bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment and Evaluation of a Nomogram For Prediction of Peritoneal Metastasis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zheng Jin , Shi Weibin
Published: January 2021

Background Peritoneal metastasis is a critical way of metastasis for gastric cancer, patients with which tend to have poor prognosis. Laparoscopy or laparotomy is still major approach to diagnose peritoneal metastasis presently. This study was aimed to explore the factors affecting peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer and establish a nomogram to predict that preoperatively. Methods 1002 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery without distant organ metastasis was collected in the study. The nomogram was built with variables selected by univariate logistical regression and LASSO, and evaluated with internal and external validation ROC curve.Results Three factors including carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 242 and serosal invasion or not of primary tumor were enrolled in the nomogram. The AUC value was0.922 (95%CI 0.897~0.947) in internal validation and 0.934 (95%CI 0.852~1.000) in external validation. Conclusions This study developed a nomogram with risk factors easily accessible before surgery in patients with gastric cancer, which can predict the probability of peritoneal metastasis well and would be helpful for clinicians to make appropriate therapy strategies.
Impact of Implementation of Sequential Trauma Education Programs (STEPs) Course on Missed Injuries in Emergency Polytrauma Patients, Ismailia, Egypt
Authors: Elbaih Adel Hamed , El-Setouhy Maged , Hirshon Jon Mark , El-Hariri Hazem Mohamed , El-Shinawi Mohamed
Published: January 2021

IntroductionTrauma deaths account for 8% of all deaths in Egypt. Patients with multiple injuries are at high risk but may be saved with a good triage system and a well-trained trauma team in dedicated institutions. The incidence of missed injuries in the Emergency Department (ED) of Suez Canal University Hospital (SCUH) was found to be 9.0% after applying Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines. However, this rate is still high compared with many trauma centers.AimImprove the quality of management of polytrauma patients by decreasing the incidence of missed injuries by implementing the Sequential Trauma Education Programs (STEPs) course in the ED at SCUH.MethodsThis interventional training study was conducted in the SCUH ED that adheres to CONSORT guidelines. The study was conducted during the 1-month precourse and for 6 months after the implementation of the STEPs course for ED physicians. Overall, 458 polytrauma patients were randomly selected, of which 45 were found to have missed injuries after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We assessed the clinical relevance of these cases for missed injuries before and after the STEPs course.ResultsOverall, 45 patients were found to have missed injuries, of which 15 (12%) were pre-STEPs and 30 (9%) were post-STEPs course. The STEPs course significantly increased adherence to vital data recording, but the reduction of missed injuries (3.0%) was not statistically significant in relation to demographic and trauma findings. However, the decrease in missed injuries in the post-STEPs course group was an essential clinically significant finding.ConclusionSTEPs course implementation decreased the incidence of missed injuries in polytrauma patients. Thus, the STEPs course can be considered at the same level of other advanced trauma courses as a training skills program or possibly better in dealing with trauma patients. Repetition of this course by physicians should be mandatory to prevent more missed injuries. Therefore, the validation of STEPs course certification should be completed at least every 2 years to help decrease the number of missed injuries, especially in low-income countries and low-resource settings.Trial RegistrationProject manager for the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) database has been accepted with the date of approval:18/11/2020. Current Controlled Trials number for the registry is PACTR202011853914203. Please note that the article state Retrospectively registered that my study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
Acute Exposure of Upcyte® Hepatocytes to Sub-lethal Concentrations of Graphene Oxide: Impairment of Phase-I Xenobiotic Metabolism and Albumin Transcription
Authors: Romaldini Alessio , Spanò Raffaele , Sabella Stefania
Published: January 2021

BackgroundGraphene Oxide (GO) is a promising candidate for nanomedicine applications. Due to the central role of liver in biotransformation of xenobiotics and drugs, the impact of GO on hepatic functional cells represents a crucial evaluation step for its potential implementation as drug. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) are the election model for studying drug toxicity and metabolism, however current technical limitations may slow down the large-scale diffusion of this cellular tool in in vitro investigations. To assess the potential hepatotoxicity of GO, in this study, we propose an alternative approach employing second-generation upcyte® hepatocytes as cell model, which show metabolic and functional profiles akin to PHH. Cells have been acutely exposed to increasing GO concentrations for 24 hours. Upon sub-lethal concentrations of GO, stress-related cell responses to GO (such as apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response) have been evaluated, along with a broad investigation of GO impact on specialized hepatic functions.ResultsResults show an IC50 equal to 102.2 μg/mL, which is in line with recent data obtained by hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cells. However, at sub-lethal doses (≤ 80 μg/mL), it is detected a mild activation of early apoptosis, but not oxidative stress or inflammatory response. Importantly, we observed a clear impact of GO on phase-I drug metabolism enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4, CYP2C9) through the inhibition of gene expression and metabolic activity. Conversely, phase-II enzyme system and phase-III efflux transporters were not affected by GO. Finally, GO strongly downregulated the gene expression of Albumin.ConclusionThe presented model of upcyte® hepatocytes appears to be feasible for the assessment of hepatotoxicity of nanomaterials, specifically showing that sub-lethal doses of GO have a negative impact on the specialized hepatic functions of these cells. The impairment of cytochrome P450 system along with the alteration of Albumin gene expression by GO may suggest potential detrimental consequences for human health, as for instance, an altered detoxification from xenobiotics and drugs.
Whole Genome and Phenotypic Characterization of Novel QnrB19-positive Salmonella Nigeria serovars from Food Animals in Ilorin, North-central, Nigeria.
Authors: Raufu Ibrahim Adisa , Ahmed Olayiwola Akeem , Aremu Abdulfatai , Chen Jessica C , Ameh James A , Timme Ruth E , Hendriksen Rene S , Ambali AbdulGaniyu
Published: January 2021

Background: Non-typhoidal Salmonella are major foodborne pathogens, posing serious challenges to public health and food safety worldwide. Salmonellosis in humans is commonly associated with the consumption of contaminated food, water, and direct contact with infected animals. This study aimed to characterize the distribution, diversity, virulence genotypes and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Nigeria, isolated from farm animals in north central Nigeria.Results: We recovered 9 different S. enterica ser. Nigeria isolates from our sampling, eight from pig and one from chicken. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 15 antimicrobial agents showed variable resistance profiles. Whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis revealed that all 9 isolates contained a single mutation parC (T57S) substitution in addition to qnrB19, expected to confer decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and tet(A) expected to confer resistance to tetracycline. Furthermore, two plasmid targets were also detected in all the strains, Col(pHAD28) and IncQ1. MLST analysis showed that all 9 isolates exhibited only one sequence type, (ST-4911) irrespective of the source of isolation. A SNP-based phylogeny indicates that the 9 isolates are highly related and lack other close relatives in the pathogen detection database.Forty core (housekeeping) and accessory virulence genes were identified from different virulence loci including Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands, virulence associated plasmids (pSV), chromosomes and fimbriae. Conclusion: This study provided valuable information on the resistance determinants, virulence genes, phenotypic resistance profiles, plasmids and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of Salmonella Nigeria from food animals by WGS. Highlighting the significance of poultry and pig to the spread and emergence of Salmonella Nigeria in this region of Nigeria, therefore, there is the need for consumer's education and enlightenments on the importance of proper handling and preparation of food, this will reduce the potential risk of transmission of this pathogen.
Pleomorphic Adenoma and Trauma: a Case Report With Rare Clinical Presentation
Authors: Morsy Basma , Moussa Eglal , Aly Nourhan , Omar Enas , Achy Samar El
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign salivary gland tumor. Many factors have been implicated in the etiology of PA, one of which is genetic alteration in PLAG1 and HMGA2 genes. Few cases were reported about PAs appearing in patients with history of trauma or denture wear.Case presentationA 73-year-old female patient presented to the clinic with a gradually increasing mass that appeared two months ago in the upper left labial vestibule. The patient reported wearing a maxillary complete denture for 15 years. Clinical examination revealed a typical denture fissuratum, so surgical excision was the treatment of choice. Upon excision, a fully encapsulated mass was exposed and sent for histological and immunohistochemical analyses that confirmed a final diagnosis of PA.ConclusionThis case suggests a contributory role for trauma in the development of PA, following DNA alterations or through oxidative stress resulting from Chronic Mechanical Irritation (CMI).
Clinical Investigation of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Exhibiting Initial Symptoms in the Maxilla and Mandible
Authors: Michi Yasuyuki , Harada Hiroyuki , Oikawa Yu , Okuyama Kohei , Kugumoto Takuma , Kuroshima Takeshi , Hirai Hideaki , Mochizuki Yumi , Simamoto Hiroaki , Tomioka Hirofumi , Kachi Hirokazu , Sakamoto Junichiro , Kayamaori Kou , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphatic tumor; however, extranodal DLBCLs that exhibit initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible are rare. Moreover, DLBCL is clinically classified as a moderate to highly malignant lymphatic tumor that can progress rapidly; therefore, early diagnosis is crucial. However, diagnosis is difficult because the disease causes a diverse range of clinical symptoms with no characteristic imaging findings. We conducted a clinical investigation to clarify the clinical characteristics of DLBCL exhibiting initial manifestation in the maxilla and mandible.MethodsOf the 2748 patients with malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region examined during a period of 11 years between January 2006 and December 2016 at our hospital, 27 primary cases diagnosed with DLBCL based on the chief complaint of symptoms in the gingiva and bone of the maxilla and mandible were enrolled. We evaluate on sex, age, whether treatment was provided by a previous physician, symptoms, disease period until seeking treatment, clinical diagnosis, laboratory findings, and imaging results.ResultsThere were 15 cases with maxilla involvement and 12 with mandible involvement. The median disease period until seeking of treatment was 60 d (3–450 d). All cases exhibited a tumor or a mass, and hypoesthesia of the chin was confirmed in 8 cases with mandible involvement. The clinical stage was stage I in 8 cases, stage II in 10 cases, and stage IV in 9 cases. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were elevated in 13 of 22 patients. The overall survival rate was 63%.ConclusionThe possibility of Malignant Lymphomas (MLs), such as DLBCL, must be considered while treating lesions of the oral and maxillofacial region.
Fe3O4@polydopamine Nanoparticle-Labeled Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Arrest Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Enhancing Cell Migration
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Butain , Li Ran , Liu Te , Zhang Jun , Wang Ying , Zhang Fuqiang , Mu Xupeng , Jiang Jinlan
Published: January 2021

Cell therapies for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) are intended to replace lost intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. The key to this treatment is to promote the migration of transplanted cells to the lesion site. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) labeled with Fe3O4@polydopamine nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA NPs) on rat caudal vertebra disc degeneration. We characterized UCMSCs labeled with Fe3O4@PDA NPs, analyzed the effects of nanoparticles on UCMSCs and evaluated UCMSCs labeled with Fe3O4@PDA NPs to repair IDD in vivo. We found that UCMSC Fe3O4@PDA NPs could enhanced the migration of UCMSCs by up-regulating the expression of CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) without effecting UCMSC functionality and the Fe3O4@PDA NPs-labeled UCMSC group had better disc height, better tissue morphology performance and a higher number of transplanted cells and induced notably better regeneration of IVD, evidenced by the higher expression of aggrecan, type II collagen, and Sox-9 and lower expression of Mmp-13, Tnf-α and Il-1β at both mRNA and protein levels than the unlabeled group. We demonstrated systemic delivery of UCMSCs labeled with Fe3O4@PDA NPs could be an appropriate protocol for accelerating and optimizing clinically applicable UCMSC treatment for IDD.
Fluctuations in Food and Fluid Intake During a 24-h World Championship: Analysis of the Deviation From Nutritional Programs
Authors: CHARLOT Keyne , Lavoué Chloé , Siracusa Julien , Chalchat Emeric , Hertert Pierre , Bourrilhon Cyprien
Published: January 2021

BackgroundA food and fluid intake program is essential for ultra-endurance athletes to maximize performance and avoid possible gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS). However, the ability to respect such a program during a race has been under-assessed. We thus investigated the kinetics of food and fluid intake during the 24-h run World Championship of 12 elite athletes (6 men and 6 women; age: 46 ± 7 years, height: 170 ± 9 cm, weight: 61.1 ± 9.6 kg, total distance run: 193–272 km) and assessed their ability to follow their nutritional program.MethodsReal-time overall intake (fluids, energy, and macronutrients) were recorded and compared to that of their program. The temporal difference in absolute values and degree of divergence from their program were assessed divided into four 6-h periods. GIS were recorded during the race. A questionnaire identifying the details of their nutritional program and the self-assessed causes of their inability to follow it was completed by the participants. ResultsWater, total fluid, carbohydrate (CHO), and energy intake decreased during the last quarter of the 24-h ultramarathon relative to the first half (p < 0.031). However, the differences were no longer significant after these values were normalized by the number of passages in front of the supply tent. The participants increasingly diverged from their nutritional program (dropping to approximately 50% of their expected fluid, CHO, and energy intake during the last quarter) but this was adequately compensated with unplanned foods to match their expected targets. GIS, lack of appeal of the planned items, and attractivity of unplanned items were the main explanations given for their deviation from the program (64, 27, and 27%, respectively). ConclusionDespite evident difficulty in respecting their nutritional programs (mostly attributed to GIS), elite ultra-endurance runners managed to maintain high rates of fluid and food intake during a 24-h ultramarathon and therefore still met their planned elevated nutritional objectives.
Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe: a large-scale cross-sectional study in 21 countries (preprint)
Authors: Kilian Carolin , Rehm Jürgen , Allebeck Peter , Braddick Fleur , Gual Antoni , Barták Miroslav , Bloomfield Kim , Gil Artyom , Neufeld Maria , O'Donnell Amy , Petruželka Benjamin , Rogalewicz Vladimir , Schulte Bernd , Manthey Jakob , COVID-19 with the European Study Group on Alcohol Use and
Published: January 2021

Aims: The aim of this project was to investigate changes in alcohol consumption during the first months of the pandemic in Europe as well as its associations with income and experiences of distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Cross-sectional online survey conducted between April 24 and July 22 of 2020. Setting: 21 European countries. Participants: 31,964 adults reporting past-year drinking. Measurements: Changes in alcohol consumption were measured by asking respondents about changes during the previous month in their drinking frequency, the quantity they consumed, and incidence of heavy episodic drinking events. Individual indicators were combined into an aggregated consumption-change score and scaled to a possible range: -1 to +1. Using this score as outcome, multilevel linear regressions tested changes in overall drinking, taking into account sampling weights and baseline alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C) and country of residence serving as random intercept. Similar models were conducted for each single consumption-change indicator. Findings: In almost all countries, the consumption-change score indicated alcohol use to decrease on average; except in Ireland and the UK, where alcohol consumption on average remained unchanged or increased, respectively. Decreases in drinking were mostly driven by a reduced frequency of heavy episodic drinking. Declines in consumption were less marked among those with low- or average incomes, and those experiencing distress. Conclusions: Our research suggests alcohol consumption to decline on average during the first months of the pandemic in Europe. The findings suggest both reduced availability of alcohol and increased distress may have affected alcohol consumption, although the former seemed to have a greater impact, at least in terms of immediate effects. Monitoring of mid- and long-term consequences will be crucial in understanding how this public health crisis impacts alcohol consumption.
Scientometric analysis of COVID-19 studies: how the velocity of science leads to discoveries and new technology
Authors: Coccia Mario
Published: January 2021

Scholars argue that the ‘‘science of science’’ studies have to investigate the critical role of exogenous events in the emergence of new research fields. The goal of this study is to analyze and explain the birth and growth of new research fields driven by exogenous event to science, such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) global pandemic crisis. This study here analyzes how the novel research field of COVID-19 emerges, in a comparative analysis with other scientific fields concerning respiratory illnesses (e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD and Lung Cancer), to explain factors determining the unique dynamics of science that is generating scientific breakthroughs in a short period of time. The origin and evolution of the research field of COVID-19 reveal that has an acceleration of scientific production equal to a growth of 1.71% daily in 2020, laying the foundations for science advances and a likely paradigm shift in the treatment of infectious diseases with novel mRNA vaccines. Main results are generalized in properties that clarify the dynamics of science and explain the characteristics that generate the origin and evolution of new research fields driven by unforeseen crises with critical implications for technological and social change directed scientific progress of human societies.
Leptin G-2548A Gene Polymorphism is Positively Associated with Increased Plasma Leptin and Glucose Levels in Obese Saudi Patients Irrespective Status of Blood Pressure    
Authors: Dahman Lotfi S. Bin , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: January 2021

The association between LEP G-2548A gene polymorphism with increased plasma leptin and glucose levels and blood pressure in a sample of obese Saudi patients has been evaluated. This is a cross-sectional study involved 206 Saudi adult subjects (94 males and 112 females), randomly selected from the primary health care centers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study sample was categorized into three groups: 50 normotensive ND controls (age: 47.9±5.4 yr.; BMI 22.9±2.1 Kg/m2), 80 obese normotensive ND (age: 47.7±6.0 yr.; BMI 34.1±4.2 Kg/m2) and 76 obese hypertensives with T2D patients (age: 49.4±5.9 yr.; BMI: 35.1±4.7 Kg/m2). A blood sample was collected from the participants for PCR-RFLP, chemical autoanalyzer Konelab, and Luminex instruments. Analyses of LEP G-2548A gene polymorphism were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with 2U of HhaI restriction enzyme. Plasma leptin and insulin levels were measured using the Luminex instrument. Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured using a chemical autoanalyzer Konelab machine. Also, blood pressure and anthropometric data were measured. The association analysis with metabolic parameters showed that homozygous AA of the LEP gene had significantly higher plasma glucose levels and HOMA-IR compared with homozygous GG (6.8±0.55 vs. 5.8±0.30; p< 0.04; 4.1±0.84 vs. 2.6±0.67; p=0.03) respectively. Besides, heterozygous GA had significantly higher plasma leptin levels compared with homozygous GG (40.0±2.6 vs. 29.6±2.6; P= 0.04). GA, AA, GA+AA genotypes of the LEP G-2548A gene polymorphism are more prevalent among individuals with hyperglycemia (OR= 3.7, 95% CI= 1.6 to 8.4, P= 0.001; OR= 3.2, 95% CI= 1.2 to 8.6, P= 0.03; OR= 3.5, 95%CI= 1.6 to 7.7, P= 0.001) respectively. A allele of the LEP gene is more prevalent among subjects with hyperglycemia (OR= 1.9, 95%CI= 1.2 to 3.0, P=0.006). G-2548A variant of the LEP gene may not be considered as a genetic risk factor for hypertension in Saudi obese patients. However, the genotypes (GA and AA) and -2548AA allele of this gene may represent important risk factors predisposing healthy subjects to develop T2DM irrespective of the status of blood pressure.
Insecticide susceptibility status of Anopheles culicifacies to bendiocarb and deltamethrin in a sub-district of Chhattisgarh state, India
Authors: Swain Dipak K , Chourasia Mehul K , Bhatt Rajendra M , Nag Chaynika , A Sakthivel , Anjaneyulu M. , Uragayala Sreehari , Donnelly Martin J , Raghavendra Kamaraju
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study assessed the susceptibility status of the malaria vector Anopheles culicifacies within the Keshkal sub-district, Chhattisgarh, India. Anopheles culicifacies were collected in 23 sub-centres (~2000-3000 inhabitants/ sub-centre) of Keshkal sub-district in 2013- 2014. Adult female An. culicifacies were exposed to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended diagnostic doses of deltamethrin (0.05%) and bendiocarb (0.1%) for one hour. Mortality was recorded after 24 hours and interpreted with respect to WHO criteria. Results: Mosquito collections from only three of 23 clusters were scored as susceptible to deltamethrin, and all clusters except one were recorded as resistant to bendiocarb. The observation to a high frequency of resistance to the carbamate, bendiocarb, is unexpected as carbamates are not used in the study area in public health.
Growth hormone induces mitotic catastrophe of podocytes and contributes to proteinuria
Authors: Pasupulati Anil Kumar , Nishad Rajkishor , Mukhi Dhanunjay , Singh Ashish , Motrapu Manga , Chintala Kumaraswamy , Tammineni Prasad
Published: January 2021

Glomerular podocytes are integral members of the glomerular filtration barrier in the kidney and are crucial for glomerular permselectivity. These highly differentiated cells are vulnerable to an array of noxious stimuli that prevail in several glomerular diseases. Elevated circulating growth hormone (GH) levels are associated with podocyte injury and proteinuria in diabetes. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which excess GH elicits podocytopathy remains to be elucidated. Previous studies have shown that podocytes express GH receptor (GHR) and induce Notch signalling when exposed to GH. In the present study, we demonstrate that GH induces TGF-β1 signalling and provokes cell cycle re-entry of otherwise quiescent podocytes. Though differentiated podocytes re-enter the cell cycle in response to GH and TGF-β1, they cannot accomplish cytokinesis, despite karyokinesis. Owing to this aberrant cell-cycle event, GH or TGF-β1 treated cells remain binucleated and undergo mitotic catastrophe. Importantly, inhibition of JAK2, TGFBR1, or Notch prevented cell cycle re-entry of podocytes and protected from mitotic catastrophe associated cell death. Inhibition of Notch ac-tivation prevents GH-dependent podocyte injury and proteinuria. Similarly, attenuation of GHR expression abated Notch activation in podocytes. Kidney biopsy sections from patients with diabetic nephropathy show activation of Notch signalling and bi-nucleated podocytes. These data indicate that excess GH induced TGF-β1 dependent Notch1 signalling contributes to the mitotic catastrophe of podocytes. This study highlights the role of aberrant GH signalling in podocytopathy and the potential application of TGF-β1 or Notch inhibitors as a therapeutic agent for diabetic nephropathy.
Childbirth simulation to assess cephalopelvic dystocia and chances for failed labor
Authors: Ami Olivier , Maran Jean Christophe , Cohen Albert , Hendler Israel , Zabukovec Eric , Boyer Louis
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Reducing the rate of failed labor and emergency caesarean section is of vital significance. A childbirth simulation software tool based on 5 minutes’ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at 37 weeks’ gestation, used to enhance the consulting obstetrician’s ability to predict the optimal delivery mode. Here, we aimed to analyze the predictive ability of this childbirth simulation software tool for choosing the optimal delivery mode compared with not using it.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on 401 patients referred by their obstetrician for MRI pelvimetry at approximately 37 weeks of gestation between December 15, 2015 and December 15, 2016. We employed a childbirth simulation software to predict the optimal delivery mode. Those results were compared with results from the actual delivery mode.
Results: The rate of emergency caesarean sections, inappropriately scheduled caesarean sections, and instrumental vaginal deliveries would have been reduced by 30·1%, 20·7%, and 20%, respectively, had the predictions from the childbirth simulation software been considered. The use of the childbirth simulation software did not significantly affect the overall caesarean section rate, but it improved the allocation between scheduled and emergency caesarean sections.
Conclusions: The routine use of the childbirth simulation software as a clinical support tool for choosing the optimal delivery mode of singleton pregnancies with a cephalic presentation could reduce the number of emergency caesarean sections, insufficiently justified Caesarean sections, and instrumental deliveries.
The prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Tsabedze Nqoba , Kinsey Jamie-Leigh , Mpanya Dineo , Mogashoa Vanessa , Klug Eric , Manga Pravin
Published: January 2021

Background: Mental health illnesses are associated with frequent hospitalisation and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Despite the high prevalence of depression in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), there is a paucity of data on this subject from low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients attending a dedicated CHF clinic. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at an outpatient heart failure clinic in a tertiary academic centre. The study participants completed a Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) questionnaire to screen for the presence and severity of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Furthermore, the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire was completed and used to evaluate the impact of CHF on health-related quality of life (QoL). Descriptive statistics were used to describe patients' characteristics and logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of symptoms of depression. Results: The study population comprised of 103 patients, predominantly female (62.1%) with a median age of 53 (interquartile range 38 – 61) years. Symptoms of depression were reported by 52.4%, with 11.7% reporting symptoms suggestive of extremely severe depression. Anxiety was diagnosed in 53.4% of patients and extremely severe anxiety was reported by 18.4% of patients. Fifty patients were classified as stressed, and only 7.7% had extremely severe stress. More than half of the patients (54.4%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction in the entire cohort was 30.5 (SD =±11.1%). In the multivariable logistic regression model, permanent employment [odds ratio (OR) -1.22, 95% CI:-0.01– -0.00, p=0.012], the six-minute walk test [OR -0.07, 95% CI: 0.02 – 0.06, p=0.001] and orthopnoea [OR 1.89, 95% CI: -0.01 – -0.00, p=0.012] were identified as independent predictors of depression. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety symptoms were found in over half of patients attending the CHF clinic. We recommend that mental health screening should be routinely performed in patients with CHF. Prospective, adequately powered, multicentre studies from LMIC investigating the impact of depression, anxiety and stress on CHF outcomes such as health-related QoL, hospitalisation and mortality are required.
Evaluating variability in coseismic slips of paleo-earthquakes from an incomplete slip history: an example from displaced terrace flights across the Kamishiro fault, central Japan
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Toda Shinji
Published: January 2021

Examining the regularity in slip over seismic cycles leads to an understanding of earthquake recurrence and provides the basis for probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. Systematic analysis of three-dimensional paleoseismic trenches and analysis of offset markers along faults reveal slip history. Flights of displaced terraces have also been used to study slips of paleoearthquakes when the number of earthquakes contributing to the observed displacement of a terrace is known. This study presents a Monte Carlo-based approach to estimating slip variability using displaced terraces when a detailed paleoseismic record is not available. First, we mapped fluvial terraces across the Kamishiro fault, which is an intra-plate reverse fault in central Japan, and systematically measured the cumulative dip slip of the mapped terraces. By combining these measurements with the age of the paleoearthquakes, we estimated the amount of dip slip for the penultimate event (PE) and antepenultimate event (APE) to be 1.6 and 3.4 m, respectively. The APE slip was nearly three times larger than the most recent event of 2014 (Mw 6.2): 1.2 m. This suggests that the rupture length of the APE was much longer than that of the 2014 event and the entire Kamishiro fault ruptured with adjacent faults during the APE. Thereafter, we performed the Monte Carlo simulations to explore the possible range of the coefficient of variation for slip per event (COVs). The simulation considered all the possible rupture histories in terms of the number of events and their slip amounts. The resulting COVs typically ranged between 0.3 and 0.54, indicating a large variation in the slip per event of the Kamishiro fault during the last few thousand years. To test the accuracy of our approach, we performed the same simulation to a fault whose slip per event was well constrained. The result showed that the error in the COVs estimate was less than 0.15 in 86 % of realizations, which was comparable to the uncertainty in COVs derived from a paleoseismic trenching. Based on the accuracy test, we conclude that the Monte Carlo-based approach should help assess the regularity of earthquakes using an incomplete paleoseismic record.
Nutritional status of school children living in Northern part of Sri Lanka
Authors: Sathiadas Gitanjali , Annieston A , Arunath V , Kasthuri T , Wickramasinghe V P
Published: January 2021

BackgroundNutritional status is an important indicator for measuring quality of life in children. A region that is recovering from war will face many problems related to nutrition. Very few studies have addressed the nutritional problems in school children. This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of wasting, stunting and obesity among school children from Northern Sri Lanka and associated socio-demographic factors.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage stratified proportionate cluster among healthy children attending schools in the Northern part of the country. Height and weight were measured, and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated [weight (kg)/Height (m) ²]. BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) and Height for age Z (HAZ) scores were determined and WHO growth references were used to categorise the nutritional status. Correlation between various nutritional problems with Maternal education, household income, number of family members and the residential area was assessed. ResultsA total of 1012 children were recruited, and the mean age and standard deviation were 11.12±1.77yrs. Girls in the age ranges of 9-14 were heavier and taller when compared to the boys compatible with the pubertal growth spurt. Stunting based on the height for age was seen in 10.9% of boys and 11.8% of girls. Wasting based on BMI for age WHO standard (WHO 2007) was seen in 30.6% of boys and 29.1% of the girls. The prevalence of overweight was 11% and Obesity was 6.3% of the population. Obesity was predominantly seen in boys (4.2%) and it was significantly higher when compared to the girls (2.1%) (p <0.001). Obesity in older boys (>10 years) was significantly more than the younger ones (p <0.01). Maternal education and family income had a significant impact on the prevalence of wasting, stunting and obesity whereas the family size contributed to the wasting and obesity (p<0.001)ConclusionFindings suggest that stunting, wasting, overweight and obesity are prevalent among 6-16-year-old leading to concerns in public health. The nutritional status significantly varies according to the geographical location, maternal education and the household income.
Sex-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behaviors and their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Compernolle Sofie , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Cardon Greet , Dyck Delfien Van
Published: January 2021

Background. Some types of sedentary behaviors tend to cluster in individuals or groups of older adults. Insight into how these different types of sedentary behavior cluster is needed, as recent research suggests that not all types of sedentary behavior may have the same negative effects on physical and mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify sex-specific typologies of older adults’ sedentary behavior, and to examine their associations with health-related and socio-demographic factors. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of the BEPAS Seniors, and the Busschaert study among 696 Flemish older adults (60+). Typologies of self-reported sedentary behavior were identified using latent profile analysis, and associations with health-related and sociodemographic factors were examined using analyses of variances. Results. Five distinct typologies were identified from seven sedentary behaviors (television time, computer time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in men, and three typologies were identified from six sedentary behaviors (television time, transport-related sitting time, sitting for reading, sitting for hobbies, sitting for socializing and sitting for meals) in women. Typologies that are characterized by high television time seem to be related to more negative health outcomes, like a higher BMI, less grip strength, and a lower physical and mental health-related quality-of-life. Typologies that are represented by high computer time and motorized transport seem to be related to more positive health outcomes, such as a lower body mass index, more grip strength and a higher physical and mental health-related quality-of-life.Conclusions. Although causal direction between identified typologies and health outcomes remains uncertain, our results suggests that future interventions should better focus on specific types of sedentary behavior (e.g. television time), or patterns of sedentary behavior, rather than on total sedentary behavior.
Eco-mechanisms within economic evolution – Schumpeterian approach
Authors: Lipieta Agnieszka , Malawski Andrzej
Published: January 2021

Supporting ecological innovations and economic activities which lead to environmental protection is one of an important challenge to decision makers. The above is related to the problem of specification of mechanisms resulting in introducing ecological innovations to the economy.
The original vision of the economic evolution determined by innovation was firstly presented by Joseph Schumpeter who identified essential innovative changes as well as indicated different mechanisms governing the economic evolution.
The aim of the paper is to suggest a cohesive topological approach maintained in the stream of Schumpeter’s thought, to study changes in the economy, which result in the elimination of at least one harmful commodity or technology from the market, by incorporating Hurwicz apparatus in a suitably modified competitive economy.
Qualitative properties of mechanisms which can occur within the economic evolution are also analyzed.
WITHDRAWN: Longitudinal variations of noontime thermospheric winds in response to IMF Bz temporal oscillations: broken mean circulation and standing feature
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Wang Wenbin , Liu Jing , Gao Jie
Published: January 2021

By using the coupled magnetosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere model, we explore the longitudinal/UT dependences of the dayside neutral wind in response to the 60 min periodic oscillation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz. The southward propagation of the traveling atmospheric disturbances (TADs) in meridional wind stands at about 20º MLat, which is related to the geomagnetic field configuration, neutral temperature, and electron density changes. The meridional wind travels continuously from high to low latitude in the western southern hemisphere, with several sudden changes in the wave phase along the propagation direction. The broken mean circulation that is induced by the interaction between TADs and simultaneous responses of the meridional winds driven by oscillating solar wind conditions is induced by the stronger roles of the ion drag than the pressure gradient. Note here that the mean circulation is the background meridional winds in the base case with the IMF Bz setting to zero in the CMIT model. The ion drag shows obvious longitudinal differences associated with the penetration of the ionospheric electric field during the oscillation of IMF Bz.
Integrative analysis of mRNA and miRNA proﬁles identifies miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory biomarkers in diﬀerent molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Evangelista Adriane Feijo , Oliveira Renato J , Silva Viviane A O , Vieira Rene A D C , Reis Rui M , Marques Marcia M C
Published: January 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women. However, the role of microRNA (miRNA) expression in breast cancer progression is not fully understood. In this study we examined predictive interactions between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in breast cancer cell lines representative of the common molecular subtypes. Integrative bioinformatics analysis identified miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory biomarkers of mRNA in breast cancer. Several recent studies have investigated these miRNAs in a broad range of tumors, but the mechanism of their involvement in cancer progression has not previously been investigated.Methods: The miRNA-mRNA interactions in breast cancer cell lines were identified by parallel expression analysis and miRNA target prediction programs. The expression profiles of mRNA and miRNAs from luminal (MCF-7, MCF-7/AZ and T47D), HER2 (BT20 and SK-BR3) and triple negative subtypes (Hs578T e MDA-MB-231) could be clearly separated by unsupervised analysis using HB4A cell line as a control. Breast cancer miRNA data from TCGA patients were grouped according to molecular subtypes and then used to validate these findings. Expression of miR-193 and miR-210 was investigated by miRNA transient silencing assays using the MCF7, BT20 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Functional studies included, xCELLigence system, ApoTox-Glo triplex assay, flow cytometry and transwell inserts were performed to determine cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively.Results: The most evident effects were associated with cell proliferation after miR-210 silencing in triple negative subtype cell line MDA-MB-231. Using in silico prediction algorithms, TNFRSF10 was identified as one of the potential regulated downstream targets for both miRNAs. The TNFRSF10C and TNFRSF10D mRNA expression inversely correlated with the expression levels of miR-193 and miR210 in breast cell lines and breast cancer patients, respectively. Other potential regulated genes whose expression also inversely correlated with both miRNAs were CCND1, a known mediator on invasion and metastasis, and the tumor suppressor gene RUNX3.Conclusions: In summary, our findings identify miR-193 and miR-210 as potential regulatory miRNA in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and suggest that miR-210 may have a specific role in MDA-MB-231 proliferation. Our results highlight important new downstream regulated targets that may serve as promising therapeutic pathways for aggressive breast cancers
Clinical characteristics and determinants of glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Fiji
Authors: Romakin Pablo , Wilson Donald , Khan Sabiha , Mohaammadnezhad Masoud
Published: January 2021

Background: Glycemic control is the centre in diabetes management. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), glycemic control is associated with clinical determinants. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of poor glycemic control level and its clinical determinants among T2DM patients.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the medical records of T2DM patients attending diabetes clinics at the three selected health centres in Suva, Fiji. Patients who met the following criteria were included in the study: adult T2DM >18 years old registered during 2011 to 2016; on treatment for >1year; had >4 clinic visits and; had a recent HbA1c result in 2017. Logistic regression analysis was performed. A p value of <0.05 was considered as significant.Results: There were 200 female (59.2%) and 138 male (40.8%) T2DM patients included in this study with a mean age of 56.5 years (SD = + 9.9). Majority have poorly controlled random blood sugar (RBS), 67.1% and fasting blood sugar (FBS), 63.0%. Two-thirds (65.4%) had co-morbidities. The proportion of poor glycaemic control (HbA1c <7%) was 77.2% with mean HbA1c of 8.6% (+ 2.04). RBS, FBS, cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significant (p<0.05) determinants of poor glycaemic control.Conclusions: This study identified clinical determinants of T2DM patients that are highly associated with glycemic control. Health care workers managing T2DM patients should address these clinical determinants in order to achieve glycemic control.
Defining, conceptualizing, and measuring perceived maternal care quality in low- to high-income countries: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Brown Kyrah K , Boateng Godfred O , Ossom-Williamson Peace , Haygood Laura
Published: January 2021

Background: Health practitioners and researchers must be able to measure and assess maternal care quality in facilities to monitor, intervene, and reduce global maternal mortality rates. On the global scale, there is a general lack of consensus on how maternal care quality is defined, conceptualized, and measured. Much of the literature addressing this problem has focused primarily on defining, conceptualizing, and measuring clinical indicators of maternal care quality. Less attention has been given in this regard to perceived maternal care quality among women which is known to influence care utilization and adherence. Therefore, there is a need to map the literature focused on defining, conceptualizing, and measuring perceived maternal care quality across low-, middle-, and high-income country contexts. Methods: This scoping review protocol will follow the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. A comprehensive search strategy will be used to search for articles published from inception to 2020 in Ovid MEDLINE, EMbase, Amed, and WHO Global Index Medicus. Grey literature will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen articles by title and abstract, then by full-text based on pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A third reviewer will arbitrate any discrepancies. This protocol outlines a four-step analytic approach that includes numerical, graphical, tabular, and narrative summaries to provide a comprehensive description of the body of literature.Discussion: The findings from this scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence on perceived maternal care quality. The findings are expected to inform future work on building consensus around the definition and conceptualization of perceived maternal care quality; and lay the groundwork for future research aimed at developing measures of perceived maternal care quality that can be applied across country contexts. Consequently, this review may aid in facilitating coordinated efforts to measure and improve maternal care quality across diverse country contexts (i.e., low-, middle-, and high-income country contexts).Review registrationThis scoping review has been registered in the Open Science Framework (osf.io/k8nqh).