bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teleradiology as a relevant indicator of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic management on Emergency Room activities: a nationwide worrisome survey
Authors: Vatele Jordan , Gentile Stephanie , THOMSON Vivien , DEVICTOR Bénédicte , CLOUX Marine , GIROUIN Nicolas , BRATAN Flavie , BERGEROT Jean-François , SEUX Mylène , BANASTE Nathan , TAZAROURTE Karim , GORINCOUR Guillaume
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19’s lockdown on radiological examinations in Emergency Services.Methods: Retrospective, multicentre analysis of radiological examinations requested, via our teleradiology network, from 2017 to 2020 during two timeframes (calendar weeks 5 to 8 and then 12 to 15).We included CT-scans or MRIs performed for strokes, multiple traumas (body-CT, BC), cranial traumas (CTr) and acute non-traumatic abdominal pain (ANTAP). We evaluated the number and percentages of examinations performed, of those with a pathological conclusion, and of examinations involving the chest.Results: Our study included 25 centres in 2017, 29 in 2018, 43 in 2019 and 59 in 2020.From 2017 to 2019, the percentages of examinations were constant, which was also true for chest CTs. Each centre’s number of examinations, gender distribution and patient ages were unchanged.In 2020, examinations significantly decreased : suspected strokes decreased by 36% (1052 vs 675, p <0.001), BC by 62% (349 vs 134, p <0.001), CTr by 52% (1853 vs 895, p <0.001) and for ANTAP, appendicitis decreased by 38% (145 vs 90, NS) sigmoiditis by 44% (98 vs 55, NS), and renal colic by 23% (376 vs 288, NS).The number of exams per centre decreased by 13% (185.5 vs. 162.5, p <0.001) whereas the number of examinations of the "chest" region increased by 170% (1205 vs 3766, p <0.001).Conclusion: Teleradiology enabled us to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic management on emergency activities, showing a global decrease in the population's use of care
Comparative analysis of bacterial community diversity between soil and water of Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove reserve using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Rong Xianzi , Zhang Wenfei , Xu Bo , Li Peng , Wu Hongping , Jin Yinghong , Wang Ruiping
Published: December 2020

The mangrove ecosystem has rich biological resources and is the fourth highest service value ecosystem in the world. The Dongzhai Harbor Mangroves (DHM) reserve is located in the intertidal zone where the freshwater and seawater are dynamically interlaced, and its unique habitat may hide special microbial resources. In this study, we analyzed and compared bacterial community composition and diversity between the DHM soil and water by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We found that the dominant species in both soil and water of DHM were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, while the most differentially abundant species were Chloroflexi and Bacteroidetes. However, shotgun metagenomic sequencing analysis identified more highly abundant species in the water than in the soil, and identified more species with significant differences between the soil and the water (P ≤ 0.0001). Network analysis identified more co-occurring species in the soil and water. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analysis identified three relatively abundant pathways: metabolism (accounting for more than 50%), genetic information processing, and environment information processing. Our results increase our understanding of bacterial community diversity in the water and soil of the DHM. Additional information that is hidden in the environment may be obtained by shotgun metagenomic sequencing; this technique can be used to mine more microbial resources from various environments.
Improved Swallowing Function after Zinc Supplementation in the Elderly
Authors: Seki Yumika , Ishizawa Kota , Akaishi Tetsuya , Abe Michiaki , Koji Okamoto , Tanaka Junichi , Arita Ryutaro , Takayama Shin , Kikuchi Akiko , Miyazaki Mariko , Harigae Hideo , Hatsugai Kazuaki , Ishii Tadashi
Published: December 2020

Background: Zinc is an essential micronutrient for maintaining biological activity. The level of zinc in the blood is known to decrease with age, especially in those over 75 years of age. In elderly patients with impaired functional status, aspiration pneumonia based on dysphagia often becomes problematic. However, the relationship between zinc deficiency and swallowing function has not been studied before.Methods: A total of 52 elderly subjects (15 males and 37 females) living in a nursing home were enrolled for this study. At the time of enrollment, data of gender, age, body weight, serum zinc levels, serum albumin levels, and the time in a simple 2-step swallowing provocation test (S-SPT) were collected. In patients with serum zinc levels < 60 μg/dL, we initiated 2 months of oral zinc supplementation therapy with a 34 mg/day zinc load. Those who underwent zinc supplementation were re-evaluated after the treatment period and serum zinc levels and S-SPT time were measured.Results: At the time of enrollment, serum zinc level was significantly correlated with serum albumin levels (Pearson’s R = 0.58, p < 0.0001) and time in the S-SPT (Spearman’s rho = -0.32, p = 0.0219). Twenty-five of the 52 patients had zinc deficiency with a serum zinc level < 60 μg/dL. After 2 months of oral zinc supplementation, both serum zinc levels (p < 0.0001) and time in the S-SPT (p = 0.04) significantly improved. Meanwhile, serum albumin level (p = 0.48) or body weight (p = 0.07) did not significantly change following zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation significantly improved swallowing function, especially in the elderly who had comorbid dysphagia and zinc deficiency.Conclusions: Zinc deficiency is associated with compromised swallowing function in elderly patients with impaired general functions. Oral zinc supplementation can alleviate dysphagia in elderly patients with zinc deficiency.
Psychiatric Morbidity among Internally Displaced People in Ethiopia
Authors: Eba Yaregal Fufa , Shifa Jemal Ebrahim
Published: December 2020

Background: Mental health problems in internally displaced people (IDP) can be triggered by either collective effect or individual effect of traumas experienced during Preflight, Flight, and Resettlement time. Higher level of depression and anxiety has been reported among IDPs globally while little is known in Ethiopia.Aims: To assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among internally displaced people in Gedeo zone, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among internally displaced communities settled in Gedeo Zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Regional states (SNNPR) among randomly selected 421 displaced individuals. Data were collected using standard and structured tools and entered into Epi info version 7 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 for analysis and descriptive statistics have been used to report the magnitude of the outcome. Logistic regression was considered to evaluate association between variables. Results: A total of 421 displaced persons completed the survey constituting a 99.5% response rate, of which 232 (55.1%) were males. Age of the study subjects ranged between 19 and 80 years, with a median of 33 years and ±11.8 SD. Higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders were found: depression 18.5% ((95% CI: (15.0, 22.3)), and anxiety 59.1% ((95% CI: (54.6, 63.9)). Tobacco use, female gender and age range from 19-30 years had statistically significant effect on the mental health outcomes of IDPs in the current study. Respondents’ marital condition, educational status, occupation, current living condition, social support status, as well as exposure status to physical and sexual violence were not significantly associated with both depression and anxiety. Conclusions: This assessment identified that the prevalence of depression and anxiety was high among internally displaced populations in the Gedeo zone. Clinical and psychosocial intervention is required.
Layered double hydroxide membrane with high hydroxide conductivity and ion selectivity for energy storage device
Authors: Hu Jing , Tang Xiaomin , Dai Qing , Liu Zhiqiang , Zhang Huamin , Zheng Anmin , Yuan Zhizhang , Li Xianfeng
Published: December 2020

Membranes with fast and selective ions transport are highly demanded for energy storage devices. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), bearing uniform interlayer galleries and abundant hydroxyl groups covalently bonded within two-dimensional (2D) host layers, make them superb candidates for high-performance membranes. However, related research on LDHs for ions separation is quite rare, especially the deep-going study on ions transport behavior in LDHs. Here, we report a LDHs-based composite membrane with fast and selective ions transport for flow battery application. The hydroxide ions transport through LDHs via vehicular (standard diffusion) & Grotthuss (proton hopping) mechanisms is uncovered. The LDHs-based membrane enables an alkaline zinc-based flow battery to operate at 200 mA cm− 2, along with an energy efficiency of 82.36% for 400 cycles, which is among the highest efficiencies for zinc-based flow batteries. This study offers an in-depth understanding of ions transport in LDHs and further inspires their applications in other energy-related devices.
Activation of Interferon-Stimulated Transcriptomes and ACE2 Isoforms in Human Airway Epithelium Is Curbed by Janus Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Lee Hye Kyung , Jung Olive , Hennighausen Lothar
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection of human airway epithelium activates genetic programs that lead to progressive hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. Here we report on genetic programs activated by interferons and the suppression by Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and deciphering its regulation is paramount for understanding the cell tropism of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified candidate regulatory elements in the ACE2 locus in human primary airway cells and lung tissue. Activating histone and promoter marks and Pol II loading characterize the intronic dACE2 and define novel candidate enhancers distal to the genuine ACE2 promoter and within additional introns. dACE2, and to a lesser extent ACE2, RNA levels increased in primary cells treated with interferons and this induction was mitigated by JAK inhibitors that are used therapeutically in COVID-19 patients. Our analyses provide insight into ACE2 regulatory elements and highlight JAK inhibitors as suitable tools to suppress interferon-activated genetic programs in bronchial cells.
Effect of a Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2-derived peptide on the expression of tumor marker ZNF217 in osteoblasts and MCF-7 cells
Authors: Mantsou Aglaia , Lamprou Paraskevas , Karoulias Stylianos Zafeirios , Papi Rigini , Choli-Papadopoulou Theodora
Published: December 2020

Zinc Finger Protein 217 (ZNF217), a transcription factor and oncogene product, has been found to dysregulate Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling and induce invasion in breast tumors. In this study, the effect of BMP-2 or an active BMP-2 peptide, AISMLYLDEN, on the expression of ZNF217, BMP4 and CDK-inhibitor p21 gene, CDKN1A, was investigated in DPSCs during osteogenic differentiation and in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. BMP-2 peptide reduced the expression of ZNF217 during the first two weeks of osteogenesis and increased the expression of CDKN1A after three weeks. BMP-2 and BMP-2 peptide increased the expression of BMP4 during the first week. The same genes were monitored in MCF-7 after treatment with BMP-2 or different concentrations of BMP-2 peptide. CDKN1A mRNA levels were 10-, 8- and 6-fold higher respectively in MCF-7 cells treated with BMP-2 (100 ng/ml) or BMP-2 peptide (45.2 and 22.6 ng/ml) than in untreated MCF-7. BMP-2 peptide, at a concentration of 22.6 ng/ml reduced ZNF217 expression after 6 h and 12 h. BMP-2 reduced BMP4 expression to undetected levels within 24 h. At appropriate concentrations, BMP-2 and the peptide AISMLYLDEN can be considered as a possible novel therapeutic method in breast tumors with a metastatic tendency to the bones.
Quantitative Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Inactivation Using a Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Minamikawa Takeo , Koma Takaaki , Suzuki Akihiro , Mizuno Takahiko , Nagamatsu Kentaro , Arimochi Hideki , Tsuchiya Koichiro , Matsuoka Kaoru , Yasui Takeshi , Yasutomo Koji , Nomaguchi Masako
Published: December 2020

Inactivation technology for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is certainly a critical measure to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A deep ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) would be a promising candidate to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, based on the well-known antiviral effects of DUV on microorganisms and viruses. However, due to variations in the inactivation effects across different viruses, quantitative evaluations of the inactivation profile of SARS-CoV-2 by DUV-LED irradiation need to be performed. In the present study, we quantify the irradiation dose of DUV-LED necessary to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, we determined the culture media suitable for the irradiation of SARS-CoV-2 and optimized the irradiation apparatus using commercially available DUV-LEDs that operate at a center wavelength of 265, 280, or 300 nm. Under these conditions, we successfully analyzed the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and the irradiation dose of the DUV-LEDs at each wavelength without irrelevant biological effects. In conclusion, total doses of 1.8 mJ/cm2 for 265 nm, 3.0 mJ/cm2 for 280 nm, and 23 mJ/cm2 for 300 nm are required to inactivate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2. Our results provide quantitative antiviral effects of DUV irradiation on SARS-CoV-2, serving as basic knowledge of inactivation technologies against SARS-CoV-2.
Enabling Visibility of the Clinician-scientists’ Knowledge Broker role in Linking Research with Clinical Practice: A Participatory Design Research in the Dutch Nursing-home Sector
Authors: Barry Margot , Kuijer Wietske , Persoon Anke , Nieuwenhuis Loek , Scherpbier Nynke
Published: December 2020

Background: Twelve clinician-scientists were employed in a Dutch academic network, which is a collaboration between fifteen nursing-homes and an academic medical research institute. The clinician-scientists were tasked with linking research and clinical practice by catalysing both care-informed research and evidence-informed implementation initiatives. The clinician-scientists and their manager experienced difficulties in clearly defining the knowledge broker role of the clinician-scientists, a difficulty also reported in literature. They found no tools and methods suitable for make their knowledge broker role visible. Clarifying role expectations and accountability for funding these knowledge broker positions was difficult. They aimed to design a theory-informed performance appraisal tool that allowed clinician-scientists to explicate and develop their knowledge broker role in collaboration with management.Methods: A participatory design research was conducted over a 21 month period with a design group consisting of an external independent researcher, clinician-scientists and their managers from within the academic network. Results: A tool (the SP-tool) was developed in MS Excel. This allowed clinician-scientists to log their knowledge broker activities as distinct from their clinical work and research related activities. The tool contributed to their ability to make their knowledge broker role visible to themselves and their stakeholders. The theoretic contribution of the design research is a conceptual model of professionalisation of the clinician scientists knowledge broker role. This model presents the relationship between work visibility and the clarification of functions of the clinician-scientist’s knowledge broker role. In the professionalisation of knowledge-intensive work, visibility contributes to the definition of CS broker functions, which is an element necessary for the professionalisation of an occupation.Conclusions: The CSs knowledge broker role is a knowledge-intensive role and work-tasks associated with this role are not automatically visible. The SP-tool contributes to creating work visibility of the clinician-scientists’ knowledge broker role. This in turn could contribute to the professionalisation of this role, which is not well described in literature at the day-to-day professional level.
Trophectoderm Biopsy of Blastocysts for a Preimplantation Genetic Test does not Affect Serum β-hCG Levels in Early Pregnancy: A Study using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Ying Ying , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying
Published: December 2020

Background: Although preimplantation genetic test (PGT) has been used worldwide, few studies investigated the effect of trophectoderm biopsy of the blastocysts on early embryo development. This study aimed to investigate whether trophectoderm (TE) biopsy of blastocysts for a PGT affected serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels 14 days after transfer.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. The study population comprised pregnant women who underwent the transfer of single vitrified-warmed blastocysts after PGT between January 1, 2018, and July 30, 2020. The control group had non-PGT cycles with other inclusion criteria identical to those for the study group. Propensity score matching was used to screen a group of patients so that the baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Serum β-hCG levels were compared between the PGT and non-PGT cycles. Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the influence of PGT on serum β-hCG levels, while receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) were plotted to predict pregnancy outcomes using serum β-hCG levels. Results: Serum β-hCG levels were comparable between the PGT and non-PGT patients: live birth: 2478 ± 1675 mIU/mL vs 2303 ± 1300 mIU/mL (P = 0.361); clinical pregnancy: 2244 ± 1537 mIU/mL vs 2270 ± 1387 mIU/mL (P = 0.634); and ongoing pregnancy: 2391 ± 1600 mIU/mL vs 2360 ± 1372 mIU/mL (P = 0.852) respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated no impact of PGT on the serum β-hCG level (standardized coefficients = –0.016, P = 0.756). For clinical pregnancy, the cutoff value was 482 mIU/mL and 277 mIU/mL for PGT and non-PGT patients, respectively. The threshold to predict live birth was 1345 mIU/mL and 1113 mIU/mL in the PGT and non-PGT cycles, respectively.Conclusion: Trophectoderm biopsy of blastocysts for PGT did not affect the serum β-hCG level 14 days after transfer.
Identification the Synergistic Effect of Immune-Related lncRNA KIAA0125 and Vitamin D Metabolism Related Gene CYP24A1 in Periodontitis
Authors: Li Yang , Li Ruixue , Wu Ying , Gong Chan-Juan , Ding XiaoJun
Published: December 2020

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease characterized by gingival inflammation and progressive destruction of alveolar bone. The interaction of periodontal plaque microorganisms and host immune response affects the process and progression of periodontitis. However, the specific mechanisms and biomarkers involved in periodontitis remain to be further studied. Methods: In the present research, we explored the expression profile data of differentially expressed lncRNAs and immune-related mRNAs and constructed the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network. The CIBERSORT analysis was used to infer the composition of 22 immune cells in periodontitis. The genes in ceRNA network were further screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), transcriptomic sequencing and PCR. Results: Our results indicated that a total of 1 lncRNA (KIAA0125), 3 miRNAs (miR-449c-5p, miR-125a-5p and miR-125b-5p) and 2 mRNAs (CYP24A1, BTG2) were involved in establishing the ceRNA network for periodontitis. The expression of KIAA0125 was highly correlated with plasma cells and B cells markers. The WGCNA and transcriptomic sequencing screened out the key gene as the vitamin D metabolic enzyme CYP24A1. The experimental results showed both KIAA0125 and CYP24A1 were highly expressed in the periodontitis gingival tissues. In vitro experiments, the expression of KIAA0125 in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) were increased after the treatment of lipopolysaccharide and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that 1,25D could alleviate the inflammation of LPS-induced hPDLCs, while the increased expression of KIAA0125 and CYP24A1 would antagonize the anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, immune-related lncRNA KIAA0125 and vitamin D metabolism related gene CYP24A1 can be used as potential diagnostic indicators of periodontitis.
An Evaluation of Muscle Repair Techniques: Implications in Musculoskeletal Healing and Corollaries in Oral-Facial Clefting
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Choi Jaehoon , Kim Junhyung , Jo Taehee , Hwang Il Sun , Han Kihwan , Jeong Woonhyeok
Published: December 2020

We performed an animal study to identify the techniques associated with the best muscle healing outcomes in cleft lip/palate surgery. The right triceps of thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were cut and repaired by three different suture techniques: simple (n=10), overlapping (n=10), and splitting sutures (n=10). Muscle tissues were isolated from 5 rats per group 1 and 8 weeks postoperation. The inflammatory response and muscle fiber healing were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, western blotting, immunohistochemistry for TNF-α and IL-1β, and immunofluorescence for laminin and MyoD. Grip strength (N/100 g) and spatial gait symmetry were evaluated before surgery and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperation. Eight weeks postoperation, grip force per weight was significantly higher in the simple suture (median, 3.49; IQR, 3.28-3.66) and overlapping groups (median, 3.3; IQR, 3.17-3.47) than the splitting group (median, 2.91; IQR, 2.76-3.05). There was no significant difference in range of motion between groups. The simple group exhibited significant remission of inflammation by H&E staining and lower expression of TNF-α and IL-1β than the other groups by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence revealed stronger expression of MyoD and weaker expression of laminin in the splitting group than in the other groups at week 8, indicating prolonged inflammation and healing followed by poor muscle fiber remodeling. Simple interrupted sutures and overlapping sutures showed similar muscle healing in this study. Therefore, there was some limitation to reconstructing the philtral column using overlapping sutures alone, and additional procedures could be needed.
Selective Mediation of Ovarian Cancer Cell Death by Pristine Carbon Quantum Dots/Cu2O Composite Through Targeting Matrix Metalloproteinases, Angiogenic Cytokines and Cytoskeleton
Authors: Chen Daomei , Li Bin , Nie Minfang , Yang Yepeng , Congjia Xie , Lei Tao , He Zijuan , Wang Jiaqiang
Published: December 2020

It was shown that some nanomaterials may have anticancer properties, but lack of selectivity is one of challenges, let alone selective suppression of cancer growth by regulating the cellular microenvironment. Herein, we demonstrated for the first time that carbon quantum dots/Cu2O composite (CQDs/Cu2O) selectively inhibited ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells by targeting cellular microenvironment, such as matrix metalloproteinases, angiogenic cytokines and cytoskeleton. The result was showed CQDs/Cu2O possessed anticancer properties against SKOV3 cells with IC50 = 0.85 μg mL−1, which was approximately 3-fold lower than that in normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts BABL-3T3 cells. Compared with popular anticancer drugs, the IC50 of CQDs/Cu2O was approximately 114-fold and 75-fold lower than the IC50 of commercial artesunate (ART) and oxaliplatin (OXA). Furthermore, CQDs/Cu2O possessed the ability to decrease the expression of MMP-2/9 and induced alterations in the cytoskeleton of SKOV3 cells by disruption of F-actin. It also exhibited stronger antiangiogenic effects than commercial antiangiogenic inhibitor (SU5416) through down-regulating the expression of VEGFR2. In addition, CQDs/Cu2O has a vital function on transcriptional regulation of multiple genes in SKOV3 cells, where 495 genes were up-regulated and 756 genes were down-regulated. It is worth noting that CQDs/Cu2O also regulated angiogenesis-related genes in SKOV3 cells, such as Maspin and TSP1 gene, to suppress angiogenesis. Therefore, CQDs/Cu2O selectively mediated of ovarian cancer cells death mainly through decreasing the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, F-actin, and VEGFR2, meanwhile CQDs/Cu2O caused apoptosis of SKOV3 via S phase cell cycle arrest. These findings reveal a new application for the use of CQDs/Cu2O composite as potential therapeutic interventions in ovarian cancer.
Independent association of atherogenic dyslipidaemia with all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes and modifying effect of gender: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Orsi Emanuela , Penno Giuseppe , Solini Anna , Bonora Enzo , Fondelli Cecilia , Trevisan Roberto , Vedovato Monica , Cavalot Franco , Morano Susanna , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe
Published: December 2020

BackgroundIncreased LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, though this association is attenuated by the widespread use of statins. Moreover, despite attainment of LDL cholesterol goals, a residual cardiovascular risk remains, partly attributed to atherogenic dyslipidaemia, the relationship of which with all-cause death has not been sufficiently explored. This analysis evaluated the independent association of atherogenic dyslipidaemia with total mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes from the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events Italian Multicentre Study.MethodsThis observational, prospective study enrolled 15,773 patients in 19 Diabetes Clinics throughout Italy in the years 2006–2008. Triglycerides and total and HDL cholesterol were measured by colorimetric enzymatic methods, whereas LDL cholesterol was estimated using the Friedewald formula. Vital status was retrieved on 31 October 2015 for 15,656 patients (99.3%). Participants were stratified by quartiles of triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride:HDL cholesterol ratio (TG:HDL).ResultsA total of 3,602 deaths occurred over a follow-up 7.42 ± 2.05 years (31.0 × 1,000 person-years). In the unadjusted analyses, the highest TG:HDL (but not triglyceride) and the lowest HDL cholesterol quartile were associated with increased death rate and mortality risk. When sequentially adjusting for confounders, including total or LDL cholesterol and lipid-lowering treatment, mortality risk was significantly higher in the highest triglyceride (hazard ratio 1.167 [95% confidence interval 1.055–1.291], p = 0.003) and TG:HDL (1.192 [1.082–1.314], p < 0.0001) and the lowest HDL cholesterol (1.232 [1.117–1.360], p < 0.0001) quartile, though the association of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol disappeared after further adjustment for each other. Interaction with gender was significant only for HDL cholesterol (p = 0.0009). The relationship with death was stronger for triglycerides in males and HDL cholesterol in females, with the latter remaining even after adjustment for triglycerides (1.366 [1.176–1.587], p < 0.0001, for the lowest vs the highest quartile).ConclusionsIn patients with type 2 diabetes, higher triglycerides and TG:HDL and lower HDL cholesterol were independently associated with increased all-cause mortality, with a modifying effect of gender for triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. These data suggest that atherogenic dyslipidaemia, especially TG:HDL, may serve as predictor of death in these individuals.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00715481, 15 July, 2008.
Women and health professionals’ perspectives on a conditional cash transfer program to improve pregnancy follow-up: a qualitative analysis of the NAITRE randomized controlled study
Authors: MARCEAU AURELIE GODARD , Beillard Nicolas Meunier , Deruelle Philippe , Morin Mathieu , Virtos Claude , Eckman-Lacroix Astrid , Debras Elodie , Laforet Laurent , Bardou Marc
Published: December 2020

Objectives. Many types of conditional cash transfer (CCTs) programs have been developed and their effects demonstrated, including programs to improve prenatal care, but ethical critiques have included paternalism and lack of informed choice. These criticisms were levelled at the French NAITRE randomized clinical trial, which is assessing a CCT program that promotes prenatal care among women of low socioeconomic backgrounds. We conducted qualitative research to determine if women in the study and health professionals (HP) shared these concerns.Study design. We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, qualitative study of 26 participating post-delivery women and 8 HP (physicians and midwives, participants and non-participants) to assess their perspectives on CCT, purposively selecting a sample of women with diverse experiences. We excluded women who had miscarried or whose babies had died, or whose new-born suffered from a severe medical condition. We invited health professionals to participate even if they or their center had not participated in the trial. Participants agreed to semi-structured face-to-face or phone interviews, which we recorded as audio and transcribed. Our approach to identifying patterns was inductive; we highlighted topics that repeatedly emerged, characterized them, and organized them into themes.Results. Women expressed surprise that the CCT was offered, but did not perceived it negatively. They never mentioning feeling stigmatized. They described CCT as a significant source of aid for women with limited financial resources. HP described the CCT in less positive terms, e.g., expressing concern about discussing cash transfer at their first medical encounter with women. Though they emphasized ethical concerns about the basis of the trial, they recognized that CCT needed to be evaluated.Conclusion. In France, a high-income country where prenatal follow-up is free, health professionals were concerned that the CCT program would change their relationship with patients and wondered if it was the best use of funding, but women who received a cash incentive said they did not feel stigmatized and indicated that these payments helped them prepare for their baby’s birth. Trial registration: NCT02402855- Clinical Trial – first registration 30 march 2015 -
Continuous Intra-Gastral Monitoring of Intra-Abdominal Pressure in Critically ill Children – A Validation Study
Authors: Kaussen Torsten , Gutting Miriam , Lasch Florian , Boethig Dietmar , Gise Alexander von , Dingemann Jens , Köditz Harald , Jack Thomas , Sasse Michael , Beerbaum Philipp , Böhne Martin
Published: December 2020

Background: In critically ill children, detection of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH, >10mmHg) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS, =IAH + organ dysfunction) is paramount and usually monitored through intra-vesical pressures (IVP) as current standard. IVP however carries important disadvantages, being time-consuming, discontinuous, with infection risk through observer-dependent manipulation, and ill-defined for catheter sizes. Therefore, we sought to validate air-capsule-based measurement of intra-gastric pressure (ACM-IGP).Methods: We prospectively compared ACM-IGP with IVP both in-vivo and in-vitro (water-column), according to Abdominal-Compartment-Society validation criteria. We controlled for patient age, admission diagnosis, gastric filling/propulsive medication, respiratory status, sedation levels and transurethral catheters, all influencing intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).Results: In tertiary care PICU setting, finally, n=97 children were enrolled (median age, 1.3 years [range, 0 days -17 years], LOS-PICU 8.0 [1-332] days, PRISM-III-Score 13 [0-35]). In n=2.770 measurements pairs, median IAP was 6.7 [0.9 -23.0] mmHg. n=38 (39%) children suffered from IAH>10mmHg, n=4 from ACS. In-vitro against water-column, ACM-IGP correlated perfectly (r² 0.99, mean bias -0.1±0.5 mmHg, limits-of-agreement (LOA) -1.1/+0.9, percentage error [PE] 12%) as compared with IVP (r² 0.98, bias +0.7±0.6 mmHg, LOA -0.5/+1.9, PE 15%). With larger IVP catheters at higher pressure levels, IVP underestimated pressures against water-column. In-vivo, agreement between either technique was strong (r² 0.95, bias 0.3±0.8 mmHg, LOA -1.3/+1.9mmHg, PE 23%). No impact of predefined control variables on measurement agreement was observed. Conclusions: In a large PICU population with high IAH prevalence, ACM-IGP agreed favourably with IVP. More wide-spread usage of ACM-IGP may improve detection rates of ACS in critically ill children. Trial registration: WHO-ICTRP-No. DRKS00006556 (German Clinical Trial Register). Registeres 12th September 2014, URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00006556
Mind the Gap: an Analysis of the International Health Regulations (2005) Core Capacities to Respond to Outbreaks in Yemen
Authors: Noman Hanan Fadhl , Dureab Fekri , Ahmed Iman , Serouri Abdulwahed Al , Hussein Taha , Jahn Albrecht
Published: December 2020

Background: there are several states which are unable to implement the International Health Regulations’ core capacities to face the urgent public health threats. Yemen is fronting various challenges to response to the recent potential outbreaks and other public health emergencies due to lack of proper strategies and regulations, which are essential to public health security. It has lived under the turmoil of several rounds of internal armed conflict and political instability since 2011. The overall impact of war and conflict on the health system is vividly observable. The aim of this study is to assess the International Health Regulations’ core capacities to respond to outbreaks during the conflict in Yemen. Methods: The study used qualitative data analysis, including desk reviews and in-depth interviews with key informants. This study simulated the World Health Organization's Joint External Evaluation tool to assess the IHR core capacities in Yemen Result: Based on the result of the assessment (with its three core functions of: Prevention, Detection, and Response), the country showed limited or no capacity to prevent and respond to outbreaks, however, it presented demonstrated or developed capacity to detect outbreaks. This signifies an overall poor IHR implementation in Yemen.Conclusion: This study shows that there has been poor implementation of IHR in Yemen, therefore, an urgent intervention is highly need to strengthen the implementation of the IHR core capacities in Yemen.
Impact of Investment Case on Equitable Access on Maternal and Child Health Services in Nepal: Quasi-experimental study
Authors: Thapa Janak Kumar , Stöckl Doris , Sangroula Raj Kumar , Thakur Dip Narayan , Mehata Suresh , Pun Asha , Delius Maria
Published: December 2020

Background
Different areas of disparities remain a concern in developing countries like Nepal regarding the utilization of maternal, neonatal and child health services like disparities in education, income, administrative regions, ethnic groups, province-level etc. In order to support equitable outcomes for Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) and to scale-up quality services, an Investment case was launched by developmental partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Investment Case (IC) at the local level aims to develop a coherent plan with local level development plans, which is equitable and responsive to the bottlenecks and the local needs. The study aims to identify the factors affecting equitable access to maternal health services in Nepal.
Methods
The study focuses on the impact of the intervention package developed by applying the investment case (IC) approach in maternal and child health services in Nepal introduced in 2011. Complex sample analysis was carried out to adjust the weight of the sample. Cross tabulation with Confidence Interval (CI) was used to generate weighted disaggregated data. Difference in Difference (DiD) analysis was carried out using a linear regression model. Finally, multivariate linear regression was carried out to figure out the effect of the intervention.
Results
Based on the data, the improvements before and after the intervention were calculated in both the intervention and comparison districts; no variables showed a significant association. Changes were similar for intervention and comparison areas: four antenatal care seeking (DiD=-4.8, p = 0.547 CI= -0.041-0.022), Skill Birth Attendance (SBA) delivery (DiD = 6.6, p = 0.325, CI= -0.010-0.039). Multivariable regression analysis also did not reveal any significant improvement in aggregate outcomes. The intervention did not play a significant role in any variables, i.e., four antenatal care seeking (p-value 0.062), SBA delivery (p-value 0.939).
Conclusion
The IC approach is itself a successful approach in most of the developing countries. After the implementation of IC, some of the MNCH indicators like ANC, SBA delivery have shown improvements in the intervention as well as comparison districts but have not shown significant with the intervention.
Evaluation of the Correlation Between Effort-reward Imbalance and Sleep Quality Among Community Health Workers
Authors: Deng Xuexue , Fang Ronghua , Cai Yaoting
Published: December 2020

Background: A chronic state of imbalance between effort and reward can affect sleep quality. However, few studies have explored the relationship between variables in the ERI model and sleep quality in community health workers in mainland China. We investigated the relationship between effort–reward imbalance and sleep quality in community health workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2018 and involved 249 registered doctors and 223 registered nurses. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the sleep disorder status of participants. The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) questionnaire was administered to evaluate job-related stress. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors related to sleep quality. Results: The ERI ratio of 472 health workers was 1.17 ± 0.22, and 273 health workers (57.84%) had PSQI scores >7. There were statistically significant differences in effort scores, overcommitment scores and the total ERI ratio between the health workers with sleep disorders and those without sleep disorders. The ERI ratio was an independent risk factor for sleep quality; age, education, type of work, shift work, and job title were related to the ERI ratio. Conclusions: This study found that sleep disorders were prevalent, work effort was greater than reward and a positive correlation between effort-reward and sleep quality among the health workers community in China. Managers should pay attention to the factors that influence sleep disorders among community health workers, balance the efforts and rewards of work, and reduce the incidence of sleep disorders.
Spatiotemporal regulation of circular RNA expression during the developmentof skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and liver in Ningxiang pigs
Authors: Li Biao , Gong Yan , Zhang Yuebo , Kim Kyung Seok , Xiao Yu , Zeng Qinghua , Xu Kang , Duan Yehui , He Jianhua , Ma Haiming , He Jun
Published: December 2020

Background

In recent years, thousands of different circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified through comparative analysis of different pig breeds. However, very few studies have investigated the spatiotemporal expression patterns of circRNA during organ development, which is crucial for functional and evolutionary analysis.
Results

In this study, we systematically analyzed circRNAs associated with fatty acid metabolism in the three main organs (muscle, fat and liver) a tfour growth time points (30 d, 90 d, 150 d and 210 d after birth) for Ningxiang pigs, awell-known native pig breed in China known for its excellent meat quality. We identified 61,683 circRNAs and analyzed their molecular characteristics, potential functions, and interactions with miRNAs. The circRNAs exhibited notable spatiotemporal specificity in the form of dynamic expression. At 90 d, the number and complexity of differentially expressed circRNAs in the liver was the highest.We used STEM (Short Time-series Expression Miner) to perform time series analysis on differentially expressed circRNAs and observed that there were multiple model spectra that were significantly enriched with time changes in all three organs. All the significantly changed circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs obtained from STEM analysis of each tissue were utilized to confirm that the circRNA and mRNA have a targeting relationship with miRNA. Notably, we screened 2384 (fat), 2672 (muscle) and 9187 (liver) circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network pairs related to developmental time changes. Finally, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to demonstrate the dynamic subcellular localization of circRNA during development.
Conclusion

These data suggest that circRNA is highly abundant in muscle, fat and liver and is dynamically expressed in a spatiotemporal manner. These results suggest that circRNAs play important roles in fat metabolism in Ningxiang pigs. Our findings also provide new ideas and perspectives for the study of Ningxiang pigs' lipid metabolism regulation pathway and meat quality traits.
Optimizing the Acceleration of Cheddar Cheese Ripening Using Response Surface Methodology by Microbial Protease Without Altering Its Quality Features
Authors: Alhelli Amaal , Mohammed Nameer , Hussin Anis Meor
Published: December 2020

Cheddar cheese proteolysis were accelerated employing Penicillium candidum PCA1/TT031 protease into cheese curd. In the present study, several of the significant factors such as protease purification factor (PF), protease concentration and ripening time were optimized via the response surface methodology (RSM). The ideal accelerated Cheddar cheese environment consisted of 3.12 PF, 0.01% (v/v) protease concentration and 0.6/3months ripening time at 10 °C. The RSM models was verified to be the most proper methodology for the maintain of chosen Cheddar cheese. Under this experimental environment, the pH, acid degree value (ADV), moisture, water activity (aw ), soluble nitrogen (SN)%, fat and overall acceptability were found to be 5.4, 6.6, 35%, 0.9348, 18.8%, 34% and 13.6,, respectively of ideal Cheddar cheese. Furthermore, the predicted and experimental results were in significant agreement, which confirmed the validity and reliability of the suggested method. In spite of the difference between the ideal and commercial Cheddar cheese in the concentration of some of amino acids and free fatty acids, the sensory evaluation did not show any significant difference in aroma profile between them.
Co-Existing Serous Epithelial Ovarian cancer with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Jiang Haote , Huang Xiaowan , Li Jianmin , Shan Yunfeng , Xia Jinglin , Zhang Yuyang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSerous epithelial ovarian cancer co-existing with primary liver cancer is a rare situation, and only few cases have been reported that patients have multiple primary cancers (MPCs) with ovarian cancer.Case presentationWe present the case of a 57-year-old patient whose imaging examination results suggested liver and ovarian lesions. The patients underwent a positron emission computed tomography that revealed the presence of hypermetabolic areas in bilateral adnexal, uterus and pelvic region. After discussion at the multidisciplinary team meeting, the patient underwent surgery and her pathological results were high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (mixed type), respectively. Complete cytoreduction was successfully performed. Her elevated tumor markers like AFP and CA125 decreased immediately after the operation. Now she has received 4 cycles of chemotherapy. The patient showed good tolerance, and showed no sign of recurrence.ConclusionThe present study delineates a rarely reported case of disease with a relatively high incidence rate. Therefore, further studies are required for the perfection of its diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. This case could be a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer with metastasis of ovarian cancer and other primary tumor.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Peucedanum Dhana A. Ham Essential Oil
Authors: Khruengsai Sarunpron , Sripa Teerapong , Rujanapun Narawadee , Charoensup Rawiwan , Pripdeevech Patcharee
Published: December 2020

The essential oil of Peucedanum dhana A. Ham growing in Thailand was investigated for their volatile compounds and screened for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. Forty-two compounds were identified, with the most important compounds being trans-piperitol, o-cymene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene, and limonene. Essential oil of P. dhana has remarkable antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum microbicidal concentration values, ranging from 62.50–250 µg/mL and 250-1,000 µg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant activity of P. dhana oil was measured using DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity assays. The IC50 values using the DPPH and ABTS method were 9.13 and 9.36 mg/mL, respectively. The total phenolic compounds in P. dhana oil was 183.05 mg GAE/100 g dry weight. The cytotoxic effect of P. dhana oil was tested against Hela, A549, SW480, and 3T3L1 cells. The essential oil had cytotoxicity against all cancer cells, with significant cytotoxicity towards the SW480 cell. The results indicate that the P. dhana essential oil could be used as a source of functional ingredients in food and pharmaceutical applications.
A Novel Biological Approach to Copper Nanoparticles Synthesis: Characterization and its Application Against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Abboud Mohamed AL
Published: December 2020

Background: In nanotechnology, fungi are recognized as a good candidates for the creation of nanomolecules, so offering a cleaner alternative to synthesize novel resources with a varied array of potential requests in therapeutic and manufacturing fields. Materials and methods: In this respect, a novel biological approach Penicillium olsonii have demonstrated excellent synthesis capacity to produce copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). Characteristics of CuNPs were detected by variable tools including UV-Vis spectrum, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) Results: UV-Vis spectra with characteristic absorption peak was observed at 565nm. Biomolecules mediating the synthesis and stabilizing the nano-fungicide was studied with FTIR that showed different functional groups. SEM investigations confirmed that size of CuNPs were varied from 6-26 nm. The antifungal activity of CuNPs was evaluated by testing against three phytopathogenic fungi including Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani and Curvularia curvulatat with growth inhibition 86.25, 32.92 and 68.42 %, respectively at 200ppm. F. oxysporum was more affected by CuNPs followed by C. curvulata and F. solani.Conclusion: The current effort established that it's possible to achieve the production of CuNPs by P. olsonii with its fungicidal applicable potential.