bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in campylobacteriosis incidence rates at different ages - a seven country, multi-year, meta-analysis. A potential mechanism for the infection.
Authors: Green Manfred S , Schwartz Naama , Peer Victoria
Published: August 2020

Background . There is evidence that males have higher incidence rates (IR) of campylobacteriosis than femlaes. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the sex differences differ between age groups and are consistent over different countries and over different time periods. Methods. We obtained data on incidence rates of campylobacteriosis by sex and age group over a period of 11-26 years from seven countries. Male to female incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed by age group, country and time period. For each age group, we used meta-analytic methods to combine the IRRs. Sensitivity analysis was used to test whether the results are robust to differences between countries and time periods. Meta-regression was conducted to estimate the different effects of age, country, and time period on the IRR. Results . In the age groups <1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-44, 45-64 and 65+ years old, the pooled IRRs (with 95% CI) were 1.31 (1.26-1.37), 1.34 (1.31-1.37), 1.35 (1.32-1.38), 1.73 (1.68-1.79), 1.10 (1.08-1.12), 1.19(1.17-1.21) and 1.27 (1.24-1.30), respectively. For each age group, the excess campylobacteriosis incidence rates in males differed at different age groups. However, despite some quantitative differences between countries, the excess was consistently present over long time-periods. In meta-regression analysis, age group was responsible for almost all the variation in the IRRs. Conclusions . The male predominance in campylobacteriosis incidence rates starts in infancy. This suggests that this is due, at least in part, to physiological or genetic differences and not just behavioural factors. These findings can provide clues to the mechanisms of the infection and could lead to more targeted treatments and vaccine development.
Genetic variants in MIR17HG affect the susceptibility and prognosis of glioma in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Feng Jigao , Ouyang Yibin , Xu Dedong , He Qinglong , Liu Dayuan , Fan Xudong , Xu Pengxiang , Mo Yehe
Published: August 2020

Background: lncRNA MIR17HG was upregulated in glioma, and participated in promoting proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma. However, the role of MIR17HG polymorphisms in the occurrence and prognosis of glioma is still unclear.Methods: In the study, 592 glioma patients and 502 control subjects were recruited. Agena MassARRAY platform was used to detect the genotype of MIR17HG polymorphisms. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between MIR17HG single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and glioma risk by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox hazards models were performed for assessing the role of these SNPs in glioma prognosis by hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs.Results: We found that rs7318578 (OR = 2.25, p = 3.18´10-5) was significantly associated with glioma susceptibility in the overall participants. In the subgroup with age < 40 years, rs17735387 (OR = 1.53, p = 9.05´10-3) and rs7336610 (OR = 1.35, p = 0.016) were related to the higher glioma susceptibility. More importantly, rs17735387 (HR = 0.82, log-rank p = 0.026) were associated with the longer survival of glioma patients. The GA genotype of rs17735387 had a better overall survival (HR = 0.75, log-rank p = 0.013) and progression free survival (HR = 0.73, log-rank p = 0.032) in patients with Ⅰ-Ⅱ glioma. We also found that rs72640334 was related to the poor prognosis (HR = 1.49, Log-rank p = 0.035) in female patients. In the subgroup of patients with age ³ 40 years, rs17735387 was associated with a better prognosis (HR = 0.036, Log-rank p = 0.002).Conclusion: Our study firstly reported that MIR17HG rs7318578 was a risk factor for glioma susceptibility and rs17735387 was associated with the longer survival of glioma among Chinese Han population, which might help to enhance the understanding of MIR17HG gene in gliomagenesis.
Missed opportunities for diagnosis and treatment in patients with tuberculosis symptoms: a systematic review
Authors: Divala Titus Henry , Lewis Joe , Bulterys Michelle , Lutje Vittoria , Corbett Elizabeth , Schumacher Samuel , MacPherson Peter
Published: August 2020

Background Identification of symptomatic patients followed by prompt on-site investigation form the foundation of facility-based tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis. However, underdiagnosis is common, contributing to ongoing transmission and adverse health outcomes. We conducted this systematic review with the hypothesis that underdiagnosis is largely secondary to patient drop out from presentation, through the diagnostic and care pathway, to treatment initiation. Methods We searched (to 22 January 2019) MEDLINE, Embase, and Cinahl for studies investigating the pathway of care for patients (and standardised patients) presenting to health facilities or pharmacies with TB symptoms. We used QUADAS-2 to assess risk of bias. We reported the proportions of symptomatic patients at each stage of the diagnostic and care pathway from symptom screening to treatment initiation. Results After screening 3,184 titles and abstracts, we identified 14 eligible studies. None provided data addressing the full cascade of care from clinical presentation to treatment initiation in the same patient population. Symptom-screening, the critical entry point for diagnosis of TB, was not done for 40%, 50%, and 96% of symptomatic participants in the three studies that reported this outcome. The proportion of symptomatic attendees offered a diagnostic investigation (data available for 13 studies), was very low with a study level median of 38% (IQR: 22% to 45%, range 5% to 84%).Conclusions Inefficiencies of the TB symptom screen-based patient pathway are a major contributor to underdiagnosis of TB in health facilities, and reflect inconsistent implementation of longstanding guidelines to ask all patients attending health facilities about respiratory symptoms and to offer diagnostic tests to all patients promptly once TB symptoms are identified. Better screening tools and interventions to improve the efficiency of TB screening and diagnosis pathways in health facilities are urgently needed.
Sickness absence trajectories following labour market participation patterns: a cohort study in Catalonia (Spain), 2012-2014
Authors: Hernando-Rodriguez JC , Serra L , Benavides FG , Ubalde-Lopez M
Published: August 2020

Background Previous studies have focused on the relationship between employment pathways and health-related outcomes based on cross-sectional or longitudinal approaches. However, little is known about the cumulative effects of employment status mobility on sickness absence (SA) over time. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between prior labour market participation (LMP) patterns and SA trajectories from a life-course perspective.
Methods This cohort study was based on a sample of 11,968 salaried workers living in Catalonia and affiliated with the Spanish Social Security system, who accumulated more than 15 days on SA in at least one quarter during 2012–2014. Individuals were grouped into three different working life stages: early (18–25 years), middle (26–35 years), and late (36–45 years). To identify LMP patterns, we applied sequence analysis and cluster analysis (2002–2011), and we used latent class growth modelling to identify SA trajectories (2012–2014). Finally, we applied multinomial logistic regression models to assess the relationship between LMP patterns and SA trajectories.
Results The analyses yielded six LMP patterns: stable employment (value range: 63%–81%), increasing employment (5%–22%), without long-term coverage (7%–8%), decreasing employment (4%–10%), fluctuant employment (13%–14%), and steeply decreasing employment (7%–9%). We also identified four SA trajectories: low stable (83%–88%), decreasing (5%–9%), increasing (5%–11%), and high stable (7%–16%). However, the only significant association we identified for LMP patterns and SA trajectories was among young men, for whom an increasing employment pattern was significantly associated with a lower risk for increased days on SA (adjusted odds ratio: 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.96).
Conclusions SA trajectories are generally not related to prior 10-year LMP patterns at any stage of working life. To disentangle this relationship, future research might benefit from considering working life transitions with a quality-of-work approach framed with contextual factors closer to the SA course.
Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in Healthcare Facilities in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda
Authors: Kayiwa Denis , Mugambe Richard K. , Mselle Jane Sembuche , Isunju John Bosco , Ssempebwa John C. , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Ndejjo Rawlance , Kansiime Winnie K , Nalugya Aisha , Wagaba Brenda , Zziwa Jude. B. , Bwire Constance , Buregyeya Esther , Radooli Martin Othieno , Kimbugwe Ceaser , Namanya Emily , Bateganya Najib Lukooya , McGriff Joanne A. , Wang Yuke , Ssekamatte Tonny , Habib Yakubu
Published: August 2020

Background: Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Healthcare facilities (HCFs) is of significant public health importance. It is associated with a reduction in the transmission of healthcare acquired infections (HAIs), increased trust and uptake of healthcare services, cost saving from infections averted, increased efficiency and improved staff morale. Despite these benefits, there is limited evidence on availability of WASH services in HCFs in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA). This study assessed the availability of WASH services within HCFs in the GKMA in order to inform policy and WASH programming.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 HCFs. Availability of WASH services in the study HCFs was assessed using a validated WASH Conditions (WASHCon) tool comprising of structured interviews, HCF observations and microbial water quality analysis. Data were analysed using Stata 14 software and R software. Results: Overall, 84.5% (49/58) and 12.1% (7/58) of HCFs had limited and basic WASH service respectively. About 48.3% (28/58) had limited water service, 84.5% (49/58) had limited sanitation service, 50.0% (29/58) had limited environmental cleanliness service, 56.9% (33/58) had limited hand hygiene service, and 51.7% (30/58) had limited waste management service. About 94.4% of public HCFs had limited WASH service compared to only 68.2% of private not for profit facilities. More health centre IIIs, 92.5% and health centre IVs (85.7%) had limited WASH service compared to hospitals (54.5%).Conclusions: Our findings indicate that provision of water, sanitation, hand hygiene, environmental cleanliness, and health care waste management services within HCFs are largely hindered by structural and performance limitations. In spite of these limitations, it is evident that environmental cleanliness and treatment of infectious waste can be attained with better oversight and dedicated personnel. Attaining universal WASH coverage in HCFs will require deliberate and strategic investments across the different domains.
Diagnostic ability of OCT parameters and retinal ganglion cells count in identification of glaucoma in myopic preperimetric eyes
Authors: Rolle Teresa , Bonetti Beatrice , Mazzucco Alberto , Dallorto Laura
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic ability of OCT parameters and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) count in identify glaucomatous disease in myopic preperimetric eyes.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study. The study group consisted of 154 eyes: 36 controls, 64 preperimetric (PPG), and 54 primary openangle glaucoma (POAG) eyes. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on axial length: emmetropic, myopic with axial length (AL) <25 mm, and myopic with AL>25 mm, to analyze the effect of myopia. The RGCs count was obtained using a model described later. As regard the influence of myopia on OCT parameters and RGC count, we performed Pearson’s correlation. The Area Under Receiver Operator Characteristics Curves (AUROC curves) evaluated which parameter had the best sensitivity and specificity in identifying glaucoma in myopic eyes.RESULTS: In Pearson’s test, all Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) thicknesses showed the weakest and less significant correlation with AL in all groups. All the AUROCs were statistically significant, and above 0.5. Inferior GCC and Global Loss Volume (GLV) showed the highest AUCs in all myopic group and the best diagnostic ability in distinguishing control from glaucomatous eyes. RGCcount showed good AUROC in all groups, with sensitivities of about 83% in myopic eyes, and specificity over 91% in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: GCC is the parameter less influenced by the AL, and the inferior GCC and the GLV have the best diagnostic performance. The RGCcount has good sensitivity and specificity, so it can be used as a complementary test in the diagnosis of glaucoma in myopic preperimetric eyes.
Risk Factors for Sub–therapeutic Serum Concentrations of Magnesium Sulfate in Severe Preeclampsia of Chinese Patients
Authors: Li Jingjing , Tang Lian , Tang Ruiheng , Peng Lan , Chai Liqiang , Zhu Liping , Yu Yanxia
Published: August 2020

Background: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is the standard drug for eclampsia prophylaxis and treatment. In China, the effective therapeutic serum magnesium level is 1.8–3.0 mmol/L. There is little information on how to achieve and maintain effective therapeutic concentrations. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum concentrations of MgSO4 in patients with severe preeclampsia. Methods: Patients with severe preeclampsia who received MgSO4 intravenous infusion were retrospectively reviewed. The maternal demographic characteristics, regimens for the administration of MgSO4, and lab test results of patients were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted for the risk factors influencing the serum magnesium concentration. Results: A total of 93 patients with severe preeclampsia were included in the study. 52 (55.91%) patients did not attain therapeutic serum magnesium levels. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified creatinine clearance (Ccr), whether the loading dose was given, and measurement time of serum magnesium concentration (referring to the time from start of MgSO4 infusion to blood draw for serum sampling) as independent risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum magnesium concentration (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the continuous variable Ccr had a significant predictive value for the serum magnesium concentration, which resulted in a cutoff point of 133 mL/min; while measurement time had limited predictive value, with cutoff point of 2.375 h. Conclusions: Ccr, whether the loading dose was given, and measurement time were independent risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum magnesium concentration. A loading dose of MgSO4 everytime before the maintenance dose, as well as the duration of MgSO4 maintenance dose of more than 2.375 hours are recommended for all the patients with severe PE. Routine evaluation of serum magnesium levels is a recommended practice for women with severe PE and whose Ccr is ≥ 133 mL/min.
Metabolic and transcriptome responses of RNAi-mediated AMPKα knockdown in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Jiang Heng , Zhang Nan , Ji Caihong , Meng Xiangkun , Qian Kun , Zheng Yang , Wang Jianjun
Published: August 2020

Background The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an intracellular fuel sensor for lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition to the short-term regulation of metabolic enzymes by phosphorylation, AMPK may also exert long-term effects on the transcription of downstream genes through the regulation of transcription factors and coactivators. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) was conducted to investigate the effects of knockdown of TcAMPKα on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, and the transcriptome profiles of dsTcAMPKα-injected and dsEGFP-injected beetles under normal conditions were compared by RNA-sequencing.Results RNAi-mediated suppression of TcAMPKα increased whole-body triglyceride (TG) level and the ratio between glucose and trehalose, as was confirmed by in vivo treatment with the AMPK-activating compound, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR). A total of 1184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between dsTcAMPKα-injected and dsEGFP-injected beetles. These include genes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism as well as insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the differential expression of selected genes. Interestingly, metabolism-related transcription factors such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) were also significantly upregulated in dsTcAMPKα-injected beetles. Conclusions AMPK plays a critical role in the regulation of beetle metabolism. The findings of DEGs involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism provide valuable insight into the role of AMPK signaling in the transcriptional regulation of insect metabolism.
Bioinformatic analysis reveals hub genes and pathways that promote melanoma metastasis
Authors: su wenxing , guan yi , huang biao , wang juanjuan , wei yuqian , zhao ying , Jiao qingqing , ji jiang , yu daojiang , Xu Longjiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Melanoma has the highest mortality rate of all skin tumors, and metastases are the major cause of death from it. The molecular mechanism leading to melanoma metastasis is currently unclear. Methods: With the goal of revealing the underlying mechanism, three data sets with accession numbers GSE8401, GSE46517 and GSE7956 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After identifying the differentially expressed gene (DEG) of primary melanoma and metastatic melanoma, three kinds of analyses were performed, namely functional annotation, protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network and module construction, and co-expression and drug-gene interaction prediction analysis. Results: A total of 41 up-regulated genes and 79 down-regulated genes was selected for subsequent analyses. Results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that extracellular matrix organization and proteoglycans in cancer are closely related to melanoma metastasis. In addition, seven pivotal genes were identified from PPI network, including CXCL8, THBS1, COL3A1, TIMP3, KIT, DCN, and IGFBP5, which have all been verified in the TCGA database and clinical specimens, but only CXCL8, THBS1 and KIT had significant differences in expression. Conclusions: To conclude, CXCL8, THBS1 and KIT may be the hub genes in the metastasis of melanoma and thus may be regarded as therapeutic targets in the future.
A comparison of the balance skills, personality, and temperament of elite sports athletes and football players
Authors: Wojciechowska-Maszkowska Bożena , Borzucka Dorota , Rogowska Aleksandra
Published: August 2020

Background: Although balance skills and personality have been explored in the field of sports science, little is known about the relationship between the two factors. This study aims to investigate the association of postural balance with traits of personality and temperament. The differences between elite athletes, football players, and the control sample will also be examined.Methods: There were 73 participants in the cross-sectional study, aged between 16 and 30 years (M = 21.29, SD = 2.47), including 59% men. Three samples of participants consisted of elite athletes (AE, n = 17, 23.29%) from the Polish National Team; football players (FP, n = 32, 43.84%); and the control sample (CS, n = 24, 32.88%). Postural control was assessed on a force platform (Type 9286AA, Kistler Instrumente AG, Winterthur, Switzerland) with a sampling frequency of 100 Hz. The center of pressure (COP) parameter was measured for 20 s in both conditions with eyes open, and eyes closed, in both directions, anterior‒posterior (AP) and medial‒lateral (ML). The COP parameters include standard deviation (SD), mean range (RA), mean velocity (MV), and entropy (SE). The NEO-FFI questionnaire was used to assess the Big Five personality traits, whereas the FCB-TI was used to assess temperament.Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that the EA and CS groups were more stable in the ML direction than the FP group. In the AP direction, the athletes from the EA group were more stable than the CS group. Neither personality nor temperament differentiated the three groups of participants, apart from agreeableness, which was significantly lower in both the EA and FP groups. Openness to experience is positively associated with COP parameters, as was shown by the regression analysis. All together, COP parameters can explain for about 40% of openness variability.Conclusions: The results of this study showed that EA and CS have better stability than footballers in both the ML and AP directions. Openness seems to be related to postural balance skills.
Design and validation of Brucellosis prevention questionnaire focused on animal vaccination
Authors: Bahadori Farhad , Ghofranipour Fazlollah , Ghaﬀarifar Saeideh , Ziaei Reza
Published: August 2020

Background: Inadequate awareness of livestock breeders concerning the transmission of brucellosis and their improper knowledge with regard to the prevention of brucellosis are among important barriers to vaccinate animals against brucellosis. The aim of this study is design and validation of a Brucellosis prevention questionnaire focused on animal vaccination . This valid questionnaire is used to design, implement and evaluate an interventional training program. Methods: In this exploratory psychometric study, a brucellosis prevention questionnaire (BPQ) was developed. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to develop the initial items of BPQ. The findings from interviews were merged with those of literature review. Face, content and construct validity of BPQ were assessed by participation of livestock breeders, veterinarians and health educationists. Impact Score (IS), Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) of the items were calculated. Construct validity of BPQ was evaluated through factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha, Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), composite reliability and standard error of measurement (SEM) were measured to assess the reliability of the findings by BPQ. Results: BPQ was finalized by 53 items and its validity was confirmed by CVI, CVR, and IS of 0.90, 0.74 and 4.30, respectively. The items were loaded into three constructs of awareness, attitude and practice. The predictive power of the awareness, attitude and practice was 43.43%, 15.81% and 15.78%, respectively. The fitness of the proposed model among those constructs was confirmed by Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) <0.08, Normed chi-square (x 2/ df) < 5.0, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) ≥ 0.90, Tucker- Lewis Index (TLI) ≥ 0.9. Conclusion: The brucellosis prevention questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties. Applying BPQ, veterinarians and educational planners can identify factors influencing preventive behavior of livestock breeders.
A 31-bp indel in the 5' UTR region of GNB1L is significantly associated with chicken body weight and carcass traits
Authors: Ren Tuanhui , Yang Ying , Lin Wujian , Li Wangyu , Xian Mingjian , Fu Rong , Zhang Zihao , Mo Guodong , Luo Wen , Zhang Xiquan
Published: August 2020

Background: G-protein subunit beta 1 like ( GNB1L ) encodes a G-protein beta-subunit-like polypeptide. Chicken GNB1L is upregulated in the breast muscle of high feed efficiency chickens, and its expression is 1.52-fold that in low feed efficiency chickens. However, no report has described the effects of GNB1L indels on the chicken carcass and growth traits. Results: This study identified a 31-bp indel in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of GNB1L and elucidated the effect of this gene mutation on the carcass and growth traits in chickens. The 31-bp indel showed a highly significant association with the body weight at 8 different stages and was significantly correlated with daily gains at 0 to 4 weeks and 4 to 8 weeks. Similarly, the mutation was significantly associated with small intestine length, breast width, breast depth and breast muscle weight. Moreover, DD and ID were superior genotypes for chicken growth and carcass traits. Conclusions: These results show that the 31-bp indel of GNB1L significantly affects chicken body weight and carcass traits and can serve as a candidate molecular marker for chicken genetics and breeding programs.
Did Granny know best? Evaluating the Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Efficacy of Acetic Acid for Home Care Procedures.
Authors: Zinn Marc-Kevin , Bockmuehl Dirk
Published: August 2020

Background: Acetic acid has been used to clean and disinfect surfaces in the household for many decades. The antimicrobial efficacy of cleaning procedures can be considered particularly important for young, old, pregnant, immunocompromised people, but may also concern other groups, particularly with regards to the COVID-19 pandemics. This study aimed to show that acetic acid exhibit an antibacterial and antifungal activity when used for cleaning purposes and is able to destroy certain viruses. Furthermore, a disinfecting effect of laundry in a simulated washing cycle has been investigated.Results: At a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid, acetic acid showed a reduction of >5-log steps according to the specifications of DIN EN 1040 and DIN EN 1275 for the following microorganisms: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, K. pneumoniae, E. hirae and A. brasiliensis. For MRSA a logarithmic reduction of 3.19 was obtained. Tests on surfaces according to DIN EN 13697 showed a complete reduction (> 5-log steps) for P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. aureus, E. hirae, A. brasiliensis and C. albicans at an acetic acid concentration of already 5%. Virucidal efficacy tests according to DIN EN 14476 and DIN EN 16777 showed a reduction of ≥ 4-log-steps against the Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) for acetic acid concentrations of 5% or higher.The results suggest that acetic acid does not have a disinfecting effect on microorganisms in a dosage that is commonly used for cleaning. However, this can be achieved by increasing the concentration of acetic acid used, especially when combined with citric acid.Conclusions: Our results show a disinfecting effect of acetic acid in a concentration of 10% and in presence of 1.5% citric acid against a variety of microorganisms. A virucidal effect against enveloped viruses could also be proven. Furthermore, the results showed a considerable antimicrobial effect of acetic acid when used in domestic laundry procedures.
Prediction of Treatment Failure and Compliance in Patients with Tuberculosis
Authors: Koo Hyeon-Kyoung , Min Jinsoo , Kim Hyung Woo , Lee Joosun , Kim Ju Sang , Park Jae Seuk , Lee Sung-Soon
Published: August 2020

Background To improve treatment outcomes for tuberculosis (TB) , efforts to reduce treatment failure are necessary. The aim of our study was to describe the characteristics of subjects who had failed treatment of tuberculosis and identify the risk factors for treatment failure and poor compliance using national data. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed on tuberculosis subjects whose final outcome was reported as treatment failure during 2015-2017. The same number of subjects with treatment success during the same study period were randomly selected for comparison. Demographics, microbiological, radiographic, and clinical data were collected based on in-depth interviews by TB nurse specialists at all Public Private Mix (PPM) participating hospitals in South Korea. Results A total of 52 tuberculosis patients with treatment failure were enrolled. In a multivariable analysis, the presence of diabetes, previous history of tuberculosis, and cavity were identified as risk factors for treatment failure; and Medicaid support was a favorable factor for treatment success (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.79). Age, low body mass index (BMI), presence of diabetes, preexisting lung disease, positive sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear result, and the presence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis ( MDR-TB) were significantly associated with presence of cavities. Younger age, lower BMI and previous history of TB were associated with poor compliance during treatment (AUC: 0.76). Conclusion To reduce treatment failure, careful evaluation of the presence of diabetes, previous TB history, underlying lung disease, cavity, results of sputum AFB smears, and socioeconomic status are needed. To enhance treatment compliance, more attention should be paid to younger patients with lower BMIs during follow-up.
Increased Incidence Of Susac Syndrome: A Case Series Study
Authors: Wilf-Yarkoni Adi , Elkayam O. , Aizenstein O. , Yahav O. , Furer V. , Zur D. , Goldstein M. , Barequet D. , Hallevi H. , Karni A. , Habot-Wilner Z , Regev K
Published: August 2020

Background Susac syndrome (SuS) is a rare condition characterized by a clinical triad of sensorineural hearing loss, branch artery occlusion and encephalopathy. This study reports an increased incidence of SuS in Israel. We describe the clinical characteristics of these patients, diagnostic procedures and the use and subsequent outcomes of newly published treatment guidelines. Methods This is a single center retrospective study. Patients who were diagnosed with SuS between July 2017 and August 2018 were enrolled in this study. Results Seven patients were diagnosed with SuS according to the diagnostic criteria in a time period of 13 months. The annual incidence was recently evaluated in Austria to be 0.024/100000, therefore, our case series represent at least a 5.4- fold increase in the annual incidence of SuS expected in Israel and a 7-fold increase in the annual incidence expected in our medical center. Mean time from the onset of the symptoms to diagnosis was three weeks and follow-up time was twenty four months. Recent exposure to cytomegalovirus was serologically evident in three patients and one patient had high titer of anti-streptolysin antibody. All patients underwent brain MRI, fluorescein angiography and audiometry. All patients were treated according to the newly recommended guidelines. All patients achieved clinical and radiological stability. Conclusions We report of an increased incidence of SuS in Israel. Infectious serological findings may imply a post infectious mechanism. The use of the recommended diagnostic procedures reduced the time to diagnosis. Newly published treatment guidelines led to favorable clinical outcomes.
Lipid metabolic gene-wide profile and survival signature of lung adenocarcinoma 
Authors: Li Jinyou , Li Qiang , Su Zhenyu , Sun Qi , Zhao Yong , Feng Tienan , Jiang Jiayuan , Ma Haitao , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2020

Background: Lung cancer is the cancer with high morbidity and mortality across the globe, and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histologic subtype. The disorder of lipid metabolism is related to the development of cancer. Analysis of lipid-related transcriptome helps shed light on diagnosis and prognostic biomarkers of LUAD. Methods: In this study, we performed an expression analysis of 1045 lipid metabolism-related genes between LUAD tumors and normal tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas Lung Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-LUAD) cohort. The interaction network of differential expression genes (DEGs) was constructed to identify. The association between hub genes and overall survival was evaluated and formed a model to predict the prognosis of LUAD using a nomogram, and the model was validated by another cohort (GSE13213). Results: Finally, a total of 217 lipid metabolism-related DEGs were detected in LUAD. They were significantly enriched in Glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolic process, and Eicosanoid Signaling. Then we identified 6 hub genes through network and cytoHubba, including INS, LPL, HPGDS, DGAT1, UGT1A6, and CYP2C9. The high expression of CYP2C9, UGT1A6, and INS, whereas low expressions of DGAT1, HPGDS, and LPL, were associated with worse overall survival (OS) for 1925 LUAD patients. Our model found that the high-risk score group had a worse OS, and the validated cohort had the same result.Conclusion: This study constructed a signature of six lipid metabolic genes, which was significantly associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of LUAD patients. The gene signature can be used as a biomarker for LUAD in the term of lipid metabolic.
Modeling the β-secretase cleavage site and humanizing amyloid-beta precursor protein in rat and mouse to study Alzheimer’s Disease.
Authors: Serneels Lutgarde , T'Syen Dries , Perez-Benito Laura , Theys Tom , Holt Matthew G , De Strooper Bart
Published: August 2020

BackgroundThree amino acid differences between rodent and human APP affect medically important features, including β-secretase cleavage of APP and Aβ peptide aggregation(1–3). Most rodent models for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are, therefore, based on the human APP sequence, expressed from artificial mini-genes randomly inserted in the rodent genome. While these models mimic rather well various biochemical aspects of the disease, such as Aβ-aggregation, they are also prone to overexpression artifacts and to complex phenotypical alterations, due to genes affected in or close to the insertion site(s) of the mini-genes(4,5). Knock-in strategies which introduce clinical mutants in a humanized endogenous rodent APP sequence(6) represent useful improvements, but need to be compared with appropriate humanized wildtype (WT) mice. MethodsComputational modelling of the human β-CTF bound to BACE1 was used to study the differential processing of rodent and human APP. We humanized the three pivotal residues we identified G676R, F681Y and R684H (labeled according to the human APP770 isoform) in the mouse and rat genomes using a CRISPR-Cas9 approach. These new models, termed mouse and rat Apphu/hu, express APP from the endogenous promotor. We also introduced the early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) mutation M139T into the endogenous Rat Psen1 gene.ResultsWe show that introducing these three amino acid substitutions into the rodent sequence lowers the affinity of the APP substrate for BACE1 cleavage. The effect on β-secretase processing was confirmed as both humanized rodent models produce three times more (human) Aβ compared to the original WT strain. These models represent suitable controls, or starting points, for studying the effect of transgenes or knock-in mutations on APP processing(6). We introduced the early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) mutation M139T into the endogenous Rat Psen1 gene and provide an initial characterization of Aβ processing in this novel rat AD model.Conclusion The different humanized APP models (rat and mouse) expressing human Aβ and PSEN1 M139T are valuable controls to study APP processing in vivo allowing the use of a human Aβ ELISA which is more sensitive than the equivalent system for rodents. These animals will be made available to the research community.
On the theoretical prediction of microalgae growth for parallel flow
Authors: Ma Chunyang
Published: August 2020

Background: The established microalgae growth models are semi-empirical or considerable fitting coefficients exist. Therefore, the ability of the model prediction is reduced by the numerous fitting coefficients. Furthermore, the predicted results of the established models are dependent on the size of the photobioreactor (PBR), light intensity, flow and concentration field. The growth mechanism of microalgae has not clearly understood in PBR cultivation. It is difficult to predict the microalgae growth by theoretical methods, owing to the aforementioned factors. We developed an exploratory bridging microalgae growth model to predict the microalgae growth rate in PBRs by using the nondimensional method which is effectively in fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Results: The analytical solution of the growth rate was obtained for the parallel flow. The nondimensional growth rate expressed as function of Reynolds number and Schmidt number, which can be used for arbitrary parallel flow due to the solution was expressed as nondimensional quantities. The theoretically predicted growth rate is compared with the experimentally measured microalgae growth rate on the order of magnitude. Conclusions: The nondimensional method successfully applied to the microalgae growth problem for the first time. The general nondimensional solution can unify the numerous experimental data for different laboratory conditions, and give a direction for the disorder of the microalgae growth problem. The nondimensional solution will be useful in the design and operation of PBRs for biofuel production.
IPSE, a Urogenital Parasite-Derived Immunomodulatory Molecule, Suppresses Bladder Pathogenesis and Anti-Microbial Peptide Gene Expression in Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Mbanefo Evaristus C. , Le Loc , Pennington Luke F. , Hsieh Yi-Ju , Odegaard Justin I. , Lapira Kristina , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Falcone Franco H. , Hsieh Michael
Published: August 2020

Background: Parasitic infections can increase susceptibility to bacterial co-infections. This may be true for urogenital schistosomiasis and bacterial urinary tract co-infections (UTI). We previously reported that this co-infection is facilitated by S. haematobium eggs triggering interleukin-4 (IL-4) production and sought to dissect the underlying mechanisms. The interleukin-4 inducing principle from Schistosoma mansoni eggs (IPSE) is one of the most abundant schistosome egg-secreted proteins and binds to IgE on the surface of basophils and mast cells to trigger IL-4 release. IPSE can also translocate into host nuclei using a nuclear localization sequence (NLS) to modulate host transcription. We hypothesized that IPSE is the factor responsible for the ability of S. haematobium eggs to worsen UTI pathogenesis. Methods: Mice were intravenously administered a single 25 mg dose of recombinant S. haematobium-derived IPSE, an NLS mutant of IPSE or PBS. Following IPSE exposure, mice were serially weighed, and organs analyzed by histology to assess for toxicity. Twenty-four hours after IPSE administration, mice were challenged with the uropathogenic E. coli strain UTI89 by urethral catheterization. Bacterial cfu were measured using urine. Bladders were examined histologically for UTI-triggered pathogenesis and by PCR for antimicrobial peptide expression.Results: Unexpectedly, IPSE administration did not result in significant differences in urine bacterial CFU. However, IPSE administration did lead to a significant reduction in UTI-induced bladder pathogenesis and the expression of anti-microbial peptides in the bladder. Despite the profound effect of IPSE on UTI-triggered bladder pathogenesis and anti-microbial peptide production, mice did not demonstrate systemic ill effects from IPSE exposure.Conclusions: Our data show that IPSE may play a major role in S. haematobium-associated urinary tract co-infection, albeit in an unexpected fashion. These findings also indicate that IPSE either works in concert with other IL-4-inducing factors to increase susceptibility of S. haematobium-infected hosts to bacterial co-infection, or does not contribute to enhancing vulnerability to this co-infection.
Association between functional disability and depressive symptoms among older adults in rural China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rong Jian , Ge Yanhong , Wang Xueqin , Chen Guimei , Ding Hong
Published: August 2020

Background: The association between functional disability and depressive symptoms among elderly people in rural China is not clear. This study explored the relationship between functional disability and depressive symptoms, focusing on whether an interactive association between functional disability, demographic characteristics and depressive symptoms exists among older adults in rural Anhui, China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with multi-stage stratified random sampling. The 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale and WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 were used to evaluate depressive symptoms and functional disability, respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistics 25.0 program with chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, binary logistic regression analysis, and classification and regression tree model.Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in 3336 older people was 52.94%. After adjustment, subjects who had problems in participation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.499, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.385-4.987), life activities (AOR=1.683, 95% CI: 1.370-2.066), getting along (AOR=1.616, 95% CI: 1.299-2.010), and mobility (AOR=1.842, 95% CI: 1.503-2.258) had an increased depressive symptoms risk. However, cognition (AOR=0.785, 95% CI: 0.647-0.953) negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. Additionally, the interactive association between functional disability dimensions, various variables and depressive symptoms were identified for the first time. Those who had problems in mobility, getting along and were unemployed, the possibility of having depressive symptoms was the highest.Conclusions: Special attention should be paid to unemployed older adults, and those with problems in participation, life activities, getting along, and mobility and no problems in cognition to maintain a good psychological state. Our findings may be greatly significant for developing more targeted and effective mental health prevention and intervention measures for older adults in rural areas.
Bone mineral density reference values in Singaporean adults and comparison for osteoporosis establishment – The Yishun Study
Authors: Chen Kexun , Wee Shiou-Liang , Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Lau Lay Khoon , Jabbar Khalid Abdul , Seah Wei Ting , Sriniva Sivasubramanian , Mallya Jagadish Ullal , Ng Tze Pin
Published: August 2020

Background

While there have been studies in Singapore on the prevalence and economic burden of osteoporotic hip fracture, there is a severe lack of reference data on bone mineral density and prevalence of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to establish the reference values for BMD and compare prevalence of osteoporotic conditions using other available reference values so as to better understand the status of bone health in Singaporean adults.

Methods

We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic Discovery Wi) to measure the bone mineral density of Singaporean adults aged [[EQUATION]] 21 years. 314 women and 223 men were recruited from the large north-eastern residential town of Yishun. ﻿We computed T-scores (denoted by T SG ) for each individual in the study. Similar diagnoses were also done based on T-scores provided by the densitometer (T DXA ), NHANES database (T NHANES ), and China (T CHN ), and the differences in prevalence compared. We then compared the concordance between T SG and T DXA in the classification of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was defined according to criteria by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Results

Peak lumbar spine BMD was 1.093±0.168g/cm 2 in women, and 1.041±0.098g/cm 2 for men. Peak whole-body BMD was 1.193±0.93g/cm 2 in women at, and 1.224±0.112g/cm 2 for men. Prevalence of osteoporosis based on lumbar spine was 9.3% in postmenopausal women, and 0.7% in men after 50 years of age. The percentage difference in prevalence range from 60.5 - 163.6%, when using reference values from T DXA , T NHANES , and T CHN . Comparing diagnosis using T DXA and T SG cut-off values, 28 versus 15 women were diagnosed as osteoporotic respectively. ﻿ The kappa statistics was 0.81 for women and 0.85 for men.

Conclusion

Our study shows that T-scores provided by DXA manufacturer over-diagnosed osteoporosis in Singaporeans, and the prevalence of osteoporotic conditions is not accurately represented. This over-diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment in some individuals.
Bacteriological Quality of Raw Meat, Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolation and Associated Risk Factors Among Butcher Houses of Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Abebe Aschalew , Arero Godana , Shiferaw Teklu
Published: August 2020

BackgroundFoodborne diseases continue to be an important public health problem globally and most of the food safety hazards are caused by foods of animal sources. It is also reported that contaminated raw meat has been identified as one of the main sources of foodborne illnesses. In Ethiopia, the widespread habit of raw meat consumption, lack of compliance with standard quality and sanitation protocols is a potential cause for foodborne illnesses. The purpose of this study was to assess bacteriological quality, antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolation of raw meat and associated factors among butcher houses of Adama town, Ethiopia, 2019. ResultsThree-fourth (¾th) of collected raw meat was unacceptable bacterial load of Total Aerobic Plate count based on Gulf Standard. The average contamination was (5.89±0.86) log Colony Forming Unit per gram for total aerobic plate count. Raw meat collected from meat handlers who trained on meat hygiene (AOR=5.8, 95%CI:(1.99-17.34), collecting money (AOR= 0.14,95%CI (0.04-0.43) were associated with bacteriological quality of raw meat. Whereas, proportion of meat samples that were positive for Salmonella and shigella were (9.8% and 2.67%) respectively. The resistance of Salmonella was most frequently observed to Ampicillin (100%), Amoxicillin/ Clavunilic (54.5%), Tetracycline (36.3%) Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (18.2%). Shigella expressed resistance to Ampicillin (50%) and 100% sensitive to the rest antibiotics used.ConclusionBacterial logarithmic mean values were beyond the acceptable standard indication of poor hygiene, making it a potential source of food-borne infection. Therefore, stringent inspection, regular supervision, training and hygienic practices should be introduced to enhance hygienic quality meat for consumers.
Burnout Syndrome and Its Predictors in Dermatology Residents
Authors: Shadid Asem , Aldosari Batal M , ALGarni Abdullah M , Altalhab Saad , Alharithy Ru’aa
Published: August 2020

Background: Burnout is a problem that is highly under-reported and under-recognized. Defined by three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism or depersonalization (DP), and low personal feelings of achievement (PA). It is a prolonged response to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job. If unrecognized, the costs to the healthcare providers and to the health care system can be enormous. Previous studies reported various burnout rates during board training programs; yet, none focused on dermatology residents. This is the first study to assess burnout rate and possible predictors in dermatology residents in the middle east, and the second worldwide.Methods: The Maslach Burnout Inventory, alongside the possible risk factors of burnout, was distributed to dermatology board training programs in all affiliated centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yielding a response rate of 96.2%.Results: High EE was present in 41.2% of dermatology residents, a low sense of PA was present in 45.1%, while high DP was the least prevalent at 13.7%. Satisfaction with career was significantly associated with high risk of EE (OR = 0.61, P < 0.001), high risk of DP (OR = 0.34, P = 0.001) and low risk of PA (OR = 0.68, P < 0.001). The average number of sleeping hours was also associated with high risk of EE (OR = 0.87, P < 0.001), high risk of DP (OR = 0.76, P = 0.001) and low risk of PA (OR = 0.86, P < 0.001). Our findings report high burnout in 7.8% of the respondents.Conclusions: The burnout phenomenon is a well-known issue that must be acknowledged by program directors in academic medicine. Protected time to pursue academic interests, e.g., research and teaching, and a fair distribution of on-call hours per month, as well as a number of clinics per week may explain the rate of burnout in our study. These findings can be applied in the development and improvement of training programs to reduce the burnout rate among future dermatologists.