bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Unweighting on Gait Kinematics During Walking on a Lower-Body Positive-Pressure Treadmill in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kataoka Yoshiaki , Shimizu Tomohiro , Takeda Ryo , Tadano Shigeru , Saito Yuki , Osuka Satoshi , Ishida Tomoya , Samukawa Mina , Irie Tohru , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: October 2020

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition that makes walking difficult due to pain induced by weight-bearing activities. Treadmills that support the body weight (BW) reduce the load on the lower limbs, and those equipped with a lower-body positive-pressure (LBPP) device, developed as a new method for unweighting, significantly reduce pain in patients with knee OA. However, the effects of unweighting on gait kinematics remain unclear in patients with hip OA. Therefore, we investigated the effects of unweighting on kinematics in patients with hip OA during walking on a treadmill equipped with an LBPP device.Methods: A total of 15 women with hip OA and 15 age-matched female controls wore a three-dimensional (3-D) motion analysis system and walked at a self-selected speed on the LBPP treadmill. Data regarding self-reported hip pain using a numeric rating scale (NRS) in which the scores 0 and 10 represented no pain and the worst pain, respectively, under three different BW conditions (100%, 75%, and 50%) were collected. Moreover, 3-D peak joint angles during gait under each condition were calculated and compared.Results: In the hip OA group, the NRS pain scores at 50% and 75% BW conditions significantly decreased compared with that at 100% BW condition (50%, P=0.002; 75%, P=0.026), and the peak hip extension angle decreased compared with that in the healthy controls (P=0.044). In both groups, unweighting significantly decreased the peak hip (P<0.001) and knee (P<0.001) flexion angles and increased the peak ankle plantar flexion angle (P<0.001) during walking.Conclusions: Unweighting by the LBPP treadmill decreased pain in the hip OA group but did not drastically alter the gait kinematics compared with that in the control group. Therefore, regarding the use of the LBPP treadmill for patients with hip OA, clinicians should consider the benefits of pain reduction rather than the kinematic changes.
Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control and predicted 10-year CVD risk: a cross-sectional study of Seven Communities in East and West Africa (SevenCEWA)
Authors: Okello Samson , Muhihi Alfa , Mohamed Shukri F , Ameh Soter , Ochimana Caleb , Oluwasanu Abayomi Olabayo , Bolarinwa Oladimeji Akeem , Sewankambo Nelson , Danaei Goodarz
Published: October 2020

Background: Few studies have characterized the epidemiology and management of hypertension across several communities with comparable methodologies in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk across seven sites in East and West Africa. Methods: Between June and August 2018, we conducted household surveys among adults aged 18 years and above in 7 communities in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Following a standardized protocol, we collected data on socio-demographics, health insurance, and healthcare utilization; and measured blood pressure using digital blood pressure monitors. We estimated the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using a country-specific risk score and fitted hierarchical models to identify determinants of hypertension prevalence, awareness, and treatment. Results: We analyzed data of 3549 participants. The mean age was 39·7 years (SD 15·4), 60·5% of whom were women, 9·6% had ever smoked cigarettes, and 32·7% were overweight/obese. A quarter of the participants (25·4 %) had hypertension, more than a half of whom (57·2%) were aware that they had diagnosed hypertension. Among those diagnosed, 50·5% were taking medication, and among those taking medication 47·3% had controlled blood pressure. After adjusting for other determinants, older age was associated with increased hypertension prevalence, awareness, and treatment whereas primary education was associated with lower hypertension prevalence. Health insurance was associated with lower hypertension prevalence and higher chances of treatment. Median predicted 10-yr CVD risk across sites was 4·9% (Interquartile range (IQR), 2·4%, 10·3%) and 13·2% had predicted 10-year CVD risk of 20% or greater while 7·1% had predicted 10-year CVD risk of >30%. Conclusion: In seven communities in east and west Africa, a quarter of participants had hypertension, about 40% were unaware, half of those aware were treated, and half of those treated had controlled blood pressure. The 10-year predicted CVD risk was low across sites. Access to health insurance is needed to improve awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.
Resveratrol attenuates cigarette smoke induced endothelial apoptosis by activating Notch1 signaling mediated autophagy
Authors: Zong Dandan , Liu Xiang-ming , Li Jin-hua , Ouyang Ruo-yun , Long Ying-jiao , Chen Ping , Chen Yan
Published: October 2020

Background: Increasing evidences have showed that endothelial apoptosis contributes to cigarette smoke (CS)-induced disease progression, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our previous studies have validated Notch1 as an anti-apoptotic signaling in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced endothelial apoptosis. Resveratrol (RESV) is a naturally occurring polyphenol that exhibits an anti-apoptotic activity in endothelial cells that exposed to many kinds of destructive stimulus. However, the effects of resveratrol on Notch1 signaling in CS-induced endothelial apoptosis have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether RESV can protect endothelial cells from cigarette smoke induced apoptosis via regulating Notch1 signaling. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with RESV for 2 h, followed by cotreatment with 2.5%CSE for 24h to explore the role of RESV in CSE induced endothelial apoptosis. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or rapamycin was used to alter autophagic levels. Lentivirus Notch1 intracellular domain (LV-N1ICD) or γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) were used to change Notch1 expression. The expression of Notch1, autophagic and apoptotic markers were examined by Western blot and the apoptosis rate was detected by Flow cytometry analysis. Results: Our results showed that activating autophagy reduced CSE-induced endothelial apoptosis, while blocking autophagy promoted cell apoptosis in HUVECs. RESV pretreatment attenuated the CSE-induced endothelial apoptosis and activated Notch1 signaling. RESV pretreatment also increased LC3b-II and Beclin1 production, decreased p62 and mTOR expression. 3-MA treatment inhibited autophagy and aggravated CSE induced apoptosis, while rapamycin promoted autophagy, led to a decrease in cell apoptosis. LV-N1ICD transfection upregulated autophagy and reduced apoptosis. However, this protective effect was abolished by 3-MA treatment. In cells treated with DAPT, autophagy was decreased, while apoptosis was increased. RESV partly rescued the DAPT induced apoptosis by activating Notch1 signaling. Conclusion: In HUVECs, RESV attenuates CSE induced endothelial apoptosis by inducing autophagy in a Notch1-dependent manner.
On the move: Exploring Inuit and non-Inuit health service providers’ perspectives about family participation in care in Nunavik, a qualitative study.
Authors: Fraser Sarah Louise , Moulin Louise , Gaulin Dominique , Thompson Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Background Literature on participation in health and social services suggests that youth, and more specifically Indigenous youth, are difficult to engage within health and social services. They are less likely to access services or to actively participate in decision-making regarding their personal care. Service providers play a crucial role in engaging youth based on the ways in which they seek, establish, and maintain relationships with them and their families. The way in which they do so will depend on various factors including their own perceptions of roles and relationships of the various people involved in the life of youth. This article analyzes health and social service providers’ perspectives, experiences and expectations regarding the roles of a particular group of Indigenous youth, families and community in care settings in Nunavik, Quebec.Methods: A snowball sampling method was used to recruit participants. A total of 58 participants were interviewed including psychiatrists, general practitioners, nurses, social workers, school principals, teachers, student counsellors, representatives of local committees (education committee, health committee), and police officers. Of the 58 participants, 39 were non-Inuit and 19 were Inuit. All interviews focused on three broad areas: 1) participants’ current and past positions/roles; 2) participants’ perceptions of the clientele (youth and their families) they work with; and 3) participants’ understanding of collaborations taking place within and between services (who works with whom) and community. Inductive applied thematic analyses were conducted on the entirety of relevant data and then verbatim of Inuit and non-Inuit were analyzed separately to explore similarities and differences in perceptions based on positionality.Results: We organized findings around three themes: I) The most commonly described interventions, II) different types of challenges to and within participation; and III) what successful participation can look like according to service providers. Participants speak of the challenges for families to go towards services as well as the challenges for services providers to go towards youth and families, including personal, organisational and historical factors.Conclusion: We adopt a critical lens to reflect on the key findings in order to tease out points of tension and paradoxes that might hinder the participation of youth and families and more specifically in a social context of decolonization and self-governance of services.
Validation of the Palliative Prognostic Index, Performance Status–Based Palliative Prognostic Index and Chinese Prognostic Scale in a home palliative care setting for patients with advanced cancer in China
Authors: Zhou Jun , Xu Sitao , Cao Ziye , Tang Jing , Fang Xiang , Qin Ling , Zhou Fangping , He Yuzhen , Zhong Xueren , Hu Mingcai , Wang Yan , Lu Fengjuan , Bao Yongzheng , Dai Xiangheng , Wu Qiang
Published: October 2020

Background: The predictive value of the prognostic tool for patients with advanced cancer is uncertain in mainland China, especially in the home-based palliative care (HPC) setting. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), the Performance Status–Based Palliative Prognostic Index (PS-PPI), and the Chinese Prognosis Scale (ChPS) for patients with advanced cancer in the HPC setting in mainland China.Methods: Patients with advanced cancer admitted to the hospice center of Yuebei People’s Hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively calculated the scores according to the three prognostic tools. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare survival times among different risk groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the predictive value. The accuracy of 21-, 42- and 90-day survival was compared among the three prognostic tools. Results: A total of 1863 patients were included. Survival time among the risk groups of all prognostic tools was significantly different from each other except for the PPI. The AUROC of the ChPS was significantly higher than that of the PPI and PS-PPI for 7-, 14, 21-, 42-, 90-, 120-, 150- and 180-day survival (P <0.05). The AUROC of the PPI and PS-PPI were not significantly different from each other (P >0.05).Conclusions: The ChPS is more suitable than the PPI and PS-PPI for advanced cancer patients in the HPC setting. More researches are needed to verify the predictive value of the ChPS, PPI, and PS-PPI in the HPC setting in the future.
Higher aggrecan 1-F21 epitope concentration in synovial fluid early after anterior cruciate ligament injury is associated with worse knee cartilage quality assessed by gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging 20 years later
Authors: Neuman Paul , Larsson Staffan , Lohmander L Stefan , Struglics André
Published: October 2020

Background. To investigate if cartilage related biomarkers in synovial fluid are associated with knee cartilage status 20 years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.Methods. We studied 25 patients with a complete ACL rupture without subsequent ACL reconstruction or radiographic knee OA. All had a delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC) 20 years after the ACL injury, using the T1 transverse relaxation time in the presence of gadolinium (T1Gd) which estimates the concentration of glycosaminoglycans in hyaline cartilage. Synovial fluid samples were aspirated acutely (between 0 and 18 days) and during 1 to 5 follow up visits between 0.5 and 7.5 years after injury. We quantified synovial fluid concentrations of aggrecan (epitopes 1-F21 and ARGS), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 by immunoassays, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans by Alcian blue precipitation. Western blot was used for qualitative analyses of aggrecan fragments in synovial fluid and cartilage samples.Results. Western blot indicated that the 1-F21 epitope was located within the chondroitin sulfate 2 region of aggrecan. Linear regression analyses (adjusted for age, sex, body mass index and time between injury and sampling) showed that acute higher synovial fluid 1-F21-aggrecan concentrations were associated with shorter T1Gd values 20 years after injury, i.e. inferior cartilage quality (standardized effects between -0.67 and -1.0). No other statistically significant association was found between molecular biomarkers and T1Gd values. Conclusion. Higher acute synovial fluid 1-F21-aggrecan concentrations in ACL injured patients, who managed to cope without ACL reconstruction and were without radiographic knee OA, were associated with inferior knee cartilage quality assessed by dGEMRIC 20 years after injury.
Genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS to identify the potential antimicrobial compounds and determine the specificity of biosynthetic gene clusters in Bacillus subtilis NCD-2
Authors: Su Zhenhe , Chen Xiuye , Liu Xiaomeng , Guo Qinggang , Li Shezeng , Lu Xiuyun , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang PeiPei , Dong Lihong , Zhao Weisong , Ma Ping
Published: October 2020

Background: Bacillus subtilis strain NCD-2 is an excellent biocontrol agent against plant soil-borne diseases and shows broad-spectrum antifungal activities. This study aimed to explore some secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and related antimicrobial compounds in strain NCD-2. An integrative approach combining genome mining and structural identification technologies using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), was adopted to interpret the chemical origins of metabolites with significant biological activities.Results: Genome mining revealed nine gene clusters encoding secondary metabolites with predicted functions, including fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, bacilysin and three unknown products. Fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin were successfully detected from the fermentation broth of strain NCD-2 by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The biosynthetic gene clusters of bacillaene, subtilosin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin showed 100% amino acid sequence identities with those in B. velezensis strain FZB42, whereas the identities of the surfactin and fengycin gene clusters were only 83% and 92%, respectively. Further comparison revealed that strain NCD-2 had lost the fenC and fenD genes in the fengycin biosynthetic operon. The biosynthetic enzyme-related gene srfAB for surfactin was divided into two parts. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that FenE in strain NCD-2 had a similar function to FenE and FenC in strain FZB42, and that FenA in strain NCD-2 had a similar function to FenA and FenD in strain FZB42. Five different kinds of fengycins, with 26 homologs, and surfactin, with 4 homologs, were detected from strain NCD-2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a non-typical gene cluster related to fengycin synthesis.Conclusions: Our study revealed a number of gene clusters encoding antimicrobial compounds in the genome of strain NCD-2, including a fengycin synthetic gene cluster that might be unique by using genome mining and UHPLC–QTOF–MS/MS. The production of fengycin, surfactin, bacillaene and bacillibactin might explain the biological activities of strain NCD-2.
Exosomal miR-29b found in aqueous humour mediates calcium signaling in diabetic patients with cataract
Authors: Gao Chao , Liu Xin , Fan Fan , Yang Jianing , Zhou Xiyue , Mei Hengjun , Lin Xiaolei , Luo Yi
Published: October 2020

Background: Ca2+ was supposed to play an important role in the cataract formation. Exosomal miR-29b from aqueous humour may play an important role in the mechanism of diabetes and cataracts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of exosomal miR-29b and Ca2+ in regulating the function of human lens epithelial cells. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from human aqueous humour by ultracentrifugation, and visualized by nanoparticle tracking and transmission electron microscopy. Exosomal miRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between diabetes and cataracts group (DMC) and age-related cataracts group (ARC). TargetScan was used to predict potential target of certain miRNA. The expression of CACNA1C mRNA was determined by quantitative real-time PCR and CACNA1C protein was determined by Western blotting. Concentration of Ca2+ in human aqueous humour and the culture supernatant of cells was detected by the Calcium Assay Kit. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to determine cell viability. Results: Exosomes were isolated from human aqueous humour, which had a typical cup-shaped phenotype and a particle size distribution in accordance with micro extracellular vesicles. Exosomal miRNA sequencing revealed that miR-29b was significantly downregulated in diabetes and cataracts group (DMC) compared with age-related cataracts group (ARC). Ca2+ concentration of human aqueous humour in DMC was higher than that in ARC. The culture supernatant of cells transfected with miR-29b inhibitors had a higher concentration of Ca2+ than that transfected with miR-29b mimics. miR-29b reduced the viability of human lens epithelium cells (HLECs) by upregulating CACNA1C expression.Conclusions: Exosomes isolated from human aqueous humour contained abundant miRNAs. A significantly expressed miRNA, miR-29b, could affect the concentration of Ca2+ and regulate HLEC processes by upregulating CACNA1C.
Clinical disease progression and biomarkers in Niemann–Pick disease type C: a prospective cohort study 
Authors: Mengel Eugen , Bembi Bruno , Toro Mireia del , Deodato Federica , Gautschi Matthias , Grunewald Stephanie , Grønborg Sabine , Héron Bénédicte , Maier Esther M , Roubertie Agathe , Santra Saikat , Tylki-Szymanska Anna , Day Simon , Symonds Tara , Hudgens Stacie , Patterson Marc C , Guldberg Christina , Ingemann Linda , Petersen Nikolaj HT , Kirkegaard Thomas , Dali Christine í
Published: October 2020

BackgroundNiemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare, progressive, neurodegenerative disease associated with neurovisceral manifestations resulting from lysosomal dysfunction and aberrant lipid accumulation. A multicentre, prospective observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT02435030) of individuals with genetically confirmed NPC1 or NPC2 receiving routine clinical care was conducted, to prospectively characterize and measure NPC disease progression and to investigate potential NPC-related biomarkers versus healthy individuals. Progression was measured using the abbreviated 5-domain NPC Clinical Severity Scale (NPCCSS), 17-domain NPCCSS and NPC clinical database (NPC-cdb) score. Cholesterol esterification and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were assessed from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cholestane-3β,5α-,6β-triol (cholestane-triol) from serum, and unesterified cholesterol from both PBMCs and skin biopsy samples. The inter- and intra-rater reliability of the 5-domain NPCCSS was assessed by 13 expert clinicians’ rating of four participants via video recordings, repeated after ≥3 weeks. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated.ResultsOf the 36 individuals with NPC (2–18 years) enrolled, 31 (86.1%) completed the 6–14-month observation period; 30/36 (83.3%) were receiving miglustat as part of routine clinical care. A mean (±SD) increase in 5-domain NPCCSS scores of 1.4 (±2.9) was observed, corresponding to an annualized progression rate of 1.5. On the 17-domain NPCCSS, a mean (±SD) progression of 2.7 (±4.0) was reported. Compared with healthy individuals, the NPC population had significantly lower levels of cholesterol esterification (p<0.0001), HSP70 (p<0.0001) and skin unesterified cholesterol (p=0.0006). Cholestane-triol levels were significantly higher in individuals with NPC versus healthy individuals (p=0.008) and correlated with the 5-domain NPCCSS (Spearman’s correlation coefficient=0.265, p=0.0411). The 5-domain NPCCSS showed high ICC agreement in inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.995) and intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.937). ConclusionsProgression rates observed were consistent with other reports on disease progression in NPC. The 5-domain NPCCSS reliability study supports its use as an abbreviated alternative to the 17-domain NPCCSS that focuses on the most relevant domains of the disease. The data support the use of cholestane-triol as a disease monitoring biomarker and the novel methods of measuring unesterified cholesterol could be applicable to support NPC diagnosis. Levels of HSP70 in individuals with NPC were significantly decreased compared with healthy individuals.
The effect of online multimedia psychoeducational interventions on the resilience and perceived stress of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a pilot cluster randomized parallel-controlled trial
Authors: Shaygan Maryam , Yazdani Zahra , Valibeigi Adib
Published: October 2020

Background: There is evidence suggesting that quarantine might have undesirable psychological impacts on the patients. Therefore, it is important to seek for ways to increase the resilience and alleviate the psychological pressure of the patients who are quarantined due to infection with COVID-19. The present study was conducted to assess an online multimedia psychoeducational intervention regarding the feasibility, adherence, patient satisfaction and effectiveness on resilience and perceived stress of patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19.Method: This was a pilot cluster randomized parallel-controlled trial with hospital ward as the unit of randomization. Participants in this fully online trial were 50 consecutive patients who were hospitalized in 2 hospitals in Shiraz, after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Before the beginning of the intervention, four inpatient wards of the two hospitals were randomly assigned to either experimental or control conditions. All eligible participants in the wards allocated to the intervention condition received online multimedia psychoeducational interventions during 2 weeks, whilst the patients in the wards allocated to the control condition were offered the opportunity to receive telephone-based psychological counseling if needed. Psychoeducational interventions mainly included cognitive–behavioural techniques, stress management techniques, mindfulness-based stress reduction and positive psychotherapy. The patients were assessed regarding resilience and perceived stress at baseline and 2 weeks later. Results: Of 27 patients starting multimedia psychoeducational interventions, 26 (96.29%) completed post-assessments. A high level of adherence (80.76%) and satisfaction (Mean=29.42; SD=4.18) with the online multimedia psychoeducational interventions was found. Compared with the control group, the patients who used online multimedia psychoeducational interventions reported greater resilience (Meanintervention=81.74; Meancontrol=72.86; adjusted t (46)=2.10; p=0.04; CI: 0.39 to 17.38; dppc2=0.83) and fewer perceived stress (Meanintervention=22.15; Meancontrol=29.45; adjusted t (46)=2.66; p=0.01; CI: -12.81 to -1.78; dppc2= - 0.77) after 2 weeks. Discussion: The findings of the present study provided a successful first attempt at implementing feasible online multimedia psychoeducational interventions to promote resilience and mitigate stress among the patients who were hospitalized due to infection with COVID-19. The present results could help mental health professionals to determine which psychological techniques should be emphasized to promote patients' resilience in the context of COVID-19 disease.
Generation and molecular characteristics of a highly attenuated GPV strain through adaptation in GEF cells
Authors: Shao Hongxia , Jiang Yuchen , Yuan Huisha , Ji Lifei , Jin Wenjie , Qian Kun , Ye Jianqiang , Qin Aijian
Published: October 2020

Background: Goose parvoviruses (GPVs) spread globally and cause a huge economic loss to the poultry industry. Although the attenuated GPV vaccines play a key role in preventing the disease caused by GPV, the molecular basis for the attenuation of GPV is barely known. Results: A highly attenuated GPV strain, GPV-CZM-142, was generated through blindly passaging of the highly pathogenic strain, GPV-CZM, in goose embryonic fibroblasts (GEF) for 142 generations. The GEF-adapted GPV strain's virulence was 10,000 times weaker than its wild type counterpart, GPV-CZM, based on the ELD50 (50% Embryo Lethal Dose). By comparing with the wild type strain, genome sequencing analysis identified adapted mutations either in ITR or in NS and VP1 of GPV-CZM-142.Conclusions: The highly attenuated GPV strain, GPV-CZM-142, provides a GPV vaccine candidate, and the identified virulence-related mutations give a novel insight into the molecular determinants of GPV virulence.
Association Between Stroke Occurrence And Changes In Atmospheric Circulation 
Authors: Vencloviene Jone , Radisauskas Ricardas , Kranciukaite-Butylkiniene Daina , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Vaiciulis Vidmantas , Rastenyte Daiva
Published: October 2020

Background: The impact of weather on morbidity from stroke was analysed in previous studies. As the risk of stroke was mostly associated with changing weather, the changes in the daily number of strokes may be associated with global changes in atmospheric circulation. The aim of our study was to detect and evaluate the association between daily numbers of ischaemic stroke (IS) and haemorrhagic stroke (HS) and the teleconnection pattern. Methods: The study was conducted in Kaunas city, Lithuania, from 2000 to 2010. The daily numbers of IS, subarachnoid haemorrhages (SAH), and intracerebral haemorrhages (ICH) were obtained from Kaunas Stroke Register. We evaluated the association between these types of stroke and the teleconnection pattern by applying Poisson regression, adjusting for the linear trend, month, and other weather variables. Results: During the study period, we analysed 4,038 cases (2,226 men and 1,812 women) of stroke. Of these, 3,245 (80.4%) cases were IS, 533 (13.2%) cases were ICH, and 260 (6.4%) cases were SAH. A change in mean daily atmospheric pressure of >3.9 hPa was associated with the risk of SAH (RR=1.49, 95% CI 1.14-1.96), and a stronger El Niño event had a protective effect against SAH (RR=0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.69). The risk of HS was positively associated with East Atlantic/West Russia indices (RR=1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.23). The risk of IS was negatively associated with Arctic Oscillation indices (RR=0.97, 95% CI 0.94-0.99). During November-March, a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was associated with HS (RR=1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.62), and a negative association between the NAO index and IS (RR=0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99) was found. Conclusions: The results of our study provided new evidence that the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, East Atlantic/West Russia, and El Niño-Southern Oscillation pattern may affect the risk of stroke. The impact of these teleconnection indices is not identical for different types of stroke. Emergency services should be aware of the fact that specific weather conditions are more likely to prompt calls for more severe strokes.
Interleukin-25-mediated resistance against intestinal trematodes does not depend on the generation of Th2 responses
Authors: Álvarez-Izquierdo Maria , Pérez-Crespo Miguel , Esteban J. Guillermo , Muñoz-Antoli Carla , Toledo Rafael
Published: October 2020

Background: Interleukin-25 (IL-25) is recognized as the most relevant initiator of protective Th2 responses in intestinal helminth infections. It is well known that IL-25 induces resistance against several species of intestinal helminths, including the trematode Echinostoma caproni. Echinostoma caproni has been extensively used as an experimental model to study the factors determining the resistance to intestinal infections. Herein, we assessed the role of IL-25 in the generation of resistance in mice to E. caproni infections. Methods: To this purpose, we analyze the fatros that determine the production of IL-25 in mice experimentally infected with E. caproni and its consequences in the polarization of the immune response and the resistance to infection.Results: We have determined that the role of IL-25 in the polarization of the immune response differs between the primary and secondary response. IL-25 is required for the development of a Th2 phenotype in primary E. caproni infections but could also promote the differentiation to Th2 memory cell subsets that enhances type 2 responses in memory responses. However, development of Th2 responses does not induce resistance to infection. Th2 phenotype does not elicit resistance and IL-25 is responsible for the resistance regardless of the type 2 cytokine activity and STAT6 activation. Alternative activation of macrophages induced by IL-25 could be implicated in the resistance to infection. Conclusions: In contrast to primary infection, secondary infection elicits a type 2 response, even in the absence of IL-25 expression. Despite the development of a type 2 response, mice are susceptible to secondary infection in relation to the lack of IL-25. Resistance to infection is due to IL-25, which acts autonomously from Th2 response in the parasite clearance.
Seismic Hazard Microzonation of Bengkulu City, Indonesia
Authors: Mase Lindung Zalbuin , Sugianto Nanang , Refrizon Refrizon
Published: October 2020

It has been known that Bengkulu City (Indonesia) is vulnerable to undergo seismic damage. This study is initiated by measuring horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (H/V) to sites in Bengkulu City using microtremor. The inversion analysis is performed to generate shear wave velocity profile. Hundreds of sites are investigated in this study. The results show that observed H/V is consistent with the theoretical H/V. National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program code is adopted to classify the site class. The results also exhibit that Bengkulu City is dominated by Site Classes C and D. In general, this study could lead local government to reconsider seismic hazard mitigation for spatial plan.
Geographically extensive larval surveys reveal an unexpected scarcity of primary vector mosquitoes in a region of persistent malaria transmission in western Zambia
Authors: Cross Dónall Eoin , Thomas Chris James , McKeown Niall , Siaziyu Vincent , Healey Amy , Willis Tom , Singini Douglas , Liywali Francis , Silumesi Andrew , Sakala Jacob , Smith Mark , Macklin Mark , Hardy Andy J , Shaw Paul W
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe Barotse floodplains of the upper Zambezi River and its tributaries are a highly dynamic environment, with seasonal flooding and transhumance presenting a shifting mosaic of potential larval habitat and human and livestock bloodmeals for malaria vector mosquitoes. However, limited entomological surveillance has been undertaken to characterise the vector community in these floodplains and their environs. Such information is necessary as, despite substantial deployment of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) against Anopheles vectors, malaria transmission persists across Barotseland in Zambia’s Western Province. MethodsGeographically extensive larval surveys were undertaken in two health districts along 102 km of transects, at fine spatial resolution, during a dry season and following the peak of the successive wet season. Larvae were sampled within typical Anopheles flight range of human settlements and identified through genetic sequencing of cytochrome c oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2 regions of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. This facilitated detailed comparison of taxon-specific abundance patterns between ecological zones differentiated by hydrological controls.ResultsAn unexpected paucity of primary vectors was revealed, with An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus representing <2% of 995 sequenced anophelines. Potential secondary vectors predominated in the vector community, primarily An. coustani group species and An squamosus. Whilst the distribution of An. gambiae s.l. in the study area was highly clustered, secondary vector species were ubiquitous across the landscape in both dry and wet seasons, with some taxon-specific relationships between abundance and ecological zones by season.ConclusionsThe diversity of candidate vector species and their high relative abundance observed across diverse hydro-ecosystems indicates a highly adaptable transmission system, resilient to environmental variation and, potentially, interventions that target only part of the vector community. Larval survey results imply that residual transmission of malaria in Barotseland is being mediated predominantly by secondary vector species, whose known tendencies for crepuscular and outdoor biting renders them largely insensitive to prevalent vector control methods.
Enriched environment ameliorates adult hippocampal neurogenesis deficits in Tcf4 haploinsufficient mice
Authors: Braun Katharina , Häberle Benjamin M. , Wittmann Marie-Theres , Lie Dieter Chichung
Published: October 2020

Background: Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) has been linked to human neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS), autism, and schizophrenia. Recent work demonstrated that TCF4 participates in the control of a wide range of neurodevelopmental processes in mammalian nervous system development including neural precursor proliferation, timing of differentiation, migration, dendritogenesis and synapse formation. TCF4 is highly expressed in the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus – one of the few brain regions where neural stem / progenitor cells generate new functional neurons throughout life.Results: We here investigated whether TCF4 haploinsufficiency, which in humans causes non-syndromic forms of intellectual disability and PTHS, affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that is essential for hippocampal plasticity in rodents and potentially in humans. Young adult Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice showed a major reduction in the level of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, which was at least in part caused by lower stem/progenitor cell numbers and impaired maturation and survival of adult-generated neurons. Interestingly, housing in an enriched environment was sufficient to enhance maturation and survival of new neurons and to substantially augment neurogenesis levels in Tcf4 heterozygote knockout mice.Conclusion: The present findings indicate that haploinsufficiency for the intellectual disability- and PTHS-linked transcription factor TCF4 not only affects embryonic neurodevelopment but impedes neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult mice. These findings suggest that TCF4 haploinsufficiency may have a negative impact on hippocampal function throughout adulthood by impeding hippocampal neurogenesis.
Multiple insecticide resistance target sites in adult field strains of An. gambiae (s.l.) from southeastern Senegal
Authors: Diouf El hadji , Niang El hadji Amadou , Samb Badara , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Diouf Mbaye , Konaté Abdoulaye , Dia Ibrahima , Faye Ousmane , Konaté Lassana
Published: October 2020

Background: High coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) are the cornerstones of vector control strategy in Senegal where insecticide resistance by the target vectors species is a great of concern. This study explore insecticide susceptibility profile and target-site mutations mechanisms within the Anopheles gambiae complex in southeastern Senegal. Methods: Anopheles larvae were collected from Kedougou and Wassadou/Badi, two sites from southeastern Senegal, in October and November 2014, and reared until adult emergence. Wild Fo Adults mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species. Susceptibility of 3-5-day old An. gambiae (s. l.) samples to eleven (11) insecticides belonging to the four insecticide classes was assessed using WHO insecticide susceptibility bioassays. Tested samples were identified using molecular techniques as well as detection of insecticide resistance target-site mutations (kdr, ace-1 and rdl).Results: A total of 3,742 An. gambiae (s.l.) were exposed to insecticides (2,439 from Kedougou and 1,303 from Wassadou-Badi). Tests with pyrethroid insecticides and DDT showed high level of resistance in both Kedougou and Wassadou/Badi. Pirimiphos-methyl and Malathion resistance were not detected while Bendoicarb and Fenitrothion resistance were confirmed in Kedougou. Of the 745 specimens of An. gambiae (s.l.) genotyped, An. gambiae (s.s.) (71.6%) was the predominant species, followed by An. arabiensis (21.7%), An. coluzzii (6.3%) and hybrids (An. gambiae (s.s.) /An. coluzzii; 0.4%). All target site mutations investigated (Vgsc-1014F; Vgsc-1014S, Ace-1 and Rdl) were found at different frequencies in the species of the Anopheles gambiae (s.l.). Vgsc-1014F mutation is more frequent in An. gambiae and An. coluzzii than An. arabiensis. Vgsc-1014S was present in An. gambiae (s.l.) populations in Wassadou but not in Kedougou. Ace-1 and rdl mutations were more frequent in An. gambiae (s.s.) in comparison to An. arabiensis and An. coluzzii. Conclusions: Resistance to all the four insecticide classes tested was detected in southeastern Senegal as well as all target site mutations investigated were found. Data will be used by the national Malaria Control Programme.
The seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) in the Dutch Wadden Sea: investigation of vector-borne pathogens 
Authors: Hirzmann Jörg , Ebmer David , Contreras Guillermo J. Sánchez , Rubio-García Ana , Magdowski Gerd , Gärtner Ulrich , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos
Published: October 2020

Background: Belonging to the anopluran family Echinophthiriidae, Echinophthirius horridus, the seal louse, has been reported to parasitize a broad range of representatives of phocid seals. So far, only few studies focused on vector function of echinophthiriid lice and knowledge on their role in pathogen transmission is still scarce. The current study aims to investigate the possible vector role of E. horridus parasitizing seals in the Dutch Wadden Sea.Methods: More than 1200 E. horridus seal lice were collected from 54 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and one grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) during their rehabilitation period in the Sealcentre Pieterburen, the Netherlands. DNA was extracted from pooled seal lice of individual seals for molecular detection of the seal heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda, the rickettsial intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Mycoplasma spp. using PCR assays.Results: Seal lice from 35% of the harbour seals (19/54) and from the grey seal proved positive for A. spirocauda. The seal heartworm was molecularly characterised and phylogenetically analysed for the first time (rDNA, cox1). A nested PCR was developed for the cox1 gene to detect A. spirocauda stages in seal lice. A. phagocytophilum and a Mycoplasma species previously identified from a patient with disseminated ‘seal finger’ mycoplasmosis were detected the first time in seal lice. Conclusions: Our findings support the potential vector role of seal lice in transmission of A. spirocauda, and reveal new insights into the spectrum of pathogens occurring in seal lice. As these pathogens might have detrimental effects on the health of seal populations further epidemiological investigations on infections due to these pathogens in seals should be conducted.
Assessing how health information needs of individuals with colorectal cancer are met across the care continuum: An international cross-sectional survey
Authors: Dau Hallie , Safari Abdollah , Din Khalid Saad El , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Loree Jonathan M. , Gill Sharlene , De Vera Mary A.
Published: October 2020

Background: Studies evaluating health information needs in colorectal cancer (CRC) lack specificity in terms of study samples involving patients. We assessed how health information needs of individuals with CRC are met across the care continuum.Methods: We administered an international, online based survey. Participants were eligible for the study if they: 1) were 18 years of age or older; 2) received a diagnosis of CRC; and 3) were able to complete the online health survey in English, French, Spanish, or Mandarin. We grouped participants according to treatment status. The survey comprised sections: 1) demographic and cancer characteristics; 2) health information needs; and 3) health status and quality of life. We used multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with having health information needs met and evaluated impacts on health-related outcomes.Results: We analyzed survey responses from 1,041 participants including 258 who were currently undergoing treatment and 783 who had completed treatment. Findings suggest that information needs regarding CRC treatments were largely met. However, we found unmet information needs regarding psychosocial impacts of CRC. This includes work/employment, mental health, sexual activity, and nutrition and diet. We did not identify significant predictors of having met health information needs, however, among participants undergoing treatment, those with colon cancer were more likely to have met health information needs regarding their treatments as compared to those with rectal cancer (0.125; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.25; p-value = 0.051).Conclusions: Our study provides a comprehensive assessment of health information needs among individuals with CRC across the care continuum.
Relationship between the Severity of Endometriosis Symptoms (Dyspareunia, Dysmenorrhea and Chronic pelvic pain) with the Spread of the Disease on Ultrasound
Authors: Kor Elham , Mostafavi Seyed Reza Saadat , Mazhin Zahra Ahmadian , Dadkhah Adeleh , Kor Anis , Habibi Shirin , Noroozi Shima Ghafourian , Sadri Ghazal
Published: October 2020

Objectives: The prevalence of endometriosis among women of childbearing age is about 10-15%. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of symptoms of endometriosis and the spread as well as the stage of the disease on ultrasonograghy. The present cross-sectional study evaluates the relationship between the severity of endometriosis symptoms and the spread of disease on ultrasonography in patients with endometriosis.Results: Considering different analyses, the cumulative size of posterior Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) (less than 1 cm) is significantly correlated with minimal severity of dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain. The incidence of dyspareunia was more prevalent in patients with complete stenosis of Douglas pouch than those with incomplete stenosis... Further, the incidence of severe and very severe pain in patients with Douglas pouch stenosis is relatively higher than that in patients without stenosis. Only dyspareunia is related to the stage of endometriosis, and patients with dyspareunia are 5 times more at risk of a higher stage of the disease. The severity of dyspareunia is related to the stage of endometriosis and the severity of Douglas pouch stenosis. The results show the correlation between chronic pelvic pain and r-ASRM score (revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score).
Ambient air pollutants and hospital visits for pneumonia: A case-crossover study in Qingdao, China.
Authors: Zhang Jianzhong , Ren Dunqiang , Cao Xue , Wang Tao , Geng Xue , Li Xin , Tang Jinglong , Leng Shuguang , Wang Hongmei , Zheng Yuxin
Published: October 2020

Background: Pneumonia is one of the principal reasons for incidence and death in the world. The former research mainly concentrated on specific sources of patients. Besides, due to the heterogeneity among regions, there are inconsistencies in the outcome of these surveys. To explore the relationship between atmospheric pollution and hospital visits for pneumonia under the climate and pollution conditions in Qingdao, we carried out this study.Methods: The medical records of pneumonia patients were gathered from the affiliated hospital of Qingdao University during Jan 1st, 2014, and Dec 31st,2018. Daily concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, as well as CO, were collected from the national air quality monitoring stations in Qingdao. Case-crossover study design and conditional logistic regression model were used to estimate the associations. Daily temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure were adjusted as the covariates in all models. A principal component analysis was used to solve the multicollinearity between atmospheric pollutants and investigate the relationship between various air pollutants and pneumonia occurs.Results: In the single pollutant model, with interquartile range increment of the density of PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and NO2 at the lag2 days, the odds ratio of hospital visits for pneumonia patients increased by 6.4% (95%CI, 2.3-10.7%), 7.7% (95%CI, 3.2-12.4%), 6.7% (95%CI, 1.0-12.7%), and 7.2% (95%CI, 1.1-13.5%). Stratified analysis showed that pollutants were more significant in the cold period. Besides, the impact of atmospheric particulates on different ages mainly occurs in the young child (0 to 3-year-old). The odds ratio was 1.042 (95%CI, 1.012-1.072) when the principal components of atmospheric pollutants were included in the conditional logistic model.Conclusions: Our study found a significant relationship between short-term uncovering to PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and hospital visits for pneumonia in Qingdao. The effect of atmospheric pollutants mainly arose in a cold period. The particulate matter might be the principal reason in inducing hospital visits for pneumonia.
Identification of RASSF1A Promoter Hypermethylation as a Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhou Xiaoxiang , Xing Jiali , Xiao Yao , Jin Bao , Sun Lejia , Yang Huayu , Du Shunda , Xu Haifeng , Mao Yilei
Published: October 2020

Background: RAS association domain family protein 1A (RASSF1A) promoter hypermethylation is suggested to be linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the results remained controversial.Methods: We evaluated how RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation affects HCC risk and its clinicopathological characteristics through meta-analysis. Data on DNA methylation in HCC and relevant clinical data were also collected based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to investigate the prognostic role of RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in HCC.Results: Forty-four articles involving 4,777 individuals were enrolled in the pooled analyses. The RASSF1A promoter methylation rate was notably higher in the HCC cases than the non-tumor cases and healthy individuals, and was significantly related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-positivity and large tumor size. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that HCC cases with RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation had worse outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed that RASSF1A promoter methylation may be a marker of HCC-related prognoses.Conclusions: RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC from tissue and peripheral blood, and is an emerging therapeutic target against HCC.