bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness-based interventions for children and adolescents across all settings: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Perrier Marie-France , Gurgel-Juarez Nalia , Flowers Heather Leslie , McCormick Anna , Short Sarah J.
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose: Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are becoming increasingly popular, the application of MBIs with children and adolescents is still in its infancy. Mapping the existing literature is necessary to help guide pediatric mindfulness interventions. Our purpose is to synthesize the evidence of reported MBIs for children and adolescents with and without physical, mental, and cognitive disorders. Accordingly, we aim to identify trends and gaps in the literature, so that we can provide direction to researchers who seek to advance the evidence base for using MBIs in pediatric populations.Methods: Our search strategy will be conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. It will include a comprehensive search of published studies in 7 databases, grey literature, conference proceedings, and citations of selected articles. Two independent reviewers will evaluate all abstracts and full articles that: have a pediatric sample (children 2-17 years); use MBIs to promote development or to remediate underlying disorders; and are written in English or French. We will identify the definitions and concepts from MBIs, categorize accepted studies according to etiology and rehabilitation type, describe intervention methodology, and report outcomes of selected studies.Discussion: Our review will provide a comprehensive overview of the pediatric mindfulness intervention literature to date, involving a range of mental, cognitive and physical outcomes for healthy children and adolescents and for those with a variety of disorders in clinical and institutional settings. We will disseminate results to mindfulness practitioners and provide guidance to future pediatric researchers in their development and application of mindfulness interventions, thereby contributing to the scientific understanding of mindfulness for the ultimate betterment of child and adolescent well-being and life-long functioning. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO does not accept scoping review protocols.v
TRIM3 inhibits P53 signaling in breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Xinxing , Zhang Yujie , Pei Xinhong , Guo Guangcheng , Xue Bingjian , Duan Xin , Dou Dongwei
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBeast cancer is the most common women cancer worldwide, while two third of them are ER alpha positive breast cancer. Among the ER alpha positive breast cancer, about 80% are P53 wild type, indicating the potential tumor suppression role in ER alpha positive breast cancer. Since P53 is an important safeguard to inhibit cell malignant transformation, reactivating P53 signaling could a plausible approach to treat breast cancer.MethodsTRIM3 protein levels were measured by western blot, while the P53 classical target genes were measured by real-time PCR. WST1 assay were used to measure cell proliferation, while cleaved caspase-3 was used to detect cell apoptosis. Protein stability and ubiquitin assay were used to detect the P53 protein ubiquitin and stability. The immuno-precipitation assays were used to detect the protein interactions. Immuno-staining was used to detect the protein localization of P53 and TRIM3, while the ubiquitin-based immuno-precipitation assays were used to detect the specific ubiquitination manner of P53.ResultsIn our study, we identified TRIM3 as an endogenous inhibitor for P53 signaling. TRIM3 depletion inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. In addition, TRIM3 depletion increased P53 protein level in breast cancer cell. Further investigation showed that TRIM3 could associate with P53 and promote P53 K48-linked ubiquitination and degradation.ConclusionOur study identified a novel post-translational modification mechanism between TRIM3 and P53. TRIM3 depletion or blockage could be a promising strategy to rescue P53 signaling and inhibit breast cancer progression.
Risk Evaluation on Security Personnel Managing Illegal Detainees in a Makeshift COVID-19 Low Risk Quarantine and Treatment Center
Authors: Rahman Anita Abd , Moideen Mohd Arshil , Anuar Erlendawati Mohd , Mahabot Fuad Ridha , Mustapha Wan Mohd Harith Wan , Rusli Mohammad Farhan
Published: November 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic situation in Malaysia has resulted in a whole country approach where a newly built makeshift low risk Covid-19 treatment centre was chosen to house all COVID-19 positive illegal immigrants. In view of the security situation as the risks of these detainees behaving aggressively, taking hostage, running away and escaping from the treatment centre were high, governmental, non-governmental and security agencies came together and worked alongside the healthcare personnel for this treatment centre. This paper entails risk evaluation that needs to be considered to all the security personnel working in this centre as there was no precedent of similar situation in the country.Methodology: This is a semi-quantitative and integrated type of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control (HIRARC) approach where it incorporates risk rating and severity rating to cover four elements, which are people, property, environment, and reputation. Total scores range from 1 to 25 and was further categorized into low, medium and high risk in a color-coded representation. The assessment was done for two weeks from 27th May 2020 till 11th June 2020.Result & Discussion: Risk evaluation identified four types of hazards which were physical, biological, psychological and ergonomics hazards. Physical hazards with possible violence and riot scored the highest risk while ergonomic issues had the lowest rating. Appropriate control measures to mitigate all the potential risks were appropriately implemented through a solid multi-agencies’ collaborative effort. This evaluation serves as a good planning tool in optimizing the risk mitigation measures among security personnel working in a biological hazardous environment. Conclusion: The mapping combination of existing hazard, risk rating and control was able to facilitate organization to prioritise future planning. With the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic, periodical evaluation is recommended to meet dynamic changes such as demands for frontliner manpower strength, the number of existing detainee patients in ward and the evolution of the COVID-19 infection itself in order to maintain safety and security for all. (318 words)
Nivolumab monotherapy or combination therapy with Ipilimumab for lung cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang Huihui , Xu Aiqun , Xia Xingyuan , Li Pulin , Zhang Binbin , Zhu Ke , Zhou Sijing , Wang Ran
Published: November 2020

Background: Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody that can inhibit programmed death 1 (PD-1) and Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody against CTLA-4(cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4), both of which can prevent the immune escape of tumor cells. Our goal was to synthesize evidence from published randomized controlled trials involving the safety and efficacy of either Nivolumab alone or in combination for the treatment of unresectable lung cancer. Methods: We searched the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries, and screened the retrieved records for eligibility. We used the Stata16 software for the analyses. The results of the analysis are expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The final analysis included nine trials involving 4754 patients. Among patients with advanced lung cancer, patients using immunosuppressive therapy had better overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and an objective response rate (ORR) than patients receiving chemotherapy. The HR of Nivolumab monotherapy or combination therapy with OS was compared with that of chemotherapy (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64–0.83; HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60–0.93), and the HR of PFS was (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.94; HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98).Conclusions: Immunotherapy has been shown to have more clinically meaningful survival benefits for patients with lung cancer, whether monotherapy or combination immunotherapy.
Reproducibility and Validity of A Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire for the Chinese Lactating Mothers
Authors: Ding Ye , Li Fang , Ye Mei , Xu Fangping , Jiang Wei , Yang Yue , Fu Youjuan , Hu Ping , Zhu Yunhua , Lu Xiaolong , Liu Ying , Xie Zhencheng , Wang Zhixu
Published: November 2020

Background: The dietary nutritional status of the lactating mothers is related to maternal health and has a significant impact on the growth and development of infants through the secretion of breast milk. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) is the most cost-effective dietary assessment method that can help obtain information on the usual dietary pattern of participants. Until now, the FFQs have been used for different populations in China, but there are few FFQs available for the lactating mothers. We aimed to develop a semi-quantitative, 156-item FFQ for the Chinese lactating mothers, and evaluate its reproducibility and validity.Methods: A total of 112 lactating mothers completed two FFQs and one 3-d dietary record (3DR). The first FFQ (FFQ1) was conducted during postpartum at 60-65 days and the second FFQ (FFQ2) during subsequent follow-up at 5 weeks. The 3DR was completed with portion sizes assessed using photographs taken by the respondent before and after eating (instant photography) 1 week after FFQ1. Results: For reproducibility, the Spearman’s correlation coefficients for food ranged from 0.34 to 0.68, and for nutrients from 0.25 to 0.61. Meanwhile, the intra-class correlation coefficients for food ranged from 0.48 to 0.87, and for nutrients from 0.27 to 0.70. For validity, the Spearman’s correlation coefficients for food ranged from 0.32 to 0.56, and for nutrients from 0.23 to 0.72. The energy-adjusted coefficients for food ranged from 0.26 to 0.55, and for nutrients from 0.22 to 0.47. Moreover, the de-attenuation coefficients for food ranged from 0.34 to 0.67, and for nutrients from 0.28 to 0.77. The Bland-Altman plots also showed reasonably acceptable agreement between the two methods.Conclusions: This FFQ is a reasonably reproducible and a valid tool for assessing dietary intake of the Chinese lactating mothers.
Wave-Slope Soaring of the Brown Pelican
Authors: Stokes Ian , Lucas Andrew
Published: November 2020

Background: From the laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one can observe the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) traveling along the crests of near-shoaling waves just outside the surf zone. In this manner, the birds travel great distances without flapping, all the while a scant ~ 30 cm off the ocean's surface. Here we derive a theoretical framework for assessing the energetic benefit of this behavior, "wave-slope soaring,'' in which an organism in flight takes advantage of updrafts caused by traveling ocean surface gravity waves. Methods: The energy cost of steady, constant altitude flight is analyzed as a control. Potential flow theory is used to quantify the ocean wave-induced wind associated with near-shoaling, weakly nonlinear, shallow water ocean surface gravity waves. Using a regular expansion of the Stokes stream function and the Green's function for Laplace's equation in 2D with Dirichlet boundary conditions, we obtain integral expressions for the horizontal and vertical components of the wave-induced wind. The development of these relationships produces expressions for the components of the wave-induced wind in a frame of reference moving with the wave. Wave-slope soaring flight is then analyzed using an energetics-based approach for waves of typical ocean conditions (wave height of 1m, period of 10s) and the body plan of P. occidentalis . Results: For pure ground effect flight, we calculate an upper bound mechanical advantage of ~ 20 - 25\% as compared with steady, level flight without ground effect. When wave-slope soaring is employed, we calculate an upper bound mechanical advantage of ~ 50 - 60\% as compared with steady, level flight without ground effect. Conclusions: The theoretical development presented here suggests there are energy savings associated with wave-slope soaring. Individual brown pelicans may gain upwards of 50\% mechanical advantage utilizing this mode of flight under typical ocean conditions, as compared to steady, level flight out of ground effect. Thus wave-slope soaring appears to provide a significant benefit to these highly mobile organisms that depend on patchy prey distribution over large home ranges.
Ethnoveterinary Plants Used by Tribal People in The Northern Tanzania
Authors: Tomeka Thobias Oddo , Mremi Rudolf , Machumu Alodia Kanilwa , Sanya John , Kisingo Alex Wilbard
Published: November 2020

Background: Despite the increasing use of modern veterinary services to cater for livestock healthcare needs, traditional remedy remains a prominent complementary medical practice yet inadequately documented. This is especially so in areas of rural Tanzania where livestock diseases are rampant and modern veterinary services are insufficiently provided. This study, therefore, aims to understand and document the indigenous knowledge associated with the use ethnoveterinary plants in curing livestock ailments in the northern Tanzania. Methods: Ethnobotanical data from livestock keepers were collected through structured and semi structured interviews. A total of 161 informants were selected from Hai, Moshi, Siha and Meru districts in northern Tanzania using snowball sampling technique. The fidelity level, frequency index, and informant consensus factor ere estimated from the data. Results: We found a total of 54 ethnoveterinary plants belonging to 51 genera and 35 families used to treat 34 kinds of livestock ailments. About 59% of all medicinal plants examined during this study were extracted from the leaves, mainly prepared in crushed form – infusions (29%) and administered orally (77%). Further results show that 77.1% of the formulations were prepared by plant materials obtained from a single species while 22.9% were prepared from different species. Aloe vera (L.) Burm, and Aloe volkensii Engl. scored the highest frequency indices (40.5 each) for 2 treating Newcastle in poultry, and anti-diarrhoea in cattle, respectively. The highest fidelity levels were found in Capsicum frutescens L. (100) and Kigelia Africana L. (100) both responsible for treating Newcastle in Chicken, and Ficus sycomorus (Lam.) Benth (100) for relieving birth complications in cattle. Newcastle and respiratory ailment categories had the highest informant consensus factor value of 0.92 with 103 use-reports, referring to the use of nine plant species. Conclusions: The high use of such ethnoveterinary plant in treating livestock ailments highlights their veterinary importance and the need for government support for initiatives aimed at preserving this knowledge as an alternative healthcare practice for livestock in rural Tanzania.
Neuropsychological Functioning and Academic Abilities in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Granjon Marine , Rohmer Odile , Doignon-Camus Nadège , Popa-Roch Maria , Pietrement Christine , Gavens Nathalie
Published: November 2020

Background The involvement of the central nervous system is not rare in rheumatoid diseases. Even though children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may face academic difficulties until adulthood, very few studies have evaluated potential cognitive disorders in these patients. The present research aims to thoroughly investigate the cognitive and neuropsychological functioning of these patients.MethodsWe measured the cognitive profile of JIA patients via their neuropsychological profile, implicit memory and social cognition skills, and estimated their academic performance using reading and mathematics tests. We recruited 21 children with JIA aged 6 to 17 years-old (M = 11.01, SD = 3.30) and 21 healthy children matched in age, gender, academic level (same school class) and socioeconomic status.Results Our results showed that the cognitive profile and estimated academic ability of JIA patients are similar to those of their peers. These results support the hypothesis that children with JIA have the same cognitive predispositions to succeed at school as any other pupil.ConclusionComparing our results with the existing literature, we propose complementary hypotheses for further research. Longitudinal studies seem to be necessary to understand the psychosocial and cognitive processes involved in the development of children with JIA.
Diagnosis and Transvascular Embolization for Ruptured Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Outcomes from a 12 Years’ Retrospective Study
Authors: Ma Xu , Jie Bing , Yu Dong , Li Ling-Ling , Jiang Sen
Published: November 2020

Background Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are rare, and the life-threatening hemorrhagic complications, including hemoptysis and hemothorax, are extremely uncommon. However, the management of large series of ruptured PAVMs has not been described in recent years. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients who developed ruptured PAVMs between January 2008 and December 2019. We assessed the clinical and imaging data to summarize the incidence and characteristics of ruptured PAVMs, and outcomes following embolization with coils or plugs. A paired-sample t-test analysis, Kaplan–Meier method and the simple linear regression were accessed, as appropriate.Results Eighteen (5.49%) of 328 patients diagnosed with PAVMs developed hemorrhagic complications. Twelve of these 18 patients were clinically diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) (incidence, 66.67%). Eleven of 18 patients were female. Eight of the 11 females were diagnosed with HHT. Twenty-eight lesions were detected, and the simple type was more common (82.14%) than the complex type. 89.29% of lesions were located in the peripheral lung. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed indirect signs to predict the ruptured PAVMs in cases of hemothorax. Technical success of embolotherapy was achieved in all cases. Two days after treatment, pulmonary function was significantly improved and bleeding was controlled (P<0.05), and no patients showed recanalization of PAVMs. Two patients in the hemoptysis group died of other reasons during follow-up and the mean follow-up time was 3.22±2.52 years (range, 7 months to 10 years). The hemorrhage volume was linearly associated with the diameter of the afferent arteries in the ruptured lesions.Conclusions CTA was able to diagnose ruptured PAVMs, and embolotherapy led to successful resolution of symptoms in all 18 patients who had ruptured PAVMs. Ruptured PAVMs must be considered when managing patients with hemothorax or hemoptysis, especially female patients with HHT.
Data-driven FDG-PET subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease-related neurodegeneration
Authors: Levin Fedor , Ferreira Daniel , Lange Catharina , Dyrba Martin , Westman Eric , Buchert Ralph , Teipel Stefan , Grothe Michel
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPrevious research has described distinct subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on differences in regional patterns of brain atrophy on MRI. We conducted a data-driven exploration of distinct AD neurodegeneration subtypes using FDG-PET as a sensitive molecular imaging marker of neurodegenerative processes.MethodsHierarchical clustering of voxel-wise FDG-PET data from 177 amyloid-positive patients with AD dementia enrolled in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) was used to identify distinct hypometabolic subtypes of AD, which were then further characterized with respect to clinical and biomarker characteristics. We then classified FDG-PET scans of 217 amyloid-positive patients with mild cognitive impairment (‘prodromal AD’) according to the identified subtypes and studied their domain-specific cognitive trajectories and progression to dementia over a follow-up interval of up to 72 months. ResultsThree main hypometabolic subtypes were identified: (i) “typical” (48.6%), showing a classic posterior temporo-parietal hypometabolic pattern, (ii) “limbic-predominant” (44.6%), characterized by old age and a memory-predominant cognitive profile, and (iii) a relatively rare “cortical-predominant” subtype (6.8%) characterized by younger age and more severe executive dysfunction. Subtypes classified in the prodromal AD sample demonstrated similar subtype characteristics as in the AD dementia sample and further showed differential courses of cognitive decline. ConclusionsThese findings complement recent research efforts on MRI-based identification of distinct AD atrophy subtypes and may provide a potentially more sensitive molecular imaging tool for early detection and characterization of AD-related neurodegeneration variants at prodromal disease stages.
Health Care Workers’ Experiences of Managing Foetal Distress and Birth Asphyxia at Health Facilities in Northern Uganda
Authors: Ayebare Elizabeth , Ndeezi Grace , Hjelmstedt Anna , Nakunda Jolly , Tumwine James K. , Hanson Claudia , Jonas Wibke
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBirth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal mortality worldwide. We sought to explore the experiences of health care workers in managing foetal distress and birth asphyxia to gain an understanding of the challenges in a low-income setting.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with 12 midwives and four doctors working in maternity units from different health facilities in Northern Uganda in 2018. We used a semi-structured interview guide which included questions related to; health care workers’ experiences of maternity care, care for foetal distress and birth asphyxia, views on possible preventive actions and perspectives of the community. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive content analysis. ResultsFour categories emerged: i) understanding of and actions for foetal distress and birth asphyxia including knowledge, misconception and interventions; ii) Challenges of managing foetal distress and birth asphyxia such as complexities of the referral system, refusal of referral, lack of equipment, and human resource problems, iii) Expectations and blame from the community, and finally iv) Health care worker’ insights into prevention of foetal distress and birth asphyxia. ConclusionHealth care workers described management of foetal distress and birth asphyxia as complex and challenging. Thus, guidelines to manage foetal distress and birth asphyxia that are specifically tailored to the different levels of health facilities to ensure high quality of care and reduction of need for referral are called for. Innovative ways to operationalise transportation for referral and community dialogues could lead to improved birth experiences and outcomes.
Characterization of a Novel MAP4K4-SASH1 Kinase Cascade Regulating Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Li Yadong , Wu Daoqiu , Hou Jing , Zhang Jing , Zeng Xing , Chen Lian , Wan Xin , Wu Zhixiong , Wang Jinyun , Wang Ke , Yang Dan , Chen Hongyu , Xu Zexi , Jia Lei , Liu Qianfan , Kuang Zhongshu , Jiang Geli , Zhang Hui , Luo Jie , Li Wei , Zou Xue , Zeng Xiaohua , Zhou Ding'an
Published: November 2020

Background: The SAM and SH3 domain containing protein 1(SASH1) was previously described as a candidate tumor-suppressor gene in breast cancer and colon cancer to mediate tumor metastasis and tumor growth. However，the underlying mechanisms by which SASH1 implements breast cancer tumorigenesis and the question why SASH1 is downregulated in most solid cancers remain unexplored. Methods: The expression and clinical relevance of SASH1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry(IHC). The bindings of SASH1 and MAP4K4 were investigated by pull down assay, nano-flow LC-MS/MS , immunoprecipitation- western blot(IP-WB) and immunofluorescence(IF). The knockdown of SASH1- and/or MAP4K4-induced cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were investigated by flow cytometry and transwell assays. The cell proliferation and apoptosis treated by GNE-495 were assessed by flow cytometry. The in vitro regulation relationship between SASH1 and MAP4K4 were identified by in vitro kinase assay. The functional effects of the silencing of SASH1 and/or MAP4K4 on tumorigenesis and metastasis of T47D cells-xenograft tumors were assessed by HE staining and IHC .Results: SASH1 and MAP4K4 was significantly downregulated in hormone- dependent subtypes of breast cancers and SASH1 was significantly correlated with MAP4K4 in hormone-dependent subtypes. SASH1 is identified to be a novel serine/threonine protein kinase that binds to MAP4K4, and is phosphorylated by MAP4K4. SASH1 and MAP4K4 synergistically regulate cell proliferation，migration and invasion of hormone-dependent breast cancer cells and mediate liver and lung metastasis of T47D cells-xenograft tumors.Ser801 in MAP4K4 might be the serine site for MAP4K4 to phosphorylate SASH1. GNE-495， a MAP4K4-specific inhibitors by upregulating the expression of MAP4K4 and SASH1 might be a potential reagent in treating hormone-dependent breast cancers. Conclusion: Our findings characterize a novel MAP4K4-SASH1 kinase cascade to mediate the tumorigenesis and metastasis of breast cancer, which can be of targeted intervention by GNE-495.
Identification of Tumor-Suppressive miRNA-1275 as a Novel Marker for Breast Cancer (BC) by MACE-Sequencing and RT-qPCR Techniques
Authors: Majed Sevan Omer , Mustafa Suhad Asad
Published: November 2020

IntroductionDisruption of cellular processes in the breast by abnormally expressed miRNA is characterized to develop cancer. We aimed to determine the differential expression of coding and non-coding RNAs in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks of breast cancer (BC) tissue and normal adjacent tissue (NAT). Another aim is to determine differential expression of has-miR-1275 as novel biomarker for BC and identify its target genes using prediction sites and experimentally expression level of them via the MACE-sequencing technique. MethodsMACE-sequencing technique was utilized to analyze differential expression of coding RNAs and small RNAs (sRNAs). Among small RNAs, miRNA-1275 expression was focused and confirmed using RT-qPCR technique in 20 Kurdish cases with BC . Moreover, clinical significance of miR- 1275 and its target genes was studied in a large number of patients with BC using the data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database.ResultsThe MACE-seq findings showed that 1400 sRNAs and 26843 coding RNAs were differentially expressed in FFPE of BC tissue compared to NAT. Among these sRNAs, miRNA-1275 expression was found to be decreased in BC tissue compared to NAT. The decreased expression level of which was then confirmed via RT-qPCR technique to farther prove in 20 Kurdish cases with BC . Furthermore, the correlation between the expression level of miRNA-1275 and clinical data were evaluated to be highly corrected in cases with BC (overall survival rate: P = 0.0401). However, putative target genes ( DVL3, PPP 2R2D, THSD4, CREB1, SYT7, and PRKACA) were computationally identified as direct targets of miRNA-1275 in several target predicted sites. Among coding RNAs, the expression level of these targets was increased in BC tissue compared to NAT. The levels of these targets were negatively associated with miRNA-1275 expression. Finally, the role of down-expressed miRNA-1275 and its targets in BC cells were identified to attenuated biological mechanisms; including cell growth, proliferation, movement, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis.Conclusiondown-expressed miR-1275 , a tumor suppressor, is as a novel biomarker for early detection of breast cancer. DVL3, PPP 2R2D, THSD4, CREB1, SYT7, and PRKACA are novely identified to be targeted by miR-1275 in BC cells.
Access to Formal Maternal Health Services and Informal Supports for Resettled Refugee Mothers in the Postnatal Period: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Cameron Emma Stirling , DuPlessis Benjamin , Aston Megan , Ramos Howard , Jackson Lois
Published: November 2020

Background: The postnatal period is a critical time when women may need access to formal maternal health services (e.g., family physicians) and informal supports (e.g., family, friends). Resettled refugee women often encounter a myriad of barriers and challenges when attempting to access these services and supports in resettlement countries, including language and communication differences, socioeconomic constraints, challenges navigating foreign healthcare systems, and reduced social support networks. This has contributed to health inequities among postnatal resettled refugee women, including low self-reported health, five-times higher rates of postpartum depression, and social isolation. The purpose of this review is to understand access to formal maternal health services and informal supports for resettled refugee women during the postnatal period. Methods: This review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search strategy, developed with a librarian scientist, will be used to identify relevant sources. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be evaluated against inclusion criteria. Evidence from peer-reviewed and gray literature published after 2003 will be included. This review will focus only on studies conducted in middle- and high-income resettlement countries. Information will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a screening tool. Data will be synthesized and presented narratively, with tables and figures where appropriate. Discussion: This scoping review will provide an overview of resettled refugee women’s experiences during the postnatal period, with a focus on understanding access to health services and the availability and use of informal supports. It is expected that this review will outline both the barriers and facilitators affecting resettled refugee women seeking formal and informal care during the postnatal period. Findings will help to inform policy direction and future interventions seeking to improve postnatal care for resettled refugee women.Systematic Review Registration: This scoping review protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework database, https://osf.io/rkqj6.
Monitoring Measures in the Elimination of Malaria in Fujian, China: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: HUANG Chun-Yan , Zhang Shan-Ying , CHEN Zhu-Yun , XIE Han-Guo , OUYANG Rong
Published: November 2020

Background: Malaria is an insect-borne infectious disease that spreads through bites from infected Anopheles mosquitos. The disease seriously endangers human health and economic development. The study focuses on Fujian Province, China, which entered the final stage of malaria elimination stage in 2005. In order to understand the costs and benefits of malaria monitoring measures during the elimination stage, the health economics of the monitoring measures should be examined. Methods: Data on the number of cases during the malaria elimination stage (2005–2019) in Fujian Province were collected and sorted. The basic economic data were obtained from the Fujian Statistical Yearbook. Based on the fundamental theories in health economics, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted based on the data. Specifically, the cost of monitoring measures during the malaria elimination stage was calculated by economic cost and compared to the benefits, which were quantified based on economic and social benefits of the monitoring measures.Results: The total cost of monitoring measures in the malaria elimination stage was estimated at 607,878,783.36 yuan (USD 87,534,544.80). The components of the total cost were: case detection and treatment, which accounted for 66.62% of costs, health education with 13.31%, epidemic monitoring, 10.05%, supervision and assessment, 5.15%, and training and meetings took 4.87%. The total benefit of the monitoring measures in the malaria elimination stage was valued at about 116,123,417,911.81 yuan (USD 16,721,772,179.30). Direct economic benefit accounted for 22.61% of the total, while the social benefit was 77.39%. The cost-benefit analysis of the malaria elimination stage showed that the net benefit of monitoring measures was about 115,515,539,128.45 yuan (USD 16,634,237,634.50) and the benefit-cost ratio was 191.03. The monitoring cost for residents was 1.08 yuan (USD 0.16) per capita, and the benefit for residents was 206.12 yuan (USD 29.68) per capita. Conclusions: The monitoring measures conducted in the malaria elimination stage are a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing the negative impact of malaria in Fujian Province. Over the past 15 years, malaria control work has achieved excellent economic and social benefits in Fujian and the work should continue. The framework and results of this study conform to the principles of health economics and have a reference value for current malaria monitoring practices.
Exploiting the Efficacy of Tyro3 and Folate Receptors to Enhance the Delivery of Gold Nanoparticles into Colorectal Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Patel Nakul Nautam , Ghali Lucy , Roitt Ivan , Munoz Leonardo Pantoja , Bayford Richard
Published: November 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world. Due to its asymptomatic nature, CRC is diagnosed at an advanced stage where the survival rate is <5%. Besides, prognosis from CRC treatment using chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery often causes undesirable side-effects. As such, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are envisaged in the field for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. GNPs have unique physical, chemical and electrical properties at nanoscale which makes them suitable for application in biomedicine. However, for GNPs to become clinically effective, its internalisation efficiency in the cancer cells must be enhanced. Folate receptor-α (FR) are overexpressed in CRC wherein FR helps in uptake of folic acid within the cell. Tyro3, a novel tyrosine kinase receptor, drives cell proliferation and its overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis in CRC. Their upregulated expression in CRC cells relative to normal cells makes them an ideal target for GNPs using active targeting. Therefore, in this study receptors FR and Tyro3 were simultaneously targeted using specific antibody-coated GNPs in order to enhance uptake and internalisation of GNPs in CRC cells in vitro. Four different types of coated-GNPs were synthesised GNPs-PEG, GNPs-anti-FR, GNPs-anti-Tyro3 and GNPs-anti-(FR+Tyro3) and incubated (0ng – 50ng) with three CRC cell lines including CRL1790, CRL2159 and HCT116. Simultaneous targeting of these receptors by GNPs-anti-(FR+Tyro3) was found to be the most effective in internalisation in CRC cells compared with GNPs targeted singly to FR or Tyro3 (p<0.05). Besides this, results show that Tyro3 mediated similar internalisation efficacy as FR (p<0.05) in CRC using ICP-OES.
ICAT Promotes Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation, Invasion, Migration and Epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal Transition through HPV16 E6, E7/ miR-23b-3p/ ICAT axis
Authors: Hu Jing , Sun Zijiu , Wang Hui , Ren Wei , Fang Yuting , Hu Kai , Yu Huomei , Liao Deyu , Liu Shiyan , Zhou Lan , He Tongchuan , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2020

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 plays a crucial role in cervical cancer (CC) development. Previous study reported that inhibitor of β-catenin and TCF (ICAT) is upregulated in CC and promotes cervical tumor progression. Herein, we aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism that HPV16 regulates the expression of ICAT and promotes the CC development. Methods: The expressions of HPV 16 E6, E7 and ICAT were modulated by small interfering RNA and recombinant adenovirus, respectively. qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the mRNA expression of HPV 16 E6, E7, ICAT and miR-23b-3p in SiHa and CasKi cells. Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to predict the potential miRNAs that could bind to the ICAT 3′ untranslated region. Then, the dual luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm that. Cell proliferation ability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to observe migration and invasion abilities. Protein expressions were measured with western blot. Results: Results revealed that after knocking down of HPV16 E6, E7, the expression of ICAT decreased, but the expression of miR-23b-3p increased. Besides, miR-23b-3p negatively modulated ICAT expression in HPV16 positive CC cells. Dual luciferase assays confirmed that ICAT was a target gene of miR-23b-3p. Functional experiments showed that the overexpression of miR-23b-3p suppressed malignant behaviors of SiHa and CasKi cells, such as migration, invasion and EMT. Importantly, the overexpression of ICAT counteracted the suppressive effect of miR-23b-3p on HPV16 positive cervical cancer cell. Furthermore, after the knockdown of HPV16 E6 and E7, the inhibition of miR-23b-3p could increase the ICAT expression and rescue the siRNA HPV16 E6, E7-mediated suppressive impact on the aggressiveness of SiHa and CasKi cells.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that HPV 16 E6, E7/miR-23b-3p/ ICAT axis plays an important role in HPV16 positive CC pathogenesis, which may serve as a promising therapy target for HPV 16-associated cervical cancer.
The Axis-patella Index: A New Method for Measuring Patellar Height
Authors: Han Hua , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: November 2020

Background: The widely used methods for measuring patellar height are based on the anatomic landmarks of the patella and the proximal tibia. When the knee undergoes alterations in the articular surface or adjacent structures due to various diseases or operations, the accurate identification of tibial landmarks is challenging. The results of these conventional methods may be biased or even unavailable. The purpose of this study was to introduce and validate a new method, axis-patella index (API), for assessing patellar height. Methods: Patellar heights were respectively measured using the Insall–Salvati, modified Insall–Salvati, Blackburne–Peel, Caton–Deschamps, plateau-patellar angle, and axis-patella methods on the lateral radiographs of 649 knees without anatomic abnormalities. The inter- and intra-observer reliability of all methods were evaluated by calculating intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots. The associations between the API and the established methods were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The API was strongly correlated with the five aforementioned methods. Reliability analyses indicated high inter-observer reproducibility and intra-observer repeatability. The mean of API was approximately 1.5, hence the reference range was defined 1.2 - 1.9 according to the 95% confidence interval. Conclusions: The API, a new index of referencing the tibial shaft axis and the fibular head, providing a valid and accurate alternative for the assessment of patellar height. The reference range was 1.2 - 1.9 in radiographically normal knee.
Cloning and Expression of an Active Aspartic Proteinase Gene From Aspergillus Oryzae DRDFS13 in Pichia Pastoris
Authors: Mamo Jermen , Kostadinovska Konstantina , Kangwa Martin , Fernandez-Lahore Marcelo , Assefa Fassil
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPichia pastoris is a yeast widely used in expressing recombinant proteins from eukaryotic organisms. In the present study, the total RNA was extracted from a eukaryotic fungus; Aspergillus oryzae DRDFS13 and reverse transcribed into cDNA using specific primers. The gene for aspartic protease was amplified and sequenced and then cloned into pGAPZαA for further expression in P. pastoris. The recombinant yeast (P. patoris X-33Ap) was cultivated in YPD media at pH 5 and 7 for 6 days and the production of recombinant proteins was checked by total protein determination, milk-clotting activity assay, and SDS-PAGE analysis. ResultsThe gene sequence results showed 98% similarity with aspartic protease gene from A. oryzae RIB40. The aspartic protease gene cloned into pGAPZαA (later pMKAP) was successfully expressed in P. pastoris as an active extracellular protease with the highest MCA (190.47 MCU/mL) of secreted enzyme from the recombinant yeast was obtained at pH 5 and 6 days of incubation time. The major protein expressed by the recombinant P. Pastoris X-33 AP has a molecular mass between 32 and 46 kDa. When analyzed for clotting activity, the protein was able to clot skim-milk in 2 min. The clotting activity was found to be 190.47 U/mL.ConclusionThus, the milk-clotting protease extracted form the recombinant yeast in the present study could be a suitable candidate for cheese production. However, further study of the recombinant proteins need to be carried out and its application in cheese production by analyzing the organoleptic and chemical properties of the cheese produced.
A Feasibility Study to Assess Imbrasia Belina (Mopane Worm) Sensitisation and Related Respiratory Health Outcomes in a Rural Community in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndlovu Vuyelwa , Chimbari Moses , Sibanda Elopy , Ndarukwa Pisirai
Published: November 2020

Background: Allergic diseases are considered to be some of the fastest growing chronic conditions in Africa. Of concern is the paucity of knowledge about the local environment and its role in allergic disease development. In response to this, we explored whether Imbrasia belina, a popular indigenous edible insect commonly known as mopane worm, is a potential allergen of clinical and public health significance in Zimbabwe. This study was intended to assess the plausibility and feasibility of this hypothesis with a view to evaluate the insect’s health impact in a larger study.Methods: The study participants included both male and female villagers aged 10 years and above in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe. Eligible participants who completed the household questionnaire were referred to the local clinic for skin prick tests and to measure lung function and allergic airway inflammation. Allergen sensitization patterns were evaluated using 10 different inhalant allergen extracts including an in-house preparation of mopane worm. Lung function was measured with a Koko Legend spirometer and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO) (NIOX VERO) were measured in participants with at least one abnormal spirometric parameter. Data was analysed using Stata version 13 software.Results: Of the 46 eligible participants that completed the household questionnaire, 17 went to the clinic giving a response rate of 37%. Majority who completed the questionnaire were adults (91%) and the children (9%) were all female. The prevalence of sensitization to Imbrasia belina was 50% and the prevalence ranged from 22% to 72% for the other allergens including cockroach, mosquito and house dust mites. The data collection tools were safe and well tolerated by participants with no adverse events reported. Self-reported respiratory symptoms, abnormal lung function and elevated FeNO were recorded amongst participants sensitised to mopane worm.Conclusion: Pre-defined feasibility criteria were met with the exception of a lower than expected response rate for clinic data collection in this pilot study. For the main study, an increase in the sample size and more consistent community engagement will be applied to improve the response rates.
Design Principles and Traction Performance of a Novel Zero-spin Rolling Conical Traction Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: Li Chao , Cao Xiuquan , Li Qing-tao
Published: November 2020

In the existing traction continuously variable transmission (CVT), half toroidal CVT (HT-CVT) is considered to have a better traction performance. However, the HT-CVT has the spin losses due to its structural limitations, which significantly influences the traction efficiency. In this paper, the kinematic qualities and contact models of a novel zero-spin rolling conical CVT (RC-CVT) are studied, and then the rollers and conical disks are compactly designed through the proposed design principles. Subsequently, the transmission efficiency is investigated by using a detailed numerical model and compared with HT-CVT. Based on these computational models and parameters, the practical spin ratio, spin momentum and traction efficiency of RC-CVT are calculated and compared with HT-CVT. The results show that the practical spin ratio and spin momentum of RC-CVT are much smaller than that of HT-CVT, and the efficiency on fixed transmission ratio is consequently higher than that of HT-CVT.
Pathways Linking Air Pollution to Insulin Resistance Through Dysfunctional Bone-Vascular Axis in Healthy Adults
Authors: Xu Hongbing , Liu Shengcong , Wang Yang , Yi Tieci , Wang Tong , Zhu Yutong , Fang Jiakun , Xie Yunfei , Wu Rongshan , Zhao Qian , Song Xiaoming , Feng Baihuan , Chen Jie , Zheng Lemin , Rajagopaplan Sanjay , Brook Robert D. , Li Jianping , Huang Wei
Published: November 2020

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence supports that ambient air pollution exposure is associated with the onset of clinically overt diabetes, but the precise pathways are unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether dysfunctional bone-vascular axis can be a mechanistic linkage between air pollution and insulin resistance.MethodsStudy outcomes were determined by assessing a series of circulating biomarkers indicative of bone-vascular axis, insulin resistance, and immune inflammation among 73 healthy adults who undergo repeated clinical visits in Beijing, China, 2014-2016. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the impacts of air pollution on outcomes, and the potential interlinked pathways between exposure measures and insulin resistance were examined using mediation analyses.ResultsParticipants experienced extremely high levels of ambient particulates and gaseous pollutants exposures throughout the study, with daily concentrations varying from 30.6 to 236.2 μg/m3 for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and 54.9 to 235.8 μg/m3 for oxides of nitrogen. We observed that short-term exposure to air pollutants was associated with changes in biomarkers of the bone-vascular axis and insulin resistance. Specifically, an interquartile range increase in 7-day moving average of PM2.5 concentrations was significantly associated with elevations of 30.1% in osteoprotegerin and 20.5% in adiponectin, as well as reductions of 16.6% in bone morphogenetic protein-4 and 8.5% in soluble insulin receptor ectodomain. Further, higher PM2.5 exposures were positively related to various indicators of immune inflammation, including elevations of 22.5% in interleukin-10, 19.6% in soluble CD163 and 27.5% in C-C chemokine ligand-2. Mediation analyses revealed that activation of the bone-vascular axis mediated up to 52% of pollutants-associated immune inflammatory responses, both of which could explain 66% of increases in insulin resistance attributed to pollutants exposures.ConclusionsShort-term air pollution exposure is potentially capable of promoting insulin resistance possibly via generating dysfunctional bone-vascular axis, suggesting a novel mechanism by which air pollution may potentiate the development of diabetes.