bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
­­Assessment of Viral RNA in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using RNA-seq
Authors: Yin Qinyan , Strong Michael J , Zhuang Yan , Flemington Erik K , Kaminski Naftali , de Andrade Joao AM , Lasky Joseph A
Published: August 2019

Background

Numerous publications suggest an association between herpes virus infection and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These reports have employed immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and/or PCR, which are susceptible to specificity artifacts.

Methods

We investigated the possible association between IPF and viral RNA expression using next-generation sequencing, which has the potential to provide a high degree of both sensitivity and specificity. We quantified viral RNA expression for 740 viruses in 28 IPF patient lung biopsy samples and 20 age-matched controls. Key RNA-seq results were confirmed using Real-time RT-PCR for select viruses (EBV, HCV, herpesvirus saimiri and HERV-K).

Results

We identified sporadic low-level evidence of viral infections in our lung tissue specimens, but did not find a statistical difference for expression of any virus, including EBV, herpesvirus saimiri and HERV-K, between IPF and control lungs.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first publication that employs RNA-seq to assess whether viral infections are linked to the pathogenesis of IPF. Our results do not address the role of viral infection in acute exacerbations of IPF, however, this analysis patently did not support an association between herpes virus detection and IPF.
Proteomic identification and expression of oral apparatus constituents in cell regeneration of giant ciliate Stentor coeruleus (strain WHEL)
Authors: Xiong Jie , Wei Wei , Jiang Chuanqi , Yang Wentao , Miao Wei
Published: August 2019

Background
The giant ciliate Stentor coeruleus is a suitable model organism for studying morphogenesis and regeneration at the single-cell level. The anterior end of the cell is dominated by thousands of cilia organized into a ciliated band of membranelles, known as the oral apparatus (OA). This feeding organelle can be induced to shed by urea treatment. The OA then regenerates via a series of defined morphological events and the cell resumes normal feeding activity. These defined events provide an ideal opportunity to identify the protein constituents of OA and their expression patterns in OA regeneration.

Results
We identified OA constituents in S. coeruleus by mass spectrometry. A total of 882 OA-associated proteins were identified; the homologs of 181 of these are known OA constituents in other organisms. The expression pattern of OA-associated genes during regeneration was investigated using single-cell transcriptome sequencing. The expression of most OA-associated genes was high during regeneration, indicating their stable expression after OA shedding. We also identified OA-associated differentially expressed genes that may be involved in regulating OA reconstruction. This information enabled us to hypothesize the architecture of OA of S. coeruleus WHEL.

Conclusions
We have identified protein components of the OA and determined the temporal changes in their expression during OA regeneration in S. coeruleus WHEL. Although our results are preliminary, they form the basis of further studies into the molecular mechanisms of OA development in S. coeruleus. In addition, as S. coeruleus is an important model organism for studying morphogenesis, our findings may help to improve the understanding of OA formation in ciliates.
The Impact of HIV Knowledge and Attitudes on HIV Testing Acceptance among Patients in an Emergency Department in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Ryan Sofia , Hahn Elizabeth , Rao Aditi , Mwinnyaa George , Black John , Maharaj Roshen , Mvandaba Nomzamo , Nyanisa Yandisa , Quinn Thomas C. , Hansoti Bhakti
Published: August 2019

Background: Transmission of HIV in South Africa continues to be high due to a large proportion of individuals living with undiagnosed HIV. Uptake of HIV testing is influenced by a multitude of factors including the patient’s knowledge and beliefs about HIV.
Methods: This study sought to quantify the impact of knowledge and attitudes on HIV testing acceptance in an emergency department by co-administering a validated HIV knowledge and attitudes survey to patients who were subsequently offered HIV testing.
Results: During the study period 223 patients were interviewed and offered HIV testing. Individuals reporting more negative overall attitudes (p = 0.006), higher levels of stigma to HIV testing (p<0.001), and individuals who believed their test was confidential (p<0.001) were more likely to accept an HIV test.
Conclusions: Interventions focused on improving patient perceptions around testing confidentiality will likely have the greatest impact on testing acceptance in the emergency department.
Later onset of hypertension increased the risk of dementia in Mild Cognitive Impairment in community
Authors: qin hongyun , Hu chengping , Zhao xudong , Zhu binggen , Cao Zhicheng , Wang ling , Guo yi
Published: August 2019

Objective
To investigate the effect of later onset of hypertension on the progression of MCI in community.
Methods
Participants are from The Study (NO.PKJ2010-Y26, 2011), a population-based longitudinal cognition survey of people aged 55+, sampled by probability proportional to size cluster. Hypertension onset age was estimated by self-reported information and medical insurance card records, then classified into two groups: the middle-age group (onset age < 65 years) and the old-age group (onset age ≥ 65 years). In order to study the effect of later onset of hypertension on dementia, the incidence of dementia was compared between the two groups.
Results
A total of 277 hypertensive mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants without dementia were followed for 6 years. 56 MCI participants (20.22%) progressed to dementia (MCIp). The proportion of MCIp participants in the old-age onset hypertension group (≥ 65 years) was higher than that of middle-age onset one (27.0% vs 15.4%; X2 = 5.538, P = 0.019). And in the old-age onset hypertension group, the proportion of MCIp without diabetes mellitus was higher than those with diabetes mellitus (24.7% vs 12.6%; X2 = 5.321, P = 0.021), and the proportion of MCIp with increased pulse pressure was higher than those without increased pulse pressure (33.3% vs 15.4%; X2 = 3.902, P = 0.048). However, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age was the only risk for MCIp (OR=0.732, p=0.029).
Conclusions
These results suggest that, later onset hypertension was harmful to cognition even in cases where the level of blood pressure maintained at 130/80mmHg with antihypertensive management. It is necessary to expand the research sample and improve the experimental methods for further confirmation.
Transcriptomic analysis of α-synuclein knockdown after T3 spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Zeng Hong , Yu Bao-fu , Liu Nan , Yang Yan-yan , Xing Hua-yi , Liu Xiao-xie , Zhou Mouwang
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background
Endogenous α-synuclein (α-Syn) is involved in many pathophysiological processes in the secondary injury stage after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and the mechanism governing these functions has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This research aims to characterize the effect of α-Syn knockdown on transcriptional levels after SCI and to determine the mechanisms underlying α-Syn activity based on RNA-seq.
Result
The establishment of a rat model of lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of α-Syn in Sprague-Dawley rats with T3 spinal cord contusion. The results of the RNA-SEQ analysis showed that there were 191 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SCI group and the LV_SCI group, and 96 DEGs in the LV_SCI group compared with the sham operation group (CON group). The top 20 biological transition terms were identified by Gene ontology (GO) analysis. The Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis showed that the LV_SCI group significantly up-regulated the cholinergic synaptic pathway and the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Enriched chord analysis analyzes key genes. Further cluster analysis, gene and protein interaction network analysis showed that Chrm2 and Chrnb2 together observed the LV_SCI group to promote the proliferation of Chrm2 and Chrnb2 and the neurogenesis of the injury site by immunofluorescence. Further by subcellular localization, the LV_SCI group enhanced the expression of Chrnb2 at the cell membrane and cell junction.
Conclusion
Knockdown of α-synuclein after spinal cord injury enhance motor function and promote neurogenesis probably through enhancing cholinergic signaling pathways and neuroreceptor interactions. This study not only further clarifies the understanding of the mechanism of knockdown of α-synuclein on SCI but also helps to guide the treatment strategy for SCI.
Time to sputum culture conversion and its predictors among patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Hangzhou, China: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Qingchun , Lu Min , Hsieh Evelyn , Wu Limin , Wu Yifei , Wang Meng , Wang Le , Wang Ke , Zhao Gang , Xie Li , Qian Han-Zhu
Published: August 2019

Background To investigate the time to initial sputum culture conversion (SCC) and its predictors among multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients in Hangzhou, China.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients initiating treatment for MDR-TB from 2011-2015 in Hangzhou, China. Time to initial SCC was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify predictors of SCC.Results Among 384 patients enrolled with MDR-TB, 359 (93.5%) successfully achieved initial SCC after a median of 85 days (inter-quartile range, 40-112 days). A higher rate of SCC was observed in participants with successful treatment outcomes than those with poor treatment outcomes (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that age 25-64 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9; P<0.01), age ≥65 years (AOR, 0.5; 95%CI, 0.3-0.8; P<0.01) and household registration in Hangzhou (AOR, 1.3; 95%CI, 1.0-1.5; P<0.05) were found to be associated with SCC.Conclusions Although high SCC and treatment success rates were observed among MDR-TB patients in Hangzhou, the prolonged duration to initial SCC underscores the importance of emphasizing measures for infection control. A new policy of shifting outpatient treatment to inpatient treatment in China may reduce the risk of transmission from patients in the time window prior to SCC.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of interleukin-6, pentraxin 3, and procalcitonin levels among sepsis and septic shock patients: a prospective controlled study according to the Sepsis-3 definitions
Authors: Song Juhyun , Park Dae won , Moon Sungwoo , Cho Han-Jin , Park Jong Hak , Seok Hyeri , Choi Won Seok
Published: August 2019

Background This study investigated the clinical value of interleukin-6 (IL-6), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), and procalcitonin (PCT) in patients with sepsis and septic shock diagnosed according to the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3).Methods Serum levels of IL-6, PTX3, and PCT were measured in 143 enrolled subjects (51 with sepsis, 46 with septic shock, and 46 controls). Follow-up IL-6 and PTX3 levels were measured in patients with initial septic shock within 24 hours of hospital discharge. Optimal cut-off values were determined for sepsis and septic shock, and prognostic values were evaluated.Results Serum IL-6 levels could discriminate sepsis (area under the curve [AUC], 0.97–1.00, P < 0.001; cut-off value, 5.89 pg/mL, 97.0% sensitivity, 97.2% specificity) from controls and could distinguish septic shock (AUC, 0.85-0.95; cut-off value, 53.59 pg/mL, 91.8% sensitivity, 63.2% specificity) from both sepsis and controls. Twenty-eight-day mortality was significantly higher in the group with high IL-6 (≥ 53.59 pg/mL) than with low IL-6 (< 53.59 pg/mL) (P = 0.002). IL-6 was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality among patients overall (hazard ratio, 1.0004; 95% confidence interval, 1.0003–1.0005; p = 0.024). In septic shock patients, both initial and follow-up PTX3 levels were consistently significantly higher in patients who died than in those who recovered (initial p = 0.004; follow-up P < 0.001).Conclusions The diagnostic and prognostic value of IL-6 was superior to those of PTX3 and PCT for sepsis and septic shock.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra for tuberculosis adenitis
Authors: Antel Katherine , Oosthuizen Jenna , Malherbe Francois , Louw Vernon J , Nicol Mark P , Maartens Gary , Verburgh Estelle
Published: August 2019

Background The WHO recently recommended the new Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Ultra) instead of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay because Ultra has improved sensitivity. We report the diagnostic accuracy of Ultra for tuberculous adenitis in a tuberculosis and HIV endemic setting.Methods We obtained fine-needle aspirates (FNA) and lymph node tissue by core-needle biopsy in adult patients with peripheral lymphadenopathy of > 20 mm. Ultra and mycobacterial culture were performed on FNA and tissue specimens, with histological examination of tissue specimens. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of Ultra against a composite reference standard (CRS) of ‘definite tuberculosis’ (presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFBs) or culture positive on FNA or lymph node tissue) or ‘probable tuberculosis’ (macroscopic caseation or granulomas on histology or tuberculosis proven from another site, and no other identified cause for lymphadenopathy).Results We prospectively evaluated 99 participants of whom 50 were HIV positive: 21 had ‘definite tuberculosis’, 15 ‘probable tuberculosis’ and 63 did not have tuberculosis (of whom 38% had lymphoma and 19% disseminated malignancy). Using the CRS, the sensitivity of Ultra on FNA was 70% (95% CI 51-85) and on tissue was 67% (95% CI 45-84); specificity on FNA was 100% (95% CI 92-100) and on tissue 96% (95% CI 88-99).Conclusions Ultra performed on FNA or tissue of a lymph node had reasonable sensitivity and high specificity. Ultra on FNA would be an appropriate initial investigation for lymphadenopathy in tuberculosis endemic areas.
Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: potential biomarkers associated with tumor progression
Authors: Hosseinkhan Nazanin , Honardoost Maryam , Blighe Kevin , Moore C.B. Tara , Khamseh Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: August 2019

Background Identification of stage-specific prognostic/predictive biomarkers could lead to the more efficient clinical management in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The main objective of this study was to characterize the stage-specific deregulations in gene and miRNA expression in PTC and also to identify potential prognostic biomarkers.Methods 495 RNASeq and 499 miRNASeq PTC samples (stage I-IV) as well as, respectively, 56 and 57 normal samples were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DESeq2 was used to identify deregulation of genes and miRNAs between sequential stages of PTC. To identify the minority of patients who progress from stage I to higher stages, we additionally performed a clustering analysis focused on the stage I RNASeq data. Moreover a validation study was done on an independent PTC RNASeq study.Results Large amount of heterogeneity in gene expression patterns was observed in stage I PTC patients. LTF and PLA2R1 were identified as two promising biomarkers that exhibited down-regulation in a small subgroup of stage I (both in TCGA and in the validation data set) and in the majority of stage IV patients (in TCGA data set). hsa-miR-205, hsa-miR-509-2, hsa-miR-514-1 and hsa-miR-514-2 were also identified as up-regulated miRNAs in both PTC patients with stage I and stage III.Conclusion Common gene expression alterations in early and advanced stages of PTC, could be used for individualized risk stratification and personalized treatment approach.
Adolescents’ Perception Of Dietary Behaviour In A Public School In Chile
Authors: Vio Fernando , Olaya Marcela , Yañez Marisol , Montenegro Edith
Published: August 2019

Background: The objective was to assess dietary behavior among sixth to eighth-grade students to inform the delivery and content of nutrition education.
Methods: This is a qualitative study through focus groups. Subjects were 57 adolescents 10-14 years old, 30 males and 27 females distributed in six groups. To compare group responses, transcriptions were coded using the original question guide. The information was analyzed using the content analysis technique.
Results: The main findings showed that adolescents knew dietary guidelines recommendations, but they consumed non-healthy food. They liked to cook but preferred fast food preparations. They increased fast food consumption on weekends and with friends. In utilization of Information Communication Technologies, all students had access to technology trough mobile phones, tablets and computers and were open to have an interactive program with personal information about diet and behavior.
Conclusions: It is important to know adolescents’ dietary behavior to prevent obesity designing education intervention programs.
Keywords: adolescents, community health promotion, dietary behavior, qualitative methods, focus groups
Maternal and Fetal outcomes of Cesarean Delivery and factors associated with its unfavorable management outcomes; In Ayder Specialized Comprehensive Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2017.
Authors: mengesha Meresa Berwo , Adhanu Hadgay Hagos , weldegiwergis Desta Abraha , Assefa Natnael Etsay , werid Woldu mammo , weldemariam Mulu Gebretsadik , welay fissaha tekulu , Hidru Hagos Degefa , Gebru Tesfay tsegay
Published: August 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the unfavorable outcomes and to assess factors contribute for the unfavorable management outcomes after caesarean deliveries in Ayder Specialized Comprehensive Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2017. Results: The unfavorable maternal management outcomes were Adhesion 28(8.3%), excessive blood loss and blood transfusion 19(5.6%), caesarean hysterectomy 10(3%), relaparotomy 5(1.5%), wound infection and wound dehiscence 23(6.8%).Unfavorable fetal outcomes were were still birth 9(2.6%), early neonatal death 8(2.4%), low birth weight 58(17.2%). Women’s who did not booked for Antenatal Care and having history of previous Caesarean delivery were found to be associated with unfavorable maternal outcomes and indications of Caesarean delivery as obstructed labor was associated with unfavorable fetal outcomes. Key words: caesarean delivery, fetal outcomes, maternal outcomes.
Impacts of conservative endodontic cavities on root canal therapy compare to traditional endodontic cavities in premolars
Authors: Juan Xia , weidong Wang , Zhengmao Li , Bingpeng Lin , Qian Zhang , Qianzhou Jiang , Yang xuechao
Published: August 2019

Background: This study aims to compare the percentage of dentin removed, instrumentation efficacy, root canal filling and load at fracture between contracted endodontic cavities and traditional endodontic cavities in premolars.
Methods: Forty extracted intact human first premolars were imaged with micro-CT and randomly assigned to CEC or TEC groups. Minimal CECs were prepared with the aid of 3D-printed guide template, canals were prepared with a 0.04 taper M-Two rotary instrument and cavities were restored with resin. The specimens were loaded to fracture in an Instron Universal Testing Machine after a fatigue phase. The data were analyzed by the independent samples T test and Mann-Whitney U test, appropriate post hoc tests.
Results: In the premolars tested in vitro, CECs conserved coronal dentin in premolars with two dental roots but no impact on the instrument efficacy, the root canal filling or the biomechanical responses compared with TECs.
Conclusion: The results of this study did not suggest that CEC could improve the fracture resistance of the endodontically treated premolars. The instrumentation efficacy and the percentage of filling material did not significantly differ between CECs and TECs in the premolars.
The Oral Microbiome and Salivary Proteins Influence Caries in Preschool Children
Authors: Chen Wang , Jiang Qian , Yan GuoWei , Yang DeQin
Published: August 2019

Background Oral microbiome and salivary proteins play a critical role in the occurrence and development of caries. In this study, we used metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses to explore the microbiological and proteinic biomarkers and investigate the etiology of caries in preschool children. Our study aims to offer a better comprehension of these factors and the relationship with caries, and these findings might facilitate caries risk assessment and provide a basis for future prevention strategies.Methods Children six to eight years old living in rural isolated areas with or without caries were recruited. Supragingival plaque and unstimulated saliva were collected for 16S rDNA pyrosequencing and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)technique coupled with quantitative nano-flow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS), respectively.Results A total of 328486 high-quality 16S rRNA sequences were obtained from 40 samples including 20 plaque and 20 saliva subjects, which was clustered into 14,076 OTUs, representing 18 phyla, 28 classes, 48 orders, 78 families,135 genera, and 410 species. We found the six most abundant phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Candidate division TM7). The Alpha diversity analysis demonstrated that the richness and diversity of the bacterial communities were similar between caries and caries-free children; differences in the bacterial community composition was analyzed by LEfSe. The core microbiome was defined as 18 predominant genera coming from the saliva and plaque of subjects. For the results of salivary proteome analysis, 9135 unique peptides and 1662 proteins group were identified from 20 salivary samples. 258 proteins were differentially expressed between the caries-free and caries-active group, which might be a potential proteinic biomarker of caries and health status.Conclusions Dental caries is a multifactorial disease affecting many children around the world. The result of our study revealed the complexities of the oral bacterial community and confirmed “ecological plaque hypothesis”. In addition, as an important host factor of caries the salivary proteins are different in healthy or carious status. Exploration on microbiological or protein biomarkers is of great significance to prevent dental caries.
Smart Pumps Improve Medication Safety but Increase Alert Burden in Neonatal Care
Authors: Melton Kristin , Timmons Kristen , Walsh Kathleen E , Meinzen-Derr Jareen K , Kirkendall Eric
Published: August 2019

Background: Smart pumps have been widely adopted but there is limited evidence to understand and support their use in pediatric populations. Our objective was to assess whether smart pumps are effective at reducing medication errors in the neonatal population and determine whether they are a source of alert burden and alert fatigue in an intensive care environment. Methods: Using smart pump records, over 370,000 infusion starts for continuously infused medications used in neonates and infants hospitalized in a level IV NICU from 2014-2016 were evaluated. Attempts to exceed preset soft and hard maximum limits, percent variance from those limits, and pump alert frequency, patterns and salience were evaluated. Results: Smart pumps prevented 160 attempts to exceed the hard maximum limit for doses that were as high as 7-29 times the maximum dose and resulted in the reprogramming or cancellation of 2093 infusions after soft maximum alerts. While the overall alert burden from smart pumps was not high, alerts clustered around specific patients and medications, and a small portion (17%) of infusions generated the majority of alerts. Soft maximum alerts were often overridden (79%), consistent with low alert salience. Conclusions: Smart pumps have the ability to improve neonatal medication safety when compliance with dose error reducing software is high. Numerous attempts to administer high doses were intercepted by dosing alerts. Clustered alerts may generate a high alert burden and limit safety benefit by desensitizing providers to alerts. Future efforts should address ways to improve alert salience.
Surgical Workflow Simulation for the Design and Assessment of Operating Room Setups in Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Neumann Juliane , Angrick Christine , Höhn Celina , Zajonz Dirk , Ghanem Mohamed , Roth Andreas , Neumuth Thomas
Published: August 2019

Background The design and internal layout of modern operating rooms are influencing the team’s collaboration and communication, ergonomics, as well as intraoperative hygiene substantially. Nevertheless, there is no objective method for the assessment and design of the personnel and table positions for different surgical disciplines and intervention types available. The aim of this work is to establish an optimal OR setup for common procedures in arthroplasty.Methods With the help of computer simulation techniques, a method for the objective design and assessment of optimal OR setups was developed. In this work, new OR setups were designed, analyzed in a computer simulation environment and evaluated in the actual intraoperative setting.Results It was shown that the implementation of an optimized OR setup reduces the intraoperative instrument handover time between the surgeon and the scrub nurse, the travel paths of the OR team as well as shorten the procedure duration. Additionally, the ergonomics of the OR staff could be improved.Conclusion The developed simulation method was intraoperatively evaluated and proved its benefit for the design and optimization of OR setups for different surgical intervention types. As a clinical result, optimized setups for total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty surgeries were established in daily clinical routine and the OR efficiency was improved.
Effectiveness of HPV vaccination against the development of high grade cervical lesions in young Japanese women
Authors: Shiko Yuki , Konno Ryo , Konishi Hiroshi , Sauvaget Catherine , Ohashi Yasuo , Kakizoe Tadao
Published: August 2019

Background Although more than 8 years have passed since HPV vaccination was implemented first, as an interim programme (Emergent vaccine promotion programme) in November 2010, followed by incorporating into the National Immunization Programme in April, 2013 and suspended in June 2013, limited studies have investigated the HPV vaccine effectiveness against high-grade cervical lesions in Japan. Methods We collected the matched data of the results of cervical biopsy and history of vaccination from the Japan Cancer Society database. The subjects were women aged 20 to 29 years screened for cervical cancer between April, 2015 and March, 2017, and with information on HPV vaccination status. We estimated the relative risk of developing high-grade cervical lesions in a vaccinated group using Poisson regression as compared to an unvaccinated group. Results Among the 34,281 women screened, 3,770 (11.0%) were vaccinated. The prevalence of CIN2+ was significant lower in the vaccinated women as compared to the unvaccinated women (Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) =76%; RR=0.24, 95% CI:0.10-0.60). High VE against CIN3+ was also observed (91%; RR=0.09, 95% CI:0.00-0.42). Conclusion Women aged 20–29 years who received at least one dose of HPV vaccine had a significantly lower risk of high-grade cervical lesions than those not vaccinated. In Japan, HPV vaccination should be resumed in order to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
How heterogeneous are MSM from Brazilian cities? An analysis of sexual behavior and perceived risk and a description of trends in awareness and willingness to use PrEP
Authors: Torres Thiago S , Marins Luana M. S. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Luz Paula M.
Published: August 2019

Background Brazil has the largest population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America, with a disproportional prevalence of infection among gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Of relevance to prevention and treatment efforts, Brazilian MSM from different regions may differ in behaviors and risk perception related to HIV.Methods We report on MSM living in 29 different cities: 26 Brazilian state capitals, the Federal District and two large cities in São Paulo state assessed in three web-based surveys (2016-2018) advertised on Grindr, Hornet and Facebook. Using logistic regression models, we assessed factors associated with high-risk behavior and high HIV perceived risk.Results A total of 16,667 MSM completed the survey. Overall, MSM from the North and Northeast were younger, more black/mixed-black, of lower income and lower education compared to MSM from the South, Southeast and Central-west. Though 17% had never tested for HIV (with higher percentages in the North and Northeast), condomless receptive anal sex (previous 6 months) and high-risk behavior as per HIV Incidence Risk scale for MSM were observed for 41% and 64%, respectively. Sexual behaviors and HIV perceived risk had low variability by city. Younger age, being gay/homosexual, having a steady partner, binge drinking, report of STI and ever testing for HIV increased the odds of high-risk behavior. In contrast, younger age and having a steady partner decreased the odds of high HIV perceived risk, while report of STI most strongly increased the odds of high HIV perceived risk. All variables that serve as proxies for low socio-economic status (black/mixed-black race, low income and low education) were associated with increased odds of high HIV perceived risk. Awareness and willingness to use PrEP increased from 2016 to 2018 in most cities.Conclusions Overall, MSM socio-demographic characteristics were heterogeneous among Brazilian cities, but similarities were noted among the cities from the same administrative region with a marked exception of the Federal District not following the patterns for the Central-West. The observed dissonance between sexual behavior and HIV perceived risk may be a barrier to effective PrEP implementation.
DNA methylomes and transcriptomes analysis reveal implication of host DNA methylation machinery in BmNPV proliferation in Bombyx mori
Authors: Huang Haoling , Wu Ping , Zhang Shaolun , Shang Qi , Yin Haotong , Hou Qirui , Zhong Jinbo , Guo Xijie
Published: August 2019

Background

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) is a major pathogen that threatens the sustainability of the sericultural industry. DNA methylation is a widespread gene regulation mode in epigenetics, which plays an important role in host immune response. Until now, little has been known about epigenetic regulation on virus diseases in insects. This study aims to explore the role of DNA methylation in BmNPV proliferation.Results

Inhibiting DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity of silkworm can suppress BmNPV replication. The integrated analysis of transcriptomes and DNA methylomes in silkworm midguts infected with or without BmNPV showed that both the expression pattern of transcriptome and DNA methylation pattern are changed significantly upon BmNPV infection. A total of 291 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were observed in BmNPV infected midguts, among which, 126 genes were hypermethylated and 115 genes were hypomethylated. Significant differences in both mRNA transcript level and DNA methylated levels were found in 26 genes. BS-PCR validated the hypermethylation of BGIBMGA014008 , a structural maintenance of chromosomes protein gene in the BmNPV-infected midgut. In addition, DNMT inhibition reduced the expression of inhibitor of apoptosis family genes, iap1 from BmNPV, Bmiap2, BmSurvivin1 and BmSurvivin2 .Conclusion

Our results indicate that DNA methylation plays positive roles in BmNPV proliferation and loss of DNMT activity could induce the apoptosis of infected cells to suppress BmNPV proliferation. Our results may provide a new idea and research direction for the molecular mechanism on insect-virus interaction.
The Application of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Zhen-Dong , Gu Hui-Yun , Zhu Jie , Luo Jie , Shen Xian-Feng , Deng Qi-Feng , Zhang Chao , Li Yan-Bing
Published: August 2019

Background: Although enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has made great progress in the field of surgery, the guidelines point to the lack of high-quality evidence in upper gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: Randomized controlled trials in four electronic databases that involved ERAS protocols for upper gastrointestinal surgery were searched through December 12, 2018. The primary endpoints were lung infection, urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, postoperative anastomotic leakage and ileus. The secondary endpoints were postoperative length of stay, the time from end of surgery to first flatus and defecation, and readmission rates. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of surgery. Results: A total of 17 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis indicate that there was a decrease in rates of lung infection (RR =0.50, 95%CI: 0.33 to 0.75, P <0.01), PLOS (MD =-2.53, 95%CI: -3.42 to -1.65, P <0.01), time until first postoperative flatus (MD =-0.64, 95%CI: -0.84 to -0.45, P <0.01) and time until first postoperative defecation (MD =-1.10, 95%CI: -1.74 to -0.47, P <0.01) in patients who received ERAS, compared to conventional care. However, other outcomes were no significant difference. There was no significant difference between ERAS and conventional care in rates of urinary tract infection (P =0.10), surgical site infection (P =0.42), postoperative anastomotic leakage (P =0.45), readmissions (P =0.31) and ileus (P =0.25). Conclusions: ERAS protocols can reduce the risk of postoperative infection and accelerating patient recovery time. Nevertheless, we should also consider further research ERAS should be performed in elderly patients undergoing gastrectomy.
Profiling of inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid related to pain in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Li , Li Zhenxing , Li Yuyan , Hu Xi , Zhang Yu , Fan Pei
Published: August 2019

Background: Inflammatory mediators in the synovial fluid (SF) play critical roles in the initiation and development of pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the expression of inflammatory mediators is controversial and the role of SF inflammatory mediators in neuropathic pain is not clear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the SF inflammatory mediators associated with nociceptive and neuropathic pain in KOA. Methods: The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, MMP-3, MMP-13, metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5, calcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, substance P and bradykinin were measured in 86 patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Nociceptive pain was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS), visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. Neuropathic pain was measured using the PainDETECT questionnaire. Moreover, knee function was evaluated by the WOMAC score and range of motion (ROM) assessments. Radiological grade was defined using the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading scale. Results: Pain scores measured using different methods were highly correlated to each other. The worse the pain, the worse the K-L grade and knee function were. The expression of IL-1β and IL-6 was increased in the early stage compared with the late stage. The NRS was positively correlated to age, K-L grade, and the WOMAC score and negatively correlated to ROM and TNF-α expression. The VAS was positively correlated to age, K-L grade, and the WOMAC score but negatively correlated to ROM and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. The WOMAC pain score was not correlated to any of the measured inflammatory mediators; it correlated to only ROM. The PainDETECT score correlated to only the WOMAC score. The expression of other inflammatory mediators was not correlated to any of the pain scores. Conclusions: IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α play critical roles in pain in the early stage of KOA and correlated to pain. The measured catabolic enzymes and neuropeptides are not correlated to nociceptive and neuropathic pain. New biomarkers related to pain in the late stage need to be further investigated.
Respectful family planning service provision in Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Siyoum Melese , Astatkie Ayalew , Melese Teshome , Tenaw Zelalem , Abeje Abebaw , Roosevelt Lee
Published: August 2019

Introduction Disrespect and abusive care is a violation of women’s basic human rights and it is serious global problem that needs urgent intervention. In Ethiopia disrespect and abusive care is very common (21-78%) across health facilities. Objective To assess the status of respectful family planning service in Sidama zone, south Ethiopia. Methodology Health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2018. Data were collected from 920 family planning clients’ recruited from 40 randomly selected health facilities. The Mother on Respect index (MORi) questionnaire was used to collect the data through client exit interview. Partial proportional odds ordinal regression was employed to identify determinants of respectful family planning service. Result The level of respectful family planning service was found to be: Zero (0%) in the very low respect category, 75(18.5%) low respect, 382(41.52%) moderate respect and 463(50.33%) high respect. Being a short acting method client (AOR=0.3, 95%CI [0.12, 0.72]), participants’ level of education (uneducated (AOR=0.39, 95%CI [0.25, 0.61), elementary (AOR=0.41, 95%CI [0.23, 0.73]), low income(AOR=0.75, 95%CI [0.56, 0.99]), long waiting time (AOR=0.46, 95%CI [0.30, 0.69]), were negatively associated with moderate and high respect compared to low respect. Preference of male service providers (AOR=2, 95%CI [1.1, 3.8]), service providers’ work satisfaction (AOR=1.55, 95%CI [1.13, 2.14]) and health workers’ prior training on respectful care (AOR=8.75, 95%CI [4.61, 16.61]) were positively associated. Being a client of short acting contraceptives (AOR=2.1, 95%CI [1.42, 3.12]), preference of male service providers (AOR=0.55, 95%CI [0.4, 0.76]) and health workers’ prior training on respectful care (AOR=3.03, 95%CI [2.24, 4.1]) had significant association with high respect compared to low and moderate respect. Conclusion Considering the current strategy of zero tolerance for disrespect in Ethiopia, the level of respectful care in this study is sub-optimal. We recommend community awareness and short term training for service providers.
Psihoanaliza
Authors: Kožić Štefanija
Published: August 2019

U radu se ispituje i razmatra psihoanaliza u kontekstu njemačkog idealizma i znanosti te pozicije slobodne volje i determinizma. Govori se o daljnjim konzekvencama psihoanalize u odnosu na determinizam koji je njen sastavni dio i o njenom položaju u odnosu na filozofiju. Također, propituju se načini i mogućnosti promjene subjekta, odnosno postavke o tome kako se subjekt, prema psihoanalizi, ne želi promijeniti, već održati stanje prethodne ugode. Cilj je terapije usmjeravanje subjekta na njegovo nesvjesno, čime se dolazi do auto-refleksije. Znanje koje subjekt dobiva refleksijom uvijek je u fazi rekonstruiranja te se nikad ne može privesti kraju i dovesti do apsolutnog znanja. Znanje i cjelokupna osobnost u konstantnoj su mijeni koja se odvija unutar subjekta, ali dijalektički – u odnosu na vanjski svijet. Iz pozicije klasičnog njemačkog idealizma razmatra se moment volje kao moguće početne točke slobode u promjeni subjekta, a koju psihoanaliza ne uzima u obzir.
Odnos svijesti (vremena-epohe) i predmetnosti u kockarskom umu
Authors: Maršić Luka , Vojnović Daniela
Published: August 2019

Cilj je rada prikazati fenomen ovisnosti o kocki kroz analizu promjene percepcije, privida, zamjedbe i fikcije u podlozi čega, pretpostavkom i posljedicom, stoje intramentalni i ekstramentalni procesi dostupni korekciji. Definirajući ovisnost kroz dvije dominantne varijable – teorijsku i praktičnu, koje se u širokom kontekstu mogu definirati kroz fiziološku i psihološku determiniranost osobe – suzili smo teoretski prostor za razumijevanje onog zdravog u čovjeku čiji se smisao usidrio u polju ovisnosti. Obrađujući duboku općenitost (samoodržanje) svakog bića, što podrazumijeva zadovoljenje primarnih nagonskih potreba, a istodobno zatomljujući specifičnosti vlastite osobe, slobodne individue, u izboru vlastitih želja i žudnja, onemogućili smo postavljanje pitanja smisla tog čovjeka. U tom ovisničkom prstenu, zatvorenom krugu vraćanja istoga kroz krivo izabrano sredstvo ugode, ponekad se gube jednostavni koncepti i moduli prepoznavanja rješenja. Stoga se ovim radom propituje jedan od modela koji bi se trebao inkorporirati u sustav tretmana ovisnosti i stvoriti te pozicionirati i treću, jednako važnu, a do sada nezastupljenu varijablu – varijablu smisla u tretmanu i razumijevanja kompleksnog pojma ovisnosti (u prvom redu kocke, klađenja i drugih hazarderskih igara na sreću, ali i ostalih sredstava ovisnosti) u zapadnoj civilizaciji kroz različita sredstva ugode.
Prigovor savjesti i pravnička profesija
Authors: Berdica Josip , Nedić Tomislav
Published: August 2019

Rad je posvećen kritičkom propitkivanju odnosa između legitimno nametnutih pravnih obveza i prava na odbijanje takvih obveza na temelju prava na slobodu savjesti, odnosno prigovora savjesti. Kritička perspektiva kroz koju provodimo ovo propitkivanje jest pravnička profesija iz razloga što, osobito u okvirima istraživanja hrvatske pravne kulture, nema jasno artikuliranog odgovora na pitanje kako pomiriti ove dvije obveze unutar pravne profesije. U radu smo se na teorijskoj razini služili razumijevanjem prigovora savjesti kod Johna Rawlsa jer se radi o sustavnoj analizi pravednosti koja će subjektivno razumijevanje dobra (savjest) podređivati načelu ispravnoga (legitimno nametnutoj obvezi). Na praktičnoj smo razini najviše usredotočeni na osnove priznavanja prigovora savjesti među odvjetnicima kao i na preprekama u ostvarenju tog prava.
A geopolítica asiática e seus desdobramentos globais
Authors: Lima Marcos Costa , Viana Deisiane , Fonseca Pedro
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a Organização para a Cooperação de Shangai (SCO), sua história e evolução. Além de analisar as questões relativas ao alargamento da Organização, e com base na contribuição teórica de Susan Strange, a partir de suas estruturas de poder, busca-se avaliar, em particular, os papéis preponderantes exercidos pela China e pela Rússia nessa Organização. A hipótese defendida é que a SCO é parte de um leque de ações que a China vem realizando para consolidar sua liderança na Ásia. A SCO é fruto de um acordo estabelecido em 1996, quando Cazaquistão, China, Quirquistão, Rússia e Tajiquistão fundaramos Cinco de Shangai, e foi criada em 2001, com a entrada do Uzbequistão, agregando, em 2017, a Índia e o Paquistão. A princípio, e primordialmente, a Organização tinha por foco questões de segurança, visando o que chamavam de “três males”: terrorismo, separatismo e extremismo. Atualmente, a Organização ampliou suas preocupações para questões econômicas e de infraestrutura. Finalmente, o artigo discute a relação entre a SCO e o projeto One Belt One Road, que insinua a projeção chinesa na região da Eurásia.
O Storytelling como ferramenta de aprendizado ativo
Authors: M. Valença Marcelo , Balthazar Tostes Ana Paula
Published: August 2019

Este artigo destaca a prática do storytelling com o objetivo de analisar sua conexão com a metodologia de aprendizado ativo. Para tanto, apresentamos os debates sobre aprendizado ativo, sua finalidade, estratégias e métodos para apontar as contribuições do storytelling a essa metodologia. Os principais objetivos do artigo são: esclarecer e evidenciar as diferenças entre a atividade de contar histórias como forma de entretenimento e a utilidade dessa prática como estratégia pedagógica, no contexto do aprendizado ativo em áreas em que não tem sido usada, como nas Relações Internacionais. Analisamos a incorporação da prática do storytelling pela metodologia do aprendizado ativo em diferentes níveis de ensino. Concluímos que, dentre as suas contribuições possíveis, destacam-se a retenção de conhecimento no longo prazo e a construção de conexões cognitivas entre o objeto de estudo e a realidade social dos estudantes, podendo promover aprendizado pela empatia e capacidade de autonomia na atitude ativa em busca de solução de problemas, levando-se em conta contextos sociais de diferentes níveis: local, nacional e, também, internacional.
Acumulação, Distribuição e Estratégia sob Mao
Authors: Nogueira Isabela
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é expor e sistematizar os principais paradoxos do regime de acumulação chinês, entre 1949 e 1976, a fim de traçar as linhas gerais do legado maoísta para o desenvolvimento recente da China. Problematiza-se, assim, a narrativa dominante de que o boom econômico chinês se inicia apenas a partir das reformas pós-1978, que teriam rompido com um suposto profundo atraso econômico durante as décadas sob Mao. Neste artigo, argumenta-se que o período maoísta é marcado por grandes paradoxos, que deixaram um legado determinante para a atual trajetória da China, dentre os quais exploraremos: o rápido processo de industrialização e transformação estrutural sem urbanização;  a estratégia militar para a guerra, que levou a industrialização para regiões remotas do país, mas sem especialização ou autonomia produtiva; a melhora nos indicadores de bem-estar com concomitante estagnação na produtividade agrícola e consolidação do gap urbano-rural.
Characteristics of domestic wastewater and estimation of required johkasou capacity for buildings in Japan
Authors: Kumokawa S. , Shirakawa Y. , Flamand P.
Published: August 2019

Quantity and quality of raw domestic wastewater are reviewed and discussed for packaged plants, known as johkasou, in Japan. A method for the estimation of johkasou capacity in terms of population equivalent, or PE, was introduced and discussed in this paper. It was found that the pollutant loads of domestic wastewater were respectively BOD 45 g, CODMn 23 g, SS 37 g, TN 9.3 g and TP 1.1 g per capita per day on average. It shows that the BOD load of wastewater from kitchens is higher than that of black water. The estimation of the johkasou capacity needed for buildings can be done using a series of formulas, which forms an important estimation method for the implementation of on-site wastewater treatment.
Removal of sulfonamide antibiotics from water by high-silica ZSM-5
Authors: Zuo Xingtao , Qian Cheng , Ma Senlin , Xiong Juan , He Jiajie , Chen Zhongbing
Published: August 2019

Adsorption characteristics of high-silica zeolites (HSZSM-5) for two selected sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) (sulfamethoxazole and sulfadiazine) were investigated. The SAs were almost completely (>90%) removed from the water by HSZSM-5. Adsorption followed second-order kinetics with liquid–film diffusion as the dominant mechanism. SA adsorption capacity on high-silica zeolites was examined in terms of pH, temperature, and the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). HSZSM-5 had better adsorption performance in acidic conditions, and the apparent distribution coefficient indicated that SA0 species were the major contribution to the overall adsorption at pH of 2–10. Adsorption of SAs on HSZSM-5 was a spontaneous and exothermic physisorption process. SA removal by HSZSM-5 was a mixed mechanism through ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction. HSZSM-5 has potential application prospects in removing SAs from wastewater.