bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long non-coding RNA BCYRN1 exerts an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer through regulating miR-204-3p/KRAS axis
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhang Yinan , Bao Jun , Feng Ji-Feng
Published: August 2020

Background: It has been well documented that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate numerous characteristics of cancer, including proliferation, migration, metastasis, apoptosis, even metabolism. LncRNA BCYRN1 (BCYRN1) is a newly identified brain cytoplasmic lncRNA with 200-nucleotide, which was discovered highly expressed in tumor tissues of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer and lung cancer. However, the roles of BCYRN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain obscure. This study was designed to reveal the acts of BCYRN1 in the occurrence and progression of CRC.Methods: RT-PCR was used to detect the expression level of BCYRN1 in tumor tissues and CRC cell lines. Knock down BCYRN1 in CRC cells, evaluate cell proliferation changes by CCK-8 test, EdU test, and Ki-67 and PCNA expression; evaluate cell migration and invasion changes by wound healing assay, Transwell assay and invasion-related protein expression . Through flow cytometry analysis to assess whether BCYRN1 regulates apoptosis of CRC cells. The dual luciferase reporter gene detects the competitive binding of BCYRN1 to miR-204-3p. In vivo experiments to evaluate the effect of BCYRN1 on tumor development. TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene detect the target gene of miR-204-3p. Rescue experiments verified the effect of BCYRN1 on CRC by regulating the effect of miR-204-3p on KRAS.Results: We found that compared with normal tissues and human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs), BCYRN1 levels were significantly increased in tumor tissues and cell lines of CRC. We further determined that knockdown of BCYRN1 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted apoptosis of CRC cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay showed that BCYRN1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the development of CRC through competitively binding to miR-204-3p. Further studies proved that overexpression of miR-204-3p reversed the effects of BCYRN1 on CRC. Next, TargetScan analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRAS was a target gene of miR-204-3p and negatively regulated by miR-204-3p. A series of rescue experiments showed that BCYRN1 affected the occurrence and development of CRC by regulating the effects of miR-204-3p on KRAS. In addition, tumorigenic experiments in CRC model mice confirmed that down-regulated BCYRN1 effectively inhibited tumor growth. Conclusions: Our findings suggested that BCYRN1 plays a carcinogenic role in CRC by regulating the miR-204-3p/KRAS axis.
Metastasis to lateral lymph nodes with no mesenteric lymph node involvement in low rectal cancer: a retrospective case series
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Zhichun , Zhou Yuanda , Zeng Qingsheng , Zhang Xipeng , Sun Yi
Published: August 2020

Purpose The aim of this study is to examine the pattern of lymph node metastasis (lateral vs. mesenteric lymph nodes) in low rectal cancer.Methods This retrospective analysis included all patients undergoing laparoscopic total mesorectal excision plus lateral lymph node dissection for advanced low rectal cancer (up to 8 cm from the anal verge) during a period from July 1, 2017 to August 31, 2019 at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center. The decision to conduct lateral lymph node dissection was based on positive findings in preoperative imaging assessments.Results A total of 42 patients were included in data analysis. Surgery was successfully completed as planned, without conversion to open surgery in any case. A minimal of 10 mesenteric lymph nodes and 1 lateral lymph node on each side were dissected in all patients. Pathologic examination of resected specimens showed no metastasis to either mesenteric or lateral lymph nodes in 7 (16.7%) case, metastasis to both mesenteric and lateral lymph nodes in 26 (61.9%) cases, metastasis to mesenteric but not lateral lymph nodes in 4 (9.5%) cases, and metastasis to lateral but not mesenteric lymph nodes in 5 (11.9%) cases (n=2 in the obturator region; n=3 in the iliac artery region).Conclusion A clinically significant proportion of low rectal cancer patients have metastasis to lateral lymph nodes without involvement of mesenteric lymph nodes. More carefully planned prospective studies are needed to verify this preliminary finding.
The Effect of Solution-Focused Counseling on Violence Rate and Quality of Life of Pregnant Women at Risk of Domestic Violence: A randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohammadi Sepideh Din , Dadashi Mohsen , Ahmadnia Elahe , Janani leila , Kharaghani Roghieh
Published: August 2020

Background: Domestic violence is considered as one of the most common social problems, which can affect the quality of life of women. The problem of preventing and controlling this problem, especially during pregnancy, is one of the basic challenges of health systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of counseling based on conflict solution on the rate of violence and quality of life of pregnant women at risk of domestic violence. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial on 90 pregnant women, who were selected from maternity wards in health center number three in Zanjan city. Women who had inclusion criteria based on the domestic violence conflict tactics scale (CTS-2) selected with convenience sampling and randomly divided into two groups of intervention (45 people) and control (45 people) with a blocked randomization method. The intervention group received six counseling sessions with a solution-focused approach and the control group received no intervention. Study tool included demographic and reproductive questionnaires CTS- 2 and short form health survey (SF-36); which completed at baseline and six weeks follow-up in both groups. The results were analyzed by nonparametric ANCOVA using SPSS and R soft wares.Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in the physical violence (P=0.001), psychological violence (P=0.001), and sexual violence (P=0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group at six weeks follow- up. There were significant improvements in negotiation scores in the intervention group (P˂0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences in the quality of life scores (P=0.001), vitality (p=0.003), psychological health (p=0.004), bodily pain (p=0.014), physical functioning (p=0.023), and social functioning (p=0.019) between the two groups at the follow- up period.Conclusion: According to the result, individual counseling based on a solution-based approach reduces the amount of domestic violence and increases the quality of life of pregnant women at risk of violence.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017040628352N4. Date of registration: August 20th 2017.
Vancomycin-lock therapy for prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection in very low body weight infants
Authors: Liang Hong , Zhang Lian , Guo Xiaoping , Sun Li
Published: August 2020

Background: This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vancomycin- lock therapy for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in very low body weight (VLBW) preterm infant patients.Methods: One hundred and thirty-seven cases of VLBW preterm infants who retained peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were retrospectively reviewed, including 68 treating with heparin plus vancomycin (vancomycin-lock group) and 69 with heparin only (control group). The incidence of CRBSI, related pathogenic bacteria, adverse events during the treatment, complications, antibiotic exposure, PICC usage time, hospital stay, etc. were compared between the above two groups.Results: The incidence rate of CRBSI in the vancomycin-lock group (4.4%, 3/68) was significantly less than in the control group (21.7%, 15/69, p=0.004). Total antibiotic exposure time during the whole observation period was significantly shorter in the group than in the control group (11.2±10.0 vs 23.6±16.1 d; p<0.001). No hypoglycemia occurred during the locking, and the blood concentrations of vancomycin were not detectable.Conclusions: Vancomycin-lock may effectively prevent CRBSI in Chinese VLBW preterm infants, prolong the usage time of PICC line, and reduce the exposure time of antibiotics, without causing obvious side complications.
In Cervical Arthroplasty Only Prostheses with Flexible Biomechanical Properties Should be Used for Achieving a Near-Physiological Motion Pattern
Authors: Muehlbauer Manfred , Tomasch Ernst , Sinz Wolfgang , Trattnig Siegfried , Steffan Hermann
Published: August 2020

Background: In cervical arthroplasty, qualitative motion analysis generally investigates the position of the Center of Rotation (COR) before and after surgery. But is the prae-op COR suitable as reference? We believe that only a comparison against healthy individuals can answer whether a physiological motion pattern has been achieved. The aim of our study was to examine how the COR for flexion / extension after insertion of 3 biomechanically completely different types of disc prostheses compares to healthy volunteers, and whether and how prosthesis design contributes to a more natural or maybe even worse motion pattern.Methods: In 15 healthy volunteers MRI in flexion and in extension was taken, and the coordinates for the CORs (COR-HV) from C3 to C7 were determined. Then prae- and post-op flexion-/extension x-rays from 30 patients with a one-level disc prosthesis underwent analysis for determination of COR from C3 to C7; 10 patients who received a Bryan-, a Prestige STLP- or a Discover prosthesis were chosen, respectively. Change of post-op COR position was investigated in relation to the COR-HV.Results: The pre-operative COR is not congruent with the COR found in healthy subjects and therefore cannot be used as reference for investigation whether a disc prosthesis resembles natural motion. However, the comparison with healthy individuals shows that Prosthesis-insertion can change the coordinates of the COR to any direction in all levels from C3/4 to C6/7 regardless of the operated segment. Prostheses with flexible biomechanical properties can contribute to shift the COR towards normal, but devices with unphysiological biomechanical design, like fixed ball-socket designs, for instance, can make the motion pattern even worse.Conclusions: Even if the small cohorts in our study do not allow strong conclusions, it seems that in cervical arthroplasty, the biomechanical concept of the prosthesis has a significant impact whether a near-physiological motion pattern can be achieved or not. As it is rumor but not scientifically proofed that prosthesis-design has no influence on clinical outcome, surgeons should only choose devices with flexible biomechanical properties for disc replacement.
Opposite-sex effects of the Tac2 pathway blockade in fear memory consolidation
Authors: Florido Antonio , Velasco Eric , Soto Carlos , Gómez Alex , Nadal Roser , Pozo Oscar , Saura Carlos , Andero Raül
Published: August 2020

Memory formation is key for brain functioning. Uncovering the memory mechanisms is helping us to better understand neural processes in health and disease. In this line, the Tachykinin 2 (Tac2) pathway in the central amygdala (CeA) has been shown to be sufficient and necessary for the modulation of fear memory consolidation. CeA-Tac2 antagonism and its pharmacogenetic temporal inhibition impairs fear memory in male mice. Surprisingly, we demonstrate here a totally opposite effect of Tac2 blockade on enhancing fear memory consolidation in females. Furthermore, CeA-testosterone in males, CeA-estradiol in females and Akt/GSK3β/β-Catenin signaling in both mediate the opposite-sex differential Tac2 pathway regulation of fear memory. This study may have implications beyond memory functioning, including fields related to behavior where opposite-sex effects have not been studied in-depth or at all.
Evolution and current state of global research on paediatric resuscitation: A systematic scientometric analysis
Authors: Scholz Sean S. , Borgstedt Rainer , Menzel Leoni C. , Rehberg Sebastian , Jansen Gerrit
Published: August 2020

Background: Paediatric resuscitation is rare but potentially associated with maximal lifetime reduction. Notably, several nations experience high infant mortality rates even today. To improve clinical outcomes and promote research, detailed analyses on evolution and current state of research on paediatric resuscitation are necessary. Methods: Research on paediatric resuscitation published in-between 1900-2019 were searched using Web of Science. Metadata were extracted and analyzed based on the science performance evaluation (SciPE) protocol. Research performance was evaluated regarding quality and quantity over time, including comparisons to adult resuscitation. National research performance was related to population, financial capacities, infant mortality rate, collaborations, and authors´ gender. Results: Similar to adult resuscitation, research performance on paediatric resuscitation grew exponentially with most original articles being published during the last decade (1,106/1,896). The absolute number, however, is only 14% compared to adults. The United States dominate global research by contributing the highest number of articles (777), Hirsch-Index (70), and citations (18,863). The most productive collaboration was between the United States and Canada (52). When considering nation’s population and gross domestic product (GDP) rate, Norway is leading regarding population per article (62,467), per Hirsch-Index (223,841), per citation (2,226), and per GDP (2.3E-04). Regarding publications per infant mortality rate, efforts of India and Brazil are remarkable. Out of the 100 most frequently publishing researchers, 25% were female. Conclusion: Research efforts on paediatric resuscitation have increased but remain underrepresented. Specifically, nations with high infant mortality rates should be integrated by collaborations. Additional efforts are required to overcome gender disparities.
Low-grade chronic inflammation is attenuated by exercise training in obese adults through down-regulation of ASC gene in peripheral blood: a pilot study
Authors: Barrón-Cabrera Elisa , González-Becerra Karina , Rosales-Chávez Gustavo , Mora-Jiménez Alondra , Hernández-Cañaveral Iván , Martinez-Lopez Erika
Published: August 2020

Background: Obesity is characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation and an excess of adipose tissue. The ASC gene encodes a protein that is part of the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cytosolic multiprotein complex that is associated with inflammation and metabolic alterations. To our knowledge, there is no evidence regarding ASC gene activity in obese adults in response to lifestyle modifications. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of hypocaloric diet and moderate-intensity structured exercise intervention on ASC gene expression and inflammatory markers in obese adults. Methods: Thirty-seven obese individuals aged 25 to 50 years were randomized to the hypocaloric diet exercise group or hypocaloric diet group. The participants underwent a 4-month follow-up. Electrical bioimpedance was used for body composition analysis. Biochemical data were analyzed by dry chemistry and insulin levels by ELISA. ASC gene expression from peripheral blood was performed using real-time PCR. Dietary data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the Nutritionist Pro™ software. Quantification of cytokines was conducted using Bio-Plex Pro™ Human cytokine. The Astrand-Ryhming test was used to estimate the maximum oxygen volume and design the moderate-intensity structured exercise program ~75% heart rate (HR). Results: After the intervention, both study groups significantly improved body composition (decreased weight, fat mass, waist circumference and abdominal obesity, p<0.05). Besides, the diet-exercise group significantly decreased ASC mRNA expression, MCP-1, and MIP-1β inflammatory cytokines compared to the diet group (p<0.05). While in the diet group, MCP-1 and IL-8 exhibited significantly decreased levels (p<0.05). In the diet-exercise group, a positive correlation between the atherogenic index and waist circumference was found (r=0.822, p=0.011), and a negative correlation was observed between the delta of ASC mRNA expression and IL-10 levels at the end of the intervention (r=-0.627, p=0.019). Conclusion: Low-grade chronic inflammation was attenuated through individualized exercise prescription and our findings highlight the role of the ASC gene in the inflammation of obese adults.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT04315376. Registered 20 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04315376
Value of quantitative analysis of left ventricular systolic function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis based on myocardial work technique
Authors: Liu Chang , Feng Yi-Ping , Yan Zi-Ning , Fan Li , Rui Yi-Fei , Cui Ling
Published: August 2020

Background: To detect the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients by using myocardial work (MW) technique. And investigated the clinical value of the MW technique for the quantitative analysis of left ventricular (LV) systolic function in MHD patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).Methods: A total of 58 MHD patients and 29 normal subjects were registered in this study. The MHD patients were divided into the non-left ventricular hypertrophy (NLVH) group (n=32) and the LVH group (n=26) according to the LV myocardial index (LVMI). MW was used to generated the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE. GLS and the MW parameters (GWI, GCW, GWW, GWE) were compared between groups and the correlations between these parameters and the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in the LVH group were examined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of MW parameters and GLS for the assessment of LV systolic dysfunction in MHD patients with LVH.Results: The LVH group had significantly lower GWE, GWI, GCW, and GLS but higher GWW than the control and NLVH groups. Compared with the control group, the NLVH group had significantly lower GWE and GLS and higher GWW, but no significant differences in GWI, GCW were observed between these two groups. The LVEF was negatively correlated with GWW in MHD patients, but positively correlated with GWI, GWE, and GCW in the LVH group. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis revealed that GWE, GWW, GWI, and GCW had appreciable area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for evaluating LV function in LVH patients. Conclusion: MW parameters can be effectively used to evaluate the LV systolic function in MHD patients with or without LVH.
Reasons for and Scenarios Associated With Failure to Cease Smoking: Results From a Qualitative Study Among Smokers Who Had Unsuccessfully Attempted to Quit
Authors: Buczkowski Krzysztof , Dachtera-Frackiewicz Magdalena , Luszkiewicz Dorota , Klucz Katarzyna , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Marcinowicz Ludmila
Published: August 2020

Background: Most smokers attempt to quit smoking, but few are successful. Data regarding the reasons for this relapse and the course of the relapse process may be helpful for determining efficient methods of smoking cessation. This study aimed to identify the causes of and scenarios associated with smoking relapse after effective smoking cessation. Methods: We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with smokers who had previously unsuccessfully attempted to quit. The data underwent qualitative content analysis. Results: Three major themes were identified: Reasons for smoking relapse; Smoking relapse scenarios; and Perception of the influence of personal environments, including family and physicians, on refraining from smoking after cessation. The first theme comprised the following subthemes: insufficient willpower and self-discipline, contact with smokers, exposure to stressful situations, lack of family support, weight gain, and insufficient improvement in one’s mental and physical well-being. The second theme contained enjoyable social events, professional life, critical events, and encouragement to smoke from family members. The respondents frequently emphasized the large role of interaction with other smokers. Conclusions: The predominant factors underlying smoking relapse include insufficient willpower and self-discipline and exposure to stress. The most frequent relapse scenario concerned experiencing negative or positive emotions when interacting with other smokers.
Psychological Distress in Nepalese Residents during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Community Level Survey
Authors: Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Thapa Bikash Bikram , Katuwal Nagendra , Shrestha Bikal , Pant Chiran , Basnet Bina , Mandal Pankaj , Gurung Amol , Agrawal Ankita , Rouniyar Ramhari
Published: August 2020

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented health and economic impact. Psychological stress, anxiety and depression are affecting not only COVID-19 patients but also health professionals, and general population. Restrictive measures; fear of contracting COVID-19; hardship to carry out livelihood is causing traumas to mental health. Nepal is a developing country from South Asia where the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to reach at peak. This online survey has been carried out to understand impact of COVID 19 on mental health of Nepalese community dwellers.Methods: The COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) questionnaire adapted from the Shanghai Mental Health Centre was used for collecting data in this online survey. Data were collected from 11 April-17 May 2020. Collected data extracted to Microsoft excel-13 and imported and analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version-22. An initial univariate analysis was conducted for all variables to assess the distribution and logistic regression analyses were done to estimate the odds ratios of relevant predicting variables.Results: A total of 410 participants completed the whole self-rated questionnaires. Mean age of study participants was 34.8 (± 11.7) with male preponderance. Overall 88.5% of the respondents were not in distress (score less than 28) while, 11% had mild to moderate distress and 0.5% had severely distress. The prevalence of distress is higher among age > 45 years age group, female gender, and post-secondary educated. Health professional were more likely to get distressed. Respondents with post-secondary education higher odds (OR = 3.32 (p = 0.020) of developing distress as compared to respondents with secondary education or lower.Conclusion: There is lower rate of psychological distress in city dwellers and people with low education. Adequate and timely focus should be directed to mental health awareness, psychosocial support with extra focus on vulnerable groups like health care workers, female and elderly individuals.
Integrative analysis of mRNA and miRNA proﬁles identifies miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory biomarkers in diﬀerent molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Evangelista Adriane Feijo , Oliveira Renato J , Silva Viviane A O , Vieira Rene A D C , Reis Rui M , Marques Marcia M C
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women. However, the role of microRNA expression in breast cancer progression is not fully understood. In this study we examined predictive interactions between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in breast cancer cell lines representative of the common molecular subtypes. Integrative bioinformatics analysis identified miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory biomarkers of mRNA in breast cancer. Several recent studies have investigated these miRNAs in a broad range of tumors, but the mechanism of their involvement in cancer progression has not previously been investigated. Methods: The miRNA-mRNA interactions in breast cancer cell lines were identified by parallel expression analysis and miRNA target prediction programs. The expression profiles of mRNA and miRNAs from luminal (MCF-7, MCF-7/AZ and T47D), HER2 (BT20 and SK-BR3) and triple negative subtypes (Hs578T e MDA-MB-231) could be clearly separated by unsupervised analysis using HB4A cell line as a control. Breast cancer miRNA data from TCGA patients were grouped according to molecular subtypes and then used to validate these findings. Expression of miR-193 and miR-210 was investigated by miRNA transient silencing assays using the MCF7, BT20 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Functional studies included, xCELLigence system, ApoTox-Glo triplex, flow cytometry and transwell assays were performed to determine cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. Results: The most evident effects were associated with cell proliferation after miR-210 silencing in triple negative subtype cell line MDA-MB-231. Using in silico prediction algorithms, TNFRSF10 was identified as one of the potential downstream targets for both miRNAs. The TNFRSF10C and TNFRSF10D mRNA expression inversely correlated with the expression levels of miR-193 and miR210 in breast cell lines and breast cancer patients, respectively. Other potential regulated genes whose expression also inversely correlated with both miRNAs were CCND1, a mediator on invasion and metastasis, and the tumor suppressor gene RUNX3. Conclusion: In summary, our findings identify miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory miRNA in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and suggest that miR-210 may have specific role in MDA-MB-231 proliferation. Our results highlight important new downstream regulated targets that may serve as promising therapeutic pathways for aggressive breast cancers.
The Food, Feelings, and Family Study: Comparison of the efficacy of traditional methods, social media, and broadcast email to recruit pregnant women to an observational, longitudinal nutrition study.
Authors: Smith Rebecca , Alvarez Crystal , Crixell Sylvia , Lane Michelle A
Published: August 2020

Background: It is well known that recruitment is a challenging aspect of any study involving human subjects. This challenge is exacerbated when the population sought is reticent to participate in research as is the case with pregnant women and individuals with depression. This paper compares recruitment methods used for the Food, Feelings, and Family Study, an observational, longitudinal study concerning how diet and bisphenol A exposure affect maternal mood and cognitive function during and after pregnancy.Methods: Pregnant women were recruited to this study using traditional methods, social media including paid and unpaid posts, and emails broadcast to the university community. Contingency analysis using the Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to determine if recruitment method was associated with likelihood of participation. T-tests were used to analyze Facebook advertisement success. ANOVAs and contingency analysis using the maximum likelihood ratio Chi-square test were used to determine if recruitment method was related to continuous and categorical demographics, respectively.Results: Social media resulted in the largest number of recruits, followed by traditional methods and broadcast email. Women recruited through social media were less likely to participate, in part, because they were less likely to meet eligibility criteria. In contrast, use of broadcast email resulted in a smaller pool of recruits but these recruits were more likely to be eligible for and complete the study. Most women recruited via social media were the result of unpaid posts to the study’s Facebook page. Paid posts lasting at least 4 days were the most successful. Recruitment method was not associated with participant demographics.Conclusions: Social media has the potential to recruit a large pool of potential subjects; however, when studies require a large time investment such as the case here, women recruited through social media are less likely to participate and complete the study than women recruited through other means.Trial registration: N/A. This study does not describe a health care intervention.
The Analysis of Harmful Factors Affecting on Mental Health and Cognitive Function Among Workers of Steel Industry (Using the ISO9612 Approach)
Authors: alimoradi Hadi , Madvari Rohollah Fallah , Nazari Mahsa , sakhvidi Mohammad javad zare , Nodoushan Reza Jafari
Published: August 2020

Background: In most industrial environments, workers are exposed to noise on a daily basis. The present study dealt with a set of cognitive factors to evaluate the negative emotional states in depression, anxiety, and stress in a noisy work environment. Methods: The research was a case -study that examined in 1000 male workers of steel industry. The sampling method was random sampling. The workers filled out questionnaire about, Depression, Anxiety, Stress (DASS), Cognitive Processing Inventory (CPI), and personality type tests in the study, and the ISO 9612:2009 standards was used to obtain external noise. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22 and exact test with 0.05 significant levels. Results: According to the results, age showed a significant effect on depression, marital status on anxiety, and the shift on employee stress (p <0.05). Conclusion: Finally one can conclude that given the positive and significant relationship between noise pressure level and cognitive and subjective components in the case group, it is necessary to take effective preventive measures to prevent psychological damage and to maintain workers' health in the industry. Trial registration: There is no clinical trials code in this article and only have an ethical code.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students: A Multicenter Quantitative Study
Authors: Harries Aaron , Lee Carmen , Jones Lee , Rodriguez Robert , Davis John , Boysen-Osborn Megan , Kashima Kathleen , Krane N. Kevin , Rae Guenevere , Kman Nicholas , Langsfeld Jodi , Juarez Marianne
Published: August 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the United States (US) medical education system with the necessary, yet unprecedented Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) national recommendation to pause all student clinical rotations with in-person patient care. This study is a quantitative analysis investigating the educational and psychological effects of the pandemic on US medical students and their reactions to the AAMC recommendation in order to inform medical education policy.Methods: The authors sent a cross-sectional survey via email to medical students in their clinical training years at six medical schools during the initial peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey questions aimed to evaluate students' perceptions of COVID-19's impact on medical education; ethical obligations during a pandemic; infection risk; anxiety and burnout; willingness and needed preparations to return to clinical rotations.Results: 741 (29.5%) students responded. Nearly all students (93.7%) were not involved in clinical rotations with in-person patient contact at the time the study was conducted, as per national recommendations. Reactions to being removed were mixed, with 75.8% feeling this was appropriate, 34.7% guilty, 33.5% disappointed, and 27.0% relieved. Most students (74.7%) agreed the pandemic had significantly disrupted their medical education, and believed they should continue with normal clinical rotations during this pandemic (61.3%). When asked if they would accept the risk of infection with COVID-19 if they returned to the clinical setting, 83.4% agreed. Students reported the pandemic had moderate effects on their stress and anxiety levels with 84.1% of respondents feeling at least somewhat anxious. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) (53.5%) was the most important factor to feel safe returning to clinical rotations, followed by adequate testing for infection (19.3%) and antibody testing (16.2%).Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of US medical students in their clinical training years. The majority of students wanted to return to clinical rotations and were willing to accept the risk of COVID-19 infection. Students were most concerned with having enough PPE if allowed to return to clinical activities.
Identification of Key Genes and Long Non-Coding RNA Related to Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Teng Xu , Huang Wei , Yang Tianshu , Li Weishi , Zhou Lin , Wang Zihang , Feng Yajuan , Zhang Jingyao , Yin Xin , Wang Pei , Li Gen , Yu Hefen , Chen Zhongqiang , Fan Dongwei
Published: August 2020

Background: The molecular mechanism of bone metastasis in breast cancer is largely unknown. We aimed to find key genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to the bone metastasis of breast cancer using a bioinformatic approach. Methods: We downloaded breast cancer bone metastasis gene expression data (GSE66206) and probe annotation files from the public database Gene Expression Omnibus. Then, we analyzed the network nodes to find core driver genes. Weighted correlation network analysis was performed on the gene expression profile of breast cancer bone metastasis to identify potential pathogenic modules. We performed function and pathway enrichment analyses of the genes and lncRNAs in the breast cancer bone metastasis-related modules. Results: Based on our results, we constructed a differentially expressed lncRNA–mRNA network related to bone metastases in breast cancer and identified core driver genes, including BNIP3 and RP11-317-J19.1. Conclusions: Our findings provide a theoretical foundation for explaining the intrinsic molecular mechanism of breast cancer bone metastasis.
Why Market Orientation Matters for Agriculture and Fishery Workers? Unravelling the Association between Occupational Background and Caloric Deprivation in India
Authors: Kumar Smita , Rajpal Sunil , Lu Shiau-Yun , Joe William
Published: August 2020

Background: Given the presumptions of low-productivity, developmental policies in low- and middle-income countries usually display a pro-manufacturing bias and largely undermine the potentials within the agriculture sectors in promoting sustainable growth and development. As a consequence, skill development is usually aligned with preferences of the manufacturing-led economic growth and is accorded high priorities in policymaking. However, the success of such skill development policies essentially hinges upon the assumption of a quick and successful structural transformation towards non-agricultural sector (manufacturing and services). But contrary to expectations, the pace of economic transition has been rather slow in India and almost one-half of the workforces continue to be engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Moreover, it is unclear whether such shift away from agriculture can necessarily lead to reductions in widespread deprivations in the form of food insecurity and under nutrition. In fact, it is also feasible that market orientation of skilled agricultural and fishery sector may display favorable impact on poverty and nutritional well-being of households. Methods: Therefore, drawing upon data from 68th round (2011-12) of nationally representative cross-sectional Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) of National Sample Survey (NSS), Government of India, this study aims to examine the association between occupational backgrounds and nutritional deprivation (average caloric consumption as well as low calorie intake) among Indian households. Results: Evidences show that agricultural and fishery labor households have lowest calorie intake (2086 kcal) across all the occupational groups. However, market oriented skilled agricultural and fishery workers’ (2261 kcal – rural, 2165 kcal - urban) have higher calorie intakes than those belonging to subsistence agricultural (2165 kcal – rural, 2149 kcal - urban) and fishery workers or agricultural and fishery laborer (2086 kcal – rural, 2071 kcal - urban). Further, the multilevel logistic regression estimates suggest that in rural areas, households engaged in skilled agricultural and fishery works have significantly (at 5% level) lower odds ratio (OR: 0.72, with 95% CI: 0.63; 0.82) of having insufficient calorie intake compared to the unskilled agricultural and fishery laborer households. Conclusion: These insights when combined with the occupation-specific random-effects suggests that policy focus to promote market oriented skilled agricultural and fishery workers can be an equally good option as direct investment in professional and managerial skills for manufacturing and services.
Global Transcriptome Changes of Elongating Internode of Sugarcane in Response to Mepiquat Chloride
Authors: Chen Rongfa , Fan Yegeng , Zhou Huiwen , Mo Shanping , Zhou Zhongfeng , Yan Haifeng , Luo Ting , Huang Xing , Weng Mengling , Lakshmanan Prakash , Li Yangrui , Qiu Lihang , Wu Jianming
Published: August 2020

Background: Mepiquat chloride (DPC) is an extensively used chemical to control internode growth and compact canopies in cultured plants. Previous studies suggested that DPC could inhibit gibberellin biosynthesis in sugarcane. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism underlying the suppressive effects of DPC on plant growth is still largely unknown. Results: In the present study, we first obtained the high-quality long transcripts from internode of sugarcane by PacBio Sequel System. A total of 72,671 isoforms with N50 as 3,073 were generated. These long isoforms were used for the following RNA-seq as reference. Subsequently, short reads generated from Illumina Hiseq 4000 platform were used for comparing the differentially expressed genes in DPC and control groups. The transcriptome profiling showed the 6 days post DPC treatment had the most significant changed genes. These genes were related to plant hormone signal transduction and biosynthesis of several metabolites, indicating DPC affected multiple pathways beside depressed gibberellin biosynthesis. The network of DPC on the key stage was illustrated by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Among the constructed 36 modules, the top positive correlated module with stage of 6 day post spraying DPC was sienna3. Stf0 sulphotransferase, cyclin-like F-box and HOX12 were the hub genes in sienna3 that had high correlation with other genes in this module. The qPCR demonstrated the high accuracy of RNA-seq result. Conclusion: Taken together, we demonstrated the key role of these genes in DPC-induced growth inhibition in sugarcane.
Emergent spin-liquid-like state in the bond-disordered breathing pyrochlore
Authors: Lee Suheon , Do Seunghwan , Lee W.-J. , Choi Y.-S. , Tol Johan Van , Reyes Arneil , Skourski Yurii , Chen Wei-tin , Choi K.-Y.
Published: August 2020

A breathing pyrochlore system is predicted to host a variety of quantum spin liquids. However, perturbations beyond nearest-neighbor Heisenberg interaction are an obstacle to identifying such exotic states. Here, we utilize a bond-alternating disorder to tune a magnetic ground state in the Cr-based breathing pyrochlore. By combining thermodynamic and magnetic resonance techniques, we provide experimental signatures of a spin-liquid-like state in LiGa1-xInxCr4O8 (x=0.2), namely, a nearly T2-dependent magnetic specific heat and a persistent spin dynamics by muon spin relaxation (μSR). Moreover, 7Li NMR, ZF-μSR, and ESR unveil the dichotomic nature of both temporal and thermal spin fluctuations: slowly fluctuating tetramer singlets at high temperatures and a fast fluctuating spin-liquid-like state at low temperatures. Our results suggest that a bond disorder in the breathing pyrochlore offers a new route to achieve an unexplored state of matter.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) May Be Safe for COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Zhao Xiaohui , Wei Wei , Fan Weiwang , Gao Kai , He Shengxiu , Zhuang Xijing
Published: August 2020

Background: To investigate the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) administration to hypertension patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induced pneumonia.Methods: We recorded the recovery status of 67 inpatients with hypertension and COVID-19 induced pneumonia in the Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan during February 12, 2020 and March 30, 2020. Patients treated with ACEI or ARBs were categorized in group A (n = 22), while patients who were not administered either ACEI or ARBs were categorized into group B (n = 45). We did a comparative analysis of various parameters such as the pneumonia progression, length-of-stay in the hospital, and the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine (Cr), and creatine kinase (CK) between the day when these patients were admitted to the hospital and the day when the treatment ended.Results: These 67 hypertension cases counted for 33.17% of the total COVID-19 patients. There was no significant difference in the usage of drug treatment of COVID-19 between groups A and B (p > 0.05). During the treatment, 1 case in group A and 3 cases in group B progressed from mild pneumonia into severe pneumonia. Eventually, all patients were cured and discharged after treatment, and no recurrence of COVID-2019 induced pneumonia occurred after the discharge. The length of stays was shorter in group A as compared with group B, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in other general parameters between the patients of the groups A and B on the day of admission to the hospital (p > 0.05). The ALT, CK, and Cr levels did not significantly differ between groups A and B on the day of admission and the day of discharge (p > 0.05). Conclusions: To treat the hypertension patients with COVID-19 caused pneumonia, anti-hypertensive drugs (ACEs and ARBs) may be used according to the relative guidelines. The treatment regimen with these drugs does not need to be altered for the COVID-19 patients.
Dynamic methylation of histone H3K18 in differentiating Theileria parasites
Authors: Cheeseman Kevin , Jannot Guillaume , Lourenco Nelly , Villares Marie , BERTHELET Jeremy , Calegari-Silva Teresa , Hamroune Juliette , Letourneur Franck , Rodrigues-Lima Fernando , Weitzman Jonathan
Published: August 2020

Lysine methylation on histone tails impacts genome regulation and cell fate determination in many developmental processes. Apicomplexa intracellular parasites cause major diseases and they have developed complex life cycles with fine-tuned differentiation events. Yet, apicomplexa genomes have few transcription factors and little is known about their epigenetic control systems. Tick-borne Theileria apicomplexa species have relatively small compact genomes and a remarkable ability to transform leukocytes in their bovine hosts. Here we report enriched H3 lysine 18 monomethylation (H3K18me1) on the gene bodies of repressed genes in Theileria macroschizonts. Differentiation to merozoites (merogony) led to decreased H3K18me1 in parasite nuclei. Pharmacological manipulation of H3K18 acetylation or methylation impacted parasite differentiation and expression of stage-specific genes. Finally, we identified a parasite SET-domain methyltransferase (TaSETup1) that can methylate H3K18 and represses gene expression. Thus, H3K18me1 emerges as an important epigenetic mark which controls gene expression and stage differentiation in Theileria parasites.
The results of repeat manipulation under ultrasound-guided cervical nerve block (MUC) for recurrence of frozen shoulder.
Authors: Oshiro Tatsuki , Yagi Masayoshi , Harada Kazuki , Park Kieun
Published: August 2020

Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical results of a repeat manipulation under ultrasound-guided cervical nerve root block (MUC) for recurrence of idiopathic frozen shoulder after MUC. Methods A consecutive series of 42 shoulders in 39 patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder underwent MUC. All patients were assessed according to the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score and shoulder range of motion (ROM) both before MUC and at one-year thereafter. If patients continued to have pain and limited ROM at 3 months after the procedure, they were offered a repeat MUC. Such patients were also assessed before the procedure and at 3 months and one-year thereafter. Results The initial MUC was successful in 31 shoulders (single group). Repeat MUC was required in 11 shoulders (repeat group). Patients in the single group showed significant improvement in ROM and ASES score at one-year after the procedure (p<0.001); similarly, patients in the repeat group had significant improvement in ROM and ASES score at 3 months and one-year after the procedure (p<0.001). Patients in the repeat group had had significantly more severely limited ROM (p<0.01) and decreased ASES score (p<0.001) before the procedure compared with those in the single group. Conclusions A repeat MUC is a valuable option before proceeding to surgery for recurrence of idiopathic frozen shoulder. When there is severely limited ROM and decreased ASES score before the MUC, a repeat MUC may be　necessary, which would require the patient’s informed consent. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.
The efficacy of serum copeptin and zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein for predictors of tolvaptan treatment in decompensated cirrhotic patients
Authors: Shigefuku Ryuta , Iwasa Motoh , Eguchi Akiko , Tempaku Mina , Tamai Yasuyuki , Suzuki Tatsuya , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2020

Aim
The efficacy of tolvaptan, an orally active vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist, has recently been reported in patients with refractory ascites unresponsive to conventional diuretics. However, the effect of tolvaptan varies among patients. Recently, the prognostic role of tolvaptan response in decompensated liver cirrhosis (LC) is also attracts attention. Our aim is to elucidate predictive factors using serum copeptin (vasopressin precursor), zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), cystatin C (renal biomarker), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) that portend a good response to tolvaptan in LC patients with ascites.
Methods
We enrolled 113 LC patients and divided into tolvaptan treatment group and non-treatment group. Tolvaptan (3.75 or 7.5 mg/day) was administrated to 38 LC patients with ascites and a follow-up assessment occurred after a 7-day tolvaptan treatment regimen.
Results
We revealed predictive ability for kidney and/or liver damage in serum copeptin, ZAG, cystatin C, NGAL and L-FABP levels in all patients. Post 7-day tolvaptan treatment, 19 patients lost more than 1.5 kg of their body weight (Responders), while 19 patients did not change their body weight significantly (Non-responders). Basal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (p = 0.0014), serum copeptin (p = 0.0265) and serum ZAG levels (p = 0.0142) were significantly higher in the Non-responders. BUN (odds ratio 7.43, p = 0.0306), copeptin (odds ratio 9.12, p = 0.0136) and ZAG (odds ratio 7.43, p = 0.0306) were determined to be predictive factors of drug responsiveness using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion
Serum BUN, copeptin and ZAG levels predict patient response to tolvaptan even when measured prior to treatment.