bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Hormetic Responses of Photosystem II Photochemistry to Cadmium Exposure
Authors: Adamakis Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. , Sperdouli Ilektra , Hanć Anetta , Dobrikova Anelia , Apostolova Emilia , Moustakas Michael
Published: November 2020

Five-day exposure of clary sage (Salvia sclarea) to 100 μM cadmium (Cd) in hydroponics was sufficient to increase Cd concentrations significantly in roots and aboveground parts and affect negatively whole plant levels of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), since Cd competes for Ca channels, while reduced Mg concentrations are associated with increased Cd tolerance. Total zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) uptake increased but their translocation to the aboveground parts decreased possible due to translocation barriers. Despite the substantial levels of Cd in leaves, without any observed defects on chloroplast ultrastructure, an enhanced photosystem II (PSII) efficiency was observed, with a higher fraction of absorbed light energy to be directed to photochemistry (ΦPSΙΙ). The concomitant increase in the photoprotective mechanism of non-photochemical quenching of photosynthesis (NPQ) resulted in an important decrease in the dissipated non-regulated energy (ΦNO), modifying the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), through a decreased singlet oxygen (1O2) formation. Thus, when clary sage was exposed to Cd for a short period, tolerance mechanisms were triggered, with PSII photochemistry to be regulated by NPQ in such a way that PSII efficiency to be enhanced. However, exposure to a combination of Cd and high light or for longer duration (8 days) to Cd alone, resulted in an inhibition of PSII functionality pointing out towards Cd toxicity. Thus, the rapid activation of PSII functionality at short time exposures and the inhibition at longer duration suggests a hormetic response and describes these effects in terms of “adaptive response” and “toxicity”, respectively.
Modeling of Urban Growth Using Cellular Automata and GIS Case of Benslimane in Morocco
Authors: MOHAMED BENCHELHA , Fatiha Benzha , Hassan Rhinane , SAID BENCHELHA , TAOUFIK BENCHELHA , NAJAT BENCHELHA , Mohamed Bezza
Published: November 2020

In this study, our goal was to research land-use change by combining spatio–temporal land use/land cover monitoring (LULC (1989–2019) and urban growth modeling (1999–2039) in Benslimane, Morocco, to determine the effect of urban growth on different groups based on cellular automata (CA) and geospatial methods. A further goal was to test the reliability of the AC algorithm for urban expansion modeling. To do this, four years of satellite data were used at the same time as population density, downtown distance, slope, and ground road distance. The LULC satellite reported a rise of 3.8 km2 (318% variation) during 1989–2019. Spatial transformation analysis reveals a good classification similarity ranging from 89% to 91% with the main component analysis (PCA) technique. The statistical accuracy between the satellite scale and the replicated built region of 2019 gave 97.23 %t of the confusion matrix overall accuracy, and the region under the receiver operational characteristics (ROC) curve to 0.94, suggesting the model's high accuracy. Although the constructed area remains low relative to the total area of the municipality's territory, the LULC project shows that the urban area will extend to 5,044 km2 in 2019, principally in the western and southwestern sections. In 2019–2039, urban development is expected to lead to a transformation of the other class (loss of 1,364 km2), followed by vegetation cover (loss of 0.345 km2). In spatial modeling and statistical calculations, the GDAL and NumPy Python 3.8 libraries were successful.
Management of dorsal and lateral curvature of the penis in children with hypospadias
Authors:   M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Manasherova D.Т. , Аbdulkarimov G.А. ,   National Children’s Clinical Hospital of the N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Аbdullaev F.K. ,   National Children’s Clinical Hospital of the N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kozyrev G.V. ,   National Children’s Clinical Hospital of the N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2020

Lateral and dorsal curvature of the penis in hypospadias in children are very rare conditions. Articles dealing with correction of these rare forms of curvature in children are not easy to find. The objective of this work was to improve the outcomes of treating children with hypospadias and rare (dorsal/lateral) forms of penile curvature. Patients and methods. The study included 49 patients with coronary and penile hypospadias, chordee with hypospadias, and also with rare forms of curvature – dorsal and lateral at 30-45 degrees. Depending on the form of penile curvature the patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 – 36 patients with dorsal curvature, who underwent ventral plication of the corpora cavernosa; group 2 – 13 patients with lateral curvature and lateral plication of the contralateral corpus cavernosum (9 patients had a curve to the left and 4 – to the right). Results. No penile curvature in the early post-operative period and a year afterwards was not noted in patients of both groups. Dorsal penile curvature occurs in 5% of cases, and lateral in 1.7% of cases. Conclusion. The use of the method of plication of the corpora cavernosa opposite the curvature makes it possible to obtain good functional and cosmetic outcomes of management of hypospadias. Key words: lateral curvature, dorsal curvature, hypospadias, curvature correction
Staged buccal mucosa graft Bracka urethroplasty in children with proximal hypospadias
Authors:   National Children’s Clinical Hospital of N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kozyrev G.V. , Manasherova D.Т. ,   M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Аbdulkarimov G.А. ,   National Children’s Clinical Hospital of N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Аbdullaev F.K. ,   National Children’s Clinical Hospital of N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gazimiev М.А. ,   Institute of Nephrology and Human Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2020

For management of proximal hypospadias in children both one-stage (Hodgson, Ducket), and two-stage (Bracka) technieuqa are used. The staged Bracka repair is preferable because of fewer complications. The objective of the study was to assess and improve the outcomes of treating children with proximal hypospadias by improving the staged buccal mucosa graft Bracka repair. Patients and methods. In the department of uroandrology of the National Children’s Clinical Hospital in the period from 2013 to 2019 126 boys with proximal hypospadias received operative treatment according to the methos of buccal mucosa graft Bracka repair. Depending on whether it was primary surgery or an operation after failed repair, all patients were divided into 2 groups. Results. Both functional and cosmetic outcomes of treatment were assessed in the near and long-term post-operative periods. The assessment of the functional outcomes was based on the following criteria: recovery of free passage of urine with a wide stream (average urinary flow rate) and absence of penile curvature. Cosmetic outcomes were analysed by the HOPE score. Conclusion. Staged buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty permits to obtain positive functional and cosmetic outcomes of treatment in 60% (51% good and 9% satisfactory) of patients in the near and long-term periods. The percentage of complications is 41% and they are mainly presented by urethral fistulae. In patients with a history of failed surgery the risk for developing complications is practically the same as in primary patients. Key words: hypospadias, curvature correction
mpMRI/TRUS fusion, saturation, standard and cognitive transrectal prostate biopsy: what? whom? when?
Authors:   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Zhmakin V.A. , Lavrinenko A.N. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Ganzha T.M. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Chernov Ya.N. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Petrovskiy N.V. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Chinenov D.V. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Enikeev M.E. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Bezrukov E.A. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Amosov A.V. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Krupinov G.E. ,   Institute of Urology and Reproductive Health, I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2020

The aim of this literature review was to demonstrate the pluses and minuses of each kind of biopsy, which can be helpful for preparing an algorithm and determining the indications and contraindications for each prostate biopsy (PB). Prostate biopsy is the main method of diagnosing prostate cancer (PC), and it remains relevant even in spite of the appearance of a number of new diagnostic tests and methods. Transrectal 12-core biopsy without pre-biopsy mpMRI remains a routine sampling of prostate material. But with the appearance of a great variety of PB and their introduction into practice, there arises the need to compare these methods with each other. At present, all available studies dealing with the informativity of some biopsy method or another, were conducted in different time periods and cannot reliably reflect their informativity for making a comparison. In our opinion, further research into this problem is required and research works should study the informativity of various kinds of biopsy depending on visualization of a pathological site for suspected prostate cancer, in TRUS and its location coincidence in mpMRI, in Pi-RADSv2.1 classification. Key words: prostate biopsy, prostate cancer, transrectal ultrasound
The efficacy and safety of EN BLOC resection in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Laukhtina E.A. , Shpikina A.D. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Taratkin M.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Enikeev D.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Alyaev Yu.G. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Glybochko P.V. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2020

In surgical treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (BC) the en bloc resection technique – removal of tumour in a single piece with the subjacent muscle (detrusor) – is becoming more widely used. The objective of this review was to assess the oncological efficacy (relapse incidence) and safety (of peri- and post-operative complications) of this technique for various tumour sizes. This systematic review was written in accordance with the PRISMA criteria. The relevant literature published over the past 20 years was chosen in two databases (Medline and Scopus) with the use of the search query “en bloc” and “bladder cancer”. We selected publications that assessed the efficacy and safety of en bloc resection of the bladder wall with non-muscle-invasive tumour, and also publications comparing the efficacy of en bloc резекции resection with that of transurethral resection (TUR) of the bladder. Based on analysis of 18 studies (1592 patients after en bloc resection), the following conclusions were made: the incidence of BC relapses after en bloc resection of the bladder wall (with non-muscle-invasive tumour) is significantly lower than after conventional TUR of the bladder; a practically 100-percent presence of muscle fibers is found in the histological tumour specimen; the frequency of peri- and post-operative complications in en bloc resection is significantly lower as compared with classical TUR; the choice of a power source does not influence the oncological outcomes, but laser en bloc resection is safer than electrical; extraction of tumours with sizes up to 2-3 cm is possible in one piece; tumours of larger diameters should be preliminary fragmented in the bladder cavity; comparison of tumours of various diameters did not reveal any statistical differences between the oncological outcomes of patients. The technique of en bloc resection of the bladder wall with non-muscle-invasive tumour is effective and safe for removal of smaller tumours (~ to 2 cm); as some authors point out, it is also effective in larger tumours but there are no literature evidence sufficient for such an. Key words: systematic review, en bloc resection, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Mwaisaka Jefferson , Gonsalves Lianne , Thiongo Mary , Waithaka Michael , Sidha Hellen , Agwanda Alfred , Mukiira Carol , Gichangi Peter
Published: November 2020

BackgroundMyths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods.MethodsWe used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use.ResultsResults are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them.ConclusionsThis study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.
Effect of Biomimetic Remineralization of Post Space Root Dentin on Push out Bond Strength of Fiber Post bonded with Self-adhesive Resin Cement (An in Vitro Study)
Authors: Al-Najajrah Afaf Mohamed , Halim Carl Hany , Nabil Omnia
Published: November 2020

Self-adhesive resin cement is highly recommended for cementation of fiber post systems, since it binds chemically with calcium ions in the hydroxyapatite particles without surface pretreatments of dentin. Unfortunately, chelating agents that are used to remove smear layer reduce the calcium ion content of superficial dentin. This study aims to evaluate the effect of remineralization of dentin on the bonding strength of fiber post using the biomimetic remineralizing agent CPP-ACP in vitro. Such a study will provide evidence on the possibility of improving bonding strength by increasing dentin mineral content. At the same time, it should be supported by further clinical studies since it remains in vitro.21 freshly extracted single rooted teeth will be treated endodontically, prepared for post space, and divided randomly into 3 groups: EDTA+CPP-ACP, EDTA + NaOCl, EDTA alone. Fiber post will be cemented and push out bond strength will be measured for all groups. The expected time of study is 6-8 months.
Cumulative Burden of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components on the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Population-based Study
Authors: Ahn Hyo-Jeong , Han Kyung-Do , Choi Eue-Keun , Jung Jin-Hyung , Kwon Soonil , Lee So-Ryoung , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: November 2020

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components are associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of time-burden of MetS on the risk of AF is unknown. We investigated the effect of the cumulative longitudinal burden of MetS on the development of AF. Methods: We included 2 885 189 individuals without AF who underwent four annual health examinations during 2009–2013. Metabolic burdens were evaluated in the following three ways: (1) cumulative number of MetS diagnosed at each health examination (0–4 times); (2) cumulative number of each MetS component diagnosed at each health examination (0–4 times per MetS component); and (3) cumulative number of total MetS components diagnosed at each health examination (0 to a maximum of 20). The risk of AF according to the metabolic burden was estimated using Cox proportional-hazards models.Results: Of all individuals, 62.4%, 14.8%, 8.7%, 6.5%, and 7.6% met the MetS diagnostic criteria 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 times, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, the risk of AF showed a positive association with the cumulative number of MetS diagnosed over four health examinations: adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1, 2, 3, and 4 times compared to 0 times were 1.18 (1.13–1.24), 1.31 (1.25–1.39), 1.46 (1.38–1.55), and 1.72 (1.63–1.82), respectively; P for trend < 0.001. All five components of MetS, when diagnosed repeatedly, were independently associated with an increased risk of AF: adjusted HR (95% CI) from 1.22 (1.15–1.29) for impaired glucose intolerance to 1.96 (1.87–2.07) for elevated blood pressure. As metabolic components were accumulated from 0 to 20 counts, the risk of AF also gradually increased up to 3.1-fold (adjusted HR 3.11, 95% CI 2.52–3.83 in those with 20 cumulative components of MetS), however, recovery from MetS was linked to a decreased risk of AF. Conclusions: Given the positive correlations between the cumulative metabolic burdens and the risk of incident AF, maximal effort to detect and correct metabolic derangements even before MetS development might be important to prevent AF and related cardiovascular diseases.
Rural-Urban Inequalities in Poor Self-Rated Health, Self-reported Functional Disabilities and Depression Among Chinese Older Adults: Evidence From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 and 2015
Authors: Jiang Haiting , Burström Bo , Chen Jiaying , Burström Kristina
Published: November 2020

BackgroundRural-urban inequalities in health among older adults in China have not been extensively studied from the national perspective. In particular, studies have not taken into account combinations of Hukou (household registration system in China) and actual residence, which may be important so as not to underestimate rural-urban differences. This study investigates rural-urban inequalities in prevalence of poor self-rated health, self-reported functional disabilities and depression among Chinese older adults in 2011 and 2015, and analyses sociodemographic determinants of rural-urban inequalities in self-reported health outcomes. MethodsData from the nationwide China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), on older adults aged 60 years and above in CHARLS 2011 and CHARLS 2015 were used. Only rural residents with rural Hukou and urban residents with urban Hukou were included. Sociodemographic factors, including age, sex, marital status, living arrangement, living near children, educational level and income were studied. Self-Rated Health (SRH) was assessed with a single question. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) were used to measure self-reported functional abilities. The 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure self-reported depression. ResultsRural respondents had poorer socioeconomic status and higher prevalence of poor SRH, functional disabilities and depression than urban respondents. The levels of functional disabilities, both BADLs and IADLs, were similar in 2011 and 2015, while the prevalence of poor SRH and self-reported depression was lower in 2015, both among rural and urban respondents. Impairments increased with age and appeared at younger age among rural respondents compared to urban respondents. Being female, unmarried, with low educational level and low income increased the odds ratios of reporting poor SRH, functional disabilities and depression. Sensitivity analyses using only Hukou registration resulted in underestimation of rural-urban differences. ConclusionsThere were large rural-urban inequalities in poor SRH, self-reported functional disabilities and depression that were closely related to rural-urban differences in educational level and income. Key words : China; depression; functional ability; health inequalities; household registration system; older adults; rural-urban; self-rated health; social determinants of health
Effect of Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia (CIH) on Neuromuscular Junctions and Mitochondria in Slow- and Fast-Twitch Skeletal Muscle of Mice – Role of iNOS
Authors: Bannow Laura Isabel , Bonaterra Gabriel A. , Bertoune Mirjam , Maus Sabrina , Schulz Richard , Weissmann Norbert , Kraut Simone , Kinscherf Ralf , Hildebrandt Wulf
Published: November 2020

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) imposes vascular and metabolic risks through chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) and impairs skeletal muscle performance. As studies addressing limb muscles are rare, the reasons for the lower exercise capacity are unknown. We hypothesize that CIH-related morphological alterations in neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) and mitochondrial integrity might be the cause of functional disorders in skeletal muscles.Methods: Mice were kept under 6-weeks-CIH (alternating 7% and 21% O2-fractions every 30s, 8h/d, 5d/w) compared to normoxia (NOX). Analyses included neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) postsynaptic morphology and integrity, fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and composition (ATPase), mitochondrial ultrastructure (transmission-electron-microscopy) and relevant transcripts (qRT-PCR). Beside wildtype (WT) we included inducible-nitric-oxide-synthase knockout mice (iNOS-/-) to evaluate whether iNOS is protective or risk-mediating. Results: In WT soleus muscle, CIH vs. NOX reduced NMJ size (-37.0%, p<0.001) and length (-25.0%, p<0.05) together with fiber CSA of type IIa fibers (-14%, p<0.05) and increased centronucleated fiber fraction (p<0.001). Moreover, CIH vs. NOX increased the fraction of damaged mitochondria (1.8-fold, p<0.001). Compared to WT, iNOS-/- similarly decreased NMJ area and length with NOX (-55%, p<0.001 and -33%, p<0.05, respectively) or with CIH (-37%, p<0.05 and -29%, p<0.05), however, prompted no fiber atrophy. Moreover, increased fractions of damaged (2.1-fold, p<0.001) or swollen (>6-fold, p<0.001) mitochondria were observed with iNOS-/- vs. WT under NOX and similarly under CIH. Both, CIH- and iNOS-/- massively upregulated suppressor-of-cytokine-signaling-3 (SOCS3) >10-fold. None of these morphological alterations with CIH- or iNOS-/- were detected in gastrocnemius muscle. Notably, iNOS expression was undetectable in WT muscle, unlike the liver, where it was massively decreased with CIH. Conclusion: CIH leads to NMJ and mitochondrial damage associated with fiber atrophy/centronucleation selectively in slow-twitch muscle of WT. This effect is largely mimicked by iNOS-/- at NOX (except for atrophy). Both conditions involve massive SOCS3 upregulation likely through denervation. In the absence of muscular iNOS expression in WT, this damage may arise from extramuscular, e.g. motoneuronal iNOS deficiency (through CIH or knockout) awaiting functional evaluation.
Community Engagement in Public Health: A Bibliometric Mapping of Global Research
Authors: Yuan Ming , Lin Han , Wu Hengqin , Yu Mingchuan , Tu Juan , Lü Yong
Published: November 2020

BackgroundCommunity engagement (CE) has been regarded as a critical element of successful health programs to achieve “the health for all” goals. Numerous studies have shown that it plays a significant role in reducing inequalities, improving social justice, enhancing benefits, and sharing responsibility towards public health. Despite this, the extant literature of community engagement in public health (CEPH) has topic-focused boundaries and is scattered across disciplinary. Large-scale studies are needed to systematically identify current status, hotspots, knowledge structure, dynamic trends, and future developments in this field. Aiming to fulfill this gap, we adopted a longitudinal bibliometric analysis to draw an outline of the global review on the contemporary and cross-disciplinary research of CEPH which might present an opportunity to take stock and understand the march of knowledge as well as the logical venation underlying research activities which are fundamental to inform policy making.MethodsThe bibliometric techniques were applied in the analysis of publications on CEPH in Web of Science Core Collection from Thomson Reuters. 1102 papers out of 70.8 million publications over the period of 1980 to 2020 and their 15116 references were retrieved as the sample set. First, basic characteristics of publications, including distributions of geography, journals and categories, productive authors and frequently cited articles, etc. were obtained. Then, four bibliometric methods, i.e. social network analysis, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence clustering, and burst detection, were further conducted to sketch the contours of the structure and evolution of CEPH. ResultsBetween Jan 1, 1980, and Apr 25, 2020, CEPH has attracted a sharp increase in interest all over the world. Total 117 countries or regions have participated in the field of CEPH and the contributions are geographically and institutionally distinct. The United States is the key region performing such research, which accounts for more than half of the total number of publications. Developing countries, such as South Africa, India, Brazil and China also contributed a lot. ConclusionThe advancements of CEPH are marked by historically momentous public health events and evolved from macroscopic strategies to mesoscopic and microscopic actions. Based on keyword clustering and co-citation clustering, we propose a 4O (i.e. orientation, object, operation, and outcome) framework of CEPH to facilitate a better understanding of the current global achievements and an elaborate structuring of developments in the future.
The variability of MR axon radii estimates in the human brain
Authors: Veraart Jelle , Raven Erika P. , Edwards Luke J. , Weiskopf Nikolaus , Jones Derek K.
Published: November 2020

The noninvasive quantification of axonal morphology provides an exciting avenue to gain understanding of the function and structure of the central nervous system. Accurate non-invasive mapping of micron-sized axon radii using commonly applied neuroimaging techniques, i.e., diffusion-weighted MRI, has been bolstered by recent hardware developments. In this work, we present the whole brain characterization of the effective MR axon radius and evaluate the inter- and intra-scanner test-retest repeatability and reproducibility to promote the further development of the effective MR axon radius as a neuroimaging biomarker. We observe a coefficient-of-variability of approximately 10% in the voxelwise estimation of the effective MR radius in the test-retest analysis, but demonstrate that the performance can be improved fourfold using a customized along-tract analyses.
Luteolin Inhibits Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replication by Regulating the MiR-155/SOCS1/STAT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Saisai , Ling Yiting , Yao Yuanyuan , Zheng Gang , Chen Wenbin
Published: November 2020

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, children, immunocompromised adults, and elderly individuals. Currently, there are few therapeutic options available to prevent RSV infection. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of luteolin on RSV replication and the related mechanisms.Material and methods: We pretreated cells and mice with luteolin before infection with RSV, the virus titer, expressions of RSV-F, interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), and production of IFN-α and IFN-β were determined by plaque assay, RT-qPCR, and ELISA, respectively. The activation of Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting and luciferase assay. Proteins which negatively regulates STAT1 was determined by Western blotting. Then cells were transfected with suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) plasmid and virus replication and ISGs expression was determined. Luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting was performed to detect the relationship between SOCS1 and miR-155.Results: Luteolin inhibited RSV replication, as shown by the decreased viral titer and RSV-F mRNA expression both in vitro and in vivo. The antiviral activity of luteolin was attributed to the enhanced phosphorylation of STAT1, resulting in the increased production of ISGs. Further study showed that SOCS1 was downregulated by luteolin and SOCS1 is a direct target of microRNA-155 (miR-155). Inhibition of miR-155 rescued luteolin-mediated SOCS1 downregulation, whereas upregulation of miR-155 enhanced the inhibitory effect of luteolin.Conclusion: Luteolin inhibits RSV replication by regulating the miR-155/SOCS1/STAT1 signaling pathway.
Distinct microbial assemblages associated with genetic selection for high- and low- muscle yield in rainbow trout
Authors: Chapagain Pratima , Walker Donald , Leeds Tim , Cleveland Beth M , Salem Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Background Fish gut microbial assemblages play a crucial role in the growth rate, metabolism, and immunity of the host. We hypothesized that the gut microbiota of rainbow trout was correlated with breeding program based genetic selection for muscle yield. To test this hypothesis, fecal samples from 19 fish representing an F2 high-muscle genetic line (ARS-FY-H) and 20 fish representing an F1 low-muscle yield genetic line (ARS-FY-L) were chosen for microbiota profiling using the 16S rRNA gene. Significant differences in microbial population between these two genetic lines might represent the effect of host genetic selection in structuring the gut microbiota of the host. Results Tukey’s transformed inverse Simpson indices indicated that high muscle yield genetic line (ARS-FY-H) samples have higher microbial diversity compared to those of the low muscle yield genetic line (ARS-FY-L) (LMM, c2(1) =14.11, p<0.05). The fecal samples showed statistically distinct structure in microbial assemblages between the genetic lines (F1,36= 4.7, p<0.05, R2=11.9%). Functional profiling of bacterial operational taxonomic units predicted characteristic functional capabilities of the microbial communities in the high (ARS-FY-H) and low (ARS-FY-L) muscle yield genetic line samples. Conclusion The significant differences of the microbial assemblages between high (ARS-FY-H) and low (ARS-FY-L) muscle yield genetic lines indicate an effect of genetic selection on the microbial diversity of the host. The functional composition of taxa demonstrates a correlation between bacteria and improving the muscle accretion in the host, probably, by producing various metabolites and enzymes that might aid in digestion. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms involved in shaping the microbial community through host genetic selection.
The impact of disease-related immobilization on thigh muscle mass and strength in older hospitalized patients
Authors: Rommersbach Nikola , Wirth Rainer , Lueg Gero , Klimek Christiane , Schnatmann Mirja , Liermann Dieter , Janssen Gregor , Müller Manfred James , Pourhassan Maryam
Published: November 2020

Background: We assessed the quantitative changes in muscle mass and strength during two weeks of hospitalization in immobile and mobile acutely ill hospitalized older adults.Methods: 41 patients (82.4±6.6 years, 73.0% females) participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Mobility status was defined according to walking ability as described in the Barthel-Index. Functional status, including handgrip strength and isometric knee-extension strength, and mid-thigh magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of cross-sectional area (CSA) were conducted on admission and at discharge. Results: Twenty-two participants (54%) were immobile and 19 (46%) mobile. In all, 54.0% and 12.0% were at risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. The median time between baseline and follow-up for MRI scans were 13 days in mobile and immobile participants (P=0.072). Mid-thigh muscle and subcutaneous fat CSA significantly decreased by 3.9cm2 (5.0%, P=0.002) and 5.3cm2 (5.7%, P=0.036) during hospitalization whereas intermuscular fat remained unchanged in immobile subjects. No significant changes were observed in mobile patients. In a regression analysis, mobility was the major independent risk factor for changes in mid-thigh muscle CSA as a percentage of initial muscle area (P=0.022) whereas other variables such as age (P=0.584), BMI (P= 0.879), nutritional status (P=0.835) and inflammation (P=0.291) were not associated with muscle mass changes. There was a significant decrease in isometric knee extension strength (P=0.002) and no change in handgrip strength (P=0.167) in immobile patients whereas both parameters increased significantly over time in mobile patients (P=0.048 and P=0.012, respectively).Conclusions: Two weeks of disease-related immobilization result in a significant loss of thigh muscle mass and muscle strength in older patients with impaired mobility. Concomitantly, there was a significant reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue in immobile older hospitalized patients whereas no changes were observed in intermuscular fat among these patients. These data highlight the importance of mobility support in maintaining muscle mass and function in older hospitalized patients.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Transdifferentiation of canine BMSCs into Insulin Producing Cells
Authors: WANG JINGLU , Dai Pengxiu , Zou Tong , Lv Yangou , Zhao Wen , Zhang Xinke , Zhang Yihua
Published: November 2020

Background Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are a potential resource for the clinical therapy of certain diseases. Canine, as a companion animal, living in the same space with human, is an ideal new model for human diseases research. Because of the high prevalence of diabetes, alternative transplantation islets resource (i.e. insulin producing cells) for diabetes treatment will be in urgent need, which makes our research on the transdifferentiation of Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into insulin producing cells become more important.Result In this study, we completed the transdifferentiation process and achieved the transcriptome profiling of five samples with two biological duplicates, namely, “BMSCs”, “islets”, “stage1”, “stage2” and “stage3”, and the latter three samples were achieved on the second, fifth and eighth day of induction. A total of 11,530 differentially expressed transcripts were revealed in the profiling data. The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed several signaling pathways that are essential for regulating proliferation and transdifferentiation, including focal adhesion, ECM–receptor interaction, tight junction, protein digestion and absorption, and the Rap1 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the obtained protein–protein interaction network and functional identification indicating involvement of three genes, SSTR2, RPS6KA6, and VIP could act as a foundation for further research.Conclusion In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first survey of the transdifferentiation of canine BMSCs into insulin-producing cells according with the timeline using next-generation sequencing technology. The three key genes we pick out may regulate decisive genes during the development of transdifferentiation.
Sedentary Behaviour Among General Practitioners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mayne Richard S. , Hart Nigel D. , Heron Neil
Published: November 2020

BackgroundSedentary behaviour is when someone is awake, in a sitting, lying or reclining posture and is an independent risk factor for multiple causes of morbidity and mortality. A dose-response relationship has been demonstrated, whereby increasing sedentary time corresponds with increasing mortality rate. This study aimed to identify current levels of sedentary behaviour among General Practitioners (GPs), by examining and synthesising how sedentary behaviour has been measured in the primary care literature.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to identify studies relating to levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Searches were performed using Medline®, Embase®, PscycINFO, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, from inception of databases until January 2020. Articles were assessed for quality and bias, with extraction of relevant data.ResultsThe search criteria returned 1707 studies. 34 full texts were reviewed and 2 studies included in the final review. Both were cross-sectional surveys using self-reported estimation of sedentary time within the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Keohane et al. examined GP trainees and GP trainers in Ireland. 60% reported spending in excess of 7 hours sitting each day, 24% between 4 and 7 hours, and 16% less than or equal to 4 hours. Suija et al. examined female GPs in Estonia. The mean reported daily sitting time was 6 hours and 36 minutes, with 56% sitting for over 6 hours per day. Both studies were of satisfactory methodological quality but had a high risk of bias.ConclusionThere is a paucity of research examining current levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Objective data is needed to determine GPs’ current levels of sedentary behaviour, particularly in light of the increase in remote consulting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can a penalized-likelihood estimation algorithm be used to reduce the injected dose or the acquisition time in 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT studies?
Authors: Chicheportiche Alexandre , Goshen Elinor , Godefroy Jeremy , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Meirovitz Amichay , Gross David J. , Ben-Haim Simona
Published: November 2020

Background: Image quality and quantitative accuracy of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) depend on several factors such as uptake time, scanner characteristics and image reconstruction methods. Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) is considered the gold standard for image reconstruction. Penalized-likelihood estimation (PL) algorithms have been recently developed for PET reconstruction to improve quantitation accuracy while maintaining or even improving image quality. In PL algorithms a regularization parameter β controls the penalization of relative differences between neighboring pixels and determines image characteristics. In the present study, we aim to compare the performance of Q.Clear (PL algorithm, GE Healthcare) and OSEM (3 iterations, 8 subsets, 6 mm post-processing filter) for 68Ga-DOTATATE (68Ga-DOTA) PET studies, both visually and quantitatively.Thirty consecutive whole-body 68Ga-DOTA studies were included. The data were acquired in list mode and were reconstructed using 3D OSEM and Q.Clear with various values of β, and various acquisition times per bed position (bp), thus generating images with reduced injected dose (1.5 min/bp: β=300-1100; 1.0 min/bp: β=600-1400 and 0.5 min/bp: β=800-2200). An additional analysis adding β values up to 1500, 1700 and 300 for 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5 min/bp, respectively, was performed for a random sample of 8 studies. Evaluation was performed using a phantom and clinical data. Two experienced nuclear medicine physicians blinded to the variables assessed the image quality visually.Results: Clinical images reconstructed with Q.Clear, set at 1.5, 1.0 min/bp and 0.5 min/bp using β = 1100, 1300, 3000 respectively, resulted in images with noise equivalence to 3D OSEM (1.5 min/bp) with a mean increase in SUVmax of 14%, 13% and 4%, an increase in SNR of 30%, 24% and 10%, and in SBR of 13%, 13% and 2%, respectively. Visual assessment yielded similar results for β values of 1300-1500 and 1500-1700 for 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp, respectively although for 0.5 min/bp there was no significant improvement compared to OSEM. Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTA reconstructions with Q.Clear, 1.5 and 1.0 min/bp resulted in increased tumor SUVmax and in improved SNR and SBR at a similar level of noise compared to 3D OSEM. Q.Clear with β =1500-1700 enables one-third reduction of acquisition time or injected dose, with similar image quality compared to 3D OSEM.
Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence against mothers of children under-five years in central Malawi
Authors: Chilanga Emmanuel , Collin-Vezina Delphine , Khan Mohammad Nuruzzaman , Riley Liam
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global human rights violation and a public health problem. The phenomenon is linked to adverse health effects for women and children. Mothers of young children in Malawi can be particularly at risk because of gender-based power imbalances. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence and the risk factors of IPV against mothers of children under-five years of age in rural Malawi.MethodsA multistage, cross-sectional study design was used. A sample of 538 mothers of young children was randomly selected from postnatal clinics in Dowa district. The WHO's Violence against women screening instrument was used to collect data. Logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors that were associated with IPV against mothers.ResultsOverall prevalence of all four forms of IPV against mothers of under-five children was 60.2%. The prevalence of IPV controlling behavior, psychological, physical, and sexual violence were 74.7%, 49.4%, 43.7% and 73.2% respectively. In multivariate analyses, mothers whose partners had extra marital affairs were more likely to experience controlling behavior (AOR: 4.97, 95% CI: 2.59-8.55, P = 0.001), psychological (AOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.486-3.472, P = 0.001) and physical (AOR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.48-3.94, P = 0.001) violence than mothers whose partners did not have extra marital affairs. Mothers whose partners consume alcohol were more likely to experience sexual violence (AOR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17-3.41, P = 0.001) than mothers whose partners did not drink. Finally, mothers who spent more than 30 minutes drawing water were at greater risk of experiencing IPV than mothers who spent less than 30 minutes.ConclusionThis study found a significantly higher prevalence of IPV against mothers of under-five children in rural Malawi compared to women in the general population. Micro and macro-level programs aimed at mitigating the partners’ potential risk behaviors identified in this study are suggested. Public health programs that support increased household access to safe water are also recommended to help undermine IPV against mothers.
Learning curve of trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression in herniated lumbar disc disease
Authors: Son Seong , Yoo Chan Jong , Yoo Byung Rhae , Kim Woo Seok , Jeong Tae Seok
Published: November 2020

Background: Trans-sacral epiduroscopic laser decompression (SELD) using slender epiduroscope and a holmium YAG laser is one of the minimally invasive surgical options for lumbar disc herniation.However, the learning curve of SELD and the effect of surgical proficiency on clinical outcome have not yet been established. We investigated patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing SELD to report the clinical outcome and learning curve.Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical outcome and learning curve were performed at a single center from clinical data collected from November 2015 to November 2018. A total of 82 patients who underwent single-level SELD for lumbar disc herniation with a minimum follow-up of 6.0 months were enrolled. Based on the findings that the cut-off of familiarity was 20 cases according to the cumulative study of operation time, patients were allocated to two groups: early group (n = 20) and late group (n = 62). The surgical, clinical, and radiological outcomes were retrospectively evaluated between the two groups to analyze the learning curve of SELD.Results: According to linear and log regression analyses, the operation time was obtained by the formula: operation time = 58.825 - (0.181 × [case number]) (p < 0.001). The mean operation time was significantly different between the two groups (mean 56.95 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 49.12–64.78 in the early group versus mean 45.34 minutes; 95% CI, 42.45–48.22 in the late group; p = 0.008, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test).Baseline characteristics, including demographic data, clinical factors, and findings of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, did not differ between the two groups. Also, there was no significant difference in terms of surgical outcomes, including complication and failure rates, as well as clinical and radiological outcomes between the two groups.Conclusion: The learning curve of SELD was not as steep as that of other minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques, and the experience of surgery was not an influencing factor for outcome variation.