bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ph, Electric Conductivity and Delayed Luminescence Changes in Human Sera of Subjects Undergoing the Relaxation Response: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dal Lin Carlo , Grasso Rosaria , Scordino Agata , Triglia Antonio , Tona Francesco , Iliceto Sabino , Vitiello Giuseppe , Elia Vittorio , Napoli Elena , Germano Roberto , Musumeci Francesco
Published: April 2020

In our recent works we reported that physical and chemical characteristics of serum can vary in relation to the psychic activity of an individual depending on whether it is oriented to stress or relaxation. We wandered if these observations could be accompanied by an appreciable modification of the Ph, electric conductivity and Delayed Luminescence of the same serum samples. Our preliminary data may suggest that the serum pH could significantly increase during a Relaxation Response intervention while electric conductivity seems to decrease. Moreover, Delayed Luminescense could vary in the same subject according to the Relaxation Response practice. According to our proof of concept study, we postulate the appearance of a coherent system within the blood samples analyzed after the Relaxation Response. Further researches and some technical development are needed to support our preliminary findings.
Characterisation of season-wise spatial distribution of small pelagic fishery in Kerala, south-west coast of India
Authors: Dhiju Das P.H. , Joshy C.G. , Edwin Leela
Published: April 2020

In this study, we attempted to identify and characterise the spatial variability of small pelagic fish abundance using geostatistical methods. The small pelagic fish abundance was estimated in terms of spatial parameters using generalised additive models (GAMs). The ring seine fishing grounds in the south-eastern Arabian Sea exhibited seasonal variability in distribution. Results of the study would help in prediction of the major pelagic fishing grounds for traditional fishers which would help in reducing fuel and time spent on searching for the fishing ground leading to sustainable exploitation. The prediction model can contribute to the management of pelagic fishery along the Kerala coast.
Stomach content analysis and length-weight relationship of the Pontic shad Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835 (Pisces: Clupeidae), from the eastern Black Seacoast of Turkey
Authors: Mazlum Rahsan Evren , Akgumus Sevkiye
Published: April 2020

Diet composition of the anadromous Pontic shad Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835 was studied in relation to season and body size, from samples collected from the south-east Black Sea coast of Turkey in spring, autumn and winter during the period from March 2012 - February 2013. Out of 236 samples, 226 stomachs contained food and 24 prey items were identified. Nematoda sp. and teleosts were the main prey items with index of relative importance (IRI) of 59.3 and 38.2% respectively. Seasonal analysis showed that the IRI of Nematoda sp. was 71.6% in winter, 50.6% in spring and 37.1% in autumn. The stomachs of fishes in the length range of 12.0 -19.9 cm contained a higher proportion of Nematoda sp. (IRI up to 74 - 80%). Larger fishes in the length range of 24.0-32.8 cm consumed more teleosts (>45% IRI) than the others. The length-weight relationship showed that females grow in positive allometric pattern while males have isometric growth.
Food and feeding habits of the Gangetic hairfin anchovy Setipinna phasa (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Serajuddin M. , Chaubey Brijesh K.
Published: April 2020

Dietary composition and feeding intensity in relation to season, size and maturity stages of the Gangetic hairfin anchovy Setipinna phasa (Hamilton, 1822) were investigated in the present study. Strong dentition, modified gill rakers, strongly built stomach and short intestine were some of the basic characteristics associated with the feeding habits of S. phasa. Relative length of gut (RLG) indices indicated the absence of any major shift from basically carnivorous orientation of the fish during its various life stages. Feeding intensity was relatively high in stage III (gonad ripening stage) and low in the stages IV and V (ripe and spent). Insects and crustaceans were the main food of adults while annelids and insects were eaten by juveniles. Adult individuals of river Ganga consumed more food during winter than summer and rainy seasons, while the food intake in adult specimens of Hooghly Estuary was greater during summer compared to winter and rainy seasons. Study of food and feeding habits of fishes provides base line information for facilitating fisheries management programmes and sustainable aquaculture.
Optimising water requirement for nursery rearing of rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) in large outdoor concrete tanks: influence of water depth on seed performance
Authors: Das Pratap Chandra , Kamble Suhas Prakash
Published: April 2020

A study was conducted to find the optimum water depth requirement for nursery rearing of rohu Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822). Nine concrete tanks of 50 m2 each (10 x 5 x 1.2 m) were grouped into three treatments T1, T2 and T3 and were filled upto 1.0, 0.75 and 0.5 m water depths, respectively. Each tank was stocked with 0.5 lakh hatchery produced spawn and reared for 20 days. The study revealed significant influence of water depth on growth and survival of fry (p<0.05). Though the final length of fry did not differ among the treatments (p>0.05), T3 with 0.5 m water depth showed significantly lower survival, final body weight and specific growth rate than the other two treatments (p<0.05), whereas tanks with 1.0 and 0.75 m water depths showed almost similar survival, final weight and SGR (p>0.05). Assessment of water use for production of every 1000 fry revealed significant reduction in total water use (TWU) with decreased water depth (p<0.05), while the consumptive water use (CWU) in terms of water exchange and replenishment did not differ between water depth treatments of 1.0 and 0.75 m. The results of the study indicate 0.75 m to be the ideal water depth with better water use efficiency for fry production of the species.
Effects of heat stress on Hsp90a2b and Hsp10 mRNA expression and blood cell apoptosis in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1972)
Authors: Luo Zhicheng , Zhou Yanjing , Liu Zhe , Xia Binpeng , Wang Yongjie
Published: April 2020

To study the response to heat stress in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1972), the expression of heat shock protein genes Hsp90a2b and Hsp10 in selected tissues and apoptosis of blood cells were investigated at water temperatures of 18, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 26°C. Expressions of Hsp90a2b in the gill, mid-kidney, brain, heart and muscle were generally upregulated with increasing temperature. Hsp90a2b expression in the liver increased rapidly at 21°C and then showed a significant decrease and finally a significant increase at 25°C and 26°C (p<0.05). Hsp10 expression showed an irregular but overall increasing tendency in gill, spleen and mid-kidney and a wave-like increasing pattern in liver, heart and muscle. Levels of Hsp90a2b at 25°C and Hsp10 at 26°C in all tissues were always significantly higher compared to 18°C (p<0.05). The apoptosis rate at 21°C was significantly higher than that at 18°C, followed by a fall and was the highest at 25°C. All these data indicated that the heat shock response already occurred at 21°C which induced expressions of Hsp90a2b and Hsp10 as well as blood cells apoptosis and 25°C may be a key temperature for stress response in rainbow trout.
The functions of ocu-miR-205 in regulating hair follicle development in Rex rabbits
Authors: Liu Gongyan , Li Shu , Liu Hongli , Zhu Yanli , Bai Liya , Sun Haitao , Gao Shuxia , Jiang Wenxue , Li Fuchang
Published: April 2020

Background: Hair follicles is an appendage from the vertebrate skin epithelium, and arise from the embryonic ectoderm andregenerate cyclically during adult life. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is the key dermal component of the hair follicle that directly regulates hair follicle development, growth and regeneration. Recent studies have reported that miRNA plays an important role in regulating hair follicle morphogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells. Results: The miRNAs expression profile of the DPCs from different hair density Rex rabbits shown that 240 differentially expressed of miRNAs were screened (log 2 (HD/LD)｜>1.00 and Q-value≤0.001). Among them, the expression of ocu-miR-205-5p in low hair densities DPCs was higher than that in high hair densities, and it is highly expressed in the skin tissue of Rex rabbits ( P <0.05). ocu-miR-205 could increase cell proliferation and cell apoptosis ratio, change cell cycle process ( P <0.05), affect the genes expression of PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways in DPCs and skin tissue of Rex rabbits, inhibit the protein phosphorylation level of CTNNB1, GSK-3β and the protein expression level of noggin (NOG), promote Akt phosphorylation level ( P <0.05). There was no significant change in primary follicle density ( P >0.05), but the secondary follicle density and total follicle density ( P <0.05) were changed after ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression, and secondary/primary ratio (S/P) in ocu-miR-205-5p interfered expression group increased at 14 days after injection ( P <0.05). Conclusion: ocu-miR-205 could promote the apoptosis of DPCs, affect PI3K/Akt, Wnt, Notch and BMP signaling pathways genes and proteins expression in DPCs and skin of Rex rabbits, promote the transformation of hair follicles from growth phase to regression and resting phase, and affect hair density of Rex rabbits.
Construction situation, costs and charges associated with pharmacy intravenous admixture services: Multi-center cross-sectional survey based on 137 medical institutions in mainland China
Authors: yang chunsong , kang bingyao , zhang lingli , yu dan
Published: April 2020

Background: To investigate the construction situation, costs and charges associated with pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) to provide references for the construction and development of PIVAS in mainland China.Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted via a WeChat Group targeting PIVAS leaders in hospitals to investigate the basic situation of PIVAS, including opening time, area, number of PIVAS, equipment, management mode, PIVAS costs and charges, as well as numbers of beds, open wards, and staff, and analyze differences in PIVAS construction at different provincial and hospital levels.Results: 137 questionnaires were collected from 29 provinces, representing a response rate of 99.3%. Most participants (88.4%) were from Level III Hospitals. The number of years of operations of PIVAS ranged from 1 to 22 (median: 6). PIVAS site area ranged between 100 and 1973 m2; daily average infusion volume was concentrated in the ranges 0-1000 bags (29.9%, 41/137) and 1001-2000 bags (26.3%, 36/137). In terms of PIVAS management mode, the vast majority used separate pharmacy management (65.0%, 89/137). Only 52.6% (72/137) of PIVAS have standardized charges, and 70.1% (96/137) operate at a loss. The median costs of mixed tumor chemotherapy drugs, total parenteral nutrition, general medicine, antibiotics were 20, 35, 4 and 5 RMB, respectively. With the exception of a few features, PIVAS construction does not obviously differ among different regions and hospital levels.Conclusions: In recent years, PIVAS in China has developed rapidly and become relatively large. The main problems are that most provinces lack standards for charges and PIVAS construction differs among hospitals. Therefore, standards for PIVAS construction and charges should be developed to provide a reference for the future development of PIVAS.
Food Insecurity among Senior Citizens in High Out-migration Areas: Evidence from Western Nepal
Authors: Singh Devendra Raj , Ghimire Saruna , Jeffers Eva M , Singh Sunita , Nath Dhirendra , Szabo Sylvia
Published: April 2020

Background: Food insecurity is a critical public health challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries such as Nepal. The demographic transition has resulted in a growing population of senior citizens. However, the determinants of food insecurity among Nepali senior citizens remain unknown. This study aims to fill this gap by assessing food insecurity among the older populations in the far-western region, one of the poorest regions of the country. Further, we also aim to assess the potential association between adult children’s migration and the food insecurity status of the left behind older parents.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 randomly selected senior citizens in the Kanchanpur district in far-western Nepal. The short form of the household food security scale, originally developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, was used to measure household food security. Associations were examined by logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity in senior citizens’ households was 41.1%. Senior citizen households with their adult children’s migration (AOR= 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24 - 0.95) had lower odds of being food insecure whereas households with lower family income (<$100 compared to ≥ $100) had two times higher odds of being food insecure (AOR= 2.26, 95% CI: 1.08 - 4.76). Also, households owning a cultivable land/farm (AOR= 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.40), primary source of income as service/pension (AOR= 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.89) or business (AOR= 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03 - 0.59) and participants who received geriatric allowances (AOR=0.05, 95% CI=0.01- 0.16) had lower odds of being food insecure. Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity among households with a senior citizen in Kanchanpur district was high and associated with the migration status of adult children, and household socioeconomic status. This calls for a greater policy response focused specifically on households with older adults and the integration of gerontological evidence into the existing food security and nutrition strategies.
Applying the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to assess geriatric patients in home care settings: A qualitative study of nurses’ and general practitioners’ experiences
Authors: Jeppestøl Kristin , Kirkevold Marit , Bragstad Line Kildal
Published: April 2020

Background:Acute functional decline is a common clinical syndrome in geriatric health care that is typically characterised by nonspecific symptoms and presents with a mix of physical, psychological, social and functional manifestations.Early warning score (EWS) systems are widely implemented in nursing homes and home care to detect clinical deterioration. The effects of EWS systems have been thoroughly evaluated in hospital care settings, but few studies have evaluated these systems in community health care.The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of registered nurses (RNs) and general practitioners (GPs) when using the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to support clinical reasoning and decision-making with geriatric home care patients who suffer from acute functional decline.Method:A qualitative methodology was used with a descriptive exploratory design. Data were collected from seven focus group interviews. GPs and RNs were purposively sampled from large, medium and small municipalities in Norway. Data were analysed using an inductive content analysis method.Results:MEWS was used as an additional decision-making tool with elderly home care patients when acute functional decline was detected. RNs and GPs emphasised that MEWS supported the clinical reasoning and decision-making process. Additionally, those applying MEWS required comprehensive reasoning skills and specific knowledge of the patients. RNs identified the need for contextual adjustments to the use of MEWS in home care settings. Implementing MEWS has improved the collaboration and clinical practice of RNs and GPs. The adherence to MEWS follow-up recommendations was adjusted to the home care setting, accounting for potentially limited medical availability.Conclusion:MEWS supported RNs and GPs in conducting comprehensive clinical assessments and reasoning when acute functional decline was detected. Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration appeared to be strengthened, and GPs’ work was streamlined. Several limitations were identified with the use of MEWS reference values with geriatric patients, which could lead to ambiguity and misjudgements. MEWS trigger recommendations were experienced as inappropriate in the home care context. This study identifies the need for a modified, evidence-based EWS adjusted for geriatric patients in home care.
Biocontrol of tomato bacterial wilt by the new strain Bacillus velezensis FJAT-46737 and its lipopeptides
Authors: Chen Meichun , Wang Jieping , Liu Bo , Zhu Yujing , Xiao Rongfeng , Yang Wenjing , Ge Cibin , Chen Zheng
Published: April 2020

Background:There is an urgent need to discover alternativeBacillusbiocontrol agents to control bacterial wilt. This study reports on a new lipopeptide-producing biocontrol strain FJAT-46737 and explores its lipopeptidic compounds, and this study investigates the antagonistic effects of these compounds.Results:Based on a whole genome sequence analysis,the new strain FJAT-46737 was identified asBacillusvelezensis, and seven gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites in FJAT-46737 were predicted. The antimicrobial results demonstrated that FJAT-46737 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activitiesin vitroagainst three bacteria and three fungi. Pot experiments showed that the control efficiencies for tomato bacterial wilt of the whole cultures, the 2-fold diluted supernatants and the crude lipopeptide of FJAT-46737 were 66.2%, 82.0%, and 96.2%, respectively. The above results suggested that one of the antagonistic mechanisms of FJAT-46737 was the secretion of lipopeptides consisting of iturins, fengycins and surfactins. The crude lipopeptides had significant antagonistic activities against several pathogens (includingRalstonia solanacearum,Escherichia coliandFusarium oxysporum) and fengycins were the major antibacterial components of the lipopeptides againstR. solanacearum in vitro. Furthermore, the rich organic nitrogen sources (especially yeast extracts) in the media promoted the production of fengycin and surfactin by FJAT-46737. The secretion of these two lipopeptides was related to temperature fluctuations, with the fengycin content decreasing by 96.6% and the surfactins content increasing by 59.9% from 20oC to 40oC. The optimal temperature for lipopeptide production by FJAT-46737 varied between 20oCand 25oC.Conclusions:TheB.velezensisstrain FJAT-46737 and its secreted lipopeptides could be used as new sources of potential biocontrol agents against several plant pathogens, and especially the bacterial wilt pathogenR. solanacearum.
Structural and functional similarities and differences in nucleolar Pumilio RNA-binding proteins between Arabidopsis and the charophyte Chara corallina
Authors: Park Su Hyun , Kim Hyung-Sae , Kalita Prakash Jyoti , Choi Sang-Bong
Published: April 2020

Background: Pumilio RNA-binding proteins are evolutionarily conserved throughout eukaryotes and are involved in RNA decay, transport, and translation repression in the cytoplasm. Although a majority of Pumilio proteins function in the cytoplasm, two nucleolar forms have been reported to have a function in rRNA processing in Arabidopsis. The species of the genus Chara have been known to be most closely related to land plants, as they share several characteristics with modern Embryophyta.Results: In this study, we identified two putative nucleolar Pumilio protein genes, namely, ChPUM2 and ChPUM3, from the transcriptome of Chara corallina. Of the two ChPUM proteins, ChPUM2 was most similar in amino acid sequence (27% identity and 45% homology) and predicted protein structure to Arabidopsis APUM23, while ChPUM3 was similar to APUM24 (35% identity and 54% homology). The transient expression of 35S:ChPUM2-RFP and 35S:ChPUM3-RFP showed nucleolar localization of fusion proteins in tobacco leaf cells, similar to the expression of 35S:APUM23-GFP and 35S:APUM24-GFP. Moreover, 35S:ChPUM2 complemented the morphological defects of the apum23 phenotypes but not those of apum24, while 35S:ChPUM3 could not complement the apum23 and apum24 mutants. Similarly, the 35S:ChPUM2/apum23 plants rescued the pre-rRNA processing defect of apum23, but 35S:ChPUM3/apum24+/- plants did not rescue that of apum24. Consistent with these complementation results, a known target RNA-binding sequence at the end of the 18S rRNA (5'-GGAAUUGACGG) for APUM23 was conserved in Arabidopsis and C. corallina, whereas a target region of ITS2 pre-rRNA for APUM24 was 156 nt longer in C. corallina than in A. thaliana. Moreover, ChPUM2 and APUM23 were predicted to have nearly identical structures, but ChPUM3 and APUM24 have different structures in the 5th C-terminal Puf RNA-binding domain, which had a longer random coil in ChPUM3 than in APUM24.Conclusions: ChPUM2 of C. corallina was functional in Arabidopsis, similar to APUM23, but ChPUM3 did not substitute for APUM24 in Arabidopsis. Protein homology modeling showed high coverage between APUM23 and ChPUM2, but displayed structural differences between APUM24 and ChPUM3. Together with the protein structure of ChPUM3 itself, a short ITS2 of Arabidopsis pre-rRNA may interrupt the binding of ChPUM3 to 3’-extended 5.8S pre-rRNA.
Oral Nystatin Prophylaxis to Prevent Systemic Fungal Infection in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants : A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rundjan Lily , Wahyuningsih Retno , Oeswadi Chrissela Anindita , Marsogi Miske , Purnamasari Ayu
Published: April 2020

Background Systemic fungal infection (SFI) is one of leading causes of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Because early diagnosis of SFI is challenging due to nonspecific manifestations, prophylaxis becomes crucial. This study aimed to assess effectiveness of oral nystatin as an antifungal prophylaxis to prevent SFI in VLBW preterm infants. Methods A prospective, open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was performed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of an academic hospital in Indonesia. Infants with a gestational age < 32 weeks and/or birth weight of < 1500 grams with risk factors of fungal infection were assessed for eligibility and randomized to either an intervention group (nystatin) or control group. The intervention group received 1 ml of oral nystatin three times a day, and the control group received a dose of 1ml of sterile water three times a day. The incidence of fungal colonization and SFI were observed and evaluated during the six-week study period. Overall, mortality rates and nystatin-related adverse drug reactions during the study period were also documented. Results A total of 95 patients were enrolled. The incidence of fungal colonization was lower among infants in nystatin group compared to those in control group (29.79% and 56.25%, respectively; relative risk 0.559; 95% confidence interval 0.357-0.899; p-value=0.009). There were five cases of SFI, all of which were found in the control group (p-value=0.056). There was no difference in overall mortality between the two groups. No adverse drug reactions were noted during the study period. Conclusions Nystatin is effective and safe as an antifungal prophylactic medication in reducing colonization rates in the study population. Whilst the use of nystatin showed a potential protective effect against SFI among VLBW preterm infants, there was no statistical significant difference in SFI rates between groups.
Mycoplasma genitalium in Singapore is Associated with Chlamydia trachomatis Infection and Displays High Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Resistance Rates
Authors: Hart Tim , Tang Wen Ying , Mansoor Siti Aminah , Chio Martin Tze-Wei , Barkham Timothy Sebastian
Published: April 2020

Background: Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted infection, with increasing rates of resistance to fluroquinolones and macrolides, the recommended treatments. Despite this, M. genitalium is not part of routine screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in many countries and the prevalence of infection and patterns of disease remain to be determined in many populations. Such data is of particular importance in light of the reported rise in antibiotic resistance in M. genitalium isolates. Methods: Urine and urethral swab samples were collected from the primary public sexual health clinic in Singapore and tested for C. trachomatis (CT) or N. gonorrhoeae (NG) infection and for the presence of M. genitalium. Antibiotic resistance in M. genitalium strains detected was determined by screening for genomic mutations associated with macrolide and fluroquinolone resistance.Results: We report the results of a study into M. genitalium prevalence at the national sexual health clinic in Singapore. M. genitalium was heavily associated with CT infection (8.1% of cases), but present in only of 2.4% in CT negative cases and not independently linked to NG infection. Furthermore, we found high rates of resistance mutations to both macrolides (25%) and fluoroquinolones (37.5%) with a majority of resistant strains being dual-resistant. Resistance mutations were only found in strains from patients with CT co-infection.Conclusions: Our results support targeted screening of CT positive patients for M. genitalium as a cost-effective strategy to reduce the incidence of M. genitalium in the absence of comprehensive routine screening. The high rate of dual resistance also highlights the need to ensure the availability of alternative antibiotics for the treatment of multi-drug resistant M. genitalium isolates.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Slovenian version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for Low back pain
Authors: Topolovec Matevž , Vozlič David , Plohl Nejc , Vengust Rok , Vodičar Miha , Mannion Anne Frances
Published: April 2020

Background: To conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) in the Slovenian language, for use in patients with low back pain. Methods: The English version of COMI was translated into Slovene following established guidelines. 353 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited from the Orthopedic clinic department of a tertiary care teaching institution. Data quality, construct validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability of the COMI were assessed. Results: The questionnaire was generally well accepted with no missing values. The majority of items exhibited only mild floor and ceiling effects. Correlations with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were high (ρ = 0.76 between overall COMI and ODI scores), suggesting that the Slovene version of COMI had high construct validity. Additionally, the Slovene version of COMI successfully captured surgical patients’ improvement in their low back problem (indicator of responsiveness) and showed acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86). Conclusions: The Slovene version of COMI showed good psychometric properties, comparable to those of previously tested language versions. It represents a valuable instrument for the use in future domestic and multicenter clinical studies.
Addressing the quality and scope of paediatric primary care in South Africa: Evaluating contextual impacts of the introduction of the Practical Approach to Care Kit for children (PACK Child)
Authors: Murdoch Jamie , Curran Robyn , Cornick Ruth , Picken Sandy , Bachmann Max , Bateman Eric , Simelane Makhosazana Lungile , Fairall Lara
Published: April 2020

Background: Despite significant reductions in mortality, preventable and treatable conditions remain leading causes of death and illness in children in South Africa. The PACK Child intervention, comprising clinical decision support tool (guide), training strategy and health systems strengthening components, was developed to expand on WHO’s Integrated Management of Childhood Illness programme, extending care of children under 5 years to those aged 0-13 years, those with chronic conditions needing regular follow-up, integration of curative and preventive measures and routine care of the well child. In 2017-2018, PACK Child was piloted in 10 primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape Province. Here we report findings from an investigation into the contextual features of South African primary care that shaped how clinicians delivered the PACK Child intervention within clinical consultations.Methods: Process evaluation using linguistic ethnographic methodology which provides analytical tools for investigating human behaviour, and the shifting meaning of talk and text within context. Methods included semi-structured interviews, focus groups, ethnographic observation, audio-recorded consultations and documentary analysis. Analysis focused on how mapped contextual features structured clinician-caregiver interactions. Results: Primary healthcare facilities demonstrated an institutionalised orientation to minimising risk upheld by provincial documentation, providing curative episodic care to children presenting with acute symptoms, and preventive care including immunisations, feeding and growth monitoring, all in children 5 years or younger. Children with chronic illnesses such as asthma rarely receive routine care. These contextual features constrained the ability of clinicians to use the PACK Child guide to facilitate diagnosis of long-term conditions, elicit and manage psychosocial issues, and navigate use of the guide alongside provincial documentation. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that PACK Child is catalysing a transition to an approach that strikes a balance between assessing and minimising risk on the day of acute presentation and a larger remit of care for children over time. However, optimising success of the intervention requires reviewing priorities for paediatric care which will facilitate enhanced skills, knowledge and deployment of clinical staff to better address acute illnesses and long-term health conditions of children of all ages, as well as complex psychosocial issues surrounding the child.
Chromatin run-on sequencing analysis finds that ECM remodeling plays an important role in canine hemangiosarcoma pathogenesis
Authors: Mukai Chinatsu , Choi Eunju , Sams Kelly L. , Zu Klampen Elena , Anguish Lynne , Marks Brooke A. , Rice Edward J. , Wang Zhong , Choate Lauren A. , Chou Shao-Pei , Kato Yukinari , Miller Andrew , Danko Charles G. , Coonrod Scott A.
Published: April 2020

Background Canine visceral hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a highly aggressive cancer of endothelial origin that closely resembles visceral angiosarcoma in humans, both clinically and histopathologically. Currently there is an unmet need for new diagnostics and therapies for both forms of this disease. The goal of this study was to utilize ChRO-seq and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify gene and protein expression signatures that may be important drivers of HSA progression. Methods Chromatin run-on sequencing (ChRO-seq) was performed on tissue isolated from 17 HSA samples and 4 normal splenic samples. Computational analysis was then used to identify differentially expressed genes and these factors were subjected to gene ontology analysis. Next, RT-PCR was performed on a subset of candidate genes to validate the ChRO-seq data. We then performed Masson’s trichrome, H&E, and IHC staining on these tissues to investigate morphological features of HSA tumor tissue as well as the expression patterns of several proteins identified in our ChRO-seq analysis. Results ChRO-seq analysis revealed over a thousand differentially expressed genes in HSA tissue compared with normal splenic tissue (FDR <0.005). Interestingly, the majority of genes overexpressed in HSA tumor tissue were associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. This observation correlated well with our histological analysis, which found that HSA tumors contain a rich and complex collagen network. Additionally, we characterized the protein expression patterns of two highly overexpressed molecules identified in ChRO-seq analysis, podoplanin (PDPN) and laminin alpha 4 (LAMA4). We found that the expression of these two ECM-associated factors appeared to be largely limited to transformed endothelial cells within the HSA lesions. Conclusion Outcomes from this study suggest that ECM remodeling plays an important role in HSA progression. Additionally, our study identified two potential novel biomarkers of HSA, PDPN and LAMA4. Interestingly, given that function-blocking anti-PDPN antibodies have shown anti-tumor effects in mouse models of canine melanoma, our studies raise the possibility that these types of therapeutic strategies could potentially be developed for treating canine HSA.
Identification, cloning and expression patterns of the genes related to phosphate solubilization in Burkholderia multivorans WS-FJ9 under different soluble phosphate levels
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wang Yahui , Kong Weiliang , Liu Wanhui , Xie Xingli , Wu Xiaoqin
Published: April 2020

As important plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) fix nitrogen, dissolve potassium, promote growth, improve the soil micro-environment, and enhance soil fertility. A high-efficiency PSB strain from the pine tree rhizosphere, Burkholderia multivorans WS-FJ9, was screened in our laboratory. In this study, using a Bio Screener fully automatic microbial growth curve meter to determine the growth of the WS-FJ9 strain in phosphate-removing medium, the growth and mineral phosphate solubilization of WS-FJ9 were measured by Mo-Sb colorimetry and organophosphate-solubilization plate assays. Second-generation sequencing technology was used to obtain genomic information and to analyze possible phosphorus decomposition genes. The related expression levels of these genes under different phosphorus levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that WS-FJ9 had strong adaptability and capacity for mineral phosphate solubilization at low phosphorus levels, which is characterized by its low phosphorus induction and high phosphorus inhibition. The amount of solubilized mineral phosphate could exceed 140 mg/L. The total length of the WS-FJ9 genome was 7,497,552 bp after splicing, and the GC content was 67.37%. Eight phosphate-related genes were selected to determine their expression patterns at different phosphorus levels. Among them, AP-2, GspE and GspF were only related to organic phosphorus, HlyB was only related to inorganic phosphorus, and PhoR, PhoA, AP-1 and AP-3 were related to both. The WS-FJ9 strain utilizes multiple pathways for mineral phosphate solubilization, and the solubilization processes of different phosphorus sources are interrelated and independent, indicating that the WS-FJ9 strain can adapt to different phosphorus source environments and has good potential for future applications.
Bridging the Intergenerational Gap: The Outcomes of a Student-Initiated, Longitudinal, Inter-professional, Inter-generational Home Visit Program
Authors: Ng Kennedy , Leung Gloria Yao Chi , Tey Angeline Jie-Yin , Chaung Jia Quan , Lee Si Min , Soundararajan Amrish , Yow Ka Shing , Ngiam Nerice Heng Wen , Lau Tang Ching , Wong Sweet Fun , Wong Chek Hooi , Koh Gerald Choon-Huat
Published: April 2020

Background Older persons consume disproportionately more healthcare resources than younger persons. Tri-Generational HomeCare (TriGen), a service-learning program, aims to reduce hospital admission rates amongst older patients with frequent admissions. The authors evaluated the educational and patient outcomes of TriGen. Methods Teams consisting of healthcare undergraduates and secondary school (SS) students - performed fortnightly home visits to patients over 6 months. Self-administered scales were used to evaluate the educational outcomes in knowledge and attitudes towards the older people and nine domains of soft skills pre- and post-intervention. Patients’ reported satisfaction and clinical outcomes were also assessed. Results 226 healthcare undergraduates and 359 SS students participated in the program from 2015 to 2018. Response rates were 80.1% and 62.4% respectively. 106 patients participated in TriGen. There was a significant increase in Kogan’s Attitudes towards Old People Scale (KOP) scores for healthcare undergraduates and SS students with a mean increase of 12.8 (95%CI: 9.5 – 16.2, p < 0.001) and 8.3 (95%CI: 6.2 – 10.3, p < 0.001) respectively. There was a significant increase in Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz (PFAQ) score for SS students but not for healthcare undergraduates. Most volunteers reported that TriGen was beneficial across all nine domains assessed. There was also a significant decrease in hospital admission rates (p = 0.006) and emergency department visits (p = 0.004) during the 6-month period before and after the program. 51 patients answered the patient feedback survey. Of this, more than 80% reported feeling less lonely and happier. Conclusion TriGen, a student-initiated, longitudinal, inter-generational service-learning program consisting of SS students and healthcare undergraduates can reduce ageism, develop soft skills, inculcate values amongst SS students and healthcare undergraduates. In addition, TriGen potentially reduces hospital admissions and emergency department visits, and loneliness amongst frequently admitted older patients.
Troponin I as a mortality marker after lung resection surgery – a prospective cohort study.
Authors: Uchoa Ricardo , Caramelli Bruno
Published: April 2020

Background: Cardiovascular complications associated with thoracic surgery increase morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Elevated cardiac troponin level represents a predictor of complications after non-cardiac surgeries, but its role after thoracic surgeries remains undetermined. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between troponin I elevation and morbidity and mortality after one year in patients undergoing lung resection surgery.Methods: This prospective cohort study evaluated 151 consecutive patients subjected to elective lung resection procedures using conventional and video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques at a University Hospital in Brazil, from July 2012 to November 2015. Preoperative risk stratification was performed using the scores obtained by the American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Society of Cardiology of the state of São Paulo (EMAPO) scoring systems. Troponin I levels were measured in the immediate postoperative period (POi) and on the first and second postoperative days.Results: Most patients had a low risk for complications according to the ACP (96.7%) and EMAPO (82.8%) scores. Approximately 49% of the patients exhibited increased troponin I (≥0.16 ng/ml), at least once, and 22 (14.6%) died in one year. Multivariate analysis showed that the elevation of troponin I, on the first postoperative day, correlated with a 12-fold increase in mortality risk within one year (HR 12.02, 95% CI: 1.82-79.5; p=0.01). Conclusions: In patients undergoing lung resection surgery, with a low risk of complications according to the preoperative evaluation scores, an increase in troponin I levels above 0.16 ng/ml in the first postoperative period correlated with an increase in mortality within one year.
Extrastriatal 123I-FP-CIT SPECT impairment in Parkinson’s disease – the PPMI cohort
Authors: Nicastro Nicolas , GARIBOTTO Valentina , BURKHARD Pierre R.
Published: April 2020

Background: Neuropathological data and nuclear medicine imaging show extensive serotonergic impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We undertook a case-controlled analysis of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images to measure extrastriatal serotonergic transporters (SERT) in PD using the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort. Methods: We included all PD (n=154) and Control subjects (n=62) with available 123I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging and high-resolution T1-weighted MRI for coregistration (PD: mean age 61.6 years, 62% male, disease duration 26 months, MDS-UPDRS III score 22). 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images were processed with PETPVE12 using an exploratory voxel-wise analysis including partial-volume effect correction. Linear regressions were performed in the PD group to assess correlations between region of interest 123I-FP-CIT uptake and clinical motor and non-motor impairment.Results: Compared to Controls, PD exhibited an uptake reduction in bilateral caudate nucleus, putamen, insula, amygdala and right pallidum (family-wise error (FWE)-corrected p<0.05). While lower putaminal uptake on the contralateral side to clinically more affected side was associated with higher MDS-UPDRS III score (p=0.022), we found a trend association between higher geriatric depression scale and lower pallidum uptake (p=0.09). Higher SCOPA-AUT gastrointestinal subscore was associated with lower uptake in mean putamen and caudate nucleus (p=0.01 to 0.03), whereas urological subscore was inversely correlated with mean caudate nucleus, putamen, and pallidum uptake (p=0.002 to 0.03). REM sleep behaviour disorder screening questionnaire was associated with lower 123I-FP-CIT binding in caudate nucleus, putamen and pallidum (all p<0.05). No significant association was found for Montreal Cognitive Assessment (all p>0.45) or excessive daytime sleepiness (all p > 0.29). Conclusions: In addition to the well-established striatal deficit, this study provides evidence of a major extrastriatal 123I-FP-CIT impairment, and therefore of an altered serotonergic transmission in early PD.
The Alpha-fetoprotein Serum is still Reliable as a Biomarker for the Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Indonesia
Authors: Jasirwan Chyntia Olivia Maurine , Fahira Alessa - , Siregar Lianda - , Loho Imelda -
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide with an inferior prognosis. In Indonesia, the average life expectancy is less than 5 months, with most patients being in an advanced stage wherein the survival rate is very low. Early detection through surveillance program is very crucial. HCC guidelines worldwide have provided surveillance recommendation through the examination of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and ultrasound for patients at risk in developing HCC. However, there have been some controversies regarding the usage of AFP concerning its low sensitivity and specificity in detecting HCC. Therefore, the effectiveness of AFP in the surveillance of HCC patients and identifying the parameters most associated with the increase of AFP≥10 ng/ml in Indonesia should be evaluated. Methods We analyzed medical records of HCC patients and those at high risk of developing HCC through cross-sectional study, including patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis B and C, from 2015 to 2017 who underwent treatment at the Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital and Dharmais National Cancer Hospital, Indonesia. Results The sensitivity and specificity of AFP in the surveillance of HCC in Indonesia with a cut-off of 10 ng/ml were 82.6% and 71.2%, respectively. The parameters most associated with the increase of AFP ≥10 ng/ml according to multivariate analysis were the etiology of hepatitis B, the stage of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer B and C, and the presence of cirrhosis, respectively. Conclusion AFP can still be used in the surveillance of HCC in Indonesia for its high sensitivity value.
Validity and diagnostic performance of Fluorescence Optical Imaging measuring synovitis in hand osteoarthritis. Baseline results from the Nor-Hand cohort.
Authors: Maugesten Øystein , Mathiessen Alexander , Hammer Hilde Berner , Hestetun Sigrid , Kvien Tore Kristian , Uhlig Till , Ohrndorf Sarah , Haugen Ida Kristin
Published: April 2020

Objective: Fluorescence Optical Imaging (FOI) demonstrates enhanced microcirculation in finger joints as a sign of inflammation. We wanted to assess the validity and diagnostic performance of FOI measuring synovitis in persons with hand OA, comparing it with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- and ultrasound-detected synovitis. Methods: 221 participants with hand OA underwent FOI and ultrasound (grey scale synovitis and power-Doppler activity) of the bilateral hands and contrast-enhanced MRI examination of the dominant hand. Fifteen joints in each hand were scored on semi-quantitative scales (grade 0-3) for all modalities. Four FOI images were evaluated: one composite image (Prima Vista Mode; PVM) and three images representing phases of fluorescent dye distribution. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated between sum scores of FOI, MRI and ultrasound. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for FOI using MRI or ultrasound as reference. Results: FOI did not demonstrate enhancement in the thumb base, and the joint was excluded from further analyses. FOI sum scores showed poor to fair correlations with MRI (rho 0.01-0.24) and GS synovitis sum scores (rho 0.12-0.25). None of the FOI images demonstrated both good sensitivity and specificity, and the AUC ranged from 0.50-0.61 and 0.51-0.63 with MRI and GS synovitis as reference, respectively. FOI demonstrated similar diagnostic performance with PD activity and GS synovitis as reference. Conclusion: FOI enhancement correlated poorly with synovitis assessed by more established imaging modalities, questioning the value of FOI for the evaluation of synovitis in hand OA.
Quantitative Assessment of Renal Function In Children with UPJO By Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound ： A Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Shuofan , Lin Defu , Liu Pei , Sun Ning , Han Wenwen , Li Minglei , Zhang Weiping , Song Hongcheng , Li Zhenwu , Liu Qinglin , Wang Xiaoman
Published: April 2020

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a new potential modality for the quantitative evaluation of the microvascular perfusion of renal parenchyma.Objective: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS in assessing renal function in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO).Methods: The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Beijing Children’s Hospital (Beijing,China), and written informed consent was obtained from the patients’ parents or guardians. Ultrasonography (US), CEUS, and radioisotope renography were performed in 51 children (42 boys, 9 girls; mean age, 6.75 ± 4.14 years) with unilateral UPJO. The slope of the ascending curve (A), time to peak (TTP), peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) were recorded during CEUS; the quantitative data were calculated by the QLAB system (semiautomated border tracking, Philips Healthcare) software. Sensitivity and specificity values were determined for CEUS and compared with radioisotope renography.Results: A total of 102 kidneys in 51 patients were depicted by CEUS and the perfusion time-intensity curve (TIC).CEUS depicted 102 kidneys in 51 patients, in whom the perfusion time-intensity curve（TIC）was determined. The TIC of renal cortical perfusion in all groups showed an asymmetrical single-peak curve, which could be clearly distinguished between the experimental group and the control group. Compared to the control group, the TTP was markedly prolonged but A was significantly decreased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between AUC, PI and DFR，but the correlation coefficient between TTP, A and DFR remained significant (p<0.001).The receiver operating characteristic （ROC）curve drawn to differentiate the differential renal function (DRF) using the TTP value provided an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.86. The diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced US was better than that of US, as the sensitivity and specificity values were 92.86% and 76.14%, respectively.Conclusions: This preliminary experience represents the first report of evaluating the diagnostic value of CEUS in assessing renal function in children with UPJO. CEUS is a highly sensitive, rapid, and diagnostic imaging modality for detecting and monitoring renal function noninvasively.