bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Self-Perceived Health with Social and Psychological Environment, the Mode of Life and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Middle-Aged Men – Residents of Moscow
Authors: Kotova M. B. , Rozanov V. B. , Ivanova E. I.
Published: January 2020

Aim. Estimation of the correlation of self-perceived health (SPH) with social and psychological environment, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk markers in middle-aged men.

Material and methods. A total of 301 men aged 41-44 years were examined. The study included clinical examination and interrogation using a standard form. Physical activity was estimated with the help of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires, the level of psychosocial stress – with the Reeder scale, signs of vital exhaustion with the Maastricht Questionnaire Vital Exhaustion Scale. To evaluate the mode and quality of life the questionnaire developed by I.A. Gundarev was used. All the examined people were divided in three groups according to the distribution of SPH rates by tertiles: the group 1 (from 7 to 60 scores) – bad health, the group 2 (61-79 scores) – satisfactory and the group 3 (80-100 scores) – good health.

Results. Parameters of the social and psychological environment of middle-aged men were the basic determinates of their health self-perception, at that majority of the indices of the quality and mode of life were independent of family material well-being. Bad SPH in middle-aged men was determined by such parameters as: increased blood pressure (BP), abdominal obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, psychosocial stress, vital exhaustion, low physical activity. Material wealth influenced systolic BP level, the waist/hips circumference ratio, a number of cigarettes per day and thus the SPH status. The most significant determinants of SPH were the level of personal happiness, nervous stress at work, support by family, sports activities, working conditions, total cholesterol level, satisfaction with own work.

Conclusion. When working on programs focused on public health improvement the social, psychological and behavioral determinants of health selfperception must be considered.
New Opportunities for Improving the Prognosis of Patients with Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Perepech N. B.
Published: January 2020

Resources and methods for improving the prognosis in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) are presented in the review. Information on the classes of drugs that improve the prognosis, and target values of the main physiological parameters that should be monitored during the treatment of patients with chronic IHD are also presented. The main attention is paid to antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. The results of the most significant randomized clinical trials of the efficacy and safety of drugs from these classes in the treatment of chronic IHD are discussed. The results of the COMPASS study, which obtained confirmation of the positive effect of combined therapy with rivaroxaban and acetylsalicylic acid on the prognosis of patients with chronic IHD or peripheral artery disease, are presented in detail. The safety aspects of this therapy are discussed. The position of rivaroxaban in the treatment of patients with chronic IHD with sinus rhythm is presented according to the Recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic IHD (2019).
Current Trends in the Treatment of Hypertension: Focus on Improving Prognosis. The Capabilities of an Amlodipine/Telmisartan Single-Pill Combination
Authors: Ostroumova O. D. , Kochetkov A. I.
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, the modern approach to antihypertensive therapy is to prescribe in the most hypertensive patients fixed-dose combinations of antihypertensive drugs as initial therapy. This concept is reflected in the latest revisions of European and Russian guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension (AH). Above mentioned principle is referred as “single-pill combination” strategy and is given high priority in clinical practice with a high evidence level. According to this approach, one of the possible first line single-pill combinations is the combination of an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a calcium channel blocker. In both classes, the reference and the best representatives include, respectively, telmisartan and amlodipine, as a result of broad experience in their practical application and, most importantly, extensive body of evidence regarding to its effectiveness and safety. Both antihypertensive drugs are distinguished by an extra-longstanding antihypertensive effect that exceeds such one of other representatives in their classes, thereby a stable blood pressure control throughout the day is realized, and most importantly, in the early morning hours, that are the most dangerous in terms of adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Another important telmisartan and amlodipine characteristics is their targetorgan protective properties, which is realized at all the levels. In addition, telmisartan has a unique ability to activate PPAR-у-receptors and improves the carbohydrate metabolism and lipid profile, which is advantageous in patients with concomitant metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. The telmisartan and amlodipine features and their proven ability to improve prognosis in hypertensive patients served as background for creating a singlepill combination of these antihypertensive drugs, which fully meet with the requirements of current clinical guidelines for AH management and in which these drugs synergistically coupling resulting in more effective blood pressure control, increases the reliability of target-organ protection, and also improves the therapy safety profile.
Utility of Distal Forearm DXA as a Screening Tool for Primary Osteoporotic Fragility Fractures of the Distal Radius
Authors: Miyamura Satoshi , Kuriyama Kohji , Ebina Kosuke , Oka Kunihiro , Kashii Masafumi , Shigi Atsuo , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Hirao Makoto , Yoshikawa Hideki , Murase Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2020

Background:

Osteoporotic fragility fractures frequently occur at the distal part of the radius. This suggests that initial osteoporosis evaluation at this site may inform screening and treatment to prevent additional fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of distal forearm dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a screening tool to assess the risk of fragility fractures at the distal part of the radius.

Methods:

This retrospective, case-control study included postmenopausal women who had sustained a distal radial fracture (fracture group, n = 110) and postmenopausal women with no history of fracture (control group, n = 95). DXA measurements at the spine, hip, and distal part of the forearm (ultra-distal, mid-distal, and one-third distal sections) were compared between the groups on the basis of bone mineral density (BMD), T-score, and the proportion of patients with a T-score of ≤–2.5 standard deviations (SD). We also investigated the regional differences on the basis of T-score among the skeletal sites. Furthermore, the reliability of distal forearm DXA measurements was validated by assessing the statistical correlation (r) with volumetric BMD by computed tomography (CT).

Results:

Compared with the control group, the fracture group showed significantly lower BMD and T-scores and higher proportions of patients with a T-score of ≤–2.5 SD at the ultra-distal, mid-distal, and one-third distal forearm; however, the spine and hip measurements did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. With respect to regional differences, in the fracture group, T-scores were significantly lower and the proportions of patients with a T-score of ≤–2.5 SD were significantly higher for the 3 distal forearm sites compared with the spine and hip. DXA measurements at all 3 of the distal forearm regions exhibited high correlation with volumetric BMD by CT (r = 0.83 to 0.92).

Conclusions:

Some postmenopausal women were found to exhibit bone loss preferentially at the distal part of the radius, which may render them vulnerable to fragility fractures. Forearm DXA for the assessment of local bone loss may demonstrate benefit in screening for those at risk for distal radial fractures and facilitate the early identification of patients who require intervention for osteoporosis.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Assessment of weight and height of patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders and group of children with recurrent respiratory tract infections.
Authors: Pieniawska-Śmiech Karolina , Bar Kamil , Babicki Mateusz , Śmiech Karol , Lewandowicz-Uszyńska Aleksandra
Published: January 2020

Background Primary immunodeficiences (PIDs) are a group of chronic, serious disorders in which the immune response is insufficient. In consequence, it leads to an increased susceptibility to infections. Up to date, there are about 300 different disorders classified in that group. There are also patients suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI), however that group doesn't present any abnormalities in terms of conducted immunological tests. Many factors, including medical, can have an impact on physical development of a child. Data such as birth weight and length, also weight, height, BMI during admission to the hospital were collected from 207 patients' medical histories from their hospitalization at Clinical Immunology and Paediatrics ward of J.Gromkowski Hospital in Wrocław. Investigated groups included patients with PIDs, RRTI and a control group of healthy children. Our purpose was to evaluate the physical growth of children with PID and children with RRTI by assessment of their height and weight. All of parameters were evaluated using centile charts suitable best for the Polish population. Results The lowest mean birth weight and height was found among the PIDs patients group. Children with PIDs during hospitalization had statistically relevant lower mean weight than the control group and almost 20% of them had their height situated below 3rd percentile. No statistically relevant differences have been found between them and RRTI group. The statistically significant difference was between the nutritional status of PID patients and the control group. Conclusions There is a higher percentage of PID patients with physical growth abnormalities in comparison to healthy children. Our findings indicate a need for further investigation of immune system irregularities and their influence on physical growth of children.
Examining validity and reliability of Objective Structured Clinical Examination for evaluation of clinical skills of midwifery undergraduate students: a descriptive study
Authors: Kolivand Mitra , Esfandyari Marzieh , Heydarpour sousan
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND: Clinical evaluation is one of the main pillars of medical education. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is one of the commonly adopted practical tools to evaluate clinical and practical skills of medical students. The purpose of the study is to determine validity and reliability of Objective Structured Clinical Examination for evaluation of clinical skills of midwifery undergraduate students.
METHODS : Seven clinical skills were evaluated in this descriptive correlative study using a performance checklist. Census method was used for sampling. Thirty-two midwifery students performed the skills at seven stations each monitored by an observer using an evaluation checklist. Criterion validity was obtained through determining the correlation between the clinical and theoretical courses point and the Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation score. The collected data was analyzed in SPSS (v.20) and logistic regression test.
RESULTS: The correlation score of Objective Structured Clinical Examination was significantly related to the mean score of clinical course “Normal and Abnormal delivery I” (0.399, p=0.024) and the mean score of clinical course “gynaecology “ (0.419, p=0.017). There was no significant correlation between OSCE scores and the mean score of theoretical courses (0.23, p=0. 200).
The correlation between the total score and mean score of students at the stations showed that out of the seven stations, the correlations of the stations three (communication and collecting medical history) and four (childbirth) were not significant.
CONCLUSION: Although, it appeared that Objective Structured Clinical Examination was one of the effective and efficient ways to evaluate clinical competencies and practical skills of students, the tool could not evaluate all the aspects.
The ultrastructural damage caused by Eugenia zeyheri and Syzygium legatii acetone leaf extracts on pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Famuyide Ibukun M. , Fasina Folorunso O. , Eloff Jacobus , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: January 2020

Background Antibiotics are commonly added to livestock feeds in sub-therapeutic doses as growth promoters and for prophylaxis against pathogenic microbes, especially those implicated in diarrhoea. While this practice has improved livestock production, it is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance in microbes against livestock and humans. This has led to the banning of prophylactic antibiotic use in animals in many countries. To compensate for this, alternatives have been sought from natural sources such as plants. While many studies have reported the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants with potential for use as phytogenic/botanical feed additives, little information exists on their mode of action. This study is based on our earlier work and describes ultrastructural damage induced by acetone crude leaf extracts of Syzygium legatii and Eugenia zeyheri (Myrtaceae) active against diarrhoeagenic E. coli of swine origin using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescent microscopy (FM). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to investigate the chemical composition of plant extracts.Results The extracts damaged the internal and external anatomy of the cytoplasmic membrane and inner structure at a concentration of 0.04 mg/mL. Extracts also led to an increased influx of propidium iodide into treated bacterial cells suggesting compromised cellular integrity and cellular damage. Non-polar compounds such as α-amyrin, friedelan-3-one, lupeol, and β-sitosterol were abundant in the extracts.Conclusions The extracts of S. legatii and E. zeyheri caused ultrastructural damage to E. coli cells characterized by altered external and internal morphology. These observations may assist in elucidating the mode of action of the extracts
Peripheral Non-enzymatic Antioxidants in Patients with Schizophrenia：A Case-control Study
Authors: Lu Zhe , Wen Tianyang , Wang Yingtan , Kan Weijing , Xun Guanglei
Published: January 2020

Background: Recent studies show that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. There are two major types of antioxidant systems in vivo, namely enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This study investigated differences of non-enzymatic antioxidant between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.
Methods: Peripheral UA, ALB and TBIL of 107 schizophrenic patients in acute stage and 101 in remission stage were measured respectively, so were 273 healthy controls.
Results: The levels of UA ( P =0.020) and TBIL ( P <0.001) of schizophrenic patients in acute stage were higher than those of healthy controls, while the level of ALB ( P <0.001) was lower. Similar results were detected form schizophrenic patients in remission stage. Schizophrenic patients in acute stage were divided into antipsychotics-use subgroup (n=56) and antipsychotics-naïve/free subgroup (n=51). The level of UA ( P =0.001) in antipsychotics-use subgroup was higher than that in antipsychotics-naïve/free subgroup, while the level of TBIL ( P =0.002) was lower than that in antipsychotics-naïve/free subgroup. 77 schizophrenic patients in acute stage were followed up, and there was no significant difference in level of UA before and after treatment, but levels of ALB ( P <0.001) and TBIL ( P <0.001) decreased significantly after the treatment.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the dysfunction of peripheral non-enzymatic anti-oxidation system might be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Keywords: Schizophrenia; Uric acid; Albumin; Total bilirubin
Nutrition, Water quality, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices Associated with Children’s Health Status in Nepal. A Cross-sectional Study on Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Diarrhoea and Undernutrition
Authors: Shrestha Akina , Six Jeanne , Dahal Dikshya , Shrestha Rubika , Bhatta Madan , Marks Sara , Meierhofer Regula
Published: January 2020

Background: Providing universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in remote Nepal remains challenging. Efforts to improve WASH access in these areas are impeded by a dearth of information on the status of WASH conditions and its association with health and nutritional status of children in Nepal.
Methods: We investigated nutritional status, WASH practices, and their association with intestinal parasitic infections, diarrhoea, undernutrition and clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies (hereafter health outcomes) during March to May 2018. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 1427 households, including questionnaires, observations, stool analysis, anthropometry, water quality measurements and assessment of clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies.
Results: We found that 55.5% had undernutrition, 63.9% had clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies, 51.1% of children were suffering from intestinal parasitic infections, and 52.2% had waterborne illnesses. Multivariate mixed logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations (p<0.05) between aforementioned health outcomes and a better socioeconomic status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.43, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=0.25-0.75), caregivers who can read (AOR=4.07, 95% CI=1.00-16.5), own food production of food (AOR=0.67, 95% CI=0.46-0.97), providing food supplements to the children (AOR=0.57, 95% CI=0.38-0.84), intermittent water supply (AOR=2.72, 95% CI=1.18-6.31), source water quality (AOR=10.44, 95% CI=1.61-67.4), washing hands when they look dirty (AOR=0.47, 95% CI=0.32-0.71), no toilet at home (AOR=6.12, 95% CI=1.08-14.25), cleanliness of the available toilet (AOR=0.68, 95% CI=0.47-0.98), handwashing after going to toilet (AOR=0.37, 95% CI=0.13-1.02), cleanliness of caregivers hand (AOR=0.61, 95% CI=0.41-0.89), presence of earthen floor (AOR=2.29, 95% CI=1.20-4.37), animals inside the house overnight (AOR=1.71, 95% CI=1.17-2.51) and regular deworming of the children (AOR=0.44, 95% CI=0.20-0.94).
Conclusions: Findings suggest improvements in WASH services, along with household hygiene and nutritional interventions, may together reduce child morbidity and mortality in Nepal.
Keywords: Drinking Water Quality, Sanitation and Hygiene, Child Health, Diarrhoea, Undernutrition, Intestinal Parasitic Infections, Nepal.
Identification of bacterial pathogens in cultured fish with a custom peptide database constructed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
Authors: Piamsomboon Patharapol , Jaresitthikunchai Janthima , Hung Tran Quang , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Wongtavatchai Janenuj
Published: January 2020

Background: The majority of infectious diseases of cultured fish is caused by bacteria. Rapid identification of bacterial pathogens is necessary for immediate management. The present study developed a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for rapid identification of fish bacterial pathogens. Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus iniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii, and Edwardsiella tarda obtained from diseased fish were used as representative bacterial pathogens in this study. Bacterial peptides were extracted to create a Main Spectra Profile (MSP), and the MSPs of each bacterial species was added into the MALDI Biotyper database. Fifteen additional isolates of each bacterial species were tested to validate the utilized technique.
Results: The MSPs of all field isolates were clearly distinguishable, and the MSPs of the same species were clustered together. However, the species identification when matched with the public MALDI Biotyper library (Bruker MALDI Biotyper) showed unreliable results. Accurate identification was only obtained when using the custom-made database, giving a 100% matching result with the reference method.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates an alternative technique for effective identification of fish bacterial pathogens. Further applications require a broad, well-established database to accommodate prudent identification of many fish bacterial pathogens by MALDI-TOF MS.
RIPK1 Polymorphisms Alter the Susceptibility to Cervical Cancer among the Uyghur population in China
Authors: Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Ma Chunhua , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: January 2020

Background: RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase-1) plays a role in cancer development, whereas no clear studies focused on the cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between RIPK1 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk among the Uyghur population. Methods: We performed a case-control study including 342 cervical cancer patients and 498 age-matched healthy controls. Four RIPK1 genetic variants (rs6907943, rs2077681, rs9503400 and rs17548629) were genotyped with Agena MassARRAY platform. The associations between RIPK1 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk were assessed under Binary logistic regression models. False discovery rate (FDR) was used to improve the results reliability. Results: The results showed rs2077681 was significantly associated with cervical cancer risk under various genetic models (codominant: OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.40-7.07, p = 0.006, FDR- p = 0.018; recessive: OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.43-7.16, p = 0.005, FDR-0.018). The stratified analysis indicated that the relationships of rs6907946, rs9503400 and rs17548629 with cervical cancer risk were statistically significant in the subgroup of clinical stage ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that RIPK1 polymorphisms were associated with cervical cancer susceptibility among the Uyghur population in China, and RIPK1 polymorphisms might be involved in the development of cervical cancer.
Methadone-Induced Encephalopathy: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Haghighi-Morad Maryam , Naseri Zahra , Jamshidi Nazila , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Zamani Nasim , Ahmad-Molaei Leila
Published: January 2020

Background: Accidental ingestion or consumption of supra-therapeutic doses of methadone can result in neurological sequelae in humans. We aimed to determine the neurological deficits of methadone-poisoned patients admitted to a referral poisoning hospital using brain magnetic resonance (MR) and diffusion weighted (DW) imaging. Methods: In this retrospective study, brain MRIs of the patients admitted to our referral center due to methadone intoxication were reviewed. Methadone intoxication was confirmed based on history, congruent clinical presentation, and confirmatory urine analysis . Each patient had an MRI with Echo planar T1, T2, FLAIR, and DWI and apparent deficient coefficient (ADC) sequences without contrast media. Abnormalities were recorded and categorized based on their anatomic location and sequence. Results: Ten patients with abnormal MRI findings were identified. Eight had acute- and two had delayed-onset encephalopathy. Imaging findings included bilateral confluent or patchy T2 and FLAIR high signal intensity in cerebral white matter, cerebellar involvement, and bilateral occipito-parietal cortex diffusion restriction in DWI. Internal capsule involvement was identified in two patients while abnormality in globus pallidus and head of caudate nuclei were reported in another. Bilateral cerebral symmetrical confluent white matter signal abnormality with sparing of subcortical U-fibers on T2 and FLAIR sequences were observed in both patients with delayed-onset encephalopathy. Conclusions : Acute- and delayed-onset encephalopathies are two rare adverse events detected in methadone-intoxicated patients. Brain MRI findings can be helpful in detection of methadone-induced encephalopathy.
Specific humoral response in cancer patients treated with a VEGF-specific active immunotherapy procedure within a compassionate use program.
Authors: Ramírez Javier Sánchez , Díaz Yanelys Morera , Bequet-Romero Mónica , Hernández-Bernal Francisco , Bauta Yenima Martín , Bernal Katty-Hind Selman-Housein , Santos Ana Victoria de la Torre , Iglesia Mariela Pérez de la , Lorenzo Lian Trimiño , Program Team of Investigators of Compassionate use , Avila Marta Ayala
Published: January 2020

Background: CIGB-247 is a cancer therapeutic vaccine that uses as antigen a variant of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mixed with the bacterially-derived adjuvant VSSP. CIGB-247 has been already evaluated in two phase I clinical trials (CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2), showing to be safe and immunogenic in advanced cancer patients selected under well-defined and controlled clinical conditions. Surviving patients were submitted to monthly re-immunizations and some of them showed objective clinical benefits. Based on these results, a compassionate use program (CUP) with CIGB-247 was initiated for patients that did not meet the strict entry criteria applied for the CENTAURO and CENTAURO-2 clinical trials, but could potentially benefit from the application of this cancer therapeutic vaccine.
Results: Polyclonal IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies specific for VEGF were detected by ELISA in serum samples from patients vaccinated with 400 µg of antigen combined with 200 µg of VSSP. Polyclonal antibody response showed no cross reactivity for other VEGF family member molecules like VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Serum from immunized individuals was able to block the binding of VEGF to its receptors VEGFR2 and VEGFR1. IgG fraction purified from immune sera shared the aforementioned characteristics and also inhibited the interaction between VEGF and the therapeutic recombinant antibody bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenic drug approved for the treatment of different tumors. No serious adverse events attributable to CIGB-247 have been documented yet in participants of the CIGB-247 CUP.
The present paper is a first report of our findings concerning the humoral response and safety characteristics in treated CIGB-247 CUP cancer patients. The study has provided the unique opportunity of not only testing CIGB-247 in a broader clinical spectrum sample of Cuban cancer patients, but also within the context of the day-to-day clinical practice and treatment settings for these diseases in Cuban medical institutions.
Conclusions: The CIGB-247 CUP has demonstrated that immunization and follow-up of a variety of cancer patients, under day-to-day clinical practice conditions in several Cuban medical institutions, replicate our previous findings in clinical trials: CIGB-247 is safe and immunogenic.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Non-Autoimmune Hypothyroidism: A case-control study
Authors: Ahi Salma , Dehdar Mohammad Reza , Hatami Naser
Published: January 2020

Objectives:
Although in many studies, the relationship between autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto) and Vitamin D deficiency was shown, no research has been performed on the role of vitamin D in non-autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Design:
This was a Retrospective case–control study in Endocrinology clinic of Jahrom (south of Iran). The patients with Hashimoto (n=633) and non-Hashimoto hypothyroidism (n=305), along with a control group (n=200) were evaluated. 25(OH)D level, T3 and T4 levels were studied and Anti TPO and Anti TG tests were performed. The results of vitamin D level were analyzed and interpreted using SPSS in terms of the cause of hypothyroidism (immune and non-immune).
Results:
The results of the study showed a significantly lower level of vitamin D in both immune and non-immune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in comparison to healthy controls (P<0.05). We observed a significant inverse correlation between the vitamin D and TGAb level (p=0.001, r=-0.261) and a direct correlation of vitamin D with TSH level (p=0.008, r=0.108) in HT patients.
Conclusion:
Finally, the results indicated that non-autoimmune hypothyroidism, as well as HT, is associated with vitamin D deficiency. The role of vitamin D deficiency in HT was thought to be in the association of higher autoantibody (TGAb) level; while, there should be further studies determining vitamin D deficiency's role in non-immune hypothyroidism.
Pre- and post-sequencing recommendations for functional annotation of human fecal metagenomes
Authors: Treiber Michelle L. , Taft Diana H. , Korf Ian , Mills David A. , Lemay Danielle G.
Published: January 2020

Background
Shotgun metagenomes are often assembled prior to annotation of genes which biases the functional capacity of a community towards its most abundant members. For an unbiased assessment of community function, short reads need to be mapped directly to a gene or protein database. The ability to detect genes in short read sequences is dependent on pre- and post-sequencing decisions. The objective of the current study was to determine how library size selection, read length and format, protein database, e-value threshold, and sequencing depth impact gene-centric analysis of human fecal microbiomes when using DIAMOND, an alignment tool that is up to 20,000 times faster than BLASTX.
Results
Using metagenomes simulated from a database of experimentally verified protein sequences, we find that read length, e-value threshold, and the choice of protein database dramatically impact detection of a known target, with best performance achieved with longer reads, stricter e-value thresholds, and a custom database. Using publicly available metagenomes, we evaluated library size selection, paired end read strategy, and sequencing depth. Longer read lengths were acheivable by merging paired ends when the sequencing library was size-selected to enable overlaps. When paired ends could not be merged, a congruent strategy in which both ends are independently mapped was acceptable. Sequencing depths of 5 million merged reads minimized the error of abundance estimates of specific target genes, including an antimicrobial resistance gene.
Conclusions
Shotgun metagenomes of DNA extracted from human fecal samples sequenced using the Illumina platform should be size-selected to enable merging of paired end reads and should be sequenced in the PE150 format with a minimum sequencing depth of 5 million merge-able reads to enable detection of specific target genes. Expecting the merged reads to be 180-250bp in length, the appropriate e-value threshold for DIAMOND would then need to be more strict than the default. Accurate and interpretable results for specific hypotheses will be best obtained using small databases customized for the research question.
A Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation to a North American Context of the 51-Item Swedish Flodén Attitudes Toward Organ Donor Advocacy Instrument (Flodén ATODAI)
Authors: Flodén Anne , Stadtler Maria , Collazo Stephanie E Jones , Mone Tom , Ash Rick , Fridlund Bengt
Published: January 2020

Background: Intensive and critical-care nurses are the key to successful donor management in the critical-care setting. No studies measuring attitudes toward organ donor advocacy existed before 2011, when the 51-item Swedish “Attitudes Toward Organ Donor Advocacy Scale” was developed. The aim of this study was to translate, adapt and establish the psychometric properties of the North American version of the Flodén ATODAI (Attitudes Toward Organ Donor Advocacy Instrument) in terms of validity and reliability.
Methods: A multi-step approach was used: Initial translation; Back-translation; Review and synthesis of these translations; Expert panel (N=7) rated the prefinal version of the instrument for content validity index (CVI); International panel made adjustments guided by the expert panel . Reliability testing with test and retest of the adjusted 46-item version was conducted using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), weighted kappa ( ҡ Weight ), sign test, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α), (N=50); and finally Delphi technique procedure with a preselected Delphi panel (N=15).
Results: The CVI was determined to be greater than the 0.05 significance level. Item level (I-CVI) ranged 0.82-1.0, with a mean of 0.97. Scale level (S-CVI) on the entire instrument was 0.97. Test-retest procedure was performed to estimate stability. In total, 34 of the items had good-to-high ICC. Accepting an ICC of > 0.70 resulted in a total of 24 items. Homogeneity reliability was estimated by α and was calculated for these items where α=0.90. In total, 20 of the items had a substantial or almost perfect ҡ Weight and 23 showed a moderate ҡ Weight . None of the items showed systematical differences. The Delphi technique procedure was used on the 22 items with ICC <0.70 resulted in adjustments establishing that consensus was achieved.
Conclusions: Undertaking this multi-step, cross-cultural adaptation procedure has effectively ensured that the 46-item Flodén ATODAI [North America version] produces valid and reliable measurements.
Level of Quality of Option B+PMTCT Service Provision in Public Health Facilities in Mekelle Zone, Northern Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Ajemu Kiros Fenta , Desta Alem
Published: January 2020

Back ground: Substantial improvements have been observed in the coverage and access to maternal health services in Ethiopia. However, quality of care has been lagging behind. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess quality of Option B + PMTCT service provision. Methods : Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 public health facilities from February to April 2016. It employed both quantitative and qualitative method. Donabedian input-process-output quality assessment model was used to evaluate the service. Data collection techniques carried out were facility inventory, non-participatory observation, record and chart review to assess input, process and output service quality. Concurrently, patients and service providers were subjected to exit and in-depth interview autonomously to explore barriers for good and bad service quality. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Use of manual thematic approach was used for qualitative data analysis. R esults: The level of overall quality of Option B+ PMTCT service provision has rendered as good in two out of 12(16.7%) studied health facilities. The input quality was better than its counterpart; which was judged as good in 33.3% of health facilities. Only, one fourth of studied health facilities were rated as good for the process and output service quality respectively. Conclusion : The overall level of quality was achieved optimal in insignificant number of facilities. The desired level of quality will be realized if and only if the three quality components would be kept on eye side by side during service mentoring. Likewise, persistent effort in view of Donabedian theoretical framework will improve the overall service quality. Key words: Quality, Option B+PMTCT, HIV Positive Women, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: A meta-analysis
Authors: Sharifi Roohollah , Jahedi Sajjad , Mozaffari Hamid Reza , Imani Mohammad Moslem , Sadeghi Masuod , Golshah Amin , Moradpoor Hedaiat , Safaei Mohsen
Published: January 2020

Background This meta-analysis evaluated the association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility.Methods We searched the Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve articles published by October 2019. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of publication bias tests were retrieved by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0 software.Results A total of 150 relevant records were identified; out of which, 16 were entered into the analysis (4 studies assessed LTF, 11 ENAM, and 11 AMELX polymorphisms). Of all polymorphisms, there was a significant association only between ENAM rs3796704 polymorphism and dental caries susceptibility. Both ENAM rs3796704 and AMELX rs17878486 polymorphisms had a significant association with dental caries risk in the Caucasian ethnicity and the studies including caries-free control group.Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis showed that the G allele and the GG genotype of ENAM rs3796704 were associated with an increased risk of caries in the case group compared with the control group. But there was no association between LTF rs1126478, ENAM (rs1264848 and rs3796703), and AMELX (rs946252, rs17878486, and rs2106416) polymorphisms and dental caries susceptibility.
Challenges of patient recruitment within emergency departments for qualitative research: lessons learnt from the GPs in EDs study
Authors: Price Delyth , Edwards Michelle , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Cooper Alison , Davies Freya , Evans Bridie , Hibbert Peter , Hughes Thomas , Rainer Timothy , Siriwardena Niro , Edwards Adrian
Published: January 2020

Background: At times of increasing pressure on emergency departments, and the need for research into different models of service delivery, little is known about how to recruit patients for qualitative research in emergency departments. We aimed to collect evidence on patients’ experiences of different models using general practitioners in emergency departments. Challenges were faced at all stages of patient recruitment, from identifying and inviting eligible patients, consenting them for participation, and finally to engaging them in interviews. Methods: By analysing processes, amendments and outcomes of recruitment methods, as well as conducting a thematic analysis of field-notes taken during research visits, this paper aimed to describe the factors which influenced patient recruitment in the GPs in EDs study, and make recommendations based on our learning. Results: We found the following factors influenced the success of patient recruitment in the emergency department setting: complicated or time-consuming electronic health record systems for identifying patients; narrow participant eligibility criteria; limited NHS research nurse support; and lack of face-to-face communication between researchers and eligible patients. Conclusions: This paper adds to the growing evidence for improving patient recruitment in different settings, with a particular focus on qualitative research in emergency departments. Our findings have implications for future studies attempting to recruit patients in similar settings.
Neoneurogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue: a promoter to its progression and metastasis
Authors: Xu Zhenq , Shang Jianw , Xiang Xu , Long Li , Yan Yingb , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2020

Background : To explore whether neoneurogenesis is a predisposing factor to the development and metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (TSCC) . Methods: 20 patients diagnosed with TSCC were included and the objectives were divided into 4 groups according to WHO T-stage standard (5 cases in each group) and 2 groups based on lymph node metastasis or not. Formalin-fixed specimens were gained from patients. Detection of neoneurogenesis was stained by Neurofilament-Light chain antibody (NF-L) using immunohistochemistry method (IHC) in biopsy from human body. The number of new growth nerve fiber bundles was calculated in each randomized view from 3 non-overlapping microscope fields of each tumor section under a light microscope at X 200. Differences in density of nerve fibers bundles among the T-staging groups and lymph node metastasis groups were calculated using Chi-square test. An ɑ level of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The age of patients varied from 33 to 74 years with a mean age of 56.10±11.18 years. Males were affected predominantly with a ratio of 1.5:1 to females. IHC staining of NF-L is positive in all 20 paraffins of TSCC sections which suggests that newly growth nerves ( namely neoneurogenesis ) are observed in tumor mciroenvironment. The intensity of newly formed nerve fiber bundles increased with T stage, and the difference was statistically significant between early stage (T1、T2) and late stage (T3、T4) (p=0.000). Increased prevalence of newly growth nerve bundles correlated significantly to the cervical lymph node metastasis (p=0.000). Conclusions: Neoneurogenesis in tumor microenviroment of TSCC is a predisposing factor to its aggressive development and cervical lymph node metastasis. From a therapeutic perspective, further studies on the topic may provide new clinical opportunity through anti-neurogenesis.
Effects of rural-to-urban migration on the cognitive aging trajectories of older Chinese adults: results from a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Xie Jinzhao , Liao Jing , Zhang Jing , Gu Jing
Published: January 2020

Background Increasingly, rural older Chinese adults are moving to urban to live with their children who have migrated to urban. However, few studies have examined this pattern of migration and its effects on cognitive function. Our aim was to investigate the effects of domestic rural-to-urban migration on the cognitive function trajectories of older Chinese adults, as well as the explanatory factors for these effects.Methods The data were drawn from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Migrants were defined as participants who had a rural Hukou status (the household registration system of China) but lived in an urban area throughout the study and follow-up period. Cognitive functions were measured using an adapted Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination. We performed multilevel linear regression models to examine the association of internal migration and cognitive function trajectories.Results 3,876 Chinese adults aged ≥60 years at baseline were included. Migrants (n = 850) had higher levels of education and reported more interactions with family than their rural non-migrant counterparts. Additionally, female migrants were more likely to participate in leisure activities. All cognitive function scores declined over time, but no significant differences were observed in the rates of cognitive decline between migrants and non-migrants, regardless of sex. Female migrants exhibited significantly better performances in terms of total cognition ( β = 0.77, P < .001) and mental status ( β =0.68, P < .001) than female non-migrants, whereas no inter-group difference was observed in memory ( β = 0.09, P > .05). No significant differences in cognitive function levels were observed between male migrants and male non-migrants. A series of adjusted models revealed that psychosocial factors such as residence with children, caring grandchildren and participation in leisure activities partly explained the association between migration and cognition in women.Conclusion Rural-to-urban migration was positively associated with cognitive function only in women, but did not affect the rate of cognitive decline in either sex. The findings indicate that interventions are warranted to increase the cognitive functions of male migrants and rural, non-migrating older adults.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a Driven Factor of Human Papilloma Virus among Women: Evidence from a Cross-sectional Analysis in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: SOSSO Samuel Martin , Tchouaket Michel Carlos Tommo , Fokam Joseph , Simo Rachel Kamgaing , Torimiro Judith , Tiga Aline , Lobe Elise Elong , Ambada Georgia , Nange Achille , Semengue Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni , Nka Alex Durand , Tala Valère , Chenwi Collins , Abba Aissatou , Ka'e Aude Christelle , Yagai Bouba , Colizzi Vittorio , Ndjolo Alexis
Published: January 2020

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancers, causing 270.000 deaths annually worldwide of which 85% occur in developing countries with an increasing risk associated to HIV infection. This study aimed at comparing HPV’s positivity and genotype distribution in women according to their HIV status and determinants. Methods: A comparative study was carried out in 2012 at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (CIRCB) among 278 women enrolled consecutively at the General Hospital and the Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital of the City of Yaoundé. HPV genotyping was performed by real-time PCR, HIV serological screening by serial algorithm, CD4 T cell phenotyping by flow cytometry and HIV viral load by Abbott m2000RT. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Graph Pad version 6.0 software; with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Globally, mean age was 37 ±3 years; median CD4-count for HIV+ was 414 cells/mm 3 [IQR: 264.75-588] and median viremia was 50 RNA copies/mL [IQR: <40-8288]. Overall HPV rate was 38.49% (107/278); 58.88% for single women vs. others (28.97% married, 2.80% divorced, 9.34% for widows), OR: 2.164; p=0.0319. Following HIV status, HPV rate was 43.48% (80/184) among HIV+ vs. 28.72% (27/94) among HIV- (OR: 1.937; p<0.0142); HPV genotypes among HIV+ vs. HIV- were respectively distributed as follows: genotype 16 (3.75% vs. 0.00%, p=0.57), genotype 18 (3.75% vs. 3.70%, p=1.00), co-infection 16 and others (8.75% vs. 7.40%, p=1.00), co-infection 18 and others (8.75% vs. 11.11%, p=0.71), co-infection 16, 18 and others (2.50% vs. 0.00%, p=1.00) and other genotypes (72.50% vs. 77.78%, p=0.80). Among HIV+ participants, HPV rate following CD4 was 62.88% (61/97) for CD4<500 vs. 35.71% (20/56) for CD4≥500 (OR: 3.05; p=0.0012) while HPV rate following HIV viremia was 42.71% (41/96) with <1000 RNA copies/ml vs. 66.00% (33/50) with >1000 RNA copies/ml (OR= 0.384; p =0.009). Conclusion: In Yaoundé, HPV rate appear to be very high, with higher rates of genotypes other than 16 and 18. In the event of HIV infection, the risk of HPV positivity is two times higher, favoured essentially by immunodeficiency. Thus, HIV-infected women should be closely monitored to prevent the emergence of cervical cancer. Keywords: HPV, HIV, Women, Yaoundé
Perinatal outcomes in women with in vitro fertilization pregnancies hospitalized for late moderate-to-critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hu Linli , Xie Rui , Wang Mengying , Sun Yingpu
Published: January 2020

Background Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common disease during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation treatment. However, the obstetrics and neonatal outcomes of these group of patients are barely known. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of late moderate-to-critical ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Methods This is a prospective observational study including 17,537 patients after IVF/ICSI-fresh embryo transfer (ET) from June 2012 to July 2016, after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of whom 7064 eligible patients were diagnosed with clinical pregnancy. Finally, 6356 patients were allocated to the control group, and 385 patients who were hospitalized and treated at the center for late moderate-to-critical OHSS were allocated to the OHSS group. Results The live birth delivery and neonatal complication rates did not significantly differ between the OHSS and control groups, and the incidence rates of the obstetric complications venous thrombosis (VT) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were significantly higher in the OHSS group. Conclusions Late moderate-to-critical OHSS could reduce gestational time, increase obstetric complications and neonatal complications. However, the incidence rates of live birth rate, premature delivery, miscarriage, early abortion, PIH, PP, ICP, average neonatal weight and LBW did not statistically significant difference between the two groups.