bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routine blood parameters are helpful for early identification of influenza infection in children
Authors: Zhu Ronghe , Chen Cuie , Wang Qiu , Zhang Xixi , Lu Chaosheng , Sun Yuanyuan
Published: October 2020

Purpose Routine blood parameters, such as the lymphocyte (LYM) count, platelet (PLT) count, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), LYM*PLT and mean platelet volume-to-platelet ratio (MPV/PLT), are widely used to predict the prognosis of infectious diseases. We aimed to explore the value of these parameters in the early identification of influenza virus infection in children.Methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study of fever with influenza-like symptoms in pediatric outpatients from different age groups and evaluated the predictive value of various routine blood parameters measured within 48 hours of the onset of fever for influenza virus infection.Results The LYM count, PLT count, LMR and LYM*PLT were lower, and the NLR and MPV/PLT were higher in children with an influenza infection (PCR-confirmed and symptomatic). The LYM count, LMR and LYM*PLT in the influenza infection group were lower in the 1- to 6-year-old subgroup, and the LMR and LYM*PLT in the influenza infection group were lower in the >6-year-old subgroup. In the 1- to 6-year-old subgroup, the cutoff value of the LMR for predicting influenza A virus infection was 3.75, the sensitivity was 81.87%, the specificity was 84.31%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.886; the cutoff value of the LMR for predicting influenza B virus infection was 3.71, the sensitivity was 73.58%, the specificity was 84.31%, and the AUC was 0.843. In the >6-year-old subgroup, the cutoff value of the LMR for predicting influenza A virus infection was 3.05, the sensitivity was 89.27%, the specificity was 89.61%, and the AUC was 0.949; the cutoff value of the LMR for predicting influenza B virus infection was 2.88, the sensitivity was 83.19%, the specificity was 92.21%, and the AUC was 0.924.Conclusions Routine blood tests are simple, inexpensive and easy to perform, and they are useful for the early identification of influenza virus infection in children. The LMR had the strongest predictive value for influenza virus infection in children older than 1 year, particularly influenza A virus infection.
De novo assembly and analysis of the transcriptome of the Dermacentor marginatus genes differentially expressed after blood feeding and long-term starvation
Authors: Hu Ercha , Meng Yuan , Ma Ying , Song Ruiqi , Hu Zhengxiang , Li Min , Hao Yunwei , Fan Xinli , Wei Liting Wei , Fan Shilong , Chen Songqin , Zhai Xuejie , Li Yongchang , Wei Zhang , Zhang Yang , Guo Qingyong , Bayin Chahan
Published: October 2020

Background: The ixodid tick Dermacentor marginatus is a vector of many pathogens wide spread in Eurasia. Studies of gene sequence on many tick species have greatly increased the information on tick protective antigen which might have the potential to function as effective vaccine candidates or drug targets for eco-friendly acaricide development. In the current study, RNA-seq was applied to identify D. marginatus sequences and analyze differentially expressed unigenes.Methods: To obtain a broader picture of gene sequences and changes in expression level, RNA-seq was performed to obtain the whole-body transcriptome data of D. marginatus adult female ticks after engorgement and long-term starvation. Subsequently, the real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to validate the RNA-seq data.Results: RNA-seq produced 30,251 unigenes, of which 32% were annotated. Gene expression was compared among groups that differed by status as newly molted, starved and engorged female adult ticks. Nearly one third of the unigenes in each group were differentially expressed compared to the other two groups, and the most numerous were genes encoding proteins involved in catalytic and binding activities and apoptosis. Selected up-regulated differentially expressed genes in each group were associated to protein, lipids, carbohydrate and chitin metabolism. Blood-feeding and long-term starvation also caused genes differentially expressed in the defense response and antioxidant response. RT-qPCR results indicated 6 differentially expressed transcripts showed similar trends in expression changes with RNA-seq results confirming that the gene expression profiles in transcriptome data is in consistent with RT-qPCR validation.Conclusions: Obtaining the sequence information of D. marginatus and characterizing the expression pattern of the genes involved in blood feeding and during starvation would be helpful in understanding molecular physiology of D. marginatus and provides data for anti-tick vaccine and drug development for controlling the tick.
Comparative cellular, physiological and transcriptome analyses reveal the potential easy dehulling mechanism of rice-tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum Tararicum)
Authors: Li Hongyou , Wu Chaoxin , Lv Qiuyu , Shi Taoxiong , Chen Qijiao , Chen Qingfu
Published: October 2020

Background: Tartary buckwheat has gained popularity in the food marketplace due to its abundant nutrients and high bioactive flavonoid content. However, its difficult dehulling process has severely restricted its food processing industry development. Rice-tartary buckwheat, a rare local variety, is very easily dehulled, but the cellular, physiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for this easy dehulling remains largely unclear.Results: In this study, we integrated analyses of the comparative cellular, physiological, transcriptome, and gene coexpression network to insight into the reason that rice-tartary buckwheat is easy to dehull. Compared to normal tartary buckwheat, rice-tartary buckwheat has significantly brittler and thinner hull, and thinner cell wall in hull sclerenchyma cells. Furthermore, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of rice-tartary buckwheat hull were significantly lower than those in all or part of the tested normal tartary buckwheat cultivars, respectively, and the significant difference in cellulose and hemicellulose contents between rice-tartary buckwheat and normal tartary buckwheat began at 10 days after pollination (DAP). Comparative transcriptome analysis identified a total of 9,250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the rice- and normal-tartary buckwheat hulls at four different development stages. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of all DEGs identified a key module associated with the formation of the hull difference between rice- and normal-tartary buckwheat. In this specific module, many secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis regulatory and structural genes, which involved in cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis, were identified as hub genes and displayed coexpression. These identified hub genes of SCW biosynthesis were significantly lower expression in rice-tartary buckwheat hull than in normal tartary buckwheat at the early hull development stages. Among them, the expression of 17 SCW biosynthesis relative-hub genes were further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Conclusions: Our results showed that the lower expression of SCW biosynthesis regulatory and structural genes in rice-tartary buckwheat hull in the early development stages contributes to its easy dehulling by reducing the content of cell wall chemical components, which further effects the cell wall thickness of hull sclerenchyma cells, and hull thickness and mechanical strength.
The pathological features and prognoses of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and mucinous cystic neoplasm after surgical resection: a single institution series
Authors: Li Yuqiong , Zhu Zhongfei , Peng Lisi , Jin Zhendong , Sun Liqi , Song Bin
Published: October 2020

Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCNs) represent the tumors with malignant transformation potential. The objective of the study was to verify their pathological characteristics, prognoses, and recurrence factors.Methods: 218 IPMNs and 27 MCNs resected at a single institution were included. The demographic, preoperative, histopathological and follow-up data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were defined as the interval from the date of initial surgery to death or the last follow up (OS) and to diagnosis of recurrence or death at follow-up (DFS).Results: Of the 218 IPMN and 27 MCN patients, 93 (42.7%) and 8 (29.6 %) cases were malignant, respectively. IPMNs occurred in older patients compared with MCN patients (median 63 years vs 54 years, P<0.0001) and MCNs occurred exclusively in females (100%). Of the overall study cohort, the pathological specimens presented peripheral invasion in 37 (15.1%) patients and incisal margin invasion was observed in 46 (18.8%) patients. After a median follow-up of 34 months, 37(14.9%) patients relapsed. The 5-year OS and DFS rate of IPMNs were 97.5% and 80.6%; and the OS and DFS rates of MCNs were 95.7% and 87.0%, respectively. There were four independent risk factors associated with recurrence: pathological diagnoses with malignancy (Odds ratio, OR=3.65), presence of oncocytic type for IPMN (OR=1.69), peripheral invasion (OR=12.87) and incisal margin invasion (OR=1.99).Conclusions: IPMNs and MCNs are indolent tumors with favorable prognoses after surgical resection in terms of their relatively high OS and DFS rate. Patients with malignant pathological-related diagnoses should accept strict tumor surveillance in view of their higher risk of recurrence.
Health care workers’ perceptions of episiotomy in the era of respectful maternity care: a qualitative study of an obstetric training program in Mexico
Authors: Garcia-Cerde Rodrigo de Jesús , Torres-Pereda Maria del Pilar , Olvera-Garcia Marisela , Hulme Jennifer Meghan
Published: October 2020

Background
Episiotomy in Mexico is highly prevalent and often routine - performed in up to 95% of births to primiparous women. The WHO suggests that episiotomy be used in selective cases, with an expected prevalence of 15%. Training programs to date have been unsuccessful in changing this practice. This research aims to understand how health personal, at four community hospitals in Mexico, perceive episiotomy, both before and after training in respectful maternity care, obstetric and neonatal emergencies.
Methods
This is a descriptive and interpretative qualitative study. We conducted Fifty-three pre and post-intervention (PRONTO© Program) semi-structured interviews with generalists, specialists and nurses (N = 32, 56% women). Thematic analysis was carried out using Atlas-ti© software to iteratively organize codes. Through interpretive triangulation, the team found theoretical saturation and explanatory depth on key analytical categories.
Results
Themes fell into six major themes surrounding their perceptions of episiotomy: as a predictable practice, as a prophylactic intervention, as a procedure that resolves problems in the moment, as a practice that gives the clinician control, as a risky practice, and the role of social norms in practicing it. Results show contradictory discourses among professionals. Despite the growing support for the selective use of episiotomy, it remains positively perceived as an effective prophylaxis for the complications of childbirth while maintaining control in the hands of medical personnel.
Conclusions
Perceptions of episiotomy shed light on how and why routine episiotomy persists, and provides insight into the multi-faceted approaches that will be required to affect this and other harmful obstetrical practices.
The effectiveness of online metacognitive versus face-to-face counseling on anxiety and metaworry in women with a history of spontaneous miscarriage: A Randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abadi Mina Ghiasi shaham , Farajkhoda Tahmineh , Mahmoodabadi Hassan Zareei
Published: October 2020

BackgroundOnline and face-to-face counseling interventions can be performed on women with a history of miscarriage, which causes their anxiety and metaworry.The aim of this study was to compare effectiveness of metacognitive counseling methods, online and face-to-face, on anxiety and metaworry of women with miscarriage.MethodsIn this parallel randomized clinical trial, 40 women with a history of miscarriage, anxiety and metaworry were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 20/each): group I receiving metacognitive counseling via online network and software, and group II (control) receiving face-to-face metacognitive counseling with same content and time, 90-minute sessions. Data were collected demographic form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wellz metaworry questionnaire and satisfaction scale. Primary outcomes included changes in the scores of anxiety, metaworry were measured in both groups in three times including at the base line, and at the end of week eight and twelve of the intervention initiation. Satisfaction with counseling method was assessed as secondary outcome at the end of week eight and twelve of the intervention beginning in both groups.ResultsIn both groups, mean score of anxiety in 12th week was significantly different from before the intervention; difference was more significant in online group (p = 0.04). In both groups, the mean score of metaworry in 12th week had a statistically significant difference compared to the beginning of the study, and the decrease was again more significant in the online group (p = 0.03). Satisfaction with the counseling method had statistically significant difference between the two groups in week eight and twelve (respectively p ≈ 0.00).ConclusionsMetacognitive counseling both online and face-to-face improves anxiety and metaworry in women with miscarriage. Online counseling was more effective, satisfying, and longer compared with face-to-face counseling method, especially in corona virus19 outbreak.Trial registration: ISRCTN, IRCT20181120041707N1, Prospectively registered, Registered 23 May 2019, https://en.irct.ir/trial/35643/ IRCT20181120041707N1
Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a tertiary teaching hospital in Northern Jordan: a 15-year review
Authors: Rawashdeh Hasan , Obeidat Rawan , Masaadeh Lubna
Published: October 2020

Background
Emergency Peripartum hysterectomy is a major operation performed when conservative measures fail to stop life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage. It is associated with a high rate of maternal morbidity among survivors. The aim of this work is to evaluate the incidence, indication, and complications of peripartum hysterectomy at King Abdulla University Hospital over a 15-year period.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of emergency peripartum hysterectomy. The incidence was calculated. Risk factors for abnormal placentation were explored. A comparison between total and subtotal hysterectomy in terms of morbidity outcomes was conducted. The Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact and Independent Sample T-Test were used for analysis. Statistical significance was declared at α < 0.05.
Results
The incidence of peripartum hysterectomy was 1.46 per 1000 births. Sixty-three were performed after caesarean section and three were performed after vaginal delivery (P < 0.001). Abnormal placentation (accreta, increta and percreta) was the main indication (46.03%). The strongest risk factor for abnormal placentation was placenta previa with previous caesarean section (P < 0.001, OR 17.33, 95% CI 2.09–143.14). One maternal and three neonatal deaths were recorded. Urinary bladder injury was the most frequent complication (26.98%). No difference in morbidity noted between total and subtotal hysterectomy.
Conclusions
The incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy in increasing steadily over the last two decades in the north of Jordan. Abnormal placentation is the commonest indication for emergency peripartum hysterectomy. There is no significant difference between total and subtotal hysterectomy in terms of complications` development, admission to the ICU, and estimated blood loss. The morbidity associated with emergency peripartum hysterectomy is significant.
Programmable artificial intelligence machine for wave sensing and communications
Authors: Cui Tie Jun , Liu Che , ma qian , Luo Zhangjie , Hong Qiaoru , Xiao Qiang , Zhang Hao Chi , Miao Long , Yu Wenming , Cheng Qiang , Li Lianlin
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence is facilitating human life in many aspects. Previous artificial intelligence has been mainly focused on computer algorithms (e.g. deep-learning and extreme-learning) and integrated circuits. Recently, all-optical diffractive deep neural networks (D2NN) were realized by using passive structures, which can perform complicated functions designed by computer-based neural networks at the light speed. However, once a passive D2NN architecture is fabricated, its function will be fixed. Here, we propose a programmable artificial intelligence machine (PAIM) that can execute various intellectual tasks by realizing hierarchical connections of brain neurons via a multi-layer digital-coding metasurface array. Integrated with two amplifier chips in each meta-atom, its transmission coefficient covers a dynamic range of 35 dB (from -40 dB to -5 dB), which is the basis to construct the reprogrammable physical layers of D2NN, in which the digital meta-atoms make the artificial neurons alive. We experimentally show that PAIM can handle various deep-learning tasks for wave sensing, including image classifications, mobile communication coder-decoder, and real-time multi-beam focusing. In particular, we propose a reinforcement learning algorithm for on-site learning and discrete optimization algorithm for digital coding, making PAIM have autonomous intelligence ability and perform self-learning tasks without the support of extra computer.
A Network Pharmacology-Based Study on Active Ingredients of Corydalis Rhizoma on Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Li Ying , Wei Guhang , Zhuang Zhenkun , Chen Mingtai , Yuan Changjian , Lin Haidan , Li Meihuan , Wu Yanhui , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Zhong , Cheng Hong
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCorydalis Rhizoma(CR) showed a high efficacy for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the interaction between the active ingredients of CR and the targets of CHD has not been unequivocally explained in previous researches. To study the active components and potential targets of Corydalis Rhizoma and to determine the mechanism underlying the exact effect of Corydalis Rhizoma on coronary heart disease, a method of network pharmacology was used.Materials and MethodsThe active components of CR and targets corresponding to each component were scanned out from Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and target genes of CHD were searched on GeneCards database and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) database. The active components and common targets of CR and CHD were used to build the “CR-CHD” network through Cytoscape (version 3.2.1) software as well as protein-protein interaction(PPI) network on String database. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was executed by clusterProfiler(version 3.8) and DOSE(version 3.6) package on R platform.Results49 active ingredients and 394 relevant targets of CR and the 7173 CHD-related genes were retrieved. 40 common genes were selected for subsequent analysis. Crucial biological processes and pathways were obtained and analyzed, including DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific, RNA polymerase II transcription factor binding, kinase regulator activity, ubiquitin-like protein ligase binding, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, TNF signaling pathway, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.ConclusionsOverall, CR could alleviate CHD through the mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology, laying the foundation for future development of new drugs from traditional Chinese medicine on CHD.
Vision Loss in Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis Treated with Tocilizumab
Authors: Amsler Jennifer , Kysela Iveta , Tappeiner Christoph , Seitz Luca , Christ Lisa , Scholz Godehard , Stalder Odile , Kollert Florian , Reichenbach Stephan , Villiger Peter
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) may lead to vision loss. To what extent tocilizumab (TCZ) is able to prevent vision loss is unknown. The aim was to analyze the occurrence of vision loss in a large GCA cohort treated with TCZ.Methods: In this observational monocentric study, GCA patients treated with TCZ between the years 2010 and 2018 were studied. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. Results: A total of 186 patients were included (62% female); 109 (59%) fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, in 123 (66%) patients, large vessel vasculitis was diagnosed in magnetic resonance-angiography (MRA). Cumulative duration of TCZ treatment was 224 years, median treatment duration was 11.1 (IQR 5.6-17.9) months. Glucocorticoids (GC) were tapered over a median of 5.8 (IQR 3.0-8.5) months. At baseline, visual symptoms were present in 70 (38%) and vision loss in 21 (11%) patients. Patients with vision loss at baseline were older (p=0.032), had a lower C-reactive protein (p=0.002), more often cranial symptoms (p<0.001) or jaw claudication (p=0.031) and showed a negative association with MRA of the aorta (p=0.006). Two patients (1.1%) developed vision loss, both at initiation of TCZ treatment.Conclusion: Our data show a very low incidence of vision loss in TCZ-treated patient. The two cases of AION occurred at initiation of therapy, they support the hypothesis that advanced, and established structural changes of arteries are key factors for this accident. Whether shorter duration of concomitant GC treatment is risky regarding vision loss needs to be studied.
Discrete Choice Experiment to Determine Preferences of Decision-Makers in Healthcare for Different Formats of Rapid Reviews.
Authors: Speckemeier Christian , Krabbe Laura , Schwenke Susanne , Wasem Jürgen , Buchberger Barbara , Neusser Silke
Published: October 2020

Background Time-saving formats of evidence syntheses have been developed to fulfil healthcare policymakers’ demands for timely evidence-based information. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) with decision-makers and people involved in the preparation of evidence syntheses was undertaken to elicit preferences for methodological shortcuts in the conduct of abbreviated reviews.Methods D-optimal scenarios, each containing 14 pairwise comparisons, were designed for the DCE: the development of an evidence synthesis in 20 working days (scenario 1) and 12 months (scenario 2), respectively. Six attributes (number of databases, number of reviewers during screening, publication period, number of reviewers during data extraction, full-text analysis, types of HTA domains) with 2 to 3 levels each were defined. These were presented to the target population in an online survey. The relative importance of the individual attributes was determined using logistic regression models.Results Scenario 1 was completed by 36 participants and scenario 2 by 26 participants. The linearity assumption was confirmed by the full model. In both scenarios, the linear difference model showed a preference for higher levels for ‘number of reviewers during data extraction’, followed by ‘number of reviewers during screening’ and ‘full-text analysis’. Subgroup analyses showed that preferences are influenced by participation in the preparation of evidence syntheses.Conclusion The surveyed persons expressed preferences for quality standards in the process of literature screening and data extraction.
Generation and characterization of cardiac valve endothelial-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Cheng Lingxi , Song Yu , Zhang Yanyong , Geng Yingchao , Xu Weilin , Wang Zheng , Wang Lin , huang kai , Dong Nianguo , Sun Yuhua
Published: October 2020

The cardiac valvular endothelial cells (VECs) are an ideal cell source that could be used for making the valve organoids. However, few studies have been focused on the derivation of this important cell type. Here we describe a two-step chemically defined xeno-free method for generating VEC-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). HPSCs were specified to KDR+/ISL1+ multipotent cardiac progenitors (CPCs), followed by differentiation into valve endothelial-like cells (VELs). Mechanistically, administration of TGFb1 and BMP4 may specify VEC fate by activating the NOTCH/WNT signaling pathways and previously unidentified targets such as ATF3 and KLF family of transcription factors. When seeded onto the surface of the de-cellularized porcine aortic valve (DCV) matrix scaffolds, hPSC-derived VELs exhibit superior proliferative and clonogenic potential than the primary VECs. Our results suggest that hPSC-derived VELs could serve as as a potential platform for the mechanistic study of valvulogenesis, and as starting materials for the construction of the valve organoids.
Specific Activities and the Trajectories of Cognitive Decline among Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Five-year Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Li Bingyu , Bi Jiefeng , Wei Chang , Sha Feng
Published: October 2020

Background: Emerging evidence indicates that leisure activities are associated with higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia among the older adults, but how specific activities influence cognitive decline among different age groups, especially the late middle-aged and the early old, remains inadequately studied. This study aims to examine association between specific activities with trajectories of cognitive functions in different age groups in China. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study included 14,161 Chinese individuals aged 45 years or above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Data were collected bi-annually from 2011 to 2015. Cognitive function, including memory and mental status, was measured by Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (TICS) battery. Mixed effects growth models were applied to analyse the association between specific activities and cognitive functions.Results: Four activities, respectively interacting with friends, playing Mah-jong or other card games, going to a sport and providing help to others, were found to be significantly associated with participants’ cognitive functioning. All four activities are associated with better memory. Infrequently playing Mah-jong or other card games and daily sports are significantly associated with better mental status. In addition, specific effect of each activity varies among population of different age, education level, gender and residence. Conclusions: This study identifies four social activities that are associated with better cognitive functions, and provides a comprehensive, in-depth understanding on the specific protective effect of each activity among different subgroups. These findings have practical implications for feasible and personalized cognitive health interventions.
WITHDRAWN: Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker for Early Diabetic Nephropathy and Dyslipidemia in Young Type 1 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Radzeviciene Lina , Stankute Ingrida , Monstaviciene Ausra , Dobrovolskiene Rimantė , Danyte Evalda , Verkauskiene Rasa
Published: October 2020

Background. Early capture of initial stages of complications is the destination of long term follow up of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of serum cystatin C in the early diagnosis of renal injury and its association with dyslipidemia in young T1D patients.Methods. 779 subjects were evaluated for kidney function by estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (eGFRcreat) and cystatin C (eGFRcys). Results. Median age of study subjects was 16.2 years (2.1;26.4), diabetes duration – 5.3 years (0.51;24.0). The median of HbA1c was 8% (5.2;19.9) (64 mmol/mol (33.3;194)); 24.2% of participants had HbA1c <7% (53 mmol/mol). Elevated albumin excretion rate was found in 13.5% of subjects. The median of cystatin C was 0.8 mg/L (0.33;1.71), the median of creatinine – 63 µmol/L (6;126). Median of eGFRcys was lower than eGFRcreat (92 ml/min/1.73m2 vs. 101 ml/min/1.73m2, p<0.001). 30.2% of all patients were classified as having worse kidney function when using cystatin C vs. creatinine for eGFR calculation. Linear correlations were found between cystatin C and HbA1c, r=-0.088, p<0.05, as well as cystatin C and HDL, r=-0.097, p<0.01.Conclusion. This study showed that cystatin C might be used as an additional biomarker of early kidney injury for young patients with T1D.
Hospital Service Quality Based on HEALTHQUAL Model and Trusting Nurses at Iranian University and Non-University Hospitals: A Comparative Study
Authors: Nemati Reza , Bahreini Masoud , Pouladi Shahnaz , Mirzaei Kamran , Mehboodi Farkhondeh
Published: October 2020

Background: Establishment and improvement of patients’ trust in healthcare organizations like hospitals necessitate delivering high-quality services by nurses, as the largest group of healthcare providers. The present study aimed to compare hospital service quality based on the HEALTHQUAL model and trusting nurses at university and non-university hospitals in Iran.Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 990 patients admitted to university and non-university hospitals located in Bushehr Province, southern Iran, who were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The data were collected through the HEALTHQUAL questionnaire and the Trust in Nurses Scale, and then analyzed via the SPSS Statistics software (version 22) as well as the General Linear Model (GLM) univariate procedure and the Chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05.Results: The study findings revealed that the mean values of real quality (perceptions) and ideal quality (expectations) were 3.89±0.69 4.55±0.47, respectively. The gap between the real and ideal quality (-0.64) was also higher at the non-university hospital from the patients’ viewpoints. Comparing various dimensions of service quality, the largest gap at university and non-university hospitals was associated with “environment” (-0.13) and “empathy” (-0.18), respectively. Additionally, the mean scores of patient trust in nurses at university and non-university hospitals were 10.34±5.81 and 8.71±4.05, respectively, being a statistically significant difference (p<0.001).Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that hospital service quality and trusting in nurses were at higher levels at the university hospital than the non-university one; however, hospital service quality was lower than what the patients had expected. Accordingly, hospital managers and policy-makers were suggested to focus on patients to reduce gaps in service quality, to promote service quality, and to provide better healthcare services to patients.
Sense of Coherence and Strategies for Coping with Stress Among Nurses
Authors: Betke Katarzyna , Basińska Małgorzata Anna , Andruszkiewicz Anna
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThe nursing profession is associated with constant presence of difficult situations and stress, which arise from responsibility for the highest values – human life and health. With demographic changes in the society, the demand for nursing care increases. Looking after the health of nursing staff becomes a non-material investment in employees. One of the most important health potentials described in literature is the sense of coherence. It can significantly contribute to maintaining good health, modify one’s functioning in a stressful working environment and influence the choice of strategies for coping with stress.AimThe aim of the study was to describe the specific relationship between the sense of coherence and strategies for coping with stress in a group of professionally active nurses.Methodology and methodsThe study involved 90 female nurses and 1 male nurse aged 22-52, the group was diversified in terms of: education, work system, marital status and place of residence. The study was conducted with the use of: Sense of Coherence Questionnaire SOC-29 and Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress - Mini-COPE. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of scientific research set out in the Helsinki Declaration.ResultsThe sense of coherence value in the test group was M = 134.24 (SD = 19.55). In stressful situations nurses most often used active strategies to cope with stress: Planning M = 2.10 (SD = 0.54), Seeking Emotional Social Support M = 1.95 (SD = 0.68) and Seeking Instrumental Social Support M = 1.95 (SD = 0.69), and the least frequently: Alcohol/Drug Use M = 0.28 (SD = 0.48). The level of the sense of coherence and its components differentiated the strategies of coping with stress used in the examined group of nurses. ConclusionsThe research confirmed that the sense of coherence serves as a health potential in a stressful working environment. Nurses with a stronger sense of coherence used more adaptive strategies to deal with stress than those with average or low levels.
Risk Factors of Femoral Fractures in Lateral Decubitus Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Conventional Stem: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Sun Guanjun , Yin Yi , Ye Yongjie , Li Qingshan
Published: October 2020

Objective: In order to provide guideline to operation and reduce the incidence of fractures, this study analyze the relationship between femoral fractures and related factors in direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) in lateral decubitus position. Method: A consecutive retrospective series of 273 THA by DAA in lateral decubitus position were analyzed. The surgery were performed by the same surgeon with conventional operation bed and femoral stem. The correlations between incidence of fractures with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), height, osteoporosis, anterior superior iliac spine-greater trochanter distance (ASIS-GTD), and hip-joint diseases were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results: Among all hip arthroplasty, 34 cases had femoral fractures, including 29 greater trochanter fractures, 4 proximal femoral splits and 1 femoral perforation. The incidence of fractures was 13.03%. Univariate analysis: the discrepancies in incidence of fractures among genders, BMIs and age were not significant different; osteoporosis caused an increase of fractures; the incidence of fractures declined as height, ASIS-GTD increased; The incidence of femoral neck fracture and osteonecrosis of femoral head was lower than others. Logistic regression results: there was a significant correlation between osteoporosis, ASIS-GTD and fractures. Patients with osteoporosis had a high possibility of fractures (OR=2.353); the possibility of fractures decreased with an upward ASIS-GTD(OR=0.939). Conclusion: The lateral decubitus DAA THA can be successfully performed using conventional operation bed and stem, which saved medical resources effectively. Osteoporosis and ASIS-GTD were independent risk factors for femoral fractures; Short stature, inflammatory arthroses were relatively risk factors.
An Effective Live Vaccine Strain Of Trypanosoma Cruzi Prevents Chagas Disease In The Mouse Model
Authors: Jha Bijay , Varikuti Sanjay , Bishop Nicholas , Santos Gregory dos , McDonald Jacquelyn , Sur Aakash , Myler Peter , Schenkman Sérgio , Satoskar Abhay , McGwire Bradford
Published: October 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease for which there are no prophylactic vaccines. Cyclophilin 19 is a secreted cis-trans peptidyl isomerase expressed in all life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi, which in the insect stage leads to the inactivation of insect anti-parasitic peptides and parasite transformation and in intracellular amastigotes participates in generating ROS enhancing parasite growth. We have generated a parasite knock-out mutant of Cyp19 which fails to replicate in cell culture or in mice indicating that lack of Cyp19 is critical for infectivity. Knock-out parasites fail to replicate in or cause clinical disease in immune-deficient mice further validating their lack of virulence. Repeated inoculation of knock-out parasites into immuno-competent mice elicits parasite-specific antibodies and T-cell responses. Challenge of immunized mice with wild-type parasites is 100% effective at preventing disease. These results indicate that the knock-out parasite line is a live vaccine candidate for Chagas disease.
WITHDRAWN: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound improves behavioral functions and alleviates neuroinflammation in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yang Feng-Yi , Sung Chen-Yu , Chiang Pai-Kai , Tsai Che-Wen
Published: October 2020

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a reduction of dopamine level in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and striatum of the brain. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been demonstrated recently as a non-invasive neuromodulation tool in a number of fields. LIPUS has also been reported to improve behavioral functions in PD animal models; however, the effect of LIPUS stimulation on the neurotrophic factors and neuroinflammation has not yet been addressed.MethodsPD rat model was built by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in two sites in the right striatum. The levels of neurotrophic factors and lipocalin-2 (LCN2)-induced neuroinflammation were quantified using a western blot. Rotational test and cylinder test were conducted biweekly for eight weeks. The safety of LIPUS was assessed using Hematoxylin and Esosin (H&E) staining and Nissl staining.ResultsWhen the 6-OHDA+LIPUS and 6-OHDA groups were compared, the locomotor function of the 6-OHDA+LIPUS rats was significantly improved. After LIPUS stimulation, the number of neurons was remarkably increased in the striatum and SNpc of lesioned rats. Unilateral LIPUS stimulation did not increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the striatum and SNpc of lesioned rats. In contrast, unilateral LIPUS stimulation increased glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein 1.98-fold unilaterally in the SNpc. Additionally, LCN2-induced neuroinflammation can be attenuated following LIPUS stimulation.ConclusionsOur data indicated that LIPUS stimulation increased GDNF and dopaminergic (DA) neuron density in the 6-OHDA-induced rat model of PD. Moreover, this technology attenuated proinflammatory mediators and reversed behavioral indicators of PD-associated motor dysfunction with no evidence of brain tissue injury. These results show that LIPUS stimulation may be a potential therapeutic tool against PD via enhancement of GDNF level and inhibition of inflammatory responses in the SNpc of the brain.
Sarcocystis Cristata sp. nov. (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in The Imported Great Blue Turaco Corythaeola Cristata (Aves, Musophagidae) from Czech Republic
Authors: Máca Ondřej , González David
Published: October 2020

Background: Species of Sarcocystis are parasitic protozoan in poikilothermic and homeothermic animals. Out of the 25 valid avian species, none has been reported in birds of the order Musophagiformes, as the great blue turaco Corythaeola cristata (Vieillot, 1816), which is an endemic bird inhabiting Central and Western Africa. The examination of great blue turacos imported from the Central Africa Republic to Czech Republic allowed the morphological and molecular characterization of a new species of Sarcocystis.Methods: Four turacos imported from the Central Africa Republic to private breeder (Czech Republic) were parasitologically examined through wet mounts of breast, heart and legs muscles for the presence of sarcocysts. Found parasites were molecular and histologically studied by 4 loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1 and cox1) and haematoxylin and eosin stain, respectively. Results: Three out of 4 examined birds (prevalence: 75%) harboured numerous sarcocysts in breast and leg muscles. No macroscopic lesions where observed. Sarcocysts were microscopic, elongate and ribbon-shaped with a wall characterised by the presence of finger-shaped villar protrusions. The new species is molecularly similar to S. albifronsi, S. anasi, S. atraii, S. chloropusae, S. lari and S. rileyi) in the four loci. Conclusions: This is the first species of Sarcocystis in a musophagiform bird around the world. Genetically, S. cristata sp. nov. represents a distinct species. Phylogenetic analyses are useful for predicting potential definitive hosts of the new Sarcocystis species.
Thermal Limits for Flight Activity of Field-collected Culicoides in the United Kingdom Defined Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Tugwell Laura A , England Marion E. , Gubbins Simon , Sanders Christopher J. , Stokes Jessica E. , Stoner Joanne , Graham Simon P. , Blackwell Alison , Darpel Karin E. , Carpenter Simon
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCulicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological vectors of internationally important arboviruses and inflict biting nuisance on humans, companion animals and livestock. In temperate regions, transmission of arboviruses is limited by temperature thresholds, both in replication and dissemination of arboviruses within the vector and in the flight activity of adult Culicoides. This study aims to determine the cold-temperature thresholds for flight activity of Culicoides from the United Kingdom under laboratory conditions.MethodsOver 18,000 Culicoides adults were collected from the field using 4W down-draught miniature ultraviolet Centers for Disease Control traps. Populations of Culicoides were sampled at three different geographical locations within the United Kingdom during the summer months, and again in the autumn at one geographical location. Activity at constant temperatures was assessed using a bioassay that detected movement of adult Culicoides towards an ultraviolet light source over a 24-hour period.ResultsThe proportion of active adult Culicoides increased with temperature but cold temperature thresholds for activity varied significantly according to collection season and location. Populations dominated by the subgenus Avaritia collected in South East England had a lower activity threshold temperature in the autumn (4°C), when compared with populations collected in the summer (10°C). Within the subgenus Avaritia, Culicoides scoticus was significantly more active across all temperatures tested than Culicoides obsoletus within the experimental setup Populations of Culicoides impunctatus collected in the North East of England, were only active once temperatures reached 14°C. Preliminary data suggested flight activity of the subgenus Avaritia does not differ between populations in South East England and those in the Scottish Borders.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate seasonal changes in temperature thresholds for flight and across different populations of Culicoides. This data, alongside that defining thresholds for virus replication within Culicoides, provides a primary tool for risk assessment of arbovirus transmission in temperate regions. In addition, the study also provides a comparison with thermal limits derived directly from light-suction trapping data, which is currently used as the main method to define adult Culicoides activity during surveillance.
An Online Survey to Assess Parents’ Preferences for Learning About Child Health Research 
Authors: Knisley Lisa , Le Anne , Scott Shannon D
Published: October 2020

Background: Child health research is crucial to finding safe and effective treatments for children. However, child health research can be challenging in that it can require significant resources. Additionally, parents may need to make the decision to participate in a study during a stressful situation, such as an emergency department visit. Although innovative study design and methodology are being used to try and address these challenges, a key component of conducting more efficient, relevant and successful child health research is finding better ways to engage and involve parents in the research process from study conception to dissemination of results. Methods: We employed a cross-sectional, survey design to seek feedback from parents on 1) how they would like to learn about potential child health research studies that their child could participate in; 2) whether they would like to learn more about the research studies they are participating in; and 3) how they would like to receive information about studies they are participating in. Results: The survey findings demonstrate that parents are interested in hearing about opportunities to participate in child health research, particularly during visits to their general practitioner/pediatrician or walk-in clinics. Most parents would like to receive updates on the progress, results, and researchers involved in studies their child has participated in. Parents would also like to be provided with support to participate in research studies (i.e., travel or child care). Conclusion: This study is part of a larger initiative that is re-examining recruitment and retention methods to inform research teams in planning child health studies. In order to involve a wider range of parents and children in current and future studies, there must be strong engagement strategies in place, developed with parents, to effectively and respectively share research opportunities, progress and results, and demonstrate that their participation matters.
A Methodological Investigation of Healthy Tissue, Hepatocellular Carcinoma and other Lesions with Dynamic 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Geist Barbara Katharina , Xing Haiqun , Wang Jingnan , Shi Ximin , Zhao Haitao , Hacker Marcus , Sang Xinting , Huo Li , Li Xiang
Published: October 2020

Background: The study aimed to establish a 68Ga-FAPI-04 kinetic model in hepatic lesions, to determine the potential role of kinetic parameters in the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from non-HCC lesions.Material and Methods: Time activity curves (TACs) were extracted from seven HCC lesions and five non-HCC lesions obtained from 68Ga-FAPI-04 dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) scans of eight patients. Three kinetic models were applied to the TACs, using image derived hepatic artery and/or portal vein as input functions. For input functions and the lesions, the according voxel with the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was taken, for the healthy tissue mean SUV values. The optimum model was chosen after applying the Schwartz information criteria to the TACs, differences in model parameters between HCC, non-HCC lesions, and healthy tissue were evaluated with the ANOVA test. Results: A reversible two-tissue compartment model using both the arterial as well as venous input function was most preferred and showed significant differences in the kinetic parameters VND, VT and BPND between HCC, non-HCC lesions and healthy regions (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Several Model parameters derived from a two-tissue compartment kinetic model with two image-derived input function from vein and aorta and using SUVmax allow a differentiation between HCC and non-HCC lesions, obtained from dynamically performed PET scans using FAPI.