bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequent horizontal and mother-to-child transmission may contribute to high prevalence of STLV-1 infection in Japanese macaques
Authors: Murata Megumi , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Washizaki Ayaka , Seki Yohei , Kuramitsu Madoka , Keat Tan Wei , Hu Anna , Okuma Kazu , Hamaguchi Isao , Mizukami Takuo , Matsuoka Masao , Akari Hirofumi
Published: June 2020

Background: Simian T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (STLV-1) is disseminated among various non-human primate species and is closely related to human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis. Notably, t he prevalence of STLV-1 infection in Japanese macaques (JMs) is estimated to be >60%, much greater than that in other non-human primates; however, the mechanism and mode of STLV-1 transmission remain unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiological background by which STLV-1 infection is highly prevalent in JMs. Results: The prevalence of STLV-1 in the JMs rearing in our free-range facility reached up to 64% (180/280 JMs) with variation from 55 to 77% among five independent troops. Anti-STLV-1 antibody titers (ABTs) and STLV-1 proviral loads ( PVLs) were normally distributed with mean values of 4076 and 0.62%, respectively, which were mostly comparable to those of HTLV-1-infected humans. Our initial hypothesis that some of the macaques might contribute to frequent horizontal STLV-1 transmission as viral super-spreaders was unlikely because of the absence of the macaques exhibiting abnormally high PVLs but poor ABTs. Rather, ABTs and PVLs were statically corelated (p < 0.0001), indicating that the increasing PVLs led to the greater humoral immune response. Further analyses demonstrated that the STLV-1 prevalence as determined by detection of the proviral DNA was dramatically increased with age; 11%, 31%, and 58% at 0, 1, and 2 years of age, which was generally consistent with the result of seroprevalence and suggested the frequent incidence of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Moreover, our longitudinal follow-up study indicated that 24 of 28 seronegative JMs during the periods from 2011 to 2012 converted to seropositive (86%) four years later; among them, the seroconversion rates of sexually matured (4 years of age and older) macaques and immature macaques (3 years of age and younger) at the beginning of study were comparably high (80% and 89%, respectively), suggesting the frequent incidence of horizontal transmission. Conclusions: Together with the fact that almost all of the full-adult JMs older than 9 years old were infected with STLV-1, our results of this study demonstrated for the first time that frequent horizontal and mother-to-child transmission may contribute to high prevalence of STLV-1 infection in JMs
Efficacy of Corticosteroids Treatment on Reducing the Risk of Post-Extubation Stridor: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Walline Joseph , Dai Yili , Yin Lu , Dai Jiayuan , Zhu Huadong , Yu Xuezhong , Xu Jun
Published: June 2020

Background: Laryngotracheal injury is one of common complications of airway intubation, with severe cases leading to stridor or even extubation failure (need for reintubation within 48 hours after extubation). As corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects, they may play an important role in reducing the risk of post-extubation stridor and extubation failure among adult patients.Aim: To investigate the efficacy of corticosteroids on reducing the risk of post-extubation stridor. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be performed. The trial will enroll 232 patients undergoing extubation from mechanical ventilation. The patients will be randomly assigned to treatment four hours prior to extubation either with intravenous methylprednisolone 40mg or placebo. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of laryngeal stridor within 48 hours, and the secondary endpoints are the need for respiratory support or reintubation secondary to post-extubation stridor within 48 hours after extubation, side effects or corticosteroids, hospital length of stay, and 30-day mortality.Discussion: The trial will examine if corticosteroid therapy before extubation is effective at reducing the risk of post-extubation stridor-related complications among adult patients. Trial registration: Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2000030349. Registered on 29 Feb 2020.
Effect of Hypertension on Outcomes of Adult Inpatients with COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A Propensity Score–matching Analysis
Authors: Yang Qing , Zhou Ying , Wang Xinrong , Gao Shan , Xiao Yang , Zhang Weimin , Hu Yi , Wang Yafei
Published: June 2020

Background: Previous studies have shown that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with underlying comorbidities can have worse outcomes. However, the effect of hypertension on outcomes of COVID-19 patients remains unclear.Research Question: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of hypertension on the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 by using propensity score–matching (PSM) analysis.Study Design and Methods: Participants enrolled in this study were patients with COVID-19 who had been hospitalized at the Central Hospital of Wuhan, China. Chronic comorbidities and laboratory and radiological data were reviewed; patient outcomes and lengths of stay were obtained from discharge records. We used the Cox proportional-hazard model (CPHM) to analyze the effect of hypertension on these patients’ outcomes and PSM analysis to further validate the abovementioned effect.Results: A total of 226 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in this study, of whom 176 survived and 50 died. The proportion of patients with hypertension among non-survivors was higher than that among survivors (26.70% vs. 74.00%; P < 0.001). Results obtained via CPHM showed that hypertension could increase risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients (hazard ratio 3.317; 95% CI [1.709–6.440]; P < 0.001). Increased D-dimer levels and higher ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N/L) were also found to increase these patients’ mortality risk. After matching on propensity score, we still came to similar conclusions. After we applied the same method in critically ill patients, we found that hypertension also increased risk of death in patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusion: Hypertension, increased D-dimer and the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte increased mortality in patients with COVID-19, with hypertension in particular.
A model for survival rate projection of Covid19 patients
Authors: Madalli Devika P. , Gajbe Sagar Bhimrao , Gopalji  , Kumar Akhilesh Ajith
Published: June 2020

The novel coronavirus has been declared a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic has unleashed health as well as economic devastation across the world. In view of this, various governments, researchers and agencies are trying to work towards solutions to control the spread of the virus. There are many studies that have been initiated that consider the various parameters that contribute to the spread of the virus. We present a model to predict the survival rate of Covid19 infected patients. The study takes into consideration death rate (normal) and Covid infection death rate in India. Other factors considered are the number of infections and active infection numbers. We also incorporate a ‘learning module’ to learn from the observed error rate. We compute the moving average of error which is then deployed to minimise projection error in the model. The factor obtained from the learning is deployed into the survival rate computation to achieve best results.
A Metadata Driven Module for Managing and Interpreting HDSS Verbal Autopsy Datasets using Interva-4 Model
Authors: KOMBASSERE KOULIGA , Nimako Gideon , Mare Irma
Published: June 2020

Background: The World Health Organisation provides a standardised survey-based questionnaire for collecting cause of death data. This standardised tool is undergoing iterative changes almost every 3 to 5 years resulting in the redesign of in-use re-adapted questionnaires and their database schemes. Given the size of this questionnaire, its redesign process requiring a lot of time and resources does not allow research centres to update their questionnaire. In addition, the heaviness and the expensive cost of the Physician Certified Verbal Autopsy method used for collected data interpretation, led the emergence of new methods with which data are usually managed in ad hoc fashion by using spreadsheets and Comma Separated Value files. Therefore, these tools not allow preservation of the contextual metadata and also not support recovery and building relationship among data object. While the absence of data object relationships does not facilitate the use of relational database management systems and data preservation over time in longitudinal studies contexts such Health and Demographic surveillance systems.Results: This research used Microsoft Visual studio based on model-driven and metadata architectures associated with R.NET Package,R InterVA function, Google Maps API, eXtensible Mark-up Language and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to develop a Verbal Autopsy data management platform. This platform assists INDEPTH Network HDSS fields sites to quickly follow the iterative changes of WHO questionnaire through questionnaire generation, data collection and entry, and a mapping layer that translates verbal autopsy CRF to ODK XML data dictionary enabling cause of death data collection in offline mode using handheld devices. In addition, being a R InterVA function aided tool for the interpretation of cause of death data, this web application has an interface for visualising cause of death patterns using Google Maps API.Conclusions: Verbal autopsy data management interpretation over time in the longitudinal studies context such Health and Demographic Surveillance System is feasible. Thereby, possibilities given by metadata-driven to build reliable software architecture for verbal autopsy data collection, interpretation and cause of death patterns visualisation and particularly compliance with regulatory relational database management requirements are achievable.
Influence of Hydrolysis Conditions on Characteristics of Nanocrystalline Cellulose Extracted from Ramie Fibers by Hydrochloric Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Kusmono Kusmono , Akbar Dimas Abdillah
Published: June 2020

Nanocrystalline celluloses (NCCs) were successfully extracted from ramie fibers using chemical pretreatments followed by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. The effects of acid concentration and hydrolysis time on the characteristics of NCCs were investigated in this study. Results showed that the optimal hydrolysis conditions were found to be 6 M hydrochloric acid concentration at 45 °C for 70 min. The obtained NCC had a rod like-shape with an average of 8.07 nm in diameter, 158.51 nm in length, 22.37 in aspect ratio, 89.61% in the crystallinity index, and 5.81 nm in crystallite size. The higher crystallinity and thermal stability were exhibited by NCCs compared to both raw fibers and chemically purified cellulose. The hydrolysis time had a significant effect on crystallinity and thermal stability. The crystallinity index and thermal stability of NCCs were obtained to decrease with increasing hydrolysis time.
Screening and identification of miRNAs related to sexual differentiation of strobili in Ginkgo biloba by integration analysis of small RNA, mRNA, and degradome sequencing
Authors: Liu Xiao-Meng , Cheng Shui-Yuan , Ye Jia-Bao , Chen Ze-Xiong , Liao Yong-Ling , Zhang Wei-Wei , Xu Feng , Kim Soo-Un
Published: June 2020

Background: Ginkgo biloba, a typical dioecious plant, is a traditional medicinal plant widely planted. However, it has a long juvenile period, which severely affected the breeding and cultivation of superior ginkgo varieties.Results: In order to clarify the complex mechanism of sexual differentiation in G. biloba strobili. Here, a total of 3,293 miRNAs were identified in buds and strobili of G. biloba, including 1,085 conserved miRNAs and 2,208 novel miRNAs using the three sequencing approaches of transcriptome, small RNA, and degradome. Comparative transcriptome analysis screened 4,346 and 7,087 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MB _vs_ FB and MS _vs_ OS, respectively. A total of 6,032 target genes were predicted for differentially expressed miRNA. The combined analysis of both small RNA and transcriptome datasets identiﬁed 51 miRNA-mRNA interaction pairs that may be involved in the process of G. biloba strobili sexual differentiation, of which 15 pairs were verified in the analysis of degradome sequencing. Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of the small RNA, RNA and degradome sequencing data in this study provided candidate genes and clarified the regulatory mechanism of sexual differentiation of G. biloba strobili from multiple perspectives.
Index Admission Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Our Experience after the Inception of Acute Care Surgery Programme
Authors: Aakif Muhammad , Razzaq Zeeshan , Byrne James , Mustafa Hamid , Majeed Mudassar , Khan Ata , Bughio Mumtaz , Aftab Fuad , Zaheer Muhammad Amir , Achakzai Akbar amin , Prins Hugo Jacobus , Corrigan Mark Anthony , Redmond Henry Paul , Kayyal Mohammed yasser
Published: June 2020

Background: Gallstones are very common and frequently present as acute cholecystitis in up to 20 % of patients with symptomatic disease, with wide variation in severity. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) has become the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic disease. Although multiple studies have confirmed its safety, LC at index admission is still not widely practiced in Ireland. We present our experience of a cohort of patients who underwent index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Cork University Hospital since the start of the acute care surgery program in May 2017.Aim: To determine the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy at index admission.Methods: All adult patients who presented to an acute surgical assessment unit (ASAU) with symptomatic gall stone disease and underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomy at index admission were included. The duration of this prospective cohort study was 27 months (May 2017 to July 2019). Patient demographics, indication for surgery, post-operative complications and conversion rates were recorded. In addition, timing of imaging, imaging findings and length of hospital stay were also noted.Results: A total of 233 patients underwent laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at index admission for various indications. Median age was 50 years with range between 16 - 88. Male to female ratio was 1: 1.78. 142 (61%) patients had acute cholecystitis, while the other indications were CBD obstruction (15.5%), biliary colic (11%) and acute biliary pancreatitis (10.5%). 93 (40%) patients had pre-op MRCP while 41 (17.6%) underwent pre-op ERCP. All except 3 patients undergoing ERCP had pre-procedure MRCP. 2 patients had intra-operative cholangiograms. Overall morbidity was 4.7%. In terms of complications, 3 (1.3%) patients had bile leak and only 1 (0.85%) had re-operation. There was 1 common bile duct injury and only 1 conversion to open surgery. There was no mortality in this case series. The average length of hospital stay was 5.6 days. (Range 2 to 14 days).Conclusions: Index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary colic and acute biliary pancreatitis, has been a safe and feasible treatment option in our hospital. A safe practice can be ensured by adherence to this care pathway and a multidisciplinary, consultant-led service. Index cholecystectomy service can be provided safely to reduce disease-related morbidity and multiple re-admissions in patients awaiting interval surgery.
Overexpression of Slit 2 decreases neuronal exitotoxicity, accelerates glymphatic clearance and improves the cognition in multiple microinfarcts
Authors: He Xiaofei , Li Ge , Li Lili , Li Mingyue , Liang Fengyin , Chen Xi , Hu Xiquan
Published: June 2020

Background: Cerebral microinfarcts (MIs) lead to progressive cognitive impairment in elderly, but the mechanism has kept unknown. Dysfunction of GABAergic transmission induces excitotoxicity, which contributes to stroke pathology, but the mechanism has kept unknown. The secreted leucine-rich repeat (LRR) family protein slit homologue 2 (Slit 2) upregulates GABAergic activity and protects against global cerebral ischemia, but the neuroprotective efficacy of Slit 2 against MI has not been examined. Methods: Middle-aged Wild type and Slit 2-Tg mice were divided into sham and MIs groups. MIs in parietal cortex of was induced by laser-evoked arteriole occlusion. Spatial memory was examined by Morris water maze, neuronal activity and glymphatic clearance in peri-infarct areas were monitored by two-photon imaging. GABAergic transimission and neuroinflammation were detected by immunofluorescent staining or western blotting. Results: MIs increased the intracellular Ca2+ amplitude and frequency, decreased the neuron survival and neuronal connectivity of parietal cortex, decreased the GABAergic transmission, induced the neuroinflammation, impaired the glymphatic clearance and cognition in middle-aged mice. Slit 2 overexpression attenuated dysfunctional neuronal Ca2+ signaling, protected against the neuronal death in the peri-infarct area as well as loss of parietal cortex connectivity, increased the GABAergic transmission and attenuated the neuroinflammation, improved glymphatic clearance and eventually improved spatial learning and memory. Conclusion: Our results strongly supported overexpression of Slit 2 protected against the dysfunction in MIs, which is a potential therapeutic target for cognition impaiment in the elderly.
Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Caused by Ruptured Aneurysm of Basilar Trunk Perforator
Authors: Wu Tao , Wu Yao , Chen Ailin , Dai Chungang , Zhu Qing
Published: June 2020

Background: The morbidity of BAPA is very low. Up to now, the pathogenesis and treatment of BAPA are not uniform. Conventional endovascular embolization and craniotomy seem not to be a good choice. We report a case of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by rupture of perforator aneurysm of basal trunk and successfully discharged after conservative treatment, suggesting that conservative treatment may be superior to surgical intervention.Case presentation: A 65-year-old male patient with sudden headache and dizziness for five days was admitted to our hospital for emergency treatment. Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage was diagnosed by DSA. We finally found that hemorrhage Caused by ruptured aneurysm of basilar Trunk perforator.After conservative treatment for two months,DSA showed that the aneurysm disappeared completely.Conclusions: Aneurysm located at perforator artery of basilar trunk was rare and difficult to treat.Conservative treatment for certain cases with periodic angiography follow-up was recommended in order to prevent from potential iatrogenic effects.
Development of Standard Indicators to Assess Use of Electronic Health Record Systems Implemented in Low- and Medium-Income Countries
Authors: Ngugi Philomena Njeri , Babic Ankica , Kariuki James , Santas Xenophon , Naanyu Violet , Were Martin C.
Published: June 2020

BackgroundElectronic Health Record Systems (EHRs) are being rolled out nationally in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) yet assessing actual system usage remains a challenge. We employed a nominal group technique (NGT) process to systematically develop high-quality indicators for evaluating actual usage of EHRs in LMICs.Methods An initial set of 14 candidate indicators were developed by the study team adapting the HIV Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting indicators format. A multidisciplinary team of 10 experts was convened in a two-day NGT workshop in Kenya to systematically evaluate, rate (using Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART) criteria), prioritize, refine, and identify new indicators. NGT steps included introduction to candidate indicators, silent indicator ranking, round-robin indicator rating, and silent generation of new indicators. Results: Candidate indicators were rated highly on SMART criteria (4.05/5). NGT participants settled on 15 final indicators, categorized as system use (4); data quality (3), system interoperability (3), and reporting (5). Data entry statistics, systems uptime, and EHRs variable concordance indicators were rated highest. ConclusionThis study describes a systematic approach to develop and validate quality indicators for determining EHRs use and provides LMICs with a multidimensional tool for assessing success of EHRs implementations.
Outcome of Community- Versus Hospital-Acquired Intra-Abdominal Infections in Intensive Care Unit: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Abaziou Timothée , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Conil Jean-Marie , Rouget Antoine , Ruiz Stéphanie , Grare Marion , Fourcade Olivier , Suc Bertrand , Leone Marc , Minville Vincent , Georges Bernard
Published: June 2020

BackgroundTo compare patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery for community-acquired intra-abdominal infection (CA-IAI) and hospital-acquired intra-abdominal infection (HA-IAI) in terms of mortality, severity and complications.MethodsRetrospective study including all patients admitted to 2 ICUs within 48 hours of undergoing surgery for peritonitis.Results226 patients were enrolled during the study period. Patients with CA-IAI had an increased 28-day mortality rate compared to those with HA-IAI (30% vs 15%, respectively (p = 0.009)). At 90 days, the mortality rates were 36.7% and 37.5% in the CA-IAI group and HA_IAI group, respectively, with a similar APACHE II score on admission (median: 21 [15–25] vs. 21 [15–24] respectively, p = 0.63). The patients with HA-IAI had prolonged ICU and hospital stays (median: 17 [7–36] vs. 6[3–12] days, p < 0.001 and 41 [24–66] vs. 17 [7–32] days, p = 0.001), and experienced more complications (reoperation and reintubation) than those with CAP.ConclusionCA-IAI group had higher 28-day mortality rate than HA IAI group. Mortality was similar at 90 days but those with HAP had a prolonged ICU and hospital stay. In addition, they developed more complications.
Sun exposure and intima-media thickness in the Mexican Teachers' Cohort
Authors: Aguilar Mercedes , Muñoz-Aguirre Paloma , Cortés-Valencia Adrian , Flores-Torres Mario H. , Catzin-Kuhlmann Andrés , López-Ridaura Ruy , Lajous Martin , Rodriguez Beatriz L , Cantú-Brito Carlos , Denova-Gutiérrez Edgar
Published: June 2020

Background

Previous studies have evaluated how sun exposure affects cardiovascular health. In this sense, some evidence from ecological studies have found an inverse relationship between sun exposure and blood pressure or CVD. The aim of this study is to determine whether long-term sun exposure has a protective role in subclinical cardiovascular disease in adult Mexican women.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a sample of women from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort (MTC) study. Sun exposure was assessed in the MTC 2008 baseline questionnaire, in which women were asked about their sun-related behavior. Vascular neurologists measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) using standard techniques. Multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the percentage difference in mean IMT and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), according to categories of sun exposure and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CIs for carotid atherosclerosis.
Results

The mean age of participants was 49.6 ± 5.5 years, the mean IMT was 0.678 ± 0.097 mm, and the mean accumulated hours of weekly sun exposure were 2.9 ± 1.9. Prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 20.9%. Compared to women in the lowest category of sun exposure, the multivariate adjusted ORs of carotid atherosclerosis were 0.54 (95%CI: 0.24, 1.18) for women who were exposed 9 hours. For women who denied regular sun screen use, those in the higher exposure category (9 hours) had lower mean IMT compared to those in the lower category (multivariable-adjusted mean % difference = -2.67; 95%CI: -6.9, -1.5).
Conclusion

In general, we observed that cumulative sun exposure was inversely associated with IMT and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Our findings suggest that public health messages should also consider the sun’s positive role for health, while still emphasizing the negative impacts of excessive exposure.
Imaging Biomarkers of Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography Predict Survival in Oesophageal Cancer After Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zeng Chengbing , Zhai Tiantian , Chen Jianzhou , Guo Longjia , Huang Baotian , Guo Hong , Liu Guozhi , Zhuang Tingting , Liu Weitong , Luo Ting , Wu Yanxuan , Peng Guopeng , Li Derui , Chen Chuangzhen
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive potential of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based imaging biomarkers (IBMs) for the treatment outcomes of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: A total of 151 ESCC patients who underwent definitive CCRT were included in this retrospective study. All patients were separated randomly to a training cohort (n=97) and the validation cohort (n=54). Pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans were obtained for all patients and used for the extraction of IBMs. An IBM score was constructed by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator with logistic regression analysis in training cohort and tested in the validation cohort. IBMsnomograms were built based on IBM score. The concordance index (C-index) was used to assess the performance of the nomograms. Finally, decision curve analysis was performed to estimate the clinical usefulness of the nomograms.Results: A total of 96 IBMs were extracted from each contrast-enhanced CT scan. The IBM score were consisted of 13 CT-based IBMs and were significantly correlated with 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis revealed that IBM score was the independent prognostic factor. In the training cohort, the IBM score yielded an area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.713–0.891, p<0.001) and 0.742 (95% CI: 0.620–0.889, p<0.001) in terms of 3-year OS and 3-year PFS, respectively. In validation cohort, the AUCs were 0.761(95% CI: 0. 639–0.900, p<0.001) and 0.761(95% CI: 0.629–0.893, p=0.001) for 3-year OS and 3-year PFS,respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significantly different between risk subgroups in training and validation cohort. The nomograms were built based on the IBM score showed good discrimination. In the training cohort, with the C-indices of IBMsnomograms were 0.732 (95%CI, 0.661–0.803) and 0.670(95%CI, 0.595–0.745) for OS and PFS, respectively. In the validation cohort C-indices were 0.677(95%CI, 0.583–0.771) and 0.678(95%CI, 0.591–0.765) for OS and PFS, respectively. The decision curve showed the clinical usefulness of nomograms.Conclusions: TheIBM score based on pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT could predict the 3-year OS and 3-year PFS for OSCC patients after definitive CCRT. Further multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
A Study on The Relationship Between Burnout and Quality of Life Among Nurses In Thu Duc District Hospital, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Minh Quan , Le Phuong Anh Hoang , Vo Minh Hoang Nguyen
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of the burnout among nurses, and to further explore the effects of the burnout on their quality of life.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional design. 280 nurses of Thu Duc District hospital in Vietnam were interviewed with structured questionnaires. Questionnaires included “Demographic Inventory”, “MBI scale”, and “SF-36 Scale”. T-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and Regression Analysis were used to analyze data. Results: (1). The nurses had low and middle levels of the burnout, and moderate levels of the quality of life. (2) There were significant correlations between demography and burnout, including gender, education, department, main work shift, and years in this department. (3) There is a significant negative relationship in many sub-scales of the burnout and quality of life scale. (4) Education and burnout predicted 17.6% of the variance in quality of life.Conclusion: There were clear evidences that the nurses experienced burnout and then their quality of life was negatively affected. It is suggested that programs must be created to prevent burnout in nurses.
Association between insulin resistance and left ventricular hypertrophy in sub-saharan hypertensive black patients with preserved ejection fraction: A case control study
Authors: PHANZU Bernard KIANU , Aliocha Nkodila Natuhoyila , Eleuthère Kintoki Vita , Jean-René M’Buyamba Kabangu , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza
Published: June 2020

Background:Conflicting information exists regarding the association between insulin resistance (IR) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).We described the associations between parameters of obesity, fasting insulinemia, HOMAIR with LVH in black patients with essential hypertension.Materials and Methods:A case-control study was conducted at the Centre Médical de Kinshasa (CMK), the Democratic Republic of the Congo, between January and December 2019. Cases and controls were hypertensive patients with and without LVH, respectively. The relationship between obesity indices, physical inactivity, parameters of glucose metabolisme and lipid disorders and LVH were assessed using linear and logistic regression analyses in simple and univariate exploratory analysis, respectively. When differences were observed between LVH and the independent variables, the effect of potential confounders was studied by adjustment in multiple linear regression and in conditional logistic regression in multivariate analysis. The coefficients of determinations (R2), the adjusted ORs and their 95% CI were calculated to determine the association between the LVH and the independent variablesResults:Eighty-eight cases (52 men) were compared to 132 controls (81 men). Nineteen percent of left ventricular mass (LVM) variation (19%) was predicted by age, 31.3% by the duration of hypertension, 44.4% by BMI, 42.5% by WC, 20% by glycemia, 44.8% by insulinemia and 43.7% by HOMAIR. In multiple linear regression analysis, duration of hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI), insulinemia and HOMAIR explained 68.3% of the variability in the increase in LVM. In the logisitic model obesity multiplied the risk of LVH by 3 (aOR: 2.8, 95% CI (1.06-7.4), p = 0.038), IR by 8 (aOR: 8.4, 95: (3.7-15.7), p <0.001).Conclusion:Obesity and IR appear to be the main predictors of LVH. The comprehensive management of cardiovascular risk factors should be emphasized with particular attention to obesity and insulin resistance. A prospective black sub-saharan population based study with serial imaging remain essential to better understand subclinical LV deterioration over time and to confirm the role of insulin resistance in black sub-saharan hypertensives.
FAM64A Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Cui Feilun , Xu Zhipeng , Lv Yumei , Hu Jianpeng
Published: June 2020

Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common type of human cancer in males. However, the mechanisms underlying PCa tumorigenesis remained unclear.Methods The present study evaluated the expression levels of FAM64A in PCa by using 5 public datasets, including GSE8511, GSE45016, GSE55945, GSE38241 and GSE17951. Then, in vivo and in vitro assays were conducted to detect the biological functions of FAM64A in PCa. Microarray and bioinformatic analysis were carried out to detect the downstream targets and pathways regulated by FAM64A.Results In this study, we for first time demonstrate FAM64A as a biomarker for PCa. FAM64A was found to be overexpressed in PCa compared to normal samples. Higher FAM64A expression were found in Gleason score (GS) ≥ 8 PCa compared to GS < 8 PCa samples, in N1 staging compared to N1 staging PCa samples, and T3/4 staging compared to T1 staging PCa. Moreover, higher FAM64A expression was correlated to shorter survival time in PCa. Knockdown of FAM64A significantly suppressed PCa cell proliferation and colony formation, however, induced PCa apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis combined with microarray analysis revealed FAM64A played crucial roles in regulating multiple cancer related pathways, including cell-matrix adhesion and cAMP signaling pathway. Conclusions These results showed FAM64A could serve as a novel biomarker for PCa and will be helpful to understand the underlying FAM64A -related molecular mechanisms in the progression of PCa.
VariplexTM test system fails to reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 directly from respiratory samples without RNA extraction
Authors: Eckel Florian , Küsters Franziska , Drossel Bernhard , Konert Markus , Mattes Hans , Schopf Stefan
Published: June 2020

Diagnosis of COVID is performed by PCR methods, but their capacitiy is limited by the requirement of high-level facilities and instruments. The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method has been utilized for the detection of isolated virus-specific RNA. Preliminary data suggest the possibility of isothermal amplification directly from respiratory samples without RNA extraction.All patients admitted to our hospital were screened for SARS-CoV-2 by routine. Respiratory samples were tested by variplex system based on LAMP method directly without RNA extraction and by PCR. Confirmation or exclusion of clinical COVID diagnosis was based on history, examination and findings. Primary endpoint was the false negative rate of variplex test compared to PCR.A total of 153 patients were included in the study. Median age was 79 years and male/female ratio was 45%/55%. Prevalence of clinical COVID diagnosis was 61.4%. Variplex test and PCR assay was positive in 15.0% and 45.5%, respectively. In 109 patients variplex test and PCR assay were performed simultaneously. False negative rate of variplex test compared to PCR was 83.0%.The potential of LAMP-technology using isolated RNA has been demonstrated impressively by others and excellent sensitivity and specivity of detecting SARS-CoV-2 has been reported. However, without RNA extraction the variplex test system failed to reliable detect SARS-CoV-2 directly in respiratory samples.
Local Delivery of Minocycline and Vorinostat Act Synergistically to Inhibit Recurrence of Gliomas
Authors: Zhao Gang , Jia Jun , Wang Lansheng , Zhang Yongkang , Yang Han , Lu Yang , Yu Rutong , Liu Hongmei , Zhu Yufu
Published: June 2020

Background:Postoperative recurrence is the main reason of poor clinical consequences in glioma patients, so preventing recurrence of tumors is crucial in management of gliomas. Methods:In this study, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)in tissues from normal were detected by using RNA-seq analysis.Glioma cases from the public databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas(CGGA), Betastasis) were included in this study.The hydrogelcontains minocycline (Mino) and vorinostat (Vor)(G/Mino + Vor) was formed under 365 nm when photoinitiator was added in. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay was used to assessed the release of drugs in G/Mino + Vor hydrogel. MTT assay was used to explore the biosecurity of GelMA. Immunohistochemistry assay, ELISA assay, Tunel assay were used to demonstrate the antitumor effect of G/Mino + Vor hydrogel.Results:We developed G/Mino + Vor hydrogel successfully. Thenthe experiment in vitro and in vivo confirmed MMPs-responsive delivery of minocycline and vorinostat in hydrogel and the anti-glioma effect on incomplete tumor operation model, which indicated that G/Mino + Vor hydrogel effectively inhibited the recurrence of glioma after surgery.Conclusions: In summary, G/Mino + Vor hydrogel could continuous release minocycline and vorinostat in surgical cavity for inhibiting local recurrence of glioma after operation.
The Effects of Government Quality and Economic Indicators on Self-employment in East Africa: Panel Data Analysis
Authors: GOSHU FIRDISA BIRRU
Published: June 2020

Self-employment plays a major role in the economic growth of Africa in general and East African countries in particular. It is a major source of new jobs and a way of employing the entrepreneurial abilities of the population. Moreover, self-employment allows people to do what they want and to follow their passion. However, populations in East Africa face various barriers that hinder their ability to start their own business and/or to become self-employed. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of government quality and economic indicators on self-employment. Data was taken for this study from World Bank’s World Development Indicators, Worldwide Governance Indicators, African development Bank and United Nations Development Program for eight East African countries for 2010-2018. The countries were selected based on the availability of panel data. The fixed effects result indicated that political Stability, control of corruption indices and Voice and accountability, natural logarithm of electricity access, mobile phone subscriptions, people living below income poverty line and primary education enrolment are favorably affecting self-employment in East Africa. The result also shows that the natural logarithm of employment in industry and real GDP growth have negative coefficients. . These findings suggest that in addition to economic and social indicators government quality have greater effect on self-employment in East Africa.
Endoluminal Vacuum Assisted Closure (E-Vac) Therapy for Postoperative Esophageal Fistula: Successful Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Rubicondo Carolina , Lovece Andrea , Pinelli Domenico , Indriolo Amedeo , Lucianetti Alessandro , Colledan Michele
Published: June 2020

Background: Treatment of esophageal perforations and postoperative anastomotic leaks of the upper gastrointestinal tract remains a challenge. Endoluminal vacuuma assisted closure (E-vac) therapy has positively contributed, in recent years, to the management of upper gastrointestinal tract perforations by using the same principle of vacuum assisted closure therapy of external wounds. The aim is to provide continuous wound drainage and to promote tissue granulation, decreasing the needed time to heal with a high rate of leakage closure.Report of cases: A series of two different cases with clinical and radiological diagnosis of esophageal fistulas, recorded during the 2018 to 2019 period at our institution, is presented. The first one is a case of anastomotic leak after esophagectomy for cancer complicated by pleuro-mediastinal abscess; while the second one is a leak of an esophageal suture, few days after resection of a bronchogenic cyst perforated into the esophageal lumen. Both cases were successfully treated with E-vac therapy.Conclusion: Our results confirm the usefulness of E-vac therapy in the management of anastomotic and non-anastomotic esophageal fistulas. Further research is needed to better define its indications, to compare it to traditional treatments and to evaluate its long-term efficacy.
Hippocampal Metabolite Concentrations in A Schizophrenia Case Series Vary in Association With Rare Gene Variants For Schizophrenia Versus Autism
Authors: Gonen Oded , Malaspina Dolores , Rhodes Haley , Hoffmann Kevin W. , Heguy Adriana , Chao Moses V. , Kranz Thorsten M.
Published: June 2020

BackgroundRare variants in the TRIO gene are associated with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which are commonly comorbid. ASD may define a specific schizophrenia subtype. This study examined person-specific hippocampal metabolite concentrations for 4 schizophrenia cases harboring rare variants in TRIO or its interaction partner ARMS/KIDINS220 and 5 cases with other rare variants.MethodsNine of 19 cases from a prior imaging study underwent targeted exome sequencing. Multi-voxel 1H-MRS imaging of the entire 3-dimensional hippocampus found only increased Creatine [Cr] (cellular energy use) concentration, distinguished cases at the group level. However, concentrations of N-acetyl-aspartate [NAA] (neuronal integrity) and choline [Cho] (membrane turnover/myelination) concentrations had a greater variance in cases than controls.ResultsFour cases with rare, missense-coding mutations or non-frameshift deletions in TRIO or ARMS/KIDINS220 had significantly lower [Cho] than the other 5 (1.78 ± 0.18 mM versus 2.67 ± 0.8 mM: t = 3.55, p = 0.005) but similar [NAA]. Two cases harboring rare variants in the SLC39A1 zinc transporter had the lowest [NAA]. (8.41 ± 0 80 mM versus 10.35 ± 2.03 mM, t = 4.52, p = 0.001). The highest [Cho] accompanied rare variants in SORCS2 and SORT, associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease.LimitationsThis preliminary study of a small sample of exceptionally well characterized cases requires replication in larger samples for clinical utility.ConclusionsThe hippocampus is vulnerable to more than one pathology causing schizophrenia. TRIO rare variants predicted significantly lower Cho, indicating reduced myelin. [Cho] and [NAA] may have importance for choosing and monitoring schizophrenia treatment.
Sleep Disturbance and Associated Factors among Adult People Living with HIV/AIDS at Dessie Referral Hospital Antiretroviral Therapy Clinic, Northeast, Ethiopia.
Authors: Degu Fatuma Seid , Birhanu Yeneabat , Azagew Abere
Published: June 2020

Background Sleep disturbance is the leading health problem in the era of HIV/AIDS. The exact cause of sleep disturbance was not well known, but it is related to HIV itself, antiretroviral drugs side effects, and other HIV related disorders. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disturbance and associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult PLWHA at Dessie Referal hospital Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic from April 1/2019 to May 30/2019. A total of 419 study participants participated in the study. A systematic random sampling method was employed. An interviewer-administered a method of data collection with a chart review was used. Pittsburg Sleep Quality of Index (PSQI) for assessing sleep disturbance was used. A binary logistic regression was conducted. The variables having a p-value < 0.05 with 95% CI were used to declare an association. Results: The proportion of sleep disturbance was 36% (95% CI: 31- 41%). The study revealed that being female (AOR=3.45, 95% CI: 1.52-7.79), viral loads ≥1000 copies /ml (AOR=6.88, 95% CI: 2.79-16.9), CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 (AOR=6.85, 95% CI: 2.42-19.39), WHO stage II and III(AOR=4.29, 95%CI: 1.05-17.53), having anxiety (AOR=10,95% CI: 4.21-23.9), having depression (AOR=4.4, 95% CI: 1.95-10.1), having not a separated bedroom (AOR=3.94, 95% CI: 1.86-8.36), and living alone (AOR=6, 95% CI: 2.81-13.12) were found to be factors associated with sleep disturbance. Conclusion: In this study, more than one - thirds of the study participants were developed sleep disturbance. Being female, low CD4 cell counts, viral load ≥1000copies/ml, WHO stage II and III, having depression and anxiety, living alone, and have not a separate bedroom have increased the experience of sleep disturbance.
Comparable Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes among DAS28-ESR-based Remission Criteria and SDAI, CDAI, and ACR/EULAR Boolean definitions in patients with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Practice. Observational Study of 5 years of Follow-Up
Authors: Ramírez Julio , Inciarte-Mundo Jose , Cuervo Andrea , Celis Raquel , Ruiz-Esq Virginia , Castellanos-Moreira Raul , Ponce Andrés , Gómez-Puerta Jose , Sanmartí Raimon , Cañete Juan D
Published: June 2020

Objective To compare long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes among five sets of remission criteria [four clinical and one Ultrasound (US)-based] in a cohort of RA patients in a clinical care setting. Methods RA patients in remission (DAS28-ESR <2.6) were selected. Hand US assessments were performed, and serum levels of inflammation/angiogenesis biomarkers were determined at baseline. Changes in baseline treatment and radiographic progression, defined as the variation in the modified Sharp van der Heijde score (mSHS) at 5 years, were analyzed. To define remission, five different concepts were used, as follows: DAS28-ESR<2.6, SDAI<3.3, CDAI<2.8, Boolean criteria and score Power Doppler (PD)=0.Results Eighty-seven patients with DAS28-ESR<2.6 were included. One third fulfilled SDAI (33.3%), CDAI (31%) and Boolean (35.6%) remission criteria and 25.3% had no PD signal in the US evaluation. 26 patients (29.9%) changed the therapy, ranging from 13.6% (PD remission) to 33.3% (CDAI remission) (p=0.11). Serum levels of ANG (p=0.015) and TNFa (p=0.025) were significantly lower in patients with Boolean remission, whereas IL-18 levels were significantly lower in those with PD remission (p=0.049). Patients without PD in the US assessment had significantly lower mSHS erosion progression (p=0.014) at 5 years. Conclusions Patients with established RA in DAS28-ESR remission had comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes than SDAI, CDAI and Boolean definitions in a clinical care setting. US remission remained as the closest to structural damage abrogation.