bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpack the Salt: An evaluation of the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities to highlight the salt content of different foods
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Trieu Kathy , Farrand Clare , Reimers Jenny , Potter Jane , Davidson Chelsea , Darrigan Natasha , Joldeski Elizabeth , Armstrong Sian , Webster Jacqui
Published: July 2020

Background: Australians are consuming almost double the recommended maximum salt intake. The Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership was established to coordinate efforts to reduce salt intake in the state of Victoria. As part of an intervention strategy, media advocacy strategies were used to raise public awareness and stimulate industry and government action on salt reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the Victorian Salt Reduction Partnership’s media advocacy activities by determining the extent to which activities contributed to the overall strategy aims and the effectiveness of the activities in gaining media and industry engagement. Methods: A framework for evaluating media advocacy strategies used in complex public health interventions was used to guide this evaluation. Media advocacy activities were monitored and documented throughout the intervention period. A content analysis of the media release press statements was performed. Indicators of media coverage (media items, cumulative audience reach, advertising space rate) and food industry engagement (number of meetings, number and type of follow up actions) were tracked. Results: Six media releases were issued between March 2017 and November 2018 on different processed food categories including breads, cooking sauces, ready meals, dips and crackers, processed meats and Asian-style sauces. Qualitative analysis of the press statements revealed three main themes: general information on salt and health, salt levels in foods, and calls to action. Most press statement themes aligned with the overall intervention strategy. Media items (print and online news, radio and TV) generated by each release ranged from 36 to 274, and cumulative audience reach ranged from 2.3 to 7.5 million Australians. One to three food manufacturers were met with per media release.Conclusions: Disseminating sodium-monitoring data through media releases can be used as a tool to gain access to the media and reach consumers with salt reduction messages, and to engage food manufacturers in discussions about salt reduction. Characteristics of media advocacy activities, including alignment with the overall strategy, and external factors outside the of control of the program implementers, can influence media and industry engagement. When planning future nutrition interventions that include media advocacy activities, internal and external factors impacting outcomes, should be considered, documented and evaluated.
Predictive factors of rapid linear renal progression and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ali Ibrahim , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Ibrahim Sara T. , Green Darren , Kalra Philip
Published: July 2020

Background Risk factors predictive of rapid linear chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and its associations with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality requires further exploration, particularly as patients with linear eGFR trajectory represent a clear paradigm for understanding true CKD progression. Methods A linear regression slope was applied to all outpatient estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values for patients in the Salford Kidney Study who had ≥2years follow-up, ≥4 eGFR values and baseline CKD stages 3a-4. An eGFR slope (ΔeGFR) of ≤-4ml/min/1.73m2/yr defined rapid progressors, whereas -0.5 to +0.5ml/min/1.73m2/yr defined stable patients. Binary logistic regression was utilised to explore variables associated with rapid progression and Cox proportional hazards model to determine predictors for mortality prior to ESRD. Results There were 157 rapid progressors (median ΔeGFR -5.93ml/min/1.73m2/yr) and 179 stable patients (median ΔeGFR -0.03ml/min/1.73m2/yr). Over 5 years, rapid progressors had an annual rate of mortality or ESRD of 47 per 100 patients compared with 6 per 100 stable patients. Factors associated with rapid progression included younger age, female gender, higher diastolic pressure, higher total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein ratio, lower albumin, lower haemoglobin and a urine protein:creatinine ratio of >50g/mol. The latter three factors were also predictive of mortality prior to ESRD, along with older age, smoking, peripheral vascular disease and heart failure. Conclusions There is a heterogenous interplay of risk factors associated with rapid linear CKD progression and mortality in patients with CKD. Furthermore, rapid progressors have high rates of adverse outcomes and require close specialist monitoring.
Parathyroid hormone (1-34) promotes the effects of 3D printed scaffold-seeded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on meniscus regeneration
Authors: Zhao Wen , Zou Tong , Cui Hao , Lv Yangou , Gao Dengke , Ruan Chenmei , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yihua
Published: July 2020

Background: Cell-based tissue engineering represents a promising management for meniscus repair and regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate whether the injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34) could promote the regeneration and chondroprotection of 3D printed scaffold seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a canine total meniscal meniscectomy model. Methods: 3D printed poly(e-caprolactone) scaffold seeded with BMSCs was cultured in vitro, and the effects of in vitro culture time on cell growth and matrix synthesis of the BMSCs-scaffold construct were evaluated by microscopic observation and cartilage matrix content detection at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After that, the tissue-engineered meniscus based on BMSCs–scaffold cultured for the appropriate culture time was selected for in vivo implantation. Sixteen dogs were randomly divided into four groups: PTH + BMSCs–scaffold, BMSCs–scaffold, total meniscectomy, and sham operation. The regeneration of the implanted tissue and the degeneration of articular cartilage were assessed by gross, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis at 12 weeks postoperatively.Results: In vitro study showed that the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)/DNA ratio and the expression of collagen type II (Col2) were significantly higher on day 21 as compared to the other time points. In vivo study showed that, compared with the BMSCs–scaffold group, the PTH + BMSCs–scaffold group showed better regeneration of the implanted tissue and greater similarity to native meniscus concerning gross appearance, cells composition, and cartilage extracellular matrix deposition. This group also showed less expression of terminal differentiation markers of BMSC chondrogenesis as well as lower cartilage degeneration with less damage on the knee cartilage surface, higher expression of Col2, and lower expression of degeneration markers.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that PTH (1-34) promotes the regenerative and chondroprotective effects of the BMSCs–3D printed meniscal scaffold in a canine model, and thus their combination could be a promising strategy for meniscus tissue engineering.
Association of hemoglobin glycation index and its interaction with obesity /family history of hypertension on hypertension risk: a community-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Mi Jing , Song Jian , Zhao Yingying , wu xue-sen
Published: July 2020

Background: Hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) is considered to be a convenient measurable indicator to assess the inter-individual variation of HbA1c. In the present study, we tested the relationship between HGI and risk of hypertension, and further explored the possible interacting influences of HGI with other such factors on hypertension risk among Chinese individuals.Methods : The eligible subjects were chosen from a community-based cross-sectional survey in China. We collected relevant data and clinical indicators for each participant. HGI was calculated as “measured HbA1c-predicted HbA1c” and divided into four categories according to quartile. The following indicators were used to assess interactive effects：(1) relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI); (2) attributable proportion due to interaction (AP); and (3) synergy index (SI). Statistical analysis was performed using R software.Results: Specifically, 1777 eligible participants were selected in this cross-sectional survey. There were 433 subjects who were identified to have hypertension (24.4%). A significant increase in the prevalence of hypertension from Q1 to Q4 of HGI was observed (P<0.001). Multivariable logistic model demonstrated that subjects at the highest HGI group had a substantially increased risk of being hypertensive than subjects in the first quartile of HGI, as indicated by the OR value of 1.87(95%CI: 1.26-2.78). Moreover, a significant interaction between family history of hypertension and HGI on hypertension risk was detected (RERI:1.36,95%CI:0.11-2.63; AP: 0.43, 95%CI:0.17-0.69; and SI:2.68, 95% CI:1.10-6.48). The interactive effect between HGI and abdominal obesity was also found to be significant, as estimated by the value of RERI (1.04, 95%CI:0.24-1.85), AP (0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.56) and SI (1.96, 95%CI:1.01-3.79). However, in the analysis of the interaction between HGI and general obesity, only the AP value (0.28, 95%CI: 0.01-0.54) was observed to be significant.Conclusion: High HGI was independently associated with the risk of hypertension. Moreover, HGI significantly shared interactions with obesity and family history of hypertension that influenced the risk of hypertension.
Establishing Cross-Systems Collaborations for Implementation: Protocol for a Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Bunger Alicia C. , Chuang Emmeline , Girth Amanda , Lancaster Kathryn E. , Gadel Fawn , Himmeger Marla , Saldana Lisa , Powell Byron J. , Aarons Gregory A
Published: July 2020

Background: Cross-system interventions can help integrate services across different service delivery systems but require organizations to establish strong collaborative relationships for implementation. Contingency theory suggests that the effectiveness of different collaborative strategies (i.e. specific ways organizations align operations and services) varies by context. This paper describes a study of different strategies for fostering collaboration between child welfare and substance abuse treatment agencies and the conditions under which they are effective for implementation. We also describe the development and piloting of the Collaborating Across Systems for Program Implementation (CASPI) tool—a decision-making guide intended to help researchers and organizational leaders identify and use appropriate collaborative strategies for their context. Methods/Design: This multisite longitudinal, mixed methods study, leverages a naturally occurring implementation initiative -- in up to 17 Ohio counties -- to implement Ohio START (Sobriety Treatment and Reducing Trauma). START is a child welfare model that requires strong collaboration with local substance use treatment organizations to promote integrated services. During the first two years, we will identify collaborative strategies associated with improved START implementation (penetration and fidelity) and service delivery outcomes (timeliness), given system, and organizational features. We will conduct a convergent mixed methods study drawing on worker surveys, agency documents, administrative data, formal partner agreements, and group interviews. Data will be integrated and analyzed using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). To develop the CASPI, an expert panel comprised of implementation experts, and community stakeholders will convene to synthesize our findings and develop contents (including a decision tree). During the final year of the study, we will assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the CASPI in a randomized vignette experiment, and a pilot-test with 3 child welfare agencies that have not yet implemented START. Discussion: Our results will lay the groundwork for a larger controlled trial that will test the CASPI’s effectiveness for supporting effective and efficient implementation of cross-system interventions like START. The CASPI is expected to help leaders and researchers select and use collaboration strategies tailored to their context and be applicable in a wide range of settings including rural communities. Our work also advances system-level implementation strategies.Trial Registration: NCT03931005, Registered April 29, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931005
Linking the westernised oropharyngeal microbiome to the immune response in Chinese immigrants
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhang Xiaoping , Saiganesh Aarti , Peacock Christopher , Chen Shu , Dykes Gary , Hales Belinda , Souëf Peter Le , Zhang Guicheng(Brad)
Published: July 2020

Background: Human microbiota plays a fundamental role in modulating the immune response. Western environment and lifestyle are envisaged to alter the human microbiota with a new microbiome profile established in Chinese immigrants, which fails to prime the immune system. Here, we investigated how differences in composition of oropharyngeal microbiome may contribute to patterns of interaction between the microbiome and immune system in Chinese immigrants living in Australia.Methods: We recruited 44 adult Chinese immigrants: newly-arrived (n=22, living in Australia <6 months) and long-term Chinese immigrants (n=22, living in Australia >5 years), with age and gender matched. Oropharyngeal swabs, serum and whole blood were collected. The 16s ribosomal RNA gene from the swabs was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Innate immune responses were determined by 23 Toll-like receptors (TLR) pathway cytokines, while adaptive immune responses were determined by IgG-associated response to specific microbial/viral pathogens.Results: The relative abundance of the genus Leptotrichia was higher in long-term immigrants as compared to that in newly-arrived Chinese immigrants, while the genus Deinococcus was significantly lower in long-term Chinese immigrants. The genera uncultured Lachnospiraceae, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-007, Veillonella, and Actinomycetales_ambiguous taxa were negatively correlated with cytokine IL-6 in long-term Chinese immigrants (rho range: -0.46 ~ -0.73). With respect to adaptive immunity, several microbial taxa were significantly associated with IgG1 responsiveness to microbial antigens in long-term immigrants, while a significant correlation with IgG1 responsiveness to viral antigens was detected in newly-arrived immigrants. Conclusions: The composition of the oropharyngeal microbiome varies between newly-arrived and long-term Chinese immigrants. Specific microbial taxa are significantly associated with immunological parameters but with different association patterns between newly-arrived and long-term Chinese immigrants.
Determinants of Low APGAR score in Newborns Delivered at Lemlem Karl General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia, 2018: A Case Control Study
Authors: Gebremedhin Mussie Mulugeta , Gebremichael Mengistu Welday , Gebremichael Berhane Gebreegizabiher , Reda Mihrete-ab Mehari , Hailu Tesfay Adhena , Gebremeskel Gebrekiros Aregawi , Tlaye Kenean Getaneh , Meikena Henok Kumsa , Yimer Nigus Bililign
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: The Apgar score is a method to quickly summarize the health of newborn children. It establishes a simple and clear classification of newborns, which could be used to predict survival and to compare methods of resuscitation and perinatal experience across hospitals and obstetric practices. Low Apgar score is associated with various immediate and long-term adverse health outcomes of newborns. Hence; in order to decrease the risk/complications, identifying the determinant factors of low Apgar is crucial to act on the modifiable risk factors. This study is aimed to investigate the determinant factors of a low Apgar score in newborn children.METHOD: The study was conducted in Lemelem Karl general hospital; northern Ethiopia. An institutional-based unmatched, case-control study was implemented. Data were retrieved from medical charts of 662 newborns’ mothers who gave birth in the hospital from Sep 2014 to Sep 2017. Among these, 221 of them were cases (charts of mothers whose newborns’ fifth minute Apgar score was <7) and 441 of them were controls (charts of mothers whose newborns’ Apgar score was 7 and above). Data was collected using a pretested and structured checklist using systematic sampling and data was entered & analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was done to determine the association and statistical significance was declared at P-value of ≤0.05. RESULTS: This study revealed that low Apgar score was significantly associated with antepartum hemorrhage [Adjusted odss ratio (AOR) 3.509; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.526-8.067), P= 0.003], pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders [AOR 2.69; 95% CI (1.351-5.357), P= 0.005], prolonged second stage of labor [AOR 2.63; 95% CI (1.399-4.944), P= 0.003], Cesarean delivery [AOR 2.005; 95%CI (1.223-3.287), P= 0.006],meconium-stained liquor [AOR 6.955; 95% CI (3.721-13.001), P<0.001], and low birth weight [AOR 4.38; 95% CI (2.216-8.657), P<0.001].CONCLUSION: Result from this study showed a remarkable linkage of low Apgar score with antepartum hemorrhage, pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders, meconium-stained liquor, and low birth weight. Therefore, meticulous antenatal care and labour management service are recommended to prevent low Apgar score and the concomitant neonatal death.
Sedentary Behaviour Among General Practitioners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mayne Richard S. , Hart Nigel D. , Heron Neil
Published: July 2020

BackgroundSedentary behaviour is when someone is awake, in a sitting, lying or reclining posture and is an independent risk factor for multiple causes of morbidity and mortality. A dose-response relationship has been demonstrated, whereby increasing sedentary time corresponds with increasing mortality rate. This study aimed to identify current levels of sedentary behaviour among General Practitioners (GPs), by examining and synthesising how sedentary behaviour has been defined and measured in the primary care literature.MethodsA systematic review was conducted to identify studies relating to levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Searches were performed using Medline®, Embase®, PscycINFO and Web of Science, from inception of databases until January 2020. Articles were assessed for quality and bias, with extractionof relevant data.ResultsThe search criteria returned 1707 studies. 34 full texts were reviewed and 2 studies included in the final review. Both were cross-sectional surveys using self-reported estimation of sedentary time within the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Keohane et al. examined GP trainees and GP trainers in Ireland. 60% reported spending in excess of 7 hours sitting each day, 24% between 4 and 7 hours, and 16% less than or equal to 4 hours. Suija et al. examined female GPs in Estonia. The mean reported daily sitting time was 6 hours and 36 minutes, with 56% sitting for over 6 hours per day. Both studies were of low methodological quality and high risk of bias.ConclusionThere is a paucity of research examining current levels of sedentary behaviour among GPs. Objective data is needed to determine GPs’ current levels of sedentary behaviour, in order to identify ways of reducing this, if possible, as well as facilitating better GP education for patients regarding reducing sedentary behaviour.
iTRAQ-based Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Differences in the Protein Profiles of Stems and Leaves From Two Alfalfa Genotypes
Authors: Sun Hao , Yu Jie , Zhang Fan , Kang Junmei , Li Mingna , Wang Zhen , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Jiaju , Yang Qingchuan , Long Ruicai
Published: July 2020

Background:To explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms of early stem and leaf development, proteomic analysis was performed on leaves and stems of F genotype alfalfa, with thin stems and small leaves, and M genotype alfalfa, with thick stems and large leaves.Results:Based on fold-change thresholds of >1.20 or <0.83 (p<0.05), a large number of proteins were identified as being differentially enriched between the M and F genotypes: 249 downregulated and 139 upregulated in stems and 164 downregulated and 134 upregulated in leaves. The differentially expressed proteins in stems were mainly involved in amino acid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, carbon fixation, and phenylalanine metabolism. The differentially expressed proteins in leaves were mainly involved in porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms. Six differentially enriched proteins were mapped onto the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathway in leaves of the M genotype, including five upregulated proteins involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis and one downregulated protein involved in chlorophyll degradation. Eleven differentially enriched proteins were mapped onto the phenylpropanoid pathway in stems of the M genotype, including two upregulated proteins and nine downregulated proteins.Conclusion:Enhanced chlorophyll synthesis and decreased lignin synthesis provided a reasonable explanation for the larger leaves and lower levels of stem lignification in M genotype alfalfa. This proteomic study aimed to classify the functions of differentially enriched proteins and to provide information on the molecular regulatory networks involved in stem and leaf development.
Physical Exercise for Seniors with Dementia: Potential Benefits Perceived by Formal Caregivers
Authors: Sampaio Arnaldina , Marques-Aleixo I , Seabra A , Mota J , Carvalho J
Published: July 2020

Background: The social and economic impact of dementia urge for calls to develop accessible and sustainable care for seniors with dementia (SwD). Physical exercise has been seen as a beneficial non- pharmacological therapy in the prevention and management of Dementia, and possible benefits may not impact only the participants, but also indirectly their Caregivers. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of an exercise intervention on functional capacity, neuropsychiatry symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of institutionalized older adults with dementia, perceived by their formal caregivers. Methods: Sixty-four institutionalized older adults (from both genders, aged 65–93 yrs. old), clinically diagnosed with dementia, were divided into two groups: control group (CG, n= 26) and exercise group (EG, 6-month supervised multicomponent exercise intervention n= 38). Nine caregivers (female, aged 28-47 yrs old) from nine different nursing homes, reported about care receiver’s functional capacity (Katz index), quality of life (QoL-AD) and behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) in dementia (NPI) before and after 6 months of an exercise intervention (aerobic, muscular resistance, flexibility and postural exercises). Results: A two-way ANOVA, with repeated measures, revealed significant group and time interactions on Total Katz index and NPI-score. The CG's performance functional capacity and total BPSD score worsen over time while in EG maintains these values after the exercise intervention. Moreover, formal caregiver´s distress triggered by apathy, disinhibition and aberrant motor behavior increased in CG while after 6 months of an exercise intervention no alterations were seen regarding these distress causes in EG. No significant main effects were observed for total QoL-AD.Conclusions: Overall results show that after the exercise intervention, SwD from the EG, was capable of preserving the functional capacity and neuropsychiatric symptoms were attenuate, contributing to a lower load of distress for the caregivers.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04095962. Registered 19 September 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04095962
Association of Shared Decision Making with Inpatient Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Luo Huiwen , Liu Guohua , Lu Jing , Xue Di
Published: July 2020

Background: We assess inpatient perceived shared decision making (SDM) and test the association of SDM with inpatient satisfaction in public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 2585 inpatients in 47 public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai in July and August 2018. We assessed SDM overall and 4 aspects of SDM and tested the factors that influenced SDM and the association of SDM with patient satisfaction (patient satisfaction with physician services, medical expenses, outcomes and inpatient care overall), adopting multilevel mixed linear regression models.Results: The positive response rate (PRR) for SDM overall among the inpatients of public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai was high (95.30%), while the PRR for “My physician informed me of different treatment alternatives” was relatively low (88.63%). In addition, inpatients who underwent surgery during admission had higher PRRs and adjusted PRRs for SDM overall than those who did not undergo surgery (96.01% vs. 95.00% and 94.15% vs. 92.99%, respectively). Based on three-level mixed regression models, the study showed that inpatients with positive responses for SDM overall had higher adjusted satisfaction rates (SRs) for physician services, medical expenses, outcomes and inpatient care overall (98.89%, 91.73%, 98.44% and 97.34%, respectively) than those without positive responses (88.91%, 72.44%, 88.66% and 87.86%, respectively). The greatest differences in adjusted SRs between inpatients with or without positive responses for SDM were found for inpatient satisfaction with medical expenses and informed consent in SDM.Conclusions: Inpatient PRRs for SDM in public tertiary hospitals in Shanghai are high overall but are lower for information about alternatives. SDM can be affected by the SDM preference of both patients and physicians, medical condition, physician workload and professional requirements. Patient satisfaction with physician services, medical expenses, treatment outcomes and inpatient care overall can be improved through good SDM.
Unmet Medical Care Needs Due To Payment Difficulty
Authors: TERZİ Melek , Kurutkan Mehmet Nurullah , Şahin Dilek , Kara Oğuz
Published: July 2020

Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of chronic diseases and socio-economic factors on payment difficulty in medical care.Methods: The variables used in the analysis were obtained from the “2016 TURKSTAT Health Survey” micro data set. Three models were established to determine the degree of chronic disease data and socio-economic variables affecting the payment difficulty in medical care. Binary Logit Regression analysis was used to analyze the models.Findings: In terms of payment difficulty in medical care; age, education, household income, social security institution (SGK) treatment cost, general health insurance (GSS) treatment cost, other treatment cost, reason for not working, work continuity, working method, overall health status, being sick longer than 6 months, vital activity restriction, asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart failure, arthrosis, waist and neck disorders, allergy, liver failure, kidney disease, depression, other chronic diseases, wearing glasses, physical pain state, pain preventing life, feeling worthless, receiving bed service for the last 12 months, receiving daily service for the last 12 months, drug use by his own decision, cholesterol measurement status, blood glucose measurement status, stool occult blood test measurement status, being late for appointment, payment difficulty in dental care, in drug and in spiritual treatment, tobacco use status and exposure to tobacco smoke were effective (p<0,05). According to Cohen d, the groups with the strongest effect on payment difficulty in medical care are payment difficulty in dental care, drug and spiritual treatment, delay due to transportation, depression and chronic bronchitis (E.B. > 0,8).Conclusions: According to the results of the research, it was determined that chronic diseases and socio-economic variables are effective in the payment difficulty of medical care. Policymakers can benefit from evidence-based on econometric models of the comparative burden of different chronic conditions, demographic and economic structure.
Designing and Psychometric of Reproductive Health Related Behaviors Assessment Tool in Iranian males: An Exploratory Mixed Method Study Protocol
Authors: Geranmayeh Mehrnaz , Zareiyan Armin , Moghadam Zahra Behboodi , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Sanaati Foziye
Published: July 2020

Background: Male reproductive health is a relatively new concept, and most men are neglected in reproductive health discussions. Therefore, it appears that there is insufficient information about the male reproductive health. This study aims to design a psychometric instrument for assessing the male reproductive health-related behavior.Methods/design: This is a sequential exploratory mixed-method study with a classical instrument development design. It will be conducted in two qualitative and quantitative phases on the studied units including the men living in Tehran. In the first phase, a qualitative study of a contractual content analysis approach will be conducted in order to perceive the concept of male reproductive health-related behavior, determine the dimensions of the questionnaire, and explore the items. In the second phase, a quantitative study will be carried out to evaluate the psychometric properties as well as (form, content, and construct) validity and reliability of the instrument designed in the first phase. Finally, the instrument will be scored and interpreted.Discussion: Discovering men’s perception of concept of reproductive health-related behavior can help design a valid and reliable questionnaire which can be used in studies evaluating the male reproductive health-related behavior.Ethical Code: IR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1397.157
Construction and Investigation of a circRNA-Associated ceRNA Regulatory Network in Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Yu Haifei , Wang Xinrui , Cao Hua
Published: July 2020

Background: As the most frequent type of cyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHD), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has a relatively poor prognosis without the corrective surgery. Circular RNA (circRNA) represents a novel class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate target gene expression post-transcriptionally in heart development. Here, we investigate the potential role of ceRNA network in the pathogenesis of TOF. Methods: To identify circRNAs expression profiles in Tetralogy of Fallot, microarrays were used to screen the differentially expressed circRNA between 3 TOF and 3 control human myocardial tissue samples. Then, a dysregulated circRNA- associated ceRNA network was constructed via using the established multi-step screening strategy.Results: In summary, total 276 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, including 214 up-regulated and 62 down-regulated ones in TOF samples. By constructing the circRNA-associated ceRNA network based on the bioinformatics data, a total of 19 key circRNAs, 9 key miRNAs and 34 key mRNAs were further screened. Moreover, by enlarging the samples size, the qPCR results validated that the positive correlations between hsa_circ_0007798 and HIF1A.Conclusions: The findings in this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the ceRNA network involved in TOF biology, such as hsa_circ_0007798/miR-199b-5p/HIF1A signal axis, and may offer candidate diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for TOF. In addtion, we propose that the ceRNA network regulates TOF progression.
Hypertension and the effect of dietary salt on inflammation: An interventional study
Authors: Masenga Sepiso Kenias , Pilic Leta , Hamooya Benson M. , Nzala Selestine , Kwenda Geoffrey , Heimburger Douglas C. , Mutale Wilbroad , Koethe John R. , Kirabo Annet , Munsaka Sody M.
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveHypertension and dietary salt are associated with inflammation in murine models. Studies in humans are scare and yet critical for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. This was an interventional study of 85 participants. Participants were instructed to follow a one week of low (4 g/day)- and high (9 g/day)-salt diet. BioLegend’s LEGENDplex™ bead-based immunoassay (USA) was used to quantify cytokine levels in plasma. Mann-Whitney, logistic regression and the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test were used to compare inflammation markers on low- and high-salt diets. The goal of this study was to determine the association between hypertension and inflammation and the effect of high dietary salt intake on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HIV positive and HIV negative individuals.Results43 participants among the 85 were hypertensive with equal sex distribution. Hypertensives had higher plasma levels of IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte count and fasting blood glucose. High salt intake was associated with higher IL-2 in hypertensive persons with HIV and lower IL-21 plasma levels in the HIV-negative. These findings suggest that there is an association between hypertension, salt and inflammation. Hypertension is associated with inflammation, and dietary salt intake may play a role in modulating inflammation.RegistrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) PACTR202007493610166. Retrospectively registered.
The Outcomes of a Person-centered, Non-Pharmacological Intervention in Reducing Behavioral and Psychiatric Symptoms in Residents With Advanced Dementia in Australian Rural Nursing Homes
Authors: Isaac Vivian , Kuot Abraham , Hamiduzzaman Mohammad , Strivens Edward , Greenhill Jennene
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThere is limited best- practice evidence to address behavioral and psychiatric symptoms for those with advanced dementia in Australian rural nursing homes. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of a person-centered, non-pharmacological dementia care model, ‘Harmony in the Bush’, based on the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold principles and person-centered music in rural Australia.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted in five rural nursing homes in Queensland and South Australia. Seventy-four residents with advanced dementia participated in this intervention study, which yielded a sample power of 80%. Eighty-seven staff completed the Caregiver Stress Inventory at pre-post four-weeks of intervention. Staff training workshops focusing on the theory and delivery of the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold principles and a music intervention. We used reported changes in agitation of the residents, measured using Cohen- Mansfield Agitation Inventory, and staff’s caregiving stress, using Caregivers Stress Inventory. Triangulation using post- intervention qualitative evaluation from 13 focus group discussion and 38 staff interviews. This study adheres to the CONSORT guidelines.ResultsMean age of residents with advanced dementia was 82.4 (7.7) years and 69% were females. The mean age of admission was 80.1(8.4) years. Baseline measures indicated that 32.7% had mild- severe pain and 30.5% reported mild-severe sadness. The results showed statistically significant decline in aggressive behaviors, physically non-aggressive behaviors, verbally agitated behavior and hiding and hoarding. There was comparable reduction in staff stress in the domains of aggressive behaviors, inappropriate behaviors, resident safety, and resource deficiency.ConclusionsThe Harmony in the Bush model is effective in reducing behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in advanced dementia with significant reduction in staff stress levels in nursing homes in rural Australia.Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) on 20/2/2018 (Registration No: ACTRN12618000263291p). https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374458
The Value of Enhanced Three-dimensional Brain volume magnetic Resonance Imaging in tolosa-hunt Syndrome: A Clinical Retrospective Study
Authors: Lin Guoliang , Zhang Shushu , Hu Beilei , Chen Songfang , Zou Ming , Gong Yuqiang , Cheng Bihuan , He Zhiyong
Published: July 2020

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the enhanced three-dimensional brain volume magnetic resonance imaging (3D-BRAVO) in the diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS). Methods: we described 21 patients with THS and their case records including clinical syndromes and neuroradiologic features by conventional MRI and enhanced 3D-BRAVO. Results: 19 patients showed enhancement in the cavernous sinus through 3D-BRAVO. 16/19had ipsilateral enhanced lesions involved 4-10 continuous slices in cavernous sinus on 3D-BRAVOscan. Both local size enlargements and enhancement in the cavernous sinus were found in 3 patients. The rest 2 patients performed negative results on neither conventional MRI nor enhanced 3D-BRAVO. Conclusions: enhanced 3D-BRAVO imaging demonstrated a high detection rate in the cavernous sinus, which may promote our understanding ofTolosa-Hunt syndrome.
CD8+ T Cells in the Central Nervous System of Mice With Herpes Simplex Infection are Highly Activated and Express High Levels of CCR5 and CXCR3
Authors: Lind Liza , Svensson Alexandra , Thörn Karolina , Krzyzowska Malgorzata , Eriksson Kristina
Published: July 2020

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a neurotropic virus that can cause meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges in the central nervous system. T cells are key players in viral clearance, and these cells migrate from peripheral blood into the central nervous system upon infection. Several factors contribute to T cell migration, including the expression of chemokines in the inflamed tissue that attract T cells through their expression of chemokine receptors. Here we investigated CD8+ T cell profile in the spinal cord in a mouse model of herpes simplex virus type 2neuroinflammation. Method: Mice were infected with HSV-2, and sacrificed when showing signs of neuroinflammation. Cells and/or tissue from spinal cord, spleen and bloodwere analyzed for viability, expression of activation markers, chemokinereceptors and chemokines. Statistics were calculated using students T test and one-way ANOVA.Results:High numbers of CD8+ T cellswere present in thespinal cord following genital HSV-2-infection.CD8+T cells were highly activated and HSV-2 glycoprotein B -specific effector cells, some of which showed signs of recent degranulation. They also expressed high levels of many chemokine receptors, in particular CCR2, CCR4, CCR5 and CXCR3. Investigating corresponding receptor ligands in spinal cord tissue revealed markedly increased expression of the cognate ligands CCL2, CCL5, CCL8,CCL12 and CXCL10. Conclusion: This study shows thatduring herpesvirus neuroinflammation anti-viralCD8+T cells accumulatein the CNS. CD8+ T cells in the CNS also express chemotactic receptors cognate to the chemotactic gradients in the spinal cord. This indicates that anti-viral CD8+ T cells may migrate to infected areas in the spinal cord during herpesvirus neuroinflammation in response to chemotactic gradients.
Clinical effectiveness of metacognitive training as a transdiagnostic program in routine clinical settings: A single-group pre-post study
Authors: Tanoue Hiroki , Yoshinaga Naoki , Hayashi Yuta , Ishikawa Ryotaro , Ishigaki Takuma , Ishida Yasushi
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of metacognitive training (MCT) as a transdiagnostic program, on a diverse population with mental disorders in routine day-care settings through a single-group pre-post-design.
Results

Thirty-four participants diagnosed with various mental disorders (schizophrenia = 22, non-schizophrenia = 12) received ten MCT group-sessions. Intent-to-treat analyses revealed significant improvements in quality of life/global functioning during the intervention period, and these improvements were well-maintained during the follow-up (all p < 0.05). The baseline to follow-up treatment effect sizes for quality of life and global functioning were middle (Hedge's g = 0.44 and 0.47, respectively). Significant improvements were also found in depressive symptoms during both the intervention and follow-up periods (all p < 0.05), but not in cognitive insight. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the MCT content and format. Scores on almost all outcomes (except for depression) at each assessment point were not significantly different between the schizophrenic and non-schizophrenic sub-groups. The findings of this study suggest that MCT for a diverse population with mental disorders is a potentially effective approach in improving quality of life/global functioning and other clinical outcomes in routine day-care settings.
Trial Registration:

UMIN-CTR, UMIN000032393 (registered on April 26, 2018)
Genome-Wide Profiling and Clinical Significance of Alternative Splicing Events in Glioblastoma
Authors: Ren Xiufang , Liu Tianqi , Chen Xin , Guan Gefei , Zou Cunyi , Guo Qing , Cheng Peng , Xu Xiaoyan , Cheng Wen , Zhu Chen , Wu Anhua
Published: July 2020

Aims: The purpose of this study was to depict alternative splicing (AS) profiles in GBM and identify their clinical significance in the progression of GBM. Materials and Methods: RNA sequence data and clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas portal (https://portal.gdc.cancer.gov/projects). Genome-wide alternative splicing events were obtained using SpliceSeq tool. Analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 7 and R software. Key findings: Univariate Cox analysis identified 2406 AS events with prognostic significance. We built an interaction network based on these survival-related AS events. Unsupervised clustering analysis showed that patients in cluster 2 had a better prognosis than those in other clusters. The prognostic splicing factors and AS events were used to generate a splicing network. Seven prognostic signatures, developed based on the top three survival-related AS events, predicted the survival risk and may serve as independent indicators of unfavorable prognosis. Among these risk signatures, only the alternate promoter (AP) signature was upregulated in the mesenchymal subtype, which is characterized by a complex immune microenvironment. A high AP risk score indicated an overloaded local immune response and enriched immune cell infiltration, which may accelerate the progression of GBM.Significance: AS-related signatures may serve as predictors of prognosis as well as provide treatment targets and guidance for GBM patients.
A Series of Frustrations of Fever for Congenital Heart Disease: Case Report
Authors: Dai Cong , Yu Jian-Hua , Tang Yan-Hua , Yang Ren-Qiang
Published: July 2020

Background: Fever, dry cough and fatigue are the most common symptoms of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). During the COVID-19 pandemic in China, we treated a patient with fever and finally diagnosed congenital heart disease.Case presentation: An 18-year-old lady came to the fever clinic with a complaint about the symptoms of fever, dry cough and dyspnea for 15 days. She had a travel history of epidemic area two weeks ago. She had a low fever and dry cough accompanied with chest tightness and fatigue. Eventually she diagnosed ventricular septal defect complicated by infective endocarditis. Two months after surgery, the patient returned to normal social life and physical activity.Conclusion: Early surgical treatment is an effective strategy for ventricular septal defect patients complicated with IE, which can improve the early survival rate of patients.
Lattice Vibrational Characteristics and Structures-Properties Relationships of Non-Stoichiometric Nd[Mg0.5Sn0.5(1+x)]O3 Ceramics
Authors: Shi Feng , xiao en-cai , Lei Wen , Chen Guohua , Chen Ying
Published: July 2020

Non-stoichiometric Nd[Mg0.5Sn0.5(1+x)]O3 (-0.04 ≤ x ≤ +0.04) - type samples were prepared using a traditional two-step solid-state sintering process. Their crystal structures, phase compositions, dielectric properties and lattice vibrational characteristics were identified in detail. Double perovskite Nd(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3 with a monoclinic structure was distinguished as the main crystalline phase, pure phase was obtained when x < 0, and the sample [Nd(Mg0.5Sn0.49)O3] at x = -0.02 shows the excellent dielectric properties: εr = 18.74, Q × f = 47,979 GHz. Lattice vibrational characteristics were clarified with Raman and infrared active modes assigned and illuminated, accurately. The intrinsic properties were fitted by four-parameter semi-quantum model, which show that the low-frequency infrared modes yield a more significant contribution to permittivity and dielectric loss. Raman shifts of modes F2g(A) and F2g(B) correlate with dielectric constants negatively, which implies that the bond length has a positive correlation with permittivity. Full widths at half maximum of vibritional modes A1g(O) correlate with dielectric loss values positively and correlate with the degree of order (S) negatively.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Imported and Local Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hainan, China
Authors: Wu Biao , Lei Zi-Ying , Wu Kun-Liang , He Jian-Rong , Cao Hui-Juan , Fu Juan , Chen Feng , Chen Yuan , Chen Bao , Zhou Xiao-Li , Huang Tao , Wu Tao , Du Yong-Guo , Chen Suo-Xian , Xiao Fu-Rong , Gao Zhi-Liang , He Jing , Lin Feng , Lin Bingliang
Published: July 2020

Background: Hainan Island, a popular tourist destination, had received many imported cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but successfully contained the epidemics in one month. We described epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in Hainan and compared these features between imported and local cases to provide information for other international epidemic areas.Methods: We included 91 patients (56 imported and 35 local cases) from two designed hospitals for COVID-19 in Haikou, China, from January 20 to February 19, 2020. Data on demographic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics were extracted from medical records. Patients were followed up until April 21, 2020, the levels of antibodies in the follow-up were also analyzed.Results: Of the 91 patients, 78 (85.7%) patients were diagnosed within the first three weeks after the first case identified (Day 1: Jan 22, 2020), while the number of local cases started to increase from the third week. No new cases occurred after Day 29. Fever and cough were two main clinical manifestations. 15 (16.5%) were severe, 14 (15.4%) had complicated infections, nine (9.9%) were admitted to ICU, and three died. Median duration of viral shedding in feces was longer than that in nasopharyngeal swabs (19 days vs 16 days, P=0.007). Compared with local cases, imported cases were older, have higher incidence of fever and concurrent infections. There was no difference in outcomes between the two groups. IgG was positive in 92.8% patients (77/83) in the follow-up of week 2 after discharge, 88.4% patients (38/43) had a reduction in IgG levels in the follow-up of week 4 after discharge, and the median level was lower than that in the follow-up of week 2 (10.95 S/CO vs 15.02 S/CO, P<0.001)Conclusion: Imported cases were more severe than local cases, but could have similar prognosis. The level of IgG antibodies declined from week 6 to week 8 after onset. The short epidemic period in Hainan suggests that the epidemics could be quickly brought under control if proper timely measures were taken.