bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Outcomes of Vitreous Needle Aspiration Combined With Phacoemulsification for Acute Angle Closure With Continuous High Intraocular Pressure-A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiaoli , Chen Yuan , Wang Jinyu , Gu Zheng , Huang Zhengru
Published: December 2020

Background: The management of acute angle closure combined with an extremely shallow anterior chamber and cataracts remains complex. This study evaluated a technique of vitreous needle aspiration combined with phacoemulsification for the treatment of acute angle closure with continuous high intraocular pressure (IOP).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the results of vitreous needle aspiration combined with phacoemulsification in 17 eyes (17 patients) with acute angle closure with continuous high IOP and coexisting visually significant cataracts between September 2018 and April 2020 at the glaucoma unit of the affiliated Changshu Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. The main outcomes were the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, anterior chamber depth (ACD), number of anti-glaucoma medications, and surgery-associated complications.Results: There were no complications during phacoemulsification and a foldable acrylic intraocular lens was implanted in the capsular bag in all 17 patients. For all patients, vitreous needle aspiration was successful at the first attempt. The BCVA improved from 2.02±0.54 logMAR preoperatively to 0.73±0.57 logMAR postoperatively at the final examination (p<0.001). The mean IOP was 54.47±5.33 mmHg preoperatively and 15.59± 2.35 mmHg at the final examination (p<0.001), without any medication. The ACD was 1.70±0.16 mm (range, 1.17-1.94 mm) preoperatively and 3.35±1.51 mm at the final examination (p<0.001).Conclusions: Our vitreous needle aspiration technique can be performed safely in phacoemulsification for the management of acute angle closure with continuous high IOP.
Two Years of Ethics Reflection Groups About the Use of Coercion. Changes Over Time in Employees’ Normative Attitudes Regarding the Use of Coercion, User Involvement, Team Cooperation and the Handling of Disagreement
Authors: Molewijk Bert , Pedersen Reidar , Kok Almar , Førde Reidun , Aasland Olaf
Published: December 2020

Background: Research on the impact of ethics reflection groups (ERG) or moral case deliberations (MCD) is complex and scarce. Within a larger study, ERG has been used as an intervention for stimulating critical ethical reflection and improved team cooperation while observing changes over time.Research question: Are there – during and after two years of ERGs - changes over time regarding employees’ normative attitudes regarding the use of coercion and how employees perceive user involvement, team cooperation and the handling of disagreement in teams?Methods: Repeated cross-sectional survey to multidisciplinary employees at seven wards within three Norwegian mental health care institutions (T0-T1-T2). Changes in normative attitudes over time were estimated using linear mixed models.Results: In total, 817 surveys (from employees that did and did not participate in ERG) were included in the analyses. Of these, 7.6 % (N=62) responded at all three points in time, 15.5% (N=127) at two points, and 76.8 % (N= 628) once. On average, over time, respondents who participated in ERG agreed less that coercion can be seen a form of care or security. ERG participants more often reported that they involved users and that they handled disagreement within the team constructively. Furthermore, more frequent ERG participation was associated with a more critical attitude towards coercion and higher scores for user involvement, the coercion competence of the team and the constructive handling of disagreement within their teams.Conclusions: Structural ERGs or MCDs seem to contribute to employees reporting a more critical attitude towards coercion, more user involvement around coercion and a more constructive handling of disagreement. Differences were generally small in absolute terms possibly due to the low amount of longitudinal data and the relative low frequency of ERG’s during the two years. Studying changes over time in clinical practice and trying to find a relationship between CES interventions and CES outcomes is difficult yet important and needs to be further developed in future CES evaluation studies. This explorative quantitative study may be a first step from qualitative evidence towards more robust quantitative evidence of the contribution of CES to clinical practice and quality of care.
A Compact and High Efficiency Intracavity Opo Based on Periodically-poled Lithium Niobate
Authors: Wang Ke , Gao Mingyao , Yu Shuhui , Ning Jian , Xie Zhenda , Lv Xinjie , Zhao Gang , Zhu Shining
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate a compact, high-efficiency and widely tunable intracavity singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (IC-OPO) based on multichannel periodically-poled lithium niobate (PPLN). The IC-OPO is composed of 808 nm pump laser diode (LD), Nd:YVO4 laser and linear OPO. The continuous-wave (CW) mid-infrared (MIR) output laser is tunable from 2.25 μm to 4.79 μm. The maximum output power exceeds 1.08 W at 3.189 μm at 9.1 W LD pump power and the conversion efficiency is 11.88 %. We also build up a prototype with volume of Wmm3 and its total weight is less than 2 Kg. The measured power stability is 1.3 % Root Meat Square (RMS) for a 3 h duration under simulated high temperature conditions of 40 ℃. RMS is 2.6 % for a 4 h duration when simulated temperature is - 40 ℃.
The Three Gorges Dam accelerates acidification of upland soils
Authors: Li Hongying , Sun Pengfei , Wang Sichu , Gao Mengning , Xu Ying , Xia Lizhong , Li Jiuyu , Zhao Xueqiang , Kerr Philip , Xu Renkou , Shen Renfang , Collins Adrian , Wu Yonghong
Published: December 2020

Large hydroelectric dams have provided extensive benefits in supporting human socio-economic development but their environmental footprint has come under increasing scrutiny. Lack of continued long-term monitoring of the environment remains a key constraint to the understanding of the correlation between dam operation and the environmental changes. Here we assess the impact of the Three Gorges Dam on upland soils in the reservoir area. By tracking the changing of pH value, a general indicator of soil health, over a period spanning nearly three decades before and after the dam construction, we observe continuous pH decline evidencing ongoing soil acidification. In addition to the intensive proton supply from applied fertilizers, the presence of the megaproject is believed to be a major driver of the accelerated soil acidification. Further analysis reveals that the shifts of microclimatic conditions as a result of the dam leads to the enhanced decomposition of organic species and the concomitant loss of exchangeable base cations, which contribute additional protons to soil and reduce soil acid-buffering capacity, respectively. Our findings identify the ecological impacts of the world’s largest dam and suggest the urgency to initiate environmental protection measures for improved sustainability.
Predicting Endometriosis Onset Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Kleczyk Ewa J , Peri Aparna , Yadav Tarachand , Komera Ramachandra , Peri Maruthi , Guduru Vara , Amirtharaj Stalin , Huang Ming
Published: December 2020

Background

Endometriosis is a common progressive female health disorder in which tissues similar to the lining of the uterus grow on other parts of the body like ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, and other parts of reproductive organs. In women, it is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility. In the US, one in every ten women of reproductive age group has endometriosis. The actual cause of endometriosis is still unknown, and it is quite difficult to diagnose. There are several theories regarding the cause; however, not a single theory has been scientifically proven.
Methods

In this paper, we try to identify the drivers of endometriosis’ diagnoses via leveraging advanced Machine Learning (ML) algorithms. The primary risks of infertility and other health complications can be minimized to a great extent, if likelihood of endometriosis can be predicted well in advance. As a result, the proper medical care and treatment can be given to the impacted patients. To demonstrate the feasibility, Logistic Regression (LR) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) algorithms were trained on 36 months of medical history data.
Results

The machine learning models were used to predict the likelihood of disease on qualified patients from the healthcare claims patient level database. Several directly and indirectly features were identified as important in accurate prediction of the condition onset, including selected diagnosis and procedure codes.
Conclusions

Leveraging the machine learning approaches can aid early prediction of the disease and offer an opportunity for patients to receive the needed medical treatment earlier in the patient journey. Creating a typing tool that can be integrated into the Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and easily accessed by healthcare providers could further aid the objective of improving the diagnosis activities and inform the diagnostic processes that would result in timely and precise diagnosis, ultimately increasing patient care and quality of life.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma-like Lung Lesions in Pigs From Commercial Farms From Spain and Portugal
Authors: Pallares Francisco J. , Añón JA , Rodríguez-Gómez IM , Gómez-Laguna J , Fabré R , Sánchez-Carvajal JM , Ruedas-Torres Inés , Carrasco Librado
Published: December 2020

Background: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae causes a chronic respiratory disease that produces important economic losses due to poor productive performance, increased mortality and increased costs due to treatment and control. The prevalence of mycoplasma-like lesions (MLL) at abattoir has been widely studied in different countries and different scoring systems have been used. However, most of them are difficult to apply in case of abattoirs with high number of pigs sacrificed per hour. For that reason, it is necessary to adapt the scoring system to the reality of the modern abattoir even if there is a loss of accuracy. Our purpose was to validate a mycoplasma-like scoring system at abattoirs with a high number of pigs per hour in Spain and Portugal using the histopathological diagnosis as confirmatory method to identify pattern of pneumonia correlated to gross lesion. Results: Cranioventral pulmonary consolidation (MLL) was the most frequent lung lesion (30.97 %) detected at the abattoir, followed by dorsocaudal infarcts with pleurisy (12.51 %) and pleurisy alone (6.26 %). The average score calculated for all lungs examined at abattoir was 1.99 out of 5 points. The histopathological study revealed that the 78.17 % of the lungs with MLL randomly selected presented microscopic lesions compatible with M. hyopneumoniae infection. Most bronchointerstitial and interstitial pneumonia lesions had a chronic course while most suppurative and fibrinous bronchopneumonia lesions had an acute course and a higher degree of severity. The combination of microscopic lesions more frequently observed was bronchointerstitial pneumonia + interstitial pneumonia + suppurative bronchopneumonia. The average loss of ADWG calculated for all pigs included in the study according the extension of the lung lesions was 22.33 g/day.Conclusions: The prevalence of MLL at abattoir was 30.97% but the microscopic examination of a sample of randomly selected lungs indicated that the real prevalence of lungs with lesions compatible with M. hyopneumoniae infection would be reduced to 24.21 %. The average score of MLL using a 0 to 5 points was 1.99 and the average loss of ADWG associated to those lesions was 22.33 g/day. The result of our study supports the importance of M. hyopneumoniae as primary pathogen in cases of PRDC.
The Role of Activity, Scan Duration and Patient's Body Mass Index in the Optimization of 18FDG Imaging Protocols on a TOF-PET/CT Scanner
Authors: Matheoud Roberta , Al-Maymani Naema , Oldani Alessia , Sacchetti Gian Mauro , Brambilla Marco , Carriero Alessandro
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTime-of-flight (TOF) PET technology determines a reduction in the noise and improves the reconstructed image quality in low counts acquisitions, such as in overweight patients, allowing a reduction of administered activity and/or imaging time. However, international guidelines and recommendations on 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) activity administration scheme are old or only partially account for TOF technology and advanced reconstruction modalities. The aim of this study was to optimize FDG whole-body studies on a TOF PET/CT scanner by using a multivariate approach to quantify how physical figures of merit related to image quality change with acquisition/reconstruction/patient-dependent parameters in a phantom experiment. MethodsThe NEMA-IQ phantom was used to evaluate contrast recovery coefficient (CRC), background variability (BV) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) as a function of changing emission scan duration (ESD), activity concentration (AC), target internal diameter (ID), target-background activity ratio (TBR), and body mass index (BMI). The phantom was filled with an average concentration of 5.3 kBq/mL of FDG solution and the spheres with TBR of 21.2, 8.8, and 5.0 in 3 different sessions. Images were acquired at varying background activity concentration from 5.1 to 1.3 kBq/mL and images were reconstructed for ESD of 30-151 seconds per bed position with and without Point Spread Function (PSF) correction. The parameters were all considered in a single analysis using multiple linear regression methods. ResultsAs expected, CRC depended only on sphere ID and on PSF application, while BV depended on sphere ID, ESD, AC and BMI of the phantom, in order of decreasing relevance. Noteworthy, ESD and AC resulted as the most significant predictors of CNR variability with a similar relevance, followed by the weight of the patient and TBR of the lesion. ConclusionsAC and ESD proved to be effective tools in modulating CNR. ESD could be increased rather than AC to improve image quality in overweight/obese patients to fulfil ALARA principles.
Effectiveness of Hallux Valgus Surgery on Improving Health-related Quality of Life: A Follow Up Study
Authors: Hernández-Castillejo Luis Enrique , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Alvarez-Bueno Celia , Quijada-Rodríguez José Luis , Alonso-Galán Miguel , Garrido-Miguel Miriam
Published: December 2020

Background Hallus valgus (HV) negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used in clinical studies of the foot and ankle. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HV surgery on PROMs (i.e., pain scales, general HRQoL, and region-specific scales) and radiological angles. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether the effect on these outcomes depends on the type of surgery (including open and percutaneous techniques) and if it is influenced by potential confounding factors (i.e., age, HVA, 1–2 IMA, body mass index (BMI), and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). MethodsThis was a longitudinal prospective study. We collected the clinical data of all patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic HV deformity in the orthopedic department of the Virgen de la Luz Hospital of Cuenca (Spain).The clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (HMI) scale, visual analogue scale (VAS), Manchester Oxford foot questionnaire (MOXFQ), short form health survey (SF-12) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). ResultsA total of 72 patients (70 women, 97.2%) were included in the study 72 (72 feet).The AOFAS pre–post-surgery score changed from 42.16 (SD: 10.11) to 83.31 (SD: 6.23). Considering AOFAS domains, the pre–post change was from 14.17 (SD: 9.15) to 33.19 (SD: 4.69) for pain, from 27.22 (SD: 3.90) to 37.94 (SD: 2.78) for function, and from 0.78 (SD: 2.38) to 12.18 (SD: 3.45) for alignment. For other clinical outcomes was VAS score from 5.01(SD: 1.26) to 1.26 (SD: 0.96) and MOXFQ score from 61.44 (SD: 7.09) to 12.35 (SD: 4.85). SF-12 (physical) changed from 36.26 (SD: 5.32) to 47.06 (SD: 4.82), SF-12 (mental) from 38.23 (SD: 8.04) to 46.49 (SD: 4.16), and EQ5-D from 0.64 (SD: 0.008) to 0.90 (SD: 0.10). ConclusionsOur data confirmed the improvements in the clinical and radiological outcomes after HV surgery, and provided some evidence of these improvements not depending on the type of surgery or on some potential confounding factors such as BMI, HVA, 1–2 IMA, and DMAA.
A Genetic Variant rs10251977 in Long Non-coding RNA EGFR-AS1 Creates a New Binding Site for miR-891b and Modulates the Expression of EGFR A/D Isoforms
Authors: Shankar Dhamodharan , Mathew Rose , Chakkarappan Sundaram Reddy , Vijayamuthuramalingam Uma Dharshini Karuppiah , Ramalingam Arulmurugan , Shanmugam Subbiah , Ituro Inoue , Arasambattu Munirajan
Published: December 2020

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is one of the effective chemo-preventive approaches against tumors that deregulate EGFR pathway. About 80% of HNSCC patients overexpress EGFR, making TKI an effective treatment against this cancer. Recently a synonymous variant rs10251977 in exon 20 of EGFR reported to act as a prognostic marker in HNSCC. Analysis of this germline variant in blood samples of oral cancer patients showed a similar frequency in cases and controls. Further, in-silico analysis showed that this polymorphism creates binding site for miR-891b in EGFR-AS1. The EGFR-AS1 expression modulates the EGFR A/D isoforms through alternative splicing. Our bioinformatic analysis showed enrichment of alternative splicing marks H3K36me3 and presence of a few intronic polyA sites spanning around exon 15a and 15b of EGFR facilitating the skipping of exon 15b and thereby promoting the splicing of EGFR-A isoform. In addition, the presence of PTBP1 binding site in EGFR and EGFR-AS1 enhances the expression of EGFR- A isoform by preventing the premature termination. Expression profiling of EGFR-AS1 along with miR-891b level and rs10251977 polymorphism status in oral cancer patients may be useful for targeted therapy
NK cells infiltrating in the central nervous system aggravate brain injury of mice caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection
Authors: Zhang Rong , Miao Tingting , Qin Min , Zhao Chengsi , Wang Wei , Zhang Chengcheng , Liu Xinjian , Chen Ying , Chen Ailing , Wang Yong
Published: December 2020

Background Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis), is a food-borne zoonotic parasite that can cause central nervous system (CNS) injury characterized by eosinophilic meningitis. However, the pathogenesis of the neurological impairments caused by A. cantonensis infection has not been well elucidated. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are unique innate lymphocytes important in early defense against pathogens. It was reported that NK cells could migrate to the CNS after brain injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of NK cells in brain injury caused by A. cantonensis infection.Methods Mouse model of A. cantonensis infection was established by intragastric administration of third-stage larvae. Neurological impairments were evaluated by Longa’s score, Clark’s general score and Clark’s focal score. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of cytokines at gene and protein levels was analyzed by PCR and ELISA, respectively. Infiltration of NK cells in the CNS was detected by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Depletion of NK cells in infected mice was caused by tail vein injection of anti-asialo GM1 rabbit serum, and adoptive transfer of NK cells was performed by tail vein injection of purified splenic NK cells. NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against YAC-1 cells was detected by LDH release assay. The cytokine production ability was determined by intracellular flow cytometry and ELISA.Results Mice developed brain inflammation and neurological impairment after A. cantonensis infection. The infiltration of NK cells in the CNS of A. cantonensis-infected mice was observed on 14 dpi and reached the peak on 22 dpi. Compared with the normal splenic NK cells, the CNS-infiltrated NK cells of infected mice expressed lower levels of CD69, NKp46 and NKG2D, but higher levels of NKG2A, and showed enhanced cytotoxicity and increased IFN-γ and TNF-α production ability. Depletion of NK cells alleviated brain injury, whereas adoptive transfer of NK cells exacerbated brain damage in A. cantonensis-infected mice.Conclusions Our results demonstrate that NK cells infiltrate into the CNS and aggravate the brain damage after A. cantonensis infection. The findings improve the understanding the pathogenesis of angiostrongyliasis and expand the therapeutic intervention in CNS disease.
WITHDRAWN: Two Novel InDels within the 5’UTR of SIRT1 are Associated with Growth Traits in Chickens
Authors: Liu Dandan , Liu Xuelian , Ma Xuejie , Li Chong , Li Jing , Li Qi , Zhang Na , Cao Yanfang , Li Zhuanjian , Kang Xiangtao , Tian Yadong , Li Wenting
Published: December 2020

Background: SIRT1, a NAD+ dependent histone deacetylase, is involved in lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, apoptosis, and insulin secretion. However, the function of the SIRT1 gene in chickens has not been elucidated. Results: In our study, we identified two novel InDels (c.-1552_-1553insCG and c.-450_-451delCG) in the 5’UTR of the chicken SIRT1 gene. After genotyping 1,141 chickens from 7 breeds, we found that the wild type genotypes for both sites were the most common. An association study using 860 chickens from a Gushi ×Anka F2 resource population showed that c.-1552_-1553insCG was significantly correlated with growth traits and serum lipid indicators. The insertion genotype was most highly associated with body weight in 0-, 2-, and 4-week old chickens, and with shank length and shank circumference in 4-week and 8-week old chickens. The wild type genotype at this site was most highly associated with serum lipid indicators. In contrast, c.-450_-451delCG was significantly correlated with muscle fiber diameter. We also analyzed SIRT1 gene expression in chickens with different InDel genotypes and found that SIRT1 expression in muscle and fat tissue was significantly higher with heterozygous genotypes at both sites, relative to expression in chickens with the corresponding homozygous genotypes. Finally, we analyzed the effects of different haplotypes on SIRT1 promoter activity. The results showed that promoter activity depends on haplotype, with haplotype HapII exhibiting the highest activity. Conclusion: We conclude that the SIRT1 gene is associated with chicken growth traits and that the two InDels influence SIRT1 promoter activity in chickens.
Effects of Multicycle Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocols on Oxidative Stress of Follicular Fluid and Ovarian Granulosa Cells
Authors: Ma Yucong , Zhao Zhiming , Hao Guimin , Cui Na , Fan Yanli , Cao Yucong , Tan Zhanwang , Geng Jingran , Fan Lijie , Du Huilan , Gao Bu-Lang
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Adhesion and biofilm inhibiting properties of Chinese Herbal Formula SanHuang decoction against antibiotic resistant staphylococcal strains
Authors: Zhang Shaoe , Wang Peizhao , Shi Xiaotao , Tan Honglue
Published: December 2020

Clinical study has shown that external socking and washing with the Chinese herbal SanHuang decoction (SH) can control the orthopedic-biofilm related infections. However, the antibiofilm activities of SH in vitro have not been investigated. The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of SH on adhesion and biofilm formation of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci on titanium surface, and to explore its probable mechanistic effects on staphylococcal strains. Biofilm-forming ATCC 35984 (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, MRSE) and ATCC 43300 (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA) strains were used in this study. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of SH and vancomycin against planktonic bacterial strains were determined by the broth microdilution method. Different sub-MIC of SH with TSB (Tryptic soy broth) were used as the basis for experimental grouping (SH group). TSB culture medium alone (TSB group) or TSB containing vancomycin (vancomycin group) incubated with bacteria were considered as the negative or positive control group, respectively. The inhibitory effect of different treatment on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation were observed by the spread plate method, CV (crystal violet) staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Real time PCR analysis was performed to determine the effect of SH on the expression levels of ica AD and ica R gene in ATCC 35984 during the biofilm formation. The strains were found to be susceptible to SH decoction with MIC and MBC values of 38.75 mg/ml and 77.5 mg/ml, respectively. The MIC values for vancomycin was 2.5 μg/ml. SH treatment with 1 MIC and 1/2 MIC could inhibit the bacteria adhesion on the titanium surface, showing only scattered bacterial adhesion from SEM. CLSM showed that SH with 1 MIC and 1/2 MIC could also inhibit the bacterial biofilm formation. The quantitative results of the spread plate method and CV staining showed that there was significant differences between the SH groups (P < 0.05). Further, with an increase in SH concentration, the inhibitory effect became more obvious at different culture time points, when compared with TSB control group (P < 0.05). Among the groups, vancomycin had the strongest inhibitory effect on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, with an increase in SH concentration, the expression levels of ica A and ica D decreased, and the expression of ica R increased correspondingly (P < 0.05). In conclusions, a certain concentration of SH can inhibit the adhesion and biofilm formation of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcal strains on the titanium surface, but the effect was not as good as vancomycin. Its probable mechanistic activity may be through the inhibition of polysaccharide intercellular adhesin synthesis by down-regulating the expression of ica AD gene, thus inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation.
MicroRNA-1915-3p Promotes Cell Metastasis and Progression by Targeting Bcl2L11 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Li Sufen , Chen Xianhua , Sun Lin , Pan Gangxi , Chen Jianlin , Sun Xiujuan , Shen Yongqi , Lu Yonggang , Sun Yifan
Published: December 2020

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that miR-1915-3p plays vital regulatory roles in metastasis and progression of several types of cancer. However, the roles and underlying mechanism of miR-1915-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unclear. Methods: We carried out a bioinformatic meta-analysis to investigate a possible role of miR-1915-3p as prognostic biomarkers. In vitro cellular models of HCC were used for functional studies exploring the role of miR-1915-3p in HCC development and progression. Finally, in vivo studies were performed to demonstrate that miR-1915-3p is a viable therapeutic target.Results: This study showed that miR-1915-3p was significantly increased in HCC tissue samples and cell lines, and high miR-1915-3p expression was associated with a poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) time of HCC patients. Overexpression or ablation of miR-1915-3p expression resulted in accelerated or inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion respectively in HCC cells. In addition, miR-1915-3p induced downregulation of proapoptotic factors, including caspase3, caspase8, BAD, Bcl2L11, and P53. It also induced upregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2, protecting HCC cells from apoptosis. A biological analysis indicated that miR-1915-3p could be directly targeted to Bcl2L11 to regulate the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed that treatment with miR-1915-3p retarded the growth of tumor in nude mice. Conclusion: our study provided the evidence for the regulatory role of miR-1915-3p in HCC, which was causally linked to targeting of Bcl2L11. Medications that abrogate excessively expressed miR-1915-3p may offer novel targets for the management of HCC.
Income-related Inequality in Health Outcomes among Older People in China: Measurement and Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Wang Yixiao
Published: December 2020

Background: The objective of this study is to examine income-related inequality in self-rated health and functional ability among older people in China, and to further examine the contribution of socioeconomic factors to health inequality.Methods: Data was drawn from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Concentration curves, concentration index, and decomposition analysis, well-established tools in developed countries, were employed to demonstrate income-related inequality in health among the sample.Results: The better-off are more likely to have better self-rated health, and are less likely to have functional limitations, compared to the worse-off. In addition, this inequality in health outcomes is mainly driven by socioeconomic factors, such as income and education, rather than demographic factors.Conclusion: There is a pressing need for the government to protect older people in lower socioeconomic status to reduce income-related inequality in health, such as cash transfers, and provide formal long-term care directly.
Trends in Consumption of Quinolones in Chinese Healthcare Institutions: Results of National Procurement Data Analysis (2015–2018)
Authors: Chen Chen , Hayat Khezar , Xu Sen , Gillani Ali Hassan , Liu Wenchen , chang Jie , Yang Caijun , Ji Wenjing , Jiang Minghuan , Zhao Mingyue , Fang Yu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThere is widespread use of quinolones to treat various infectious diseases due to their broad-spectrum nature and optimal pharmacokinetic characteristics. Nevertheless, the risk of bacterial resistance has also amplified as a consequence of their judicial use in hospitals and the community. The current study investigated the consumption and expenditure of quinolone antibiotics during 2015–2018 in various health settings in China.MethodsWe used the China Drug Supply Information Platform (CDSIP) to analyze the drug procurement data of national healthcare institutions, focusing on determining the trend and pattern of quinolone consumption. The standard Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/Defined daily dose (DDD) methodology was opted to quantify antibiotic usage.ResultsA slight decrease in J01M antibiotics consumption (25.7% to 23.5%) was observed over four years (2015–2018). The use of quinolones was significantly higher in rural primary health centers (53.9%) and tertiary hospitals (22.1%). In 2017, levofloxacin (61.4%) was the most commonly consumed quinolone, followed by norfloxacin (27.1%) and moxifloxacin (4.1%). The total spending on J01M antibiotics gradually increased from 21.4% in 2015 to 27.9% in 2018. ConclusionsFrom 2015 to 2018, the general use of J01M antibiotics decreased marginally, but the use of the paternal type of J01M and its expenditure is continuously growing. There is a need to enforce stringent antibiotic management programs to restrict the irrational use of antibiotics.
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children With Idiopathic Bronchiectases: a Pilot Study
Authors: Mantegazza Cecilia , Rendo Giulia , Pagano Marta , Zirpoli Salvatore , Meroni Milena , Maestri Luciano , Farolfi Andrea , Salvatore Silvia , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo
Published: December 2020

Background:The role of gastroesophageal reflux in bronchiectasis development is still object of discussion. We aimed to characterize gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children with idiopathic bronchiectases (BC) and to analyse the relation with a morpho-functional High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) scoring systemMethods: Multiple esophageal impedance-pH (MII-pH) parameters in children with respiratory symptoms with and without BC were compared. In children with BC spirometry was performed and HRCT score was calculated by evaluating in each lung lobe: 1.bronchiectasis-peribronchial wall thickening, 2.mucous plugging, 3.abscess-sacculations, 4.consolidations, 5.others. HRCT score was related to MII-pH results. HRCT score accuracy in predicting pathological MII-pH was evaluated by ROC curve.Results: 20 children with BC and 20 without BC were enrolled. No significant differences were found in any MII-pH parameter between the two groups.Among BC children, 7/20 had a pathological MII-pH and didn’t show difference in respiratory function compared to those without GER. There were no significant correlation between HRCT score and MII-pH parameters but a direct (not significant) correlation with RI (r=0.240 p=0.307), acid refluxes (r=0.022 p=0.925) and SI/SAP (r=0.041 p=0.865). The mean value of the HRCT score in children with BC with pathological MII-pH was higher than in the ones with normal MII-pH (6.571 vs. 4.846, p=0.0929). The Area Under the Curve was 0.736. A HRCT score of 4.5 and 7.5 were associated with a negative predictive value of 86.5% and a positive predictive value of 75% respectively. Conclusions:Children with idiopathic BC had no distinct GER features. HRCT scoring system showed a moderate accuracy in predicting MII-pH results and a value ≤4.5 is rarely associated with a pathological MII-pH.Level of evidence:not properly applicable as it is a non-interventional diagnostic evaluation study.
Assessment of Practice of Breast Self-examination and Associated Factors among Health Science Female Students of Ambo University: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Gochole Jatani Mitiku , Gemechu Yohannes Bacha , Ibrahim Asiya Hussein
Published: December 2020

Background: Breast Self-Examination is process whereby women examine their breasts regularly to detect any abnormal swelling or lumps in order to seek prompt medical attention. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally and the second commonest cancer overall. The aim of this study was to assess practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among Health science female students at Ambo University in 2019.Methodology: - Institutional based cross-sectional survey was carried out among Health science female students at Ambo University in 2019. Data was collected by using a pre tested and pretested self-administered questionnaires. The response was systematically tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 20, and explanations were given separately.Result- A total of 150 respondents participated in the study, of these 80 (53.3%) of them had good knowledge and only 67(44.7%) of the respondents had practiced BSE before. Among study participants whose families had breast cancer, practice BSE 2.12 times more than study participants whose families didn’t have his tory of breast cancer (AOR=2.12; 95% CI, 1.09–3.95, P=0.044). Those who had good knowledge toward BSE were 5.5 times more likely to practice BSE than those who had poor knowledge (AOR=9.5; 95% CI, 5.5–18.8, P=0.002).Conclusions- The overall knowledge of female students towards breast self-examination was 62%. This study showed that only 67(44.7%) of the study participants ever practiced BSE. The independeent predictors of breast self examination was family history of breast cancer and knowledge how to perform breast self examination.
Minimal Variations of Oral Virome and Microbiome in Human IgA Deficiency
Authors: Peña Maria jose de la Cruz , Gonzalez-Granado Luis Ignacio , Garcia-Heredia Inmaculada , Maestre-Carballa lucia , Martinez-Garcia Manuel
Published: December 2020

Bakcground Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the dominant antibody found in our mucosal secretions and plays an important role in the protection and homeostatic regulation of intestinal, respiratory and urogenital epithelia by `recognizing´and shapping our human commensal microbiome. Paradoxically, yet selective IgA-deficiency in humans and animal models is often described as asymptomatic and only a few microbiome studies are available, only focused on the mice and human gut microbiome. Results Here, we broad the view an address the oral microbiome employing a more holistic view integrating in our study for the first time not only microbes but also the frequently neglected commensal viruses of our human virome and measured the impact of IgA deficiency on our microbial and viral communities. Unexpectedly, data from fine 16S rRNA gene profiling and virome and metagenome analysis in human IgA deficiency indicate minimal changes in microbiome and virome composition compared to healthy control group and point out to a rather functional, resilient oral commensal viruses and microbes. However, a significant depletion (2-fold) of number of bacterial cells (p-value <0.01) and virus-like particles (VLPs) was observed in IgA-deficiency. Conclusions Our results challenge the view of an irreplaceable IgA role for regulating the composition and function of our commensal microbiota and pose the question whether other “ back-up ” Ig-independent mechanisms dicussed here might exist for maintaining a functional commensal microbiome.
Spatial Distribution of Neighborhood-level Housing Prices and Its Association With All-cause Mortality in Seoul, Korea (2013–2018): a Spatial Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Kim Ikhan
Published: December 2020

Background: Housing prices are known to be a relevant indicator of the socioeconomic position of the neighborhood. In a society where the market system mainly drives housing prices, residents' spatial patterning is formulated according to their socioeconomic position. Methods: Dividing the 2013–2018 entire study period into three periods, we explored the geographical distribution of housing prices and all-cause mortality and their association in Seoul, where the country's capital city. The government authorities' data and 2015 census data were used for the study. We mapped the geographical distribution of housing prices and all-cause mortality and investigated the changes in distribution. We conducted a pooled OLS and spatial panel regression analysis to estimate housing prices elasticity of all-cause mortality. We also explored the possible mediating role of housing prices on the educational composition's effect on all-cause mortality. Results: We found the common trends of increasing spatial patterning of housing prices and all-cause mortality. The magnitude of spatial patterning was far greater in housing prices than all-cause mortality. In a pooled OLS regression analysis, we found that a 1% increase in housing price was associated with a 0.11% reduction in all-cause mortality after controlling the explanatory variables. Attenuation in the regression coefficient's magnitude was found after adding the neighborhood's educational composition in the model. As a result of spatial panel analysis, we found a direction and scale similar to the housing price elasticity of all-cause mortality in the final pooled OLS model. Conclusions: The results suggested that geographical health inequality in Korea's urban space mainly stemmed from the affinity of high socioeconomic position and the more developed spaces.
Genome-wide Polygenic Scores for Multiple Psychiatric and Common Traits Identify Preadolescent Youth with Risk for Suicide
Authors: Joo Yoonjung Yoonie , Moon Seo-Yoon , Wang Hee-Hwan , Kim Hyeonjin , Lee Eun-Ji , Posner Jonathan , Ahn Woo-Young , Choi Incheol , Kim Jae-Won , Cha Jiook
Published: December 2020

Suicide is a leading cause of death in youth worldwide, but identifying which youth are at high risk for suicide remains challenging. We constructed genome-wide polygenic scores (GPSs) from 24 psychiatric disorders and common traits from 8,212 US preadolescent children ages 9 to 10 and investigated their associations and predictive utility with suicidality (suicidal ideation and attempt). We identified three GPSs significantly associated with youth suicidality: ADHD (P=2.83x10-4; odds ratio=1.12), general happiness with a belief that life is meaningful (P=1.30x10-3; odds ratio=0.89) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (P=1.81x10-3; odds ratio=1.14). We also found a significant gene-by-environment interaction such that the GPS of ASD in the context of early life stress substantially increased suicidal ideation (P=1.39x10-2, odds ratio=1.11). Machine learning models showed, in predicting suicidal ideation, a receiver operators characteristics-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.72, and, in suicidal attempts, a ROC-AUC of 0.765. By providing the first quantitative account of the polygenic and environmental factors of suicidality in a large, representative population of preadolescent youth, this study shows the potential utility of the GPSs in investigating youth suicidality for early screening, intervention, and prevention.
Apoptosis Induced by Melatonin and Vitamin D3 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line by Upregulating the Gene Expression of P53
Authors: Alamro Abir , Alkeraishan Nora , AlMalky Manal , Alghamdi Amani , Al-Daghri Nasser M , Haq Samina hyder
Published: December 2020

Background: P53 was identified as the first tumor suppressor gene actively involved in numerous cellular mechanisms such as initiating DNA repair mechanisms, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. More than 50% of all human cancers have a mutated nonfunctional p53 expression. Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of mortality in females and mutated p53 is documented to be the causative agent in only 20% of them. However, a mutation in p53 in BC results in a more aggressive form of cancer which is more resistant to conventional therapies. Recently multiple clinical trials suggested that the combined use of melatonin and vitamin D3 can slow down the growth of breast cancer cells. The genetic and molecular mechanisms through which these compounds initiate the cancerous cells to apoptosis or cell cycle arrest is still not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of melatonin, vitamin D3, and their combined treatment on the gene expression of P53 in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: The optimum treatment dose for melatonin and vitamin D3 were found by MTT and LDH assay. MCF-7 breast cancer cell line were treated with this optimum concentration, and studied the gene expression of p53 by RTPCR and concomitant protein expression by western blots analysisResults: This study indicated that 5nM melatonin, 0.5nM vitamin D3, and their combined treatment inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and caused apoptosis by upregulating the p53 gene expression (2-fold) and significant increase (p<0.001) in p53 protein expression. Conclusion: Treatments with melatonin and vitamin D3 were found to have anti-cancerous effect and could potentially prove to be the ideal natural adjuvant therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.
Identification of the Active Constituents and Significant Pathways of Bushen Huoxue Decoction for the Treatment of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: LI Meihe , WU Jinping , KANG Minchao , XU Ying , XU Xin , DANG Huimin
Published: December 2020

Background: To explore Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BHD) mechanism in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).Methods: We predicted and screened the action targets of four Traditional Chinese Medicine representatives by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, and searched the disease targets of RSA through Drugbank, DisGeNET, and TTD databases. According to the obtained drug targets and disease targets, the "drug target-disease target" interaction network was further analyzed and constructed. The core target of BHD for treating RSA was were imported to establish in STRING. GO and KEGG pathway analysis were conducted with the RStudio (ggplot2). Finally, HTR-8/SVneo cells were selected to establish a cell model of oxidative stress, and the network pharmacologic results of BHD-RSA were verified by cell biology, Western blot and qRT-PCR.Results: A total of 73 active compounds were obtained from 1084 ingredients present in the BHD, and 125 genes were closely related to RSA. According to the "drug target-disease target" interaction network analysis, 26 core targets of BHD for treating RSA were finally selected, and 203 biological processes, 10 molecular functions, and 10 cell components were enriched by GO function enrichment. KEGG pathway enrichment related pathways, a total of 19, are mainly associated with a Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway. Experimental results show that compared with the oxidative stress cell model of RSA, BHD increases the expression of PTGFR, AGTR1 and OXTR mRNA by upregulating the expression of PTGFR, AGTR1 and OXTR protein, which may interfere with the occurrence and development of RSA through Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway.Conclusion: Combined with the pathological mechanism of RSA and the absence of specific signaling pathways, we hypothesized that the BHD might play a role in tonifying the kidney, strengthening the bone, promoting blood circulation, and removing blood stasis，it also can virtually relieve the symptoms of RSA, and our network pharmacological analysis lays the foundation for future clinical research.These results may help define the possible roles the BHD plays in RSA through Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway.
Prognostic Significance of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Papazoglou Andreas S , Kartas Anastasios , Samaras Athanasios , Akrivos Evangelos , Vouloagkas Ioannis , Vrana Eleni , Moysidis Dimitrios V , Kotzampasis Georgios , Baroutidou Amalia , Papanastasiou Anastasios , Liampas Evangelos , Botis Michail , Karagiannidis Efstratios , Stalikas Nikolaos , Karvounis Haralambos , Tzikas Apostolos , Giannakoulas George
Published: December 2020

Background: There are limited data on the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who were recently hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AF from December 2015 through June 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-regression adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and for the secondary outcomes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, stroke and the composite outcome of CV death or hospitalization. Spline curve models were fitted to investigate associations of HbA1c values and mortality among patients with AF and DM.Results: In total 1140 AF patients were included, of whom 373 (32.7%) had DM. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, 414 (37.3%) patients died. The presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR=1.44, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.12-1.85), CV mortality (aHR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.08-1.93), stroke (aHR=2.62, 95% CI: 1.24-5.53) and the composite outcome of hospitalization or CV death (aHR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.54). In AF patients with comorbid DM, the spline curves showed a positive linear association between HbA1c levels and outcomes, with values 7.6-8.2% being independent predictors of increased all-cause mortality, and values <6.2% predicting significantly decreased all-cause and CV mortality.Conclusions: The presence of DM on top of AF was associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk for all-cause or CV mortality and excess morbidity. HbA1c levels lower than 6.2% were independently related to better survival rates.