bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of sleep problems in children with autism and parental quality of life
Authors: Liu Ruiting , Dong Huixi , Wang Ying , Lu Xiaozi , Li Yamin , Xun Guanglei , Xia Kun , Zhao Jingping , Ou Jianjun , Shen Yidong
Published: February 2020

Background Many children with autism suffer from sleep problems that impact not only children’s daytime behavior and cognitive development but also their parents’ life and health. The current study explored how and to what extent sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacted their parents’ quality of life (QOL). Methods This study adopted a case-control study design. A total of 440 ASD children aged 4 to 10 years and 344 age-matched typically developing (TD) children were included in the study. The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to measure sleep problems in the enrolled children, and parental QOL was measured by the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire Version 2.0 (SF-36v2). Linear regression and pathway analysis were used to explore the impact of children’s sleep problems on parental QOL. Results The linear regression model showed that the CSHQ total scores were negatively associated with maternal mental health summary (MCS) scores (β=-2.831, p=0.005) in the TD group. In the ASD group, the CSHQ total scores were negatively associated with the parental physical health summary (PCS) scores (β=-3.030, p=0.003 for mothers, β=-3.651, p<0.001 for fathers) after adjusting for the child’s age, parental age, parental Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI) score and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) score as covariates. The pathway analysis indicated that sleep problems in ASD children had both direct and indirect effects on maternal PCS. Conclusion The main results of the current study showed that sleep problems in children with or without ASD may affect parental QOL in different ways, and ASD children’s sleep problems affect parental physical health as a risk factor independent from the social impairments associated with ASD and the childcare burden of the parents.
Identification of promoter elements in the Dolichospermum circinale AWQC131C saxitoxin gene cluster and the experimental analysis of their use for heterologous expression.
Authors: D'Agostino Paul Michael , Al-Sinawi Bakir , Mazmouz Rabia , Muenchhoff Julia , Neilan Brett Anthony , Moffitt Michelle
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Dolichospermum circinale is a filamentous bloom-forming cyanobacterium responsible for biosynthesis of the paralytic shellfish toxins (PST), including saxitoxin. PSTs are neurotoxins and in their purified form are important analytical standards for monitoring the quality of water and seafood and biomedical research tools for studying neuronal sodium channels. More recently, PSTs have been recognised for their utility as local anaesthetics. Characterisation of the transcriptional elements within the saxitoxin ( sxt ) biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) is a first step towards accessing these molecules for biotechnology.
Results: In D. circinale AWQC131C the sxt BGC is transcribed from two bidirectional promoter regions encoding five individual promoters. These promoters were identified experimentally using 5ʹ RACE and their activity assessed via coupling to a lux reporter system in E. coli and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Transcription of the predicted drug/metabolite transporter (DMT) encoded by sxtPER was found to initiate from two promoters, P sxtPER1 and P sxtPER2 . In E. coli, strong expression of lux from P sxtP , P sxtD and sxtPER1 was observed while expression from P orf24 and P sxtPER2 was remarkably weaker. In contrast, heterologous expression in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 showed that expression of lux from P sxtP , P sxtPER , and P orf24 promoters was statistically higher compared to the non-promoter control, while P sxtD showed poor activity under the described conditions.
Conclusions: Both of the heterologous hosts investigated in this study exhibited high expression levels from three of the five sxt promoters. These results indicate that the majority of the native sxt promoters appear active in different heterologous hosts, simplifying initial cloning efforts. Therefore, heterologous expression of the sxt BGC in either E. coli or Synechocystis could be a viable first option for producing PSTs for industrial or biomedical purposes.
A combined microRNA and transcriptome analysis illuminates the resistance response of rice against brown planthopper
Authors: Tan Jiaoyan , Wu Yan , Guo Jianping , Li Huimin , Zhu Lili , Chen Rongzhi , He Guangcun , Du Bo
Published: February 2020

Background : The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is a kind of phloem-feeding pest that adversely affects rice yield. Recently, the BPH-resistance gene, BPH6 , was cloned and applied in rice breeding to effectively control BPH. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying BPH6 are poorly understood.
Results: Here, an integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling analysis was performed on BPH6 -transgenic (BPH6G) and Nipponbare (wild type, WT) plants after BPH infestation, and a total of 217 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 7,874 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) were identified. 29 miRNAs, including members of miR160, miR166 and miR169 family were opposite expressed during early or late feeding stages between the two varieties, whilst 9 miRNAs were specifically expressed in BPH6G plants, suggesting involvement of these miRNAs in BPH6 -mediated resistance to BPH. In the transcriptome analysis, 949 DEGs were opposite expressed during early or late feeding stages of the two genotypes, which were enriched in metabolic processes, cellular development, cell wall organization, cellular component movement and hormone transport, and certain primary and secondary metabolite synthesis. 24 genes were further selected as candidates for BPH resistance. Integrated analysis of the DEMs and DEGs showed that 34 miRNAs corresponding to 42 target genes were candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs for BPH resistance, 18 pairs were verified by qRT-PCR, and two pairs were confirmed by in vivo analysis.
Conclusions: For the first time, we reported integrated small RNA and transcriptome sequencing to illustrate resistance mechanisms against BPH in rice. Our results provide a valuable resource to ascertain changes in BPH-induced miRNA and mRNA expression profiles and enable to comprehend plant-insect interactions and find a way for efficient insect control.
Clinicopathologic features and genomic analysis of pulmonary blastomatoid carcinosarcoma
Authors: Zhao Jikai , Xiang Chan , Zhao Ruiying , Guo Ping , Zheng Jingjing , Han-Zhang Han , Yu Keke , Zhang Jie , Han Yuchen
Published: February 2020

Background:This study was designed to investigate the clinicopathologic features of pulmonary blastomatoid carcinosarcoma and explore the genomic profiles of epithelial and mesenchymal components in this tumor.
Methods: Three cases of pulmonary blastomatoid carcinosarcoma were enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic informationand prognostic data were retrospectively reviewed. Diagnostic immunohistochemistry was performed. The epithelial and mesenchymal components were microdissected to investigate the genomic profiles by performing capture-based targeted next generation sequencing.
Results:The epithelial components in patient one consisted of low-grade and high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma. Low-grade epithelial cells showed nuclear expression of β-catenin and missense mutation of CTNNB1. The epithelial components in another two patients consisted of high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma/enteric adenocarcinoma. The epithelial cells showed membrane staining of β-cateninand harbored no mutation of CTNNB1. The mesenchymal components in all three tumors were composed of primitive round/spindle cells without definite differentiation and showed cytoplasmic dot positive of β-catenin and no corresponding mutation. Within a tumor, both components exhibited relatively comparable molecular profile. In patient one, 4 mutations: RB1, FAT3, PTCH1and LRP1Bwere shared by both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Epithelial component had additional mutations in BCOR, CTNNB1, CTCF, FAT1and DICER1. In patient two, 12 mutations were shared. The epithelial component had BRCA2mutation and the mesenchymal had mutations in CREBBP, ALK, DNMT3A, ASXL2, MYCN andRICTOR. Patient three had 6 shared mutations. The epithelial component had an additional mutation in KAT6Aand the mesenchymal had an additional mutation in APC. Collectively, we observed heterogeneity between epithelial and mesenchymal components of the same tumor.
Conclusions:Blastomatoid carcinosarcoma showed characteristic morphology and immunophenotype.Parallel detection of genetic abnormalities in epithelial and mesenchymal components could provide further evidence for tumor differentiation, molecular targeting and differential diagnosis.
Effects of no-till and rice varieties on nitrogen and phosphorus balance in rice fields
Authors: Yang Jiao , LIANG XINQIANG , Li Hua , Chen Yanfeng , Tian Guangming
Published: February 2020

Background: Nutrient balance in rice paddy fields can change under different tillage management practices; however, the extent of the change may differ for various rice varieties . A field experiment was conducted over 2 successive years to clarify the effects of no-till and rice varieties on the apparent balance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Four treatments: no-till/japonica rice (NTJ), no-till/glutinous rice (NTG), conventional tillage/japonica rice (CTJ), and conventional tillage/glutinous rice (CTG) with three replicates of each were established to test the hypothesis that no-till and japonica rice can improve the apparent balance of nutrients.

Results: The tillage method and rice variety had interactive effects on the apparent balance of N and P. After the 2-year experiment, total N and P pools in the 20 cm surface soil layer were highest under the NTJ treatment (4757.0 kg N ha -1 , 2428.5 kg P ha -1 ) and lowest under the CTG treatments (4726.3 kg N ha -1 , 2412.0 kg P ha -1 ). Under no-till conditions, japonica rice had higher grain yield but lower straw biomass than that of glutinous rice. NTG treatment significantly increased the N and P content in rice grains and straw. The environmental losses of N and P in the rice fields mainly occurred during the rice season. Based on nutrient balance estimation, N losses in the NTJ, NTG, and CTJ treatments were reduced by 15.03 kg N ha -1 , 11.55 kg N ha -1 , 6.72 kg N ha -1 , respectively, as compared with that of the CTG treatment. The corresponding P losses were reduced by 8.02 kg P ha -1 , 7.84 kg P ha -1 , and 3.96 kg P ha -1 . In terms of economic benefits, NTJ also resulted in the highest actual income [2724.25 US dollars] and the highest ratio of production investment (6.40).

Conclusion: No - till was more likely to maintain soil N and P nutrients than conventional tillage, and this advantage was most significant when planting japonica rice. In addition, no-till was conducive to N and P uptake by rice, but only japonica rice exhibited increased grain yield. Consequently, the NTJ treatment was recommended to improve the N and P balance.
Reduction of ureteral stent encrustation by modulating the urine pH and inhibiting the crystal film with a new oral composition: a multicenter, placebo controlled, double blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Torrecilla Carlos , Fernández-Concha Jaime , Cansino José R. , Mainez Juan A. , Amón José H. , Costas Simbad , Angerri Oriol , Emiliani Esteban , Martín Miguel Arrabal , Polo Miguel Arrabal , García Ana , Reina Manuel C. , Sánchez Juan F. , Budía Alberto , Pérez-Fentes Daniel , Grases Félix , Costa-Bauzá Antonia , Cuñé Jordi
Published: February 2020

Background: Encrustation of ureteral double J stents is a common complication that may affect its removal. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new oral composition to prevent double J stent encrustation in indwelling times up to 8 weeks. Methods: A double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 105 patients with indwelling double J stents enrolled across 9 public hospitals in Spain. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) into intervention or placebo groups for 3 to 8 weeks and both groups self-monitored daily their morning urine pH levels. The primary outcome of analysis was the degree of stent ends encrustation, defined by a 4-point score (0 – none; 3 – global encrustation) using macroscopic and electron microscopy analysis of crystals, after 3 to 8-w indwelling period. Score was exponentially transformed according to calcium levels. Secondary endpoints included urine pH decrease, stent removal, and incidence of adverse events. Results: The intervention group benefits from a lower global encrustation rate of stent ends than placebo group (1% vs 8.2%; p < 0.018). Mean encrustation score was 85.12 (274.5) in the intervention group and 18.91 (102.27) in the placebo group (p < 0.025). Considering the secondary end points, treated patients reported greater urine pH decreases (p = 0.002). No differences in the incidence of adverse events were identified between the groups. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the use of this new oral composition is beneficial in the context of ureteral double J indwelling by decreasing mean, as well as global encrustation. Trial registration: This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov under the name “Combined Use of a Medical Device and a Dietary Complement in Patient Urinary pH Control in Patients With an Implanted Double J Stent” with date 2 nd November 2017, code NCT03343275, and URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT03343275?term=NCT03343275&draw=2&rank=1 Keywords: double J stent; encrustation; nutraceutical; L-methionine; phytin; pH.
Health service use and costs among migrants in an irregular situation: cross-sectional register-based study from a voluntary-based clinic
Authors: Tjukanov Nina , Tiittala Paula , Salmi Heli
Published: February 2020

AimThe increase in immigration to Europe has led to an increasing demand for information about healthcare needs and costs of vulnerable migrant populations, but few data based on actual demand for healthcare services and related costs exist.MethodsIn this single-centre retrospective register study, we examined the reasons for encounter and diagnoses, service use and costs of healthcare among patients at a voluntary clinic for migrants in an irregular situation in Helsinki, Finland in 2016. ICPC-2 classification and unit costs for primary healthcare in Finland were used as a basis for the cost estimation.Results546 patient visits accounted for 620 ICPC-2 coded reasons for encounter, diagnoses and process codes. The most common health problems were teeth/gum disease (10%), acute upper respiratory infection (5%) and oesophageal disease (3%). Visits seldom led to complementary investigations (2%), follow-up visit to the clinic (5%) or referral to public healthcare (11%). The total cost of treatment, excluding dental health costs, was 39 547 euros, or 71 euros per visit. ConclusionsMigrants in an irregular situation present with a variety of health concerns, the majority of which can be treated in a basic primary healthcare facility. The cost of healthcare was relatively low, as most of the complaints could be treated with simple means. More research is needed to understand the health and cost benefits of extending public healthcare services for migrants in an irregular situation beyond emergency care.
The Association of Hearing Impairment and Its Severity with Physical and Mental Health among Chinese Adults
Authors: Ye Xin , Zhu Dawei , Chen Siyuan , He Ping
Published: February 2020

Background: Hearing is one of the basic means of perception and communication, which is closely related with quality of life. However, current studies on hearing impairment and multiple health outcomes are quite limited and most of them are conducted in developed countries. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between hearing impairment and its severity with physical and mental health among Chinese adults, and to gain further insight into hearing and health researches. Methods: We obtained data from two sources: (1) China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011, 2013, and 2015, including nationally representative 24,689 adults. Hearing impairment was measured by asking whether they had hearing problems; and (2) Hearing Survey 2019, collected by a survey conducted in Shandong Province of China, including 430 participants. The severity of hearing impairment was identified by pure tone average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz.Results: In CHARLS Baseline 2011, 1569 (8.93%) participants suffer from hearing impairment. Hearing-impaired individuals are more likely to have chronic diseases, impaired ADLs, impaired IADLs and depressive symptoms. For 430 hearing-impaired participants in Hearing Survey 2019, 28.60%, 36.52% and 34.88% of them have moderate, severe and profound hearing impairment, respectively. As the severity of hearing impairment increases, individuals are more likely to have impaired ADLs, impaired IADLs and depressive symptoms.Conclusions: Hearing impairment and its severity are closely related to multiple physical and mental health outcomes among Chinese adults. Actions should be taken to prevent and treat hearing impairment, so as to improve people’s health and well-being.
Phylogeny of two poorly known ciliate genera (Ciliophora, Heterotrichea), with notes on the redefinition of Gruberia uninucleata Kahl, 1932 and Linostomella vorticella (Ehrenberg, 1833) based on populations found in China
Authors: Chi Yong , Li Yuqing , Zhang Qianqian , Ma Mingzhen , Warren Alan , Chen Xiangrui , Song Weibo
Published: February 2020

Background Heterotrichous ciliates are common members of microeukaryote communities which play important roles in the transfer of material and energy flow in aquatic food webs. This group has been known over two centuries due to their large body size and cosmopolitan distribution. Nevertheless, species identification and phylogenetic relationships of heterotrichs remain challenging due to the lack of accurate morphological information and insufficient molecular data. Results The morphology and phylogeny of two poorly known heterotrichous ciliates, Gruberia uninucleata Kahl, 1932 and Linostomella vorticella (Ehrenberg, 1833) Aescht in Foissner et al. , 1999, were investigated based on their living morphology, infraciliature, and small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequence data. Based on a combination of previous and present studies, detailed morphometric data and the improved diagnoses of both species are supplied here. In addition, molecular data of the two species are reported for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequence data support the generic assignment of these two species. Conclusions Two insufficiently studied species, G. uninucleata and L. vorticella , are redefined using state-of-the-art methods. Previous reports on these two species are re-evaluated in the light of present findings.
Distinct evolutionary trajectories of V1R clades across mouse species
Authors: Miller Caitlin H , Campbell Polly , Sheehan Michael J
Published: February 2020

Background Many animals rely heavily on olfaction to navigate their environment. Among rodents, olfaction is crucial for a wide range of social behaviors. The vomeronasal olfactory system in particular plays an important role in mediating social communication, including the detection of pheromones and recognition signals. Currently, very few vomeronasal receptors have known ligands, which severely limits our understanding of chemosensory-driven social communication. In this study we examine patterns of vomeronasal type-1 receptor (V1R) evolution in the house mouse and related species within the genus Mus . By exploring the evolution of these receptors, we provide insight into the functional roles of receptor subtypes as well as the dynamics of gene family evolution. Results We generated transcriptomes from the vomeronasal organs of 5 Mus species, and produced high quality V1R repertoires for each species. We find that V1R clades in the house mouse and relatives exhibit distinct evolutionary trajectories. Some clades are highly conserved, while others reveal patterns of rapid evolutionary change. We identify putative species-specific gene expansions, including a dramatic clade D expansion in the house mouse. While gene gains are abundant, we detect very few gene losses. We describe a novel V1R clade and highlight candidate receptors for future de-orphanization. Based on clade-level evolutionary patterns, we identify receptor families that are strong candidates for detecting social signals and predator cues. Our results further support the view that V1Rs are important for detecting the physiological status of conspecifics, particularly female estrus cues. Conclusion Analysis of clade-level evolution is critical for understanding species’ chemosensory adaptations. This study provides clear evidence that V1R clades are characterized by distinct evolutionary trajectories. As receptor evolution is shaped by ligand identity, these results provide a framework for examining the functional roles of different receptors.
Exosomal microRNAs are novel circulating biomarkers in cigarette, waterpipe smokers, E-cigarette users and dual smokers
Authors: Singh Kameshwar P. , Maremanda Krishna P. , Li Dongmei , Rahman Irfan
Published: February 2020

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) produce aerosolized substances by heating a liquid, which contains large number of chemicals. The aerosol generated by E-cig may produce serious health effects. Cigarette smoke exposure may causes various diseases including COPD, atherosclerosis, and lung cancer. Waterpipe tobacco smoking also causes various acute and chronic health effects including cardiopulmonary diseases. MicroRNAs are present in higher concentration in exosomes that play a major role in various normal physiological functions and diseases. We hypothesized that the non-coding RNAs transcript may serve as susceptibility to disease biomarkers by smoking and vaping. Results Our data show the enrichment of various non-coding RNAs that include microRNAs, tRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs, snRNAs, Mt-tRNAs, and other biotypes in exosomes. The detailed differential expression analysis of microRNAs, tRNAs and piRNA showed significant changes between pairwise comparisons of different groups. The common changes in differential expression of 8 microRNAs that are hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-let-7i-5p, and hsa-let-7g-5p were found when compared with all smoking and vaping groups with non-smoking group. The e-cig group has differentially expressed 7 microRNAs (hsa-miR-224-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-423-3p, hsa-miR-500b-3p, hsa-miR-365a-3p|hsa-miR-365b-3p) that is specific for this group, not expressed in other three groups. Gene set enrichment analysis of microRNA showed significant changes in the top six enriched functions that consisted of biological pathway, biological process, molecular function, cellular component, site of expression and transcription factor in all groups. Further, the pairwise comparison of tRNAs and piRNA in all groups also revealed significant changes in differential expression. Conclusions Plasma exosomes of cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, e-cig users and dual smokers have common differential expression of microRNAs (hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-let-7f-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-30a-5p, hsa-let-7i-5p, and hsa-let-7g-5p), may be biomarker for tobacco exposure. Additionally, the e-cig users have also differential expressed microRNAs (hsa-miR-224-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-30e-5p, hsa-miR-423-3p, hsa-miR-500b-3p, and hsa-miR-365a-3p|hsa-miR-365b-3p) that is specific for this group. This study will help to better understand molecular mechanisms of plasma exosome non-coding RNAs and in developing biomarkers that may be useful in diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary injury and disease by smoking and vaping.
Defining Clusters of Young Autistic and Typically-Developing Children Based on Loudness-Dependent Auditory Electrophysiological Responses
Authors: Dwyer Patrick , Wang Xiaodong , De Meo-Monteil Rosanna , Hsieh Fushing , Saron Clifford D. , Rivera Susan M.
Published: February 2020

Background: Autistic individuals exhibit atypical patterns of sensory processing that are known to be related to quality of life, but which are also highly heterogeneous. Previous investigations of this heterogeneity have ordinarily used questionnaires and have rarely investigated sensory processing in Typical Development (TD) alongside Autism Spectrum Development (ASD).
Methods: The present study used hierarchical clustering in a large sample to identify subgroups of young autistic and typically-developing children based the normalized global field power (GFP) of their event-related potentials (ERPs) to auditory stimuli of four different loudness intensities (50, 60, 70, 80 dB SPL): that is, based on an index of the relative strengths of their neural responses across these loudness conditions.
Results: Four clusters of participants were defined. Normalized GFP responses to sounds of different intensities differed strongly across clusters. There was considerable overlap in cluster assignments of autistic and typically-developing participants, but autistic participants were more likely to display a pattern of relatively linear increases in response strength accompanied by a disproportionately strong response to 70 dB stimuli. Autistic participants displaying this pattern trended towards obtaining higher scores on assessments of cognitive abilities. There was also a trend for typically-developing participants to disproportionately fall into a cluster characterized by disproportionately/nonlinearly strong 60 dB responses. Greater auditory distractibility was reported among autistic participants in a cluster characterized by disproportionately strong responses to the loudest (80 dB) sounds, and furthermore, relatively strong responses to loud sounds were correlated with both auditory distractibility and noise distress. This appears to provide evidence of coinciding behavioural and neural sensory atypicalities.
Limitations : Replication may be needed to verify exploratory results. This analysis may ignore some variability related to classical ERP latencies and topographies. The sensory questionnaire employed was not specifically designed for use in autism. Variability in sensory responses unrelated to loudness is ignored, leaving much room for additional research.
Conclusions: Taken together, these data demonstrate the broader benefits of using electrophysiology to explore individual differences. They illuminate different neural response patterns and suggest relationships between sensory neural responses and sensory behaviours, cognitive abilities, and autism diagnostic status.
Health-related quality of life in adult Mediterranean women with polycystic ovary syndrome attending to a tertiary hospital: a case-control study.
Authors: Sánchez-Ferrer María L , Adoamnei Evdochia , Prieto-Sánchez María T , Mendiola Jaime , Corbalán-Biyang Shiana , Moñino-García Miriam , Palomar-Rodríguez Joaquín A , Torres-Cantero Alberto M
Published: February 2020

Background Previous studies evaluating health-related quality of Life (HRQoL) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) present some methodological limitations. Moreover, differences in the HRQoL between different PCOS phenotypes have never been analyzed. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the HRQoL between women with PCOS -and its phenotypes- and controls attending to a tertiary hospital. Methods This is a case-control study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at “ Virgen de la Arrixaca ” University Hospital (Murcia, Spain). A group of 117 women with PCOS and 153 controls were studied between 2014 and 2016. Controls were women without PCOS attending the gynecological outpatient clinic for routine examinations. Cases were women attending the same setting and diagnosed with PCOS. PCOS diagnose was performed following the Rotterdam Criteria and women were further classified by anovulatory or ovulatory phenotypic subtype. Women underwent physical and gynecological exams and completed health questionnaires including the Short Form-12v2. Eight scales and two component summary scores [Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS), respectively] were calculated. Results All PCOS and anovulatory PCOS presented lower score in PCS compared to controls [mean (95%CI): 53.7 (52.5-54.9) and 52.9 (51.5-54.4) vs. 55.8 (54.8-56.8); p-values<0.01], as well as lower scores for five out of the eight scales (p-values < 0.05) after adjusting by age, body mass index, infertility, educational level and current occupation. No significant differences were observed for the MCS between women with or without PCOS or its phenotypic subtypes. Conclusions HRQoL was significantly decreased in adult Mediterranean women with PCOS and its anovulatory phenotype compared to controls attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. These results may have implications for the clinical practice and suggest the need for specific interventions in women with PCOS.
The role of a virtual avatar in attention and memory tasks in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Fabio Rosa Angela , Pergolizzi Giorgia , Nucita Andrea , Iannizzotto Giancarlo , Caprì Tindara
Published: February 2020

Background Since patients with Rett syndrome (RTT) focus their attention mainly on the faces of people with whom they interact, in this study the role of a human-like avatar in enhancing cognitive processes was examined. More in depth, this study examined patients with RTT performing attention and memory tasks with and without a virtual avatar.Methods Thirty-six girls with RTT participated in the study. They were matched for mental age and randomly submitted to two conditions (with and without virtual avatar) with two tasks (over-selectivity and memory paradigms). Results Results indicated that the RTT group exposed to the virtual avatar condition, presented better attention and memory abilities than the matched RTT group without the avatar condition. Conclusions Results were discussed in light of the relationship between motivation, attention and memory RTT.
The relationship between Toxoplasma infection in mothers and offspring gender
Authors: Bahreini mohammad saleh , Zarei Fatemeh , Dastan Naghme , Pourzargham Pegah , Asgari Qasem
Published: February 2020

Background:Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic protozoan in humans. It is a classical model for the study of manipulation hypothesis. The behavioral and hormonal changes, memory disorder, hyperactivity and even alterations in secondary sex ratio can be induced by manipulative activity of Toxoplasma. The secondary sex ratio may be influenced by many factors such as stress, immunosuppression and the age of parents. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between offspring gender and Toxoplasma infection in seropositive and seronegative mothers to anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Methods:From 2014 woman who had been tested for toxoplasmosis, the data of 137 mothers with chronic toxoplasmosis and 137 healthy counterparts were collected from clinics and hospitals of Shiraz, Iran.The sex of the offspring, the mother’s age, the number of girls and boys in previous pregnancies, the number and gender of abortions, contact with cats, food habits, education level, and residency were recorded for analysis.Results: The number of girls in Toxoplasma-seropositive and Toxoplasma-seronegative mothers was 165 (49.44%) and 136 (45.48%), respectively. Also, it was 163(54.51%) in the control group and 166(50.15%) in the seropositive group for male offsprings. there were significant sex ratio difference in the control group. No significant difference was observed for sex ratio of aborted fetuses between groups. However, in Toxoplasma-seropositive group, the sex ratio of aborted fetuses showed that the male aborted fetus were significantly higher in number.Conclusion:In this study, a significant relationship was found between chronic Toxoplasma infection and secondary sex ratio. However, it is suggested that this relationship be investigated in further studies as well as an animal study.
Quality of life of transplanted children and their parents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Duvant Pauline , Fillat Magali , Garaix Florentine , Roquelaure Bertrand , Ovaert Caroline , Fouilloux Virginie , Tsimaratos Michel , Auquier Pascal , Fabre Alexandre , Baumstarck Karine
Published: February 2020

Background.Transplantation is a saving therapeutic that has heavy consequences. The quality of life (QoL) of transplanted children and their parents has been little studied and should help physicians better manage these patients. The objectives of the study were to assess: i) the QoL of transplanted children and parents and compare it with that of children with other chronic conditions associated with long-term consequences, and ii) potential variables modulating the QoL.Methods.This cross-sectional study was performed in a multidisciplinary paediatric unit (Timone Hospital, Marseille, France). Children were less than 18 years old; had a liver, kidney or heart transplant; and had a time since transplantation of 1 to 10 years. Socio-demographics and clinical data were recorded from medical forms. The QoL was assessed using the VSP-A (Vécu et Santé Perçue de l’Adolescent et de l’Enfant) and the WhoQoL self-reported questionnaires. Results.Forty-five families were included (response rate: 76%). The transplanted organs were the liver for 20 children, the kidney for 15 children, and the heart for 10 children. The QoL of transplanted children reported by their parents was better than that of children with inborn errors of metabolism and similar to that of childhood leukaemia survivors. The QoL of parents of transplanted children was better than that of parents of children with inborn errors of metabolism and did not differ from French norms. The QoL did not differ according to the nature of the transplanted organ, sex or the main sociodemographic data. The main modulators decreasing QoL were residual treatment level, medications switch and the presence of another regular treatment. Conclusion.Transplanted children and their families reported moderate deterioration of their QoL compared with children with other chronic health conditions. Special attention should be given to QoL modulators related to therapeutic management (medication switches, regular treatments) that might be amenable to improve the QoL.
Serum amyloid A 1 protein isoforms induce Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Leung Elaine Lai-Han , Lai Huan-Ling , Li Run-Ze , Pan Hu-Dan , Jiang Ze-Bo , Li Ying , Duan Fu-Gang , Xu Jia-Hui , Zhang Yi-Zhong , Shi A-Xi , Wei Chun-Li , Zhang Fang-Yuan , Yao Xiao-Jun , Liu Liang
Published: February 2020

Background: SAA1 in RA pathogenesis and its complications remains unknown, making early diagnosis and risk prevention difficult. This study is to determine the pathogenetic mechanisms of three different SAA1 protein isoforms in RA progression. Methods: We modified an experimental adenovirus infection protocol in order to successfully introduce SAA1.2, SAA1.3, SAA1.5 gene alleles into the rear knee joints of C57BL/6 mice. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis was applied to determine changes in bone morphology and density. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, ELISA and real-time PCR were used to investigate disease progression and cytokine alterations in the course of adenoviral SAA-induced knee joint inflammation and bone destruction. Results: The pathogenetic functions of SAA1.2, SAA1.3 and SAA1.5 protein isoforms in promoting the initiation and progression of RA were determined. We established that SAA1.2 was the most aggressive factor in RA induction and progression. Mechanistically, we found that the arthritis-inducing effect of SAA1.2 transcription in the knee joints and mutant SAA1 protein secretion in blood results in stimulation of immune responses, leading to CD8+ T cell and pro-inflammatory cytokine elevation, with subsequent synovial inflammation and bone destruction. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SAA1 protein isoforms, particularly SAA1.2, play a significant role in the induction and progression of RA and may have potential value in the early diagnosis and severity prediction for RA.
Continuous glucose monitoring in polycystic ovary syndrome: what interest?
Authors: kammoun ines , Saada Wafa Ben , Kandara Hajer , Gharbi Radhouane , Said Rania Ben , Slama Claude Ben , Jemel Manel
Published: February 2020

Purpose The aim of our study was to detect subclinical abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods Cross-sectional study including 20 patients with PCOS diagnosed according to 5- the Rotterdam criteria. All the patients had normal carbohydrate tolerance (fasting blood 6- glucose<5.6 mmol/l, 2-h plasma glucose after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test<7.8 mmol/l andglycated hemoglobin <5.8%). For each patient, we performed a continuous glucose monitoring over 72h, measuring the interstitial glucose every 5 minutes (288 measurements per day). We collected data about: the mean blood glucose, obtained by determining the mean values of the 288 measurements made by 24h - the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions, which is the difference between the maximum and minimum glycemic values - the time (in hours) in which the blood glucose was <0.7 g/l and / or>1.4 g/l. Results The mean blood glucose (over 72h) was 0.94±0.07 g/l (0.81-1.11).The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (over 72h) was 0.81 ± 0.23 g/l (0.47-1.31).Fourteen patients (pathologic group) had subclinical glycemic abnormalities: 14 patients had glycemic values<0.7 g/l and 5 patients had also glycemic values>1.4 g/l. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions was significantly lower (p=0.016) in the normal group (6 patients, 0.64 g/l) compared to the pathologic group(14 patients, 0.88 g/l).The other clinical and biological parameters were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions Our findings confirm the high frequency of subclinical abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. A regular follow-up of these patients is necessary.
Psychometric Properties of an English Short Version of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress
Authors: Petrowski Katja , Braehler Elmaer , Schmalbach Bjarne , Hinz Andreas , Bastianon Christina , Ritz Tomas
Published: February 2020

Although a variety of instruments are available that capture stress experience, the assessment of chronic stress has been hindered by the lack of economical screening instruments. Recently, an English-language version of the Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress (TICS-EN) consisting of 57 items according to a systemic-requirement-resource model of health in nine subdomains of the chronic stress experience has been introduced. We constructed a new 9-item short version of the TICS covering all nine subdomains and evaluated it in two samples (total N =685). This version showed a highly satisfactory model fit, was invariant across participant gender, demonstrated a very high correlation with the original TICS ( r =.94), and showed a moderate correlation ( r =.58) with a measure of perceived stress in the past month. Therefore, this theoretically driven instrument can be recommended as a short version of the TICS in English language.
ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF STAGE CULTURE FORMATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS OF MUSIC ART IN THE VOCAL TRAINING PROCESS
Authors: Kosinska Natalia
Published: February 2020

The article analyzes the organization of pedagogical experiment on the formation of the stage culture of future teachers of music in the vocal training process. The pedagogical experiment included three stages: ascertaining, forming, comparative. The stages of the formative expression are characterized – motivational, informative and creative-reflexive. Methods of experimental research are described. The effectiveness of experimental and experimental work, which is carried out on the basis of a comparative analysis of the stage and figurative culture of future teachers of musical art of experimental and control groups, is tested.
The content and method of formation of stage-figurative culture of future teachers of music art in the process of vocal training during the forming experiment are characterized according to certain stages.
At the first (motivational and motivational) stage, the formation of motivation of future teachers of music art to develop their own stage-figurative culture, motives and needs for the formation of stage, vocal and interpretative skills, value orientations for the improvement of this important quality was carried out.
During realization of the second (informative) stage of realization of the method of formation of stage culture of the future teacher of musical art in the process of vocal training, attention was focused on enrichment of knowledge about stage and vocal skills, interpretation of musical image, formation of knowledge on stage-figurative culture (cultural studies, theatrical sciences, hermeneutics, art pedagogies, etc.); expanding thesaurus and identifying opportunities for practical application of knowledge in pedagogical activity.
During the realization of the third (creative-reflexive) stage, attention was paid to the formation of vocal, stage, interpreting skills, development of vocal technique, artistic expressiveness, communicativeness, empathy, expression, etc., in order to influence the feelings, intellect of the students.
The results of a formative experiment allow to confirm the effectiveness of sound pedagogical conditions and methods of forming the stage-figurative culture of future music teachers in the process of vocal training.
LIVER ABSCESSES: A 10-YEAR VINNYTSYA UNIVERSITY STUDY
Authors: Shaprynskyi Volodymyr , Makarov Viktor , Suleimanova Vasylysa , Shaprynskyi Yevhen , Skalskyi Stepan
Published: February 2020

According to MEDLINE database there were about 1278 papers on liver abscess published in a period from 2001 to 2015.

The aim of the study is to improve liver abscess treatment results comparing minimally invasive and traditional operative techniques.

Materials and methods. 137 patients were included in the study and divided on two comparison groups. Traditional methods were used for the treatment of 66 participants of the control group (48.2 %). For 71 patients (51.8 %) of the general group the mini-invasive drainages were predominating.

Results. Cholangiogenic causes of liver abscesses were found in 41 patients (29.93±3.91 %), cryptogenic ones – in 37 (27.01±3.79 %), haematogenous causes – in 29 (21.17±3.49 %), contact ones – in 16 (11.68±2.75 %), posttraumatic ones – in 11 (8.03±2.32 %) and purulent destruction of metastases – in 3 (2.19±1.25 %).

Single abscesses occurred more often – in 117 (85.40±3.02 %), multiple once – in 20 (14.60±3.02 %). Mostly 3, 6 and 7 liver segments were damaged – 19 (13.88±2.95 %), 35 (25.55±3.73 %), 44 (32.12±3.99 %).

In control group, the abscess drainage via laparotomy was performed on 58 patients (87.88±4.02 % of 66 ones) versus 21 (29.58±5.42 % of 71 ones) in general group. Percutaneous drainage was used in 8 (12.12±4.02 %) and in 44 (61.97±5.76 %) cases respectively. 6 or 8.45±3.30 % laparoscopic interventions were used only in the general group. Finally, mini-invasive drainages were applied in the greater part of general group - 50 (70.42±5.42 %) versus 8 ones (12.12±4.02 %) in control group.

Conclusions. Minimally invasive liver abscess drainages showed a significant reduction of postoperative complications from 24.24±5.27 % in the control group to 12.66±3.95 % in the general group, shortening of hospital terms from 14.6±1 in control to 5.2±0.8 days and decreasing of mortality from 7.58±3.26 % to 2.82±1.96 %.
PHENOTYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF STAPHYLOCOCCI WITHDRAWN FROM PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIC DERMATITIS
Authors: Dzhoraeva Svetlana , Sobol Nataliya , Ivantsova Helen
Published: February 2020

Atopic dermatitis, eczema, allergic dermatitis occupy the main place among dermatoses, where the allergic component is leading in the onset and development of the disease. The most common complication of allergic dermatitis is the attachment of a secondary pyococcus infection, which is associated with a decrease in the antimicrobial resistance of the skin surface. Therapy of infectious lesions is complicated by the increasing resistance of the main pathogens of pyoderma - Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis - to widely used antibiotics. The aim of the research: to determine the phenotypic features of staphylococci extracted from patients with allergic dermatitis to assess their pathogenic potential. Materials and methods. The object of the study was 369 staphylococcus isolates removed from affected and intact skin sections of patients with allergic dermatitis, as well as from representative skin sections of healthy individuals undergoing inpatient treatment at the Department of Dermatology of “Institute of Dermatology and Venereology of NAMS of Ukraine”. Biochemical identification and biological properties of staphylococci were determined using methods of classical bacteriology. Results. As a result of the conducted researches, it is established that the complex of phenotypic traits of the removed staphylococcus cultures indicates the presence in the pathogen of factors related to the resistance of the host protection mechanisms and determines the intensity of the alterative action of the infectant in relation to the host organism, the phenotypic manifestation of the studied factors was higher in the staphylococcus isolates removed from the affected skin areas of patients with allergic dermatitis. Conclusions. The level and frequency of phenotypic expression of pathogenicity factors are more pronounced in microorganisms obtained from patients from affected and intact areas compared to controls, which confirms their pathogenetic role in the burden of the disease, which in turn can be used as an auxiliary differential diagnosis criterion.
Genetic analysis for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in cowpea
Authors: Seido Sirando Lima , Santos Carlos Antonio Fernandes , Júnior Paulo Ivan Fernandes , Silva Danillo Olegário Matos da , Timko Michael Paul
Published: February 2020

This work aimed to estimate the genetic parameters of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in cowpea to guide the development of efficient cultivars in N2 fixation. Inoculation was performed with a mix of three Bradyrhizobium strains. Two soil inoculations were performed with 1mL of the inoculum, at sowing and at five days after seedlings emergence. Plants were harvested and evaluated at 40 days after sowing. The means and variances of parents F1 and F2 and the BCs IC-1 (inefficient) × BRS Marataoã (efficient) (cross 1) and IC-1 × BRS Pujante (efficient) (cross 2) were analyzed. Segregation analyses for efficient and non-efficient plants indicate that BNF is controlled by two genes with dominant-recessive epistatic effect. Narrow-sense heritability estimates for crosses 1 and 2 were, respectively, 90% and 78% for shoot dry matter (SDM); 78% and 58%, for number of nodules/plant (NN); 86% and 58%, for nodule fresh matter (NFM); and 85% and 71%, for accumulated nitrogen (AN). Gene number estimates for SDM, NN, NFM, AN ranged from two to nine by the Mather and Jinks’ method, and from one to two, by the Lande’s method, in both crosses. SDM x NFM and NFM x AN had significant and positive correlations, while NN showed significant negative correlation with AN and SDM. BNF efficiency in cowpea can be easily achieved using autogamous breeding methods.