bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoplasia cervical en mujeres con citología clase II
Authors: Silva Pérez Pedro Ignacio
Published: May 2020

Se estudiaron 355 mujeres con citología clase II. A todas se les practicó colposcopia y a 177 se les tomó biopsia de cérvix por presentar imágenes sugestivas de neoplasia cervical. Esta sospecha se confirmó en 118, distribuidas así: 69 NIC I, 35 NIC II, 11 NIC III y 3 carcinomas invasores. Subdivididas en 3 grupos, la incidencia de neoplasia cervical fue de 23% para la citología PAP II simple, 37% para el PAP II inflamatorio o hemorrágico y 66% para el PAP II con atipias severas.Se revisó la fecha de la última citología negativa (PAP II) en las pacientes a quienes se les diagnosticó NIC III o carcinoma invasor en los últimos 3 1/2 años ( 441 casos). 47% tuvieron citología negativa en los últimos 2 años y 38% no se habían tomado antes una citología.La citología clase II debe tenerse en cuenta en los programas de prevención y diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de cérvix y debe manejarse con protocolo diferente a la citología negativa clase I.
Cobertura de citología vaginal en mujeres mayores de 15 años
Authors: Zuluaga P. Luz Magdalena , Jaramillo de J. Doralba
Published: May 2020

Con el fin de conocer la cobertura del programa de citología cervico-vaginal y el conocimiento que tiene la población femenina en mayores de 15 años sobre el tema, se realizó un estudio en una muestra de 608 mujeres mayores de 15 años representantes de las mujeres adultas del Municipio de Sabaneta. La información se obtuvo a través de entrevistas realizadas en el domicilio de las mujeres seleccionadas en la muestra. La cobertura del programa regular de citología cervico-vaginal fue de 32.56 x 100 mujeres adultas.De las variables demográficas y gineco-obstétricas analizadas como factores que podían influir en la realización regular de la citología fueron positivas: Edad de 25 a 49 años y el antecedente de embarazo y actividad sexual. El 66% de las razones expuestas para no realizar regularmente la citología, son causas que se pueden abolir con ampliación de los servicios de salud y mayor educación; puesto que el 32.1% de las mujeres que alguna vez se practicaron citología vaginal no recibieron ninguna instrucción sobre el tema al momento del procedimiento. Al analizar la última citología se observó que el 19.3% fueron positivas (grado III-IV o inflamatorios) de éstas el 48.8% fueron realizadas en Instituciones privadas; del total de las personas que poseen seguridad social sólo el 40.9% utilizó dichos servicios. Al evaluar la institución sobre el tema se encontró deficiencia de conocimientos en los residentes del área rural, en el nivel económico alto y bajo, en las edades de 15-24 y 50 y más años y entre quienes no tienen antecedentes personales de actividad sexual o embarazo.
Incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo enfoque actual del manejo
Authors: Lomanto Moran Antonio , Sánchez Angarita Jacinto
Published: May 2020

El estudio de la Incontinencia Urinaria en la mujer en nuestro medio, es relativamente incipiente, pues las primeras publicaciones se refieren a técnicas vaginales cuyos resultados de aparente eficacia están rodeadas de fallas en el seguimiento, lo que constituye en la actualidad una información de mucha utilidad para valorar resultados.
Uso de antibióticos profilácticos en la operación cesárea
Authors: Eisen A. , Revollo F. , Jofre J. P.
Published: May 2020

Dada la alta incidencia de morbilidad infecciosa, en operación cesárea y ante la necesidad de disminuirla, se evalúa el uso profiláctico de la penicilina cristalina (3 dosis de 5 millones de unidades) pre-operatoria y a las 2 y 8 horas del post-operatorio, en pacientes de alto y bajo riesgo de infección.Del total de la población 280 pacientes, 148 (52.9%), son grupo control y 132 (47.1%) grupo de uso de antibióticos profilácticos.Se estudian las características obstétricas, clínicas y epidemiológicas de la población, así como aquellas de riesgo operatorio, siendo esencialmente similares en cada grupo estudiado.
Hemorragia uterina disfuncional en el instituto materno infantil 1987-1988
Authors: Sánchez Astrid , Sánchez A. Jacinto , Onatra H. William , Alvarado P. Ricardo
Published: May 2020

Se analizaron 158 Historias Clínicas en forma retrospectiva de pacientes entre 16 y 60 años con diagnóstico de Hemorragia Uterina Disfuncional (HUD) que ingresaron por el Servicio de Admisión (Urgencias) del Hospital Materno Infantil de Bogotá entre el 1o. de marzo de 1986 y el 30 de septiembre del mismo año. De 942 consultas 354 (37.5%) correspondieron a HUD. Se analizaron previo estudio histopatológico 158 casos. De estos 114 (72.15%) fueron de HUD y 44 (27.85%) a HUO. Al Clasificar por grupos de edad se aprecia que las pacientes menores de 20 años, 5 (3.16%); entre 20 y 40 años 81 (54.26%) y mayores de 40 años 72 (45.56%). Los diagnósticos definitivos para la HUD fueron E. Proliferativo 67 casos (58.8%); Secretor 43 (37.7%) y Atrófico 2 (1.75%). Para la HUO: Endometritis 16 casos (36.4%) Hiperplasia Endometriál 13(29.6%); restos ovulares 7 (15.9%); Ca. Endometrial 3(6.8%) y Pólipos 2 (4 .5%). El tratamiento de legradobiopsia fue eficaz en el 54% para el E. Proliferativo y 88.3% para el secretor. La terapéutica hormonal complementaria se llevó a cabo en el 40.5% de los casos de E. Proliferativo y 11.6% en E. Secretor. En la HUO, la Endometritis recibió tratamiento terapéutico en el 90% de los casos y en la hiperplasia 4 (30.7%) y quirúrgico 6 (46.1%). Se recomienda el legrado biopsia en pacientes con trastornos del ciclo para mayores de 40 años.
Antiretroviral Treatment for HIV Elite Controllers?
Authors: Ruiz-Mateos Ezequiel , Poveda Eva , Lederman Michael M.
Published: May 2020

In most HIV-infected persons, the natural history of untreated infection is one of sustained viremia, progressive CD4 T cell depletion with resultant morbidity and mortality. The advent of effective combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that controls HIV replication has altered this landscape dramatically. Yet a rare population of HIV-infected persons—elite controllers (EC)—can control HIV replication such that plasma levels of virus are “undetectable” without ART. The EC phenotype is heterogeneous, with some subjects durably controlling the virus—persistent elite controllers—and some eventually losing viral control—transient elite controllers. Overall, EC tend to have robust HIV-specific T cell responses and in some cases, mainly in transient elite controllers, elevated activation and inflammation indices that diminish with ART suggesting that endogenous defenses against this persistent pathogen come at the cost of heightened activation/inflammation. A limited data set suggests that cardiovascular disease risk as well as the occurrence of other morbid events may be greater in the overall EC population than in treated HIV infection. ART in EC decreases activation indices but does not appear to increase circulating CD4 T cell numbers nor do we know if it alters clinical outcomes. Thus, it is difficult to recommend or discourage a decision to start ART in the EC population but the authors lean toward treatment particularly in those EC whose activation indices are high and those who are progressively losing circulating CD4 T cell numbers. Biomarkers that can reliably predict loss of virologic control and immune failure are needed.
Vintage Ratings: Applications of a Ranking Procedure to Facilitate a Better Understanding of Climate’s Role in Wine Quality
Authors: Jones Gregory V.
Published: May 2020

Four factors that influence wine quality include the grape variety, the environment it is grown in, and the viticultural and the winemaking practices used to grow the fruit and craft the wines. However, being able to separate these factors and define their exact role in wine quality is frustratingly problematic.
DEMOCRACY AND EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Oliveira Paulo Eduardo Vieira de
Published: May 2020

Within the thematic of the application of the democracy under the political, economic, social and cultural slopes, there is the development of the same within the labor sphere. The concepts of democracy, employment relationship and social responsibility of the company, although at first seem disconnected, intertwine when one sees the applicability of democracy within the company. A State to be effectively democratic in law, there must be the application of democracy under various spheres, including labor. Thus, this article seeks, through a bibliographical review, to present the concepts of democracy and social responsibility of the company, demonstrating the applicability of the same in the relation employee x employer, presenting answers about the proposed questioning.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Residual Displacement and Ductility in Ratcheting and Shakedown of an Aluminum Beam
Authors: Palladino Simone , Esposito Luca , Ferla Paolo , Totaro Elena , Zona Renato , Minutolo Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

Safety assessment of structures can be obtained employing limit design to overcome uncertainties concerning actual response due to inelastic constitutive behavior and more generally to non-linear structural response and loads’ random variability. The limit analysis is used for evaluating the safety of the structures directly starting from load level without any knowledge of the load history. In the paper, the lower bound calculation is proposed where a new strain-based approach is used that allowed describing the residual stress and displacement in terms of permanent strain. The strategy used the permanent strain as the effective parameters of the procedure so that it was possible to assess the ductility requirements for the complete load program developed till collapse or shakedown. The procedure is compared to experimental results obtained on aluminum beams in shakedown.
The Structure of the Membrane Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Resembles the Sugar Transporter semiSWEET
Authors: Thomas Sunil
Published: May 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the disease COVID-19 that has decimated the health and economy of our planet. The virus causes the disease not only in people but also in companion and wild animals. People with diabetes are at risk of the disease. As yet we do not know why the virus is highly successful in causing the pandemic within 3 months of its first report. The structural proteins of SARS include, membrane glycoprotein (M), envelope protein (E), nucleocapsid protein (N) and the spike protein (S). The structure and function of the most abundant structural protein of SARS-CoV-2, the membrane (M) glycoprotein is not fully understood. Using in silico analyses we determined the structure and potential function of the M protein. In silico analyses showed that the M protein of SARS-CoV-2 has a triple helix bundle, form a single 3-transmembrane domain (TM), and are homologous to the prokaryotic sugar transport protein semiSWEET. SemiSWEETs are related to the PQ-loop family that function as cargo receptors in vesicle transport, mediates movement of basic amino acids across lysosomal membranes, and is also involved in phospholipase flippase function. The advantage and role of sugar transporter-like structure in viruses is unknown. Endocytosis is critical for the internalization and maturation of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Sucrose is involved in endosome and lysosome maturation and may also induce autophagy, pathways that help in the entry of the virus. It could be hypothesized that the semiSWEET sugar transporters could be used in multiple pathways that may aid in the rapid proliferation and replication of the virus. Biological experiments would validate the presence and function of the semiSWEET sugar transporter.
The Influences of Moisture on the Mechanical, Morphological and Thermogravimetric Properties of Mineral Wool Made from Basalt Glass Fibers
Authors: Ivanič Andrej , Kravanja Gregor , Kidess Wadie , Rudolf Rebeka , Lubej Samo
Published: May 2020

Mineral wool made from basalt fibers is frequently used as an insulating material in construction systems. In this study, both unused mineral wool, and wool obtained from the softened roofing area, were comprehensively analyzed in a laboratory using different characterization techniques. Firstly, the amount of initial water content and compressive strength at 10% deformation were determined. Secondly, microstructure and surface chemical composition were analysed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). To study heterogeneities near the fiber surface and to examine cross-sectional composition, a Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) was used. Finally, to verify possible reasons for resin degradation, Thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning colometry (TGA-DSC) were simultaneously carried out. The results show that natural aging under high humidity and thermal fluctuations greatly affects the surface morphology and chemical composition of fibrous composite. Phenol-formaldehyde and other hydrophobic compounds that protect fibers against moisture and give compressive resistance were found to be degraded.
Poroelastic Solution for the Nonlinear Productivity Index of Wells in Stress-Sensitive Reservoir Rocks
Authors: Zhang Wei , Mehrabian Amin
Published: May 2020

Reservoir depletion may induce substantial changes in the stress state of the subsurface rock. The interaction between the pore fluid pressure and rock stress alters the reservoir rock porosity and permeability which, in turn, can reversely affect the productivity index (PI) of producing wells.

A nonlinear analytical solution is developed for the drawdown-dependent PI of reservoirs under a steady-state flow regime. Biot's theory of poroelasticity is used to derive the depletion-induced changes in the reservoir rock porosity and permeability. The well-known Mindlin's solution for a nucleus of strain in a semi-infinite elastic medium is adopted as Green's function and integrated over the depleted volume of a disk-shaped reservoir to obtain the 3D distribution of rock stress and volumetric strain. The fluid transport equation is nonlinearly related to the solid mechanics side of the problem via the stress-dependent permeability coefficients. A perturbation technique is used to mathematically treat the described nonlinearity and analytically solve the equations of pore fluid flow and rock stress under steady-state flow regime. A good match is captured between the obtained analytical perturbation solution and the numerical finite difference solution of the same problem.

Results confirm the expected strong dependence of the Well PI on the drawdown magnitude. The poroelastic constitutive parameters of the reservoir rock determine the extent of such dependency. The rock initial porosity has the strongest influence on the Well PI, followed by the reservoir initial permeability and solid grain modulus, while the reservoir depth to radius ratio and the Poisson's ratio are found to be the least sensitive parameters.
Management of initial colonisations with Burkholderia species in France, with retrospective analysis in five Cystic Fibrosis Centres: a pilot study.
Authors: Gruzelle Vianney , Guet-Revillet Hélène , Segonds Christine , Bui Stéphanie , Macey Julie , Chiron Raphael , Michelet Marine , Murris-Espin Marlène , Mittaine Marie
Published: May 2020

Background: Whereas Burkholderia infections are recognized to impair prognosis in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, there is no recommendation to date for early eradication therapy. The aim of our study was to analyse the current management of initial colonisations with Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) or B. gladioli in French CF Centres and its impact on bacterial clearance and clinical outcome. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the primary colonisations (PC), defined as newly positive sputum cultures, observed between 2010 and 2018 in five CF Centres. Treatment regimens, microbiological and clinical data were collected. Results: Seventeen patients (14 with BCC, and 3 with B. gladioli) were included. Eradication therapy, using heterogeneous combinations of intravenous, oral or nebulised antibiotics, was attempted in 11 patients. Six out of the 11 treated patients, and 4 out of the 6 untreated patients cleared the bacterium. Though not statistically significant, higher forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity at PC and consistency of treatment with in vitro antibiotic susceptibility tended to be associated with eradication. The management of PC was shown to be heterogeneous, thus impairing the statistical power of our study. Large prospective studies are needed to define whom to treat, when, and how. Conclusion: Pending these studies, we propose, due to possible spontaneous clearance, to check the presence of Burkholderia one month after PC before starting antibiotics, at least in the milder cases, and to evaluate a combination of IV beta-lactam + oral or IV fluoroquinolone + inhaled aminoglycoside.
Preventing Peterson’s space Hernia Using a Bio Synthetic Mesh
Authors: Skidmore Adam Peter , Aarts Edo O
Published: May 2020

Introduction Internal hernias occur after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery (RYGB) when small bowel herniates into the intermesenteric spaces that have been created. The closure technique used is related to the internal hernia risks outcomes. Using a non-resorbable double layered suture, this risk can be significantly reduced from 8.9 to 2.5% in the first three postoperative years. By closing over a BIO mesh, the risk might be reduced even more.Setting Two large private hospitals specialized in bariatric surgery.Methods All patients receiving a RYGB for (morbid) obesity between 2014 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. In all patients, the entero-enterostomy (EE) was closed using a double layered non-absorbable suture. In 2014, Peterson’s space was closed exclusively using glue, the years hereafter in a similar fashion as the EE, combined with a piece of glued BIO Mesh.Results The glued RYGB patients showed 25% of patients with an internal hernia (14%) or open Peterson’s space compared to 0.5% of patients (p<0.001) who had a combined sutured and BIO Mesh Closure of their Peterson’s space defect. Although this was an ideal technique for Peterson’s space, it led to 1% of entero-enterostomy kinking due to the firm adhesion formation. Conclusion Gluing the intermesenteric spaces is not beneficial but placing a BIO Mesh in Peterson’s space is a promising new technique to induce local adhesions. It is above all safe, effective and led to an almost complete reduction of Peterson’s internal herniations. In the future, a randomized controlled trial comparing this technique to a double layered, non-absorbable suture should give more insights into which is the optimal closure technique.
Reevaluation of risk factors for time to subsequent events after first stroke occurrence using a new weighted all-cause effect measure
Authors: Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Rauch Bernhard , Palm Frederick , Urbanek Christian , Grau Armin , Becher Heiko , Rauch Geraldine
Published: May 2020

Background: Risk diseases and risk factors for stroke include atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and elevated LDL-cholesterol. Due to modern treatment options, the impact of these risk diseases on subsequent cardiovascular events or death after a first stroke is less clear and needs to be elucidated. We therefore aimed to get insights into the persistence of adverse prognostic effects of these risk diseases and risk factors on subsequent stroke or death events one year after the first stroke by using the new weighted all-cause hazard ratio.Methods: This study evaluates the one year follow-up of 470 first ever stroke cases identified in the area of Ludwigshafen, Germany, with 23 deaths and 34 subsequent stroke events. For this purpose, the recently introduced “weighted all-cause hazard ratio” was used, which allows a weighting of the competing endpoints within a composite endpoint. Moreover, we extended this approach to allow an adjustment for covariates. Results: None of these risk factors and risk diseases, most probably being treated after the first stroke, remained to be associated with a subsequent death or stroke [weighted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking are 0.4 (0.2 - 0.9), 0.8 (0.4 - 2.2), 1.3 (0.5 - 2.5), 1.2 (0.3 - 2.7), 1.6 (0.8 - 3.6), respectively]. However, when analyzed separately in terms of death and stroke, the risk factors and risk diseases under investigation affect the subsequent event rate to a variable degree.Conclusions: Using the new weighted hazard ratio, established risk factors and risk diseases for the occurrence of a first stroke do not remain to be significant predictors for subsequent events like death or recurrent stroke. It has been demonstrated that the new weighted hazard ratio can be used for a more adequate analysis of cardiovascular risk and disease progress. The results have to be confirmed within a larger study with more events.
Antimalarial activity of traditional Kampo medicine Coptis Rhizome extract and its major active compounds
Authors: Teklemichael Awet Alem , Mizukami Shusaku , Toume Kazufumi , Mosaddeque Farhana , Kamel Mohamed Gomaa , Kaneko Osamu , Komatsu Katsuko , Karbwang Juntra , Huy Nguyen Tien , Hirayama Kenji
Published: May 2020

Background: The herbal medicine has been a rich source of new drugs exemplified by quinine and artemisinin. In this study, examined a variety of Japanese traditional herbal medicine (Kampo) for their potential antimalarial activities.Methods: We designed a comprehensive screening to identify novel antimalarial drugs from a library of Kampo herbal extracts (n = 120) and related compounds (n=96). The antimalarial activity was initially evaluated in vitro against chloroquine/mefloquine-sensitive (3D7) and -resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The cytotoxicity was also evaluated using primary Adult Mouse Brain cells. After being selected through the first in vitro assay, positive extracts and compounds were examined for possible in vivo antimalarial activity.Results: Out of 120 herbal extracts, Coptis Rhizome showed the highest antimalarial activity (IC50 1.9 µg/mL of 3D7 and 4.85 µg/mL of Dd2) with a high selectivity index (SI) > 263 (3D7) and > 103 (Dd2). Three major chlorinated compounds (coptisine, berberine, and palmatine) related to Coptis Rhizome also showed antimalarial activities with IC50 1.1, 2.6, and 6.0 µM (against 3D7) and 3.1, 6.3, and 11.8 µM (against Dd2), respectively. Among them, coptisine chloride exhibited the highest antimalarial activity (IC50 1.1 µM against 3D7 and 3.1 µM against Dd2) with SI of 37.8 and 13.2, respectively. . Finally, the herbal extract of Coptis Rhizome and its major active compound coptisine chloride exhibited significant antimalarial activity in mice infected with P. yoelii 17X strain with respect to its activity on parasite suppression consistently from day 3 to day 7 post-challenge. The effect ranged from 50.38 to 72.13% (P <.05) for Coptis Rhizome and from 81 to 89% (P <.01) for coptisine chloride.Conclusion: Coptis Rhizome and its major active compound coptisine chloride showed promising antimalarial activity against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and -resistant (Dd2) strains in vitro as well as in vivo mouse malaria model. Thus Kampo herbal medicine is a potential natural resource for novel antipathogenic agents.
“Got to build that trust”: Aboriginal Health Workers’ perspectives and experiences of maternal oral health
Authors: Kong Ariana C , Sousa Mariana S , Ramjan Lucie , Dickson Michelle , Goulding Joanne , Gwynne Kylie , Talbot Folau , Jones Nathan , Srini Ravi , George Ajesh
Published: May 2020

Background:In Australia, models of care have been developed to train antenatal care providers to promote oral health among pregnant women. However, these models are underpinned by Western values of maternity care that do not consider the need to ensure cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of Aboriginal Health Workers and Family Partnership Workers towards oral health care during pregnancy. It is part of a larger program of research to develop a new, culturally appropriate model of oral health care for Aboriginal pregnant women and new mothers.Methods:A participatory action research methodology informed the study. Focus groups were convened to yarn with Aboriginal Health Workers, Family Partnership Workers and Aboriginal management staff at two antenatal health services in Sydney, Australia.Results:A total of 14 people participated in the focus groups. There were four themes that were constructed. These focussed on the importance of trust to build relationships with clients, and the need to receive training to better address the oral health needs of Aboriginal pregnant women and new mothers. Further, the staff work in a system fundamentally driven by the legacy of colonisation and its subsequent effects of integenerational trauma on Aboriginal people and communities. This has significantly contributed to the systemic barriers Aboriginal continue to face in accessing health services, including dental care. The participants recommended that a priority dental referral pathway, that supported continuity of care, could provide increased accessibility to dental care for Aboriginal pregnant women and new mothers.Conclusions:There is the need for an individual and systems approach to promote oral health among Aboriginal pregnant women and new mothers. This approach should cultivate trust between Aboriginal women and both care providers and healthcare systems. A new model of care is needed that provides oral health training to Aboriginal Health Workers and addresses the systemic factors that create barriers to accessing dental care for Aboriginal women.
Structure guided protein engineering increases enzymatic activities of the SGNH family esterases
Authors: Li Zhengyang , Li Long , Huo Yingyi , Chen Zijun , Zhao Yu , Huang Jing , Jian Shuling , Rong Zhen , Wu Di , Gan Jianhua , Hu Xiaojian , Li Jixi , Xu Xue-Wei
Published: May 2020

Background Esterases and lipases hydrolyze short-chain esters and long-chain triglycerides, respectively, and therefore play essential roles in the synthesis and decomposition of ester bonds in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Many SGNH family esterases share high similarity in sequences. However, they have distinct enzymatic activities toward the same substrates. Due to a lack of structural information, the detailed catalytic mechanisms of these esterases remain barely investigated. Results In this study, we identified two SGNH family esterases, CrmE10 and AlinE4, from marine bacteria with significantly different preferences for pH, temperature, metal ion, and organic solvent tolerance despite high sequence similarity. The crystal structures of these two esterases, including wild type and mutants, were determined to high resolutions ranging from 1.18 Å to 2.24 Å. Both CrmE10 and AlinE4 were composed of five β-strands and nine α-helices, which formed one compact N-terminal α/β globular domain and one extended C-terminal domain. The aspartic residues (D178 in CrmE10/ D162 in AlinE4) destabilized the conformations of the catalytic triad (Ser-Asp-His) in both esterases, and the metal ion Cd2+ might reduce enzymatic activity by blocking proton transfer or substrate binding. CrmE10 and AlinE4 showed distinctly different electrostatic surface potentials, despite the similar atomic architectures and a similar swap catalytic mechanism. When five negative charged residues (Asp or Glu) were mutated to residue Lys, CrmE10 obtained elevated alkaline-adaptability and significantly increased the enzymatic activity from 0% to 20% at pH 10.5. Also, CrmE10 mutants exhibited dramatic changes for enzymatic properties when compared with the wide-type enzyme. Conclusions These findings offer a perspective for understanding the catalytic mechanism of different esterases and might facilitate the industrial biocatalytic applications.
Downregulation of hsa_circ_0005243 induces trophoblast cell dysfunction and inflammation via the β-catenin and NF-κB pathways
Authors: Wang Huiyan , Zhou Wenbo , She Guangtong , Yu Bin , Sun Lizhou
Published: May 2020

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication in pregnancy that poses a serious threat to the health of both mother and child. While the specific etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are not fully understood, it is thought to arise due to a combination of insulin resistance, inflammation, and genetic factors. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special kind of non-coding RNA that have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their diverse activities, including a potential regulatory role in pregnancy-related diseases, such as GDM. Methods: We previously reported the existence of a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0005243, which was identified by RNA sequencing. In this study, we examined its expression in 20 pregnant women with GDM and 20 normal pregnant controls using quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis. Subsequent in vitro experiments were conducted following hsa_circ_0005243 knockdown in HTR-8/SVneo cells to examine the role of hsa_circ_0005243 in cell proliferation and migration, as well as the secretion of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Finally, we examined the expression of β-catenin and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways to assess their role in GDM pathogenesis Results: Expression of hsa_circ_0005243 was significantly reduced in both the placenta and plasma of GDM patients. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0005243 in trophoblast cells significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration ability. In addition, increased secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) was observed after hsa_circ_0005243 depletion. Further analyses showed that knockdown of hsa_circ_0005243 reduced the expression of β-catenin and increased nuclear NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Conclusions: Downregulation of hsa_circ_0005243 may be associated with the pathogenesis of GDM via the regulation of β-catenin and NF-κB signal pathways, suggesting a new potential therapeutic target for GDM.
Troponin I as a mortality marker after lung resection surgery – a prospective cohort study.
Authors: Uchoa Ricardo , Caramelli Bruno
Published: May 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.
Assessment of two POC technologies for CD4 count in Morocco
Authors: Elharti Elmir , Abbadi Halima , Bensghir Rajae , Filali Kamal Marhoum El , Elmrabet Hajar , Oumzil Hicham
Published: May 2020

Background : In the era of “test and treat strategy”, CD4 testing remains an important tool for monitoring HIV-infected individuals. Since conventional methods of CD4 count measurement are costly and cumbersome, POC CD4 counting technique are more affordable and practical for countries with limited resources. Before introducing such methods in Morocco, we decided to assess their reliability. Methods : In this study 92 blood samples from HIV-infected patients, were tested by PIMA and FACSPresto to derive CD4 count. Flow cytometry using FacsCalibur, was used as reference method for CD4 count comparison. Linear regression, Bland-Altman analysis were performed to assess correlation and agreement between these POC methods and the reference method. In addition, sensitivity and specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and misclassification percentage at 350 and 200 CD4 count thresholds; were also determined. Finally, because FACSPresto can also measure hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, 52 samples were used to compare FACSPresto against an automated hematology analyzer. Results : The coefficient of determination R 2 was 0.93 for both methods. Bland-Altman analysis displayed a mean bias of -32.3 and -8.1 cells/µl for PIMA and FACSPresto, respectively. Moreover, with a threshold of 350 CD4 count, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, were 88.57%, 94.12%, 91.18%, 92.31%; respectively. FACSPresto showed 88.23%, 96.23%,93.75% and 92.73%; respectively. Furthermore, the upward misclassification percentage was 8.57 and 5.88%, for PIMA and FACSPresto, respectively; whereas the downward misclassification percentage was 7.84% and 7.54%; respectively. With 200 cells/µl threshold, PIMA had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 83.33%, 98.53%, 93.75% and 95.71%, respectively. Regarding FACSPresto, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was 82.35%, 98.57%, 88.57% and 95.83%; respectively. Upward misclassification percentage was 5.56% and 5.88%, for PIMA and FACSPresto, respectively; whereas downward misclassification percentage was 4.41% and 4.29%; respectively. Finally, the hemoglobin measurement evaluation displayed an R 2 of 0.80 and a mean bias of-0.12 with a LOA between -1.75 and 1.51. Conclusion : When compared to the reference method, PIMA and FACSPresto have shown good performance, for CD4 counting. The introduction of such POC technology will speed up the uptake of patients in the continuum of HIV care, in our country.
Long-term sickness absence among young and middle-aged workers in Norway: The impact of a population-level intervention
Authors: Hanvold Therese Nordberg , Kristensen Petter , Corbett Karina , Hasting Rachel Louise , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind
Published: May 2020

Background The study objective was to evaluate the impact of a population-level intervention (the IA Agreement) on the reduction of one-year risk for long-term sickness absence spells (LSAS) among young and middle aged workers in Norway. Methods Using an observational design, we conducted a quasi-experimental study to analyse registry data on individual LSAS for all employed individuals in 2000 (n=298 690) and 2005 (n=352 618), born in Norway between 1976 and 1967. The intervention of interest was the tripartite agreement for a more inclusive working life (the IA Agreement). We estimated difference in pre-post differences (DID) in LSAS between individuals working in IA companies with the intervention and companies without, in 2000 and 2005. We used logistic regression models and present odds ratios (DID OR) with accompanying 95% CI. We stratified analyses by sex, industry and company size. Results. We found no significant change in the overall risk of long-term sickness absence spells after implementing the intervention among young and middle aged workers. Stratified by sex, the intervention resulted in a slight decrease in LSAS risk among female workers (DID OR 0.93 (0.91-0.96)) while the intervention showed no impact among male workers (DID OR 1.01 (0.97-1.06)). We found that companies signing the IA Agreement were large (≥50­ employees) and often within the manufacturing and health and social sectors. In large manufacturing companies, we found a reduction in LSAS, among workers both in companies with and without the intervention, resulting in no statistically significant impact of the IA intervention. In large health and social companies, we found an increase in LSAS among workers both in companies with and without the intervention. The increase was smaller among the workers in companies offering the IA intervention compared with workers in companies without, resulting in a positive impact of the IA intervention in the health and social industry. This impact was statistically significant only among female workers. Conclusions The results indicate that the impact of the IA Agreement on the risk of long-term sickness absence spells varies considerably depending on sex and industry. These findings suggest that reducing LSAS may warrant industry-specific interventions.
Yeasts from rumen of adult Zebu cows and fermentations of lignocellulosic materials
Authors: Duarte Eduardo Robson , Lima Sabrina Miranda , Nere Jualiane Costa , Maia Higor Alexandre Rodrigues , Freitas Claudio Eduardo Silva , Júlio Aline Daniela Lopes , Abrão Flavia Oliveria , Santos Vera Lúcia dos , Silva Júnio Cota
Published: May 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to a need to make corrections.
Sentinel lymph node mapping using ICG fluorescence and cone beam CT – a rabbit oral cancer model feasibility study
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Chan Harley HL , Douglas Catriona M , Daly Mike , Jaidka Atul , Eu Donavan , Bernstein Jonathan , Townson Jason L , Irish Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Background: Current sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) techniques, including use of radioisotopes, have disadvantages including the use of a radioactive tracer. Indocyanine green (ICG) based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and cone beam CT (CBCT) have advantages for intraoperative use. However, limited literature exists regarding their use in head and neck cancer SLNB. Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized study using a rabbit oral cavity VX2 squamous cell carcinoma model (n = 10) which develops lymph node metastasis. Pre-operatively, images were acquired by MicroCT. During surgery, CBCT and NIR fluorescence imaging of ICG was used to map and guide the SLNB resection. Results: Intraoperative use of ICG to guide fluorescence resection resulted in identification of all lymph nodes identified by pre-operative CT. CBCT was useful for near real time intraoperative imaging and 3D reconstruction. Conclusions: This pre-clinical study further demonstrates the technical feasibility, limitations and advantages of intraoperative NIR-guided ICG imaging for SLN identification as a complementary method during head and neck surgery.
Correlation study on gut microbiota and omentin-1 gene polymorphism in Uyghur newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nuli Rebiya , Shan Jiaoyu , Zhang Bing , Li Rui , Guan Yaqun
Published: May 2020

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a top risk factor for health in China. Gut microbiota, genetic factors and lipids metabolism play important role in development of T2DM. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the gut microbiota and omentin-1 gene polymorphism to explore the interaction between host gene and gut microbiota in Uyghur T2DM. Methods: A total of 98 newly diagnosed Uyghur T2DM patients and 99 healthy normal controls (NC) enrolled into this study according to inclusion criteria. The total DNAs was extracted from the fecal microbiota. Abundance of the Lactobacillus genus, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Clostridium in the gut microbiota was determined with 16S rDNA gene Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR amplification. PCR-PFLP was applied to determine the genotypes of Val109Asp variant (rs2274907) in the Omentin-1 gene. And the relationship between rs2274907 and gut microbiota was assessed. Results: There were no significant differences of the Val109Asp variant (rs2274907) between T2DM and NC group. The abundance of Lactobacillus genus and Clostridium genus was lower in newly diagnosed T2DM group than in the NC group (P<0.05). Serum insulin, LDL-C, the abundances of Lactobacillus genus and Clostridium genus were the risk factors of T2DM. (OR=1.094 95%CI 1.014-1.180), (OR=3.868 95%CI 1.250-11.971), (OR=0.288 95%CI 0.145-0.571), (OR=0.044 95%CI 0.012-0.154). Conclusions: The abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium genus may be related to the pathogenesis of new-onset T2DM in Uyghur population, the mechanism of which needs to be further studied. The interactive relationship between the gut microbiota and omentin-1 gene polymorphism in newly diagnosed T2DM was not observed in this study.
Association Of Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 Levels With Arteriosclerosis Parameters Assessed By Arterial Stiffness And Atherogenic Index Of Plasma In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Wangshu , Tang Mengjie , Xu Tianli , Su Jianbin , wang xue-qin , Xu Feng , Zhang Dongmei , Zhu Qing , Cao Jie , Wang Hong
Published: May 2020

Background The role of serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) in arteriosclerosis is not well known. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether serum FGF19 levels were related to arteriosclerosis parameters, including arterial stiffness and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Methods A total of 200 patients with type 2 diabetes and 50 healthy controls were recruited for this study from Apr 2017 to Oct 2018. Serum FGF19 levels, arterial stiffness assessed by brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and AIP assessed by the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio were measured in those subjects. In addition, other relevant clinical data were also collected. Results Serum FGF19 levels in T2D patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (p < 0.05). The arteriosclerosis parameters, including baPWV and AIP, significantly decreased across ascending tertiles of serum FGF19 levels (all p for trend < 0.001). Moreover, the baPWV and AIP were all inversely correlated with serum FGF19 levels (r = –0.351 and –0.303, respectively, p < 0.001). Furthermore, after adjusting for other clinical covariates by multiple linear regression analyses, the serum FGF19 levels were independently associated with baPWV (β = –0.20, t = –2.23, p = 0.029) and AIP (β = –0.28, t = –2.66, p = 0.010).Conclusions The serum FGF19 levels were independently and inversely associated with baPWV and AIP, which indicate that serum FGF19 may have a protective role in atherosclerosis in patients with T2D.
Factors facilitating trained NIMART nurses’ adherence to treatment guidelines: A vital matter in the management of TB/HIV treatment in South Africa
Authors: MAKHADO LUFUNO , Davhana-Maselesele Mashudu , Lebese Rachel Tsakani , Maputle Sonto Maria
Published: May 2020

Background: Globally the burden of tuberculosis or human immunodeficiency virus (TB/HIV) is at 24% with 3% global health workforce and this an alarming rate that World Health Organization (WHO) declared African region as a critical workforce shortage area. To facilitate adherence to treatment guidelines, WHO recommended a strategy of task shifting for these countries with high health workforce shortages. The strategy aimed at the redistribution of health care tasks to available workers. The purpose of the study was to determine factors facilitating trained nurse-initiated management of antiretroviral therapy (NIMART) nurses’ adherence to TB/HIV treatment guidelines in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and North West (NW) Provinces of South Africa.Design: The study was qualitative, explorative and descriptive in nature. The population comprised of 24 participants who were purposively selected. The in-depth focus group discussion was conducted. Data analysis was through the used of ATLAS T.I. software program (version 7.0) and followed the basic steps of notice-collect-think (NCT) analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical consideration were ensured.Results: The following one theme namely; marked identified needs to be met to promote adherence to treatment guidelines and sub-themes emerged from raw data: Expected positive attitudinal needs outlined and an outline of a positive behavioural change. Conclusion: Factors such as continuous training, support supervision and improved relationships with colleagues need to be enhanced to enable NIMART nurses to adhere to treatment guideline.
Nutritional status and dietary diversity of school-age children living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Yasuoka Junko , Yi Siyan , Okawa Sumiyo , Tuot Sovannary , Murayama Makoto , Huot Chantheany , Chhoun Pheak , Yem Sokunthea , Yuzuriha Kazuki , Mizutani Tetsuya , Kikuchi Kimiyo
Published: May 2020

Background: HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health concern for children. Each day, worldwide, approximately 440 children became newly infected with HIV, and 270 children died from AIDS-related causes in 2018. Poor nutrition has been associated with accelerated disease progression, and sufficient dietary diversity is considered a key to improve children’s nutritional status. Therefore, this study aims to 1) examine nutritional status of school-age children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and 2) identify factors associated with their nutritional status, especially taking their dietary diversity into consideration. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2018 within the catchment area of the National Pediatric Hospital, Cambodia. Data from 298 children and their caregivers were included in the analyses. Using semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, quality of life, and dietary diversity. To assess children’s nutritional status, body weight and height were measured. Viral load and duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) were collected from clinical records. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with stunting and wasting. Results: Of 298 children, nearly half (46.6%) were stunted, and 13.1% were wasted. The mean number of food groups consumed by the children in the past 24 hours was 4.6 out of 7 groups. Factors associated with children’s stunting were age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.166, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.151, 4.077), household wealth (AOR 0.543, 95%CI: 0.299, 0.986), duration of receiving ART (AOR 0.510, 95%CI: 0.267, 0.974), and having disease symptoms during the past one year (AOR 1.871, 95%CI: 1.005, 3.480). The only factor associated with wasting was being male (AOR 5.304, 95%CI: 2.210, 12.728). Conclusions: Prevalence of stunting was more than double that of non-infected school-age children living in urban areas in Cambodia. This highlights the importance of conducting nutritional intervention programs, especially tailored for children living with HIV in the country. Although dietary diversity was not significantly associated with children’s nutritional status in this study, the findings will contribute to implementing future nutritional interventions more efficiently by indicating children who are most in need of such interventions in Cambodia.