bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgery Outcomes of Lamellar Macular Eyes with or without Lamellar Hole-Associated Epiretinal Proliferation: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: xu hanyue , Qin Ling , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2020

Background: To compare the visual outcomes and rate of restored ellipsoid zone (REZ) after surgery of lamellar macular hole (LMH) with and without lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP). Method: Publications up to November 2019 that compared the outcomes of LMH patients with and without LHEP who were managed by surgery were included. Forest plots were created using a weighted summary of proportion meta-analysis. A random effects mode was used and I2 heterogeneity estimates were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the stability of the meta-analysis. Result: Eight pertinent publications studying a total of 176 eyes without LHEP and 173 eyes with LHEP were identified. They were all retrospective studies and had a mean follow-up of at least 6 months. In all studies, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) had no significant differences before surgery and improved in both groups, and in two studies the post-operative BCVA had no significant differences between two groups. The rate of REZ were different among studies included. Meta-analytic pooling of the improved BCVA between with and without LHEP groups was 0.18 (95 % CI, 0.10 to 0.26; P< 0.01), and the pooled data revealed an odd ratio of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.26 to 2.44; p = 0.69) in the rate of REZ, comparing the group without LHEP and the group with LHEP. In conclusion, patients without LHEP had better postoperative BCVA than patients with LHEP. No significant difference was found in REZ among the two groups.
Identification of missense and synonymous variants in Iranian patients suffering from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Khadangi Fatemeh , Torkamanzehi Adam , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: June 2020

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), the predominant type of inherited kidney disorder, occurs due to PKD1 and PKD2 gene mutations. ADPKD diagnosis is made primarily by kidney imaging. However, molecular genetic analysis is required to confirm the diagnosis. It is critical to perform a molecular genetic analysis when the imaging diagnosis is uncertain, particularly in simplex cases (i.e., a single occurrence in a family), in people with remarkably mild symptoms, or in individuals with atypical presentations. The main aim of this study is to determine the frequency of PKD1 gene mutations in Iranian patients with ADPKD diagnosis. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples from 22 ADPKD patients, who were referred to the Qaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. By using appropriate primers, 16 end exons of PKD1 gene that are regional hotspots, were replicated with PCR. Then, PCR products were subjected to DNA directional Sanger sequencing. Results: The DNA sequencing in the patients has shown that exons 35, 36 and 37 were non- polymorphic, and that most mutations had occurred in exons 44 and 45. In two patients, an exon-intron boundary mutation had occurred in intron 44. Most of the variants were missense and non-synonymous types. Conclusion: In the present study, we have shown the occurrence of nine novel missense or synonymous variants in PKD1 gene. These data could contribute to an improved diagnostic and genetic counseling in clinical settings.
Education and income-based inequality in tooth loss among Brazilian adults: does the place you live make a difference?
Authors: Ferreira Raquel , Senna Maria Inês Barreiros , Rodrigues Lorrany Gabriele , Campos Fernanda Lamounier , Martins Andrea Maria Eleuterio de Barros Lima , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: June 2020

Background: Socioeconomic inequalities in tooth loss might be minimized or potentialized by the characteristics of the context where people live. We examined whether there is contextual variation in socioeconomic inequalities in tooth loss across Brazilian municipalities. Methods: Data from the 2010 National Oral Health Survey of 9,633 adults living in 157 Brazilian municipalities were used. Education and household income were used as the individual socioeconomic indicators. At the municipal level, we used the Municipal Human Development Index (HDI) as our contextual indicator of socioeconomic status (low:<0.699 versus high: >0.70). The Relative (RII) and Slope (SII) Indexes of Inequality, Relative (RCI), and Absolute (ACI) Concentration Indexes were calculated to compare the magnitude of education and income-based inequalities among municipalities with low versus high HDI. Multilevel Poisson regression models with random intercepts and slopes were developed. Results: At the individual level, adults with lower education & income reported more tooth loss. The mean number of missing teeth was 9.52 (95%CI: 7.93-11.13) and 6.95 (95%CI: 6.43-7.49) in municipalities with low and high HDI, respectively. Municipalities with high HDI showed higher relative and absolute education-based inequality. For income-based inequalities, higher SII and RCI was observed in municipalities with lower HDI. A significant cross-level interaction indicated that high-education adults reported fewer missing teeth when they lived in municipalities with high HDI compared to adults with the same education level living in low HDI municipalities. For individuals with the lowest education level, there was no difference in the number of teeth between those from municipalities with high and low HDI. Conclusions: There was a social gradient in tooth loss by education and income. Living in disadvantaged municipalities cannot overcome the risk associated with low schooling. The protective effect of higher education can be reduced when people live in disadvantaged areas.
Prevalence and Determinants of Malaria Infection Among Children of local farmers in Central Malawi
Authors: Chilanga Emmanuel , Collin-Vezina Delphine , MacIntosh Heather , Mitchel Claudia , Cherney Katrina
Published: June 2020

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five in Malawi, and especially among those from rural areas of central Malawi. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence and determinants of malaria infection among children in rural areas of the Dowa district in central Malawi.Methods: A multistage cross-sectional study design was used to systematically sample 523 child‑mother dyads from postnatal clinics. A survey was administered to mothers and a rapid malaria infection diagnostic test was administered to children. The main outcome was positive malaria diagnostic tests in children. Logistic regressions were used to determine risk factors associated with malaria among children aged 2 to 59 months.Results: The prevalence of malaria among children under five years was 35.4%. Results suggest that children of mothers who experienced recent intimate partner violence were more likely to be diagnosed with malaria (AOR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.19–2.97; P = 0.007) than children of mothers who did not. Children of mothers who had no formal education were more likely to be diagnosed with malaria (AOR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.24–6.19; P = 0.013) than children of mothers who had received secondary education. Children aged 2 to 5 months and 6 to 11 months were less likely to be diagnosed with malaria (AOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.10–0.46; P = 0.000 and AOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.22–0.85; P = 0.016, respectively) than children aged 24 to 59 months. Conclusion: We found that the prevalence of malaria infection among children in the study area was comparable to the national level. In addition to available malaria control programs, further attention should be paid to children whose mothers have no formal education, children aged 24 to 59 months and children of mothers that are exposed to IPV in the area.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and the risk of the type 1 diabetes: a meta-analysis based on 40 case–control studies
Authors: Zhai Na , Bidares Ramtin , Makoui Masoud Hassanzadeh , Aslani Saeed , Mohammadi Payam , Razi Bahman , Imani Danyal , Yazdchi Mohammad , Mikaeili Haleh
Published: June 2020

Background: The association between the polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and the risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has been evaluated in several studies. However, the findings were inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the effect of VDR gene polymorphisms on the risk of T1DM.Methods: All relevant studies reporting the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to T1DM published up to May 2020 were identified by comprehensive systematic database search in ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE. Strength of association were assessed by calculating of pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of each study was assessed according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. To find the potential sources of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were also performed. Results: A total of 40 case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results of overall population rejected any significant association between VDR gene polymorphisms and T1DM risk. However, the pooled results of subgroup analysis revealed significant negative and positive associations between FokI and BsmI polymorphisms and T1DM in Africans and Americans, respectively. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested a significant association between VDR gene polymorphism and T1DM susceptibility in ethnic-specific analysis.
Research on the cultivation strategy of critical thinking of medical doctoral students based on constructivism learning theory
Authors: Wu Yan , Wang Ling-Ying , Huo Guan-Nan , Xu Chang , Wang Xing-Yue
Published: June 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to a need to make corrections.
Prostaglandin insert Dinoprostone versus trans-cervical balloon catheter for out-patient labour induction: A randomised controlled trial of feasibility (PROBIT-F)
Authors: Bhide Amarnath , Sedgwick Philip , Barrett Barbara , Cupples Georgina , Coates Rose , Goode Rosie , Linton Sandra , McCourt Christine
Published: June 2020

Background The aim was to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of induction of labour comparing use of two methods in the out-patient setting. Methods An open-label feasibility RCT was conducted in two UK maternity units from October 2017 to March 2019. Women aged ≥16 years, undergoing Induction of labour (IOL) at term, with intact membranes and deemed suitable for out-patient IOL according to local guidelines were considered eligible. They were randomised to cervical ripening balloon catheter (CRB) or vaginal Dinoprostone (Propess). The participants completed a questionnaire and a sub-group underwent detailed interview. Service use and cost data were collected via the The Adult Service Use Schedule (AD-SUS). Women who declined to participate were requested to complete a decliners’ questionnaire. Results During the study period 274 eligible women were identified. 230 (83.9%) were approached for participation of whom 84/230 (36.5%) agreed and 146 did not. Of these, 38 were randomised to Propess (n=20) and CRB (n=18). Decliner data were collected for 93 women. The reasons for declining were declining IOL (n=22), preference for in-patient IOL (n=22) and preference for a specific method, propess (n=19). The intended sample size of 120 was not reached due to restrictive criteria for suitability for out-patient IOL, participant preference for propess and shortage of research staff. The intervention as randomised was received by 29/38 (76%) women. Spontaneous vaginal delivery was observed in 9/20 (45%) women in the Dinoprostone group, and 11/18 (61%) women in the CRB group. Severe maternal adverse events were recorded in one woman in each group. All babies were born with good condition and all except one (37/38, 97.4%) remained with the mother after delivery. No deaths were recorded. -21% of women in the Dinoprostone group were re-admitted prior to diagnosis of active labour compared to 12% in the CRB group. Conclusions A third of the approached eligible women agreed for randomisation. An RCT is not feasible in the current service context. Modifications to the eligibility criteria for out-patient IOL, better information provision and round the clock availability of research staff would be needed to reach sufficient numbers.
Identification of prognostic factors for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma using long non-coding RNAs-associated ceRNA network
Authors: Kang Zhichen , Guo Lixin , Zhu Zhuo , Qu Rongfeng
Published: June 2020

Background: Accumulating amount of evidence has highlighted the important roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in tumor pathogenesis. However, the roles of long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the lncRNA-related ceRNA network of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) still remain enigmatic. The current study aims to identify prognostic factors in the lncRNA-related ceRNA network of ICC.Methods: The transcriptome sequencing data of lncRNAs, messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miR) were downloaded from the SRA and TCGA databases. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), DEmiRs and DEmRNAs were identified and adopted to construct an lncRNA-miR-mRNA ceRNA network. ICC-associated DEmRNAs were adopted to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The expression of the top 6 genes in the hub module was validated with mRNA transcriptome sequencing data and ICC-related gene expression dataset GSE45001, followed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The relationship between the hub gene-associated ceRNA network and the overall survival of patients with ICC was predicted by conducting a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: Sixty co-expressed DEmRNAs were identified in the ceRNA network. The top 6 hub genes consisted of downregulated FOS, IGF2, FOXO1 and NTF3, upregulated IGF1R, and insignificantly downregulated HGF in ICC tissues, when compared to that of normal adjacent tissues, followed by the successful construction of lncRNA-miR-hub network consisting of 86 ceRNA modules. MME-AS1 and hsa-miR-182 were associated with overall survival in ICC patients. FOS, IGF1R, IGF2, FOXO1, and NTF3 might target “TGF-β signaling pathway”, “the hedgehog signaling pathway”, “retinol metabolism”, or “type II diabetes mellitus” pathways respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that FOS, IGF1R, IGF2, FOXO1, and NTF3 were useful prognostic factors in determining the prognosis of patients with ICC.
Systematic review of the tools of oral and dental health literacy: Assessment of conceptual dimensions and psychometric properties
Authors: Ghaffari Mohtasham , Rakhshanderou Sakineh , Ramezankhani Ali , Mehrabi Yadollah , Safari-Moradabadi Ali
Published: June 2020

Background: This article aims to provide a description of conceptual dimensions and psychometric properties of the tools of oral and dental health literacy. Methods: Two authors in this study conducted electronic searches in the Medline (via PubMed), and Embase databases to find relevant articles from 1990 to present day. Evaluation of the tools was carried out in two parts; general evaluation of the tools using skills introduced by Sørensen et al., and qualitative assessment of psychometric properties using COSMIN checklist. Results: After reviewing 1839 articles on oral and dental health literacy and evaluating 33 full text articles for eligibility, 21 articles entered the study. The sample size varied from 20 to 1405 subjects and the items of each tool ranged from 11 to 99 items. Of the 21 tools examined, 16 tools were evaluated for word recognition. For the studies examined, the evaluation of COSMIN scores was often fair or good. Of the 21 tools examined, 9 tools at least in one dimension were in the category of "poor", 19 tools were in the category of "fair", 20 tools were in the category of "good", and 4 tools were in the category of "excellent" in at least one dimension. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that some aspects of oral and dental health literacy are being ignored in the existing tools. Therefore, the authors of present study emphasize on the necessity to design and develop a comprehensive tool and take into account two characteristics of simplicity and briefness for international use.
The chemical composition and manufacturing technology of glass beads excavated from the Hetian Bizili site, Xinjiang
Authors: Wang Dong , Wen Rui , Hu Xingjun , Li Wenying
Published: June 2020

The Hetian Bizili site of the Lop County, located in the southern route of the Silk Road in Xinjiang, China, was a trade and cultural hub between the East and the West in ancient times. In 2016, a large number of glass beads were unearthed from the 40 tombs excavated on this site. This study analyzed the chemical composition and manufacturing technology of twelve glass beads from the M5 tomb of the Bizili site by using various analytical techniques such as LA-ICP-AES, EDXRF, Raman Spectrometry, and SR-μCT. The chemical compositions of the beads were all Na 2 O-CaO-SiO 2 , with plant ash and natron as fluxes. The lead antimonite and lead stannate were applied as the opacifying agents. Some of the beads with high contents of aluminum may potentially come from Ancient India. In terms of manufacturing technology, the craftsmen made eyeballs of glass beads in different ways and even applied the same process as Etched Carnelian beads in some beads. This study confirmed that Bizili was an essential place for the interactions between the East and the West and provided the foundation for the spreading of glass beads.
Aquatic habitats of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus in rural south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Nambunga Ismail Hassani , Ngowo Halfan S. , Mapua Salum A. , Hape Emmanuel E. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Msaky Dickson S. , Mhumbira Nicolaus T. , Mchwembo Karim R. , Tamayamali Gerald Z. , Mlembe Slyakus V. , Njalambaha Rukiyah M. , Lwetoijera Dickson W. , Finda Marceline F. , Govella Nicodem J. , Matoke-Muhia Damaris , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: June 2020

Background In rural south-eastern Tanzania, Anopheles funestus is a major malaria vector, and has been implicated in nearly 90% of all infective bites. Unfortunately, little is known about the natural ecological requirements and survival strategies of this mosquito species.Methods Potential mosquito aquatic habitats were systematically searched along 1000 m transects from the centres of six villages in south-eastern Tanzania. All water bodies were geo-referenced, characterized and examined for presence of Anopheles larvae using standard 350mls dippers or 10L buckets. Larvae were collected for rearing, and the emergent adults identified to confirm habitats containing An. funestus.Results One hundred and eleven (111) habitats were identified and assessed from the first five villages (all <300m altitude). Of these, 36 (32.4%) had An. funestus co-occurring with other mosquito species. Another 47 (42.3%) had other Anopheles species and/or culicines, but not An. funestus, and 28 (25.2%) had no mosquitoes. There were three main habitat types occupied by An. funestus, namely: a) small spring-fed pools with well-defined perimeters (36.1%), b) medium-sized natural ponds retaining water most of the year (16.7%), and c) slow-moving waters along river tributaries (47.2%). The habitats generally had clear waters with emergent surface vegetation, depths > 0.5m and distances < 100m from human dwellings. They were permanent or semi-permanent, retaining water most of the year. Water temperatures ranged from 25.2 to 28.8°C, pH from 6.5 to 6.7, turbidity from 26.6 to 54.8 NTU and total dissolved solids from 60.5 to 80.3 mg/L. In the sixth village (altitude >400m), very high densities of An. funestus were found along rivers with slow-moving clear waters and emergent vegetation.Conclusion This study has documented the diversity and key characteristics of aquatic habitats of An. funestus across villages in south-eastern Tanzania, and will form an important basis for further studies to improve malaria control. The observations suggest that An. funestus habitats in the area can indeed be described as fixed, few and findable based on their unique characteristics. Future studies should investigate the potential of targeting these habitats with larviciding or larval source management to complement malaria control efforts in areas dominated by this vector species.
Investigation of thermochemical process of coal particle packed bed reactions for the development of UCG
Authors: Sutardi Tata , Wang Linwei , Karimi Nader , Paul Manosh C
Published: June 2020

In this study, a packed bed reactor is developed to investigate the gasification process of coal particles. The effects of coal particle size and heater temperature of reactor are examined to identify the thermochemical processes through the packed bed. Three different coal samples with varying size, named as A, B, and C, are used, and the experimental results show that the packed bed with smaller coal size has higher temperature, reaching 624oC, 582oC, and 569oC for coal A, B, and C respectively. In the case of CO formation, the smaller particle size has greater products in the unit of mole fraction over the area of generation. However, the variation in the porosity of the packed bed due to different coal particle sizes affects the reactions through the oxygen access. Consequently, the CO formation is least from the coal packed bed formed by the smallest particle size A. A second test with the temperature variations shows that the higher heater temperature promotes the chemical reactions, resulting in the increased gas products. The findings indicate the important role of coal seam porosity in UCG (underground coal gasification) application, as well as temperature to promote the syngas productions.
Quantitative 166Ho-microspheres SPECT derived from a dual-isotope acquisition with 99mTc-colloid is clinically feasible
Authors: Stella Martina , Braat Arthur J.A.T. , Lam Marnix G.E.H. , de Jong Hugo W.A.M. , Rooij Rob van
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Accurate dosimetry is essential in radioembolization. To this purpose, an automatic protocol for healthy liver dosimetry based on dual isotope (DI) SPECT imaging, combining holmium-166 (166Ho)-microspheres and technetium-99m (99mTc)-colloid, was developed: 166Ho-microspheres used as scout and therapeutic particles and 99mTc-colloid to identify the healthy liver. DI SPECT allows for an automatic and accurate estimation of absorbed doses, introducing true personalized dosimetry. However, photon crosstalk between isotopes can compromise image quality. This study investigates the effect of 99mTc downscatter on 166Ho dosimetry, by comparing 166Ho-SPECT reconstructions of patient scans acquired before (166Ho-only) and after additional administration of 99mTc-colloid (166Ho-DI).Methods: The 166Ho-only and 166Ho-DI scans were performed in short succession by injecting 99mTc-colloid on the scanner table. To compensate for 99mTc downscatter, its influence was accounted for in the DI image reconstruction using energy window-based scatter correction methods. The qualitative assessment was performed by independent blinded comparison by two nuclear medicine physicians assessing 65 pairs of SPECT/CT. Inter-observer agreement was tested by Cohen's kappa coefficient. For the quantitative analysis, two volumes of interest within the liver, VOITUMOR and VOIHEALTHY, were manually delineated on the 166Ho-only reconstruction and transferred to the co-registered 166Ho-DI reconstruction. Absorbed dose within the resulting VOIs, and in the lungs (VOILUNGS), was calculated based on the administered therapeutic activity.Results: The qualitative assessment showed no distinct clinical preference for either 166Ho-only or 166Ho-DI SPECT (kappa=0.093). Quantitative analysis indicated that the mean absorbed dose difference between 166Ho-DI and 166Ho-only was -2.00±2.84 Gy (median 27 Gy; p-value<0.00001), -5.27±8.99 Gy (median 116 Gy; p-value =0.00035) and 0.80±1.08 Gy (median 3 Gy; p-value<0.00001) for VOIHEALTHY, VOITUMOR and VOILUNGS respectively. The corresponding Pearson’s correlation coefficient between 166Ho-only and 166Ho-DI for absorbed dose was 0.97, 0.99 and 0.82, respectively.
The determination of data collection tools that can measure and document the cooperation of local health care providers
Authors: Nagy Beáta Erika , Oláh Róza , Zombor Erika , Boris Péter , Szele Anna Szabina
Published: June 2020

Background

The overall objective of the study is to improve the mental health of the age group below 18 years through the investigation of the intra-and inter-sectoral cooperation between local suppliers and to make the intensity and quality of collaborations measurable. In this paper, based on Hungarian and international literature, we aim at describing the current and future optimal cooperation between the members of the mental health care system and examine the possibilities for documenting and measuring cooperation.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were recorded with the leaders or representatives of 12 public educational institutions, six social and six health institutions involvement of the relevant experts (N = 24).
Results

The function of the institutions belonging to these systems, as well as the daily work of the professionals working there, have a significant impact on the mental health of children in either positive or negative directions. After exploring the current situation, the cooperation of local suppliers and inter-institutional relations can highly increase the mental health improvement of the youth.
Conclusion

According to the results, the developing progress can be more effective through organising the different forms of care, sectors and professionals together to achieve a common goal.
The performance of Cu2+ as dissolved cathodic electron-shuttle mediator for Cr6+ reduction in the microbial fuel cell
Authors: Gangadharan Praveena , Nambi Indumathi M
Published: June 2020

The study investigates the performance of Cu 2+ as dissolved cathodic electron-shuttle mediator (dcESM) for simultaneous Cr 6+ reduction and electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) at pH 2 and 4 conditions. The dcESM behavior of Cu 2+ on carbon cloth (CC) catalyzes the reduction of Cr 6+ into Cr 3+ at pH 2 by undergoing redox reactions. However, at pH 4, a simultaneous reduction of Cu 2+ and Cr 6+ was observed. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies were performed at pH 2 and 4 to probe the dcESM behavior of Cu 2+ for Cr 6+ reduction on CC electrode. Also, at pH 2, increasing the concentration of Cu 2+ from 50 mg L -1 to 500 mg L -1 favors the Cr 6+ reduction by reducing the reaction time from 108 h to 48 h and improving the current production from 3.94 mA m -2 to 6.24 mA m -2 , respectively. Nevertheless, at pH 4, the efficacy of Cr 6+ reduction and electricity generation from MFC is decreased from 62.91% to 18.21% and 4.42 mA m -2 to 1.10 mA m -2 , respectively, by increasing the Cu 2+ concentration from 50 mg L -1 to 500 mg L -1 . Furthermore, the performance of dcESM behavior of Cu 2+ was explored on carbon felt (CF) and platinum (Pt) electrodes, and compare the results with CC. In MFC, at pH 2, with an initial concentration of 100 mg L -1 , the reduction of Cr 6+ in 60 h is 9.63 mg L -1 for CC, 0.17 mg L -1 for CF, and 51.32 mg L -1 for Pt cathodes. The reduction of Cr 6+ (initial concentration of 100 mg L -1 ) at pH 4 in 120 h is 44.72 mg L -1 for CC, 32.13 mg L -1 for CF, and 70.85 mg L -1 for Pt cathodes. Maximum power densities of 1659 mW m -2 , 1509 mW/m -2 , and 1284 mW/m -2 were achieved when CF, CC, and Pt, respectively were employed as cathodes in the MFC.
Identification of long noncoding RNA RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 as prognostic signature of endometrial carcinoma via integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Gao Lingling , Nie Xin , Zhang Wenchao , Gou Rui , Hu Yuexin , Qi Yue , Li Xiao , Liu Qing , Liu Juanjuan , Lin Bei
Published: June 2020

Background: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in gynecology. The potential functions and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the occurrence and progression of EC remains unclear. It’s meaningful to explore lncRNAs signature for providing prognostic value of EC. Methods：The differentially expressed lncRNAs and their prognostic values in EC were investigated based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database; the transcriptional factors (TFs), the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism, functional regulatory network and immune infiltration of RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 were further explored by various bioinformatics tools and databases. Results: We firstly identified high expression of RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 were closely associated with shorten overall survival (OS) and poor prognosis in patients with EC. We also elucidated the networks of transcription factor and co-expression genes associated with RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17. Furthermore, the ceRNA network mechanism was successfully constructed through 2 lncRNAs (RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17), 11 miRNAs and 183 mRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the targeting genes of RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 were strongly associated with microRNAs in cancer, vessel development, growth regulation, growth factor and cell differentiation, and involved in pathways including pathways in cancer, microRNAs in cancer and apoptotic signaling pathway. Conclusions: We demonstrated for the first time that RP11-89K21.1 and RP11-357H14.17 may play crucial roles in the occurrence, development and malignant biological behavior of EC, and can be regarded as potential prognostic biomarkers for EC.
Brief motivational therapy versus enhanced usual care for alcohol use disorders in primary care in Chile: study protocol for an exploratory randomised trial
Authors: Barticevic Nicolas , Poblete Fernando , Zuzulich Soledad , Rodriguez Victoria , Bradshaw Laura
Published: June 2020

Background : Harmful alcohol use is a leading cause of global disability and death. However increased detection and brief intervention capacity of more severe alcohol use disorders has not been accompanied by increased availability of treatment services. Incorporating treatment for such disorders into primary care is of paramount importance for improving access and health outcomes. This study aims to estimate the effectiveness of a Brief Motivational Treatment (BMT) applied in primary care for treatment of these disorders. Methods : A parallel-group, single-blinded, severity-stratified, randomised clinical trial will test the superiority of BMT over enhanced usual care. Eligible participants will be those seeking treatment and who fulfil DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder and criteria for harmful alcohol use. With an estimated a loss to follow-up of 20%, a total of 182 participants will be recruited and equally randomised to each treatment group. The intervention group will receive an adaptation of the Motivational Enhancement Therapy, as manualized in Project MATCH. This treatment consists of four 45-minute sessions provided by a general psychologist with at least three years of primary care experience. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in the Drinks per Drinking Day during the last 90 days, which will be captured using the TimeLine Follow Back method. Secondary outcomes will describe the changes in alcohol use pattern, motivational status, and severity of the disorder. All participants will be analysed according to the group they were allocated, regardless of the treatment actually received. Mean Differences (MD) will be computed for continuous outcomes and Relative Risks (RR) and RR reductions (RRR) for dichotomous results. Linear models will deliver the subgroup analyses. Missingness is assumed to be associated with the baseline alcohol use pattern and severity, so a multiple imputation method will be used to handle missing data. Discussion : This trial aims to test the superiority of BMT over enhanced usual care with a reasonable superiority margin, over which the BMT could be further considered for incorporation into PC in Chile. Its pragmatic approach ultimately aims to inform policymakers about the benefit of including a brief psychosocial treatment into PC. Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04345302, Registered 28 April 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04345302
A five year trend analysis of malaria prevalence in Guba district, Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia: A retrospective study
Authors: Alkadir Shemsia , Gelana Tegenu , Gebresilassie Araya
Published: June 2020

Background: In Ethiopia, malaria is a serious public health concern and has great impact on socio-economy. The trend analysis of malaria data from health facilities is useful for understanding its transmission dynamics and implementing evidence-based malaria control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the trends of malaria infection in Guba district, western Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken at Mankush Health Centre, western Ethiopia. All malaria cases reported from 2014 to 2018 were carefully reviewed from the laboratory record books to determine the trends of malaria morbidity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: In total, 16,964 malaria suspects were diagnosed using microscopy over the last 5 years, of which 8,658 (51.04%) were confirmed positive cases. Plasmodium falciparum , P. vivax , and mixed infection (both species) accounted for 75.2%, 24.5% and 0.28% of the cases, respectively. Males patients were more affected (n=5,028, 58.1%) than female ones (n=3,630, 41.9%). Of the total confirmed cases, 60.4% were age group of subjects (≥ 15 years) followed by 22.6% of 5-14 years and 15.9% of under 5 years. High malaria prevalence was observed in spring (September to November) season, while the least was observed in autumn (March to May) with the prevalence of 45.6% and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that malaria is a public health concern, in which P. falciparum is the predominant species followed by P . vivax . Therefore, the district health bureau and other concerned stakeholders should strength evidence-based malaria control and prevention interventions to interrupt disease transmission and eventual reduction malaria of malaria cases in Guba district. Key words : Ethiopia, Guba, malaria, prevalence, retrospective
Knowledge transmission patterns at the border: Ethnobotany of Hutsuls living in the Carpathian Mountains of Bukovina (SW Ukraine and NE Romania)
Authors: Mattalia Giulia , Stryamets Nataliya , Pieroni Andrea , Sõukand Renata
Published: June 2020

Background

Cross-border research is a novel and important tool for detecting variability of ecological knowledge. This is especially evident in regions recently divided and annexed to different political regimes. Therefore, we conducted a study among Hutsuls, a cultural and linguistic minority group living in Northern and Southern Bukovina (Ukraine and Romania, respectively). Indeed, in the 1940s a border was created: Northern Bukovina was annexed by the USSR while Southern Bukovina remained part of the Kingdom of Romania. In this research, we aim to document uses of plants for food and medicinal preparations, discussing the different dynamics of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) transmission among Hutsuls living in Ukraine and Romania.

Methods

Field research was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling techniques to recruit 31 Hutsuls in Ukraine and 30 in Romania for participation in semi-structured interviews regarding the use of plants for medicinal and food preparation purposes and the sources of such knowledge.

Results

The interviews revealed that, despite a common cultural and linguistic background, ethnobotanical knowledge transmission occurs in different ways on each side of the border. Family is a primary source of ethnobotanical knowledge transmission on both sides of the border; however, in Romania knowledge from other sources is very limited, whereas in Ukraine interviewees reported several other sources including books, magazines, newspapers, the Internet and television. Indeed, this is especially evident when analysing the wild plants used for medicinal purposes as we found 53 taxa that were common to both, 47 used only in Ukraine and 11 used only in Romania. Indeed, while Romanian Hutsuls used almost exclusively locally available plants, Ukrainian Hutsuls often reported novel plants such as Aloe vera , Aronia melanocarpa, and Elaeagnus rhamnoides . Knowledge related to these plants was transferred by sources of knowledge other than oral transmission among members of the same family. Therefore, this may imply hybridization of the local body of knowledge with foreign elements originating in the Soviet context which has enriched the corpus of ethnobotanical knowledge held by Ukrainian Hutsuls.

Conclusions

While ethnobotanical knowledge among Romanian Hutsuls is mainly traditional and vertically transmitted, among Ukrainian Hutsuls there is a considerable proportion of LEK that is transmitted from other (written and visual) sources of knowledge. This cross-border research reveals that despite a common cultural background, socio-political scenarios have impacted Hutsul ethnobotanical knowledge and its transmission patterns.
Caspase1/11 signaling affects muscle regeneration and recovery following ischemia, and can be modulated by chloroquine
Authors: Sachdev Ulka , Ferrari Ricardo , Cui Xiangdong , Pius Abish , Sahu Amrita , Reynolds Michael , Liao Hong , Sun Ping , Shinde Sunita , Ambrosio Fabrisia , Shiva Sruti , Loughran Patricia , Scott Melanie
Published: June 2020

Background: We previously showed that the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) increases inflammatory cleaved caspase-1 activity in myocytes, and that caspase-1/11 is protective in sterile liver injury. However, the role of caspase-1/11 in the recovery of muscle from ischemia caused by peripheral arterial disease is unknown. We hypothesized that caspase-1/11 mediates recovery in muscle via effects on autophagy and this is modulated by CQ. Methods: C57Bl/6J (WT) and caspase-1/11 double-knockout (KO) mice underwent femoral artery ligation (a model of hind-limb ischemia) with or without CQ (50mg/kg IP every 2nd day). CQ effects on autophagosome formation, microtubule associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), and caspase-1 expression was measured using electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging documented perfusion every 7 days. After 21 days, in situ physiologic testing in tibialis anterior muscle assessed peak force contraction, and myocyte size and fibrosis was also measured. Muscle satellite cell (MuSC) oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate was measured. Caspase-1 and glycolytic enzyme expression was detected by Western blot. Results: CQ increased autophagosomes, LC3 consolidation, total caspase-1 expression and cleaved caspase-1 in muscle. Perfusion, fibrosis, myofiber regeneration, muscle contraction, MuSC fusion, OCR, ECAR and glycolytic enzyme expression was variably affected by CQ depending on presence of caspase-1/11. CQ decreased perfusion recovery, fibrosis and myofiber size in WT but not caspase-1/11KO mice. CQ diminished peak force in whole muscle, and myocyte fusion in MuSC and these effects were exacerbated in caspase-1/11KO mice. CQ reductions in maximal respiration and ATP production were reduced in caspase-1/11KO mice. Caspase-1/11KO MuSC had significant increases in protein kinase isoforms and aldolase with decreased ECAR. Conclusion: Caspase-1/11 signaling affects the response to ischemia in muscle and effects are variably modulated by CQ. This may be critically important for disease treated with CQ and its derivatives, including novel viral diseases (e.g. COVID-19) that are expected to affect patients with comorbidities like cardiovascular disease.
TaClpS1, Negatively Regulates Wheat Resistance Against Puccinia Striiformis f. sp. Tritici
Authors: Yang Qian , Cai Kunyan , Tian Shuxin , Liu Yan , Kang Zhensheng , Guo Jun
Published: June 2020

Background
The degradation of intracellular proteins plays an essential role in plant responses to stressful environments. ClpS1 and ubiquitin ligases (E3) function as adaptors for selecting target substrates in caseinolytic peptidase (Clp) proteases pathways and the 26S proteasome system, respectively. Currently, the role of E3 in the plant immune response to pathogens is well defined. However, the role of ClpS1 in the plant immune response to pathogens remains unknown.
Results
Here, we identified and characterized wheat ClpS1 (TaClpS1). TaClpS1 encoded 161 amino acids, contained a conserved ClpS domain and a chloroplast transit peptide (1–32 aa). TaClpS1 was found to be specifically localized in the chloroplast when expressed transiently in wheat protoplasts. The transcript level of TaClpS1 in wheat was significantly induced during infection by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Knock-down of TaClpS1 via virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in an increase in resistance against Pst, accompanied by an increase in the hypersensitive response (HR), accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of TaPR1 and TaPR2, and a reduction in the growth of Pst. Furthermore, heterologous expression of TaClpS1 in Nicotiana benthamiana enhanced the infection by Phytophthora parasitica.
Conclusions
These results suggest that TaClpS1 negatively regulates the resistance of wheat to Pst.
Association of Patient-Centered Medical Home Designation and Quality Indicators within HRSA-Funded Community Health Center Delivery Sites
Authors: Bell Nathaniel , Wilkerson Rebecca , Mayfield-Smith Kathy , Fede Ana Lòpez-De
Published: June 2020

Background: Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) adoption has been proposed as an important strategy to help improve primary care quality within Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) Community Health Centers (CHC), but evidence of its effect thus far remains mixed. A limitation of previous evaluations has been the inability to account for the proportion of CHC delivery sites that are designated sites.Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study using HRSA Uniform Data System (UDS) and certification files from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Joint Commission (JC). All datasets were linked through geocoding and approximate string matching. Proportional implementation was assessed in 10% increments and regressed onto 14 clinical performance measures. The analysis included 1,281 community HCs and 8,022 delivery sites within the lower 48 states and District of Columbia.Results: The geocoding and approximate string matching algorithm identified 2,615 of the 6,851 (41.8%) delivery sites included in the analyses as having been designated through the NCQA and/or JC. In total, 74.7% (n=777) of the 1,039 CHCs included in the analysis after removing false positive/negative matches managed at least 1 NCQA and/or JC designated site. There was no stepwise improvement in clinical quality across all 14 indicators as the proportion of designated delivery sites increased. A trend for numerous indicators was that site-level designation rates of at least 90% were associated with better indicator adherence.Conclusion: Geocoding and approximate string matching offers a more accurate approach to monitor the impact of PCMH transformation on meeting quality performance targets. The lack of a consistent stepwise association between increased site-level designation and clinical quality underscores the need for additional risk-adjustment criteria within annual quality performance reporting in order to assess whether PCMH interventions are improving patient care.
Modified N Stage of Esophageal Cancer Based on the Evaluation of the Hezode Rate of the Negative and Positive Lymph Node
Authors: Zhang Jinling , Li Hongyan , Zhou Liangjian , Yu lianling , Che Fengyuan , Heng xueyuan
Published: June 2020

Objective:The study aimed to propose a modified N stage of esophageal cancer (EC) on basis of based on the number of positive lymph node (PLN) and the number of negative lymph node (NLN) simultaneously. Method:Data from 13,491 patients with EC registered in the SEER database were reviewed. The parameters related to prognosis were investigated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. A modified N stage was proposed based on the cut-off number of the re-adjusted ratio of the number of PLN (numberPLN) to the number of NLN (numberNLN), which derived from the comparison of the hezode rate (HR) of numberPLN and numberNLN. The modified N stage was confirmed using the cross-validation method with the training and validation cohort, and it was also compared to the N stage from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (7th edition) using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:The numberPLN on prognosis was 1.042, while numberNLN was 0.968. The modified N stage was defined as follows: N1 stage: the ratio range was from 0 to 0.21; N2 stage: more than 0.21, but no more than 0.48; N3 stage: more than 0.48. Cross-validation method within the cohort identified the predictive accuracy of this modified N stage, and ROC curve analysis demonstrated the superiority of this modified N stage over that of the AJCC.Conclusion:The modified N stage based on the re-adjusted ratio of numberPLN to numberNLN can evaluate tumor stage more accurately than the traditional N stage.
"A Loving Man has a Very Huge Responsibility": A Mixed Methods Study of Malawian Men's Knowledge and Beliefs About Cervical Cancer
Authors: Lewis Samuel , Moucheraud Corrina , Schechinger Devon , Mphande Misheck , Banda Ben Allan , Sigauke Hitler , Kawale Paul , Dovel Kathryn , Hoffman Risa M.
Published: June 2020

Background: In Malawi, numerous barriers may prevent women from accessing cervical cancer screening services — including social factors such as male partner involvement. We conducted surveys that included open- and closed-ended questions with married Malawian men to evaluate their knowledge and beliefs about cervical cancer. Methods: HIV-positive adult (≥18 years) men (married or in a stable relationship) were recruited from an antiretroviral therapy clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. Men were asked a series of survey questions to assess their knowledge about cervical cancer, experience with cervical cancer, their female partner’s screening history, and their beliefs about gender norms and household decision-making. Following the survey, participants responded to a set of open-ended interview questions about cervical cancer screening, and men’s role in prevention.Results: 120 men were enrolled with average age 44 years and 55% having completed secondary school or higher education. Despite only moderate knowledge about cervical cancer and screening (average assessment score of 62% correct), all men expressed support of cervical cancer screening, and most (86%) believed they should be involved in their female partner’s decision to be screened. Over half (61%) of men said their female partner had ever previously been screened for cervical cancer, and this was positively correlated with the male respondent having more progressive gender norms around sexual practices. Some men expressed concerns about the screening process, namely the propriety of vaginal exams when performed by male clinicians, and whether the procedure was painful.Conclusions: Male partners in Malawi want to be involved in decisions about cervical cancer screening, but have limited knowledge about screening, and hold rigid beliefs about gender norms that may affect their support for screening. Messaging campaigns addressing men’s concerns may be instrumental in improving women’s adoption of cervical cancer screening services in Malawi and similar settings.