bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Quality Monitoring and Effect of Particulate Air Pollution on Respiratory Health in the population of Raiganj, West Bengal, India.
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debraj , Swaminathan J. , Sharma Arun , Basu Soham
Published: January 2021

According to The World Health Organization (WHO) reports air pollution from particulate matter (PM), which ranks 13th highest worldwide in terms of mortality, causes about 800,000 premature deaths a year. However several finding demonstrated that the correlation is stronger than initially believed and much more complex. PM is an air emission component composed of very minute, acid, organic compounds, metals, and particulate soil or dust-containing fragments or fluid droplets. PM is classified by size and remains the most reliable part of the air pollution linked to human disease. The processes of systemic inflammation, overt and indirect coagulation activation and direct translocation to systemic circulation are expected to lead PM to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Data on the cardiovascular system that show a PM effect are strong. The coronary incident and death rates of communities exposed to long-term exposure to PM was considerably higher. The rate of coronary incidents within days of the emission high is raised subtly by short-term acute exposures. The results are not as good for PM's cortical disease effects, although some data and related pathways indicate a smaller outcome. Exposure of PM is also an aggravation of respiratory diseases. During more research in order to understand the implications for disadvantaged populations in structure, chemistry, and PM, the prevalent evidence suggests that PM exposure results in a minor but substantial rise in human morbidity and mortality. The use of air conditioning and filters for particulate matter decreased internal heating and cooking combustion and smoking stoppage will minimize the indoor PM exposure. These basic improvements could be useful to individual patients in both short-term and long-term cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms. However there is very limited data available on the status of air pollution in non metropolitan cities and even less in small towns across the country. Raiganj is a small town across the country. Raiganj is a small town and the district head quarter of Uttar Dinajpur district in West Bengal. It is located at N25.6266428, E87.8012599 coordinates. To the best of our knowledge, no air quality monitoring is being done in this town. Neither any study has been conducted on the residents of this town to find out the effect of air pollution on their health. In this study we examine the overall effects of a series of new air quality regulations that have differentially affected air quality in Raiganj, relative to its outlying areas.
AdipoR2 inhibits human glioblastoma cell growth through the AMPK/mTOR pathway
Authors: jie chen , Xuan Wang , DongFeng Han , MaoHua Ding , Bo Wang , Fei Sun , Hao Zhang , DeHua Jiang
Published: January 2021

Background: AdipoR2, which belongs to the seven-transmembrane-domain receptor family, has been shown to play an important role in the development of human tumours, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we found that AdipoR2 expression correlates with glioma grade. In addition, we also investigated the mechanisms behind the antiproliferative effects of AdipoR2 in U251 cells (a human glioma cell line) using colony formation and WST-8 growth assays.Methods: The U251 cell line was cultured in vitro. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of relevant proteins. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle assay results. The gene expression profiles of glioma samples from the CGGA database were analysed by MATLAB and GSEA software.Results: We found 648 upregulated genes and 436 downregulated genes correlated with AdipoR2 expression in 158 glioma samples. GSEA suggested that AdipoR2 is a cell cycle-associated gene. The results of the flow cytometry analysis indicated that AdipoR2 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in U251 cells. Furthermore, we identified the AMPK/Mtor signalling axis to be involved in AdipoR2-induced cell cycle arrest.Conclusions: Our results suggest that AdipoR2 may represent a novel endogenous negative regulator of GBM cell proliferation. These findings also suggest that AdipoR2 may be a promising therapeutic target in GBM patients.
The peritumoral hypointense rim around hepatocellular carcinoma on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: radiologic-pathologic correlation
Authors: Tsukahara Yoshinori , Okajima Yukinori , Yamada Akira , Momose Masanobu , Uehara Takeshi , Shimizu Akira , Soejima Yuji , Fujinaga Yasunari
Published: January 2021

Background: A peritumoral hypointense rim (PTHR) is sometimes observed around hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on T2*-weighted images (T2*WIs). We aimed to investigate the association between the PTHR and histopathologic findings on T2*WIs.Methods: We assessed the presence of a PTHR on T2*WIs in 39 pathologically proven HCCs from April 2012 to December 2013. Prussian blue staining was performed, and iron deposition was evaluated by semiquantitative and quantitative methods. Optical density was used in the quantitative methods. The associations between a PTHR on T2*WI and histopathologic peritumoral or background liver iron deposition were analyzed.Results: A PTHR on T2*WI was observed in 23 of 39 (59%) HCCs. There was no significant difference in the histopathologic fibrous capsule findings (P = 0.394). In the semiquantitative methods, both peritumoral and background liver iron deposition grade were significantly higher in HCCs with a PTHR compared with HCCs without a PTHR (P < 0.001). The mean optical density in HCCs with a PTHR was significantly higher compared with HCCs without a PTHR, in the quantitative peritumoral (42244.1 ± 20854.9 vs 18739.1 ± 12258.7, respectively; P < 0.001) and background liver iron deposition analyses (35554.7 ± 19854.8 vs 17292.4 ± 11605.8, respectively; P < 0.001). Tumor size (P = 0.005), etiology (P = 0.001), and degree of fibrosis (P = 0.042) were significantly associated with the presence of a PTHR.Conclusions: A PTHR in HCCs on T2*WIs was strongly associated with peritumoral iron deposition in the iron-deposited background liver but not with the fibrous capsule.
Rosuvastatin exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects by improving macrophage-related foam cell formation and polarization conversion via mediating autophagic activities
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Qin Yating , Wan Xiaoning , Liu Hao , Lv Chao , Ruan Weibin , He Lin , Lu Li , Guo Xiaomei
Published: January 2021

Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic vascular disease posing a great threat to public health. We investigated whether rosuvastatin (RVS) enhanced autophagic activities to inhibit lipid accumulation and polarization conversion of macrophages and then attenuate atherosclerotic lesions. Methods All male Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were fed high-fat diet supplemented with RVS (10mg/kg/day) or the same volume of normal saline gavage for 20 weeks. The burden of plaques in mice were determined by histopathological staining. Biochemical kits were used to examine the levels of lipid profiles and inflammatory cytokines. The potential mechanisms by which RVS mediated atherosclerosis were explored by western blot, real-time PCR assay, and immunofluorescence staining in mice and RAW264.7 macrophages.Results Our data showed that RVS treatment reduced plaque areas in the aorta inner surface and the aortic sinus of ApoE-/- mice with high-fat diet. RVS markedly improved lipid profiles and reduced contents of inflammatory cytokines in the circulation. Then, results of Western blot showed that RVS increased the ratio LC3II/I and level of Beclin 1 and decreased the expression of p62 in aortic tissues, which might be attributed to suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, hinting that autophagy cascades were activated by RVS. Moreover, RVS raised the contents of ABCA1, ABCG1, Arg-1, CD206 and reduced iNOS expression of arterial wall, indicating that RVS promoted cholesterol efflux and M2 macrophage polarization. Similarly, we observed that RVS decreased lipids contents and inflammatory factors expressions in RAW264.7 cells stimulated by ox-LDL, accompanied by levels elevation of ABCA1, ABCG1, Arg-1, CD206 and content reduction of iNOS. These anti-atherosclerotic effects of RVS were abolished by 3-methyladenine intervention. Moreover, RVS could reverse the impaired autophagy flux in macrophages insulted by chloroquine. We further found that PI3K inhibitor LY294002 enhanced and agonist 740 Y-P weakened the autophagy-promoting roles of RVS, respectively. Conclusions Our study indicated that RVS exhibits atheroprotective effects involving regulation lipid accumulation and polarization conversion by improving autophagy initiation and development via suppressing PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and enhancing autophagic flux in macrophages.
Does the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System improve patients’ outcome following laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer? A multicentre, retrospective analysis with propensity score matching.
Authors: Kazama Keisuke , Numata Masakatsu , Aoyama Toru , Atsumi Yosuke , Tamagawa Hiroshi , Godai Teni , Saeki Hiroyuki , Saigusa Yusuke , Shiozawa Manabu , Yukawa Norio , Masuda Munetaka , Rino Yasushi
Published: January 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the short-term and oncological impact of the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) by the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery on the operator performing laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was based on medical records from a multicentre database. A total of 417 patients diagnosed with stage II/III colon and rectosigmoid cancer treated with curative resection were divided into two groups according to whether they were operated on by qualified surgeons (Q group, n=352) or not (NQ group, n=65). Through strict propensity score matching, 98 cases (49 in each group) were assessed. Results: Operative time was significantly longer in the NQ group than in the Q group (199 vs. 168 min, p=0.029). The amount of blood loss, postoperative complications, and duration of hospitalisation were similar between both groups. No mortality was observed. One conversion case was seen in the NQ group. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rate was 86.6% in the NQ group and 88.2% in the Q group, which was not statistically significant (log-rank p=0.966). Conclusion: Direct operation by ESSQS-qualified surgeons contributed to a shortened operation time. Under an organized educational environment, almost equivalent safety and oncological outcomes are expected regardless of the surgeon’s qualifications.
Prospective Feasibility Study of A Mindfulness-Based Program for Breast Cancer Patients in the Southeastern US
Authors: Salvador Carolina , Mark Phyllis , Hoenemeyer Teri , McDonald Victoria
Published: January 2021

Background: Mindfulness interventions are effective at improving psychological distress and quality of life in cancer patients. Few mindfulness programs for cancer recovery exist in major cities throughout the Southeastern United States. The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for breast cancer patients in Birmingham, Alabama. The secondary objective was to estimate the effectiveness of the modified program by examining changes in patients’ mindfulness skills and quality of life. Methods: This study was a prospective, quasi-experimental feasibility study conducted over 10 months within a university hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Feasibility was achieved if 80% of eligible patients screened chose to enroll in the study and 70% of enrolled patients attended all 8 program sessions. Program effectiveness was estimated by changes in mindfulness and quality of life indicators. These indicators were measured by validated scales administered at pretest, posttest, and 8-week follow-up and assessed with a non-parametric Friedman test. The program curriculum followed a modified version of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR program. Program sessions included sitting meditation, hatha/restorative yoga, and a body-focused attention practice called body scan. There were 3 groups of 2-5 patients.Results: The sample consisted of 12 patients. Forty-four percent (12/27) of eligible patients enrolled in the study, failing to meet recruitment success criteria of 80%; two out of 12 enrolled patients completed all 8 program sessions, resulting in 16.7% (2/12) retention, which fell below the retention success criteria of 70%. However, more than half (66.7%) of participants completed at least 7 sessions. Between baseline and 8-week follow-up, patients demonstrated statistically significant improvements in distress, general wellbeing, and fatigue-related quality of life.Conclusions: Feasibility objectives were not achieved. However, a large majority of participants (66.7%) completed 7 of the 8 program sessions. Program effectiveness was promising for distress, fatigue, and wellbeing. Results warrant further research on MBSR programs for breast cancer patients in Alabama. Future programs should investigate how to increase overall recruitment numbers, focusing on introducing mindfulness concepts to inexperienced populations. Studies should consider hosting sessions in community locations or via telemedicine to improve accessibility.
Astrocytic Microdomains Confine A “molecular Memory” Enabling Long-Term Information Storage for Memory Consolidation
Authors: Vignoli Beatrice , Sansevero Gabriele , Sasi Manju , Rimondini-Giorgini Roberto , Blum Robert , Santi Spartaco , Berardi Nicoletta , Lu Bai , Canossa Marco
Published: January 2021

Memory consolidation requires astrocytic microdomains for protein recycling; but whether this lays a mechanistic foundation for long-term information storage remains enigmatic. Here we demonstrate that persistent synaptic strengthening invited astrocytic microdomains to convert initially internalized (pro)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) into active prodomain (BDNFpro) and mature BDNF (mBDNF) for synaptic re-use. While mBDNF activates TrkB, we uncovered a previously unsuspected function for the cleaved BDNFpro, which increases TrkB/SorCS2 receptor complex at post-synaptic sites. Astrocytic BDNFpro release reinforced TrkB phosphorylation to sustain long-term synaptic potentiation and to retain memory in the novel object recognition behavioral test. Thus, the switch from one inactive state to a multi-functional one of the proBDNF provides post-synaptic changes that survive the initial activation (molecular memory). This molecular asset confines local information storage in astrocytic microdomains to selectively support memory circuits.
Morphometric Assessment of Spleen Dimensions and Its Correlates Among Individual Living in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Demissie Solomon , Mergu Prasad , Fikadu Teshale , Hailu Tadios , Abebe Getachew , Warsa Mengistu
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The spleen is a vital lymphoid soft organ that demands constant attention from the clinical point of view. It is multi-dimensional organs that enlarge in all dimensions in disease conditions. The detection of the spleen by palpation on physical examination is not an approval of an enlarged spleen because an unenlarged spleen may palpable. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Morphometry of spleen dimensions and its correlates among individuals living in Arba Minch Town by sonographic examinations.Methods and Materials: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch town from February 1 to March 30, 2020. A multi-stage systematic and simple random sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Data was entered into Epi-Data version 3.1software and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis.Result: A total of 708 individuals, 390 (55.1%) males and 318 (44.9 %) females were included in the current study. The mean splenic length, width, thickness and volume were 10.24 cm, 4.79 cm, 3.93 cm, and 109.34 cm³, respectively. The mean spleen length, width, thickness and volumes among males were 10.64 cm, 4.92 cm, 4.05 cm and 119.81 cm³ and among females were 9.75 cm, 4.63 cm, 3.78 cm and 96.50 cm³ respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between age and spleen dimensions. Significant positive correlations were observed between spleen dimensions and height, weight, Body Mass Index, and Body Surface area. But, the correlation between width and body mass index was non-significant (p-value > 0.05).Conclusion and Recommendations: The spleen dimensions were higher in males than females and have a significant positive correlation with height, weight, Body Mass Index and Body Surface Area except for the width. Further studies in different parts of the country have to be done to have normative data on the dimension of Spleen in Ethiopia.
Longitudinal omics in Syrian hamsters integrated with human data unravel cellular effector responses to moderate COVID-19
Authors: Nouailles Geraldine , Wyler Emanuel , Pennitz Peter , Postmus Dylan , Vladrimirova Daria , Kazmierski Julia , Pott Fabian , Dietert Kristina , Mülleder Michael , Farztdinov Vadim , Obermayer Benedikt , Wienhold Sandra-Maria , Andreotti Sandro , Hoefler Thomas , Sawitzki Birgit , Drosten Christian , Sander Leif , Suttorp Norbert , Ralser Markus , Beule Dieter , Gruber Achim , Goffinet Christine , Landthaler Markus , Trimpert Jakob , Witzenrath Martin
Published: January 2021

In COVID-19, immune responses are key in determining disease severity. However, cellular mechanisms at the onset of inflammatory lung injury in SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly involving endothelial cells, remain ill-defined. Using Syrian hamsters as model for moderate COVID-19, we conducted a detailed longitudinal analysis of systemic and pulmonary cellular responses, and corroborated it with datasets from COVID-19 patients. Monocyte-derived macrophages in lungs exerted the earliest and strongest transcriptional response to infection, including induction of pro-inflammatory genes, while epithelial cells showed weak activation. Without evidence for productive infection, endothelial cells reacted, depending on cell subtypes, by strong and early expression of anti-viral, pro-inflammatory, and T cell recruiting genes. Recruitment of cytotoxic T cells as well as emergence of IgM antibodies preceded viral clearance at day 5 post infection. Investigating SARS-CoV-2 infected Syrian hamsters can thus identify cell type-specific effector functions, provide detailed insights into pathomechanisms of COVID-19, and inform therapeutic strategies.
Impact of Brief Smoking Cessation Intervention on Abstinence Rate and Glycaemic Control in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Albaroodi Khansaa , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Awaisu Ahmed , Shafie Asrul
Published: January 2021

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of brief smoking cessation intervention on smoking cessation outcomes as well as on glycaemic and blood pressure control among patients with diabetes.Methods: This was a randomised controlled trial involving patients with diabetes who smoked tobacco and attended the out-patient Diabetes Clinic at Penang Hospital in Malaysia. One hundred forty participants were randomised into either control (n = 70) or intervention (n = 70) groups. The intervention consisted of a 5-minute physician-delivered brief counselling on tobacco cessation using 5A’s strategy (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) in addition to usual care for patients with diabetes, while the control group received only the usual care. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to glucose control, blood pressure levels, and smoking abstinence rates (P >0.05). Furthermore, significant main effects were found between the groups with respect to the number of cigarettes smoked per day (F [1,116] = 6.306). Conclusions: Brief smoking cessation intervention did not result in better abstinence rates or glycaemic control in patients with diabetes. However, it resulted in reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day over the study period (6 months), which is the first step in the tobacco cessation process. Trial registrationApproval for the conduct of this study was granted by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and the Clinical Research Centre at Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (NMRR-11-477-9538) at (05-10-2011).
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of The BHLH Transcription Factor Family and Its Response to Abiotic Stress in Sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench]
Authors: Fan Yu , Yang Hao , Lai Dili , He Ailing , Xue Guoxing , Feng Liang , Chen Long , Cheng Xiao-bin , Ruan Jingjun , Yan Jun , Cheng Jianping
Published: January 2021

Background: Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) is a superfamily of transcription factors that is widely found in plants and animals, and is the second largest transcription factor family in eukaryotes after MYB. They have been shown to be important regulatory components in tissue development and many different biological processes. However, no systemic analysis of the bHLH transcription factor family has yet been reported in Sorghum bicolor. Results: We conducted the first genome-wide analysis of the bHLH transcription factor family of Sorghum bicolor and identified 174 SbbHLH genes. Phylogenetic analysis of SbbHLH proteins and 158 Arabidopsis thaliana bHLH proteins was performed to determine their homology. In addition, conserved motifs, gene structure, chromosomal spread, and gene duplication of SbbHLH genes were studied in depth. To further infer the phylogenetic mechanisms in the SbbHLH family, we constructed six comparative syntenic maps of S. bicolor associated with six representative species. Finally, we analyzed the gene-expression response and tissue-development characteristics of 12 typical SbbHLH genes in plants subjected to six different abiotic stresses. Gene expression during flower and fruit development was also examined. Conclusions: This study is of great significance for functional identification and confirmation of the S. bicolor bHLH superfamily and for our understanding of the bHLH superfamily in higher plants.
The Progressive Effects of Built Environments on Supporting Physical Activity Diversity in High-Density Areas: A Case Study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Gao Yuan , Liu Kun , Zhou Peiling , Xie Hongkun
Published: January 2021

Background: Physical activity diversity (PAD) is an essential indicator to present the vitality of health city, and how to improve PAD from the built environment perspective is a key issue for healthy urban planning and design, especially in high-density cities; Methods: This study selected Shenzhen, China as a representative case, combined the diversity of PA participants, types and occurrence times for the comprehensive understanding of PAD, fully used multiple source data for the measurement and statistical analysis of PAD and built environments, to discover the relationships between the built environment and PAD, and to explore the different effects in clustered and sprawled high-density urban forms; Results: PAD was unevenly distributed in Shenzhen, higher in the clustered areas and lower in the sprawled ares and the effects of the built environment on PAD were significantly different between two kinds of areas; Conclusions: the built environment supports PAD by progressive effects, in which accessibility is the necessary and funda-mental condition to activate individual PAs, inclusiveness is sufficiently supports the coaction of various kind of PAs to consolidate PAD, and landscape attractiveness furtherly aggregates more PAs to achieve higher PAD. To create accessible, inclusive, and attractive built environments are crucial ways to improve the vitality of healthy city development in high-density cities.
What Do Men Want? Exploring Gender Differences in Supportive Care Preferences of Couples With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Fossé NA du , Lashley EELO , Treurniet TT , Lith JMM van , Cessie S le , Boosman H , Hoorn MLP van der
Published: January 2021

Background International guidelines recommend to offer supportive care during a next pregnancy to couples affected by recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In previous research, several options for supportive care have been identified and women’s preferences have been quantified. Although it is known that RPL impacts the mental health of both partners, male preferences for supportive care have hardly been explored. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in couples who visited a specialized RPL clinic in the Netherlands between November 2018 and December 2019. Both members of the couples received a questionnaire that quantified their preferences for supportive care in a next pregnancy and they were asked to complete this independently from each other. Preferences for each supportive care option were analyzed on a group level (by gender) and on a couple level, by comparing preferences of both partners. Results Ninety-two questionnaires (completed by 46 couples) were analyzed. The overall need for supportive care indicated on a scale from 1-10 was 6.8 for men and 7.9 for women (P = 0.002). Both genders preferred to regularly see the same doctor with knowledge of their obstetric history, to make a plan for the first trimester and to have frequent ultrasound examinations. A lower proportion of men preferred a doctor that shows understanding (80% of men vs. 100% of women, P = 0.004) and informs on wellbeing (72% vs. 100%, P = ≤0.000). Fewer men preferred support from friends (48% vs. 74%, P = 0.017). Thirty-seven percent of men requested more involvement of the male partner at the outpatient clinic, compared to 70% of women (P = 0.007). In 28% of couples, one partner desired peer support, while the other partner did not prefer this.Conclusions While both women and men affected by RPL are in need of supportive care, their preferences may differ. Current supportive care services may not entirely address the needs of men. Health care professionals should focus on both partners and development of novel supportive care programs with specific attention for men should be considered.
Impact of Antibiotic Usage on Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase Producing Escherichia Coli Prevalence: A Time-Series Analysis of Tertiary Hospital Implementing Stewardship Program
Authors: Kim Jeong Yeon , Yum Yun Jin , Joo Hyung Joon , An Hyonggin , Kim Jong Hun , Sohn Jang Wook
Published: January 2021

An increase in antibiotic usage is considered to attribute to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Although experts are counting on the antimicrobial stewardship programs to reduce antibiotic usage, their effect remains uncertain. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of antibiotic usage and forecast the prevalence of hospital-acquired extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) - producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) using time-series analysis. Antimicrobial culture information of E. coli was obtained using a text processing technique that helped extract free-text electronic health records from standardized data. The antimicrobial use density (AUD) of antibiotics of interest was used to estimate the quarterly antibiotic usage. Transfer function model was applied to forecast relationship between antibiotic usage and ESBL-producing E. coli. Of the 1,938 hospital-acquired isolates, 831 isolates (42.9%) were ESBL-producing E. coli. Both the proportion of ESBL-producing E. coli and AUD increased over time. The transfer model predicted that ciprofloxacin AUD is related to the proportion of ESBL-producing E. coli two quarters later. In conclusion, excessive use of antibiotics was shown to affect the prevalence of resistant organisms in the future. Therefore, the control of antibiotics with antimicrobial stewardship programs should be considered to restrict antimicrobial resistance.
Incidence, Pattern and Mechanisms of Injuries and Fractures in Children Under Two Years of Age
Authors: Rosendahl Karen , Myklebust Ramona , Forseth Kjersti Foros , Nøttveit Andreas , Eide Pernille , Djuve Åsmund , Brudvik Christina
Published: January 2021

Background: Fractures in children under two years of age are rare, and little has been published on their mechanisms. We aimed at examining the incidence, mechanisms, pattern and fracture characteristics in a large, population-based cohort of otherwise healthy children.Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study includes all children aged 0-2 years, attending the Accident and Emergency department in Bergen between 2010 and 2015, due to an injury warranting radiography. Clinical data was categorized from the medical notes, and all radiographs were reviewed by an experienced paediatric radiologist. Results: 408 children (212 male), 3-23 months of age (mean 17.7 months), were included. 149 (77 male) children had a total of 162 fractures, yielding an annual incidence of 5.4 per 1000, varying from 0.7 per 1000 for those under 12 months of age, increasing tenfold to 7.3 per 1000 for children aged 12-24 months of age. More than half of the fractures (53.1%) were seen in children aged 18-23 months, while none was found in those under 7 months of age. The youngest age group had mostly femur and tibia fractures, the oldest mostly forearm fractures (n=55, 34.0%), followed by tibia fractures (21.6%) and fractures to the clavicle (14.8%). The reported mechanisms for the 162 fractures were fall from a chair/bed/table (41.4%), fall from own height (18.5%) or crush injury (15.4%). In 5% of the injuries, the fracture history was clearly inconsistent and suspicious of non-accidental injury (NAI). Conclusion: Injuries and fractures in young children in general, and non-ambulant children in particular, are rare and should be thoroughly assessed for NAI. Level of evidence: Retrospective, population based cross-sectional study. Level 3.
Prediction and Trend of Tactile Acuity, Pain and Disability in Acute LBP: A Six-Month Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Morf Rita , Pfeiffer Fabian , Hotz-Boendermaker Sabina , Meichtry Andre , Luomajoki Hannu
Published: January 2021

Background: Chronic back pain is known to be associated with altered tactile acuity. Tactile acuity is measured using the Two-Point Discrimination (TPD) test in both clinical and research settings. In subjects with chronic low back pain, the TPD threshold (TPDT) is increased and is associated with persistent pain. It remains unknown, however, whether TPDT is also altered in cases of acute pain, or whether it could be used as a predictor of future pain and disability at an early stage of LBP.The main objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of baseline TPDT for pain and disability at three and six months after the onset of acute LBP. The TPDT in acute low back pain (LBP) and the development of TPDT over six months has also been assessed. Methods: LBP participants (n=124) with acute LBP (<4 weeks) were included. Subjects were examined within 4 weeks of pain onset and followed-up after 3 months and 6 months of pain onset. Horizontal and vertical TPDTs of the lower back were collected. Linear mixed models were subsequently used to evaluate the association of TPDT with pain and disability over time.Results: The vertical TPDT showed a mean (SD) of 4.9 cm (1.6) and the horizontal TPDT a mean (SD) of 6.0 cm (1.5) at baseline. The vertical TPDT altered from baseline up to 6 months from 4.9 cm to 4.6 cm and the horizontal TPDT from 6.0 cm to 5.4 cm. The association between the TPDT and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) after 6 months was moderate. Linear mixed models revealed no association between TPDT, pain and disability over the progression of LBP. Conclusion: TPDTs appear to be raised in subjects with acute LBP. However, our study revealed no predictive capability of the TPDT for disability and pain. No comparisons are possible in the absence of similar studies, indicating the need for further research is in this area.
Detection and Quantification of Bovine Papillomavirus DNA by Digital Droplet PCR in Sheep Blood
Authors: Roperto Sante , Cutarelli Anna , Corrado Federica , Falco Francesca De , Buonavoglia Canio
Published: January 2021

Highly pathogenic bovine Delta papillomaviruses (δPVs) were detected and quantified for the first time using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) by liquid biopsy in 103 clinically healthy sheep. Overall, ddPCR detected bovine δPVs in 68 blood samples (66%). Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection by a single genotype was revealed in 59% of the blood samples, and BPV coinfection by double, triple or quadruple genotypes was observed in 41% of liquid biopsies. The BPV-2 genotype was most frequently seen in sheep, whereas BPV-1 was the least common. Furthermore, ddPCR was very useful for detection and quantification; the BPV-14 genotype was observed for the first time in ovine species, displaying the highest prevalence in some geographical areas (Apulia). In 42 of the positive samples (61.8%), a single BPV infection was observed, 26 of which were caused by BPV-2 (61.9%) and 7 by BPV-13 (16.7%). BPV-14 was responsible for 7 single infections (16.7%) and BPV-1 for 2 single infections (4.7%). Multiple BPV coinfections were observed in the remaining 26 positive samples (38.2%), with dual BPV-2/BPV-13 infection being the most prevalent (84.6%). BPV infection by triple and quadruple genotypes was also observed in 11.5% and 3.8% of cases, respectively. The present study showed that ddPCR, a biotechnological refinement of conventional PCR, is by far the most sensitive and accurate assay for BPV detection. Therefore, ddPCR displayed diagnostic and epidemiological value resulting in the identification of otherwise undetectable BPV genotypes as well as their geographical distributions and suggesting that animal husbandry practices contribute to cross-species transmission of BPVs..
Hydroxytyrosol Effectively Improves The Quality of Pig Sperm at 17 °C
Authors: Li Dong , Zhang Wenyu , Tian Xuekai , Xiao Zitong , Zhao Xin , He Yulin , Du Renrang , Yang Gongshe , Yu Taiyong
Published: January 2021

Background: Artificial insemination technology is the production technology used in more than 99% of the world's pig farms. As the frozen sperm damage is very serious, the preservation of pig sperm is mainly carried out at 17°C. However, the accumulation of a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the preservation process is the main reason for the deterioration of sperm quality. In our research, by adding different concentrations of hydroxytyrosol to the diluent during the storage of pig sperm at 17°C, we compared them with the traditional diluent to study the cumulative amount of ROS, the extent of membrane damage, the sperm acrosome integrity, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and other indicators to evaluate the effect of hydroxytyrosol on the changes of active oxygen species and sperm quality during storage. After we determined the optimal amount of hydroxytyrosol in the diluent, proteomics was used to monitor difference in sperm protein expression between the control group and the addition of 120 μmol/L hydroxytyrosol group (optimum concentration). Ultimately, we selected the control group and the 120 μmol/L hydroxytyrosol group to test the effect of artificial insemination.Results: The results of our research showed that during storage of pig sperm at 17 ℃, the sperm quality and antioxidant capacity of the hydroxytyrosol-treated group were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Proteomics sequencing analysis proved that the addition of hydroxytyrosol treatment group has potential value in improving sperm quality. Besides, the significant increase in sow pregnancy rate and piglet birth weight also confirmed that sperm quality during storage can be of vital importance in actual production (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Based on our results, we demonstrate that the addition of hydroxytyrosol to the diluent can improve the quality of pig sperm and the efficiency of artificial insemination.
Agency Improves Working Memory and Accelerates Visual and Attentional Processing
Authors: Loyola-Navarro Rocio , Moënne-Loccoz Cristóbal , Vergara Rodrigo , Hyafil Alexandre , Aboitiz Francisco , Maldonado Pedro
Published: January 2021

Agency, understood as the ability of an organism to control stimuli onset, modulates perceptual and attentional functions. Since stimulus encoding is an essential component of working memory (WM), we conjectured that the perceptual process's agency would positively modulate WM. To corroborate this proposition, we tested twenty-five healthy subjects in a modified-Sternberg WM task under three stimuli presentation conditions: an unpredictable presentation of encoding stimulus, a self-initiated presentation of the stimulus, and self-initiation presentation with random-delay stimulus onset. Concurrently, we recorded the subjects' electroencephalographic signals during WM encoding. We found that the self-initiated condition was associated with better WM accuracy, and earlier latencies of N100 and P200 evoked potential components representing visual and attentional processes, respectively. Our work demonstrates that agency enhances WM performance and accelerates early visual and attentional processes deployed during WM encoding. We also found that self-initiation presentation correlates with an increased attentional state compared to the other two conditions, suggesting a role for temporal stimuli predictability. Our study remarks on the relevance of agency in sensory and attentional processing for WM.
Racial Equity in the Fight Against COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining the Importance of Collecting Race-Based Data in the Canadian Context
Authors: Ahmed Ranie , Jamal Omer , Ishak Waleed , Nabi Kiran , Mustafa Nida
Published: January 2021

Background

A failure to ensure racial equity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Black communities in Canada to disproportionately be impacted. The aim of the current study was to determine the needs and concerns of Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and to highlight the importance of collecting race-based COVID-19 data.
Methods

Six qualitative interviews were conducted with local community health centre leaders who serve a high population of racialized communities within the GTA. Content analysis was used to extract the main themes and concerns raised during the interviews.
Results

The findings from this study provide further evidence of the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black and other racialized communities. Difficulty self-isolating due to overcrowded housing, food insecurity, and less social support for seniors were concerns identified by community health leaders. Also, enhanced financial support for front-line workers, such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs), was an important concern raised. In order to lessen the impact of the pandemic on these communities, leaders noted the need for greater accessibility of testing centres in these areas and a greater investment in tailored health promotion approaches.
Conclusions

Overall, our findings point to the importance of collecting race-based data to ensure an equitable response to the pandemic. The current “one size fits all” response is not effective for all individuals, especially Black communities. Not all populations have access to the same resources, nor do they live in the same conditions [1]. A deeper consideration of the social determinants of health are needed when implementing COVID-19 policies and responses. Also, a lack of attention to Black communities only continues to perpetuate the underestimated issue of anti-black racism prevalent in Canada.
Through Bonds or Contacts? Mapping Protein Vibrational
Energy Transfer Using Non-canonical Amino Acids.
Authors: Bredenbeck Jens , Deniz Erhan , Valiño-Borau Luis , Löffler Jan , Eberl Katharina , Gulzar Adnan , Wolf Steffen , Durkin Patrick , Kaml Robert , Nediljko Budisa , Stock Gerhard
Published: January 2021

Vibrational energy transfer (VET) is essential for protein function. It is responsible for the efficient dissipation of excess energy after enzymatic reactions and photochemical processes, and has been linked to pathways of allosteric signal transduction. While it is understood that VET occurs via the backbone as well as via non-covalent contacts, little is known about the competition of these two transport channels, which determines the pathways of VET. To tackle this problem, we equipped the β-hairpin fold of a tryptophan zipper with pairs of non-canonical amino acids, one serving as a VET injector and one as a VET sensor in a femtosecond pump probe experiment. This is accompanied by extensive non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations combined with a master equation analysis to unravel the VET pathways. The joint experimental/computational endeavor reveals the efficiency of backbone vs. contact transport, showing that even if cutting short backbone stretches of only 3 to 4 amino acids in a protein, hydrogen bonds are the dominant VET pathway.
Service Efficiency of Nursing Homes Based on DEA and Tobit Model: a Longitudinal Study in China
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Han Ying , Fang Ya
Published: January 2021

Background: Low utilization of care resources in China continues to be a challenging problem even though the rapid development of pension services. However, few studies have explored the utilization of care services with either the production of nursing homes at a national and longitudinal level. Methods: The present study analyzes the spatio-temporal distribution of TE and productivity of nursing homes by using the data from China Civil Affairs statistical yearbook (2012-2016). Analysis was conducted based on the Data Envelopment Analysis and Tobit model, which have been widely applied to integrate several quality measures as a comprehensive benchmark. Results: The average TE, PTE and SE of nursing homes were 0.909. 0.928 and 0.979 from 2012 to 2016, respectively. The TE and SE decreased from 2012 to 2014, but improved after 2014. TE is 0.98 in the Eastern region, 0.93 of that in the Central region and 0.91 of that in the Western region, with a decrease range of 2%, 7% and 9%, respectively. The average improvement range of the five input indexes of the non-DEA effective nursing homes was 27.26%, 20.62%, 19.77%, 22.04%, and 38.84%, respectively. The influencing factors of efficiency value of nursing homes indicated that if there are more social workers, more patients in the nursing homes, and more employees who are aged 56 and above, the TE and productivity of nursing homes will be higher.Conclusion: We find that TE of nursing homes in Western regions are all at the lowest, as the current facilities can neither provide equitable nor optimal access and utilization. The decline of the efficiency and productivity before the healthcare reform implementation in 2014 was significant, where the influencing factors could be age and gender of employees, the number of social workers, and older people. Finally, suggestions are put forward for improving the efficiency of allocation and utilization of care services.
Factors predisposing women and children to indoor air pollution in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya
Authors: Dida Gabriel O , Lutta Patrick O , Abuom Paul O. , Mestrovic Tomislav , Anyona Douglas N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Indoor air pollution (IAP) is an increasing public health hazard in developing countries. Although fuelwood and kerosene are still heavily relied on as energy sources among households in the Sub-Saharan Africa, little information is available concerning the predisposing factors. The aim of this study was to establish the factors predisposing women and children to IAP and their health outcomes among residents of Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, a structured questionnaire was used to collect information on effects of IAP from 252 women respondents drawn from 14 villages. Households were the sampling units and the woman of the household with/or in custody of a child aged less than 5 years old selected as respondents.
Results

Mean age of respondents was 36.49 years, (95% CI [35.5, 37.5]), with most (81.3%) being able to read. Most (64.5%) houses were semi permanent, and in good condition. Up to 58.6% of households had average kitchen size of approximately 5.6 m2, with most (84.5%) kitchens being located in separate building from main house. Majority the women (92.0%) and children (95.4%) had coughs of varying intensities during the year, while 31.5% of the women reported wheezing, and 98% experienced headaches. Wood and kerosene were the most preferred fuel types for cooking (96.8%) and lighting (97.4%), respectively. Smoke from the wood was identified as the dominant (96.8%) source of IAP. Education level, occupation, and family income were significantly associated with presence of eave spaces (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the indoor concentration was negatively associated with ventilation, education and semi-permanent buildings.
Conclusions

Supporting the impoverished households and increasing their level of awareness on health-effects of IAP occasioned by use of biomass fuel while cooking indoors may be the first step in implementing a programme aimed at reducing exposure among rural households in Trans Nzoia County.
The expansion of activated naive DNA autoreactive B Cells and its association with disease activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients
Authors: Wangriatisak Kittikorn , Thanadetsuntorn Chokchai , Krittayapoositpot Thamonwan , Leepiyasakulchai Chaniya , Suangtamai Thanitta , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Khaenam Prasong , Setthaudom Chavachol , Pisitkun Prapaporn , chootong Patchanee
Published: January 2021

Background
Autoreactive B cells are well recognized as key participants in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, elucidating the particular subset of B cells in producing anti-dsDNA antibodies is limited due to their B cell heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify B cell subpopulations that display autoreactivity to DNA and contribute to lupus pathogenesis.
Methods
Flow cytometry was used to detect total B cell subsets (n = 20) and DNA autoreactive B cells (n = 15) in SLE patients' peripheral blood. Clinical disease activities were assessed in SLE patients using modified SLEDAI-2K and used for correlation analyses with expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells.
Results
The increases of circulating double negative 2 (DN2) and activated naïve (aNAV) B cells were significantly observed in SLE patients. Expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells represented a high proportion of aNAV B cells with overexpression of CD69 and CD86. The frequencies of aNAV B cells in total B cell populations were significantly correlated with modified SLEDAI-2K scores. Further analysis showed that expansion of aNAV DNA autoreactive B cells was more related to disease activity and serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels than to total aNAV B cells.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated an expansion of aNAV B cells in SLE patients. The association between the frequency of aNAV B cells and disease activity patients suggested that these expanded B cells may play a role in SLE pathogenesis. Thus, aNAV B cells may provide a candidate biomarker for monitoring disease activity in these patients.