bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the evolutionary characteristics between cultivated tea and its wild relatives using complete chloroplast genomes
Authors: Peng Jiao , Zhao Yunlin , Dong Meng , Liu Shiquan , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhong Xiaofen , Xu Zhenggang
Published: October 2020

Background: Cultivated tea is one of the most important economic and ecological trees distributed worldwide. Cultivated tea suffer from long-term targeted selection of traits and overexploitation of habitats by human beings, which may have changed its genetic structure. The chloroplast is an organelle with a conserved cyclic genomic structure, and it can help us better understand the evolutionary relationship of Camellia plants. Results: We conducted comparative and evolutionary analyses on cultivated tea and wild tea, and we detected the evolutionary characteristics of cultivated tea. The chloroplast genome sizes of cultivated tea were slightly different, ranging from 157,025 bp to 157,100 bp. In addition, the cultivated species were more conserved than the wild species, in terms of the genome length, gene number, gene arrangement and GC content. However, comparing Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and Camellia sinensis var. assamica with their cultivars, the IR length variation was approximately 20 bp and 30 bp, respectively. The nucleotide diversity of 14 sequences in cultivated tea was higher than that in wild tea. Detailed analysis on the genomic variation and evolution of Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cultivars revealed 67 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 46 insertions/deletions (indels), and 16 protein coding genes with nucleotide substitutions, while Camellia sinensis var. assamica cultivars revealed 4 indels. In cultivated tea, the most variable gene was ycf1 . The largest number of nucleotide substitutions, five amino acids exhibited site-specific selection, and a 9 bp sequence insertion were found in the Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cultivars. In addition, phylogenetic relationship in the ycf1 tree suggested that the ycf1 gene has evolved in cultivated tea. Because C. sinensis var. sinensis and its cultivated species were not tightly clustered. Conclusions: The cultivated species were more conserved than the wild species in terms of architecture and linear sequence order. The variation of the chloroplast genome in cultivated tea was mainly manifested in the nucleotide polymorphisms and sequence insertions. The ycf1 gene played an important role in the adaptive evolution of cultivated tea. These results provided evidence regarding the influence of human activities on tea.
The oncometabolite R-2-hydroxyglutarate dysregulates the differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells via inducing DNA hypermethylation
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Hu Kaimin , Feng Jingjing , Wang Huafang , Fu Shan , Wang Binsheng , Wang Limengmeng , Xu Yulin , Yu Xiaohong , Huang He
Published: October 2020

Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1/2) gene mutations are the most frequently observed mutations in cartilaginous tumors. The mutant IDH causes elevation in the levels of R-enantiomer of 2-hydroxylglutarate (R-2HG). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are reasonable precursor cell candidates of cartilaginous tumors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of oncometabolite R-2HG on MSCs. Methods: Human bone marrow MSCs treated with or without R-2HG at concentrations 0.1 to 1.5mM were used for experiments. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the proliferation of MSCs. To determine the effects of R-2HG on MSC differentiation, cells were cultured in osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic medium. Specific staining approaches were performed and differentiation-related genes were quantified. Furthermore, DNA methylation status was explored by Illumina array-based arrays. Real-time PCR was applied to examine the signaling component mRNAs involved in. Results: R-2HG showed no influence on the proliferation of human MSCs. R-2HG blocked osteogenic differentiation, whereas promoted adipogenic differentiation of MSCs in a dose-dependent manner. R-2HG inhibited chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, but increased the expression of genes related to chondrocyte hypertrophy in a lower concentration (1.0 mM). Moreover, R-2HG induced a pronounced DNA hypermethylation state of MSC. R-2HG also improved promotor methylation of lineage-specific genes during osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. In addition, R-2HG induced hypermethylation and decreased the mRNA levels of SHH, GLI1and GLI2, indicating Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling inhibition. Conclusions: The oncometabolite R-2HG dysregulated the chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs possibly via induction of DNA hypermethylation, improving the role of R-2HG in cartilaginous tumor development.
Socio-demographic Determinants of Low Sexual Desire and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Population-based Study in Iran
Authors: Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , malary mina , moosazadeh mahmood , Khani Soghra , Pourasghar mehdi , Alianmoghaddam Narges
Published: October 2020

Background: Various socio-demographic factors have been introduced as the determinants of Low Sexual Desire (LSD), but whether these variables can also contribute to the Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), remains uncertain. In this study, we sought to identify the socio-demographic determinants of LSD and HSDD in Iranian women of reproductive age. Methods: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study of 1000 married Iranian women of reproductive age (16-49 years) who met the inclusion criteria. The participants were chosen using the systematic random sampling method from all the healthcare centres in the city of Sari, Iran. LSD was defined as a score no higher than 33 on the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory-Female (SIDI-F). The sexually-related personal distress was considered as a score of at least 11.0 on the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R), and HSDD was determined based on the sum of those scores. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and a chi-square test was run for data analysis using grouping variables. Multivariate logistic regression test was also employed to adjust the effect of confounding variables. Results: The mean score of sexual interest/desire among women was 30.6±10.5. After adjusting the effect of confounding variables, logistic regression showed that socio-demographic variables including age at first intercourse, length of marriage and the level of satisfaction with income were significantly associated with both LSD and HSDD (P<0.01). While advancing age (P<0.001) and body mass index (P<0.01) were just predictors of LSD. Conclusion: Some socio-demographic factors could predict LSD in women, while they were not associated with HSDD. In other words, some factors associated with LSD do not instigate sexually-related personal distress, which is one of the criteria necessary for the diagnosis of HSDD.
High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in adults, Ashanti Region, Ghana, 2018
Authors: Heinemann Melina , Phillips Richard O. , Vinnemeier Christof D. , Rolling Christina , Tannich Egbert , Rolling Thierry
Published: October 2020

Background
Ghana is among the high-burden countries for malaria infection and recently reported a notably increase in malaria cases. While asymptomatic parasitaemia is increasingly recognized as a hurdle for malaria elimination, studies on asymptomatic malaria are scarce and usually focus on children and on non-falciparum species. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum infections in Ghanaian adults in the Ashanti region during the high transmission season.
Methods
Asymptomatic adult residents from five villages in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were screened for Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the rainy season. Samples tested positive were subtyped using species-specific real-time PCR. For all Plasmodium ovale infections additional sub-species identification was performed.
Results
Molecular prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection was 284/391 (73%); only 126 (32%) infections were detected by RDT. While 266 (68%) participants were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 33 (8%) were infected with Plasmodium malariae and 34 (9%) with P. ovale. The sub-species P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were identified to similar proportions. Non-falciparum infections usually presented as mixed infections with P. falciparum.
Conclusions
Most adult residents in the Ghanaian forest zone are asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers. The high Plasmodium prevalence not detected by RDT in adults highlights that malaria eradication efforts must target all members of the population. Beneath Plasmodium falciparum, screening and treatment must also include infections with P. malariae, P. o. curtisi and P. o. wallikeri.
High spatial resolution magnetic mapping using ultra-high sensitivity scanning SQUID microscopy on a speleothem from the Kingdom of Tonga, southern Pacific
Authors: Fukuyo Naoto , Oda Hirokuni , Yokoyama Yusuke , Clark Geoffrey , Yamamoto Yuhji
Published: October 2020

Speleothems are an ideal archive of paleomagnetism since they retain continuous geomagnetic records in stable conditions and can be used for reliable radiometric dating using U-series and radiocarbon methods. However, their weak magnetic signals hinder the widespread use of this archive in the field of geoscience. While previous studies successfully reconstructed paleomagnetic signatures, including geomagnetic excursions, the time resolutions presented were not sufficient. Recently emerging scanning SQUID microscopy (SSM) in this field can image very weak magnetic fields while maintaining high spatial resolution that could likely overcome this obstacle. In this study, we employed SSM for paleomagnetic measurements on a stalagmite collected at Anahulu cave in Tongatapu Island, the Kingdom of Tonga. The samples were sliced to a thickness of ca. 0.2 mm and scanned for NRM using SSM, and the signal provides the indications of the influence from viscous remanent magnetization. It was thus removed by alternating field demagnetization (AFD) at 5mT. The average measured magnetic field after 5 mT AFD is ca. 0.27 nT with a sensor-to-sample distance of ~200 µm. A stronger magnetic field (average: ca. 0.62 nT) was observed above the grayish surface layer compared to that of the white inner layer (average: ca. 0.09 nT) associated with the laminated structures of a speleothem at the submillimeter scale with the SSM. The magnetization of the speleothem sample calculated by an inversion of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) also suggests that magnetic mineral content in the surface layer is higher than the inner layer. This feature was further investigated by low-temperature magnetometry. The results reveal that it contains magnetite and maghemite. The first-order reversal curve (FORC) measurements and the decomposition of IRM curves show that this speleothem contains a mixture of magnetic minerals with different coercivities and domain states. The contribution from maghemite to the total magnetization of the grayish surface layer is much higher than the white inner layer. The gray and white-colored layers of the speleothem retaining magnetically distinct characters indicates that the depositional environment was shifted when the surface layer was deposited and was likely changed to the oxidative environment.
Dignity of informal caregivers of migrant patients in the last phase of life. A qualitative study.
Authors: de Voogd Xanthe , Willems Dick , Torensma Marieke , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , Suurmond Jeanine
Published: October 2020

Background: A key aim of palliative care is to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To help ensure quality of life for the families of patients with migrant backgrounds, this study sought insights into the dignity of informal caregivers in migrant communities. This could improve understanding of family-centered care for migrant patients.Methods: Twenty semi-structured interviews with informal caregivers of Turkish, Moroccan, or Surinamese background living in the Netherlands were analyzed thematically.Results: The dignity of the patient and that of their informal caregivers were found to be strongly interrelated. Most important for the dignity of caregivers was ensuring good care for their patients and preserving the patients’ dignity. Ensuring good care involved advocating for good and dignified care and for satisfaction of a patient’s wishes. For many informal caregivers, it also included delivering care to the patient by themselves or together with other family members, despite having to give up part of their own lives. Providing care themselves was part of maintaining a good relationship with the patient; the care was to cater to the patient’s preferences and help preserve the patient’s dignity, and it could be accompanied by valuable aspects such as times for good conversations. Positive interaction between an informal caregiver and a patient positively influenced the informal caregiver’s dignity. Informal caregiver and patient dignity were often compromised simultaneously; when informal caregivers felt healthcare professionals were undermining a patient’s dignity, their own dignity suffered. According to informal caregivers, healthcare professionals can help them preserve dignity by taking seriously their advice about the patient, keeping them informed about the prognosis of the disease and of the patient, and dealing respectfully with differences in values at the end of life. Conclusion: The dignity of migrant patients’ informal caregivers in the last phase of a patient’s life is closely entwined with ensuring good care and dignity for the patient. Healthcare professionals can strengthen the dignity of informal caregivers by supporting their caregiving role.
Optimization Strategy of Wireless Charger Node Deployment Based on Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm
Authors: Wang Yang , wang feifan , Zhu Yujun , Liu Yiyang , Zhao Chuanxin
Published: October 2020

In wireless rechargeable sensor network, the deployment of charger node directly affects the overall charging utility of sensor network. Aiming at this problem, this paper abstracts the charger deployment problem as a multi-objective optimization problem that maximizes the received power of sensor nodes and minimizes the number of charger nodes. First, a network model that maximizes the sensor node received power and minimizes the number of charger nodes is constructed. Second, an Improved Cuckoo Search (ICS) algorithm is proposed. This algorithm is based on the traditional Cuckoo Search algorithm (CS) to redefine its step factor, and then use the mutation factor to change the nesting position of the host bird to update the bird ’s nest position, and then use ICS to find the ones that maximize the received power of the sensor node and minimize the number of charger nodes optimal solution. Compared with the traditional cuckoo search algorithm and multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, the simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively increase the receiving power of sensor nodes, reduce the number of charger nodes and find the optimal solution to meet the conditions, so as to maximize the network charging utility.
Momordica Charantia Polysaccharides Modulate the Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells via SIRT1/Β-Catenin Axis in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Hu Zhaoli , Li Fengying , Zhou Xiaoling , Zhang Feng , Huang Linyan , Gu Bing , Shen Jiangang , Qi Suhua
Published: October 2020

Background Stroke is the leading cause of long-term motor disability and cognitive impairment. Recently, neurogenesis has become an attractive strategy for the chronic recovery of stroke. It is important to understand the molecular mechanism that promotes neural stem cell (NSC) neurogenesis for future NSC-based therapies. Our previous study showed that Momordica charantia polysaccharides (MCPs) exerted neuroprotective effects on stroke via their antioxidant and anti-inflammation activities. However, it remains unknown whether MCPs promote NSC neurogenesis after cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods We investigated MCPs’ function in differentiation of NSCs in vitro experiments. Primary NSCs and neural stem cell line C17.2 were cultured and subjected to glutamate stimulation to establish the cell model of ischemia / reperfusion injury (IRI). We evaluated the effect of MCPs on NSC differentiation in IRI cell model by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The SIRT1 activity of NSCs post glutamate stimulation were also evaluated by CELL SIRT1 COLORIMETRY ASSAY KIT. In addition, molecular mechanism was clarified by employing the activator and inhibitor of SIRT1. Results MCPs had no effects on the differentiation of neural stem cells under physiological conditions, while shifted NSC differentiation potential from the gliogenic to neurogenic lineage under pathological conditions. Activation of SIRT1 with MCPs was responsible for the neuronal differentiation of C17.2-NSCs. The neuronal differentiation effect of MCPs was attributed to upregulation SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of β-catenin. MCPs-induced deacetylation via SIRT1 promoted nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in NSCs. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the deacetylation of β-catenin by SIRT1 represents a critical mechanism of action of MCPs in promoting NSC neuronal differentiation. It provides an improved understanding of molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotective effects of MCPs in IRI, indicating its potential role on treating ischemic stroke especially chronic recovery.
Spatial variations in seismicity characteristics in and around the source region of the 2019 Yamagata-Oki Earthquake, Japan
Authors: Ueda Taku , Kato Aitaro , Ogata Yoshihiko , Yamaya Lina
Published: October 2020

The 2019 MJ 6.7 Yamagata-Oki earthquake occurred adjacent to the northeastern edge of the source region of the 1964 MJ 7.5 Niigata earthquake, offshore of Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Few aftershocks occurred in the source region of the Yamagata-Oki earthquake immediately following the Niigata earthquake, and the recent seismicity rate in this region is low compared with the source region of the Niigata earthquake. This spatial variation in seismicity may allow us to elucidate plausible physical processes that shape the spatiotemporal evolution of these shallow-crustal environments. Here, we investigate the spatial variations in seismicity characteristics by applying the HIerarchical Space–Time Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (HIST-ETAS) model to an earthquake catalog compiled by the Japan Meteorological Agency for events in and around the Yamagata-Oki earthquake rupture region. We compare spatial variations in the background seismicity rate and aftershock productivity estimated from the HIST-ETAS model with the geophysical features in the study region. The background seismicity rate is high along the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan and correlates well with a previously identified zone that possesses a high geodetic E-W strain rate. The two major earthquakes occurred in and around a high E-W strain rate zone, suggesting that the background seismicity rate may serve as a key parameter for evaluating seismic hazard across the Japanese Archipelago. Furthermore, the source region of the Yamagata-Oki earthquake has a higher aftershock productivity, lower e-value, and lower seismic-wave velocity than that of the Niigata earthquake. We interpret this low-velocity zone to be a well-developed damaged rock that resulted in both a reduction in the b-value and an increase in aftershock productivity based on previous laboratory experiments and numerical results; this damage makes the rock more ductile at the macroscopic scale. The higher ductility in the source region of the Yamagata-Oki earthquake may have worked as a barrier against the propagation of dynamic rupture that occurred during the Niigata earthquake.
Risk factors affecting the 1-year outcomes of minor ischemic stroke: results from Xi’an stroke registry study of China
Authors: Liu Zhongzhong , Lin Wenjuan , Lu Qingli , Wang Jing , Liu Pei , Lin Xuemei , Wang Fang , Shi Yaling , Wang Qing , Liu Guozheng , Wu Songdi
Published: October 2020

Background: The prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality of patients with minor ischemic stroke (MIS) remains problematic. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes at 1 year after MIS in the Xi’an region of China. Methods: This prospective cohort study included MIS patients above 18 years old with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤ 3 who were treated in any of four hospitals in Xi’an region of China between January and December 2015. The 1-year prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality were evaluated, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the identified risk factors and clinical outcomes. Results: In this study, 131(10.5%，131/1252) patients were lost to follow-up at 1 year. A total of 1,121 patients were included for analysis, the prevalence of stroke recurrence, disability, and all-cause mortality at 1 year after MIS were 3.4% (38/1121), 9.3% (104/1121), and 3.3% (37/1121), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, current smoking, and pneumonia as independent risk factors for stroke recurrence. Age, pneumonia, and alkaline phosphatase were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality. Independent risk factors for disability were age, pneumonia, NIHSS score on admission, and leukocyte count. Conclusions: The 1-year outcomes of MIS in Xi’an region of China were not optimistic，especially with a high prevalence of disability. The present study indicated that age and pneumonia were the common independent risk factors affecting the 1-year outcomes of MIS in Xi’an region of China.
Applying SF-6D to measure Health State Utilities among the Middle and Old Aged Patients with Hypertension in China 
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Bai Guannan , Li Hui , Li Shunping
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Hypertension is a growing public health problem in China; however, little is known about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) especially health state utility (HSU) of patients with hypertension in rural China. This study aimed to examine the HSU as measured by SF-6D and to investigate its associated factors among middle and old aged patients with hypertension in rural China.Methods: Data were collected from twelve villages in Shandong Province in 2016. SF-36 was administrated to measure HRQoL of middle and old aged patients with hypertension and was got to the SF-6D values using Hong Kong’s tariff. Descriptive analyses, such as demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and utility, were stratified by hypertension classification. Multiple linear regression models were applied to assess the associated factors of HSU. Results: A total of 933(response rate:86.4%) middle and old aged patients (69.1±8.2 years) with hypertension participated in the study. 39.4% of participants were male; 44.2% had stage I hypertension; 26.4% had stage II and above. The mean score of SF-6D utility score was 0.743 (SD: 0.14, range: 0.32-1.00, median: 0.756, Interquartile range:0.634-0.859). Being female (β=-0.046), having two or more comorbidities (2 vs 1 β=-0.066; >3 vs 1 β=-0.098) and the health expenditure higher than 2000 RMB (2000-3999 vs<2000 β=-0.042; 4000-5999 vs<2000 β=-0.046; >6000 vs <2000 β=-0.071) were significantly associated with lower SF-6D overall score; while being farmer (β=0.032), having high household income (10000-14999 vs <5000 β=0.045; ＞15000 vs <5000 β=0.064) and having stage I and above hypertension (stage I vs Normotensive β=0.047; stage II vs Normotensive β=0.079; stage III vs Normotensive β=0.095) were significantly associated with higher SF-6D overall score.Conclusion: SF-6D was capable to measure quality of life middle and old aged patients with hypertension in China. And multiple factors were demonstrated to be significantly associated with quality of life.
Time in Therapeutic Range, Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction of Patients on Long-Term Warfarin for Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Malik Natasya Marliana Bt Abdul , Chai Chee-Shee , Goh Greta-Miranda-Kim-Choo , Tan Seng-Beng , Bee Ping-Chong , Gan Gin-Gin , Said Asri B
Published: October 2020

Background: The use of warfarin in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) can be challenging. In this study, we evaluate the time in therapeutic range (TTR), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction of patients on long-term warfarin for NVAF. The HRQoL and treatment satisfaction were compared based on the TTR.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients on warfarin for NVAF who attended the anticoagulant clinic of a tertiary cardiology referral center in Sarawak from 1st June 2018 to 31st May 2019. Patients’ TTR was calculated by using Rosendaal technique, while their HRQoL and treatment satisfaction were assessed by using Short Form 12 Health Survey version 2 (SF12v2) and Duke Anticoagulant Satisfaction Scale (DASS), respectively. Results: A total of 300 patients were included, with mean TTR score of 47.0 ± 17.3%. The physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) score of SF-12v2 were 47.0 ± 9.0 and 53.5 ± 9.6, respectively. The total score for DASS was 55.2 ± 21.3, while the score for limitations (L), hassles and burdens (H&B) and positive psychological impacts (PPI) were 18.0 ± 10.0, 15.6 ± 9.1 and 21.6 ± 5.9, respectively.Seventy-three (24.3%) patients had good TTR (≥ 60%), with mean of 70.2 ± 8.7%; while 227 (75.5%) patients with poor TTR had significantly lower mean of 39.5 ± 11.9% (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in the score of PCS (p = 0.150), MCS (p = 0.919) and each domain of SF-12v2 (p = 0.184 – 0.684) between good and poor TTR, except for social functioning (p = 0.019). The total DASS score was also not significantly different between group (p = 0.779). Similar non-significant difference was also reported in all the DASS sub dimensions (p = 0.502 – 0.699).Conclusions: Majority of the patients on long-term warfarin for NVAF in the current study have poor TTR. Their HRQoL and treatment satisfaction are independent of their TTR. Achieving a good TTR do not compromise the HRQoL and treatment satisfaction. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to optimise INR control, failing which direct oral anticoagulant therapy should be considered.
Association between social capital and depression among older people: evidence from Anhui Province, China
Authors: Bai Zhongliang , Xu Zhiwei , Xu Xiaoru , Qin Xia , Hu Wenbiao , Hu Zhi
Published: October 2020

Background: To examine the relationship between social capital and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Anhui Province, China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among older people selected from three cities of Anhui Province, China using a multi-stage stratiﬁed cluster random sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews and information on demographic characteristics, social capital, and depression was collected. The generalized linear model and classification and regression tree model were employed to assess the association between social capital and depression.Results: Totally, 1,810 older people aged ≥ 60 years were included in the final analysis. Overall, all of the social capital dimensions were positively associated with depression: social participation (coefficient: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.48), social support (coefficient:0.18, 95% CI:0.07 - 0.28), social connection (coefficient: 0.76, 95% CI:0.53 - 1.00), trust (coefficient:0.62, 95% CI:0.33 - 0.92), cohesion (coefficient:0.31, 95% CI:0.17 - 0.44) and reciprocity (coefficient:0.30, 95% CI:0.11 - 0.48), which suggested that older people with higher social capital had a smaller chance to develop depression. A complex joint effect of certain social capital dimensions on depression was also observed. The association with depression and the combinative effect of social capital varied among older adults across the cities.Conclusions: Our study suggests that improving social capital could aid in the prevention of depression among older adults.
Prognostic Impact of Admission High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lucci Claudia , Cosentino Nicola , Genovese Stefano , Campodonico Jeness , Milazzo Valentina , De Metrio Monica , Rondinelli Maurizio , Riggio Daniela , Biondi Maria Luisa , Rubino Mara , Celentano Katia , Bonomi Alice , Capra Nicolò , Veglia Fabrizio , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Bartorelli Antonio , Marenzi Giancarlo
Published: October 2020

Background: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) elevation frequently occurs in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and is associated with adverse outcomes. Since diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by an underlying chronic inflammation, hs-CRP may have a different prognostic power in AMI patients with and without DM.Methods: We prospectively included 2,064 AMI patients; hs-CRP was measured at hospital admission. Patients were grouped according to hs-CRP quartiles and DM status. The primary endpoint was a composite of in-hospital mortality, cardiogenic shock, and acute pulmonary edema. Two-year all-cause mortality was the secondary endpoint.Results: Twenty-six percent (n=548) of patients had DM and they had higher hs-CRP levels than non-DM patients (5.32 vs. 3.24 mg/L; P<0.0001). The primary endpoint incidence in the overall population (7%, 9%, 13%, 22%; P for trend <0.0001), in DM (14%, 9%, 21%, 27%; P=0.0001), and non-DM (5%, 8%, 10%, 19%; P<0.0001) patients increased in parallel with hs-CRP quartiles. The adjusted risk of the primary endpoint increased in parallel with hs-CRP quartiles in DM and non-DM patients but this relationship was less evident in DM patients. In the overall population, the adjusted OR of the primary endpoint associated with an hs-CRP value >2 mg/L was 2.10 (95% CI 1.46-3.00). For the same risk, hs-CRP was 7 and 2 mg/L in patients with and without DM. A similar behavior was observed for the secondary endpoint when the HR associated with an hs-CRP value >2 mg/L found in the overall population was 2.25 (95% CI 1.57-3.22). For the same risk, hs-CRP was 8 and 1.5 mg/L in DM and non-DM patients.Conclusions: This study shows that hs-CRP predicts in-hospital outcome and two-year mortality in AMI patients with and without DM. However, in DM patients, the same risk of developing events as in non-DM patients is associated to higher hs-CRP levels.
Analysis of Prognosis Factors of Breast Cancer Patients thru Socio Economic Profile: An Application of Binary Logistic Regression
Authors: Deka Mrinal , Bhattacharjee Dibyojyoti
Published: October 2020

Background: The idea of Prognosis factor is based on the variables that can be used to assess the chance of recovery from a disease. It may also be defined as the prior knowledge about any disease before treatment. Method: In this paper, selective prognostic factors (Age, Node and Tumour size) are analysed by logistic regression in patients who are suffering from Breast cancer based on data collected from the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Silchar, Assam, India. The purpose of the research is to analyse the effect of the prognosis factors on the remission of breast cancer; separately for economically weaker as well as well to do patients. Results: The study claims that there are 50.1 percent and 65.8 percent chance of remission of cancer for patients of age above 50 in case of breast cancer with below the poverty line and above the poverty line respectively. The present study has considered the cutoff value of 2 cm as the determining prognostic factor in relation to tumour size. Thus, the chance of remission from cancer is 22.3 percent and 34.7 percent for below poverty line and above poverty line patients, respectively, if tumour size is greater than 2 cm. It also endeavours to ascertain that there are 10.9 percent and 18.1 percent chance of remission of cancer, if the disease has metastasized to regional lymph nodes, for below poverty line and above poverty line patients respectively. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the two poverty lines (APL and BPL) in terms of node and tumour size of breast cancer. The increasing sizes of tumour and node have lesser chance to follow-up as well as poorer survival and has a significant difference for patients belonging to both the poverty levels. The prognosis factors have the significant impact on the remission of breast cancer and depends on the socio-economic status of the patients due to the different standard of living, tendency of early diagnosis and the awareness level of cancer disease.
Clinical effects of probiotic or azithromycin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis stage III: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Morales Alicia , Contador Rafael , Bravo Joel , Carvajal Paola , Silva Nora , Strauss Franz Josef , Gamonal Jorge
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this triple- blind placebo- controlled parallel- arm randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 or azithromycin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with stage III periodontitis.Methods: Forty-seven systemically healthy participants with stage III periodontitis were recruited. Following SRP, the participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment modalities; 1) placebo (n=15), 2) probiotics (n=16) and 3) antibiotics-azithromycin (n=16). The participants were monitored at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after therapy. Probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and plaque accumulation (PI) were evaluated. Results: All 47 participants completed the study. At 12 months, all groups showed significant improvements of PPD and PI (p<0.012) irrespective of the treatment modality and without significant differences between the groups. Probiotics and azithromycin showed no added benefit in terms of CAL. While the placebo (p=0.002) and the antibiotic-azithromycin (p=0.002) group showed a significant reduction of BOP, only the placebo group revealed a significant reduction of CAL at 12 months follow-up (p=0.003). The number of sites and teeth with PPD ≥5, ≥6 and ≥7mm were significantly reduced in all groups at 12 months follow-up (p<0.025) irrespective of the treatment regime and without significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: The use of probiotics or azithromycin as an adjunct to SRP failed to provide additional benefits in the treatment of stage III periodontitis. The benefits of these two treatment regimes as an adjunct to SRP remain unclear. Trial Registration: NCT02839408, 10/28/2017, Clinicaltrial.gov.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form in undergraduate students and clinical patients
Authors: Zhang Panwen , Ouyang Zirong , Fang Shulin , He Jiayue , Fan Lejia , Luo Xingwei , Zhang Jianghua , Xiong Yan , Luo Fusheng , Wang Xiaosheng , Yao Shuqiao , Wang Xiang
Published: October 2020

Background: The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF) is a 25-item measuring tool evaluating maladaptive personality traits for diagnosis of personality disorders(PDs). As a promising scale, its impressive psychometric properties has been verified in some countries, however, there has no studies about the utility of PID-5-BF in Chinese settings. The current study aimed to examine cultural applicability of the Chinese version of PID-5-BF among undergraduate students and clinical patients.Methods: 7155 undergraduate students and 451 clinical patients completed the Chinese version of PID-5-BF. 228 students were chosen randomly for test-retest reliability at a 4-week interval. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to discover the most suitable construct in Chinese, measurement invariance(MI), internal consistency and external validity were also calculated. Results: An exploratory six-factor model was supported more suitable in both samples(Undergraduate sample: CFI = 0.905, TLI = 0.888, RMSEA = 0.044, SRMR = 0.039; Clinical sample: CFI = 0.904, TLI = 0.886, RMSEA = 0.047, SRMR = 0.060), adding a new factor“Interpersonal Relationships”. Measurement invariance across non-clinical and clinical sample was established(configural, weak, strong MI, and partial strict MI). Aside from acceptable internal consistency(Undergraduate sample: alpha=0.84, MIC=0.21; Clinical sample: alpha=0.86, MIC=0.19) and test-retest reliability(0.73), the association with 220-item PID-5 was significant(r = 0.93, p < 0.01), and six PDs measured by Personality diagnostic questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) was correlated with expected domains of PID-5-BF. Conclusions: The Chinese version of the PID-5-BF showed satisfactory psychometric properties, which is a convenient and useful screening tool for personality disorders.
Increase in foreign body and harmful substance ingestion and associated complications in children: a retrospective study of 1199 cases from 2005 to 2017
Authors: Speidel Arne Jorma , Woelfle Lena , Mayer Benjamin , Posovszky Carsten
Published: October 2020

Background: Children with a history of caustic or foreign body ingestion (FBI) seem to be presenting more frequently to emergency departments. This study aims to elucidate the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and complications associated with the ingestion of on different object categories over a 13-year time period.Methods: A structured retrospective data analysis of patients who presented in between January 2005 and December 2017 to the University Medical Centre Ulm was performed. Patients up to 17 years of age with food impaction or foreign body or harmful substance ingestion were included by selection of the corresponding International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD10-GM) codes. Descriptive statistics, parametric or non-parametric tests, and linear regression analysis were performed.Result: In total, 1199 patients were analysed; the mean age was 3.3 years (SD 3.12; range 7 days to 16 years), the male to female ratio was 1.15:1, and 194 (16.2%) were hospitalized. The number of patients seen annually increased from 66 in 2005 to 119 in 2017, with a rise in percentage of all emergency patients from 0.82% in 2010 to 1.34% in 2017. The majority of patients (n=619) had no symptoms, and 244 out of 580 symptomatic patients complained of retching or vomiting. Most frequently, ingested objects were coins (18.8%). Radiopaque objects accounted for 47.6%, and sharp objects accounted for 10.5% of the ingested foreign bodies, both of which were significantly more often ingested by girls (p<0.001 for both). Button battery ingestion was recorded for 63 patients with a significant annual increase (R2=0.57; β=0.753; p=0.003). The annual rate of complications also increased significantly (R2=0.42; β=0.647; p=0.017).Conclusion: We found an alarming increase in the number of children who presented to our emergency department with FBI and associated complications. A standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approach may reduce and prevent serious complications. Further preventive measures within the home environment are needed to stop this trend.
A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol of observational studies to assess the association between sleep and mental resilience in healthy individuals
Authors: Arora Teresa , Alamoodi Asma , Grey Ian , Östlundh Linda , Omar Omar M. , Grandner Michael
Published: October 2020

Background: Mental resilience has emerged as a recent focus within the context of positive psychology. Resilience is a potentially modifiable construct. Some preliminary evidence from experimental studies as well as clinical populations has indicated that sleep may be related to mental resilience, but little is known about this relationship in healthy populations. Sleep is a complex with multi-factorial outcome, although the majority of research effort has focused on sleep duration and sleep quality. Our systematic review and meta-analysis will identify original research data from observational studies to assess if sleep duration and/or sleep quality is associated with levels of psychological resilience amongst healthy children, adolescents and adults. We hypothesize that there will be a positive association between sleep duration/quality and mental resilience across all age groups. Methods: A comprehensive, systematic search for literature will be conducted in June 2020 (LÖ), covering a total of eight academic databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Academic Search Complete). Sources for grey materials will also be included and experts in the field will also be contacted for inclusion of unpublished data. PubMed and PubMed’s MeSH terms were used to develop the search strategy and systematically identify relevant search terms. Two authors (IG & AA) will screen the articles independently, and a third researcher (TA) will resolve discrepancies. The primary outcome is mental/psychological resilience. The systematic review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.Discussion: The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis are intended to be published in an appropriate scientific peer-reviewed journal and will be made publicly available. The findings from our project are envisioned to inform and educate the public as well as healthcare and education systems, globally. Our systematic review protocol has been peer-reviewed and is currently registered in the international database, PROSPERO.Systematic review registration: CRD42020191119 (submitted on 2 July 2020).
Clinical Characteristics of 10 Children With a Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 In Iran
Authors: Shahbaznejad Leila , Navaifar Mohammad Reza , Abbaskhanian Ali , Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Rahimzadeh Golnar , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh
Published: October 2020

Background: Although symptoms and signs of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) in children are milder than adults, there are reports of more severe cases which were defined as pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS). The purpose of this report was to describe the possible association between COVID-19 and PIMS in children. Methods: From 28 March to 24 June 2020, 10 febrile children were admitted with COVID-19 infection showing characteristics of PIMS in Buali tertiary hospital of Sari, in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging findings, and therapeutic modalities were recorded and analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 5.37±3.9 years (13 months to 12 years). Six of them were boys. Kawasaki disease, myocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, appendicitis, sepsis, urosepsis, prolonged febrile seizure, acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy, and COVID-19-related pneumonia were their first presentation. All of them had increased C-reactive protein levels, and most of them had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, lymphopenia, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Three of them had thrombocytopenia(PLT<106). Six of them were serologically or polymerase chain reaction positive for COVID-19, and 4 of them were diagnosed as COVID-19 just by chest computed tomography scan. Most of the patients improved without a residual sequel, except one who died with multiorgan failure and another case was discharged with a giant coronary aneurysm.Conclusion: Children with COVID-19 may present symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and inflammatory syndromes. PIMS should be considered in children with fever, rash, seizure, cough, tachypnea, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Transitioning To Digital First Line Intervention – Validation Of A Brief Online Screener For Early Identification Of A Suspected Eating Disorder: Study Protocol
Authors: Bryant Emma , Miskovic-Wheatley Jane , Touyz Stephen , Crosby Ross D , Koreshe Eyza , Cao Li , Maguire Sarah
Published: October 2020

Background: Only one in four people with eating disorders seeks treatment, and of those who do seek treatment, 20% go on to experience a chronic course. Early intervention has been associated with better prognosis, with those seeking specialised intervention in the early stages of their illness more than twice as likely to achieve remission. Current screening measures typically require expert administration and are rarely validated across a spectrum of DSM-5 eating disorder presentations or for online use. In light of COVID-19 and increasing reliance on telehealth technologies in the intervention and delivery of mental health services, online assessments suitable for self-referral are likely to be the first step to seeking care. InsideOut Institute has developed a 6-item online screening tool for the purposes of identifying eating disorder risk and symptomatology, aimed specifically at increasing help-seeking behaviour in subsyndromal and early presentations. Methods: This study investigates the reliability and validity of the InsideOut Institute Screener (IOI-S), using a cross-sectional survey research design. Participants aged 14 and over will complete an extensive baseline survey battery for evaluation. 50% of participants will be randomly selected for one follow-up re-test of the IOI-S only, two weeks post initial testing. The IOI-S will be analysed for statistical reliability on two parameters: internal consistency and test re-test reliability, and for statistical validity on four parameters: concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity, convergent and discriminant validity. Discussion: The rapid and ongoing shift to digital intervention has highlighted gaps and opportunities in our pathways to care. Adequate screening for eating disorders is a major gap. This study aims to validate an online screening tool for use in telehealth early intervention, designed for users seeking information for a suspected eating disorder. The screener meets those at risk ‘where they are’ (i.e. online) and may improve timely referrals to relevant services. This is of particular salience as face-to-face healthcare and traditional frontline interventions are disrupted, and we are challenged to re-design our practices to deliver diagnostic and treatment services in highly adaptive digital contexts.
Applying the Social Ecological Model to Explore HIV-Related Stigma in the Southeastern United States: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Richards Veronica L , Williams Renessa , Stetten Nichole E , Canidate Shantrel S , Algarin Angel , Fiore Andrew , Cook Christa , Lucero Robert , Spencer Emma C , Cook Robert L
Published: October 2020

Background: Although evidence suggests HIV-related stigma directly affects health and behaviors, we have a limited understanding of stigma’s influence beyond the individual-level. We aimed to describe HIV-related stigma and strategies to reduce it in the Southeastern U.S. within the context of the social ecological model (SEM). Methods: Qualitative surveys were distributed in-person at community events, conferences, and via email to persons affected by HIV periodically over 8 months. The final sample size included 87 participants (33 persons living with HIV, 54 without HIV). A directed content analysis was used to code responses into five levels of the SEM (individual, interpersonal, community, institutional, and structural). Results: Multiple themes emerged within each level: Individual – knowledge, fear, internalization; Interpersonal – social network; Community – judgements, discrimination, community organizations, norms; Institutional – competent providers, healthcare services; and Structural – systemic barriers, language, education. Conclusions: The findings exemplify the need for a multi-level approach to intervene and reduce HIV-related stigma. Based on the experiences and suggestions of people affected by HIV, future interventions should include substantial consideration from persons affected by HIV.