the synchrogram index. In this study, the synchrogram index was significantly correlated with the six-minute walking distance (r 2 =0.3, sigma T=0.02) and the distance saturation product (r 2 =0.3, sigma T =0.03). Note that age was a significant confounding factor.Conclusion : The synchrogram index shows clinical potential for the stratification of COPD patients for treatment.
Hemodynamic changes in superficial arteriovenous malformation surgery measured by intraoperative ICG fluorescence videoangiography with FLOW 800 software
Authors: Ye Xun , Wang Liang , Li Ming-tao , Chen Xiao-lin , Wang Hao , Ma Li , Wang Rong , Zhang Yan , Cao Yong , Zhao Yuan-li , Zhang Dong , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2020

To analyze the application of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography with FLOW 800 software in arteriovenous malformation (AVM) surgeries. Data on 17 patients undergoing surgery with ICG fluorescence were collected. To analyze the hemodynamic features of AVM and the influence on the peripheral cortex of AVM resection, we assessed the following hemodynamic parameters: maximum intensity, slope of rise, time to half-maximal fluorescence, and transit time from arteries to veins. In the 17 superficial AVMs studied, the time delay color mode of FLOW 800 software was superior to the traditional playback mode for identifying feeding arteries, draining veins, and their relation to normal cortical vessels.The maximum fluorescence intensity and slope of the ICG fluorescence curve of feeder arteries and draining veins were higher than those of normal peripheral vessels (P < 0.05). The transit times in AVMs were significantly shorter than those in normal peripheral vessels (P < 0.05).After AVM resection, cerebral flow increased in the cortex, and local cycle time become longer, although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Hemodynamic parameter analysis provided quality guidance for the resection of AVMs and could also be used in estimating changes in blood flow in the local cortex to identify abnormal hyperperfusion and residual nidus.
Construction and investigation of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in thymic epithelial neoplasms
Authors: Tang Hanxiao , Ge Shuyu , Sun Pingping
Published: March 2020

Background Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks may be used to relate the functions of protein-coding mRNAs with those of the non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). ceRNAs enable the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by competing for the shared miRNAs. However, the role and function of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in thymic epithelial neoplasms (TEN) remains unknown. Methods The miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA expression profiles of 124 patients with TEN were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We identified the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs, mRNAs, and lncRNAs using the limma package in R software. The GDCRNATools package was used for the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotations. Cytoscape software was used to construct the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis platform was used to estimate the overall survival (OS) rates of the patients. Survival curves were analyzed using the log-rank test. Finally, the mRNAs in the ceRNA network were analyzed using the GOplot package in R. Results A total of 1513, 188, and 579 TEN-specific mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs, respectively, were identified. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed, and included 53 mRNAs, 4 lncRNAs, and 27 miRNAs. A total of 10 DEmRNAs (DLX2, C8orf88, CD38, GATA3, MAL, FOXQ1, FOLH1, NLRP12, HJURP, and ACSM1) and 1 lncRNA (SNHG3) were found to be significantly associated with OS ( P <0.05). Conclusion In this study, we constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA gene regulatory network for TEN, and identified potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets, for the disease.
“The right time is just after birth”: Acceptability of point-of-care birth testing in Eswatini: qualitative results from infant caregivers, health care workers, and policymakers
Authors: Sacks Emma , Khumalo Philisiwe , Tsabedze Bhekisisa , Montgomery William , Mthethwa Nobuhle , Nhlabatsi Bonisile , Masuku Thembie , Cohn Jennifer , Chouraya Caspian
Published: March 2020

Background: Testing for HIV at birth has the potential to identify infants infected in utero , and allows for the possibility of beginning treatment immediately after birth; point of care (POC) testing allows rapid return of results and faster initiation on treatment for positive infants. Eswatini piloted birth testing in three public maternities for over two years. Methods: In order to assess the acceptability of POC birth testing in the pilot sites in Eswatini, interviews were held with caregivers of HIV-exposed infants who were offered birth testing (N=28), health care workers (N=14), and policymakers (N=10). Participants were purposively sampled. Interviews were held in English or SiSwati, and transcribed in English. Transcripts were coded by line, and content analysis and constant comparison were used to identify key themes for each respondent type. Results: Responses were categorized into: knowledge, experience, opinions, barriers and challenges, facilitators, and suggestions to improve POC birth testing. Preliminary findings reveal that point of care birth testing has been very well received but challenges were raised. Most caregivers appreciated testing the newborns at birth and getting results quickly, since it reduced anxiety of waiting for several weeks. However, having a favorable experience with testing was linked to having supportive and informed family members and receiving a negative result. Caregivers did not fully understand the need for blood draws as opposed to tests with saliva, and expressed the fears of seeing their newborns in pain. They were specifically grateful for supportive nursing staff who respected their confidentiality. Health care workers expressed strong support for the program but commented on the high demand for testing, increased workload, difficulty with errors in the testing machine itself, and struggles to implement the program without sufficient staffing, especially on evenings and weekends when phlebotomists were not available. Policymakers noted that there have been challenges within the program of losing mothers to follow up after they leave hospital, and recommended stronger linkages to community groups. Conclusions: There is strong support for scale-up of POC birth testing, but countries should consider ways to optimize staffing and manage demand.
Whole-body Vibration Attenuates Pyroptosis-Mediated Inflammation but Accelerates Progression of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Fu Fang-da , Yao Sai , Sun Zhi-tao , Zhou Cheng-cong , Yu Huan , Luo Huan , Pan Zhiyong , Jin Hong-ting , Tong Pei-jian , Chen Di , Wu Cheng-liang , RUAN Hongfeng
Published: March 2020

Background Whole body vibration (WBV) is a non-pharmaceutical therapy that has been widely incorporated into clinical practice for musculoskeletal disorders, including low back pain (LBP). Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is clinically associated with LBP and is known as the main cause for LBP. However, cumulative evidence also suggested WBV might have an adverse impact on IVDs. Moreover, previous studies have been focusing on the effects of WBV on healthy mice, rather than those suffering from IVDD. Thus, uncertainties still exist concerning the effects of WBV on IVDs undergoing IVDD. This study was aiming to evaluate the effects of WBV intervention on the development and progression of IVDD mouse model induced by lumbar spine instability (LSI) surgery. Methods LSI surgery, by resecting the lumbar 3 rd -5 th spinous processes along with the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments, was conducted in 10-week-old male mice which then received WBV treatment (1 h per day, 5 days per week, at 3 Hz with peak acceleration at 0.4 g) or sham treatment. The progression of IVDD was evaluated by MRI, μCT and histological analyses after WBV treatment. The matrix metabolism, distribution of sensory nerves, pyroptosis in IVDs tissues were determined by immunohistological analysis or real-time PCR. The apoptosis of IVD cells was detected by TUNEL assay. Results LSI surgery was successful in producing IVDD modeling. WBV caused decreases in IVD height and annulus fibrosus (AF) score, as well as increased numbers of apoptotic cells in IVD tissues. WBV contributed to sensory innervation into AF and upregulation of Adamts5 and MMP3 expression in IVDD mice received LSI surgery. In addition, WBV treatment triggered earlier activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in IVDD mice with WBV treatment compared with those without WBV treatment. Unexpectedly, WBV significantly attenuated Caspase-1 and IL-1β expression in AF. Conclusions Collectively, our findings demonstrate that WBV treatment may worsen the development of ongoing IVDD. Decrease of IL-1β expression after WBV intervention may partially account for patient self-reported pain relief after WBV treatment in some previous trials. This study may help us better understand the effects of WBV intervention on patients experiencing LBP resulting from the degeneration of lumbar IVDs.
Long non-coding RNA FAM83H-AS1 acts as an oncogenic driver in human ovarian cancer
Authors: Yuan Xiaolei , Huang Ying , Guo Man , Hu Xiaowei , Li Peiling
Published: March 2020

Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most aggressive women cancers with increasing incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could as major players in OC process. Although FAM83H antisense RNA1 (FAM83H-AS1) is demonstrated play an important roles in a many cancers, the detailed function and mechanism has not been reported in OC. Methods We integrated multiple kinds of bioinformatics approaches and experiments validated method to evaluate functions of FAM83H-AS1 in OC. Results Some differential expressed lncRNAs were identified between OC and normal control tissues. FAM83H-AS1 was one of most differentially expressed lncRNAs and up-regulated in multiple cancer types. Specially, expression of FAM83H-AS1 was higher in OC and showed difference in diverse stages. High FAM83H-AS1 expression is associated with worse pan-cancer and OC outcomes. FAM83H-AS1-centric network including lncRNA-miRNA, lncRNA-protein and lncRNA-mRNA ceRNA network were constructed to infer the function and mechanism of FAM83H-AS1. There were two methylation sites including cg01399317 and cg20519035 located at FAM83H-AS1. The methylation level of cg01399317 was correlated with gene expression of FAM83H-AS1. The expression level of FAM83H-AS1 was correlated with infiltration level of immune cell including macrophage, neutrphil and dendritic cell in OC patients. Lastly, qRT-PCR showed that the expression of FAM83H-AS1 was higher in OC tissues than normal control tissues. Conclusions Collectively, these results indicated that FAM83H-AS1 may act as an oncogenic driver and it may be a potential therapy target in OC.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Mitigates Radiation Induced Lymphopenia in Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: McLaughlin Mark , Alam Morshed , Smith Lynette , Ryckman Jeffrey , Lin Chi , Baine Michael J.
Published: March 2020

Background Radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) occurs during treatment with conventional radiation in multiple organ sites. Development of RIL portends poor prognosis. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) spares RIL in pancreatic cancer, but has not been examined in other sites commonly treated with SBRT. This work examines if SBRT similarly spares RIL in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Retrospective analysis was done at a single institution on 40 distinct cases of SBRT for early stage NSCLC from 2006-2017. Incidentally collected lymphocyte counts collected within 6 months of SBRT treatment were analyzed to determine if RIL occurred. The presence of RIL was correlated with location of initial failure and survival endpoints. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed with significance defined at the level p = 0.05. Results RIL was observed in 35% of the analyzed patients. Patterns of failure and survival data were comparable to prior SBRT literature. There was no observed association in two year local, nodal, or distant failure, progression free survival, or overall survival based on the presence of RIL. Conclusions SBRT spares RIL in NSCLC compared to historical rates observed with conventionally fractionated radiation. As understanding of the role of the immune system in cancer control continues to evolve, the importance of RIL sparing techniques take on increasing importance. This study represents the first analysis of RIL sparing in SBRT in an early stage NSCLC cohort without the confounding influence of chemotherapy.
Motor unit number index detects the effectiveness of surgical treatment in improving distal motor neuron loss in patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Yancheng , Li Yang , He ShiSheng , Wang Deguo
Published: March 2020

Background Recovery of motor dysfunction is important for patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). To enhance the recovery of muscle strength, both research and treatments mainly focus on injury of upper motor neurons at the direct injury site. However, accumulating evidences have suggested that SCI has a downstream effect on the peripheral nervous system, which may contribute to the poor improvement of the muscle strength after operation. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of early vs. delayed surgical intervention on the lower motor neurons (LMNs) distal to the injury site in patients with incomplete cervical SCI. Methods Motor unit number index (MUNIX) was performed on the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) in 47 patients with incomplete cervical SCI (early vs. delayed surgical-treatment: 17 vs. 30) and 34 healthy subjects approximately 12 months after operation. All patients were further assessed by American spinal injury association (ASIA) motor scales and Medical Research Council (MRC) scales. Results There are no difference of both ASIA motor scores and MRC scales between the patients who accepted early and delayed surgical treatment (P > 0.05). In contrast, the patients undergoing early surgical treatment showed lower MUSIX values in both bilateral EDB and bilateral TA, along with greater MUNIX values in both right-side EDB and right-side TA, compared to the patients who accepted delayed surgical treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions Cervical SCI has a negative effect on the LMNs distal to the injury site. Early surgical intervention in Cervical SCI patients may improve the dysfunction of LMNs distal to the injury site, reducing secondary motor neuron loss, and eventually improving clinical prognosis.
Antegrade elastic stable intramedullary nailing in treatment of irreducible distal radius fractures in diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction in children
Authors: Lin Weifeng , Liu Shuai , Hui Taotao
Published: March 2020

Purpose This paper aimed to study the method and outcome of antegrade elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for irreducible distal radius fractures in diaphyseal-metaphyseal junction in children. Methods 27 irreducible distal radius fractures in children ranging in age from six to 13 years treated with closed reduction and antegrade ESIN from March 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The series comprised 24 boys and three girls. 17 cases were double fractures in forearms and ten cases were single fractures of radius. Each case was treated with closed reduction, internal fixation of antegrade ESIN and plaster cast. ESIN was removed when fracture healed and remodelled well. Cooney modified Green-O'Brien wrist score was used to evaluate the wrist function. Ranges of motion (ROM) in bilateral wrists were contrasted at the final follow-up. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant in the difference. Results All the fractures healed four to six weeks post-operative. At the final follow-up (12-16 months), there was no statistical significance in ROM of bilateral wrists (all p>0.05). The mean Cooney modified Green-O'Brien wrist score was 93 (80-100) including 25 excellent (93%) and two good (7%) results. Conclusions The technique of antegrade ESIN is effective and minimal invasive for irreducible distal radius fractures in children. The criterion of proximal radius approach to implant ESIN should be studied further in minimal invasive therapy of fractures.
How do parents deal with their children’s chronic kidney disease? A qualitative study
Authors: Khorsandi Fatemeh , Parizad Naser , Feizi Aram , MaslakPak Masumeh Hemmati
Published: March 2020

Background: Parents’ adaptation has an impact on the health outcomes of children with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Identifying factors that affect parents’ adaptation is necessary to fully understand their adaptation status. This study aims to explore parents’ adaptation with their child chronic disease and to determine related factors.Methods: This was a qualitative study with a content analysis approach. Sixteen parents of children with CKD were selected by using the purposive sampling. The nursing PhD candidate performed semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews to collect data. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data.Results: Two main categories were extracted from the data were “adaptation facilitators” and “adaptation barriers”. Adaptation facilitators supported by three sub-categories: “social support”, “positive aspects of life”, “spiritual beliefs”. Five sub-categories of “adaptation barriers” were revealed as follows: “parents’ confusion”, “the disease related issues”, “pressures from peers and acquaintances”, “inappropriate treatment conditions” and “children and family limitation”.Conclusions: Two types of factors that influence parents’ adaptation were identified. The treatment team must evaluate these factors to help parents to adapt to their child’s illness by identifying and eliminating the adaptation barriers, and identifying and using the adaptation facilitators.
Transcriptome analysis reveal the mechanism of susceptible wheat seedlings response to Puccinia striiformis f. sp.
Authors: Liu Rong , Chen Yuwei , Zhou Min , Lu Jing , Zhang Chihong , Zhang Lei , Wu Yu
Published: March 2020

Background Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is most widely cultivated and a major staple food crops in the world. Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), which significantly reduce yield and quality of wheat. Although some resistant genes have been successfully used in wheat breeding, large of the regulating networks and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Pst response remains unknown. Therefore, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and regulate network involved in Pst resistance, we sequenced 15 cDNA libraries constructed from wheat seedlings with CYR34 infection.Results In this study, a highly susceptible cv. Chuanyu12 (CY12) were used to study the transcriptome profiles after inoculated with Pst physiological race CYR34. A total of 13892, 10195, 12268 and 14044 DEGs were investigated at 24h, 48h, 72h and 7days Pst infection, respectively. Certain key genes and pathways responsible for Pst-CYR34 in CY12 were identified. The results revealed that Pst-CYR34 inhibited the DEGs related to energy metabolism, biosynthesis, carbon fixation, phenylalanine metabolism, and plant hormone signaling pathway after Pst inoculation at 24h, 48h, 72h and 7d. These down-regulated DEGs including light-harvesting chlorophyll protein complex in photosystem I and photosystem II; cytochrome b6/f/ complex, F-type ATPase and photosynthetic electron transport; ethylene, jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA); lignin and flavonoids biosynthesis in CY12. Quantitative Real-time PCR analysis verified the expression patterns of these DEGs.Conclusions Our results give insights into the foundation for further exploring the molecular mechanism regulating networks of Pst response and pave the way for durable resistant breeding in bread wheat.
Comparison of transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to construct a model for the promotion of starch synthesis by ABA in Euryale ferox Salisb. seeds
Authors: Wu Peng , Li Xiang , Liu Xian , Xu Xu , Zhang Yu , Li Liangjun
Published: March 2020

Background: Euryale ferox Salisb. is an annual aquatic herb and the only species belonging to the genus Euryale in the Nymphaeaceae family. E. ferox seeds are used in medicine and diets. Starch is the main factor affecting E. ferox seed quality, but its regulatory mechanism has not been elucidated. Results: Herein, four time points of seed development, including after flowering T1 (10 days), T2 (20 days), T3 (30 days) and T4 (40 days), were investigated by using RNA-Seq and iTRAQ technology. Using weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNAs), co-expressed genes and hub genes were identified for each module. Of particular importance are the discoveries of specific modules for seed starch during the seed developmental stages. The candidate regulators of seed starch are involved in the hormonal signaling pathways. Three ABA signaling receptor kinases, EfPYR1, EfSnRK2.1 and EfSnRK2.2, were identified as hub genes functioning in starch synthesis during the seed maturation process. The changes in expression pattern, ABA and starch content also indicated that ABA is positively correlated with starch. Conclusions: Together, these results indicate that E. ferox seed accumulation of starch is promoted by ABA, providing new insights into the regulatory mechanism of starch synthesis in E. ferox seeds.