bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Develop and validate a nomogram for predicting stroke inrheumatoidarthritis patients by electronic medical record data in northern China
Authors: Xin Fangran , Yang Bowen , Fu Lingyu , Liu Haina , Wei Tingting , Zou Cunlu , Bai Bingqing
Published: August 2020

Background: to develop and validate a serum lipid and inflammatory marker model based on the nomogram for the prediction of stroke risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients.Methods: This study was conducted among 313 rheumatoid arthritis with stroke patients and 1827 rheumatoid arthritis patients divided into develop and validation cohorts from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University during January 2011 to December 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to create a nomogram of predictive model of stroke risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients, after comparing with other machine algorithms. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated by discrimination, calibration and decision curve analysis, also compared with the Framingham Risk Score in predicting stroke in rheumatoid arthritis patients.Results: the nomogram was performed by logistic regression algorithm, and predictors of which included the stratifications of sex, age, systolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and the distribution of being accompanied with hy-med, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease history, which exhibited a well goodness fit and a good agreement. The analysis with area under the curve, the net reclassification index, the integrated discrimination improvement and clinical use, suggested that this is an easy-to-use nomogram compared with the Framingham Risk Score.Conclusion: This study presents a risk nomogram that incorporates the traditional risk factors, serum lipids and inflammatory markers which can be used to predict stroke in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
The Physiologic Response to Rescue Therapy with Vasopressin versus Epinephrine during Experimental Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Slovis Julia , Morgan Ryan , Landis William , Roberts Anna L , Mavroudis Constantine , Lin Yuxi , Ko Tiffany , Nadkarni Vinay , Berg Robert A , Sutton Robert , Kilbaugh Todd J
Published: August 2020

Background: While epinephrine is the mainstay of therapy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, it is potentially detrimental to the cerebral vasculature and ineffective in certain populations. This study compares a rescue dose of vasopressin to a rescue dose of epinephrine after ineffective initial doses of epinephrine in diverse models of pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest. 67 one- to three-month old female swine (10-30kg) in six experimental cohorts from one laboratory received hemodynamic-directed CPR, a resuscitation method where high quality chest compressions are provided and vasopressor administration is titrated to coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) ³20 mmHg. Vasopressors are given when CoPP is <20 mmHg, in sequences of two doses of 0.02 mg/kg epinephrine separated by minimum one-minute, then a rescue dose of 0.4 U/kg vasopressin followed by minimum two-minutes. Invasive measurements were used to evaluate and compare the hemodynamic and neurologic effects of each vasopressor dose. Results: Increases in CoPP and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were greater with vasopressin rescue than epinephrine rescue (CoPP: +8.16 [4.35, 12.06] mmHg vs. +5.43 [1.56, 9.82] mmHg, p=0.022; CBF: +14.58 [-0.05, 38.12] vs. +0.00 [-0.77, 18.24] perfusion units (PFU), p=0.005). Twenty animals (30%) failed to achieve CoPP ³20 mmHg after two doses of epinephrine; 9/20 (45%) non-responders achieved CoPP ³20 mmHg after vasopressin. Among all animals, the increase in CBF was greater with vasopressin (+14.58 [-0.58, 38.12] vs. 0.00 [-0.77, 18.24] PFU, p=0.005).Conclusions: CoPP and CBF rose significantly more after rescue vasopressin than after rescue epinephrine. Importantly, CBF increased after vasopressin rescue, but not after epinephrine rescue. In the 30% that failed to meet CoPP of 20mmHg after two doses of epinephrine, 45% achieved target CoPP with a single rescue vasopressin dose.
Clinical and Economic Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions Reported Among Hospital Inpatients in The Middle East: a Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Thomas Binny , Abdulrouf Pallivalappila , Elkassem Wessam , Hail Fatema Al , Nazar Zachariah , Nasr Ziad , Singh Rajvir , Soub Hussam Al , Stewart Derek , Hail Moza Al
Published: August 2020

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major global concern, negatively impacting public health outcomes (1-5), patient safety (3,6-8) and poses enormous burden on economic development and security (8-16). Internationally, data suggests, at any given time, approximately one-third of the hospitalized patients and over two-thirds of critically ill patients are prescribed antimicrobials and more than half of these prescribed antimicrobials are deemed inappropriate (5,17,18).
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Bone Healing in Animal Models – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Waeli Haider , Reboucas Ana Paula , Mansour Alaa , Morris Martin , Tamimi Faleh , Nicolau Belinda
Published: August 2020

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and are extensively used to treat post-traumatic or surgical musculoskeletal pain. Although an extensive literature exists on the administration of NSAID on animal bone healing, no systematic review and meta-analysis have yet been conducted to on the subject. Such work is important as it can identify the key histomorphometric and biomechanics characteristics during the process of fracture healing and provide comparative information regarding different factors that may affect this process after NSAID administration.Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies to estimate the effect of NSAID administration after bone fracture on healing outcomes. We searched eight databases without limiting the search to starting date up to August 1, 2017 for articles on fractured bone healing in animal models in which NSAID were administered.Results: Out of 5,818 articles screened, 45 were included and three common bone healing outcomes were analysed: biomechanical properties (maximum force to break, stiffness, and work-to-failure), micro-computed tomography (µ-CT), and histomorphometric measurements. The studies were generally of low-quality scores because crucial information, especially concerningrandomization, blinding, and allocation concealment, was poorly reported. Our results show that the negative effects of NSAID after bone fracture on certain biomechanical properties of the healing bones was not statistically significant in mice compared with other animals, in females compared with males, and in younger compared with older animals.Conclusion: The findings suggest that NSAID should be administered with caution in patients with bone fractures or in those who undergo certain orthopedic surgical procedures until prospective human clinical studies can be conducted.Systematic review registration: the protocol published and registered in SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) in 2017, https://www.radboudumc.nl/getmedia/757ec408-7a9e-4635-8233-ae951effea54/Non-Steroidal-Anti-inflammatory-Drugs-and-bone-healing-in-animal-Models-Systematic-Review-and-Meta-Analysis.aspx
Perfluoroalkyl Substances Are Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Highly Exposed Young Adults
Authors: Pitter Gisella , Jeddi Maryam Zare , Barbieri Giulia , Gion Massimo , Fabricio Aline S.C. , Daprà Francesca , Russo Francesca , Fletcher Tony , CANOVA CRISTINA
Published: August 2020

Background Residents in a large area of North-Eastern Italy were exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Studies on the association between PFAS and blood pressure levels are limited and results inconsistent. Using cross-sectional data from the Regional health surveillance program, we aimed to quantify the associations between PFAS serum concentrations and blood pressure and hypertension prevalence. Methods The study included 16,224 individuals aged 20-39 years. Pregnant women (n=327), or individuals with missing information on the selected covariates (n=111) were excluded, leaving 15,786 subjects. Hypertension was defined as any self-reported diagnosis, use of antihypertensive drugs, or elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Generalized additive models were used to investigate the relation between each PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)) ln transformed and by decile, and SBP, DBP, hypertension, adjusted for potential confounders. Results Both SBP and DBP increased significantly with an increase in the ln-transformed serum PFAS concentrations in a monotonic way. The predicted increase in SBP and DBP were 1.54 mmHg (95%CI 0.61-2.47), 1.60 mmHg (95%CI 0.92-2.27) from lowest to highest decile of PFOA. The associations were stronger for SBP in men and DBP in women. One unit increase in each natural log transformed PFAS was positively associated with an increased odd of hypertension in men: PFOA OR=1.06 (1.01-1.11), PFOS OR=1.13 (1.03-1.23), PFHxS OR=1.08 (1.02-1.15), PFNA OR=1.20 (1.02-1.40). Conclusions Our findings suggest that serum PFAS concentrations were associated with moderately increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a large highly exposed young adult population. Although the magnitude of the observed effect was relatively small, if confirmed it would be of clinical significance since even small increases in blood pressure levels at population level may be associated to a raised risk of adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and target organ damage.
Screening of Asa River water in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria for available pollutants and its effects on mitosis and chromosomes morphology in Allium cepa cells
Authors: AKINBORO AKEEM , Aina Nike Peter , Rufai Mohammed Akinlabi , Ibrahim Asiata Omotayo
Published: August 2020

Improper disposal of wastes as an environmental problem is common in African and other developing countries of the world, and it raises concerns due to its potential threats to the life of organisms in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, Asa River in Ilorin, Nigeria was evaluated for cytogenotoxicity at 25.0 %, 50.0 %, 100.0 % following the Allium cepa assay. Water samples were collected from three points tagged A, B, C, and each point was 500 m apart from each other. The water samples were used to grow A . cepa for microscopic and macroscopic toxicities screenings. Heavy metals and volatile organic pollutants in the water were elucidated following the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. The Water samples induced higher mitotic index values, except the sample C which induced smaller mitotic index value than the negative control. Root growth in the exposed A . cepa was significantly promoted at 25.0 % of the water samples, while significant reduction was obtained at 50.0 % and 100.0 % of the sample C, and 100.0 % of the sample A. The absolute water sample A induced highest percentage chromosomal aberrations, as the water samples B and C induced higher percentage chromosomal aberration than the negative control. Cadmium was detected at a concentration higher than its permissible limit in drinking water unlike Zinc, Iron, Manganase. Poly aromatic hydrocarbons, Aromatic amines, Acridine dye, Phenolic and Polychlorinated compounds were detected in the water sample. These pollutants may be responsible for the observed proliferative, inhibitory, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the water samples on A . cepa cells. Our results suggest that Asa River is polluted, having potential to inflict different adverse effects on human, animals and plants utilizing it along its course.
Sex Impacts Cardiac Function and the Proteome Response to Thyroid Hormone in Aged Mice
Authors: Zhu Wei Zhong , Olson Aaron , Portman Michael , Ledee Dolena
Published: August 2020

Background
Sex and age have substantial influence on thyroid function. Sex influences the risk and clinical expression of thyroid disorders (TDs), with age a proposed trigger for the development of TDs. Cardiac function is affected by thyroid hormone levels with gender differences. Accordingly, we investigated the proteomic changes involved in sex based cardiac responses to thyroid dysfunction in elderly mice.
Methods
Aged (18–20 months) male and female C57BL/6 mice were fed diets to create euthyroid, hypothyroid, or hyperthyroid states. Serial echocardiographs were performed to assess heart function. Proteomic changes in cardiac protein profiles were assessed by 2-D DIGE and LC-MS/MS, and a subset confirmed by immunoblotting.
Results
Serial echocardiographs showed ventricular function remained unchanged regardless of treatment. Heart rate and size increased (hyperthyroid) or decreased (hypothyroid) independent of sex. Pairwise comparison between the six groups identified 55 proteins (≥ 1.5-fold difference and p < 0.1). Compared to same-sex controls 26/55 protein changes were in the female hypothyroid heart, whereas 15/55 protein changes were identified in the male hypothyroid, and male and female hyperthyroid heart. The proteins mapped to oxidative phosphorylation, tissue remodeling and inflammatory response pathways.
Conclusion
We identified both predicted and novel proteins with gender specific differential expression in response to thyroid hormone status, providing a catalogue of proteins associated with thyroid dysfunction. Pursuit of these proteins and their involvement in cardiac function will expand our understanding of mechanisms involved in sex-based cardiac response to thyroid dysfunction.
The conjoint associations of adherence to physical activity and dietary guidelines with cardiometabolic health: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Lee Joowon , Walker Maura E. , Bourdillon Maximillian T. , Spartano Nicole , Rogers Gail T. , Jacques Paul F. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Xanthakis Vanessa
Published: August 2020

Background
The conjoint associations of adherence to the recent physical activity (PA) and dietary guidelines with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are incompletely understood.
Methods
We evaluated 2,379 Framingham Heart Study Third Generation participants (mean age 47 years, 54.4% women) attending examination cycle 2. We examined the cross-sectional relations of adherence to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG, binary; moderate to vigorous PA [MVPA] ≥ 150 minutes/week vs. <150 minutes/week) and 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA, binary; 2015 DGA adherence Index [DGAI-2015] ≥ median vs. <median [score 62.1/100]) with prevalence of the MetS using generalized linear models. We also related adherence to guidelines with the incidence of MetS prospectively, using Cox proportional hazards regression with discrete time intervals.
Results
Adherence to the 2018 PAG (odds ratio [OR] 0.49, 95% CI 0.40–0.60) and 2015 DGA (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51–0.90) were individually associated with lower odds of prevalent MetS, while conjoint adherence to both guidelines was associated with the lowest odds of MetS (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26–0.47) compared to the referent group (non-adherence to both guidelines). Adherence to the 2018 PAG (hazards ratio [HR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.88) and 2015 DGA (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.90) were associated with lower risk of MetS, prospectively. Additionally, we observed a 52% lower risk of MetS in individuals who adhered to both guidelines compared to the referent group.
Conclusions
Maintaining both regular physical activity and a healthy diet in midlife may be required for optimal cardiometabolic health in later life.
Revealing the Organic Dye and Mordant Composition of Paracas Textiles by a Combined Analytical Approach
Authors: Sabatini Francesca , Bacigalupo Martina , Degano Ilaria , Javér Anna , Hacke Marei
Published: August 2020

The object of this study is a wide selection of cotton and camelid samples from an important collection of 2000-year-old Paracas textiles, now at the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (MNAAHP; Lima; Peru) and at the National Museum of World Culture (NMWC; Gothenburg; Sweden). The threads, chosen as representative of the whole palette, were selected from eighteen different textiles. A combined spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical approach was selected to characterize the composition of this wide set of samples. In particular, technical photography was used to gain a general overview of the samples, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) was employed for identifying the mordants and mapping the elemental distribution in the threads, while Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector and with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-DAD, HPLC-HRMS) were used for characterizing organic dye composition. This study provides fundamental pieces of information on the mordants used in the dyeing processes, rarely investigated up to now, and to the varieties of vegetal sources employed in Paracas textiles. The widening of Andean dyestuff database is highly important not only to acquire knowledge on Paracas culture, but also to ease the dye characterization of archaeological textiles from Peruvian region and South American area region in general.
Molecular characterization of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli strains Isolated from Dairy Calves in North Shoa Zone, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Endale Abinet , Muktar Yimer , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay
Published: August 2020

Background

Diarrheagenic E. coli (DEC) strains are associated with several outbreaks and sporadic cases worldwide. Understanding the nature of the organisms is important in order to tailor preventive and control strategies before any harm emanates.

Methods

In this study a total of 73 E. coli isolates from diarrheic dairy calves found in 56 farms located in North Shoa Zone, Oromiya Region, were characterized based on their virulence genes and plasmid profile. Moreover, the study showed the relationship between virulence genes, plasmid profile and antibiotic resistance traits were assessed.

Results

Virulence genes (VGs) were detected in 69.86% of isolates, carrying at least one of the six VGs screened. Among the VGs eae was most frequent, observed in 58.90% of isolates, followed by stx1 , 34.25%, stx2 , 24.66%, ehlyA , 23.29%, bfpA , 12.33% and aatA , 5.48%. A total of eleven distinct virulence profiles were identified based on combination of virulence genes and isolates were placed into five different pathotypes with a frequency of EHEC, 30%, tEPEC, 12%, aEPEC, 16%, and STEC and EAEC, 6% each. Plasmid analysis revealed the occurrence of ten different kinds of plasmids ranging in size from 2.6 + 0.14 Kbp to 98.2 + 4.17 Kbp and exhibited 13 different kinds of profiles among the isolates. A significant one to one correlation was observed among virulence factors, plasmid content and antibiotic resistance traits with a Pearson product moment correlation in a range of r = 0.17 to r = 0.56. Accounting to the total dataset, isolates showed significant segregation in to the sample site, indicating spatial clustering of isolates based on overall pathogenic characteristics.

Conclusions

The demonstration of pathogenic potential in substantial amount of E. coli isolates from dairy farms from all the three sites indicates the level of risk posed in humans as well as animals. Thus, identifying potential sources and route of transmission of DEC is vitally important in order to establish control and prevention strategies for diarheagenic E. coli infection.
Flu Pandemic Preparedness: Detection of the Potentially Pandemic G4 EA Avian-Like H1N1 Strains Using QIAstat-Dx Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel
Authors: Penarrubia Luis , Rao Sonia N. , Porco Roberto , Varo Marta , Muñoz-Torrero Patricia , Pareja Josep , López-Fontanals Marta , Manissero Davide
Published: August 2020

A recent publication by Sun H. and colleagues in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS) has drown global attention to the predominant genotype “G4” Eurasian (EA) avian-like H1N1 Influenza A virus that has been spreading among pigs in China since 2016, which is predicted to have a significant pandemic potential. Since pigs are hosts for the generation of pandemic Influenza A viruses (IAVs), surveillance and preparedness are critical to prevent pandemics. In this regards, one distinguishing feature of the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 panel is the double target approach Influenza A detection of seasonal strains affecting humans, by amplification of a generic Influenza A assay plus one of the specific assays discriminating H3, H1 and H1N1pdm09 subtypes. The generic Influenza A assay is designed to amplify any IAV, a key feature for preparedness. Here we report an initial in-silico analysis that predicts that the G4 EA avian-like H1N1 strains tested in the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel would be detected yielding a positive result for the generic Influenza A assay and negative results for the seasonal H3, H1 and H1N1pdm09 assays. This prediction was confirmed in-vitro using dsDNA fragments mixed to mimic the genomes of the different reported G4 EA IAV strains. In conclusion, the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel could be a useful tool to differentially diagnose zoonotic strains from the seasonal Influenza A strains commonly affecting humans.
Acute transverse myelitis in a HIV-positive patient with COVID-19
Authors: Lisnic Vitalie , Nemtan Victor , Hacina Evghenia , Topciu Galina , Manole Elena , Thurnher Majda M. , Kummer Rüdiger von
Published: August 2020

Immunocompromised status keeps on being a challenge for a neurologist, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease – 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. We report a clinical case of a human-immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - positive patient who developed an acute transverse myelitis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination showed longitudinally extensive spinal cord abnormality, and laboratory tests confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient responded to methylprednisolone pulse therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange. No cases of HIV-positive patients with myelitis and COVID-19 has been reported yet.
Worldwide SARS-COV-2 haplotype distribution
Authors: Cairo Andrea , Iorio Marilena V. , Spena Silvia , Tagliabue Elda , Peyvandi Flora
Published: August 2020

The world is experiencing one of the most severe viral outbreaks in the last years, the pandemic infection by SARS-COV-2, causative agent of COVID-19 disease. The virus reached over 120 countries, with a total number of 6.5 million infected, and 320000 deaths. A deeper understanding of its genomic diversity is mandatory.We analyzed 21296 SARS-COV-2 reported sequences, defining the existence of recurrent haplotypes and their specific geographical distribution.
Integrated Multi-Omics Data Analysis Reveals Altered Metabolome Activity and Microbiome Composition in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Fang Xiaodong , Han Lijuan , Zhao Ling , Zhou Yong , Yang Chao , Xiong Teng , Luo Wen , Chen Yang , Qiu Qinwei , Shang Xiaoxiao , Deng Yusheng , Huang Shaogang , Huang Suiping , Liu Zhi , Lu Lin , Yang Wei , Zhai Lixiang , Ning Ziwan , Lin Chengyuan , Huang Tao , Cheng Chungwah , Zhong Linda LD , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: August 2020

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of functional gastrointestinal disorders mainly characterized by chronic and/or recurrent symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular defecation. Changed gut microbiota has been proposed to mediate IBS; however, contradictory results exist, and the exact mechanism is still debatable. IBS-specific microbiota and metabolite remain poorly understand. To address this issue, we performed untargeted metabolomic and shotgun metagenomic profiling of stool and serum samples from discovery (n=330) and validation (n=101) cohorts of IBS and healthy individuals. Results: Fecal “omics” data show moderate dysbiosis compared with other disease, in contrast, serum metabolites show significant differences and have great power to discriminate IBS from healthy subjects. Specifically, 726 differentially abundant serum metabolites are identified, including fatty acyl-CoA enriched in IBS. Integrating microbiome and metabolome data, we identified 522 robust associations between differentially abundant species and fecal metabolites, of which three species are strongly associated with the low abundance of dihydropteroic acid. Moreover, the tryptophan enrichment correlates with the severity of IBS depression in both fecal and serum metabolomes. Conclusions: Collectively, our study unveils serum/fecal metabolome alterations and their relationship with gut microbiome and highlight the massive dysbiosis of serum metabolites which empower to discriminate IBS patients. Our study also provides a valuable resource for future studies to understand host-gut microbiota relationships, and facilitate potential clinical applications using microbiota and (or) metabolites to evaluate IBS patients with depression.
Determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among children aged from 2 to 59 months in Fitche General Hospital: a case control study
Authors: Jemal Kemal , Tesema Mengistu , Dibisa Teshale Mulatu , Umeta Gurmu Tesfaye
Published: August 2020

Background: Globally, every 39 seconds a child dies because of pneumonia. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in sub-Sahara African countries. The deaths of children from pneumonia diseases are more frequent than any other infectious disease. Risk factors of pneumonia were not completely identified in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among children aged from 2 to 59 months.Methods: Institutional based unmatched case-control study was employed among 246 (123 cases and 123 controls) participants in Fitche General Hospital March 2018. Data were collected using a pre-tested and standardized questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select control and cases were selected consecutively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and variables with a P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Cases of 123 children diagnosed with pneumonia and controls of 123 children without pneumonia were brought to Fitche General Hospital (FGH). Malnutrition [AOR=2.85, 95% CI:(1.61,6.08)], children who were not exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of their life [AOR=3.22, 95% CI: (1.61, 5.52)], number of occupants more than 5 people who live in one house [AOR=2.01, 95% CI: (1.04, 4.65)], use of charcoal for cooking in the house [AOR=1.56, 95% CI: (1.04,4.18)] and use of wood for cooking in the house [AOR=2.59, 95% CI:(1.22,6.46)] were significantly associated with community-acquired pneumonia.Conclusion: This study identified malnutrition, children who were not exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of their life, number of occupants more than 5 people who live in one house and use of wood and charcoal for cooking in the house were found among the major risk factors for pneumonia. Intervention targeted to early identifying and treating malnutrition, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding practices, and preventing use of wood and charcoal for cooking in the child house is compulsory for children well being.
Diabetes Self-Care Practice, and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Public Hospitals of Tigray Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Wehabrebi Medina Abdulkadir , Takele Goitom Molalign , Kidane Hiyab Teklemichael , Gebrekidan Kahsu Gebrekirstos , Gebregiorgis Birhan Gebresillassie
Published: August 2020

Background: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing steadily at an alarming rate and Ethiopia is placed fourth among the top five countries of the Africa region according to the International diabetes federation. Regardless of its burden, the self-care behaviors are still unknown. This study is aimed to determine the level of diabetes self-care practice and factors associated with among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in public hospitals of Tigray region.Methods: Institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in six selected hospitals of Tigray region from January to February, 2020. Data was collected by trained nurses with a face to face interview method using Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with self-care practices. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05.Results: A total of 570 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. The mean age of the participant was 46 ± 14.6 years. Less than half (46.7%) of the participants has good diabetes self-care practices. Urban residency (AOR=2.79, 95% CI 1.858-4.205), age group above 64 years (AOR=2.384, 95% CI 1.258-4.518), not having formal education (AOR=2.616, 95% CI 1.337-4.518), having family or social support (AOR=1.878, 95% CI 1.243-2.837), duration DM above 10 years (AOR=2.325, 95% CI 1.224-4.418), having personal glucometer at home (AOR=5.9, 95% CI 2.790-12.764) were determinant factors of good diabetes self-care practice. Conclusion: the diabetes self-care practices in the region was found to be low. Health care providers might have to consider actions to act on the identified factors and improve self-care practices of the patients. Especially, focusing on caring and giving follow up services to younger adults and DM patients coming from a rural areas.
Predictors of HbA1c among adipocytokine biomarkers in African American men with varied glucose tolerance
Authors: Barengolts Elena , Akbar Arfana , Layden Brian T , Eisenberg Yuval , Priyadarshini Medha , Borgia Jeffrey A , Fhied Cristina L , Dugas Lara R , Salim Michael
Published: August 2020

Background: Adipocytokines are important in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study explored adipocytokine associations with acute and chronic hyperglycemia in African American Men (AAM). Methods: Fourteen adipocytokines were measured (multiplex assay) in blood samples from men with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or T2D (drug-naïve MF(-) or using metformin MF(+)). Acute and chronic hyperglycemia were evaluated at 120-minute of OGTT and by HbA1c, respectively. Results: AAM with T2D (N=21) compared to NGT (N=20) were significantly older (59 vs. 54 years) and had higher body mass index (BMI 35 vs. 27 kg/m2) (p<0.01 for both). Fasting and 120-minute OGTT glucose and insulin were higher in T2D than NGT, however, differences did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for age and BMI. In the fasted state, TNF-a, IL-6, PAI-1 (p<0.01 for all) and IL-13, adiponectin, adipsin, lipocalin (p<0.05 for all) were lower in T2D compared to NGT. At 120-minute post-glucose load (acute hyperglycemia) TNF-a, IL-6, IL-13, IL-8, PAI-1, adiponectin, adipsin (p<0.01 for all) and lipocalin, resistin (p<0.05 for both) were lower in T2D than in NGT group. There were no statistical differences for the other adipocytokines including GM-CSF, IL-7, IL-10, IP-10, and MCP-1. Regression analysis (adjusted for age and BMI) showed that fasting IL-8, TNF-a, adiponectin, lipocalin, resistin, adipsin, and PAI-1 were all associated with HbA1c (p<0.05 for all). Further modeling revealed that after adjusting for age, BMI, glucose tolerance status and metformin use, only adipsin remained significantly associated with HbA1c (p=0.004). The model including adipsin, TNF-a, age, BMI, and group designation (i.e. NGT, MF(-), MF(+)) explained 86% of HbA1c variability. Conclusions: The study suggested that adipsin could be independently associated with HbA1c in AAM with varied glucose tolerance. Additional studies should corroborate these data and provide mechanistic insights for enabling adipsin-related discoveries of novel T2D treatment.
Hsa_circ_0005909 promotes cell proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by targeting miR-338-3p/HMGA1 axis
Authors: Zhang Cailong , Na Na , Liu Li , Qiu Yingzhu
Published: August 2020

Objective: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in pediatric population. The main goal of this study is to investigate the role of has_circ_0005909 and the underlying signaling pathway involved in OS.Methods: Cell proliferation was measured using CCK-8 assay kit and clone formation assay. Change of RNA and protein expression was determined using RNA extract and quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR) assay and Western blotting, respectively. CircInteractome was used to predict the target of circRNA and starBase v2.0 was used to predict the target of miRNAs. Luciferase assay was used to confirm the predicted results from CircInteractome and starBase v2.0.Results: Expression of circ_0005909 was upregulated in both OS tissues and cell lines. The predicted results from CircInteractome and starBase v2.0 demonstrated that circ_0005909 could sponge miR-338-3p and that HGMA1 was the direct target of miR-338-3p. Cell viability and cell clones was inhibited by knockdown of circ_0005909 but increased by dual inhibition of circ_0005909 and miR-338-3p. Phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, PI3K was inhibited by sh-circ_0005909 while this inhibition was repressed by co-transfection of sh-circ_0005909 and HGMA1.Conclusion: Expression of circ_0005909 was upregulated in both OS tissues and cell lines which upregulated expression of HGMA1 through sponging miR-338-3p, resulting in the activation of MAPK-ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways to promote the development of OS.
Displaced acromion fracture associated with anterior glenohumeral subluxation in a polytrauma patient: a case report
Authors: Harb Afif , Razaeian Sam , Zhang Dafang , Krettek Christian , Hawi Nael
Published: August 2020

Background: Fractures of the acromion process of the scapula are a rare entity that account for approximately 7% to 16% of all scapula fractures, which in turn account for 0.5% to 1% of all fractures in the body. These fractures usually occur from direct trauma to the shoulder or as a result of overuse injuries to the shoulder joint. Given the rare incidence of these fractures, there are currently no treatment guidelines for treating these fractures when diagnosed. Case presentation: In this case report, we discuss how a secondarily diagnosed displaced acromion fracture associated with anterior glenohumeral joint subluxation in a polytrauma patient was surgically treated. After surgical fixation of this fracture and accordingly neutralizing all the dislocating tension forces exerted by the deltoid muscle, the glenohumeral joint was spontaneously relocated postoperatively. Conclusion: Patient with shoulder trauma should be carefully examined for acromion fractures. Acromion fractures can be treated with good results with early surgical treatment and proper fixation. Surgical treatment is important to regain shoulder functions, as it enables early rehabilitation.
Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1 Induced by a High-Fat Diet Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression by Stimulating Tumor Promoting Cytokine Production from Tumor Stromal Cells
Authors: Huang Mingguo , Narita Shintaro , Koizumi Atsushi , Nara Taketoshi , Numakura Kazuyuki , Satoh Shigeru , Nanjo Hiroshi , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: August 2020

Background: Recent studies have indicated that a high-fat diet (HFD) and/or HFD-induced obesity may influence prostate cancer (PCa) progression, but the role of HFD in PCa microenvironment is unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the role of HFD on PCa stromal microenvironment using the PC-3M-luc-C6 PCa model mice fed with HFD or control diet, especially focusing on macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) and its effect on the tumor microenvironment. In addition, the synergistic effect of periprostatic adipocytes (PPAC), derived from primary PCa patients, on activation and cytokine secretion of prostate stromal fibroblasts were investigated. The expression pattern and role of MIC-1 signaling on human PCa stroma activation and PCa progression were investigated.Results: The HFD consumption stimulated PCa cell growth and invasion as a result of upregulated MIC-1 signaling and subsequent increased secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 from prostate stromal fibroblasts in the PC-3M-luc-C6 PCa model mice. In addition, PPAC directly stimulated MIC-1 production from PC-3 cells and IL-8 secretion in prostate stromal fibroblasts through upregulation of the adipolysis and free fatty acid (FFA) release. The increased serum MIC-1 was significantly correlated with human PCa stroma activation, high serum IL-8, IL-6 and lipase activity, advanced PCa progression, and high body mass index of the patients. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like (GFRAL), a specific receptor of MIC-1, was highly expressed in both the cytoplasm and membrane of the PCa cells and the surrounding stromal fibroblasts, and the expression level was decreased by androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy. Conclusion: HFD-mediated activation of the PCa stromal microenvironment through metabolically upregulated MIC-1 signaling by increased available free fatty acids may be a critical mechanism of HFD and/or obesity induced PCa progression.
Time-course Analysis of Pulmonary Inflammation Induced by Intratracheal Instillation of Fine Crystalline Silica Particles
Authors: Kobayashi Toshio , Tsubokura Yasuhiro , Oshima Yutaka , Sasaki Takeshi , Kawaguchi Kenji , Koga Kenji , Uchida Kunio , Shinohara Naohide , Ajimi Shozo , Kayashima Takakazu , Nakai Makoto , Imatanaka Nobuya
Published: August 2020

Background: Crystalline silica is an important cause of serious pulmonary diseases. The relationship between this hazard and various physicochemical parameters of crystalline silica has been studied for more than a century, and the toxic potential of silica is known to be associated with its surface properties. However, no in vivo dataset has yet been accumulated to clarify the relevance of this, especially regarding longer term effects. To provide new insights into these longer term effects, we performed single intratracheal instillation testing of five different crystalline silicas and assessed the time-course changes in pulmonary inflammation, lung burden, and thoracic lymph node loads. The tested silicas were prepared from two commercial products [Min-U-Sil5 (MS5, US Silica Company) and SIO07PB (SPB, Kojundo Chemical)] by using three different pretreatment steps: centrifugation (C), grinding (G), and surface dissolving (D). The five types of silica particles—MS5, MS5_C, SPB_C, SPB_G, and SPB_D—were suspended in purified water and intratracheally instilled into male F344 rats. Bronchoalveolar lavage, lung burden analysis, and histopathological examination were performed 3, 28, and 91 days after instillation.Results: MS5 and MS5_C provoked similar biphasic inflammation that differed in severity: MS5 induced granuloma generation 91 days after instillation, whereas the smaller particles of MS5_C elicited only macrophage aggregation. SPB_C induced severe and persistent inflammation, whereas SPB_G and SPB_D induced only slight and transient acute inflammation. All of the silicas were dose-dependently retained in the lung. Silicas that induced prolonged responses were translocated to the thoracic lymph nodes as early as 28 days after instillation. Those that induced transient inflammation were removed effectively from the lung with very little lymph node retention. No quantitative association was identified between lung retention and physicochemical properties, although common features of the retained materials seemed to be reduced solubility, similar surface properties, and relatively small particle. Conclusion: Our key findings suggest that prolonged silica toxicity occurs through lymph node retention. Although the main drivers of translocation to the lymph nodes have not yet been clarified, we provide in vivo evidence of the contributions of at least silica solubility, surface properties, and particle size.
Social Justice in Health System; a Neglected Component of Academic Nursing Education: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Habibzadeh Hosein , Jasemi Madineh , Hosseinzadegan Fariba
Published: August 2020

Background : In recent decades, increasing social and health inequalities all over the world has highlighted the importance of social justice as a core nursing value. Therefore, proper education of nursing students is necessary for preparing them to comply with social justice in health systems. This study is aimed to identify the effective factors in teaching the concept of social justice in the nursing curriculum.
Method : This is a qualitative study, in which the conventional content analysis approach was employed to analyze a sample of 13 participants selected using purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect and analyze the data.
Results : Analysis of the interviews indicated that insufficient education content, incompetency of educators, and inappropriate education approaches made social justice a neglected component in the academic nursing education. These factors were the main themes of the study and showed the negligence of social justice in academic nursing education.
Conclusion : Research findings revealed the weaknesses in teaching the concept of social justice in the nursing education. Accordingly, it is necessary to modify the content of nursing curriculum and education approaches in order to convey this core value. Since nursing educators act as role models for students, especially in practical and ethical areas, more attention should be paid to competency of nursing educators.
Automatic COVID-19 Detection from X-Ray images using Ensemble Learning with Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Das Amit Kumar , Ghosh Sayantani , Thunder Samiruddin , Dutta Rohit , Agarwal Sachin , Chakrabarti Amlan
Published: August 2020

Covid-19 continues to have catastrophic effects on the lives of human beings throughout the world. To combat this disease it is necessary to screen the affected patients in a fast and inexpensive way. One of the most viable steps towards achieving this goal is through radiological examination, Chest X-Ray being the most easily available and least expensive option. In this paper we have proposed a Deep Convolutional Neural Network based solution which can detect the Covid-19 +ve patients using chest X-Ray images. To test the efficacy of the solution we have used publicly available chest X-ray images of Covid +ve and -ve cases. 538 images of Covid +ve patients and 468 images of Covid -ve patients have been divided into 771 trainable images and 235 testing images. Our solution gave a classification accuracy of 95.7% and sensitivity of 98% in the test set-up. We have developed a GUI application for public use. This application can be used on any computer by any medical personnel to detect Covid +ve patients using Chest X-Ray images within a very few seconds.
Patient’s perspective regarding the elective surgical procedure during Covid 19 pandemic.
Authors: Badkur Mayank , Puranik Ashok , Sharma Naveen , Baskaran Suruthi
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown, has impacted all aspects of society including medical profession. In hospitals, the focus has mainly shifted to prevention and treatment of Covid-19 infection. Owing to this, all elective surgeries were postponed and only emergent surgeries were performed. This has affected the patients differently depending on the progression of disease and development of complications.Materials and Methods: A well-structured telephonic scripted questionnaire was administered to all patients who were given appointment for any elective surgery. Data was collected regarding the status of disease including complications and the patient’s perspective on method of treatment. Patients who developed complications or underwent emergency surgery or surgery elsewhere were excluded.Results: The male to female ratio was 2.3:1. Mean age of patients was 41.16 years. A total of 86 patients were included in the study. Almost all (98.8%) were aware that the lockdown and withholding of elective surgeries was to prevent spread of coronavirus infection. Among 34 patients with complications, 88.2% were willing to undergo surgical procedure and 73.5% were willing to visit hospital within a week or two. Among patients without complications, 71.2% were willing to continue treatment on wait and watch policy, for a period of 2 months or more (45.7%). 93.5% of patients avoided visit to hospital due to risk of infection.Discussion: Patient’s attitude towards the choice of treatment (wait and watch Vs surgery) mainly depended on the progression of disease. It is critical, during these tough times of Covid-19 pandemic, that risks are weighed against benefits to decide the line of management for patients waiting for elective surgeries.
Modelling long Range Dependence and Non-linearity in the Covid-19 Mortality Rates
Authors: Fasanya Ismail O. , Adekoya Oluwasegun B. , Oyewole Oluwatomisin , Mensah Jones O.
Published: August 2020

This paper relates to allaying the global fear on the persistence of the mortality rates due to the outbreak of the current COVID-19. This study thus uses the fractional integration techniques to examine the degree of persistence in the COVID-19 mortality rates for the global data and six high-risk countries, namely China, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. We find evidence in favour of mean reversion for the global mortality rates in all cases, except Italy and Spain where anti-persistence is observed. The reversion is expected to be faster for the United States followed by France. This means that the effects of the shocks caused by the pandemic on mortality rates will recover automatically by themselves in the countries where mean reversion is noticed. Therefore, we suggest that, in addition to the global strive for medical breakthrough over the virus, other current policies, including social distancing, frequent hand sanitization, appropriate regional lockdowns, etc. introduced by most of these countries are important in drastically reducing the number of contacts with the virus. This will consequently have decreasing effects on mortality rates, and then ensure fast rate of reversion.
Covid-19 outbreak and Oral Health Concerns – A Systematic Review
Authors: Mahdi Syed Sarosh , Ahmed Zohaib , Allana Raheel , Peretti Alessandro , Bijle Mohammed Nadeem , Lin Seow Liang , Daood Umer
Published: August 2020

Background:The aim of this systematic review is to shed light on practical implications of Covid-19 pandemic for the profession of dentistry. It examines the current literature and dental guidelines on Covid-19 in a systematic manner.Methods:A sequential systematic literature search was conducted on Pubmed, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Google scholar, Embase of Web of Science. The search results yielded the following results-Covid-19 (n=5171), Novel corona virus (n=63), Covid- 19 and dentistry (n=46), Covid-19 and oral health (n=41) Novel Corona virus and Dentistry (n=0), dental health and Novel Coronavirus (n=26), and dental practice and Novel Coronavirus (n=6)Results:The final review included 13 articles after elimination of other articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Original articles and systematic reviews addressing 2019-nCoV and dentistry were entitled for inclusion, case reports, case series, correspondences, editorials were not included. Bias risk assessment was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)Conclusion:Covid-19 pandemic is an existential crisis for the profession of dentistry and requires a complete rethink about many aspects of the profession due to the nature of dental work. Evidence based research and multi-sectorial collaboration is required to make the profession safe again, both for the patient and dental team.