bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification combined with colorimetric and lateral flow dipstick visualization as the potential point-of-care testing for Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Zasada Aleksandra Anna , Wiatrzyk Aldona , Czajka Urszula , Brodzik Klaudia , Formińska Kamila , Mosiej Ewa , Prygiel Marta , Krysztopa-Grzybowska Katarzyna , Wdowiak Karol
Published: April 2020

Background Diphtheria outbreaks occurred in endemic areas and imported and indigenous cases are reported in UE/EEA. Because of the high infectiveness and severity of the disease, early and accurate diagnosis of each suspected case is essential for the treatment and management of the case and close contacts. The aim of the study was to establish simple and rapid testing methods based on Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and differentiation between toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains. Methods Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans isolates from the National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene collection were used for the development of LAMP assay for the diagnosis of diphtheria and nontoxigenic C. diphtheriae infections. Various colorimetric methods for visualization of results were investigated. Sensitivity and specificity of the assay were examined using a collection of DNA samples from various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Results The LAMP assay for tox and dtxR genes was developed. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were calculated as 100%. The detection limit was estimated as 1.42 pg/µl concentration of DNA template when the reaction was conducted for 60 min. However, the detection limit was lowered 10 times for every 10 minutes of reduction in the time of incubation during the reaction. Positive results were successfully detected colorimetrically using hydroxynaphthol blue, calcein, QuantiFluor, and lateral flow Milenia HybriDetect dipsticks. Conclusion The assay developed in the study might be applied for point-of-care testing of diphtheria and other C. diphtheriae infections as well as for other infections caused by diphtheria-toxin producing Corynebacterium species. It is highly sensitive, specific, inexpensive, easy to use, and suitable for low-resource settings.
The Relationship between Serum Levels of Vitamin C, Uric Acid and Antioxidant status with Coronary Artery Disease: a Case-Control Study
Authors: Torkzaban Aida , Naeini Seyed Amir Mansour Alavi , Hassanzadeh Akbar , Namdari Mehrdad
Published: April 2020

Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is among the main causes of death in adults. Increase of oxidative stress and defects in antioxidant defense play a major role in endothelium performance and are an effective factor in progress of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to measure the serum level of UA and vitamin C as well as the antioxidant status of CHD patients to evaluate their relationship and compare them with the healthy individual.Materials and methods: The present case-control study was performed on 44 cases and 44 controls. Demographic data and anthropometric indices were measured. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and international physical activity questionnaire were also completed. After 12 hours of fasting, 10 ml blood was sampled from the participants. Uric acid (UA), vitamin C, TAC and MDA were also measured. The data were finally analyzed by SPSS Ver 22 software.Results: A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of uric acid (P<0.001) and vitamin C (P<0.03). However, mean MDA and TAC showed no significant difference between the two groups. The two groups’ difference in terms of vitamin A, E and beta carotene, zinc and selenium intake was not significant. A significant difference was however detected between the two groups in terms of vitamin C intake (P<0.047). A significant relationship was also observed between the systolic blood pressure and CHD (P<0.028).Conclusion: Our results suggest that increasing of serum uric acid and a decrease in serum vitamin C level can be considered as risk factors for CHD patients. Due to the lack of significant correlation between TAC and CHD in this study, it seems that different results will be obtained with increasing sample size.
Associations of Mitochondrial DNA 3777-4679 region mutations with maternally inherited essential hypertensive subjects in China.
Authors: Zhu Ye , You Jia , Xu Chao , Gu Xiang
Published: April 2020

Background:Nuclear genome or family mitochondrial screening system has become the hot focus of studies into essential hypertension. The role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in sporadic Chinese patients with hypertension has not been fully understood. The study was to evaluate the associations of mtDNA mutations with maternally inherited essential hypertensive subjects in China.Methods:From June 2009 to June 2016, a total of 800 gender-matched Chinese patients with maternally inherited essential hypertension (MIEH) and control group were 1:1 enrolled in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from each person's peripheral blood cells. The main mtDNA locations for MIEH were screened with oligodeoxynucleotides 3777-4679bp, analyzed and compared with the updated consensus Cambridge Sequence. Pathogenic mtDNA mutations were identified from the mitochondrial map.Results:MIEH subjects presented significantly higher values than those of control group in abdominal circumference(AC), waist circumference(WC), body mass index(BMI), fasting blood glucose(FBG), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and renal function (P<0.05). MIEH subjects carried more amino acid changes and coding sequence variants (P<0.01) than control group. The allele frequencies of the eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were significantly different between the two groups, includingm.3970 C>T, m.4048G>A, m.4071C>T, m.4086C>T, m. 4164A>G and m.4248T>Cin ND1 gene, andm.4386T>Candm.4394C>Tin tRNAGlngene(P<0.001). Fifty-five homoplasmic or heteroplasmic mutations were detected in 5 genes: ND1, tRNAIle, tRNAMet, tRNAGlnand ND2 gene. The ND1 gene was the main mutation site, where the most mtDNA mutation wasm.3970 C>T.Conclusions:The mtDNA mutations were involved in the process of MIEH. We identified mitochondrial genetic characteristics in MIEH patients in China. The present research serves as a solid foundation for further detailed research on the association between MIEH and mitochondrial dysfunction, and their causal relationship in Chinese and other populations with a similar lifestyle.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on sports performance for two profiles of athletes (power and endurance) (COMPETE): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Grandperrin Yohan , Grosprêtre Sidney , Nicolier Magali , Gimenez Philippe , Vidal Chrystelle , Haffen Emmanuel , Bennabi Djamila
Published: April 2020

Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is promising for improving motor and cognitive performance. Nevertheless, its mechanisms of action are unclear and need to be better characterised according to the stimulated brain area and the type of exercise performed. Methods/design This is a double-blind cross-over study, organised into two parts: the first is to assess the effects of tDCS on explosive performance (jump task) and the second is to assess the effects on endurance performance (cycling time trial task). Participants, who are recreationally active or athletes (cyclists, parkour practitioners), will receive two active tDCS sessions (over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right motor cortex) and one sham tDCS session (part A) or two daily tDCS sessions (one active sequence and one sham) over five days (part B). Motor and cognitive performance will be compared before and after the tDCS sessions (part A) and before and after the first session, after the last session and at day 12 and day 30 of each tDCS sequence (part B). Discussion This study investigates the acute and long-term effects of tDCS on the motor and cognitive performance in healthy subjects. It will try to evaluate if tDCS could be considered as a neuroenhancement technology according to the physical task investigated (endurance versus explosive).
Relation between quantity and quality of peri-coronary epicardial adipose tissue and its underlying hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis
Authors: Du Yu , Yang Lin , Liu Yan , Yang Bangguo , Lv Sai , Hu Chenping , Zhu Yong , Zhang Hongkai , Ma Qian , Wang Zhijian , Liu Yuyang , Shi Dongmei , Zhao Yingxin , Xu Lei , Zhou Yujie
Published: April 2020

Background: We aimed to investigate the association of lesion-specific epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and density with the presence of lesion ischemia.Methods: We enrolled 45 patients (55 lesions) with known or suspected coronary artery disease who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) followed by invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment within 30 days. EAT volume (index) and density in patient-, vessel- and lesion-level were measured on CTA images. Lesion-specific ischemia was defined as a lesion with stenosis diameter >90% or FFR ≤0.80. Multivariate analysis determined the independent association of EAT parameters with lesion ischemia. Results: Mean age of the patients was 60 years, and 75% were male. Overall, 55.6% of patients had ischemic lesions and a mean FFR baseline value of 0.82±0.10. Total EAT volume index was significantly higher in patients with functionally or anatomically significant stenosis. Specifically, peri-lesion EAT volume index, not the density, was positively correlated with lesion-specific ischemia independent of luminal stenosis and plaque characteristics (hazard ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.33, P=0.032; per 0.1 ml/m2 increase). Moreover, peri-lesion EAT volume was negatively correlated with lesion FFR values, whereas total EAT volume was positively correlated with fat accumulation and glucose metabolism. In addition, there was no association of EAT volume or density with lesion ischemia in vessel-level analysis.Conclusions: Lesion-specific EAT volume index, but not density, seems positively and independently associated with lesion ischemia, while its incremental diagnostic value of lesion ischemia should be further investigated.
Comparison of three dimensional reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography in patients undergoing zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Jiang Chen , Wu Guangyu , Shen Chao , Fu Qibo , Chen Yonghui , Liu Dongming , Xue Wei
Published: April 2020

Background: Advances in three dimensional (3D) reconstruction and printing technology have fueled a rapidly growing interest in its applications in the field of urology. To our knowledge, the experience on the use of 3D reconstruction to facilitate zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy (PN) remains sparse and the role of 3D reconstruction is still needed to be defined. This study aimed to assess the role of 3D reconstruction and conventional computer tomography angiography (CTA) in zero-ischemia laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).Methods: A total of 60 consecutive patients undergoing zero-ischemia LPN between October 2017 and March 2018 who underwent CTA (CTA group including 30 patients) and 3D reconstruction (3D group including the remaining 30 patients) preoperatively were included. 3D reconstruction and CTA images were prepared which were used to demonstrate the number and spatial interrelationships of the location of renal tumors and tumor feeding arteries. These radiological findings were directly correlated with intraoperative surgical findings at laparoscopy. Baseline, perioperative variables and the rate of accurate tumor feeding artery orientation were compared between groups.Results: All the procedures were performed successfully without conversion to main renal artery clamping. Preoperative 3D reconstruction identified that 15 patients had only one tumor feeding artery, 12 had two, and another 3 had three, while the conventional CTA revealed that 22 patients had one tumor feeding artery, 8 had two (P>0.05). The mean operation time was shorter and estimated blood loss was less in the 3D group (P<0.05). 3D reconstruction group resulted in more accurate dissection of tumor artery (91.7%) as compared to conventional CTA (84.2%). There were no statistical differences in the baseline characteristics and renal function outcomes between two groups. Conclusions: 3D reconstruction can provide comprehensive information for the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative orientation that may facilitate tumor resection during zero-ischemia LPN for renal tumors.
Validation of RESP and PRESERVE score for ARDS patients with pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist (pECLA)
Authors: Petran Jan , Muelly Thorsten , Dembinski Rolf , Steuer Niklas , Arens Jutta , Marx Gernot , Kopp Ruedger
Published: April 2020

Background RESP score and PRESERVE score have been validated for veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in severe ARDS to assume individual mortality risk. ARDS patients with low-flow Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal, especially pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist, have also a high mortality rate, but there are no validated specific or general outcome scores. This retrospective study tested whether these established specific risk scores can be validated for pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist in ARDS patients in comparison to a general organ dysfunction score, the SOFA score.Methods In a retrospective single center cohort study we calculated and evaluated RESP, PRESERVE, and SOFA score for 73 ARDS patients with pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist treated between 2002 and 2016 using the XENIOS iLA Membrane Ventilator. 6 patients had a mild, 40 a moderate and 27 a severe ARDS according to the Berlin criteria. Demographic data and hospital mortality as well as ventilator settings, hemodynamic parameters, and blood gas measurement before and during extracorporeal therapy were recorded.Results Pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist of mechanical ventilated ARDS patients resulted in an optimized lung protective ventilation, significant reduction of PaCO2, and compensation of acidosis. Scoring showed a mean score of alive versus deceased patients of 3 ± 1 versus -1 ± 1 for RESP (p < 0.01), 3 ± 0 versus 6 ± 0 for PRESERVE (p < 0.05) and 8 ± 1 versus 10 ± 1 for SOFA (p < 0.05). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.78 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.67 – 0.89, p < 0.01) for RESP score, 0.80 (95 % CI 0.70 – 0.90, p < 0.0001) for PRESERVE score and 0.66 (95 % CI 0.53 – 0.79, p < 0.05) for SOFA score. Conclusions RESP and PRESERVE scores were superior to SOFA, as non-specific critical care score. Although scores were developed for veno-venous ECMO, we could validate RESP and PRESERVE score for pumpless Extracorporeal Lung Assist. In conclusion, RESP and PRESERVE score are suitable to estimate mortality risk of ARDS patients with an arterio-venous pumpless Extracorporeal Carbon Dioxide Removal.
Effectiveness of a health education intervention on the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women of Pakistan: A Quasi-experimental study
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Farzeen Midhat , Hafeez Assad , Achakzai Baseer Khan , Vankwani Muskan , Lal Manohar , Iqbal Rabia , Somrongthong Ratana
Published: April 2020

Background: About one quarter pregnant women population were using long lasting insecticides treated bed nets in Pakistan for prevention of malaria.. Past research has reported that adequate information and education could act as mediator to change the behavior among patients for prevention of malaria infection. Hence, the effective use of LLINs could contribute in reduction of disease burden caused by malaria. Aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of health education on adoption of LLINs among pregnant women living in a remote district Tharparkar Sindh Pakistan. Methods: A Quasi-experimental study design with control and intervention group was conducted with 200 pregnant women (100in each group). Women in intervention group were provided with health education sessions on malaria for 12 weeks while those in control group obtained routine information by lady health workers (LHWs). Pre and post intervention assessment was done for knowledge about malaria and use of LLINs; and was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and difference in difference (DID) multivariable regression analysis to test the effectiveness of intervention. Results: Baseline was conducted with 200 pregnant women. Demographic characteristics were similar in both groups with slight differences in age, education, income, type of latrine and source of drinking water. There were no significant differences between the mean knowledge and use of LLINs scores between groups at baseline. However, the estimated difference-in-difference value after the intervention was 4.170 (p <0.01) represents an increase in scores of knowledge in the intervention group as compared to control. Similarly difference-in-difference value of 3.360 (p <0.05) showed an increase in use of LLINs score after the intervention which was significant therefore showing that the intervention had a positive effect. Conclusions: Results proved that health education could be an effective intervention for improving knowledge and usage of LLINs among pregnant women for prevention of malaria. Therefore, such educational interventions have a positive potential to be implemented at larger scale by incorporating them into routine health sessions provided by health workers.
Photosynthetic performance and growth responses of Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey (Asparagaceae) planted within poplar forests having different canopy densities
Authors: zhang jiaojiao , Zhu Ling , Zhang Xu , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2020

Background: Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H. Bailey is a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant that grows under a range of light intensities, from high to low, in the understories of shrubs. To understand how this species adapts to these various environments, we selected two groups of lilyturf growing under poplar trees at two different spacings. Each group was divided into three types, open field, forest edge and shaded forest with high, medium and low irradiance levels, respectively, and then we examined their photosynthetic characteristics, physiology and biomasses. Results: Light saturation point, light compensation point and in situ net photosynthetic rate (PN) were highest in lilyturf growing under high light. In contrast, lilyturf growing under low light had a higher apparent quantum yield and Chl a and b contents, indicating that they adapted to low light. Although the leaves of lilyturf growing under low light were small, their root tubers were heavier. Conclusions: The research demonstrates the eco-physiological basis of lilyturf’s shade adaptation mechanism as indicated by photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, Chl a, Chl b and Car contents when grown under different irradiances. We believe that lilyturf is a shade-tolerant plant suitable for planting in undergrowth, but attention should be paid to the canopy density of the forest when interplanting. The findings presented here advance our understanding of the photosynthetic characteristics of understory plants and may assist in the optimization of irradiances in the future.
Distinctions between sex and time in patterns of DNA methylation across puberty
Authors: Moore Sarah R , Humphreys Kathryn L , Colich Natalie L , Davis Elena Goetz , Lin David T S , MacIsaac Julia L , Kobor Michael S , Gotlib Ian H
Published: April 2020

Background: There are significant sex differences in human physiology and disease; the genomic sources of these differences, however, are not well understood. During puberty, a drastic neuroendocrine shift signals physical changes resulting in robust sex differences in human physiology. Here, we explore how shifting patterns of DNA methylation may inform these pathways of biological plasticity during the pubertal transition. Methods: In this study we analyzed DNA methylation (DNAm) in saliva at two time points across the pubertal transition within the same individuals. We targeted two domains of DNAm patterns that may inform processes of sexual differentiation 1) sex related sites, which demonstrated differences between males from females and 2) time related sites in which DNAm shifted significantly between timepoints. We further explored the correlated network structure sex and time related DNAm networks and linked these patterns to pubertal stage, assays of salivary testosterone, a reliable diagnostic of free, unbound hormone that is available to act on target tissues, and overlap with androgen response elements.Results: Sites that differed by biological sex were largely independent of sites that underwent change across puberty. Time-related DNAm sites, but not sex-related sites, formed correlated networks that were associated with pubertal stage. Both time and sex DNAm networks reflected salivary testosterone levels that were enriched for androgen response elements, with sex-related DNAm networks being informative of testosterone levels above and beyond biological sex later in the pubertal transition. Conclusions: These results inform our understanding of the distinction between sex- and time-related differences in DNAm during the critical period of puberty and highlight a novel linkage between correlated patterns of sex-related DNAm and levels of salivary testosterone.
Factors influencing cognitive reactivity among young adults at high risk for depression in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: huang fei fei , Wen Zhi Peng , li qi , chen bin , Weng Wen Jie
Published: April 2020

Background: Understanding the factors influencing cognitive reactivity (CR) may help identify individuals at risk for first episode depression and relapse and facilitate routine access to preventative treatments. However, few studies have examined the relationship between CR and depression in Asian countries. This study was performed to assess the current status of CR among Chinese young adults and explore influencing factors.Methods: A national cross-sectional online study using convenience sampling was conducted among 1597 healthy young adults in China (response rate: 93.94%) with a mean age of 24.34 (SD=5.76) years. Results: The mean CR score was 51.36±18.97 (range 0-130). Binary logistic regression showed that a low level of CR was associated with the following factors: high self-compassion, high social support, high resilience, high monthly household income, and living in a rural area, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 0.14 to 0.70. Young adults in full-time employment, experiencing poor sleep, with high neuroticism, who reported frequent sad mood, and who had a high intensity of negative life events had increased CR to depression, with ORs ranging from 1.18 to 6.66. The prediction probability of these factors was 75.40%. Causal relationships among the influencing factors and CR could not be explored.Conclusions: The self-reported CR levels among Chinese young adults were moderate. Enhancing self-compassion, resilience, and social support for young adults and reducing negative life events, neuroticism, and poor sleep may help decrease CR. These findings may help healthcare providers or researchers determine how to cultivate and improve the CR of young adults by establishing documented policies and/or improving intervention efficacies.
Effect of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine doses for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in hypoendemic area in Tanzania
Authors: Mikomangwa Wigilya Padili , Minzi Omary , Mutagonda Ritah , Baraka Vito , Mlugu Eulambius M. , Aklillu Eleni , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A.R.
Published: April 2020

Background Malaria in pregnancy increases the risk of deleterious maternal and birth outcomes. The use of ≥3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (IPTp-SP) is recommended for preventing the consequences of malaria during pregnancy. This study assessed the effect of IPTp-SP for prevention of malaria during pregnancy in low transmission settings. Methods A cross-sectional study that involved consecutively selected 1,161 pregnant women was conducted at Mwananyamala regional referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Assessment of the uptake of IPTp-SP was done by extracting information from antenatal clinic cards. Maternal venous blood, cord blood, placental blood and placental biopsy were collected for assessment of anaemia and malaria. High performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) was used to detect and quantify sulfadoxine (SDX). Dried blood spots (DBS) of placental blood were collected for determination of sub-microscopic malaria using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results In total, 397 (34.2%) pregnant women reported to have used sub-optimal doses (≤2) while 764(65.8%) used optimal doses (≥3) of IPTp-SP at the time of delivery. The prevalence of placental malaria as determined by histology was 3.6%. Submicroscopic placental malaria was detected in 1.4% of the study participants. Women with peripheral malaria had six times risk of maternal anaemia than those who were malaria negative (aOR, 5.83; 95% CI, 1.10-30.92; p = 0.04). The geometric mean plasma SDX concentration was 10.76± 2.51μg/mL. Sub-optimal IPTp-SP dose was not associated with placental malaria, premature delivery and fetal anaemia. The use of ≤2 doses of IPTp-SP increased the risk of maternal anaemia by 1.36 fold compared to ≥3 doses (aOR, 1.36; 95%CI, 1.04-1.79; p = 0.02). Conclusion The use of <2 doses of IPTp-SP increased the risk of maternal anaemia. However, sub-optimal doses (≤2 doses) were not associated with increased the risk of malaria parasitaemia, fetal anaemia and preterm delivery among pregnant women in low malaria transmission setting. The use of optimal doses (≥3doses) of IPTp-SP and complementary interventions should continue even in areas with low malaria transmission.
A framework for distributed health professions training: using participatory action research to build consensus
Authors: Schalkwyk Susan C Van , Couper Ian D , Blitz Julia , De Villiers Marietjie Rene
Published: April 2020

Background There is a global trend towards providing training for health professions students outside of tertiary academic complexes. In many countries, this shift places pressure on available sites and the resources at their disposal, specifically within the public health sector. Introducing an educational remit into a complex health system is challenging, requiring commitment from a range of stakeholders, including national authorities. To facilitate the effective implementation of distributed training, we developed a guiding framework through an extensive, national consultative process with a view to informing both practice and policy.Methods We adopted a participatory action research approach over a four year period across three phases, which included seven local, provincial and national consultative workshops, reflective work sessions by the research team, and expert reviews. Approximately 240 people participated in these activities. Engagement with the national department of health and health professions council further informed the development of the Framework. Results Each successive ‘feedback loop’ contributed to the development of the Framework which comprised a set of guiding principles, as well as the components essential to the effective implementation of distributed training. Analysis further pointed to the centrality of relationships, while emphasising the importance of involving all sectors relevant to the training of health professionals. A tool to facilitate the implementation of the Framework was also developed, incorporating a set of ‘Simple Rules for Effective distributed health professions training’. A national consensus statement was adopted.Conclusions In this project, we drew on the thinking and practices of key stakeholders to enable a synthesis between their embodied and inscribed knowledge, and the prevailing literature, this with a view to further enaction as the knowledge generators become knowledge users. The Framework and its subsequent implementation has not only assisted us to apply the evidence to our educational practice, but also to begin to influence policy at a national level.
How are systematic reviews of prevalence conducted? A methodological study
Authors: Migliavaca Celina Borges , Stein Cinara , Colpani Verônica , Barker Timothy Hugh , Munn Zachary , Falavigna Maicon
Published: April 2020

Background: There is a notable lack of methodological and reporting guidance for systematic reviews of prevalence data. This information void has the potential to result in reviews that are inconsistent and inadequate to inform healthcare policy and decision making. The aim of this meta-epidemiological study is to describe the methodology of recently published prevalence systematic reviews.Methods: We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) from February 2017 to February 2018 for systematic reviews of prevalence studies. We included systematic reviews assessing the prevalence of any clinical condition using patients as the unit of measurement and we summarized data related to reporting of and methodology of the reviews.Results: A total of 235 systematic reviews of prevalence were analyzed. The median number of authors was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 4-7), the median number of databases searched was 4 (3-6) and the median of studies included in each review was 24 (IQR 15-41.5). Search strategies were presented for 68% of reviews. Forty five percent of reviews received external funding, and 24% did not provide funding information. Twenty three percent of included reviews had published or registered the systematic review protocol. Reporting guidelines were used in 72% of reviews. The quality of included studies was assessed in 80% of reviews. Nine reviews assessed the overall quality of evidence (4 using GRADE). Meta-analysis was conducted in 65% of reviews; 1% used Bayesian methods. Random effect meta-analysis was used in 94% of reviews; among them, 75% did not report the variance estimator used. Among the reviews with meta-analysis, 70% did not report how data was transformed; 59% percent conducted subgroup analysis, 38% conducted meta-regression and 2% estimated prediction interval; I2 was estimated in 95% of analysis. Publication bias was examined in 48%. The most common software used was STATA (55%).Conclusions: Our results indicate that there are significant inconsistencies regarding how these reviews are conducted. Many of these differences arose in the assessment of methodological quality and the formal synthesis of comparable data. This variability indicates the need for clearer reporting standards and consensus on methodological guidance for systematic reviews of prevalence data.
Development of a novel method for the quantification of tyrosine 39 phosphorylated a- and β-synuclein in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Na Chan Hyun , Sathe Gajanan , Rosenthal Liana S. , Moghekar Abhay R. , Dawson Valina L. , Dawson Ted M. , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: April 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Biomarkers that can help monitor the progression of PD or response to disease-modifying agents will be invaluable in making appropriate therapeutic decisions. Further, biomarkers that could be used to distinguish PD from other related disorders with PD-like symptoms will be useful for accurate diagnosis and treatment. C-Abl tyrosine kinase is activated in PD resulting in increased phosphorylation of the tyrosine residue at position 39 (Y39) of a-synuclein (a-syn) (pY39 a-syn), which contributes to the death of dopaminergic neurons. Because pY39 a-syn may be pathogenic, monitoring pY39 a-syn could allow us to diagnose presymptomatic PD and help monitor disease progression and response to treatment. We sought to investigate if increased phosphorylation of pY39 a-syn can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of PD patients by targeted mass spectrometry. Methods: Here, we report a two-step enrichment method in which phosphotyrosine peptides were first enriched with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody followed by a second round of enrichment by titanium dioxide (TiO2) beads to detect EGVLpYVGSK sequence derived from tyrosine 39 region of α- and β-synuclein (aβ-syn). Accurate quantification was achieved by adding a synthetic heavy version of pY39 aβ-syn peptide before enzymatic digestion. Results: Using the developed enrichment methods and optimized parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assays, we detected pY39 aβ-syn peptide in human CSF and demonstrated that the ratio of pY39 aβ-syn to Y39 aβ-syn was significantly increased in the CSF of patients with PD.Conclusions: We anticipate that this optimized two-step enrichment-based PRM detection method will help monitor c-Abl activation in PD patients and can also be used to quantify other phosphotyrosine peptides of low abundance in biological samples.
Prospective Randomized Study Evaluating the Usefulness of a Surgical Smoke Evacuation System in Operating Rooms for Breast Surgery
Authors: Tokuda Yutaka , Okamura Takuho , Maruta Miki , Orita Mutsuko , Noguchi Miyuki , Suzuki Toshiyasu , Matsuki Hideaki
Published: April 2020

Background: No prospective evaluation of surgical smoke evacuation systems has yet been conducted anywhere in the world. A prospective randomized study was conducted to clarify the usefulness of a surgical smoke evacuation system in terms of reducing the quantity of environmental pollutants found in operating room air and reducing the occupational exposure of doctors and nurses involved in surgical procedures to surgical smoke, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, etc. Methods: Operating room environment conditions with and without the use of a surgical smoke evacuation system were measured, and the personal exposure levels of doctors and nurses involved in surgical procedures were also surveyed. Use of the evacuation system was determined randomly, and the procedures involved were breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy, which were treated as stratification factors. Results: The average total volatile organic compound concentration in the operating room was significantly lower when the evacuation system was used compared with when it was not used. The findings were similar for formaldehyde concentration. Multiple regression analysis for healthcare professionals’ personal exposure levels showed that the evacuation system was a factor that significantly impacted their formaldehyde and acetaldehyde personal exposure levels, which were greatly reduced by the use of the system. Conclusion: This study’s findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the evacuation systems, which should increase awareness that their benefits take priority over the drawbacks. Trial Registration: The study was conducted after explaining to participants that it was a study of operating room environments in which their participation was voluntary and obtaining their consent. The study was also approved by the Tokai University Hospital clinical research review committee (no. 5R-022) and registered with the UMIN registry　(UMIN000029092) on 13, September, 2017-　retrospectively registered, http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/UMIN000029092.
The prevalence of domestic violence and its association with family factors: A cross-sectional study among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, China
Authors: Zheng Baohua , Zhu Xidi , Hu Zhao , Zhou Wensu , Yu Yunhan , Yin Shilin , Xu Huilan
Published: April 2020

Background：With the increased vulnerability during pregnancy, domestic violence (DV) is a serious threat to the physical and mental health of pregnant women, making it a significant issue in public health initiatives. In China, family is of great significance to pregnant women, but few scholars have focused specifically on the relationship between the family factors of pregnant women and DV. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and association between family factors and DV among women in late pregnancy, to provide evidence for the prevention of domestic violence during pregnancy. Methods：A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July-October, 2019 among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. A total of 813 participants were included by a multi-staged cluster random sampling method. DV was assessed by the Abuse Assessment Screen Questionnaire (AAS). A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between family factors and DV. Results：Ultimately, 127 (15.62%) participants were identified as victims of DV. After adjustment, the potential risk factors of DV were tensions between their mother-in-law and other family members (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.29 to 6.30 and OR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.57 to 6.93), medium household debt (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.18 to 4.00), middle and low family APGARI (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.30 to 3.13 and OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 2.09 to 7.69). Conclusions：In summary, women in late pregnancy were at higher risk of DV in the family with tensions, medium household debt and family dysfunction, which may help medical personnel intervene in cases of domestic violence against pregnant women in a reasonable and timely manner.
Did the extended coverage policy contribute to alleviating socioeconomic inequality in untreated dental caries of both children and adolescents in South Korea?
Authors: Shin Bo-Mi , Jung Se-Hwang , Kim Myong-Hee , Ryu Jae-In
Published: April 2020

Background Dental sealants have been covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) since December 2009 in South Korea. This study aims to determine whether the socioeconomic inequality in untreated dental caries decreased after implementing the extended coverage policy for dental sealant.Methods The data were derived from the fourth (2007–2009) and sixth (2013–2015) waves of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Dental caries and sealant experience by income quartiles were tested using the Rao-Scott chi-squared test. In order to examine socioeconomic inequalities and their trends over time, the prevalence ratios (PRs), slope index of inequality (SII), and relative index of inequality (RII) were estimated for each wave and age group. All analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.3.Results The adjusted PRs of untreated dental caries and sealants in the poorest in the aged 6-11 group were significantly higher and lower, respectively, compared to the most affluent quartile group for the fourth wave; however, all significant differences disappeared for the sixth wave, after the sealant coverage. The gap between the lowest and the highest was similar for the aged 12-18 group but it widened in the untreated dental caries even after the sealant coverage. The statistical significance of the PRs was maintained at the sixth wave for both caries and sealants. Children showed decreases in both SII and RII over time so its significance disappeared. The SII among adolescents decreased over time but the RII of untreated dental caries increased.Conclusions This study found that the NHIS coverage expansion of dental care had a positive effect on overall status in dental health among children and adolescents. However, younger children benefited more in terms of inequalities. Our findings indicate that strategies to enhance access to preventive dental services should consider the differential effects for the vulnerable population in terms of socioeconomic status and age from the beginning stage of the policy.
The association between sialolithiasis and smoking, alcohol drinking and obesity in Korea: A nested case-control study
Authors: Jin Young Ju , Han Young Eun , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: April 2020

Background: Smoking and alcohol consumption are the most common social habits in patients with sialolithiasis. Moreover, obesity has been reported to have a significant association with poor oral hygiene, one of the causes of sialolithiasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships among tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity and sialolithiasis in a Korean population.Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort, which includes patients ≥ 40 years old, was assessed from 2002 to 2013. A total of 947 sialolithiasis participants were matched with 3,788 control subjects at a ratio of 1:4 with respect to age group, sex, income group, region of residence, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. We analyzed the participants’ previous histories of smoking (current or past smokers compared to nonsmokers) and alcohol consumption (≥ 1 time per week compared to < 1 time per week) in the sialolithiasis and control groups. Obesity was measured using body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), which was categorized as < 18.5 (underweight), ≥ 18.5 and < 23 (normal), ≥ 23 and < 25 (overweight), ≥ 25 and < 30 (obese I), and ≥ 30 (obese II). Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression analyses.Results: The rate of smoking was higher in the sialolithiasis group (32.4% [307/947]) than in the control group (29.1% [1,103/3,788], P = 0.047). The adjusted OR of smoking for the sialolithiasis group was 1.31 (95% CI = 1.08-1.59, P = 0.006). Alcohol consumption and obesity were not statistically significantly related to sialolithiasis.Conclusion: The odds of smoking were increased in sialolithiasis patients compared with control subjects in the population ≥ 40 years of age.
BAMscale: quantification of next-generation sequencing peaks and generation of scaled coverage tracks
Authors: Pongor Lorinc , Gross Jacob M , Alvarez Roberto Vera , Murai Junko , Jang Sang-Min , Zhang Hongliang , Redon Christophe , Fu Haiqing , Huang Shar-Yin , Thakur Bhushan , Baris Adrian , Marino-Ramirez Leonardo , Landsman David , Aladjem Mirit I , Pommier Yves
Published: April 2020

Background Next-generation sequencing allows genome-wide analysis of changes in chromatin states and gene expression. Data analysis of these increasingly used methods either requires multiple analysis steps, or extensive computational time. We sought to develop a tool for rapid quantification of sequencing peaks from diverse experimental sources and an efficient method to produce coverage tracks for accurate visualization that can be intuitively displayed and interpreted by experimentalists with minimal bioinformatics background. We demonstrate its strength and usability by integrating data from several types of sequencing approaches. Results We have developed BAMscale , a one-step tool that processes a wide set of sequencing datasets. To demonstrate the usefulness of BAMscale , we analyzed multiple sequencing datasets from chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data (ChIP-seq), chromatin state change data (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing: ATAC-seq, DNA double-strand break mapping sequencing: END-seq), DNA replication data (Okazaki fragments sequencing: OK-seq, Nascent-strand sequencing: NS-seq, single-cell replication timing sequencing: scRepli-seq) and RNA-seq data. The outputs consist of raw and normalized peak scores (multiple normalizations) in text format and scaled bigWig coverage tracks that are directly accessible to data visualization programs. BAMScale also includes a visualization module facilitating direct, on-demand quantitative peak comparisons that can be used by experimentalists. Our tool can effectively analyze large sequencing datasets (~100Gb size) in minutes, outperforming currently available tools. Conclusions BAMscale accurately quantifies and normalizes identified peaks directly from BAM files, and creates coverage tracks for visualization in genome browsers. BAMScale can be implemented for a wide set of methods for calculating coverage tracks, including ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq, as well as methods that currently require specialized, separate tools for analyses, such as splice aware RNA-seq, END-seq and OK-seq for which no dedicated software is available. BAMscale is freely available on github ( https://github.com/ncbi/BAMscale ).
Non-health outcomes affecting self-care behaviors and medical decision-making preference in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Ming-Jye , Lin Hung-Ming , Hung Li-Chen , Lo Yi-Ting
Published: April 2020

Background: The effects of patient sustained self-care behaviors on glycemic control are even greater than the effects of medical treatment, indicating the value of identifying the factors that influence self-care behaviors. To date, these factors have not been placed in a single model to clarify the critical path affecting self-care behaviors. The aims of this study were to explore the relationships of these factors and the differences in patient preference for medical decision-making.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients with type 2 diabetes at a regional teaching hospital. Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit 316 eligible patients via self-administered questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for analysis.Results: Significant direct pathways were identified from health literacy to self-efficacy, patient empowerment, and self-care behaviors; from self-efficacy to self-care behaviors; and from patient empowerment to self-care behaviors. Indirect pathways were from health literacy to self-care behaviors via self-efficacy or patient empowerment. The pathway from health literacy to self-efficacy was significantly stronger in those preferring shared decision-making than in those who preferred physician decision-making. Conclusions: Health literacy is a critical factor in improving self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes, and the effect of health literacy on self-efficacy was more significant in the shared decision-making than in the physician decision-making. Therefore, developing an effective health strategy to strengthen health literacy awareness and designing friendly, diverse health literacy materials, and application tools is the most important factor to facilitate self-care behaviors in this population.