bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of family planning clinics in conducting recommended HIV counseling and testing in Mombasa County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Eastment McKenna , Wanje George , Richardson Barbra , Nassir Faiza , Mwaringa Emily , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Sherr Kenneth , Mandaliya Kishorchandra , Jaoko Walter , McClelland R. Scott
Published: August 2019

Background

A high proportion of African women utilize family planning (FP) services. Accordingly, incorporating HIV testing into FP services may strategically target the first WHO 90-90-90 goal of 90% of people living with HIV knowing their status.

Methods

The objective of this analysis was to determine the proportion of new FP clients counseled and tested for HIV, as well as correlates of HIV testing, in a random sample of 58 FP clinics in Mombasa County, Kenya. Structured interviews of FP clinic managers collected data on characteristics of FP clinics and staff. Study staff performed a 3-month review of FP registers, summarizing new client HIV testing and counseling (HTC). Because overall rates of HTC were quite low, a binary variable was created comparing clinics performing any HIV counseling and/or testing to clinics performing none. Generalized linear models were used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and identify correlates of HTC. Factors associated with any HTC with a p-value <0.10 in univariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis.

Results

Of the 58 FP clinics, 26 (45%) performed any counseling for HIV testing, and 23 (40%) performed any HIV testing. Counseling for HIV testing was conducted for 815/4389 (19%) new clients, and HIV testing was performed for 420/4389 (10%). Clinics without trained HIV testing providers uniformly did not conduct HIV counseling and/or testing (0/12 [0%]), while 27/46 (59%) of clinics with ≥1 provider performed some HTC (p<0.001). In the subset of 46 clinics with ≥1 trained HIV testing provider, correlates of performing HTC included being a public versus non-public clinic (PR 1.70 95%CI 1.01-2.88), and having an HIV comprehensive care center (CCC) onsite (PR 2.05, 95%CI 1.04-4.06).

Conclusion

Trained HIV testing providers are crucial for FP clinics to perform any HTC. Approaches are needed to increase routine HTC in FP clinics including staffing changes and/or linkages with other testing services (in standalone VCT services or lab facilities) in order to improve the implementation of existing national guidelines. A future cluster randomized trial is planned to test an implementation strategy, the Systems Analysis and Improvement Approach (SAIA) to increase HTC in FP clinics.
Genome-wide miRNA profiling in plasma of pregnant women with Down syndrome fetuses
Authors: Zedníková Iveta , Chylíková Blanka , Šeda Ondřej , Korabečná Marie , Pazourková Eva , Břešťák Miroslav , Krkavcová Miroslava , Calda Pavel , Hořínek Aleš
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT
Objective:
Down syndrome (DS) belongs to the most common causes of mental retardation in men, therefore new approaches allowing its rapid and effective prenatal detection are being explored. In our study we focused on diagnostic potential of plasma microRNAs. We follow up on our previous study in DS placentas, where seven miRNAs were found as being significantly elevated.
Methods:
A total of 70 first-trimester plasma samples of pregnant women were included to the present study (35 samples with DS fetuses; 35 with euploid fetuses). The genome-wide miRNA profiling was performed in the preliminary study using Affymetrix GeneChip™ miRNA 4.1 Array Strips. Selected miRNAs were then included to the following validation study using qPCR.
Results:
Based on the current pilot study results (12 miRNAs), our previous research on CVS samples (7 miRNAs) and literature (4 miRNAs), the group of 23 miRNAs were selected for validation study. Although the results of the preliminary study were promising, the following validation step using more sensitive technology RT-PCR and larger group of samples revealed no significant differences in miRNA profiles between compared groups.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that testing of the first trimester plasma miRNAs is not suitable for NIPT. Different results could be theoretically achieved at later gestational ages; however, such a result probably would have limited utilization in clinical practice.
Frequency of trombophilia associated genes. Population – based study.
Authors: Wawrusiewicz-Kurylonek Natalia , Kretowski Adam Jacek , Posmyk Renata
Published: August 2019

Background: Thrombophilia is a hypercoagulable state that may have a genetic basis (inherited) or can be acquired. It is a multifactorial condition and only the mutual interactions between the environment and genes may lead to the development of clinical manifestation. This state is the main factor that promotes venous (rarely arterial) thromboembolism (VTE). The inherited thrombophilia is mainly associated with two pathogenic variants in the V coagulation factor (FV) and the prothrombin (FII) genes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of two pathogenic variants in FII and FV genes as an inherited thrombophilia factor in a representative group of Polish population in comparison with other described populations.
Methods: All studied groups consisted of 1414 unrelated patients at the age between 18 and 70. The individuals from the research group came from the Podlasie region of Poland. Genotyping of FII, FV and MTHFR variants was performed using the 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System and were genotyped by TaqMan assay.
Results: The pathogenic allele frequency for A allele was 0.03 (3%) and 0.07 (7%) for FII and FV genes, respectively. The GA/AA genotypes (c.*97G>A variant) were observed only in 33 (5.03%) individuals in the studied group. Additionally, the frequency of GA/AA genotypes was over 17.4% in the coagulation factor V. Co-instability of heterozygous genotype GA of variants FII and FV genes was observed only in 4 subjects.
Conclusions: Our results is similar to the frequency of the both FII and FV variants in the South–Eastern European countries population, whose value is about 5% and 2.5% respectively.
The burden of malignant neoplasms (cancer) in Ethiopia, 2000–16: analysis of Evidences from Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 and Global health estimates 2016
Authors: Shimbre Mulugeta , Girum Tadele , Mesfin Dereje
Published: August 2019

Background: Cancer figures among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. More than 60% of world total new annual cancer cases occur in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. In Ethiopia, cancer accounts for about 5.8% of total national mortality. The increasing burden of common non communicable diseases such as cancer leads to epidemiological shift of disease burden to non-infectious diseases. However, lesser emphasis is given to cancer. Although, measuring the burden is important to design prevention strategy, a comprehensive estimate is lacking in Ethiopia. Hence, we aimed to systematically measure the burden of cancer in Ethiopia. Methods: The research used data from Global burden of disease study (GBD 2016) and Global health Estimate 2016; that originally collected the information through vital registration, verbal autopsy, surveys, reports, published scientific articles and modeling. Results: In 2016, cancer caused an estimated 50913.5 (95% CI: 36092.1–73018.8) deaths among all age and both gender groups with a crude death rate of 49.7/100,000 and ASDR of 93.5/100,000 population. It contributed for 18.5% of NCD related death and 7.3% of total death, 16.9% of NCR related ASDR and 9% of total ASDR, and 12.7% of national NCD related DALYs and 4.3% of the national total DALYs. The number of death and DALYs from cancer has been increased by 47.4% and 45.1% respectively. Whereas CDR and ASDR from cancer has been declined by 4.2% and 9.7% respectively. The top five causes of cancer related mortality was from Other malignant neoplasms, breast cancer, cervix uteri cancer, colon and rectum cancers, and leukemia whereas lymphomas along with the aforementioned cancers contribute for the highest cancer DALYs. Conclusion and recommendation : the burden of malignant neoplasms (cancer) is remarkably increasing throughout the periods between 2000 and 2016. It carries the higher burden of age standardized death rate (ASDR) from NCD. Specifically, other malignant neoplasms, Breast cancer, cervix uteri cancer, colon and rectum cancers, leukemia and lymphomas caused the highest burden of cancer. Therefore, the existing disease prevention strategies should incorporate NCD prevention strategies with a particular emphasis for cancer screening, prevention and care.
Tumor-infiltrating regulatory T lymphocytes orchestrate oncogenic PAK1-conferred immune evasion in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Qu Yang , Wang Jiajun , Bai Qi , Qi Yangyang , Chen Yifan , Chen Lingli , Zhang Peipei , Wang Zewei , Lin Zhiyuan , Xiong Ying , Xia Yu , Zhang Weijuan , Yang Yuanfeng , Liu Li , Guo Jianming , Xu Jiejie
Published: August 2019

Background: Little is known about the associations between PAK1 and anti-tumor immunity in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aims to explore the prognostic value of PAK1 in ccRCC patients and investigated the molecular immune mechanism for its oncogenic role.
Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 282 ccRCC patients undergoing nephrectomy between 2005 and 2007 in Zhongshan hospital. Immunohistochemistry evaluated PAK1, CCL22, FOXP3 and CD8 expression in clinical specimens. Fresh tumor tissues, para-tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples for RT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry analyses were collected from patients who underwent nephrectomy in Zhongshan Hospital from September 2017 to April 2018. We compared clinical outcomes by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model. Bioinformatics analysis performed in TCGA KIRC cohort.
Results: High PAK1 expression indicated poorer overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) (both p<0.001) in ccRCC patients. Multivariate analyses indicated PAK1 as an independent prognostic factor. In clinical samples, PAK1 clearly correlated with immunosuppressive microenvironment in ccRCC tissues. Significantly, PAK1 positively correlated with Tumor-infiltrating regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs). Furthermore, IL-10+ and TGF-β+ tumor-infiltrating Tregs both increased in PAK1 high tumors. Additionally, CCL22 was highly secreted in PAK1 high tumors. After treated by IPA-3 (an PAK1 inhibitor), CCL22 secretion was clearly inhibited (p<0.001). Finally, we built a nomogram to predict overall survival for ccRCC patients with higher predictive accuracy.
Conclusions: Increased PAK1 expression predicted dismal prognosis in ccRCC patients by inducing tumor immune escape. IL-10+ and TGF-β+ tumor-infiltrating Tregs recruited by CCL22 play dominant immunosuppressive roles in PAK1 high tumors.
Levetiracetam induction of theta frequency oscillations in rodent hippocampus in vitro
Authors: Xing Hang , Lu Cheng Biao , Han Xiong , Xie Xin'e , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2019

Background
Levetiracetam (LEV), an antiepileptic drug, has been recently demonstrated to improve the cognitive function. Hippocampal theta rhythm (4–12 Hz) is associated with a variety of cognitively related behaviors, such as exploration, locomotion and spatial memory in both humans and animal models. We investigated the effects of LEV on the theta rhythm in the rat hippocampal CA3 area.
Results
We found that LEV increased the power of theta oscillation in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in theta power can be blocked by GABAA receptor or NMDA receptor antagonists but not by AMPA receptor antagonist, indicating the involvement of GABAA receptor and NMDA receptor in the induction of theta activity. Interestingly, LEV enhancement of theta power can be also blocked by taurine, indicating that LEV induction of theta may be related to the indirect boosting of GABA action via reduction of extrasynaptic GABAA receptor activation. Furthermore, the increased theta power can be partially reduced by mACh receptor antagonist atropine but not by nACh receptor antagonists, suggesting that mACh receptor activation provides excitatory input into local network responsible for LEV induction of theta.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that induction of a synchronized network oscillation, a novel role of LEV may especially benefit for the treatment of the neuronal disorders with impaired theta oscillation and cognitive function.
Live-attenuated Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis vaccine with regulated delayed fur mutation confer protection against Streptococcus suis in mice
Authors: Li Yu-an , Chen Yunyun , Du Yuan zhao , Guo Weiwei , Fan Juan , Bellefleur Matthew , Wang Shifeng , Shi Huoying
Published: August 2019

Background: Recombinant Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis (S. Choleraesuis) vaccine vector could be used to deliver heterologous antigens to prevent and control pig diseases. We have previously shown that a live-attenuated S. Choleraesuis vaccine candidate strain rSC0011 (ΔPcrp527::TT araC PBAD crp Δpmi-2426 ΔrelA199::araC PBAD lacI TT ΔasdA33, Δ,deletion, TT, terminator) delivering SaoA, a conserved surface protein that is present in many S. suis serotypes, provided excellent protection against S. suis challenge, but occasionally lead to morbidity (enteritidis) in vaccinated mice (approximately 1 in every 10 mice). Thus, alternated attenuation method was sought to reduce the reactogenicity of strain rSC0011. Herein, we described another recombinant attenuated S. Choleraesuis vector, rSC0012 (ΔPfur88:: TT araC PBAD fur Δpmi-2426 ΔrelA199:: araC PBAD lacI TT ΔasdA33) with regulated delayed fur mutation to avoid inducing disease symptoms while exhibiting a high degree of immunogenicity. Results:The strain rSC0012 strain with the ΔPfur88::TT araC PBAD fur mutation induced less production of inflammatory cytokines than strain rSC0011 with the ΔPcrp527::TT araC PBAD crp mutation in mice. When delivering the same pS-SaoA plasmid, the intraperitoneal LD50 of rSC0012 was 18.2 times higher than that of rSC0011 in 3-week-old BALB/C mice. rSC0012 with either pS-SaoA or pYA3493 was cleared from spleen and liver tissues 7 days earlier than rSC0011 with same vectors after oral inoculation. The strain rSC0012 synthesizing SaoA induced high titers of anti-SaoA antibodies in both systemic (IgG in serum) and mucosal (IgA in vaginal washes) sites, as well as increased level of IL-4, the facilitator of Th2-type T cell immune response in mice. The recombinant vaccine rSC0012(pS-SaoA) conferred high percentage of protection against S. suis or S. Choleraesuis challenge in BALB/C mice. Conclusions: The live-attenuated Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis vaccine rSC0012(pS-SaoA) with regulated delayed fur mutation provides a foundation for the development of a safe and effective vaccine against S. Choleraesuis and S. suis. Keywords: Salmonella Choleraesuis, virulence, immunogenicity, Fur, inflammatory
An emotion regulation training in the treatment of obesity in young adolescents: The protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Debeuf Taaike , Verbeken Sandra , Boelens Elisa , Volkaert Brenda , Malderen Eva Van , Michels Nathalie , Braet Caroline
Published: August 2019

Background: The prevalence rates of childhood obesity are growing. The current multidisciplinary treatments for (childhood) obesity are working, but only in short term and rather moderate. Therefore, research needs to search for underlying mechanisms that can improve the existing multidisciplinary treatments. A possible underlying mechanism can be ‘Emotion Regulation’, referring to “the processes by which individuals influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how they experience and express these emotions”. Gross (1998) states that these Emotion Regulation processes play a crucial role in whether medical and psychological consequences are developed as a result of negative affect. The research model for this RCT-study states that when high levels of stress are regulated in a maladaptive way, this can contribute to the development of obesity. Three processes are playing a role: 1) stress physiology (cortisol), 2) low grade inflammation and 3) emotional eating. We see that the prevalence of emotional eating is higher in children and adults with obesity, in comparison with average weight individuals. Method: The current study will recruit 140 youngsters (10-14 years) that are involved in an inpatient multidisciplinary obesity treatment program. Seventy of them will receive an Emotion Regulation Training on top of care as usual. The training itself consists of 12 weekly sessions. After the end of this training, two booster sessions will be given. The participants will be tested pre, post and at 6 months’ follow-up. We hypothesize that compared to the control condition, the youngsters in the intervention condition will (1) use more adaptive Emotion Regulation Strategies, (2) use less the strategy of emotional eating, (3) will report a better sleep quality, (4) result in an improved weight-loss and weight-loss maintenance and (5) result in a better long-term (6-months) psychological well-being. This manuscript proposes the protocol for the Randomized Controlled Trial study. Discussion: This study will add to both the scientific and clinical literature on the role of emotion regulation in the development and maintenance of different psychopathologies, as emotion regulation is a transdiagnostic factor. Trial Registration: The RCT-study protocol is registered at ISRCTN Registry, with study ID ‘ISRCTN 83822934’. Registered at 13 december 2017; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN83822934
Neonatal sepsis and its associated factors in East Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2019
Authors: Beletew Biruk , Kassie Ayelign , kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Getu Mikias Amare
Published: August 2019

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the most leading causes of inflated death and illness of neonates. Different primary studies in Eastern Africa showed the burden of neonatal sepsis. However, inconsistency among those studies was seen and no review has been conducted to report the amalgamated magnitude and associated factors. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the national prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis in Eastern Africa. Methods: Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence and associated factors of neonatal sepsis from PubMed, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. Heterogeneity across the studies was evaluated using the Q and the I2 test. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to estimate the national prevalence and the effect size of associated factors. The subgroup analysis was conducted by country, study design, and year of publication. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to see publication bias. Result: A total of 26 studies with 11239 participants were used for analysis. The pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis in East Africa was 29.65% (95% CI; 23.36–35.94).Home delivery(AOR =2.67; 95% CI: 1.15-4.00; I2= 0.0%; P=0.996), maternal history of UTI (AOR=2.083; 95% CI :0.24-3.93; I2= 69.1%; P=0.001),gestational age (preterm) (AOR=1.56; 95% CI: 1.04-2.08; I2= 27.8%;P=0.000) ,prolonged labor (AOR=3.23 ;95% CI: -0.04-6.51; I2= 62.7%; P=0.020) and PROM (AOR= 1.95; 95% CI: 0.53-3.37; I2= 43.2%; P=0.062) were identified factors of neonatal sepsis. Conclusions: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Eastern Africa remains high. This review may help policy-makers and program officers to design neonatal sepsis preventive interventions. Keywords: Neonatal sepsis, Eastern Africa
Expansion of sweet taste receptor genes in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) coincided with vegetarian adaptation
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Chen , Liang Xu-Fang , Cai Wen-Jing , He Shan , Guo Wen-Jie , Mai Kang-Sen
Published: August 2019

Background

Taste is fundamental to diet selection in vertebrates. Genetic basis of sweet taste receptor in the shaping of food habits has been extensively studied in mammals and birds, but scarcely studied in fishes. Grass carp is an excellent model for studying vegetarian adaptation, as it exhibits food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory.

Results

We identified six sweet taste receptors (gcT1R2A-F) in grass carp. The four gcT1R2s (gcT1R2C-F) have been suggested to be evolved from and paralogous to the two original gcT1R2s (gcT1R2A and gcT1R2B). All gcT1R2s were expressed in taste organs and mediated glucose- or fructose-induced intracellular calcium signaling, revealing they were functional. Cells co-transfected with six gcT1R2s/gcT1R3 showed a greater response to glucose or fructose than those transfected alone, while a lower response to plant specific fructose than those co-transfected with the new four gcT1R2s/gcT1R3. Moreover, food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory in grass carp was accompanied by increased gene expression of certain gcT1R2s.

Conclusions

We suggested that the gene expansion of T1R2 in grass carp was an adaptive strategy to accommodate the change in food environment. Moreover, the selected gene expression of gcT1R2s might drive the food habit transition from carnivory to herbivory in grass carp. This study provided some evolutional and physiological clues for the formation of herbivory in grass carp.
Sexual selection affects the evolution of contact pheromones in Drosophila melanogaster populations isolated by differential sexual conflict
Authors: Dutta Rochishnu , Chechi Tejinder Singh , Prasad N. G.
Published: August 2019

Background: The ability of sexual conflict to facilitate reproductive isolation is widely anticipated. However, very few experimental evolutionary studies have convincingly demonstrated the evolution of reproductive isolation due to sexual conflict. Recently a study on the replicates of Drosophila melanogaster populations under differential sexual conflict found that divergent mate preference evolved among replicates under high sexual conflict regime. The precopulatory isolating mechanism underlying such divergent mate preference could be sexual signals such as cuticular lipids since they evolve rapidly and are involved in D. melanogaster mate recognition. Using Drosophila melanogaster replicates used in the previous study, we investigate whether cuticular lipid divergence bears signatures of sexually antagonistic coevolution that led to reproductive isolation among replicates of high sexual conflict regime.

Results: We found that their cuticular lipid profiles are sexually dimorphic. Although replicates with male biased sex ratio evolved isolation in reproductive traits due to high sexual conflict, the patterns of cuticular lipid divergence in high and low sexual conflict regimes suggest that sexual selection is the dominant selection pressure rather than sexual conflict affecting the cuticular lipid profile. We also find cuticular lipid divergence patterns to be suggestive of the Buridan’s Ass regime which is one of the six possible mechanism to resolve sexual conflict.

Conclusions: Although reproductive isolation due to sexual conflict is anticipated, evolution of a sexually selected trait under sexual conflict may not lead to population differentiation in expected lines. This is because speciation due to sexually antagonistic coevolution is only one of the several outcomes of sexual conflict. This study indicates that population differentiation as a result of cuticular lipid divergence cannot be credited to sexual conflict despite high sexual conflict regime evolving divergent cuticular lipid profiles.
Anthelmintic Drugs Resistance of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Naturally Infected Goats in Haramaya, Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimu Anteneh , Bayu Yehualashet
Published: August 2019

Background: The occurrence of anthelmintic resistance to commonly used drugs is becoming worldwide constrain in livestock production. Considering the narrow range of available drugs and slow rate of new drug development, anthelmintic resistance presents an alarming global threat demanding vigilant monitoring and management. It is likely that anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal goats present in Ethiopia, but little information regarding the prevalence and species of nematode resistance to drugs is available. Current study done with objective to assess anthelmintic resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats to commonly used anthelmintic drugs. Results: The result of the FECRT % and lower 95% confidence limit reported the presence of anthelmintic resistance for tested drugs; albendazole (41.5%, 36.9), tetraclozan (69.5%, 66.1), tetramisole (91.1%, 87.4) and ivermectin (43%, 38.2) respectively. Trichostrongylus spp, Teladorsagia spp and Haemonchus spp showed anthelmintic resistance for all tested drugs. Coproculture from different treated group revealed of Trichostrongylus spp (69.2% in ivermectin and 59.6% in albendazole) was the predominant nematode followed by Teladorsagia spp (21.9% in albendazole and 14.7% in ivermectin). In tetraclozan treatment group, Trichostrongylus spp (42%) and Teladorsagia spp (41.3%) were comparable, followed by Haemonchus spp (13%). In group treated with tetramisole, Teladorsagia spp (54.3%) was the major nematode detected followed by Trichostrongylus spp (25.7%) and Haemonchus spp (11.4%). Conclusions: The study demonstrated the presence of multi-drug resistant nematodes mainly Trichostrongylus spp, Teladorsagia spp and Haemonchus spp. Control strategies including management practices of pasture rotation, supplementary feeding and encouraging traditional nematode control methods. Further studies covering wider areas of Ethiopia and mechanism of nematode resistance need to be studied in future.
Susceptibility of BAFF-var allele carriers to severe SLE with occurrence of lupus nephritis
Authors: Friebus-Kardash Justa , Trendelenburg Marten , Eisenberger Ute , Ribi Camillo , Chizzolini Carlo , Huynh-Do Uyen , Lang Karl Sebastian , Wilde Benjamin , Kribben Andreas , Witzke Oliver , Dolff Sebastian , Hardt Cornelia
Published: August 2019

Background: Dysregulation of the B-cell activating factor (BAFF) system is involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Increased serum concentrations of BAFF are related to lupus nephritis and disease activity among SLE patients. Recently, a variant of the BAFF-encoding gene, BAFF-var, was identified to be associated with autoimmune diseases, in particular SLE, and to promote the production of soluble BAFF. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of BAFF-var in a cohort of 195 SLE patients and to analyze the association of the BAFF-var genotype (TNSF13B) with various manifestations of SLE. Methods: A cohort of 195 SLE patients from Central Europe, including 153 patients from the Swiss SLE Cohort Study and 42 patients from the University Hospital Essen, Germany, underwent genotyping for detection of BAFF-var allele. Results: Of the 195 patients, 18 (9.2%) tested positive for BAFF-var variant according to the minor allele frequency of 4.6%. The presence of BAFF-var was associated with the occurrence of lupus nephritis (p=0.038) (p=0.03 and p=0.003). Among various organ manifestations of SLE, the presence of BAFF-var was associated with the occurrence of lupus nephritis (p=0.038; odds ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-6.34) and renal activity markers such as proteinuria and hematuria (p=0.03; OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 0.9-6.4 for proteinuria; p=0.003; OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.43-10.76 for hematuria). SLE patients carrying the BAFF-var allele exhibited increased disease activity at study entry, as determined by the physician's global assessment (PGA: p=0.002; OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.54-14.93) and the SLE Disease Activity Index (p=0.012; OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.12-11.18). Consistent with that, the percentage of patients treated with immunosuppressive agents at study entry was higher among those carrying the BAFF-var allele than among those tested negative for BAFF-var (p=0.006; OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.27-10.84). Conclusions: Our results indicate an association between the BAFF-var genotype and increased severity of SLE. Determining the BAFF-var status of SLE patients may improve the risk stratification of patients for whom the development of lupus nephritis is more likely and thus may be helpful in the follow-up care and treatment of SLE patients.
Evaluation of tensile stress in carotid artery: evidence from ultrasonography
Authors: Luo Xianghong , Wu Rong , Du Lianfang , Li Zhaojun
Published: August 2019

Background Arterial remodeling reflects adaptation of the vessel wall to mechanical and hemodynamic stimuli and contributes to the progression of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Tensile stress (TS) is one of the mechanical properties of the artery wall. We sought to investigate the effects of carotid viscoelasticity on its tensile stress (TS) in different age subjects.Methods Forty-five subjects were recruited and divided into the group1 (≥50 years old) and the group2 (<50 years old) according to the median age. The carotid arteries were examined by ultrasonography, including shear wave elastography (SWE), shear wave dispersion (SWD) and radiofrequency (RF) technologies. The values were obtained, including the carotid elastic modulus (SWE R ) and viscous index (SWD R ), as well as the peak and mean TS of the left and right carotid arteries (L-PTS, R-PTS, L-MTS and R-MTS). The correlations between SWE R , SWD R and tensile stress were investigated, respectively.Results In the group1, the carotid arteries had lower SWE R and SWD R than those in the group2 (SWE R , [10.29±9.57] kPa vs. [17.24±14.07] kPa; SWD R [11.99±3.51] (m/s)/kHz vs. [13.97±3.71] (m/s)/kHz, all P values < 0.05). In addition, the R-PTS was also lower in the group 1 ( P <0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the carotid SWE R was positively correlated with tensile stress. R -values for R-PTS, R-MTS, L-PTS and L-MTS were r =0.218, r =0.359, r =0.209 and r =0.369, respectively (all P <0.05). However, the carotid SWD R was not significantly associated with TS.Conclusion Ultrasonic shear wave imaging could be used to quantitatively assess carotid viscoelasticity. The carotid TS was related to its elasticity while little related to its viscosity, suggesting that mechanical properties of the arterial wall might be better revealed.
Disease-free survival as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in adjuvant trials of pancreatic cancer: evidence from 20 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Nie Run-Cong , Zou Xue-Bin , Yuan Shu-Qiang , Chen Ying-Bo , Chen Shi , Chen Yong-Ming , Chen Guo-Ming , Chen Xiao-Jiang , Luo Tian-Qi , Li Shu-Man , Duan Jin-Ling , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Li Yuan-Fang
Published: August 2019

Background: we aimed to assess whether disease-free survival (DFS) could serve as a reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS) in adjuvant trials of pancreatic cancer.
Methods: We systematically reviewed adjuvant randomized trials for non-metastatic pancreatic cancer after curative resection that reported a hazard ratio (HR) for DFS and OS. We assessed the correlation between treatment effect (HR) on DFS and OS, weighted by sample size or precision of hazard ratio estimate, assuming fixed and random effects, and calculated the surrogate threshold effect (STE). We also performed sensitivity analyses and a leave-one-out cross validation approach to evaluate the robustness of our findings.
Results: After screening 450 relevant articles, we identified a total of 20 qualifying trails comprising 5170 patients for quantitative analysis. We noted a strong correlation between the treatment effects for DFS and OS, with coefficient of determination of 0.82 in the random effect model, 0.82 in the fixed effect model, and 0.80 in the sample size weighting; the robustness of this finding was further verified by the leave-one-out cross-validation approach. Sensitivity analyses with restriction to phase 3 trials, large trials, trials with mature follow-up periods, and trials with adjuvant therapy versus adjuvant therapy strengthened the correlation (0.75 to 0.88) between DFS and OS. The STE was 0.96 for DFS.
Conclusions: Therefore, DFS could be regarded as a surrogate endpoint for OS in adjuvant trials of pancreatic cancer. In future similar adjuvant trials, a hazard ratio for DFS of 0.96 or less would predict a treatment impact on OS.
Central nervous system involvement in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma: analysis of the risk factors and prognostic from a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Li Qing , Shao Jie , Ma Yan , Lin Zhiguang , Kang Hui , Chen Bobin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for central nervous system (CNS) involvement in systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and to explore prognostic for DLBCL patients with CNS involvement (relapse or progression).

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study in our hospital. Data were collected from all DLBCL patients diagnosed in our institutes from January, 2013 to June, 2018. Clinical information was collected from medical records.

Result

The participants included 138 patients with DLBCL. Among them, 38 patients were diagnosed as CNS lymphoma, including 15 patients exhibited CNS involvement while DLBCL were pathologically confirmed, and 23 patients developed CNS lymphoma during or after initial chemotherapy. The median disease-free interval to CNS involvement was 13 months. Multivariate analysis identified elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) level [hazard ratio(HR)=4.035; 95% confidence interval(95%CI):1.147~14.195] was independent predictor of CNS involvement.

The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time of DLBCL patients with CNS involved were 12.5 months and 22 months, respectively. Multivariate prognostic analysis showed that eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) score>2(P=0.018; HR=7.333; 95%CI:1.424~42.002), elevated serum LDH level (P=0.046; HR=6.510; 95%CI:1.035~40.949), deep lesion (P=0.005; HR=10.957; 95%CI:2.050~58.569), and CNS with systemic involvement (P=0.023; HR=2.730; 95%CI:1.151~6.479) were independent poor prognostic factors for the patients. The cases with lymphocyte absolute count >0.75×109/L (HR=0.047; 95%CI:0.003~0.732) had better prognosis. The OS of DLBCL patients with secondary CNS lymphoma was inferior to DLBCL patients without CNS involvement. There was no significant difference between the patients with CNS and extra-CNS involvement. There was no significant difference between the patients with CNS involvement and stage III-IV DLBCL cases without CNS lymphoma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, elevated serum LDH was independent high-risk factor for secondary CNS lymphoma. For patients DLBCL with CNS involvement, ECOG score>2, elevated serum LDH level, deep lesion, lymphocyte absolute count ≤0.75×109/L and CNS with systemic involvement retained a significant association with outcome.
Associated Factors of Caesarean Section in Ethiopia Using 2016 Demographic Health Survey Data; Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Azene Abebaw Gedef , Aragaw Abiba Mihret , Gedefaw Mihretie
Published: August 2019

Objective:The rate of caesarean section is increasing in Ethiopia, recently. Identifying associated demographic health factors was the aim of this study.Results:More educated mothers were more delivering by C-section compared with those illiterate. Those mother having higher body mass index were more likely to deliver with caesarean section (p = 0.0001). C-section was increased when mothers go to elder (p = 0.0001). Maternal education, birth order, preceding birth interval, multiple pregnancy, maternal age and interaction effect BMI with household wealth index statistically significantly associated factors to increase the rate of C-section. Residence and region were community level factors to increase caesarean section.Therefore; community awareness creation towards C-section with its side effect is essential in Ethiopia.
Determinants of Tooth Brushing Practice among Medical and Health Sciences Students of University of Gondar, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Dagnew Baye , Dagne Henok , Andualem Zewudu
Published: August 2019

Tooth brushing is an effective preventive measure to maintain individual dental health which is an integral part of general health. The current study aimed to assess determinant factors of practice of tooth brushing among Medical and Health sciences students in University of Gondar, Ethiopia. Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 using simple random sampling technique and self- administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% uncertainty interval and p<0.05 was used to identify determinants of tooth brushing practice

Of the study participants in this study 69.6% with 95% UI (65.0, 74.5%) had good tooth brushing practice. Being female [AOR = 7.76, 95% UI (3.79, 15.88)], good dental health knowledge [AOR = 1.66, 95% UI (1.01, 2.75)] and dental flossing [AOR = 2.74, 95% UI (1.64, 4.59)] were determinant factors of tooth brushing practice. The aforementioned factors demand the attention of health sector stakeholders to improve dental health knowledge to substantially increase practice of tooth brushing.
The effects of an experimental approach to writing instruction on monolingual and multilingual pupils in Italian primary schools
Authors: Pallotti Gabriele , Borghetti Claudia
Published: August 2019

This article reports on the results of an action-research project in Italian primary schools. Its main principles are formative evaluation, a process orientation to writing, cooperative learning, and an inclusive approach that does not separate pupils according to their linguistic or writing skills. Pupils aged eight to eleven years old participated in the study in seven experimental (N = 106) and seven control classes (N = 118). Their texts were examined both holistically, through scales of communicative effectiveness, and by means of analytical measurements. The comparison of monolingual and multilingual pupils in both experimental and control classes shows a number of similarities in terms of textual competence, as well as a few differences, especially regarding the more linguistic aspects of writing, such as verb tense cohesion. A remarkable result is that students’ text quality seems to depend more on their participation to the program than on their monolingual or multilingual status.
Cauchy, Cauchy–Santos–Sartori–Faria, Logit, and Probit Functions for Estimating Seed Longevity in Soybean
Authors: dos Santos Amanda Rithieli Pereira , de Faria Rute Quelvia , Amorim Deoclecio Jardim , Giandoni Valéria Cristina Retameiro , da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido Amaral , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira
Published: August 2019

Seed longevity is characterized as the time for which seed remains viable during storage. Seed longevity can be estimated by a Probit model that determines the period in which 50% of seeds have lost viability (P50). The transformed data are binary and when they are not normally distributed, it is necessary to modify the Probit model or apply other functions to estimate longevity. This work aimed studied the use of the Logit, Cauchy, and Cauchy–Santos–Sartori–Faria (Cauchy‐SSF) functions to estimate the longevity of soybean seed [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and compared Probit longevity models for the ordinary least squares (OLS) adjustment method and the generalized linear model (GLM). Ten seed lots were used to estimate water content, germination, and longevity. The P50 data were transformed via the Probit, Logit, Cauchy, and Cauchy‐SSF functions to estimate the coefficients of determination, the Akaike information criterion, deviance, dispersion, and the regression residuals. The effect on the results was observed, depending on the link function. The Cauchy‐SSF function as part of the OLS method estimated longevity in eight seed lots within the interval of interest (II), and the Cauchy function as part of the GLM estimated longevity in nine seed lots. The Cauchy, Cauchy‐SSF, and Logit models were capable of estimating the longevity of soybean seeds (P50) slightly better than the Probit model. We suggest the Cauchy‐SSF function for the OLS method and the Cauchy function for the GLM method to estimate soybean seed longevity when the data are not normally distributed.

Core Ideas

The Cauchy, Cauchy–Santos–Sartori–Faria Cauchy‐SSF, and Logit functions estimated longevity in soybean seeds more robustly than the Probit function.

The ordinary least squares method combined with the Cauchy‐SSF function is as good as the generalized linear model method with the Cauchy function.

The selection of the function changes the estimated time when 50% of seeds have lost viability, emphasizing the importance of the correct choice.
Potassium Fertilization Affects Alfalfa Forage Yield, Nutritive Value, Root Traits, and Persistence
Authors: Jungers Jacob M. , Kaiser Daniel E. , Lamb JoAnn F.S. , Lamb John A. , Noland Reagan L. , Samac Deborah A. , Wells M. Scott , Sheaffer Craig C.
Published: August 2019

Potassium (K) is a critical macronutrient for alfalfa growth; however, reports of the effects of K fertilization on alfalfa yield, quality, and persistence have been inconsistent. Five K fertilizer rates ranging from 0 to 403 kg K ha−1 were applied to eight alfalfa cultivars during the establishment year (2011) and three subsequent production years (2012–2014) at three locations varying in baseline soil test potassium (STK) levels. Alfalfa yield, nutritive value, and STK were measured annually. During the final year, stem density and belowground traits were quantified. Forage yield, nutritive value, and root traits varied by cultivar, but there were no interactions between cultivar and K rate. Crown rot varied by cultivar but was not affected by K rate. Averaged across cultivars, the effect of K on yield varied by location and stand age. At the site with the lowest baseline STK values, K fertilizer had a positive quadratic effect on yield, which plateaued at a K rate of 296 kg K ha−1. There was no effect of K on yield at the site with the greatest baseline STK. Potassium fertilizer reduced forage nutritive value and increased forage K concentration. Aboveground and belowground biomass K concentration increased with K fertilizer at rates beyond those that maximized yield, indicating luxury consumption of K. However, mineralization of soil K resulted in a net increase in STK after accounting for K removal during harvest. Potassium removal rates that resulted in maintained STK were 167, 227, and 268 kg K ha−1 yr−1 at three locations.

Core Ideas

A positive effect of K fertilizer on alfalfa yield was consistent across cultivars.

K fertilization reduced alfalfa nutritive value.

K fertilization increased root biomass but did not affect root diameter or crown rot.

Alfalfa demonstrated luxury consumption of K.

Soil test K increased after accounting for K removal during harvest.
Winter Cover Crop and Fall‐Applied Poultry Litter Effects on Winter Cover and Soil Nitrogen
Authors: Seman‐Varner R. , Varco Jac J. , O'Rourke M.E.
Published: August 2019

Increasing diversity in monoculture production through inclusion of cover crops (CC) and reducing chemical fertilizer inputs by application of animal manures could increase multiple ecosystem services and agroecosystem function. This study was designed to quantify selected ecosystem services from legume, grass, and biculture CC and poultry litter (PL) in strip‐tilled corn (Zea mays L.). Treatments included hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), vetch‐rye biculture, and winter fallow (WF) all with and without fall‐applied PL. Prior to CC termination and corn planting, aboveground dry matter, N content, and C/N ratios of CC and weed biomass were measured; soil inorganic N (ΣNO3− and NH4+) was analyzed every 2 wk following CC termination. Biculture transgressively over‐yielded in 2014 but not in 2015, accumulated levels of biomass N similar to vetch treatment (Vetch), suppressed weeds as effectively as rye treatment (Rye), and maintained soil inorganic N levels similar to Vetch by the second year of study. Overall, CC yield increased 20 to 30% with fall applied PL. Vetch C/N ratio decreased 14% with PL in 2015, while Rye C/N ratio was unaffected. Average weed C/N ratios were 24.5 with Rye and 16.2 with vetch + poultry litter treatment (VetchPL). Cover crop systems with Vetch showed the greatest soil inorganic N, while Rye inorganic N levels were similar to WF. Winter annual weeds were suppressed at least 92% by CC, and most effectively when Rye was present. Ultimately, optimization of cropping systems including CCs and PL will require consideration of interspecific interactions and variable responses among species.

Core Ideas

Cover crop yield increased 20 to 30% with fall applied poultry litter.

Biculture cover crop optimized yield, nitrogen content, weed suppression, and soil nitrogen.

Carbon/nitrogen ratios of vetch and weeds were affected by poultry litter and cover crop treatments.

Apparent poultry litter nitrogen recovery was greatest when a legume was present.

Soil inorganic nitrogen increased with vetch and poultry litter.
Use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index to Assess N Status and Predict Grain Yield in Rice
Authors: Rehman Telha H. , Borja Reis Andre Froes , Akbar Nadeem , Linquist Bruce A.
Published: August 2019

Fine tuning N recommendations requires an understanding of crop N status and yield potential early enough in the growing season when changes to N management can influence yields. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess crop N status and predict yield in wheat (Tricticum aestivum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.); however, there has been relatively little such research on rice (Oryza sativa L.). The objectives of this study were to determine how well NDVI measured at the panicle initiation (PI) rice growth stage assesses crop N status and predicts final grain yield. Nitrogen response trials were established over a 4‐yr period (10 site‐years) at various locations throughout the Sacramento Valley rice growing region of California. Additionally, the relationship between NDVI and crop N status was characterized across 28 on‐farm plots representing a range of environmental conditions and management practices. The NDVI at PI was best correlated with total N uptake (NUP, r2 = 0.66), followed by N concentration (NCONC, r2 = 0.54), and aboveground biomass (AGB, r2 = 0.51). The utility of NDVI was greatest at lower values of crop N status, whereas at higher values, NDVI saturated. The NDVI at PI was positively correlated with final grain yield (r2 = 0.58) indicating utility for developing in‐season yield predictions. While NDVI is a potentially useful tool to improve N fertilizer management and develop in‐season yield predictions in rice, alternative indices that do not saturate would likely provide a basis for a better tool.

Core Ideas

The ability of NDVI to assess rice N status and predict final grain yield was evaluated across 38 sites and four years.

NDVI at panicle initiation was most closely related to crop N uptake.

At high values of crop N status NDVI had limited utility due to saturation.

NDVI at panicle initiation was positively correlated (r2 = 0.58) with final grain yield.

NDVI of 0.66 at panicle initiation indicated sufficient crop N uptake to achieve average maximum grain yield.