bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of seropositivity of selected Herpesviruses in patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the North of Jordan
Authors: Kofahi Raid , Kofahi Hassan , Sabaheen Suhib , Qawasmeh Majdi Al , Momani Aiman , Yassin Ahmed , Alhayk Kefah , El-Salem Khalid
Published: May 2020

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that is caused by an autoimmune response that results in the demyelination of the neurons in the central nervous system. The exact etiology of MS is not clear; however, several environmental and genetic factors are believed to participate in its initiation and development, including exposure to viruses.AimThe aim of this study is to investigate the association between the seropositivity and antibody titer of selected herpesviruses and MS in Jordanian MS patients.MethodIn this study, 55 MS patients and 40 age- and gender-matching apparently healthy volunteers were recruited from two main hospitals in the north of Jordan. MS patients were grouped into three types of MS based on the clinical presentation of the disease. Blood samples were collected from the participants and the IgG antibodies for human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen (EBNA), EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) were assayed by ELISA. The prevalence of seropositivity and the antibody level for each of the antibodies were compared between MS patients and controls and between the three types of MS.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the prevalence of seropositivity and in the levels of antibodies for HHV-6, EBNA and VCA between MS patients and controls and between the three types of MS. In contrast, the number of seropositive patients and the level of IgG antibodies for VZV were significantly higher in MS patients compared to the control.ConclusionThis study showed that patients with MS in the north of Jordan were more likely to be seropositive for VZV than the general population. Based on this finding, we recommend further studies to evaluate the seropositivity to VZV to be carried out in other parts of Jordan and the greater middle east to find out if there is correlation between MS and previous infection with VZV.
Hotspots of female genital mutilation/cutting and associated factors among girls in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis
Authors: Geremew Tesfahun Taddege , Azage Muluken , Worku Endalkachew
Published: May 2020

Background: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful traditional practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. It is widely practiced mainly in Africa including Ethiopia. There are a number of studies on the prevalence of FGM/C in Ethiopia. However, little has been devoted to its spatial epidemiology and associated factors. Hence, this study aimed to explore the spatial pattern and factors affecting FGM/C among girls in Ethiopia. Methods : A further analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey data was conducted, and a total of 6,985 girls nested in 603 enumeration areas were included. Moran's I statistic was employed to test the spatial autocorrelation, and Getis-Ord Gi* as well as Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistics were used to detect spatial clusters of FGM/C. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to identify individual and community level factors affecting FGM/C. Results : Spatial clustering of FGM/C was observed (Moran’s I=0.31, p-value < 0.01), and eight significant clusters of FGM/C were detected. The most likely primary cluster was detected in the neighborhood areas of Amhara, Afar, Tigray and Oromia regions (LLR = 279.0, p< 0.01), the secondary cluster in Tigray region (LLR=67.3, p<0.01), and the third cluster in Somali region (LLR=55.5, P<0.01). In About 83% variation in the odds of FGM/C was attributed to both individual and community level factors. At individual level, older maternal age, higher number of living children, maternal circumcision, perceived believes as FGM/C is required by religion, and supporting the continuation of FGM/C practice were factors to increase the odds of FGM/C, whereas, secondary/higher maternal education, better household wealth, and media exposure were factors decreasing the odds of FGM/C. Place of residency, Region and Ethnicity were the community level factors associated with FGM/C. Conclusions: Spatial clustering of FGM/C among girls was observed, and FGM/C hotspots were detected in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, BenishangulGumuz, Oromia, SNNPR and Somali regions including Dire Dawa Town. Both individual and community level factors play a significant role in the practice of FGM/C. Hence, FGM/C hotspots require priority interventions, and it is also better to consider both individual and community level factors.
Magnitude and associated factors of unmet need of modern family planning among reproductive age women in south Gondar zone, North West Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Chanie Muluken Genetu , Ewuneite Gojjam Eshetie , Dereje Mamo
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of unmet need of modern family planning among reproductive age women in south Gondar zone.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted in south Gondar zone among 528 reproductive age women. Data were collected with pre-tested, structured, interviewer administered questionnaires. Data were coded and entered into Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied. A P-value 0.05 was considered to declare a result as significant at 95% CI.Result: -The overall unmet need in this study area was 22.6%, from whom 15.1% respondents were wanted children later and 7.5% were wanted no more children. Women who had been visited by health care providers within 12 months prior to the study, current menstrual status of women, desired number of children and induced abortion were found to be the main factors. Conclusion: -Unmet need for family planning was found to be high in the study area as compared to national and regional prevalence. Women who had been visited by health care providers, Current menstruation status, desired number of children and induced abortion were significantly associated with unmet need of modern family planning. Healthcare providers recurrent visit need to be performed by family planning providers and women empowerment to decide numbers of children are very important areas to decrease unmet need of modern FP.
Clinical course and features of critical patients with COVID-19: a single- center, retrospective study from Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital
Authors: He Huisi , Jin Zhichao , Ren Yibin , Wang Junxue , Wen Wen , Miao Yushan , Qi Xuewei , Shang Taiyu , Zhang Chenxu , Wang Hongyang , Li Weiqin , Zhang Xijing , Tang Hao
Published: May 2020

Background : The coronavirus pandemic has become a growing public health concern worldwide, and there are insufficient epidemiological data on critical illness. Objective: To investigate the clinical course and features of critical patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ). Methods: The data on 94 consecutive critical patients from 8 th February through 16 th March 2020, including demographic and clinical information, were obtained from the intensive care unit (ICU) of Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital. A cross-sectional survey and comparisons of key biomarkers between survivors and nonsurvivors were performed. Results: Over the study period, 42 nonsurvivors and 52 survivors were included. The overall case fatality rate for critical patients with COVID-19 was approximately 45%. The average age was 69.17±9.55 years, and the majority had underlying health problems such as hypertension (56[60%]) and diabetes (18[19%]). The median length of ICU stay was 8 days (IQR 4, 13). Compared with survivors, nonsurvivors were more likely to develop sepsis (42[100%] vs. 34[65%]), acute respiratory distress syndrome (40[95%] vs. 28[54%]) and organ dysfunction. In addition, the dynamic changes in some biomarkers were significantly different between the two groups. The trajectories of temperature revealed that the group with a high temperature on admission that steadily declined had the highest percentage of deaths (93.33%). Conclusions: Patients aged 60 years or older with many concomitant diseases were at highest risk, and the fatality rate started to increase with age. Lymphocyte, platelet, C-reactive protein and hypersensitivity troponin I were revealed to have potential as prognostic factors, whereas some other biomarkers, such as hepatic enzymes, may not offer additional information. Moreover, patients with high temperatures on admission should receive extra care.
Patient and Surgeon Perceptions of the Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS): A Mixed Methods Analysis
Authors: Bronsert Michael R. , Lambert-Kerzner Anne , Henderson William G. , Hammermeister Karl E. , Atuanya Chisom , Aasen Davis M , Singh Abhinav B. , Meguid Robert A.
Published: May 2020

Background Risk assessment is essential to informed decision making in surgery. Preoperative use of the Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS) providing individualized risk assessment, may enhance informed consent. We assessed patient and provider perceptions of SURPAS as a risk assessment tool. Methods A convergent mixed-methods study assessed SURPAS’s trial implementation, concurrently collecting quantitative and qualitative data, separately analyzing it, and integrating the results. Patients and providers were surveyed and interviewed on their opinion of how SURPAS impacted the preoperative encounter. Relationships between patient risk and patient and provider assessment of SURPAS were examined. Results 197 patients were provided their SURPAS postoperative risk estimates in nine surgeon’s clinics. 98.8% of patients reported they understood their surgical risks very or quite well after exposure to SURPAS; 92.7% reported SURPAS was very helpful or helpful. 83.4% of the time providers reported SURPAS was very or somewhat helpful; 44.7% of the time the providers reported it changed their interaction with the patient and this change was beneficial 94.3% of the time. As patient risk increased, providers reported that SURPAS was increasingly helpful (p<0.0001).Conclusions Patients and providers reported the use of SURPAS helpful and informative during the preoperative risk assessment of patients, thus improving the surgical decision making process. Patients thought that SURPAS was helpful regardless of their risk level, whereas providers thought that SURPAS was more helpful in higher risk patients.
Factors Influencing Chiropractors Who Choose not to Join Professional Associations
Authors: Innes Stanley I , Cope Vicki , Young Kenneth J
Published: May 2020

Background Professional associations are perceived to promote their professions and support their members. They can provide assistance with complaints, negotiate favourable professional indemnity insurance rates, provide access to research libraries and databases, and organise continuing professional development events. Despite these apparent advantages, about 1 in 3 Australian chiropractors choose not to belong to either of the two professional associations. Our study had three objectives: 1) to explore the views of non-member chiropractors about professional associations in general; and 2) seek to understand the motivations of non-member Australian chiropractors about not joining a professional association; and 3) to discover their reasons that might lead them to join a professional association. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study utilising in-depth semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions for thematic analysis conducted from January to March 2020. It was estimated that between 6 -15 participants in total would be required to achieve saturation of data, that is, the point where no new themes were being articulated. Participants had to be registered chiropractors who had not been members of a professional association (PA) for the last five years. Recruitment was through a Facebook ad and snowball sampling. Interviews were transcribed and imported into NVivo qualitative analysis software, allowing identification of key concepts surrounding non-membership of chiropractic professional associations. Results Five themes were identified from the data. They were: “Not worth the money”, “Tarnished image of the profession”, “Going it alone / what’s in it for me”, “Lack of visibility”, and “Two warring factions”. The most commonly voiced suggestions for improvement included providing continuing professional development/lectures, frequent email updates about events affecting practice/business, improve the image of the profession through the media, and act as a regulator to the profession. Conclusions Non-members are looking for PAs to enhance the respectability of the profession in a manner that ultimately results in increased patient volume and the provision of readily accessible day-to-day resources and information. These results can inform the construction of a survey for the broader chiropractic non-membership community to confirm and expand upon these findings and improve PAs.
Adjuvant Therapy Using Lenvatinib Prevents Recurrence of High-Risk Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Case Control Study
Authors: Han Bing , Ding Han , Zhao Shuai , Zhang Yichi , Wang Jian , Gu Jinyang
Published: May 2020

Background: Although liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most effective treatments for the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the high-risk patients suffer from a high ratio of tumor recurrence after LT. So this study was designed to evaluate the role of adjuvant lenvatinib in preventing recurrence of high-risk LT recipients with HBV-related HCC.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 23 high-risk patients consisting of lenvatinib group (n = 14) and control group (n = 9) with HBV-related HCC who underwent LT in our center. Disease-free survival (DFS) and HCC recurrence of the two groups were compared. The adverse events (AEs) and drug tolerance of lenvatinib were evaluated.Results: The median DFS in lenvatinib group was 291 (95%CI 204–516) days, significantly longer than 182 (95%CI 56–537) days in control group (P = 0.04). Three patients in lenvatinib group (21.4%) and 5 patients in control group (55.6%) had short-term HCC recurrence (P = 0.11). All patients in lenvatinib group could tolerate oral lenvatinib for at least 3 cycles except 6 cases (42.9%) of dose reduction and 1 case of interruption (14.3%). Thirteen patients (92.9%) taking lenvatinib experienced AEs. The most common AEs were hypertension (64.3%) and proteinuria (42.9%), and the most serious AEs were CTCAE Grade 3 for 4 cases (28.5%). Additionally, no influence of lenvatinib on the dosage and blood concentration of FK506 was observed.Conclusion: Adjuvant lenvatinib had a potential benefit on prolonging the DFS and reducing the recurrence of high-risk HBV-related HCC patients following liver transplantation with an acceptable drug safety and patient tolerance.
GCOM-C (SHIKISAI) Second-generation Global Imager infrared observation of active volcanoes: Case studies from the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Kaneko Takayuki , Yasuda Atsushi , Takasaki Kenji , Nakano Shun , Fujii Toshitsugu , Honda Yoshiaki , Kajiwara Kouji , Murakami Hiroshi
Published: May 2020

The GCOM-C (SHIKISAI) satellite was developed to understand the mechanisms of global climate change. The Second-generation Global Imager (SGLI) onboard GCOM-C is an optical sensor observing wavelengths from 380 nm to 12.0 µm in 19 bands. One of the notable features is that the resolution of the 1.63-, 10.8-, and 12.0-µm bands is 250 m, with an observation frequency of 2–3 days. To investigate the effective use and potential of the 250-m resolution of these SGLI bands in the study of eruptive activities, we analyzed four practical cases. As an example of large-scale effusive activity, we studied the 2018 Kilauea eruption. By analyzing the series of 10.8-µm band images using cumulative thermal anomaly maps, we could observe that the lava effused on the lower East Rift Zone, initially flowed down the southern slope to the sea, and then moved eastward. As an example of lava dome growth and generation of associated pyroclastic flows, the activity at Sheveluch between December 2018 and December 2019 was analyzed. The 1.63- and 10.8-µm bands were shown to be suitable for observing growth of the lava dome and occurrence of pyroclastic flows, respectively. We found that the pyroclastic flows occurred during periods of rapid lava dome expansion. For the study of an active crater lake, the activity of Ijen during 2019 was analyzed. The lake temperature was found to rise rapidly in mid-May and reach 38 °C in mid-June. We also analyzed the intermittent activities of small-scale Vulcanian eruptions at Sakurajima in 2019. The 1.63-µm band was useful for detecting activities that are associated with Vulcanian eruptions. Analytical results for these case studies demonstrated that the GCOM-C SGLI images are beneficial for observing various aspects of volcanic activity, and their real-time use may contribute to reducing eruption-related disasters.
Camptothecin regulates microglia polarization and exerts neuroprotective effects via the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1-NF-κB signal axis in vivo and in vitro
Authors: he dewei , liu dianfeng , zhou ang , gao xiyu , zhang yufei , su yingchun , ran xin , huang bingxu , du jian , fu shoupeng
Published: May 2020

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second largest neurodegenerative disease seriously affects human health. Microglia, the main immune cells in the brain participate in the innate immune response in the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have shown that microglia can be polarized into pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. Accumulated evidences suggest that over-activated M1 microglia release pro-inflammatory mediators that damage neurons and lead to Parkinson's disease (PD). In contrast, M2 microglia release neuroprotective factors and exert the effects of neuroprotection. Camptothecin (CPT), an extract of the plant Camptotheca acuminate, has been reported to have anti-inflammation and antitumor effects. However the effect of CPT on microglia polarization and microglia-mediated inflammation responses has not been reported. Therefore, we aim to explore the effect of CPT on microglia polarization and its underlying mechanism on neuroinflammation.
Methods

C57BL/6 mice (25–30 g) were injected LPS or PBS into the substantia nigra (SN). Open-Field Test and Immunohistochemistry were performed to test the dyskinesia of mice and the loss of neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Microglia cell line BV-2, the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and dopaminergic neuron MN9D cell were cultured. Cytotoxicity assay, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, ELISA and Immunofluorescence staining were performed. All results were presented with mean ± SD.
Results

In vivo, CPT improved dyskinesia of mice, reduced the loss of neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and inhibited neuro-inflammatory responses in LPS-injected mice. In vitro, CPT inhibited M1 polarization of microglia and promotes M2 polarization via the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1-NF-κB signal axis. Furthermore, CPT protected the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and dopaminergic neuron cell line MN9D from neurotoxicity of mediated by microglia activation.
Conclusion

CPT regulates the microglia polarization phenotype via the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1-NF-κB signal axis, inhibits neuro-inflammatory responses and exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro.
Microbiome and metabolic changes in milk in response to artemisinin supplementation in dairy cows
Authors: Hou Kun , Tong Jinjin , Zhang Hua , Gao Shan , Guo Yuqin , Niu Hui , Xiong Benhai , Jiang Linshu
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to explore the effects of artemisinin (ART) on the milk microbiome and metabolites of dairy cow. A total of 12 mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with similar parity, days in milk were randomly divided into 2 groups receiving either a total mixed ration (TMR) as the control group or this TMR and 120 g/d/head ART as the ART group. The milk samples were collected weekly to determine the contents, and end-of-trial (wk 8) milk samples were used to identify microbial species and metabolite profiles by 16S rRNA and LC-MS analyses, respectively. We observed that the milk fat content significantly increased by ART treantment (P < 0.05). The bacterial community richness was significantly lower in the ART group (P < 0.05), while the diversity showed no difference (P > 0.05). Compared with its abundance in the CON group, Firmicutes was significantly decreased, whereas Proteobacteria was significantly increased. Furthermore, in the ART group, the relative abundances of the genera Aerococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium_1 and Facklamia were significantly lower (P < 0.01). Metabolomics analysis revealed that ART significantly increasing the concentrations of glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids and flavonoids compared with those in the CON group. An enrichment analysis of the different metabolites showed that ART mainly affected glycerophospholipid metabolism and the pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathways. These findings revealed that ART supplementation could affect the milk microbiota and metabolites, that glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids could be potential biomarkers in the milk response to ART feed in dairy cows, and that ART changes substances in milk by maintaining lipid metabolism in the mammary gland.
Elective removal vs. retaining of hardware after osteosynthesis in asymptomatic patients – A scoping review.
Authors: Prediger Barbara , Mathes Tim , Probst Christian , Pieper Dawid
Published: May 2020

Background Osteosynthesis is the internal fixation of fractures or osteotomy by mechanical devices (also called hardware). After bone healing there are two options: One is to remove the hardware the other is to leave it in place. The elective removal of the hardware in asymptomatic patients is controversially discussed. We performed a scoping review to assess if there is evidence on the removal of hardware in patients without medical indication (elective) compared to retaining of the hardware. In addition we wanted to find out which type of evidence is available. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, EconLit and Cinahl (11/2019). We included studies comparing asymptomatic patients with an internal fixation in the lower or upper extremities whose internal fixation was electively (without medical indication) removed or retained. We did not restrict inclusion to any effectiveness/safety outcome and considered any comparative study design as eligible. Study selection and data extraction was performed by two reviewers. Results We identified 13476 titles/abstracts. Of these we obtained 115 full-text publications which were assessed in detail against the inclusion criteria. We included 13 studies (1 RCT, 4 cohort studies, 8 before-after studies) and identified two ongoing RCTs. Nine assessed the removal of the internal fixation in the lower extremities (six of these syndesmotic screws in ankle fractures only) and two in the upper extremities. One study analysed the effectiveness of hardware removal in children in all types of extremity fractures. Outcomes reported included various scales measuring functionality, pain and clinical assessments (e.g. range of motion) and health-related quality of life. Conclusions We identified 13 studies that evaluated the effectiveness/safety of hardware removal in the extremities. Moreover we found two ongoing RCTs. The follow up times were short, the patient groups small and the ways of measurement differed. In general clinical heterogeneity was high. Evidence on selected topics e.g. syndesmotic screw removal is available nevertheless not sufficient to allow a meaningful assessment of effectiveness.
UGT1A1 Polymorphism has a Prognostic Effect in Patients with Stage Ib or II Uterine Cervical Cancer and one or no Metastatic Pelvic Nodes Receiving Irinotecan Chemotherapy
Authors: Matsuoka Hideki , Murakami Ryusuke , Abiko Kaoru , Yamaguchi Ken , Horie Akihito , Hamanishi Junzo , Baba Tsukasa , Mandai Masaki
Published: May 2020

Background UGT1A1 is a predictive biomarker for the side-effects of irinotecan; irinotecan chemotherapy reduces the volume of tumors harboring UGT1A1 polymorphisms. We aimed to determine whether UGT1A1 polymorphisms can predict progression-free survival in patients with local cervical cancer treated with irinotecan.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 52 patients with cervical cancer treated at a single institution between 2010 and 2015. All patients were diagnosed with stage IB1, IB2, IIA, or IIB squamous cell carcinoma, underwent radical hysterectomy, and received irinotecan chemotherapy as neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant treatment. All patients were examined using UGT1A1 tests for measuring side-effects of irinotecan. Conditional inference tree and survival analyses were performed considering stage, age, UGT1A1 status, and the number of metastatic lymph nodes, to determine primary factors related to progression-free survival.Results The tree-structured survival model determined high recurrence-risk factors related to progression-free survival. The most relevant factor was ≥ 2 metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.003). The second most relevant was UGT1A1 genotype (p = 0.026). Among patients with ≤ 1 metastatic lymph node, those with UGT1A1 polymorphisms benefited from irinotecan chemotherapy and demonstrated significantly longer progression-free survival (p = 0.025) than those with wild-type UGT1A1.Conclusion Irinotecan chemotherapy has the potential to benefit patients with cervical cancer, UGT1A1 polymorphism, and ≤ 1 metastatic lymph nodes.
Incidence and Prognosis of Bone Metastases in Common Solid Cancers at Initial Diagnosis: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wa Qingde , Hong Song , Cai Dongfeng , Peng Jiachen
Published: May 2020

Background Bone is one of the most common sites of advanced tumors. However, there is currently a lack of population-based surveys for the incidence and prognosis of bone metastases in common solid cancers.Methods Patients with 12 types of primary cancer and bone metastases at initial diagnosis between 2010 and 2015 were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox logistic regression were conducted to analyze survival and the effect of bone metastases on different cancers.Results We included 89,782 patients with bone metastases at cancer diagnosis. Lung cancer had the highest incidence (17.61%) of bone metastases at diagnosis in any stage, followed by liver cancer (6.29%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (6.22%) and renal cancer (5.19%). Among patients with breast and prostate cancer, only 3.4% and 4.39%, respectively, were identified as having bone metastases at diagnosis. Breast cancer (32.1%), prostate cancer (25.2%), thyroid cancer (46.8%) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (24.8%) patients with only bone metastasis have an over 20% five-year survival rate. Compared with patients at a stage previous to metastasis, bone metastasis significantly increased the risk of mortality and reduced survival time, especially for patients with prostate cancer (HR: 19.64, 95% CI 18.36 to 21.02). Concomitant other organ metastases make patient survival worse. Regarding the metastases of prostate cancer, bone metastases are the main type, while for colorectal cancer, bone metastases and concomitant visceral metastases mainly occur.Conclusions The findings of this study provide estimates of the incidence and prognosis of patients with bone metastases during the initial diagnosis of common solid cancers. In addition, we also clarified the degree to which bone metastasis affects patient survival. Patient prognosis depends on the primary type of cancer. These results can be used as a reference for the screening of metastases, and the optimization of personalized treatment options to improve the quality of life and survival of patients.
Linkage disequilibrium analysis of global populations confirms presence of regulatory SNP rs11615992 of human P2RX7 gene and uncovers rs61083578 as potential alternative in fixed allele populations
Authors: Chavez Mauro , Wilson Jacquelyn , Racette Lynnae , Crawford Gregory
Published: May 2020

The P2RX7 gene is ubiquitously expressed throughout the human body and encodes for ligand-gated ion channels. P2RX7 also contains the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3751143 which has been linked to decreased ion channel function and diseases such as prostate cancer, tuberculosis, bipolar disorder, inflammation and Parkinson's disease amongst others. While there have been many studies on this gene, few dive into the allele-specific expression (ASE) of P2RX7. Previous research has shown over-expression of the rs3751143 wild-type A allele over the C allele in lung tissues of heterozygous individuals correlated with the presence of downstream SNP variant rs11615992. Linkage disequilibrium was demonstrated between these two SNPs in populations in China. This article aims to expand current knowledge for which SNPs near the P2RX7 gene are in linkage disequilibrium with rs3751143; expanding upon findings of Peng et al (2019). By using various bioinformatic tools on variant data gleaned from the 1000 Genomes Project, this analysis confirms that the downstream SNP rs11615992 is in strong LD with rs3751143 in populations across the world, outside of the initially studied Chinese groups. Furthermore, in the case of African populations, where rs11615992 seems fixed, rs61083578 was identified as a potential downstream regulatory element to P2RX7 allele-specific expression. The goal of this study is to contribute to the understanding of P2RX7 gene expression on a global scale with respect to regulation by SNPs surrounding the P2RX7 gene itself, strengthening the relevance of the research performed by Peng et al (2019).
Extensively Drug-Resistant Alcaligenes Faecalis Infection
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu , Chia-Yi Taiwan
Published: May 2020

Background: Alcaligenes faecalis is usually opportunistic infection in humans. Alcaligenes faecalis infection is often challenging to treat due to its increased resistance to many antibiotics. The results from a clinical study of Alcaligenes faecalis infection may help improve patients’ clinical care.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients presenting with Alcaligenes faecalis infection from January 2014 through December 2019. The medical records of all patients were reviewed for demographic information, clinical symptoms and signs, comorbidities, use of intravenous antibiotics within the past 3 months, bacterial culture, antibiotics sensitivity test, and clinical outcomes.Results: Sixty-one cases of Alcaligenes faecalis infection were seen during the study period, including 25 cases of urinary tract infection, 9 cases of diabetic foot ulcer with infection, 8 cases of pneumonia, 7 cases of acute pyelonephritis, 3 cases of bacteremia, 9 cases of infection at other sites. Thirty-four patients (55.7%) had a history of receiving intravenous antibiotics within 3 months of the diagnosis. Fifty-one (81.9%) cases involved polymicrobial infections. Extensive drug-resistant infections have been reported since 2018. The highest antibiotic sensitivity rate for Alcaligenes faecalis, 75%, was reported from 2018 to 2019. Ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, amikacin, and cefepime are not good choices for empiric therapy of Alcaligenes faecalis infection.Conclusions: The most frequent Alcaligenes faecalis infection sites were in the urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, and lung. Most cases were polymicrobial infections. Alcaligenes faecalis showed markedly deceasing sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics and, more recently, extensive drug-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis infections have emerged.
Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate pharmacological mechanisms of Ginkgo Biloba Extract for Aging
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Liu Yue , Zhang Wantong , Sun Mingyue , Weng Weiliang , Gao Rui
Published: May 2020

Background Aging represents the main risk factor for a number of debilitating diseases and contributes to increase in mortality. Previous studies have shown that ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) can prevent and treat aging-related diseases, but its pharmacological effects need to be further clarified. In this study, we proposed a network pharmacology-based method to identify the therapeutic pathways of EGb for aging.Methods The active components of EGb and targets of sample chemicals were obtained from TCMSP database. Aging-related genes were obtained by retrieving the Human Ageing Genomic Resources database and the JenAge Ageing Factor Database. Then, a network containing the interactions between the putative targets of EGb and known therapeutic targets of aging was built, which was used to investigate pharmacological mechanisms of EGb for Aging.Results 24 active components, 154 targets of active components of EGb and 308 targets of aging were obtained. Network construction and pathway enrichment were carried out after data integration. The research found that flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol) and beta-sitosterol might be the main active component of EGb. The top eight candidate targets, including PTGS2, PPARG, DPP4, GSK3B, CCNA2, AR, MAPK14, ESR1, were chosen as EGb’s main therapeutic targets. The results of pathway enrichment participated in various pathways associated with inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating insulin resistance and regulating cellular biological processes, etc. Molecular docking results showed that PPARG had better binding capacity with beta-sitosterol and PTGS2 had better binding capacity with kaempferol and quercetin.Conclusions The main components of EGb might act on multiple targets, such as PTGS2, PPARG, DPP4, GSK3B, etc., to regulate multiple pathways and played an anti- aging role by inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating insulin resistance.
Smoking and Incidence of Sleep Disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Hu Nan , Wang Chunyi , Liao Yan , Dai Qichen , Cao Shiyi
Published: May 2020

Background
Both smoking and sleep disorder are worldwide problems and this study aim to investigate the impact of smoking on the incidence of sleep disorder.
Methods
PubMed, EMBASE and OVID were searched through March, 2020. Cohort studies reporting the effect of smoking on the incidence of sleep disorder were included. We quantitatively analyzed the basic framework and study characteristics, and then pooled estimate effects with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of outcomes of each included studies using fixed-effects meta-analyses.
Results
This systematic review included seven cohort studies involving 17,414 participants. Quantitatively summarized results suggested smoking could increase the incidence of sleep disorder (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.02,1.13). For regular smokers and occasional smokers, significant association between smoking and incidence of sleep disorder was found (regular smoker: OR = 1.07, 95% CI:1.01,1.13; occasional smoker: OR = 1.62, 95% CI:1.15,2.28). As for ex-smokers, the pooled analysis didn’t indicate a positive association (OR = 1.02, 95% CI:0.67,1.54). Subgroup analysis by age, gender ratio and religion showed statistically significant relationship between smoking and incidence of sleep disorder in specific groups.
Conclusions
Integrated longitudinal observational evidence identified smoking as a significant risk factor of sleep disorder. Considering the limited amount of available researches, more high-quality and prospective cohort studies of large sample sizes are needed to explore details of this association.
“Knowledge I seek because culture doesn’t work anymore … It doesn’t work, death comes”: The experiences of third generation female caregivers (“gogos”) in South Africa discussing sex and HIV and AIDS with children in their care
Authors: Simmonds Jane , Parry Charles , Abdullah Fareed , Burhams Nadine Harker , Christofides Nicola
Published: May 2020

Sexual reproductive health communication between parents and children has been shown to promote safer sexual choices. Where third generation female caregivers, often grandmothers or other older females, commonly called gogos in South Africa, are primary care givers, the responsibility of talking about sex and related issues has shifted to them. This study explored the experiences of gogos in Alexandra, Johannesburg, talking about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with the children they are raising. Ten primary caregivers were purposively sampled. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Thematic analysis was performed and inductive codes and themes identified. All gogos sampled found it difficult to discuss sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS due to culture and traditional values impacting on personal experiences and generation and gender barriers. Perceived low self-efficacy due to low levels of knowledge and limited skills in speaking about sex and HIV and AIDS also contributed to the low levels of sexual reproductive health communication. This study highlights the need for interventions that focus on improving gogos’ knowledge about HIV and AIDS in addition to providing them with the skills to talk about sex, sexuality and HIV and AIDS with children in their care.
Ultrasonic Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of NiO Nanocatalyst for Low Temperature 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-(1H)-Ones and Thiones Condensation Under Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Kafi-Ahmadi Leila , khademinia shahin , Khashaei Maryam
Published: May 2020

Present work reports one step hydrothermal method as a green processto synthesizenickel (II) oxide (NiO) nanoparticles using nickel nitrate, and some natural essences as surfactant including Orange blossom, Yarrow, Hibiscus tea, Green tea, Rosemary and Barberryas at 80 ºC in autoclave for 24 h followed by calcination at 700 ºC for 8 h. Rietveld analysis data revealed that the obtained NiO nanomaterials were crystallized in a pure cubic crystalsystem. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images showed that the morphology of the obtained materials was changed from non-homogeneous particles to homogeneous spherical particles when the surfactant type was changed from Orange blossom to Barberryas. Catalytic activity of the nanomaterials was investigated in Biginelli reactions for the synthesis of heterocyclic 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) compounds. The synthesis yields at optimum conditions (60 mg of catalyst, 90 ºC reaction temperature and 90 min reaction time) were 94% and 97% for S1 and S6, respectively. Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model revealed that the reactions followed a pseudo-first order kinetic model.
Malaria vector species composition and entomological indices following several years of indoor residual spraying in regions bordering Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Kakilla Charles Elias , Manjurano Alphaxard , Nelwin Karen , Martin Jackline , Mashauri Fabian , Kinung'hi Safari , Lyimo Eric , Mangalu Doris , Bernard Lucy , Iwuchukwu Nduka , Mwalimu Dismasi , Serbantez Naomi , Greer George , George Kristen , Oxborough Richard M , Magesa Stephen M
Published: May 2020

Background Vector control through long lasting insecticidal nets and focal indoor residual spraying (IRS) is a major component of the Tanzania national malaria control strategy. In mainland Tanzania, IRS has been conducted annually around Lake Victoria basin since 2007. Due to pyrethroid resistance in malaria vectors, use of pyrethroids for IRS was phased out and from 2014 to 2017 pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 300CS) was sprayed in regions of Kagera, Geita, Mwanza and Mara. Methods WHO Cone bioassays were conducted monthly on interior house walls to determine residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl CS. Indoor CDC light traps with or without bottle rotator were hung next to protected sleepers indoors and also set outdoors (un-baited) as a proxy measure for indoor and outdoor biting rate and time of biting. A sub-sample of Anopheles were tested by PCR to determine species identity and ELISA for sporozoite rate. Results Annual IRS with Actellic® CS between 2015 and 2017 was effective on sprayed walls for a mean of 7 months in cone bioassay. PCR of 2016 and 2017 samples showed vector populations were predominantly An. arabiensis (58.1%, n=4,403 IRS sites, 58%, n=2,441 unsprayed sites). There was a greater proportion of An. funestus s.s. in unsprayed sites (20.4%, n=858) than sprayed sites (7.9%, n=595) and fewer An. parensis (2%, n=85 unsprayed, 7.8%, n=591 sprayed). Biting peaks of An. gambiae s.l. followed periods of rainfall occurring between October and April, but were generally lower in sprayed sites than unsprayed. In most sprayed sites, An. gambiae s.l. indoor densities increased between January and February, i.e. 10-12 months after IRS. Based on these data and malaria case data, the timing of IRS was changed to November in Kagera and Geita Regions in 2018. The predominant species An. arabiensis had a sporozoite rate in 2017 of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.4-2.9) in unsprayed sites compared to 0.8% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) in sprayed sites (p=0.003). Sporozoite rates also appeared to be lower for An. funestus collected in sprayed sites. Conclusion IRS appeared to have substantial impact on malaria transmission, with sporozoite rate in An. arabiensis being 59% lower in sprayed sites than in unsprayed sites in 2017.
SEL-SB Model: A Model for Taxi Drivers’ Traffic Safety Culture Using Grounded Theory
Authors: Mehri Mahsa , Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Arghami Shirazeh
Published: May 2020

Background: The average number of accidents in professional drivers is higher than other drivers. These people's driving safety culture is likely different from others. Since there is little evidence about taxi drivers' safety culture, the emergence of related factors is valuable to be explored as a basic model. Therefore, the present study aimed at providing a model for explaining the affecting factors of the taxi drivers' safety culture in Iran based on Grounded Theory (GT).Method: This research was exploratory research aimed at explaining the factors affecting the safety culture of taxi drivers in Iran (Zanjan) and presenting a theoretical model. To this end, 26 IDIs were conducted with 12 taxi drivers and 14 others that were directly or indirectly involved with taxi drivers who were selected by theoretical sampling. Furthermore, in order to validate the themes resulted from the study and to gain a deeper understanding, an FGD containing six taxi drivers was held. According to the process suggested by Corbin and Strauss, the grounded theory method was used to interpret the collected data.Results: The results of this study brought SEL-SB model based on five emerged themes for the safety culture of taxi drivers, including stewardship and governance, law manifestation, socio-cultural profile, economic pressure, and safe behaviors. The axial theme of stewardship and governance was quite prominent. Participants emphasized factors such as the need for increased management commitment, cross-sectoral collaboration among traffic-related organizations, and quality of public transport services.Conclusion: Improving the driving behaviors of taxi drivers calls for understanding the way how they perceived traffic safety culture around them. The SEL-SB model emphasizes the need to dramatically organizational changes in the traffic-related organization in order to taxi drivers’ safety culture.
Five Predictors Affecting the Prognosis of Patients with Severe Odontogenic Infections
Authors: Dang Nathalie Pham , Delbet-Dupas Candice , Mulliez Aurélien , Devoize Laurent , Barthelemy Isabelle
Published: May 2020

Background: For over ten years, dental cellulitis management is not so longer simple: more and more patients need long-time hospitalization, several surgical interventions and intensive care follow-up. This prospective study seeks to highlight criteria that can split patients with severe odontogenic infection into two main groups: those with simple evolution after treatment of the infection and those for whom complex management is necessary to obtain healing.Methods: All patients with severe odontogenic infection (namely patients which necessitated hospital admission, intravenous antibiotherapy and general anesthesia) were prospectively recorded between January 2004 and December 2014. Statistical tests used were: chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test when appropriate) for categorical data, and Student t-test (or Mann & Withney test when appropriate) for continuous data; statistics were computed with STATA V12 (Stata Corp, College Station, Texas, USA) and with R (R version 3.0.2; The R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria; http://www.r-project.org).Results: A total of 653 patients were included in the study, 611 (93.6%) had one surgery, 42 (6.4%) had more than one surgery (range 2 – 15 surgeries) before healing. In multivariate analysis, objectives criteria which emerge are: C-reactive protein (CRP) level (CRP>200 mg/l, p=0.01, OR=4.12 IC95%=[1.33-12.72]), alcohol abuse (p=0.03, OR=2.70 IC95%=[1.09-6.7]), penicillin allergy (p=0.001, OR=5.47 IC95%=[1.99-15-09]), mandibular molar infection (p= 0.02, OR=2.74 IC95%=[1.16-6.48]). A conditional inference tree (CTREE) illustrated the association of prognostic factors and the need of multiple surgery. Conclusion: Four subgroups of patients with severe odontogenic infection have a relative risk range between 25 % and 33% to have several surgical intervention associated with complications as intensive unit care follow-up, tracheotomy or death: 1- patients with CRP>200 mg/l; 2- patients with CRP between 50 and 200 mg/l and penicillin allergy; 3- patients with CRP between 50 and 200 mg/l, without penicillin allergy but with molar mandibular infection and psychiatric disorders; 4- patients with CRP ≤ 50 mg/l or unknown CRP level and immunodepression.IRB number: CE-CIC-GREN-12-08
Combined Use of 123i-fp-cit Spect and 123i-mibg Scintigraphy for Differentiation of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Subtypes and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sakurai Keita , Inui Shohei , Saito Yufuko , Sakakibara Satoko , Hashimoto Rina , Inukai Akira , Aiba Ikuko
Published: May 2020

Background:This study was undertaken to investigate the utility of 123I-ioflupane (123I-FP-CIT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy and both of these to differentiate among progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), including typical cases and other subtypes, and Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods: Twenty-five patients with typical PSP (Richardson's syndrome; PSP-RS), 14 atypical ones (PSP-variants; PSP-V) and 42 PD who underwent both 23I-FP-CIT SPECT and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy within short intervals were enrolled. Speciﬁc binding ratio (SBR) of the striatum and midbrain and anteroposterior and asymmetry ratio of the striatal SBR on 123I-FP-CIT SPECT and heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio and washout rate (WR) on 123I-MIBG scintigraphy were used as quantitative measures. The classifier performance based on adaptive boosting was evaluated using five-fold cross-validation for these measures.Results: Midbrain SBR and the striatal anteroposterior ratio were statistically lower in PSP-RS than PD. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in any other quantitative measures among PSP-RS, PSP-V and PD. Striatal and midbrain SBRs and anteroposterior ratio of PSP-V were approximately in-between those of PSP-RS and PD. PD showed the lowest early and delayed H/M ratios and highest WR of any group. The combination of 123I-FP-CIT and 123I-MIBG was useful in discriminating PSP-RS and PSP-V from PD, while 123I-FP-CIT was superior to 123I-MIBG in differentiating PSP-RS from PSP-V.Conclusion: The combination of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT and 123I-MIBG scintigraphy, rather than either alone, may be a useful differential diagnostic tool to differentiate patients with PSP-RS, PSP-V and PD.