bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merely Increasing Action Options Increases Charitable Donation
Authors: Weisz Erika , Cikara Mina
Published: August 2020

Amid a sea of requests for aid, what factors affect decisions to donate? Researchers and practitioners continue to debate whether we ought to prioritize leveraging passion (e.g., appeal to people’s empathy) or reason (e.g., appeal to utilitarian drives). Here we circumvent the challenges of emotions and obligation as levers by investigating the efficacy of a novel manipulation of choice architecture to affect giving: increasing the number of action options available to donors to increase how much they give. Across six experiments (N = 6,321), participants responded to single or multiple-bid donation requests. Viewing multiple bids for aid increased both intention to donate and actual donation (controlling for affective states that have been previously associated with costly helping). Notably, increasing the number of bids did not decrease the proportion of people who donated at all. We rule out previously-documented heuristics (i.e., 1/n, fairness) and agency as explanations for our effect, and find positive evidence for the role of merely increasing action options (i.e., bids). Finally, we replicate our effect in a natural experiment of charitable donations (N = 10,000): presenting donors with multiple bids increased the average donation by $8.77 (a 19.7% increase). Our findings have theoretical implications for invigorating behavior and offer practical suggestions for how charitable organizations can better engineer solicitations for aid.
Increasing Public Participation and Influence in Local Decision-making to Address Social Determinants of Health During Times of Resource Constraint: A Systematic Review Examining Initiatives and Theories
Authors: Baxter Susan , Barnes Amy , Lee Caroline , Mead Rebecca , Clowes Mark
Published: August 2020

Background: Creating conditions for people to exert influence and control within their lives is an important determinant of health, and crucial in addressing health inequity. Globally, governments, communities, and other partners are experimenting with initiatives to support public participation at a local level. Little is known about how different approaches work, and how changing economic circumstances including the worldwide financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic create challenging circumstances for implementation. This review examined evidence on initiatives to increase peoples’ involvement in local decision-making, with a focus on how this may be affected by resource constraints. Methods: We carried out a mixed-method systematic review of European empirical literature published since 2008, on initiatives aiming to increase public participation in local decision-making/action which could affect public health outcomes. We supplemented this with worldwide literature outlining theories and frameworks to explore potential change pathways. We used narrative synthesis to analyse the literature identified, and a summary diagram to provide a reporting structure.Results: We included 42 documents. Much literature was from the United Kingdom, and of qualitative or case study design. There was limited reporting of the forms and intended/actual functions of initiatives to enhance public participation and influence. Diverse factors (organisational and community-related factors, features of the participatory process) were noted to shape pathways to potential outcomes. Positive and adverse outcomes were reported for communities, individuals, relationships, and the decision-making process. The review highlights how initiatives may be at risk during times of limited resourcing; undermining individual and community capacities to participate, and requiring organisational leaders to think/act differently. Conclusions: Areas to prioritise for action within local governance systems include: supporting community capabilities; relationships between organisations and communities; creating spaces for safe/equitable interaction and knowledge-sharing; and changing institutional culture. If investment is to be made by local governments or communities themselves in times of resource-constraint, there is an urgent need to clarify the functions of different activities and pathways to improvements in determinants of health and inequity. Support to enable change is needed, particularly in response to deep-seated issues within local governance systems, and more explicit engagement with concepts of politics and power.
Influencing factors and predictors of short-term normal parathyroid function after thyroidectomy: a case control study
Authors: Su DunTao , Xia Fada , Huang Wanze , Zhang Zhejia , Bai Ning , Wang Di , liao xing , Li Xinying
Published: August 2020

Background

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is the main reason for outpatient follow-up and long-term oral calcium and calcitriol treatment. Our study investigated the influencing factors and powerful predictors of postoperative normal parathyroid function.
Methods

Logistic regression was used to compare the clinicopathological characteristics, surgical details, and serum calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations of patients. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictors of normal parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Results

Among the 111 patients with PTH < 10 pg/mL on the first postoperative day, most patients experienced a return to normal PTH (PTH > 15 pg/mL) within 30 days postoperatively. Univariate analysis showed that Pod (postoperative day) 1PTH, Pod3 PTH, Pod7 Ca, Pod7 Mg, and Pod7 P (P < 0.05) were associated with normal parathyroid function on the seventh postoperative day. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the following independent risk factors for normal PTH levels at Pod7 after thyroidectomy: Pod3 PTH (P = 0.038), Pod1 PTH (P = 0.056), Pod7 Mg (P = 0.001), Pod7 P (P = 0.020), and the number of parathyroid glands in situ intraoperatively. The combined sensitivity of serum magnesium concentration and phosphorus concentration to predict normal parathyroid function on the seventh postoperative day was 82.76%, with a sensitivity of 76.83%.
Conclusion

Serum magnesium concentration, phosphorus concentration and PTH concentrations are important influencing factors and effective predictors of short-term postoperative normal parathyroid function. The surgeon should treat each parathyroid gland as the only one during the operation.
Prognostic Significance of Free Psa/ Total Psa Ratio In Predicting Bone Metastases In Patients With Prostate Cancer
Authors: OZDEMIR Semra , ERSAY Ahmet Resit , OZTURK Fulya Koc , OZDEMIR Beril Su
Published: August 2020

Background

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of free prostate specific antigen/total prostate specific antigen (free PSA/ total PSA) ratio in prediciton of bone metastases in patient with prostate cancer.
Methods

In total 175 patients with prostate cancer who underwent whole-body bone scintigraphy were included in the study. All selected scintigraphic studies were reprocessed. Free PSA/total PSA ratio, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) values and Gleason scores of patients were recorded.
Results

The results of our study shows that a moderate correlation between free PSA and ALP values with bone metastases lesion number. In addition, we detected a weak correlation between total PSA value, free PSA/ total PSA ratio and Gleason score with the number of bone metastases lesions in patients with prostate cancer. To predict bone metastases in prostat cancer, only ALP variable was statistically significant and had a high diagnostic value (AUC = 0.907, p = 0.004). ALP cut off value was 76.50 IU/L, with %80 sensitivity and %82.1 specificity. Additionally according to our results free PSA values, total PSA values, free PSA/total PSA ratio and Gleason score values was not considered as a reliable parameter in prostate cancer cases following bone metastasis development.
Conclusion

According to the results of our study; the free PSA, total PSA, free PSA/total PSA ratio and Gleason score values was not considered as a reliable parameter in the prostate cancer cases follow-up for bone metastasis development. In addition to ALP can predict bone metastases with 80% sensitivity and 82.1% specificity at 76.50 cut off value.
L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine: potential novel biomarkers for major depressive disorder
Authors: Nie Li-Juan , Liang Jun , Shan Feng , Xu Ya-Yun , Mu Yuan-Yuan , Zhou Xie-Hai , Xia Qing-Rong
Published: August 2020

Background

The lack of biomarkers to identify the target population has greatly limited the precise medical prospects for major depressive disorder (MDD). The endogenous L-carnitine (LC) and its derivative acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) play different roles in depression, from metabolism and neurochemistry to epigenetic roles. The levels of ALC in people and rodents with depression are significantly reduced. It is necessary to determine whether serum LC and ALC might be used as novel noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of MDD.
Methods

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI-MS/MS) was used to determine the concentration of LC and ALC in the serum of healthy controls and patients with MDD; among the latter, in patients who were responsive (effective group) and those who were nonresponsive (ineffective group) after 2–4 weeks of treatment. The diagnostic value of serum LC and ALC for MDD was assessed.
Results

Serum LC and ALC concentrations were significantly lower in patients with MDD than in healthy controls. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the HDRS-24 score was positively associated with serum ALC. The ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.6943 with 61.0% sensitivity and 74.0% specificity for LC and an AUC of 0.8496 with 67.0% sensitivity and 93.0% specificity for ALC, differentiating patients with MDD from healthy controls. Furthermore, the concentration of LC and ALC in patients with depression was significantly increased in the effective-treatment group and no significant change was observed in the ineffective-treatment group.
Conclusion

These results suggest that serum LC and ALC might be potential novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of MDD.
Plasma Fibrinogen is a good new auxiliary diagnostic marker for periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Huang Jincheng , Chen Xiao , Qiang Shuo , Zheng Wendi , Zheng Jia , Jin Yi
Published: August 2020

Background: To test the meaning of serum CRP, ESR, Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume ratio (PC/MPV), plasma Fibrinogen and D-Dimer in periprosthetic joint infection diagnosis (PJI). Methods: Clinical data of 149 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis (Group A), PJI (Group B) and aseptic loosening after joint arthroplasy (Group C) were retrospectively studied. General data and preoperative serum CRP, ESR, Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume ratio (PC/MPV), plasma Fibrinogen and D-Dimer levels were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of serum CRP, ESR, Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume ratio (PC/MPV), plasma Fibrinogen and D-Dimer in PJI diagnosis were compared.Results: Expression level of serum CRP, ESR, PC/MPV and plasma Fibrinogen in Group B are higher than Group A and C. Expression level of plasma D-Dimer in Group B are higher than Group A but similar with Group C. When PC/MPV>31.70, plasma Fibrinogen > 4.01 μg/mL and plasma D-Dimer > 1.17 mg/L were set as the threshold value for the diagnosis of PJI, the sensitivity of PC/MPV in PJI diagnosis is lower than ESR and Plasma Fibrinogen. Whereas, there are no statistically significant differences when compared specificity of serum CRP, ESR, PC/MPV, plasma Fibrinogen and D-Dimer in PJI diagnosis.Conclusion: PC/MPV and plasma D-Dimer should not be used as the first screen markers for PJI diagnosis, whereas, the plasma Fibrinogen can be used as a new auxiliary marker for PJI diagnosis.
Navigation with laparoscopic ultrasound during fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomy-a single-centre retrospective case control study
Authors: Sebastian Maciej , Sebastian Agata , Rudnicki Jerzy
Published: August 2020

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as the gold standard treatment for cholecystolithiasis. The critical view of safety is a generally accepted technique of intraoperative visualization but during inflammation and fibrosis in the region of Calot’s triangle it may fail. Fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic ultrasound navigation may be an attractive bail-out option when the intraoperative conditions are difficult.
Methods

The study group consisted of 900 patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis which was divided into two subgroups. The first subgroup where the only method of intraoperative identification was the critical view of safety consisted of 402 patients, the second subgroup where the critical view of safety and laparoscopic ultrasound were used consisted of 498 patients. In the first subgroup fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 13 patients, in the second subgroup in 42 patients. Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous and Fisher’s exact test for binary variables. The level of statistical significance was set at 95% (p < 0.05).
Results

Fundus-first technique was significantly more often in the subgroup with laparoscopic ultrasound and the hospitalization time of fundus-first laparoscopic cholecystectomies was significantly shorter than in converted cases. The mean time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the mean time to obtain the transection level between the gallbladder and the hepatoduodenal ligament were significantly shorter and the conversion rate was significantly lower in the fundus-first and laparoscopic ultrasound group.
Conclusions

Fundus-first technique with laparoscopic ultrasound navigation may be a very efficient bail-out option during laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to a more precisely and significantly faster defined plane of dissection what enables safe performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with significantly lower rate of conversions.
Development of Space Environment Customized Risk Estimation for Satellites (SECURES)
Authors: Nagatsuma Tsutomu , Nakamizo Aoi , Kubota Yasubumi , Nakamura Masao , Koga Kiyokazu , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Matsumoto Haruhisa
Published: August 2020

Plasma variations in geospace environment driven by the solar wind-magnetosphere interaction is one of the major causes of satellite anomaly. To mitigate the effect of satellite anomaly, risk of space weather disturbances needs to be known in advance based on space weather forecast. However, risk of satellite anomaly due to space weather disturbances is not the same as each satellite, because the risk depends not only on the space environment itself but also on the design and materials of individual satellite. For the viewpoint of satellite operator, it is not easy to apply general alert level of space environment to the risk of individual satellite. To provide tailored space weather information, we have developed SECURES (Space Environment Customized Risk Estimation for Satellite) by combining models of space environment and those of spacecraft charging. In SECURES, we are focusing on the risk of spacecraft charging (surface/internal) for geosynchronous satellites. For risk estimation of surface charging, we have combined the global magnetosphere MHD model with the satellite surface charging models. For risk estimation of internal charging, we have combined the radiation belt models with the satellite internal charging models. We have developed prototype products for both types of charging/ESD. The development of SECURES and our achievements are introduced in this paper.
Paracrine Stimulation of Perinatal Lung Functional and Structural Maturation by Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
Authors: Obendorf Janine , Fabian Claire , Thome Ulrich H. , Laube Mandy
Published: August 2020

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were shown to harbor therapeutic potential in models of respiratory diseases, such as Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), the most common sequel of preterm birth. In these studies cells or animals were challenged with hyperoxia or other injury-inducing agents. However, little is known about the effect of MSCs on immature fetal lungs and whether MSCs are able to improve lung maturity, which may alleviate lung developmental arrest in BPD.Methods: We aimed to determine if conditioned medium (CM) of MSCs stimulates functional and structural lung maturation. As a measure of functional maturation, Na+ transport in primary fetal distal lung epithelial cells (FDLE) was studied in Ussing chambers. Na+ transporter and surfactant protein mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Structural maturation was assessed by microscopy in fetal rat lung explants.Results: MSC-CM strongly increased the activity of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) and the Na,K-ATPase as well as their mRNA expression. Branching and growth of fetal lung explants, and surfactant protein mRNA expression were enhanced by MSC-CM. Epithelial integrity and metabolic activity of FDLE cells were not influenced by MSC-CM. Since MSC’ actions are mainly attributed to paracrine signaling, prominent lung growth factors were blocked. None of the tested growth factors (VEGF, BMP, PDGF, EGF, TGF-β, FGF, HGF) contributed to the MSC-induced increase of Na+ transport. In contrast, inhibition of PI3-K/AKT and Rac1 signaling reduced MSC-CM efficacy, suggesting an involvement of these pathways in the MSC-CM-induced Na+ transport.Conclusion: The results demonstrate that MSC-CM strongly stimulated functional and structural maturation of fetal lungs. These effects were at least partially mediated by the PI3‑K/AKT and Rac1 signaling pathway. Thus MSCs not only repair a deleterious tissue environment, but also target lung cellular immaturity itself.
Nasopharyngeal Metastasis From Colorectal Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Ye-Huan , Lin Bei-Bei , Lv Shi-Xu
Published: August 2020

Background: Nasopharyngeal metastasis from colorectal cancer has never been reported in the past. Case presentation: In this paper, we establish a case report of a 79-year-old man suffering from adenocarcinoma of the rectum with distant metastases to the liver, lung, and nasopharynx. Over the past 7 years, he received radical surgery for rectal cancer (miles surgery), chemotherapy, hepatectomy, and pneumonectomy. Conclusions: We equally discuss the histopathological and clinical aspects associated with this condition.
Prognostic Significance of N1 and N2 Metastatic Lymph Node Ratio After Distal Gastric Cancer Surgery
Authors: Bai Wan , Wang Yin-Chun , Yang Qing-Qiang
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prognostic significance of n1 and n2 station metastatic lymph node ratio(rN) after distal gastric cancer surgery. METHODS: A total of 408 patients who underwent radical distal gastrectomy (D2) under general anesthesia in 2012-2014. The critical value of rN1 and rN2 were calculated respectively. Prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS: An rN1 of 0.140 and rN2 of 0.100 was found to be the best cut-off value to determine the prognosis of patients with distal gastric cancer (p < 0.001).Univariate and multivariate analysis show that gender, age, nerves invaded, carcinoma nodules, LNS, LNS1, LNS2 were non-prognostic factors.tumor size, depth of invasion,blood vessels invaded,degree of differentiation,rN, PLNS1,rN1, PLNS2, rN2,pTNM were prognostic factors. Among prognostic factors, the partial regression coefficients were, from high to low, pTNM, rN2, rN2, rN. CONCLUSION: RN1 and RN2 is a better prognostic tool for gastric cancer patients after curative distal gastrectomy.which is a beneficial and reliable technique for evaluating lymph node metastasis.
The Neurotrophic and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of β-asarone on the DA-Induced the Pathology of Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: wang Jian , Wang Xuebao , You Ruimin , Liu Leping , Yu He , Lu Xiaoai , Ding Saidan
Published: August 2020

Background: The mechanism underlying the impaired cognitive function and memory loss in Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) remains unclear. Dopamine (DA) is reported to be associated with dementia. Methods: In this study, we investigated mechanism underlying DA-induced MHE pathology by immunoblotting, ELISA, FM4-64 and fluorescence staining. Results: We observed that MHE brains showed the increased content of DA, after administration of anti-DA antibody, and cognitive loss in MHE rats was recovered to the normal level, indicating the involvement of DA in the pathogenesis of MHE. Moreover, DA (10 μM) treatment obviously induced the decrease in the production of GDNF/NGF and the increase in TNFα levels in primary cultured neurons, which were blocked by addition of β-asarone (βASA). We also demonstrated that DA stimulated the activation of ASK1/JNK1 pathway. and the addition of anti-TNFα antibody reversed the inactivation of Notch signaling, the downregulation of neurotrophins and synaptic loss.Conclusions: Overall, we suggested that DA stimulated abundant production and secretion of neuronal TNFα, which elicited progressive loss of neurotrophic factors, leading to cognitive disorder of MHE.
SEAM: a Spatial single nuclEar metAboloMics method for dissecting tissue microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Michael , Yuan Zhiyuan , Zhou Qiming , Cai Lesi , Pan Lin , Sun Weiliang , Qumu Shiwei , Yu Si , Zheng Yongchang , Li Shao , Chen Yang , Zhang Xinrong
Published: August 2020

Spatial metabolomics can reveal intercellular heterogeneity and tissue organization. To achieve highest spatial resolution, we reported a novel Spatial single nuclEar metAboloMics (SEAM) method, a scalable platform combining high resolution imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) and a series of computational algorithms, that can display multiscale/multicolor tissue tomography together with identification and clustering of single nuclei by their in situ metabolic fingerprints. We firstly applied SEAM to a range of wild type mouse tissues, then delineate a consistent pattern of metabolic zonation in mouse liver. We further studied spatial metabolome in human fibrotic liver. Intriguingly, we discovered novel subpopulations of hepatocytes with special metabolic features associated with their proximity to fibrotic niche, which was further validated by spatial transcriptomics with Geo-seq. These demonstrations highlight how SEAM may be used to explore the spatial metabolome and tissue anatomy at single cell level, hence leading to a deeper understanding of the tissue metabolic organization.
Predicting Cell Line Invasion in Breast Tumor Microenvironment from Radiological Imaging Phenotypes
Authors: Arefan Dooman , Hausler Ryan M. , Sumkin Jules H. , Sun Min , Wu Shandong
Published: August 2020

Background:

The abundance of immune and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is informative of levels of inflammation, angiogenesis, and desmoplasia. Radiomics, an approach of extracting quantitative features from radiological imaging to characterize diseases, have been shown to predict molecular classification, cancer recurrence risk, and many other disease outcomes. However, the ability of radiomics methods to predict aspects related to tumor TME remains unclear. In this study, we employed a radio-genomics approach and machine learning models to predict the infiltration of 10 cell lines in breast cancer lesions utilizing radiomic features extracted from breast Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Methods:

We performed a retrospective study utilizing 73 patients from two independent institutions with imaging and gene expression data provided by The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), respectively. A set of 199 radiomic features including shape-based, morphological, texture, and kinetic characteristics were extracted from the lesion volumes. To capture one-to-one relationships between radiomic features and cell line abundance, we performed linear regression on each radiomic feature/cell line abundance combination. Each regression model was tested for statistical significance. In addition, multivariate models were built for the cell line infiltration status (i.e. “high” vs “low”) prediction. A feature selection process via Recursive Feature Elimination was applied to the radiomic features on the training set. The classification models took the form of a binary logistic extreme gradient boosting framework. Two evaluation methods including leave-one-out cross validation and external independent test, were used for radiomic model learning and testing. The models’ performance was measured via area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
Results:

Univariate relationships were identified between a set of radiomic features and the abundance of fibroblasts. Multivariate models yielded leave-one-out cross validation AUCs ranging from 0.5 to 0.83, and independent test AUCs ranging from 0.5 to 0.68 for the multiple cell line invasion predictions.
Conclusions:

Our study suggests a relationship between breast tumor’s microenvironment in terms of few cell lines and the breast MRI-derived radiological imaging phenotypes. Further evaluation with larger cohorts is needed.
Long-term outcomes of a program to upgrade the nursing faculty in Cambodia: a qualitative study
Authors: Koto-Shimada Kyoko , Fujita Noriko , Matsuoka Sadatoshi , Jimba Masamine , Touch Sokneang , Zwi Anthony B
Published: August 2020

Background Well trained nurses are expected to influence their workplaces after completing their training courses. In Cambodia, a high-skill training program has been given for nurses to make them more qualified since 2011. After completing the program, we conducted an immediate post-training study in 2014. In this long-term, post-training study, we evaluated the program’s effect on nursing faculty and clinical preceptors and identified factors influencing the long-term outcomes.Methods This long-term, post-training study took the form of embedded, single-case design. It incorporated focus group discussions (FGDs) for 26 trainees, key-informant interviews for 11 institutional managers, and teaching document reviews. Then, we conducted a thematic analysis using Kirkpatrick’s four levels of training evaluation. We evaluated the latter two elements as long-term outcomes, behavior (changes in trainees’ practice and applying learning to practice), and results (the trainees’ behavior effect on trainees’ organization or department). After that, we assessed factors influencing the long-term outcomes using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory.Results We identified five themes at the behavior level according to program type. They were 1) improved teaching and learning activities, 2) built capacity of nursing faculty and clinical nurses, 3) improved clinical practicum, 4) strengthened clinical nursing management, and 5) involved in professional development activities. At the results level, we identified three themes as long-term outcomes from an institutional development aspect. They were 1) enhanced institutional capacity, 2) improved students’ learning and behavior, and 3) strengthened clinical performance. The major influencing factors for the above eight themes were 1) institutional managers’ support, 2) continuous networking among trainees, and 3) national policy.Conclusions The upgrading program had a favorable effect on nursing faculty and clinical preceptors at the Kirkpatrick model’s behavior and results levels. Compared with the immediate post-training study findings, the perceived long-term outcomes became more strategically focused and demonstrated the training impact on a considerably broader scale within the workplace. These findings have implications for the monitoring and evaluation of nursing faculty development programs for its sustainable outcomes
Evaluation of a Standardized Instrument for Post Hoc Analysis of Trauma-Team-Activation-Criteria in 75,613 Injured Patients - An Analysis of the TraumaRegister DGU®
Authors: Bieler Dan , Trentzsch Heiko , Franke Axel , Baacke Markus , Lefering Rolf , Paffrath Thomas , Becker Lars , Düsing Helena , Heindl Björn , Jensen Kai Oliver , Özkurtul Orkun , Schweigkofler Uwe , Sprengel Kai , Wohlrath Bernd , Waydhas Christian
Published: August 2020

IntroductionIn order to improve the quality of criteria for trauma-team-activation it is necessary to identify patients who benefited from the treatment by a trauma team. Therefore, we evaluated a post hoc criteria catalogue for trauma-team-activation which was developed in a consensus process by an expert group and published recently. The objective was to examine whether the catalogue can identify patients that died after admission to hospital and therefore can benefit of a specialized trauma team mostly.Materials and MethodThe catalogue was applied to the data of 75,613 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® between the 01/2007 and 12/2016 with a maximum Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) severity ≥ 2. The endpoint was hospital mortality, which was defined as death before discharge from acute care.ResultsThe TraumaRegister DGU® dataset contains 18 of the 20 proposed criteria within the catalogue which identified 99.6% of the patients who were admitted to the trauma room following an accident and who died during their hospital stay. Moreover, our analysis showed that at least one criterion was fulfilled in 59,785 cases (79.1%). The average ISS in this group was 21.2 points (SD 9.9). None of the examined criteria applied to 15,828 cases (average ISS 8.6; SD 5). The number of consensus-based criteria correlated with the severity of injury and mortality. Of all deceased patients (8,451), only 31 (0.37%) could not be identified on the basis of the 18 examined criteria. Where only one criterion was fulfilled, mortality was 1.7%; with 2 or more criteria, mortality was at least 4.6%.DiscussionThe consensus-based criteria identified nearly all patients who died as a result of their injuries. If only one criterion was fulfilled, mortality was relatively low. However, it increased to almost 5% if two criteria were fulfilled. Further studies are necessary to analyse and examine the relative weighting of the various criteria. SummaryOur instrument is capable to identify severely injured patients with increased in-hospital mortality and injury severity. However, a minimum of two criteria needs to be fulfilled. Based on these findings, we conclude that the criteria list is useful for post hoc analysis of the quality of field triage in patients with severe injury.
Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of 10 serological assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Authors: MD.  , Frutos Sara Gómez de , PharmD Diego Domingo García , Lara Eva Navarro , Carrión Ayla Yarci , García–Rodrigo Leticia Fontán , Torres Arturo Manuel Fraile , PharmD Laura Cardeñoso Domingo
Published: August 2020

BackgroundAntibody detection is essential to establish exposure, infection and immunity to SARS-CoV-2, as well as to perform epidemiological studies. The worlwide urge for new diagnostic tools to control the pandemic has led to a quick in- corporation in clinical practice of the recently developed serological assays.MethodsWe evaluated the diagnostic accuracy to detect Ig G, Ig M+A and/or IgA anti SARS-CoV-2 of 10 different assays: 3 Lateral Flow card inmunoassays, 4 en- zyme-linked inmunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and 3 chemiluminescent particle immunoassays (CMIA). Using PCR for COVID-19 as gold standard, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were determined. Each assay was tested in 2 groups: Positive Controls, formed by 50 sera from 50 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneu- monia with positive PCR; Negative Controls, formed by 50 sera from 50 pa- tients with respiratory infection non-COVID-19.ResultsSensitivity range of the 10 assays evaluated for patients with positive COVID-19 PCR was 40-77% (65-81% considering IgG plus IgM). Specificity ranged 83-100%. VPP and VPN were respectively 81-100% and 61.6-81%.ConclusionsResults obtained varied widely among the assays evaluated.Highest diagnostic accuracy was obtained with ELISA and CMIAs, but they last much longer.
The mediation role of religiosity and hope for the effect of self-stigma on psychological well-being among Virus Corona (COVID-19) patients
Authors: AlEid Nawal , Arnout Boshra A. , Alqahtani Mohammed M. J. , Fadhel Fahmi H.
Published: August 2020

Background: Over the past few months, there is a significant increase in mortality and morbidity due to Coronavirus disease (Kar, Yasir Arafat, Kabir, Sharma, & Saxena, 2020). Less attention has been paid by researchers to the COVID-19 pandemic, stigmatism, psychological well-being, hope and religiosity and, and how these may impact on the patient's recovery.Method: A random sample consisted of 426 COVID-19 patients, who have resided in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, they answered an online questionnaire contains four scales (Religiosity, hope, stigma, and well-being). The data collected from the study participants were analyzed quantitatively by using One-way ANOVA, Exploratory Factor Analysis EFA, Confirmatory Factor Analysis CFA, and Structural Equation Model (IBM SPSS statistics 21 and Amos v.25). Results: The results showed that there are statistical significant differences due to age in hope and well-being, in favor of the sample members belonging to the age group from 30 years old and over old, while there are no differences in religiosity and stigma due to age. As well as, there are no differences due to the education level in religiosity, hope, stigma and well-being. About the differences due to social status, there are statistical significant differences in well-being in favor of married group, while there are no differences in religiosity, hope and stigma due to social status. About the effect of income level in the study variables, the results showed that there are no differences due to income level in religiosity, hope, stigma and well-being. Moreover, the findings found that both religiosity and hope play an mediating role in the relationship between the latent variables stigma and psychological well-being.Conclusions: Religiosity and hope play a mediating role in the relationship between stigma associated with COVID-19 and psychological well-being. These results indicate a number of potential strategies to reduce the negative effects of the stigma associated with COVID-19 and to increase the level of psychological well-being among COVID-19 patients.
Genetic Background of Micellar and Soluble Calcium and Phosphorus Predicted From Bovine Milk Mid-infrared Spectra 
Authors: Franzoi Marco , Costa Angela , Penasa Mauro , Marchi Massimo De
Published: August 2020

BackgroundMid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) is a valuable tool to determine milk composition and quality, and to collect data at population level. In milk, Ca and P are partitioned between micellar (MP) and soluble phase (SP), both with important effects on milk coagulation properties; in particular, greater mineral content in MP translates into better milk coagulation ability. Nevertheless, the high analytic costs of gold standard quantification methods hamper the possibility to deepen partition of minerals in MP and SP on a large scale. In this study, MP and SP of Ca and P were predicted from mid-infrared spectra of 111,653 individual milk samples from 9,519 Italian Holstein cows. Sources of non-genetic variation for MP and SP of Ca and P were investigated, and their genetic associations with milk yield, quality and coagulation properties were estimated.ResultsThe MP of Ca and P decreased with parity but increased along the lactation, resembling the trend of protein content. Both MP and SP of Ca and P showed exploitable genetic variation and were heritable, and they were associated with traits of interest for the dairy industry, in particular milk yield and protein content. Furthermore, negative correlations between the two phases of the same mineral were estimated. The MP was negatively related to milk yield.ConclusionsThe MP and SP of the same mineral are negatively correlated, meaning that it is possible to improve mineral partition toward MP, in order to get milk with better technological properties. The current selection index of Italian Holstein breed gives positive emphasis on milk protein (content and yield) and thus it is indirectly improving the MP of Ca and P while reducing their SP content. Future research will focus on the genomic architecture of such traits to evaluate the role of potential specific genes in the determination of these mineral fractions in cow milk.
Donor Heart Preservation with Hypoxic Conditioned Medium Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem cell improves Cardiac Function in a Heart Transplantation Model
Authors: Zhou Pengyu , Liu Hao , Liu Ximao , Ling Xiao , Xiao Zezhou , Zhu Peng , Zhu Yufeng , Lu Jun , Zheng Shaoyi
Published: August 2020

Background: In heart transplantation, donor hearts inevitably suffer from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which leads to primary graft dysfunction and affects patients’ survival rate. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been reported to attenuate myocardial I/R injury via their paracrine effects, which can be enhanced by hypoxic preconditioning. We hypothesized that the donor heart preservation with hypoxic conditioned medium derived from BMSCs (CM-BMSCs) would improve post-transplant graft function. Methods: Normoxic CM and hypoxic CM were isolated from rat BMSCs cultured under normoxic (20% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) condition. Donor hearts were explanted, stored in cardioplegic solution supplemented with either a medium (Vehicle), normoxic CM (N-CM), or hypoxic CM (H-CM), and then heterotopically transplanted. Antibody arrays were performed to compare the differences between hypoxic CM and normoxic CM.Results: After heart transplantation, the donor heart preservation with normoxic CM was associated with shorter re-beating time, histopathological scores, and left ventricular systolic diameter, higher ejection fraction, and fractional shortening of transplanted hearts. These protective effects may be associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation, as reflected by less TUNEL-positive cells and lower levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and cardiac troponin I in the N-CM group compared with the vehicle group. These therapeutic effects can be further enhanced by hypoxic preconditioning. Antibody arrays revealed that nine proteins were significantly increased in hypoxic CM compared with normoxic CM. Furthermore, compared with vehicle and N-CM groups, the protein levels of PI3K and p‐Akt/Akt ratio in the transplanted hearts significantly increased in the H-CM group. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cardioplegic solution-enriched with hypoxic CM-BMSCs can be a novel and promising preservation solution for donor hearts.
Genomic Investigation of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Outbreak in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Jeong-Min , Park Sung Yong , Lee Daesang , Kim Jun-Sub , Park Youngjoon , Gwack Jin , Kim Mi Young , Song Dong Hyun , Jeong Seong Tae , Chung Yoon-Seok , Yoo Cheon Kwon , Lee Ha Youn , Han Myung-Guk
Published: August 2020

The South Korean government effectively contained the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak primarily associated with a religious group. We conducted SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing of 66 cases to investigate connections among the initial South Korean cases and the religious group outbreak. We assessed the accuracy of genomic investigation by comparing the whole genome sequences with comprehensive contact tracing records. Five transmission clusters were estimated among the 15 initial cases. The six close-contact cases and two potential exposure pairs identified by contact tracing showed two or fewer nucleotide base differences. Additionally, we identified two transmission clusters from the religious group outbreak that were phylogenetically distinct from the initial clusters, sharing common G11083T, G26144T, and C14805T markers. The strain closest to the two religious group clusters was identified from a pair of identical sequences isolated from individuals who traveled from Wuhan to Italy. Our findings provide insights into the origins of community spread of COVID-19.
Telephone-Delivered Dietary Intervention in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 3-Months Post-Intervention Findings of a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Diana , Mitchell Paul , Burlutsky George , Liew Gerald , Flood Victoria M. , Gopinath Bamini
Published: August 2020

Background: There is an evidence-practice gap between the dietary recommendations for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presented in the literature and those practiced by patients. This study reports on the 3-months post-intervention results of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating telephone-delivered dietary counselling aiming to improve dietary behaviors among patients with AMD.Methods: 155 AMD patients (57% female, aged 78 ± 8 years; control: 78, intervention: 77), primarily residing in New South Wales, Australia were recruited into the RCT at baseline. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and short dietary questionnaire for age-related macular degeneration (SDQ-AMD). The intervention included an evidence-based nutrition resource and four monthly calls with a dietitian in addition to usual care; the control arm only received usual care. Immediately post-intervention, participants in the intervention arm were invited to repeat the SDQ-AMD and complete a feedback form. At 3-months post-intervention, all participants were invited to repeat the SDQ-AMD. Statistical analyses included t-tests and McNemar’s test to determine change in dietary intakes and proportion of participants meeting the dietary recommendations, respectively; level of significance for all statistical analyses was p <0.05. Descriptive statistics were used to describe adherence to and acceptability of the intervention.Results: At 3-months post-intervention compared to baseline, there were significant improvements within the intervention arm including increased intakes (mean serves ± SE) of dark green leafy vegetables (0.99 ± 0.17 vs 1.71 ± 0.22; p = 0.003) and legumes (0.69 ± 0.10 vs 1.12 ± 0.16; p = 0.02), and reduced intakes of specified discretionary foods (8.31 ± 0.76 vs 6.54 ± 0.58, p = 0.01). Between study arms, intakes of nuts were significantly higher in the intervention arm (control: 2.71 ± 0.32 vs intervention: 3.96 ± 0.51; p = 0.04) at 3-months post-intervention. Overall feedback about the intervention was positive, with all completers (n = 74) finding the program worthwhile and 98.7% (n = 73) indicating they would recommend it to others. Conclusion: This novel intervention was well-received and significantly improved the dietary intakes of dark green leafy vegetables, legumes and discretionary foods within the intervention arm.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; ACTRN12618000527268; registered 10 April 2018.
High-Sensitivity CRP is Independently Associated with HDL-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux Capacity and HDL Remodeling in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Tang Xiaoyu , Mao Ling , Chen Jin , Zhang Tianhua , Weng Shuwei , Guo Xin , Kuang Jie , Yu Bilian , Peng Daoquan
Published: August 2020

Background: Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a crucial atheroprotective function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), has proven to be a reliable predictor of cardiovascular risk. Inflammation can damage CEC, but few studies have focused on the relationship between the systemic inflammation marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and CEC in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Thirty-six CAD patients and sixty-one non-CAD controls were enrolled in this observational, cross-sectional study. CEC was measured using a [3H] cholesterol loading Raw 264.7 cell model with apolipoprotein B-depleted plasma (a surrogate for HDL). Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to assess HDL components and subclass distribution. hsCRP was measured with a latex particle, enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.Results: CEC was impaired in CAD patients compared to controls (11.9±2.3% vs. 13.0±2.2%, p=0.022). In the control group, CEC was positively correlated with enzymatically measured HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (r=0.358, p=0.006) or NMR-determined HDL-C levels (r=0.416, p=0.001). However, in the CAD group, the significance of correlation disappeared (enzymatic method: r=0.216, p=0.206; NMR spectroscopy: r=0.065, p=0.708). Instead, we found that the level of hsCRP was negatively correlated with CEC (r=-0.351, p=0.036), and this relationship was not modified by CAD risk factors, HDL-C, and HDL subclasses. NMR showed that HDL particles shifted to larger ones in patients with high hsCRP levels, and this phenomenon was accompanied by decreased CEC. Conclusions: In patients with CAD, the level of HDL-C cannot reflect HDL function, but hsCRP is independently associated with HDL dysfunction. The impaired correlation between HDL-C and CEC is possibly due to an inflammation-induced HDL subclass remodeling. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900020873. Registered on 21 January 2019 - Retrospectivelyregistered.
COVID-19-related stigma and its' influencing factors: a rapid nationwide study in China
Authors: Jiang Tianyu , Zhou Xudong , Lin Leesa , Pan Yanzheng , Zhong Yuyuan , Wang Xiaomin , Zhu Hui
Published: August 2020

Background：COVID-19 poses a signiﬁcant challenge to global public health. During the pandemic, COVID-19 patients and people in outbreak areas have suffered from stigma associated with the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19-related stigma toward COVID-19 patients and people from the city of Wuhan in China and assess the association of COVID-19-related stigma, health literacy, and sociodemographic characteristics.Methods：A cross-sectional survey covering 5,039 respondents was conducted in 31 provinces in China using a convenience sampling method. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with COVID-19-related stigma.Results：Among the participants, 122 (2.4%) reported themselves and 254 (5.0%) reported the communities they lived in held a stigmatizing attitude toward COVID-19 patients, respectively. Additionally, 114 (2.5%) and 475 (10.3%) reported that themselves and the communities they lived in, respectively, held a stigma against people from Wuhan, where was the most severely affected area in China. People aged over 40, lived in areas with severe epidemics (aOR=2.15, 95% CI [1.12-4.13]), and who felt it difficult to find and understand information about COVID-19 (aOR=1.91, 95% CI [1.08-3.27]; aOR=1.88, 95% CI [1.08-3.29]) were more likely to stigmatize COVID-19 patients. People who were male, aged 41 to 50, and had difficulty understanding information (aOR=2.08, 95% CI [1.17-3.69]) were more likely to stigmatize people from Wuhan.Conclusions：COVID-19 patients and Wuhan residents suffered stigma at both the individual and community levels, although proportion of those holding a stigma was not very high. Provinces close to Wuhan had relatively high stigma toward COVID-19 patients and people from Wuhan. There was a correlation between better health literacy and lower stigma during the COVID-19 outbreak. Tailored interventions were encouraged to improve health literacy and consequently to reduce stigma toward both COVID-19 patients and Wuhan people from individual and community levels, respectively.