bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of genetic determinants of the resistance to phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, and the dagger nematode Xiphinema index from muscadine background
Authors: Rubio Bernadette , Lalanne-Tisné Guillaume , Voisin Roger , Tandonnet Jean-Pascal , Portier Ulysse , Ghelder Cyril Van , Lafargue Maria , Petit Jean-Pierre , Donnart Martine , Joubard Benjamin , Bert Pierre-Francois , Papura Daciana , Cunff Loïc Le , Ollat Nathalie , Esmenjaud Daniel
Published: February 2020

Background: Muscadine (Muscadinia rotundifolia) is known as a resistance source to many pests and diseases in grapevine. The genetics of its resistance to two major grapevine pests, the phylloxeraD. vitifoliaeand the dagger nematodeX. index, vector of theGrapevine fanleaf virus(GFLV) was investigated in a backcross progeny between the F1 resistant hybrid material VRH8771 (Muscadinia-Vitis) derived from the muscadine R source ‘NC184-4’ andV. viniferacv. ‘Cabernet-Sauvignon’ (CS).Results: In this pseudo-testcross, parental maps were constructed using simple-sequence repeats markers and single nucleotide polymorphism markers from a GBS approach. For the VRH8771 map, 2271 SNP and 135 SSR markers were assembled, resulting in 19 linkage groups (LG) and an average distance between markers of 0.98 cM. Phylloxera resistance was assessed by monitoring root nodosity number in anin plantaexperiment and larval development in a rootin vitroassay. Nematode resistance was studied using 10-12 month long tests for the selection of durable resistance and rating criteria based on nematode reproduction factor and gall index. A major QTL for phylloxera larval development, explaining more than 70% of the total variance and co-localizing with a QTL for nodosity number, was identified on LG 7. Additional QTLs were detected on LG 3 and LG 10, depending on thein plantaorin vitroexperiments, suggesting that various loci may influence or modulate nodosity formation and larval development. Using a Bulk Segregant Analysis approach and a proportion test, markers clustered in three regions on LG 9, LG 10 and LG 18 were shown to be associated to the nematode resistant phenotype. QTL analysis confirmed the results, although a LOD-score below the significant threshold value was obtained for the QTL on LG 18.Conclusions: Based on a high-resolution linkage map and a segregating grapevine backcross progeny, the first QTLs for resistance toDaktulosphaira vitifoliaeand toXiphinema indexwere identified from a muscadine source. All together these results open the way to the development of marker-assisted selection in grapevine rootstock breeding programs based on muscadine derived resistance to phylloxera and toX. indexin order to delay GFLV transmission.
Severity and prevalence of various types of mental ill-health in a general adult population: Age and sex differences
Authors: Höglund Per , Hakelind Camilla , Nordin Steven
Published: February 2020

Background Taking a broad approach, the aim of this study was to better understand the extent of severity and prevalence in various types of mental ill-health across age groups and sexes in the general adult population. A first objective was to determine symptom severity of anxiety, depression, insomnia, burnout and somatization in combinations of different age groups and sex. A second objective was to determine prevalence of caseness of these types of mental ill-health in both absolute and relative terms in the combinations of age groups and sex. Methods Cross-sectional data based on validated questionnaire instruments were used from the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study in Sweden. In total, 3406 participants, aged 18 to 79 years, constituted a random sample stratified for age and sex. Results Severity and prevalence of anxiety, insomnia and burnout were high among women, in particular young women, and lower in older age groups. The prevalence rates for insomnia, burnout and somatization were particularly high based on the used cut-off scores. Men aged 30-49 years had the highest prevalence for mental ill-health compared to other age groups among men. Men and women aged 60-69 years had generally the lowest symptom severity and caseness. The prevalence for depression was similar in men and women in all age groups, whereas sex-related differences in extent in general were largest in the youngest age group, and gradually decreased with age. Conclusion The results suggest that focus in primary healthcare needs to be directed primarily towards insomnia, burnout and somatization as well as on young women.
Downregulation of S100 Calcium Binding Protein A12 inhibits the growth of glioma cells
Authors: Lu Chunhe , Liu Jia , Yao Mingze , Li Lun , Li Guangyu
Published: February 2020

Introduction: S100 Calcium Binding Protein A12 (S100A12) is a member of the S100 protein family and is widely expressed in neutrophil and low expressed in lymphocytes and monocyte. However, the role of S100A12 in glioma has not yet been identified. Methods: In the present study, we carried out immunohistochemical investigation of S100A12 in 81 glioma tissues to determine the expression of s100A12 in glioma cells, and evaluate the clinical significance of S100A12 in glioma patients. Futher we knockdown the S100A12 by ShRNA, and evaluated cell proliferation, cell migration and cell apoptosis by MTT,clony formation assay, transwell assay ,flow cytometry assa and westernblot. Results: We found that S100A12 was upregulated in tissues of glioma patients and the expression was correlated to WHO stage and tumor size. Further, we found that knockdown S100A12 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells through regulating cell apoptosis and EMT. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated a novel function for S100A12 in glioma progression and suggested that S100A12 may be served as a new marker in the tumorigenesis and progression of glioma.
Predictive Value of Admission D-dimer for Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lin Kai-Yang , Chen Han-Chuan , Jiang Hui , Wang Sun-Ying , Chen Hong-mei , Wu Zhi-Yong , Jiang Feng , Guo Yan-Song , ZHU PENG-LI
Published: February 2020

Background

DD was found to be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and renal insufficiency. However, it is uncertain whether DD is an independent risk factor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing pPCI.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 550 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The predictive value of admission DD for CI-AKI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dl or a relative increase in serum creatinine ≥50% within 48 h of contrast medium exposure.

Results

Overall, the incidence of CI-AKI was 13.1%. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point of DD was 0.69 ug/ml for predicting CI-AKI with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 57.3%. The predictive value of DD was similar to the Mehran score for CI-AKI (AUC DD =0.729 vs AUC Mehran =0.722; p =0.8298). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DD >0.69 ug/ml was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio[OR]=3.37,95%CI:1.80-6.33, p <0.0001). Furthermore, DD >0.69 ug/ml was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality during during a mean follow-up period of 16 months(hazard ratio=3.41, 95%CI:1.4-8.03, p =0.005).

Conclusion

admission DD >0.69 ug/ml is a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term mortality in patients undergoing pPCI.
Germline BRCA, Chemotherapy response scores, and survival in the neoadjuvant treatment of ovarian cancer
Authors: Lee Yong Jae , Kim Hyun-Soo , Rim John Hoon , Lee Jung-Yun , Nam Eun Ji , Kim Sang Wun , Kim Sunghoon , Kim Young Tae
Published: February 2020

Background

To analyze the effects of BRCA1/2 mutations on chemotherapy response scores (CRS) and survival in a cohort of patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 169 high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients who underwent a germline BRCA1/2 test and received three cycles of NAC at the Yonsei Cancer Center from 2006 to 2018. Chemotherapy response scores were compared in patients with and without BRCA1/2 mutations. The effects of BRCA1/2 mutations and CRS on survival were evaluated.

Results

BRCA1/2 mutations were detected in 47 (28.1%) of the 169 patients. Overall, 16 (34.0%) patients with BRCA1/2 mutations had a CRS 3 to chemotherapy compared to scores of 43 in patients (35.2%) without a mutation. Response scores of 3 in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations were not significantly associated with either improved progression-free survival (PFS) ( P = 0.949) or overall survival (OS) ( P = 0.168). However, CRS 3 in patients without BRCA mutations was significantly associated with both improved PFS ( P = 0.030) and OS ( P = 0.039). In patients with CRS1/2, carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations had better PFS ( P = 0.0344) and OS ( P = 0.043) than wild-type BRCA genotype patients.

Conclusion

In ovarian cancer patients treated with NAC, CRS did not predict survival for BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers but did for BRCA wild-type patients.
Histopathological assessment of optic nerve invasion guided by radiological findings in enucleated globes with retinoblastoma.
Authors: Abusayf Mohammed , Alkatan Hind Manaa , Elkhamary Sahar , Almesfer Saleh , Maktabi Azza MY
Published: February 2020

Background: Optic nerve (ON) invasion is an important high-risk feature, and an indicator for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis. We aim through this study to correlate the detected-ON invasion by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the corresponding confirmed histopathological level of invasion.
Methods: A retrospective study of enucleated globes with the diagnosis of retinoblastoma received in the histopathology department(s) from January 2015 to December 2016 (2 years). Slides were reviewed for ON invasion assessment, charts were reviewed for basic demographic data. All patients underwent MRI under sedation upon diagnosis and MRI findings were collected for the above correlation.
Results: A total of 38 patients were included: 21 males and 17 females. 29 (77.3%) had unilateral involvement, 7 (18.4%) had bilateral involvement and 2 cases had trilateral disease. The overall mean age at diagnosis was 22.63 ±15.15 months. Histopathological examination revealed ON invasion in 28 cases (74%) distributed as follows: prelaminar (31.6%), laminar (18.4%), and post-laminar (23.7%). MRI confirmed post-laminar ON invasion in 8 cases (true positive) but failed to detect this in 1 case. Additionally, MRI detected another 8 cases of ON invasion that were false positive on histopathology (accuracy: 63.3%; sensitivity: 88.9%; specificity: 72.4%; Positive predictive value (PPV): 50%; Negative predictive value (NPV): 95.5%).
Conclusions: MRI is found to be less sensitive in evaluating prelaminar and laminar ON invasion (0.0 and 42.9%) compared to post-laminar invasion (88.9%). MRI has generally better specificity in detecting ON invasion irrespective of the invasion level. In our study, obtaining deeper and/or additional histologic sections from the other surface of the tissue block in cases where a post-laminar ON invasion by MRI is found but not confirmed histopathologically in routine sections is essential to avoid missing such an important high-risk feature.
Conserved associations between G-quadruplex-forming DNA motifs and virulence gene families in malaria parasites
Authors: Gage Hunter L. , Merrick Catherine J.
Published: February 2020

Background :
The Plasmodium genus of malaria parasites encodes several families of antigen-encoding genes. These genes tend to be hyper-variable, highly recombinogenic and variantly expressed. The best-characterized family is the var genes, exclusively found in the Laveranian subgenus of malaria parasites infecting humans and great apes. Var genes encode major virulence factors involved in immune evasion and the maintenance of chronic infections. In the human parasite P. falciparum , var gene recombination and diversification appear to be promoted by G-quadruplex (G4) DNA motifs, which are strongly associated with var genes in P. falciparum . Here, we investigated how this association might have evolved across Plasmodium species – both Laverania and also more distantly related species which lack var s but encode other, more ancient variant gene families.
Results :
The association between var genes and G4-forming motifs was conserved across Laverania, spanning ~1 million years of evolutionary time, with suggestive evidence for evolution of the association occurring within this subgenus. In rodent malaria species, G4-forming motifs were somewhat associated with pir genes, but this was not conserved in the Laverania, nor did we find a strong association of these motifs with any gene family in a second outgroup of avian malaria parasites. Secondly, we compared two different G4 prediction algorithms in their performance on extremely A/T-rich Plasmodium genomes, and also compared these predictions with experimental data from G4-seq, a DNA sequencing method for identifying G4-forming motifs. We found a surprising lack of concordance between the two algorithms and also between the algorithms and G4-seq data.
Conclusions:
G4-forming motifs are uniquely strongly associated with Plasmodium var genes, suggesting a particular role for G4s in recombination and diversification of these genes. Secondly, in the A/T-rich genomes of Plasmodium species, the choice of prediction algorithm may be particularly influential when studying G4s in these important protozoan pathogens.
Age- and gender-specific trends in respiratory outpatient visits and diagnoses at a tertiary pediatric hospital in China: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Shi Peng , Zhang Xiaobo , Liu Lijuan , Tang Liangfeng , Li Jing , Wang Libo , Li Albert M. , Cao Yang , Xu Hong , Huang Guoying
Published: February 2020

Background: Respiratory infections are one of three leading causes of childhood mortality, and worldwide increase and recent plateau in childhood asthma has been reported. However, data on trends of respiratory diseases over long period of time is limited. This study aimed to determine the trends of respiratory disease outpatient visits (ROVs) and diagnoses (RODs) in one of the largest children’s teaching hospitals in China between 2009 and 2018. Methods: A retrospective study based on routine administrative data was designed and implemented according to the RECORD statement. Demographic details and diagnoses of the outpatients <18 years visiting the respiratory department of the hospital were extracted from the Hospital Information System. Age- and gender-specific trends were illustrated by calculating average annual growth rate (AAGR) for ROVs and comparing change of proportion for different RODs over time. Results: There were 698054 ROVs from 285574 children (40.4% female). AAGR of ROVs was 15.2%. Children aged 4 to < 7 years had a faster increase than other age groups. Bronchitis (27.6%), pneumonia (18.5%), pneumonia affecting other systems (18.4%), asthma and status asthmaticus (10.7%), and vasomotor and allergic rhinitis (9.2%) accounted for 84.4% of all RODs. The proportion of bronchitis decreased across years, with the concomitant increasing trend in the proportion of pneumonia. Age-specific trend in diagnoses showed greater proportion of asthma in all visits for the children aged 7 to < 18 years than younger children. Gender-specific trend in diagnoses showed the proportion of asthma was greater for males but the AAGR was greater for females. Conclusion: The persistent upward trend in ROVs was observed among children at different ages and a gender difference was also seen. In contrast to what has been reported, burden of asthma and allergies diseases continues to increase locally.
Provider attitudes about childhood tuberculosis prevention in Lesotho: A qualitative study
Authors: Hirsch-Moverman Yael , Mantell Joanne E. , Lebelo Limakatso , Howard Andrea A , Hesseling Anneke , Nachman Sharon , Frederix Koen , Maama Llang B , El-Sadr Wafaa M
Published: February 2020

Background : The World Health Organization estimated that 1.12 million children developed tuberculosis (TB) in 2018, and at least 200,000 children died from TB. Implementation of effective child contact management is an important strategy to prevent childhood TB but these practices often are not prioritized or implemented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Objective : To explore attitudes of healthcare providers toward TB prevention and perceived facilitators and challenges to child contact management in Lesotho, a high TB burden country.
Design : Qualitative data were collected via group and individual in-depth interviews with 12 healthcare providers at five health facilities in one district and analyzed using a thematic framework.
Results : Healthcare providers in our study were interested and committed to improve child TB contact management and identified facilitators and challenges to a successful childhood TB prevention program. Facilitators included: provider understanding of the importance of TB prevention and enhanced provider training on child TB contact management , with a particular focus on ruling out TB in children and addressing side effects. Challenges identified by providers were at multiple levels -- structural, clinic, and individual and included: (1) access to care, (2) supply-chain issues, (3) identification and screening of child contacts, and (4) adherence to isoniazid preventive therapy.
Conclusions : Given the significant burden of TB morbidity and mortality in young children and the recent requirement by the WHO to report IPT initiation in child contacts, prioritization of child TB contact management is imperative and should include enhanced provider training on childhood TB and mentorship as well as strategies to eliminate challenges. Strategies that enable more efficient child TB contact management delivery include creating standardized tools that facilitate the implementation, tracking, and monitoring of child TB contact management coupled with guidance and mentorship from the district health management team. To tackle access to care challenges, we propose delivering intensive community health education, conducting community screening more efficiently using standardized tools, and facilitating access to services in the community.
Roles of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in prognosis and in differentiation of potential beneficiaries in HER2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab therapy
Authors: Ding Nianhua , Huang Juan , Li Ningsha , Yuan Jiaqi , Wang Shouman , Xiao Zhi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The relationship of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) is not well studied. We aimed to assess the prognostic role of NLR in HER2-positive BC patients treated with or without trastuzumab.

Methods

The clinical data of 843 HER2-positive BC patients from July 2013 to July 2018 were collected. The difference among variables was calculated by chi-square test. The associations between clinicopathological factors, NLR and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Patients were divided into three groups. In group 1 containing 255 patients without trastuzumab treatment, pretreatment NLR showed no predictive value. Patients with trastuzumab treatment were divided into two groups on equal, according to pretreatment NLR values, low NLR (group 2) and high NLR (group 3). Patients in group 2 showed significantly higher 3-year DFS rate than patients in group 1 and group 3 (95.3% vs. 91.6% vs. 90.5%, respectively, P = 0.011); patients in the group 1 and group 3 had a similar 3-year DFS outcome. Multivariate analysis showed high pretreatment NLR was significantly associated with shorter DFS (HR = 2.917, 95% CI=1.055-8.062, P = 0.039) in HER2-positive BC patients treated with trastuzumab.

Conclusion

Among HER2-positive trastuzumab-treated BC patients, low pretreatment NLR value was associated with better DFS, and it might help to differentiate potential beneficiaries of trastuzumab treatment.
αβ-Dehydrocurvularin isolated from the fungus Aspergillus welwitschiae effectively inhibited the behaviour and development of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola in rice roots
Authors: xiang Chao , Liu Ying , Liu Shi-Ming , Huang Ya-Fei , Kong Ling-An , Peng Huan , Liu Mao-Yan , Liu Jing , Peng De-Liang , Huang Wen-Kun
Published: February 2020

Background: The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola has become a serious threat to rice production as a result of the cultivation changes from transplanting to direct seeding. The nematicidal activity of Aspergillus welwitschiae have been investigated in vitro , and the disease control efficacy of the active compound has been evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions.
Results: The active compound αβ-dehydrocurvularin (αβ-DC), isolated by nematicidal assay-directed fractionation, showed significant nematicidal activity against M. graminicola , with an median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) value of 122.2 μg mL −1 . αβ-DC effectively decreased the attraction of rice roots to nematodes and the infection of nematodes and also suppressed the development of nematodes under greenhouse conditions. Moreover, αβ-DC efficiently reduced the root gall index under field conditions.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the nematicidal activity of αβ-DC against M. graminicola . The results obtained under greenhouse and field conditions provide a basis for developing commercial formulations from αβ-DC to control M. graminicola in the future.
Current situation of the presence of the zoonotic nematode Dirofilaria immitis in dogs and humans in Bucaramanga, Colombia
Authors: Esteban-Mendoza M.Victoria , Arcila-Quiceno Víctor , Albarracín-Navas Javier Hernando , Hernández Isabel , N María Camila Flechas-Alarcón , Morchón Rodrigo
Published: February 2020

Background : The cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is a vector-born infection, which can be transmitted to humans. The main host are both domestic and wild canids. It mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical climates, temperature and humidity are the main factors that favor the presence and proliferation of Culicidae mosquitoes. There are few reports of this disease in dogs and humans in Colombia, a region with favorable climatic conditions for the development of this disease. Therefore, this research aimed to study its current prevalence in dogs and the risk of human exposure to the disease in Bucaramanga, one of the most populated areas in Colombia located at the center of the country. Furthermore, its demographic and environmental characteristics could be useful as a study model for other similar locations and neighboring countries. Method: Serum samples from 351 dogs and 506 humans from the Bucaramanga metropolitan area were analyzed. All dog samples were tested with a commercial immunochromatographic test kit to detect the presence of circulating antigens of D. immitis . Human samples were analyzed using a non-commercial ELISA test kit to detect IgG against the somatic antigens of adult D. immitis and Wolbachia . Positive results were further confirmed using a Western blot analysis. Results: Dirofilaria immitis prevalence was 10.82% (95% CI) in dogs and 5.12% (95% CI) in microfilaremic dogs. Seroprevalence in humans was 6.71% (95% CI) and was significantly higher in individuals aged 16–34 years and in women than in men. Conclusions: This study describes seropositivity to D. immitis for the first time in a Colombian human population located in the same area as that of dogs infected with D. immitis , which represents a potential threat to public health. In humans, age and sex can be considered risk factors for exposure to D. immitis .
Usual physical activity and subsequent hospital usage over 20 years in a general population: the EPIC-Norfolk cohort
Authors: Luben Robert N , Hayat Shabina , Wareham Nicholas , Pharoah Paul , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: February 2020

Background While physical activity interventions have been reported to reduce hospital stays, it is not clear if, in the general population, usual physical activity patterns may be associated with subsequent hospital use independently of other lifestyle factors. We examined the relationship between reported usual physical activity and subsequent admissions to hospital and time spent in hospital for 11 228 men and 13 786 women aged 40–79 years in the general population. Methods Participants from a British prospective population-based cohort study were followed for 20 years (1999–2019) using record linkage to document hospital usage. Total physical activity was estimated by combining workplace and leisure time activity reported in a baseline lifestyle questionnaire and repeated in a subset at a second time point approximately 12 years later. Results Compared to those reporting no physical activity, participants who were the most active had a lower likelihood of spending more than 20 days in hospital odds ratio (OR) 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.96) over the next 20 years after multivariable adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, education, social class and body mass index. Participants reporting any activity had a mean of 0.42 fewer hospital days per year between 1999 and 2009 compared to inactive participants, an estimated potential saving to the National Health Service (NHS) of £247 per person per year, or approximately 7% of UK health expenditure. Participants who remained physically active or became active 12 years later had lower risk of subsequent hospital usage than those who remained inactive or became inactive, p-trend < 0.001. Conclusions Usual physical activity in this middle-aged and older population predicts lower future hospitalisations - time spent in hospital and number of admissions independently of behavioural and sociodemographic factors. Small feasible differences in usual physical activity in the general population may potentially have a substantial impact on hospital usage and costs.
Detection of CNV in the SH3RF2 gene and its effects on growth and carcass traits in chickens
Authors: Jing Zhenzhu , Wang Xinlei , Cheng Yingying , Wei Chengjie , Hou Dan , Li Tong , Li Wenya , Han Ruili , Li Hong , Sun Guirong , Tian Yadong , Liu Xiaojun , Kang Xiangtao , Li Zhuanjian
Published: February 2020

Background: The SH3RF2 gene is a protein-coding gene located in a quantitative trait locus associated with body weight, and its deletion has been shown to be positively associated with body weight in chickens.
Results: In the present study, CNV in the SH3RF2 gene was detected in 4,079 individuals from 17 populations, including the “Gushi ×Anka” F2 resource population and populations of Chinese native chickens, commercial layers, and commercial broilers. The F2 resource population was then used to investigate the genetic effects of the chicken SH3RF2 gene. The results showed that the local chickens and commercial layers were all homozygous for the wild-type allele. Deletion mutation individuals were detected in all of the commercial broiler breeds except Hubbard broiler. A total of, 798 individuals in the F2 resource group were used to analyze the effects of genotype (DD/ID/II) on chicken production traits. The results showed that CNV was associated with 2-, 6-, 10-, and 12-week body weight ( P = 0.026, 0.042, 0.021 and 0.039 respectively) and significantly associated with 8-week breast bone length ( P = 0.045). The mutation was significantly associated with 8-week body weight ( P = 0.007) and 4-week breast bone length ( P = 0.010). CNV was significantly associated with evisceration weight, leg muscle weight, carcass weight, breast muscle weight and gizzard weight ( P = 0.032, 0.033, 0.045, 0.004 and 0.000, respectively).
Conclusions: CNV of the SH3RF2 gene contributed to variation in the growth and weight gain of chickens.
An Assessment Of The Food Safety Knowledge And Attitudes Of Food Handlers In Hospitals
Authors: Tabit Frederick Tawi , Teffo Lesiba A
Published: February 2020

Method: Up to 210 individuals (18-65 years) who were employed in these hospitals, and who were involved in the preparation and serving of food to patients were purposefully selected. Data collection was by means of an interview using a questionnaire design for this study. The FSK and FSA scores of hospital food handlers were obtained by adding the correct response to FSK or FSA questions.
Results: Only 29% of the hospital food handlers have attended a food safety-training course. Many food handlers were not knowledgeable on the correct temperature for handling foods, and on the correct minimum internal cooking temperature for poultry, seafood and egg. Only the minority of food handlers knew that Salmonella is the main foodborne bacteria pathogen mostly associated with poultry products (47.1%) and that food borne bacteria will grow quickly in food at a temperature of 37 ˚C (38.1%). Hospital food handlers with higher academic qualifications do not possess more FSK than those with lower academic qualifications. 51% of the hospital food handlers possessed a Satisfactory FSK while 10% possessed a Good FSK and 39% possessed an Inadequate FSK.
Conclusion: More than 60% of the hospital food handlers possesses either Good FSK or Satisfactory FSK. Higher levels of education, experience in food handling and job position did not lead to better FSK outcome. All the hospital food handlers possess at least a Satisfactory FSA. There was a weak positive but significant correlation between the FSK and FSA of hospital food handlers. It is recommended all employees involved in food handlers be subjected to food safety training programmes on a regular basis irrespective of their academic, employment and training details.
Ripasudil alleviated the inflammation of RPE cells by targeting the miR-136-5p/ROCK/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Gao Zhao , Li Qiang , Zhang Yunda , Gao Xiaohong , Li Haiyan , Yuan Zhigang
Published: February 2020

Background: Inflammation of RPE cells led to different kinds of eye diseases and affected the normal function of the retina. Furthermore, higher levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 induced injury of endothelial cell s and many inflammatory diseases of the eyes. Ripasudil, which was used for the treatment of glaucoma , was one kind of the inhibitor of ROCK1 and ROCK2, but whether ripasudil could relieve the LPS-induced inflammation and damage of RPE cells was not clear.
Methods: We used LPS to stimulate ARPE-19 cells, the RPE cell line. After that, we detected the levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 by western-blotting after the stimulation of LPS and treatment of ripasudil. Then luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the targeting effect of miR-136-5p on ROCK1 and ROCK2. At last, the levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18 were detected with the western-blotting after the knockdown of miR-136-5p.
Results: The levels of ROCK1, ROCK2 and miR-136-5p in ARPE-19 cells were promoted after the stimulation of LPS. After the treatment of ripasudil, the expression levels of ROCK1, ROCK2 and miR-136-5p were suppressed. The expression of ROCK1 and ROCK2 was targeted and inhibited by the miR-136-5p. The levels of inflammation related proteins NLRP3, ASC, caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18 was also inhibited after the treatment of ripasudil. However, the expression of these proteins was rescued after the knockdown of miR-136-5p.
Conclusion: Ripasudil relieved the inflammatory injury of RPE cells by upregulating miR-136-5p, therefore inhibiting the expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, NLRP3, ASC, caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18.
Sex difference in the association between education and schizophrenia in Chinese adults
Authors: Luo Yanan , Pang Lihua , Zhao Yihao , Guo Chao , Zhang Lei , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: February 2020

Objective: Improving education level was evidenced to decrease the risk of schizophrenia, but whether this strength of education role depends on gender is not. This study aimed to investigate whether there is sex difference in the association between education and schizophrenia in Chinese adults. Methods: Data was obtained from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006, and restricted our analysis to 1,909,205 participants aged 18 years or older, which covered 31 provinces (administrative districts) in China. Schizophrenia was ascertained according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Logistics regression models was fitted to examine the combined effect of sex and education on schizophrenia. Results: The prevalence of schizophrenia in female groups was higher than in male groups, with 0.44% (95% CI : 0.42%, 0.45%) and 0.36% (95% CI : 0.35%, 0.37%), respectively. There is a statistical significant difference that more females experienced severe or extreme difficulty in understanding and communicating. However, more males suffered from severe or extreme difficulty in the function of daily activities and participation in society. The combined effect of education and schizophrenia was statistically significant ( OR =1.05, 95%CI =1.02, 1.08), indicating that, as the level of education level increased, schizophrenia risk of females decreased faster than the risk of males. Conclusions: This study showed that additional years of education reduce the risk of schizophrenia for both men and women while also closing the gender gap between them. As education elevated, the risk of schizophrenia decreased more for women than for men. The findings indicated that improving education level may have an effect on reducing gender gaps in schizophrenia in China. Action to prevent schizophrenia and close its gender gap will require attention to the improving educational opportunities. Keywords : Schizophrenia; education ; sex difference
The spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2007-2016
Authors: Liang Peifeng , Zhao Yuan , Zhao Jianhua , Pan Dongfeng , Guo Zhongqin
Published: February 2020

Background: Despite the considerable efforts made to address the issue of brucellosis worldwide, its prevalence in dairy products continues to be difficult to estimate and represents a key public health issue around the world. The aim of the study was to understand the epidemiology of this disease in mainland China. We set out to investigate the yearly spatial distribution and possible hotspots of the disease.
Methods: Human brucellosis data from mainland China between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. A geographic information system ArcGIS10.3 (ESRI, Redlands) was used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China during the study period. These distributions were evaluated using three-dimensional trend analysis and spatial autocorrelation analyse. A gravity-center was used to analyse the migration track of human brucellosis.
Results: A total of 399,578 cases of human brucellosis were reported during the 10-year study period. The monthly incidence of brucellosis in China demonstrates clear seasonality. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, while May is the peak month for brucellosis. Three-dimensional trend analysis suggests that brucellosis is on the rise from south to north, and that the epidemic situation in northern China is more severe. Between 2007 and 2016, the overall migration distance of the brucellosis incidence gravity-center was 906.43 km, and the direction was southwest. However, the overall gravity center of brucellosis was still in the northern part of China. In the global autocorrelation analysis, brucellosis in China demonstrated a non-random distribution between 2013 and 2014, with spatial autocorrelation ( Z > 1.96, P < 0.05) and a clustering trend, while no clustering trend was found from 2007 to 2012 or from 2015 to 2016. In the local autocorrelation analysis, a Low-Low cluster phenomenon was found in the south of China in 2013 and 2014.
Conclusion: Human brucellosis remains a widespread challenge, particularly in northern China. The hotspots highlight potential high-risk areas which may require special plans and resources for monitoring and controlling the disease.
Keywords : Human brucellosis; mainland China; geographic information system; spatial autocorrelation analysis
The impact of food fortification on stunting in Zimbabwe: Does gender of the household head matter?
Authors: Kairiza Terrence , Kembo George , Pallegedara Asankha , Macheka Lesley
Published: February 2020

Background: High prevalence of stunting in children under five years poses a major threat to child development in developing countries. It is associated with micronutrient deficiency arising from poor diets fed to children under five years. Food fortification is amongst the interventions focused at reducing the incidence of stunting in children under five years. Methods : Using a large-scale household data from Zimbabwe, we investigated the gender-based importance of household adoption of food fortification on the proportion of stunted children in the household. We employed propensity score matching to mitigate self-selection bias associated with household adoption of food fortification. Results: We offer three major findings. Firstly, we find statistically weak evidence that female headed households are more likely to adopt food fortification than their male counterparts. Secondly, food fortification reduces the proportion of stunted children in the household. Finally, in comparison to non-adopters, female headed households that adopt food fortification are more able to reduce the proportion of stunted children in their households than their male counterparts.Conclusion: The results highlight the need for policy makers to actively promote food fortification, as such interventions are likely to contribute to the reduction of stunting and to involve men in fortification interventions to improve on their knowledge and appreciation of fortified foods and the associated benefits.
MicroRNA-21 inhibitor (miR-21i) and Simvastatin-loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/polyethylenimine (PLGA/PEI) nanoparticles for synergistic anticancer effect in Gastric Cancers
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Yang Bin , Zhang Lirong , Cong Xianling , Liu Hongyu , Yu Mengxi , Song Bin
Published: February 2020

In this study, we have successfully developed a simvastatin (SMV) and miR-21i-loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/polyethylenimine (PLGA/PEI) nanoparticles (NP) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy in gastric cancers. The nanoparticles were characterized for in vitro physicochemical and biological assays and pharmacokinetic study was performed in rats. CLSM/FACS results clearly showed the ability of SMV/miR-21i-loaded PLGA/PEI NP (PPN-S21i) to deliver the combinational therapeutics of SMV and miR-21i to the cancer cells. Combination of SMV+miR-21i showed significantly lower cell viability compared to that of free SMV. Our results clearly highlight the importance of simultaneous interaction of SMV+miR-21i and that it could significantly decrease the cell proliferation in BGC-823, SGC-7901 and HGC-27 gastric cancer cells while it was significantly less cytotoxic to normal gastric mucosa cells (GES-1). Cell apoptosis of SMV+miR-21i was significantly higher compared to that of individual drug or miRNA. Finally, pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that PPN-S21i significantly prolonged the blood circulation time of SMV compared to that of free SMV indicating the potential of carrier system. Overall, results clearly indicate that the combination of SMV+miR-21i (gene + drug therapy) might provide a valuable strategy for the clinical management of gastric cancers.
Does electronic consent improve the logistics and uptake of hpv vaccination in adolescent girls? A mixed methods theory informed evaluation of an intervention
Authors: Chantler Tracey , Pringle Ellen , Bell Sadie , Cooper Rosie , Edmundson Emily , Nielsen Heidi , Roberts Sheila , Edelstein Michael , Jack Sandra Mounier
Published: February 2020

Background Technological solutions may improve the logistics of obtaining parental consent in school-based immunisation programmes. In 2018/19 a health care organisation in London, England, piloted an electronic consent intervention in the adolescent girls’ HPV vaccination programme. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to examine the usability and acceptability of the intervention and assess its impact on consent form returns and HPV vaccine uptake. Methods The intervention was implemented in 14 secondary schools in seven South London boroughs. Each e-consent school was matched with a school that used standard paper consent. Matching was based on location and the proportion of students: i. with English as a second language, ii. receiving free school meals (socio-economic status proxy). Consent form return rates and HPV vaccine uptake were compared quantitatively between intervention and matched schools. Data from immunisation session observations (n=7), school feedback forms (n=14), individual and group interviews with implementers (n=8), parents and adolescents (n=12) and a focus group discussion with adolescents was analysed thematically to document user’s experiences investigate the implementation of the intervention. Results HPV vaccination uptake did not differ between e-consent and matched paper consent schools, but timely consent form return was significantly lower in the e-consent schools (73.3% (n=11) vs 91.6% (n=11), p=0.008). The transition to using the system was not straightforward, whilst schools and staff understood the potential benefits, they found it difficult to adapt to new ways of working which removed some level of control from schools. Part of the reason for lower consent form return in e-consent schools was that some parents found the intervention difficult to access and use. Adolescents highlighted the potential for e-consent interventions to by-pass their information needs. Conclusions The e-consent intervention did not improve consent form return or vaccine uptake due to challenges encountered in transitioning to a new way of working. New technologies require embedding before they become incorporated in everyday practice. The intervention is undergoing further iterative development to improve its usability, ensure schools are appropriately involved and adolescents receive tailored immunisation information. A re-evaluation once stakeholders are accustomed to e-consent may be required to understand its impact.
Development and validation of a nomogram with an autophagy-related gene risk model for predicting survival in patients with melanoma
Authors: Zuo Hao , Chen Luojun , Li Na , Song Qibin
Published: February 2020

Background: Melanoma is the third most common skin malignant tumor in the clinic, with high morbidity and mortality. Autophagy plays an important role in the development and progression of melanoma. We aimed to establish an autophagy-related genes(ARGs) expression based risk model for individualized prognosis prediction in patients with melanoma.Methods: Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) in melanoma and normal skin samples were screened using TCGA and GTEx database. These DEARGs were used to perform KEGG functional enrichment analysis and GO analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on DEARGs to identify the optimal prognosis-related genes. These prognosis-related DEARGs were used to construct a risk score model, and the predictive effect of this risk model on the prognosis of melanoma patients was tested by the Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test, and ROC curve. Method of univariate and multivariate analysis were used to confirmed that the risk model of independent predictive value relative to other clinical variables, and build a nomogram based on the independent prognostic factors in the univariate analysis to predict overall survival(OS) in patients with melanoma, we used internal validation and calculation of concordance index (C-index) to test prediction effect of the nomogram. We also used the t-test to analyze the relationship between risk factors (risk genes and risk score) and clinical variables in the risk model.Results: We screened and finally obtained 6 optimal DEARGs (risk gene) through univariate and multivariate Cox analysis to construct the risk model: EIF2AK2(HR=0.403, P=0.007), IFNG(HR=0.659, P=0.003), DAPK2(HR=0.441, P=0.022), PTK6(HR=1.609, P=6.04E-05), BIRC5(HR=2.479, P=0.001), and EGFR(HR=1.474, P=0.004) were selected to establish the prognostic risk score model and validated in the entire melanoma cohort. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that the gene function of the DEARGs was concentrated in the functions of gland morphogenesis, protein insertion into membrane, and autophagy. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the function of the DEARGs was concentrated in the autophagy–animal, p53 signaling pathway, and platinum drug resistance. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with high risk scores had significantly poorer overall survival (OS, log-rank P=6.402E−11). The model was identified as an independent prognostic factor. Finally, a prognostic nomogram including the risk model, T-stage, N-stage, and radiotherapy was constructed, and the calibration plots indicated its excellent predictive performance.Conclusion: The autophagy-related six-gene risk score model could be a prognostic biomarker and suggest therapeutic targets for melanoma. The prognostic nomogram could help individualized survival prediction and improve treatment strategies.