bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peer mentoring experience on becoming a good doctor: Student perspectives.
Authors: Shafiaai Mohd Syameer Firdaus Mohd , Kadirvelu Amudha , Pamidi Narendra
Published: December 2020

Background: PASS is a peer-led structured academic mentoring program designed to provide academic assistance for new students in their transition from college to university studies and also for students struggling in certain units. This study aims to establish acquired skills by peer leaders associated with peer-led mentoring via the PASS program, and to explore the role played by these acquired skills in their journey to become a successful doctor.Methods: Study participants were forty selected second-year undergraduate medical students at Monash University Malaysia with commendable examination results. Validated pre-test and post-test questionnaires were administered to explore changes in the level of communication, leadership, professional, and pedagogical skills before and after participation in peer mentoring program. Qualitative analysis of focused group interviews was performed by an independent investigator to identify how the skills developed as a peer mentor may help with becoming a good doctor. Major themes were identified with the thematic-analysis approach.Results: Thirty-eight students completed the pre-test and post-test questionnaires. Peer leaders reported improvement in oral and written skills for teaching; increased confidence to give constructive feedback; better stress management; efficient time management; improved interpersonal skills; and enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities. Eight major themes were identified from the interview and peer leaders reported positive experience of working in diverse environments and shouldering of responsibilities.Conclusions: Peer-led mentoring provides a good opportunity for medical students to shoulder responsibilities as a leader and offers an experience of managing a team of their peers and juniors which in turn may enhance their communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Time Changes in the Spectrum of Urinary Stone Composition: A Role for Climate Variations?
Authors: Trinchieri Alberto , Maletta Alessandro , Simonelli Giovanni , Boeri Luca , De Lorenzis Elisa , Montanari Emanuele
Published: December 2020

Introduction: An increase of the frequency of uric acid urinary stones compared to calcium-containing ones has been recently described. This study was aimed at assessing the frequency of different types of urinary stones in the population of northern Italy in the period 2016-18 compared to 2001-2003. Materials and Methods: Analyses by infrared spectroscopy of 1007 stones endoscopically removed at two institutions in the area of Milan (Northern Italy) were retrospectively considered. Stones were classified as calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and dihydrate (COD), mixed uric acid/calcium oxalate (UC); uric acid (UA), struvite (ST); apatite (CAP); mixed calcium oxalate / apatite (CAPOX); others. The patients were divided into two groups: 2001-2003 and 2016-2018. The average temperature values of the region over the two time periods were obtained by the national statistical institute. Results: The average age of the 2001-2003 group (45.8+/-15.4 years) was significantly lower than the average age of the 2016-18 group (57.9+/-14.8) (0.000). M / F ratio was similar in the two groups: 119 / 69 (1:0.58) in 2001-2003 MI and 527 / 292 (1:0.55) in 2016-18 (p = 0.862). COM stones tended to more frequent in 2016-18 group than in 2001-03. COD stones were significantly more frequent in 2001-03 than in 2016-18. ST stone frequency was increased from 2001-03 to 2016-18. No increase of uric acid containing stones was observed in 2016-18. Results were confirmed after adjustment by age. Averages annual regional temperatures increased from 14° C to 15.4° C during the two observation periods. Conclusions: No increase of UA stones was observed, probably due to the limited impact of the global warming in our temperate climate.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Insights into the Interaction between Rice and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Fan , Huang Liyu , Zeng Dan , Cruz Casiana Vera , Li Zhikang , Zhou Yongli
Published: December 2020

Background: Bacterial blight, which is caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is a devastating rice disease worldwide. Rice introgression line H471, derived from the recurrent parent Huang-Hua-Zhan (HHZ) and the donor parent PSBRC28, exhibits broad-spectrum resistance to Xoo, including to the highly virulent Xoo strain PXO99A, whereas its parents are susceptible to PXO99A. To characterize the responses to Xoo, we compared the proteome profiles of the host and pathogen in the incompatible interaction (H471 inoculated with PXO99A) and the compatible interaction (HHZ inoculated with PXO99A).Results: In this study, a total of 374 rice differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) and 117 Xoo DAPs were detected in the comparison between H471 + PXO99A and HHZ + PXO99A. Most of the Xoo DAPs related to pathogen virulence, including the outer member proteins, type III secretion system proteins, TonB-dependent receptors, and transcription activator-like effectors, were less abundant in the incompatible interaction than in the compatible interaction. The rice DAPs were mainly involved in secondary metabolic processes, including phenylalanine metabolism and the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Additionally, some DAPs involved in the phenolic phytoalexin and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic pathways accumulated much more in H471 than in HHZ after the inoculation with PXO99A, suggesting that phytoalexin and SA production was induced faster in H471 than in HHZ. Further analyses revealed that the SA content increased much more rapidly in H471 than in HHZ after the inoculation, suggesting that the SA signaling pathway was activated faster in the incompatible interaction than in the compatible interaction.Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that during an incompatible interaction between H471 and PXO99A, rice plants prevent pathogen invasion and also initiate multi-component defense responses that inhibit disease development.
Impact of placental malaria on maternal, placental and foetal cord responses and its role in pregnancy outcomes in women from Blue Nile State, Sudan
Authors: Omer Samia Ali , Franco-Jarava Clara , Noureldien Ali , Omer Mona , Abdelrahim Mutasim , Molina Israel , Adam Ishag
Published: December 2020

Background The sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum infected cells in the placenta results in placental malaria (PM). It activates the mother's immune cells and induces secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which might influence pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the inflammatory environment in maternal peripheral, placental, and umbilical cord blood in response to PM and the extent to which this may influence maternal haemoglobin levels and birth weight.Methods A total of 185 consenting Sudanese women from Blue Nile state were enrolled in a cross sectional conducted between Jan 2012-Dec 2005. Malaria infection in the collected samples was determined microscopically, and ELISA was used to measure the plasma levels of the antibodies, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and INF γ in the collected positive and negative malaria samples. Results Elevated levels of antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 and reduced levels of IL-6 were detected in the malaria positive samples in comparison to the negative ones in the three types of samples investigated. Maternal antibodies, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly higher in the samples collected from the PM infected group compared to the non-infected control (P < 0.001). While the absence of PM was significantly associated with the IL-6 and maternal IFN-γ levels, maternal IL-17A, placental and umbilical cord IFN-γ levels showed no significant difference (P=0.214, P=0.065, P=0.536, respectively) due to infection. Haemoglobin level and birth weight were increased in the group with high levels of IL-6 and IL-17A, but not in the group with IL-4 and IL-10 levels. While significantly negative correlation was found between IFN-γ levels and birth weight for all three types of samples, only maternal peripheral FN-γ level was significantly positively correlated with maternal haemoglobin (r= 0.171, P =0.020).Conclusion These results suggest that PM cross-reacts with the mother’s immune response and impairs her cytokine profile, which might alter maternal haemoglobin levels and the baby's birth weight.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices on influenza vaccine during pregnancy in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Erazo Carlos E. , Erazo Carlos V. , Grijalva Mario J. , Moncayo Ana L.
Published: December 2020

Background: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses in pregnant women and their children. In Ecuador, the coverage of seasonal influenza vaccination in pregnant women is low. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of pregnant women toward influenza vaccination in Quito-Ecuador.Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 842 women who delivered at three main public gynecological-obstetric units of the Metropolitan District of Quito. A questionnaire regarding demographics, antenatal care, risk conditions and knowledge, attitudes and practices related to influenza vaccination was administered. We examined factors associated with vaccination using log-binomial regression models.Results: A low vaccination rate (36.6%) against influenza was observed among pregnant women. The factors associated with vaccination included the recommendations from health providers (adjusted PR: 15.84; CI 95% 9.62-26.10), belief in the safety of the influenza vaccine (adjusted PR: 1.53; CI 95% 1.03-2.37) and antenatal care (adjusted PR: 1.21; CI 95% 1.01-1.47). The most common reasons for not vaccinating included the lack of recommendation from health care providers (73.9%) and lack of access to vaccine (9.0%).Conclusions: Health educational programs aimed to pregnant women and antenatal care providers have the most potential to increase influenza vaccination rates. Further studies are needed to understand the barriers of health care providers regarding influenza vaccination in Ecuador.
Scientometric analysis of chemotherapy of canine leishmaniasis (2000-2020)
Authors: Olías-Molero Ana Isabel , Fontán-Matilla Erica , Cuquerella Montserrat , Alunda José María
Published: December 2020

Background: Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis by Leishmania infantum is a first order pathology in veterinary clinics of dogs in endemic areas. Moreover, canine infections are considered the main reservoir for human disease; despite their importance in the control of the disease within a One Health approach no scientometric study has been published. Aims of the study included the impact of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) on scientific literature, drugs or combinations used, trends in the period from 2000-2020 and efficacy criteria employed. Methods: A Web of Science (WOS) based analysis of publications on CanL and chemotherapy of the disease in the period 2000-2020 was carried out using a stepwise methodology. Data were analyzed by year, geographical origin, chemical groups, drugs and combinations, and efficacy criteria. Results: Reports on CanL (n=3,324) represented less than 16% of all publications on leishmaniasis (n=20,968) and from these around 18% (n=596) were related to chemotherapy. Publication records on CanL followed the distribution of the infection by L.infantum in endemic areas although Mediterranean countries were overrepresented in the reports on chemotherapy of CanL. Publications on the main antileishmanial drugs used in clinical practice showed a sustained tendency in the period analyzed. Pentavalent antimonials (Sb V ), alone or in combination with allopurinol, represented over 50% of all publications on chemotherapy of CanL despite the availability of more recently marketed drugs. Conclusions: Chemotherapy of CanL still relies on Sb V and combinations and to a lesser extent on miltefosine (MIL). Reports on chemotherapy are scarce, mostly publicly funded and the variability of experimental conditions hampers the direct comparison of the efficacy of drugs, combinations and schedules. The vast majority of reports on efficacy do not include any information on supportive therapy; this reduces the actual value of the studies if intended for the practical management of the disease. Complete reports of the chemotherapy (etiological + symptomatic) would add value to the trials performed.
WITHDRAWN: Knowledge, Preventative Practices and Depression of Chinese university students in Korea and China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Cross-sectional Study
Authors: ‍ZHAO BO , Kong Fanlei , Nam Eun Woo
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the knowledge, preventative practices, and depression of Chinese university students living in South Korea (‘International Group’) and Mainland China (‘Mainland Group’) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, and furtherly explore the determinants of depression among these students; Methods: The study was conducted using an online questionnaire tool designed by the Yonsei Global Health Center, with preventative knowledge and practice questions on COVID-19, as well as PHQ-9 (used to diagnose depression for patients). 420 Chinese college students were finally included in the analysis (171 students in South Korea and 249 students in mainland China). This data was collected from March 23 to April 12, 2020; Results: Majority of these students had a good level of knowledge of COVID-19. The ‘International Group’ did better than the ‘Mainland Group’ students regarding preventative practices, but the percentage with moderate-to-severe depression was higher among the ‘International Group’. Highly concerned about family members, highly concerned about getting COVID-19, and having a suspicion of contact with patients increased the depression state among the respondents. Meanwhile, taking preventative behaviors more comprehensively decreased the depression state of both groups; Conclusions: During the pandemic of COVID-19, the depression status of ‘International Group’ students was significantly severer than that in ‘Mainland Group’ (χ2 = 5.50, p < 0.05). While the high-level of depression status of these two groups’ students was affected by highly concerning family members and getting COVID-19 and having a suspicion of contact with patients. Therefore, psychological counseling and education programs are needed in order to support and improve the mental health of ‘International Group’ students.
Analysis Using Random Forest and Data Integration Methods of Non-promoter Methylation and Expression Data Identifies Dysregulated Genes in Central Carbon Metabolism Pathway in Oral Cancer
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Srija , Ghosh Sahana , Das Debodipta , Arun P , Roy Bidyut , Biswas Nidhan K , Maitra Arindam , Majumder Partha
Published: December 2020

Background: Studies of epigenomic alterations associated with diseases primarily focus on methylation profiles of promoter regions of genes, but not of other genomic regions. In our past work (Das et al. 2019) on patients suffering from gingivo-buccal oral cancer – the most prevalent form of cancer among males in India – we have also focused on promoter methylation changes and resultant impact on transcription profiles. Here, we have investigated alterations in non-promoter (gene-body) methylation profiles and have carried out an integrative analysis of gene-body methylation and transcriptomic data of oral cancer patients. Methods: Tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples were collected from 40 patients. Data on methylation in the non-promoter (gene-body) regions of genes and transcriptome profiles were generated and analyzed. Because of high dimensionality and highly correlated nature of these data, we have used Random Forest (RF) and other data-analytical methods.Results: Integrative analysis of non-promoter methylation and transcriptome data revealed significant methylation-driven alterations in some genes that also significantly impact on their transcription levels. These changes result in enrichment of the Central Carbon Metabolism (CCM) pathway, primarily by dysregulation (overexpression) of (a) NTRK3, which plays a dual role as an oncogene and a tumor suppressor; (b) SLC7A5 (LAT1) which is a transporter dedicated to essential amino acids, and is overexpressed in cancer cells to meet the increased demand for nutrients that include glucose and essential amino acids; and, (c) EGFR which has been earlier implicated in progression, recurrence, and stemness of oral cancer, but we provide evidence of epigenetic impact on overexpression of this gene for the first time.Conclusions: In rapidly dividing cancer cells, metabolic reprogramming from normal cells takes place to enable enhanced proliferation. Here, we have identified that among oral cancer patients, genes in the CCM pathway – that plays a fundamental role in metabolic reprogramming – are significantly dysregulated because of perturbation of methylation in non-promoter regions of the genome. This result compliments our previous result that perturbation of promoter methylation results in significant changes in key genes that regulate the feedback process of DNA methylation for the maintenance of normal cell division.
A novel small molecule CXCR4 antagonist potently mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells in mice and monkeys
Authors: Fang Xiao , Fang Xiong , Mao Yujia , Ciechanover Aaron , Xu Yan , An Jing , Huang Ziwei
Published: December 2020

Background Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is an effective treatment strategy for many types of diseases. Peripheral blood (PB) is the most commonly used source of bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells for current HSC transplantation. However, PB usually contains very few HSCs under normal conditions, as these cells are normally retained within the BM. This retention depends on the interaction between the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expressed on the HSCs and its natural chemokine ligand, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α (also named CXCL12) present in the BM stromal microenvironment. In clinical practice, blocking this interaction with a CXCR4 antagonist can induce the rapid mobilization of HSCs from the BM into the PB.Methods C3H/HEJ, DBA/2, CD45.1+, CD45.2+ mice and monkeys were employed in colony-forming unit (CFU) assays, flow cytometry assays, and competitive/non-competitive transplantation assays, to assess the short-term mobilization efficacy of HF51116 and the long-term repopulating (LTR) ability of HSCs. Kinetics of different blood cells and the concentration of HF51116 in PB were also explored by blood routine examinations and pharmacokinetic assays. Results In this paper, we report that a novel small molecule CXCR4 antagonist, HF51116, which was designed and synthesized by our laboratory, can rapidly and potently mobilize HSCs from BM to PB in mice and monkeys. HF51116 not only mobilized HSCs when used alone but also synergized with the mobilizing effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) after co-administration. Following mobilization by HF51116 and G-CSF, the long-term repopulating (LTR) and self-renewing HSCs were sufficiently engrafted in primary and secondary lethally irradiated mice and were able to rescue and support long-term mouse survival. In monkeys, HF51116 exhibited strong HSC mobilization activity and quickly reached the highest in vivo blood drug concentration. Conclusions These results demonstrate that HF51116 is a new promising stem cell mobilizer which specifically targets CXCR4 and merits further preclinical and clinical studies.
Resistin-like Molecule β Acts as a Mitogenic Factor in Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension via the Ca2+-dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PKC/MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Tian Heshen , Liu Lei , Wu Ying , Wang Ruiwen , Jiang Yongliang , Hu Ruicheng , Zhu Liming , Li Linwei , Fang Yanyan , Yang Chunlan , Ji Lianzhi , Liu Guoyu , Dai Aiguo
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation plays a crucial role in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). Previous studies have found that resistin-like molecule β (RELM-β) is upregulated de novo in response to hypoxia in cultured human PASMCs (hPASMCs). RELM-β has been reported to promote hPASMC proliferation and is involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with PAH. However, the expression pattern, effects, and mechanisms of action of RELM-β in HPH remain unclear.METHODS: We assessed the expression pattern, mitogenetic effect, and mechanism of action of RELM-β in a rat HPH model and in hPASMCs.RESULTS: Overexpression of RELM-β caused hemodynamic changes in a rat model of HPH similar to those induced by chronic hypoxia, including increased mean right ventricular systolic pressure (mRVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) and thickening of small pulmonary arterioles. Knockdown of RELM-β partially blocked the increases in mRVSP, RVHI, and vascular remodeling induced by hypoxia. The phosphorylation levels of the PI3K, Akt, mTOR, PKC, and MAPK proteins were significantly up- or downregulated by RELM-β gene overexpression or silencing, respectively. Recombinant RELM-β protein increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in primary cultured hPASMCs and promoted hPASMC proliferation. The mitogenic effects of RELM-β on hPASMCs and the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, PKC, and MAPK were suppressed by a Ca2+ inhibitor.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that RELM-β acts as a cytokine-like growth factor in the development of HPH and that the effects of RELM-β are likely to be mediated by the Ca2+-dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PKC/MAPK pathways.
An optimized segmentation and quantification approach in microvascular imaging for OCTA-based neovascular regression monitoring
Authors: Wu Sheng , Wu Shaowei , Feng Hui , Hu Zizhong , Xie Yejing , Su Yun , Feng Ting , Li Li
Published: December 2020

Background:Quantification of neovascularization changes in terms of neovascular complex (NVC) acquired from the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging is extremely important for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). However, only few vessel extraction methods have so far been reported to quantify neovascular changes in NVC with proliferative diabetic retinopathy PDR based on OCTA images.Results:The proposed method has demonstrated better performance in accuracy compared with existing algorithms and can thus be used for PRD treatment monitoring. Following the PDR treatment monitoring study, our data has shown that from the 1st day to 7th day of treatment, the averaged total length of neovascularization in NVC has been substantially shortened by 36.8% (P<0.01), indicating significant effects of applied treatment. In addition, the average width of neovascularization in NVC from the 1st day to 7th day of treatment has been increased by 10.2% (P<0.05), indicating most of the narrow neovascularization has been reduced.Conclusion:The results and analysis have confirmed that the proposed optimization process by improved vascular connectivity analysis (VCA) method is both effective and feasible to segment and quantify the neovascularization in NVC with lower noise and fewer artifacts. Thus, it can be potentially applied to monitor the fibrovascular regression during the treatment period.Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registered 27 December 2017, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registration number ChiCTR-IPR-17014160).
Baseline liver function tests and full blood count indices and their association with progression of chronic kidney disease and renal outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: the eGFR Follow- up Study 
Authors: Majoni Sandawana William , Barzi Federica , Hoy Wendy , MacIsaac Richard MacIsaac J , Cass Alan Cass , Maple-Brown Louise , Hughes Jaquelyne T
Published: December 2020

Background: Determination of risks for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression could improve strategies to reduce progression to ESKD. The eGFR Study recruited a cohort of adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Indigenous Australians) from Northern Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia, aiming to address the heavy CKD burden experienced within these communities.Methods: Using data from the eGFR study, we explored the association of baseline liver function tests (LFTs) (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin and albumin) and full blood count (FBC) indices (white blood cell and red blood cell counts and haemoglobin) with annual eGFR decline and renal outcomes (first of 30% decline in eGFR with a follow-up eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, initiation of renal replacement therapy, or renal death). Comparisons of baseline variables across eGFR categories were calculated using analysis of variance and logistic regression as appropriate. Linear and multivariable regression models were used to estimate the annual change in eGFR for changes in FBC indices and LFTs. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratio for developing renal outcome for changes in baseline FBC indices and LFTs.Results: Of 547 participants, 540 had at least one baseline measure of LFTs and FBC indices. The mean age was 46.1 (14.7) years and 63.6% were female. The median follow-up was 3.1 (IQR 2.8-3.6) years. Annual decline in eGFR was associated with low serum albumin (p<0.001) and haemoglobin (p=0.007). After adjustment for age, gender, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, diabetes, BMI, CRP, WHR, alcohol consumption, cholesterol and triglycerides, low serum albumin (p<0.001), haemoglobin (p=0.012) and bilirubin (p=0.011) were associated with annual decline in eGFRRenal outcomes were inversely associated with serum albumin (p<0.001), bilirubin (p=0.012) and haemoglobin (p<0.001) and directly with GGT (p=0.007) and ALP (p<0.001). Other FBC indices and LFTs were not associated with annual decline in eGFR or renal outcomes.Conclusions: GGT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin and haemoglobin independently associate with renal outcomes. Contrary to findings from other studies, no association was found between renal outcomes and other FBC indices. These findings may help focus strategies to prevent disease progression in this high-risk population.
Mortality Among Male Cigar and Cigarette Smokers in the U.S.
Authors: Rodu Brad , Plurphanswat Nantaporn
Published: December 2020

Background. Cigars and cigarettes are both smoked, but much less is known about the former’s long-term health effects, due to its low prevalence and infrequent collection of cigar information in national surveys. Purpose. We conducted a follow-up mortality study of cigar-smoking men age 40-79 years in National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS). Methods. We used pooled NHIS files linked to the National Death Index to obtain follow-up from year of interview to year of death or December 31, 2015. We developed categories of cigarette and cigar smoking that accommodate dual and former use of both products. We used Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, income and region to estimate hazard ratios (HRs, 95% confidence intervals, CI) for mortality from all causes, heart diseases, malignant neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases and two mutually exclusive categories: smoking-related and other diseases. Results. There were 14,657 deaths from all causes, including 3,426 never tobacco users, 3,276 exclusive cigarette smokers, and 176 exclusive cigar users. The latter had no statistically significant evidence of increased mortality from all causes, heart diseases, malignant neoplasms, cerebrovascular disease, smoking related diseases or other causes. In contrast, the mortality experience of dual users of cigars and cigarettes and cigar smokers who formerly used cigarettes is similar to exclusive cigarette smokers. Conclusions. This study provides evidence that male cigar smokers age 40+ years had elevated mortality risks. However, after accounting for cigarette smoking and other confounding variables, we found significantly increased mortality only among dual and former users of cigarettes.
Broad Spectrum Polyphenol Supplementation from Tart Cherry Extract on Markers of Recovery from Intense Resistance Exercise
Authors: Hooper David R. , Orange Terrance , Gruber Meagan T. , Darakjian Ashley A. , Conway Kara L. , Hausenblas Heather S.
Published: December 2020

Background: Tart cherry supplementation has been shown to enhance recovery from strenuous exercise due to its antioxidant properties. The majority of these studies used tart cherry juice, with a significant calorie content. The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether powdered tart cherry extract with minimal calorie content reduces oxidative stress and enhances recovery following intense resistance exercise. Methods: Thirteen men (mean age: 26.2±5.3 years; height: 184.3±8.2 cm; weight: 92.9±15.6 kg) performed a demanding resistance exercise protocol consisting of 6 sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squat with 80% 1RM. The protocol was performed once following 7 days of 500 mg of tart cherry extract and once following placebo. Serum protein carbonyl (PC) content, creatine kinase activity (CK) and creatine kinase myocardial band content (CK-MB) were used to assess oxidative stress, skeletal and cardiac muscle damage respectively. Muscle soreness was assessed by visual analog scale. Physical performance was measured by countermovement jump power and handgrip dynamometer strength. Results: There was a significant increase in PC in the placebo (PL) condition when compared to the Tart Cherry (TC) condition at IP (PL: 0.4±0.3 vs. TC: -0.4±0.2 nmol∙mg-1; p<0.001), 1 hr (PL: 0.3±0.3 vs. TC: -0.7±0.3 nmol∙mg-1; p<0.001) and 24 hr (PL: 0.1±0.4 vs. TC: -0.3±0.5 nmol∙mg-1; p=0.010). There was a significant increase in CK activity in PL when compared to the TC at IP (PL: 491.1±280 vs. TC: 296.3±178 U∙L-1; p=0.008) and 3 hr (PL: -87±123 vs. TC: 43.1±105.3 U∙L-1; p=0.006). There was a significant (p=0.003) increase in CKMB concentration in PL when compared to the TC (PL: 21.6±12.4 vs. TC: -0.3±11.8 ng∙ml-1; p=0.006) at 1 hr post. There was a significant increase in handgrip strength in TC when compared to PL (PL: -2±5.1 vs. TC: 1.7±3 kg; p=0.017) at 24 hours post.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that tart cherry extract reduced oxidative stress and markers of muscle and cardiac damage following intense resistance exercise. This occurred along with a prevention of the decrease in strength seen following the intense exercise protocol. These benefits were seen with minimal energy intake.
Infant sex modifies associations between placental malaria and risk of malaria in infancy
Authors: Kakuru Abel , Roh Michelle E. , Kajubi Richard , Ochieng Teddy , Ategeka John , Ochokoru Harriet , Nakalembe Miriam , Clark Tamara D. , Ruel Theodore , Staedke Sarah G. , Chandramohan Daniel , Havlir Diane V. , Kamya Moses R , Dorsey Grant , Jagannathan Prasanna
Published: December 2020

Background Placental malaria (PM) has been associated with a higher risk of malaria during infancy. However, it is unclear whether this association is causal, and is modified by infant sex, and whether intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) can reduce infant malaria by preventing PM. Methods Data from a birth cohort of 656 infants born to HIV-uninfected mothers randomised to IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) was analysed. PM was categorized as no PM, active PM (presence of parasites), mild-moderate past PM (>0-20% high powered fields [HPFs] with pigment), or severe past PM (>20% HPFs with pigment). The association between PM and incidence of malaria in infants stratified by infant sex was examined. Causal mediation analysis was used to test whether IPTp can impact infant malaria incidence via preventing PM. Results There were 1088 malaria episodes diagnosed among infants during 596.6 person years of follow-up. Compared to infants born to mothers with no PM, the incidence of malaria was higher among infants born to mothers with active PM (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.71, p=0.05) and those born to mothers with severe past PM (aIRR 1.28, 95% CI 0.89-1.83, p=0.18), but the differences were not statistically significant. However, when stratifying by infant sex, compared to no PM, severe past PM was associated a higher malaria incidence in male (aIRR 2.17, 95% CI 1.45-3.25, p<0.001), but not female infants (aIRR 0.74, 95% CI 0.46-1.20, p=0.22). There were no significant associations between active PM or mild-moderate past PM and malaria incidence in male or female infants. Male infants born to mothers given IPTp with DP had significantly less malaria in infancy than males born to mothers given SP, and 89.7% of this effect was mediated through prevention of PM. Conclusion PM may have more severe consequences for male infants, and interventions which reduce PM could mitigate these sex-specific adverse outcomes. More research is needed to better understand this sex-bias between PM and infant malaria risk. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02793622. Registered 8 June 2016, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02793622
Socioeconomic inequality in intermittent preventive treatment using Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine among pregnant women in Nigeria
Authors: Mahmud Fatima Muhammad , Majdzadeh Reza , Nedjat Saharnaz , Sajadi Haniye Sadat , Parsaeian Mahboubeh
Published: December 2020

Background: Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine using intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp-SP) for malaria prevention is recommended for all pregnant women at malaria endemic areas. However, there is limited evidence on the level of socioeconomic inequality in IPTp-SP use to prevent malaria in pregnant women in Nigeria. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of socioeconomic inequality in IPTp-SP use among pregnant women and to decompose it into its contributing factors. Methods: A secondary data analysis of Nigerian demographic and health survey of 2018 was conducted. A sample of 21,621 pregnant women aged between 15-49 years and had live birth in the previous 2 years before the survey were included to this analysis. Participants were recruited based on two-stage cluster sampling method. Socioeconomic inequality was decomposed into its contributing factors by concentration index. Result: Totally 63.6% of pregnant women took at least one dose of IPTp. Among IPTp users, 35.1% took one dose, 38.6% took two doses and 26.2% took three doses and more. Based on concentration index of 0.180 (p-value= <0.001, 95% CI: 0.176 to 0.183) and the Erreyger’s normalization concentration index 0.280 (p-value=<0.001, 95% CI: 0.251 to 0.309 IPTp utilization was pro-rich. The largest contributors to the inequality in IPTp uptake were wealth index (47.81%) and educational status (28.66%). Conclusion: Our findings showed that IPTp use was pro-rich in Nigeria. Wealth index and educational status were the factors that significantly contributed to the inequality. The disparities could be reduced through IPTp free service expansion by targeting pregnant women from low socioeconomic status.
Single-center evaluation of prognostic factors for thymoma treated by surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Kamata Satoshi , Ishida Itaru , Suzuki Yuyo , Oura Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

Background: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical, pathological, and treatment-related factors associated with survival in patients with surgically treated thymomas. Methods: Sixty patients with thymomas who underwent treatment at our institution between 2004 and 2015 were included. Survival analysis was performed based on curves that were obtained using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Wilcoxon test was used for all comparisons, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty-seven, four, three, four, and two patients presented tumor stages I, II, III, IVa, and IVb (according to the Masaoka classification), respectively, while six, 14, 11, 22, and seven patients had type A, AB, B1, B2, and B3 thymomas, respectively. Furthermore, 53 and eight patients underwent complete resection and required additional resection of adjacent organs, respectively, and no patients died from surgery-related complications. The five-year survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 96% and 86%, respectively. The five-year survival rate for all stages was 100% except for those with stage IVb tumors (Masaoka classification); the survival rate for those patients was 0%. Separately, the five-year RFS rates for tumor stages I, II, III, IVa, and IVb were 100%, 91%, 91%, 81%, and 71%, respectively. Finally, the five-year survival rates in cases with complete and incomplete resections were 100% and 71%, respectively, indicating that the latter group had a significantly poorer prognosis (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that complete resection and the Masaoka pathological stage are significant predictors of prognosis in patients with thymomas. Surgery should aim to achieve complete resection; however, advanced cases may require multimodality therapy.
Abnormal electrophysiological phenotypes and sleep deficits in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Copping Nycole A , Silverman Jill L
Published: December 2020

Background: Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by impaired communication, motor and balance deficits, intellectual disabilities, recurring seizures and abnormal sleep patterns. The genetic cause of AS is neuronal specific loss of expression of UBE3A (ubiquitin-protein ligase E6-AP), an imprinted gene. Seizure and sleep disorders are highly prevalent (>80%) in the AS population. The present experiments were designed to identify translational, neurophysiological outcome measures in a model of AS. Methods: We used the exon-2 deletion mouse (Ube3a-del) on a C57BL/6J background to assess seizure, sleep and electrophysiological phenotypes. Seizure susceptibility has been reported in Ube3a-del mice with a variety of seizure induction methods. Here, we provoked seizures by a single high-dose injection of 80 mg/kg pentylenetetrazole. Novel experiments included the utilization of wireless telemetry devices to acquire global electroencephalogram (EEG) and neurophysiological data on electrographic seizures, power spectra, light-dark cycles, sleep stages and sleep spindles in Ube3a-del and WT mice. Results: Ube3a-del mice exhibited reduced seizure threshold compared to WT. EEG illustrated that Ube3a-del mice had increased epileptiform spiking activity and delta power, which corroborates findings from other laboratories and recapitulates clinical reports in AS. This is the first report to use a cortical surface-based recording by a wireless telemetry device over tethered/fixed head-mount depth recordings. Less time in both paradoxical and slow-wave sleep, longer latencies to paradoxical sleep stages, and total less sleep time in Ube3a-del mice were observed compared to WT. For the first time, we detected fewer sleep spindles in the AS mouse model. Limitations: This study was limited to the exon 2 deletion mouse model, future work will investigate the rat model of AS, containing a complete Ube3a deletion and pair EEG with behavior. Conclusions: Our data enhance rigor and translatability as our study provides important corroboration of previous reports on epileptiform and elevated delta power. For the first-time we report neurophysiological phenotypes collected via translational methodology. Furthermore, this is the first report of reduced sleep spindles, a critical marker of memory consolidation during sleep, in an AS model. Our results are useful outcomes for therapeutic testing.
Assessment of surveillance core and support functions regarding neglected tropical diseases in Kenya
Authors: Ng'etich Arthur Kipkemoi Saitabau , Voyi Kuku , Mutero Clifford Maina
Published: December 2020

Background: Effective surveillance and response systems are vital to achievement of disease control and elimination goals. Kenya adopted the revised guidelines of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in 2012. Previous assessments of surveillance system core and support functions in Africa are limited to notifiable diseases with minimal attention given to neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). The study aimed to assess surveillance system core and support functions relating to PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods: A mixed method cross-sectional survey was adapted involving 192 health facility workers, 50 community-level health workers and 44 sub-national level health personnel. Data was collected using modified World Health Organization generic questionnaires, observation checklists and interview schedules. Descriptive summaries, tests of associations using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and mixed effects regression models were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data derived from interviews with study participants were coded and analysed thematically. Results: Performance of surveillance core and support functions in relation to PC-NTDs was assessed in comparison to an indicator performance target of 80%. Optimal level of performance was achieved on specimen handling capacity (84%; 100%), reports submission (100%; 100%), meeting report deadlines (84%; 80%) and data analysis (84%; 80%) at the sub-county and county levels respectively. Health facilities achieved the target threshold on reports submission (84%), meeting report deadlines (88%) and providing feedback (80%). Presence of well-equipped laboratories (3.07, 95% CI: 1.36, 6.94), provision for PC-NTDs in reporting forms (3.20, 95% CI: 1.44, 7.10) and training of personnel on surveillance (4.15, 95% CI: 2.30, 7.48) were associated with higher odds of a functional surveillance system. Challenges facing surveillance activities implementation revealed through qualitative data were in relation to surveillance guidelines and reporting tools, data analysis, feedback, supervisory activities, training and resource provision. Conclusion: There was evidence of low-performing surveillance functions regarding PC-NTDs in Kenya. Case detection, registration and confirmation, reporting, data analysis and feedback performed sub-optimally at the facility and community levels. Additionally, support functions including standards and guidelines, supervision, training and resources were particularly weak at the sub-national level. Improved PC-NTDs surveillance performance sub-nationally requires strengthened capacities.
A PANDEMIA DE COVID-19: REFLEXOS NA GARANTIA DO DIREITO À EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Almeida Thaís Farias de
Published: December 2020

O direito à educação se encontra previsto na Constituição Federal de 1988, que o estabeleceu como um direito social e público subjetivo, tendo o Estado e a família, com a colaboração da sociedade, o dever de promovê-la e de incentivá-la, visando ao pleno desenvolvimento da pessoa, seu preparo para o exercício da cidadania e sua qualificação para o trabalho. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa objetiva analisar os reflexos ocasionados pela pandemia de Covid-19 na garantia do direito à educação no território brasileiro, baseando-se nas dificuldades que podem ser encontradas entre a população, especialmente a parcela de baixa renda, para ter acesso ao ensino e utilizar a modalidade de Educação à Distância (EaD), a qual se tornou uma opção destinada a assegurar o cumprimento dos calendários letivos no ano de 2020. Para tanto, utilizou-se a técnica de pesquisa da documentação indireta, através da realização de pesquisas bibliográficas e documentais. Assim, a pesquisa se classifica como explicativa e quantitativa, uma vez que foi utilizada a coleta de dados feita pelo Comitê Gestor da Internet no Brasil (CGI.br) para tratar acerca do acesso à internet nos domicílios brasileiros. Por fim, considera-se que o direito à educação, estabelecido constitucionalmente, foi mitigado para a parcela da população que não apresenta as habilidades e os instrumentos necessários para utilizar as tecnologias de informação e comunicação, bem como a que vive em peculiares circunstâncias sociais e econômicas. Dessa forma, devido ao elevado grau de desigualdade social e econômica existente no Brasil, as classes DE são as mais atingidas no tocante ao acesso à educação em tempos de pandemia, especialmente pelo fato de grande parcela do referido grupo não dispor de internet e de equipamentos tecnológicos, como um computador ou notebook, para usufruir da Educação à Distância (EaD).
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DA RELIGIOSIDADE NA EDUCAÇÃO EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA PELO CORONAVIRUS
Authors: Oliveira Rafael Ferreira Pureza de , Ribeiro Deborah Buril Rocha , Pereira Michele de Oliveira , Rosario Kelly Ramos do , Pontini Alexsandro Monteiro , Oliveira Ronaldo Cardoso de
Published: December 2020

A pandemia pelo novo coronavirus (COVID-19) evidenciou aspectos até então, esquecidos pela sociedade. Outrora, era comum observar os parques cheios de famílias num pequinique tranquilo, ou ver as mães indo levar e buscar os filhos à escola, as pessoas livres, enfim, o cotidiano parecia normal, mesmo com toda a falta de tempo e estresse que o capitalismo impõe. Mas, o mundo não será mais o mesmo pós pandemia, as relações sociais sofreram uma verdadeira avalanche de mudanças sem o mínimo de planejamento e previsão, dessa forma, a família e a escola, enquanto núcleos primários de socialização precisaram se re-adaptar a nova estrutura de forma muito rápida. E nesse percurso a socialização esteve ameaçada, tendo em vista que a vida e a morte estiveram muito próximas das pessoas, de um jeito como nunca antes exprienciada. Nesse sentido, o estudo visa ressaltar a importância da religiosidade na área educacional em tempo de pandemia, uma vez que o processo de isolamento social trouxe em seu bojo uma serie de desafios até então desconhecidos, tais como o medo e ansiedade da doença, como também, o novo processo de ensino realizado à distância, sem estar perto e sem as interações. Por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica, baseada em Alves (1999), Freire (1996), Goleman (1999), Passos (2007), Junqueira (2016), dentre outros não menos importantes, foi possível inferir que a inteligência emocional como ação propositiva relacionada a religiosidade do indivíduo social, consegue assegurar atitudes de confiabilidade e segurança, indispensáveis para a manutenção de um status saudável junto aos professores/as e alunos/as no cotidiano do contexto educacional.
Upgrading Mechanisms of Managing Social and Economic Development of Tourism on Regional Level
Authors: Boldyreva S. B.
Published: December 2020

Mechanisms of developing tourism on the regional level are numerous and they can be systematized by different characteristics. However, it is better to give a general view of the system of such mechanisms through classical management functions that include analysis, planning, organization, realization and control. Management of tourism development on the regional level is carried out within the frames of the mentioned classical functions of management theory. At the same time management of tourism development on the regional level is characterized by special features of each function due to the fact that actually all these functions are performed by structural divisions of the public apparatus represented by executive bodies of regional authority. Through fundamental functions of the theory of management the article provides recommendations aimed at upgrading the present mechanisms of managing social and economic development of tourism in the region. The author comes to the conclusion that raising the level of social and economic development of the region on the basis of tourism requires assessment of tourism impact on regional development, shaping new economically efficient organizational forms and models of management in the field of recreation and tourism.