bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticancer Effects of Polyisoprenoid From Nypa fruticans Leaves by Controlling Expression of p53, EGFR, PI3K, AKT1, and mTOR Genes in Colon Cancer (WiDr) Cells
Authors: Istiqomah Meighina Atika , Hasibuan Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun , Sumaiyah Sumaiyah , Yusraini Era , Oku Hirosuke , Basyuni Mohammad
Published: April 2020

The current research seeks to examine the anticancer effect of polyisoprenoids from mangrove palm, Nypa fruticans, leaves in WiDr cells by analyzing the cell cycles of cancer and regulating the expression of p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), PI3K, AKT1, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) genes by using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An inhibited cell cycle analysis was conducted using the flow cytometry, and the upregulation or downregulation of the expression of p53, EGFR, PI3K, AKT1, and mTOR genes was obtained using RT-PCR. The data were then statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance by a post hoc test, a parametric statistical analysis using Tukey’s honest significant difference. Polyisoprenoids in N. fruticans extracts worked as chemotheraupetic in the G0-G1 cycle is 79.0%, however, with positive control 5-fluorouracil as 88.1% and are carried out by the specific upregulation of the expression of the p53 gene and the downregulation of the expression of the EGFR, PI3K, AKT1, and mTOR genes. This study can also explain the significant pharmacological properties of the leaves of the species N. fruticans that work specifically in the G0-G1 phase to upregulate the expression of the p53 gene and downregulate the expression of the EGFR, PI3K, AKT1, and mTOR genes. This study also revealed polyisoprenoid (100% dolichol), which blocked the growth and development of WiDr colon cancer cells.
Prophylactic Treatments of Cycas Stem Wounds Influence Vegetative Propagation
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Deloso Benjamin E. , Cruz Gil N.
Published: April 2020

Cycad stem cuttings will develop adventitious roots if the open wound is first treated with a sealant to protect the exposed parenchyma tissue. The commercial pruning wound sealant that is often employed for this purpose is not available in many locations. We used commonly available products as a prophylactic sealant on Cycas edentata , Cycas micronesica , and Cycas nitida cuttings to determine efficacy for sealing the wound and enabling adventitious root formation. Success was quantified after 7 months in a sand propagation substrate. Mortality was 100% for control cuttings with no wound sealant and about 60% for cuttings with candle wax as the sealant. Cuttings that received petroleum jelly, lanolin paste, modeling clay, honeycomb wax, or commercial pruning sealant exhibited 100% survival. Success in adventitious root formation ranged from 75% to 92% among the five successful prophylactic treatments and did not differ among the species. The results indicated that four of the products we evaluated were as effective as commercial pruning sealant for treating the exposed parenchyma on Cycas stem cuttings and enabling asexual propagation success. The candle wax was less effective because it was brittle and cracked to expose the stem’s parenchyma tissue.
The numbers of peripheral regulatory T cells are reduced in patients with psoriatic arthritis and are restored by low-dose interleukin-2
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Sheng-Xiao , Hao Yu-Fei , Qiu Meng-Ting , Luo Jing , Li Yu-Yao , Gao Chong , Li Xiao-Feng
Published: April 2020

Background:

Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial roles in the maintenance of immune hemostasis, the numbers of peripheral Tregs in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remain unclear. We measured these numbers and the efficacy and safety of low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy.

Methods:

We recruited 95 PsA patients, of whom 22 received subcutaneous low-dose IL-2 [0.5 million international units (MIU) per day for 5 days] combined with conventional therapies. The absolute numbers of cells in peripheral CD4+ T cell subsets were measured via modified flow cytometry. Clinical and laboratory indicators were compared before and after treatment.

Results:

PsA patients had lower peripheral Treg numbers than healthy controls ( p < 0.01), correlating significantly and negatively with the levels of disease indicators ( p < 0.05). Although low-dose IL-2 significantly increased the Th17 and Treg numbers in PsA patients compared with the baseline values, the Treg numbers rose much more rapidly than those of Th17 cells, re-balancing the Th17 and Treg proportions. Low-dose IL-2 combination therapy rapidly reduced PsA disease activities as indicated by the DAS28 instrument, thus the number of tender joints, visual analog scale pain, physician global assessment, the dermatology life quality index score, and the health assessment questionnaire score (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

PsA patients exhibited low Treg numbers. Low-dose IL-2 combination treatment increased these numbers and relieved disease activity without any apparent side effects. Additional studies are required to explore the long-term immunoregulatory utility of IL-2 treatment.
Evaluation of Aldehydes, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and PM2.5 Levels in Food Trucks: A Pilot Study
Authors: Phillips Holden , Oh Jonghwa
Published: April 2020

Background: The food truck industry has rapidly expanded in the United States and kitchen environments can contain harmful contaminants from cooking emissions. The objective of this study was to examine the levels of aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Particulate Matter (PM)2.5 generated from cooking process in food trucks. Methods: Area sampling was performed twice at two participating food trucks during work shifts. Nine aldehydes and eighteeen PAHs were analyzed according to the relevant standard methods while PM2.5 was measured with a real time monitor. Ventilation performance of the food truck exhaust hoods was also investigated using a thermal anemometer. Findings: Formaldehyde was the only aldehyde detected in all samples with a concentration range of 7.16 to 53.68 µg/m3. No PAHs were detected above the limit of quantification. Average PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 0.65 to 7.03 mg/m3. Food Trucks 1 and 2 have an average exhaust flow rate of 211 and 215 L/s per linear meter of hood, respectively. Conclusions/Application to practice: Overall, Food Truck 2 had consistently higher levels of aldehydes and PM2.5 with comparable ventilation performance as Food Truck 1. The higher exposure levels of Food Truck 2 could possibly be attributed to a larger volume of food orders and the heavy duty cooking equipment with an exhaust flow rate below the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations. Although more investigations need to be performed, the findings could be used to raise awareness of food truck workers and health practitioners to reduce potential exposure risks.
Making and Managing Change in Legal Education: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Grimes Richard
Published: April 2020

This article looks at how we design and deliver legal education, why we do so in the ways that we do and whether there may be more effective ways of doing so. So far as the latter is concerned a range of models are set out that provide a template for more interactive and inclusive ways of learning and teaching.

The emphasis throughout this contribution is on the need for a theoretical framework based on educational ‘best practice’ and the importance of locating what we do and how we do it in the context of the contemporary law school.

The article argues that careful consideration must be given to not only the need for and significance of change but also the logistical and other concerns in implementing and delivering this, including the coverage of the curriculum and the assessment of student work.

The conclusions reached suggest that a reasoned and structured road map addressing, critically but constructively, the need for further developing our understanding and practice of pedagogy for lawyers may help to produce a legal education system, nationally and internationally, that is better fit for present and future times.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroids for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hurley Eoghan T. , Shimozono Yoshiharu , Hannon Charles P. , Smyth Niall A. , Murawski Christopher D. , Kennedy John G.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Several recent randomized control trials (RCTs) have been published comparing the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CSs) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review of RCTs to compare whether PRP or CS injections result in decreased pain levels and improved patient outcomes in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were screened according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines to identify RCTs comparing PRP and CS injections for plantar fasciitis. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were compared between groups at 1, 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months, where possible. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan, and P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 9 RCTs were identified comparing 239 patients with PRP with 240 patients with CS injections. At the follow-up time points, including 1-1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months, there were statistically significant differences in VAS scores in favor of PRP ( P = .004, P < .00001, P < .00001, and P < .00001, respectively). At 1 and 3 months, there was no difference in AOFAS scores ( P = .76 and P = .35, respectively). However, at 6 and 12 months, there was a difference in AOFAS scores in favor of PRP ( P < .00001 and P < .00001, respectively).

Conclusion:

In patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, the current clinical evidence suggests that PRP may lead to a greater improvement in pain and functional outcome over CS injections.
Experimental and simulated research on the ballistic performance of Ti/Al3Ti laminate composites
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhao Siyuan , Sun Limin , He Wenbin , Ma Jun
Published: April 2020

The metal-intermetallic laminate composite Ti/Al3Ti can be used as protective armor in aerospace and military applications, due to its low density, high strength, and superior impact-resistant performance. The ballistic performance of the laminate composite was studied by ballistic testing and finite element technology. The failure modes, such as radical cracks, layer delamination, and plastic deformation, have been found after the ballistic test, and the specific energy absorption was used to evaluate the ballistic capacity of the material. The finite element model of the Ti/Al3Ti impacted by the projectile was established by considering the interface, which was simulated by the solid elements with zero thickness. The simulation results demonstrate the failure process of the interface during penetration. The interfacial failure allowed for layer detachment with its labor layers. The simulation results agree well with that of the experiment, and the practicality and credibility of the model is verified.
In situremediation of arsenic-rich mine tailings using slag zero valence iron
Authors: Yue Tingting , Chen Shu , Liu Jing
Published: April 2020

Arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and realgar (As4S4) are two common arsenic minerals that often cause serious environmental issues. Centralised treatment of arsenic-containing tailings can reduce land occupation and save management costs. The current work examined the remediation schemes of tailings from Hunan Province, China, where by different tailings containing arsenopyrite and realgar were blended with exogenous slag zero valence iron (ZVI). Introducing Fe-oxidising bacteria (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) recreates a biologically oxidative environment. All bioleaching experiments were done over three stages, each for 7 days and the solid phase of all tests was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and selective extraction analyses. The results showed that the mixture group reduced arsenic release by 72.9–74.7% compared with the control group. The addition of 0.2 g ZVI clearly decreased arsenic release, and the addition of 4.0 g ZVI led to the lowest arsenic release among all tests. The decrease of arsenic released from the tailings was due to the adsorption and uptake of arsenic by secondary iron-containing minerals and Fe–As(V) secondary mineralisation. The addition of large amounts of ZVI reduced the arsenic detected in the amorphous Fe precipitates. Therefore, a low cost and integrated strategy to reduce arsenic release from tailings is to mix two typical tailings and apply exogenous slag ZVI, which can apply to thein situremediation of two kinds or more arsenic-containing tailings.
Hagstromite, Pb8Cu2+(Te6+O6)2(CO3)Cl4, a new lead–tellurium oxysalt mineral from Otto Mountain, California, USA
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Housley Robert M. , Mills Stuart J. , Rossman George R. , Marty Joe
Published: April 2020

Hagstromite, Pb8Cu2+(Te6+O6)2(CO3)Cl4, (IMA2019-093) is a new tellurate mineral from Otto Mountain near Baker, California, USA. It occurs on quartz in association with cerussite, fuettererite and thorneite. It is a secondary oxidation zone mineral and is presumed to have formed by oxidation of earlier formed tellurides, chalcopyrite and galena. Hagstromite occurs as light yellow–green blades, up to ~100 μm long. Crystals are transparent with adamantine to silky lustre. The mineral is brittle with two cleavages providing splintery fracture; the Mohs hardness is probably between 2 and 3. The calculated density is 7.062 g cm–3. Hagstromite is optically biaxial (+), with calculated indices of refraction for α = 2.045, β = 2.066 and γ = 2.102; 2Vmeas = 76(1)°; and optical orientation X = b, Y = a and Z = c. The Raman spectrum of hagstromite exhibits similarities with those of agaite and thorneite and confirms the presence of CO32–. The electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formula Pb8.07Cu2+0.98Te6+1.96C1.17Cl3.83O15.34. Hagstromite is orthorhombic, space group Ibam, with a = 23.688(17), b = 9.026(8), c = 10.461(8) Å, V = 2237(3) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure of hagstromite (R1 = 0.0659 for 284 I > 2σI reflections) contains a novel Cu2+Te6+2O12 chain assembled of corner-sharing Cu2+O4 squares and Te6+O6 octahedra. The O atoms in the chains form bonds with Pb2+ cations, which in turn bond to Cl– and CO32– anions, thereby creating a framework structure.
Hydrops fetalis and neonatal abdominal compartment syndrome continuum from immature gastric teratoma: a case report
Authors: Caballes Alvin B. , Dungca Leona Bettina P. , Uy Maria Esterlita V. , Torralba Maria Geraldine C. , Embuscado Cristina Marie G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Hydrops fetalis as well as abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) are conditions that are associated with high mortality rates. A rare case of immature gastric teratoma causing fetal hydrops and subsequent ACS is presented. The related pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed, and the importance of timely recognition and appropriate interventions are highlighted.

Case presentation

The male patient was born preterm, weighing 3.9 kg., by Cesarean section. Prior prenatal ultrasounds were normal, but a scan done just before delivery had findings indicating polyhydramnios, fetal ascites, and meconium peritonitis. Upon delivery, the patient had respiratory distress, anasarca and a massively distended abdomen. Resuscitation measures, including ventilatory support, were instituted. Imaging studies showed ascites as well as a large, complex intra-abdominal lesion with calcifications. In the succeeding hours, anuria persisted, anasarca worsened, the abdomen became more distended, and inotrope requirements increased. The occurrence of ACS, from what was presumed to be a retroperitoneal teratoma, was therefore considered. Laparotomy was done on the 28th hour of life, with en bloc excision of a massive tumor and attached section of the greater curvature of the stomach. Passage of urine occurred intra-operatively, and the patient was soon after weaned off inotropes and ventilator support. The histopathologic result was immature gastric teratoma. No chemotherapy was given, and the patient’s serum AFP is at normal levels 15 months following surgery.

Conclusion

The presence of a massive intra-abdominal lesion can result in the pathophysiologic continuum of hydrops fetalis and neonatal ACS. The early recognition of such an association can enable appropriate expectant management of similarly affected neonates, including emergent decompression laparotomy.
Dynamics of conflict during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2018–2019
Authors: Kraemer Moritz U. G. , Pigott David M. , Hill Sarah C. , Vanderslott Samantha , Reiner Robert C. , Stasse Stephanie , Brownstein John S. , Gutierrez Bernardo , Dennig Francis , Hay Simon I. , Wint G. R. William , Pybus Oliver G. , Castro Marcia C. , Vinck Patrick , Pham Phuong N. , Nilles Eric J. , Cauchemez Simon
Published: April 2020

Background

The 2018–2019 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest ever recorded in the DRC. It has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak emerged in a region of chronic conflict and insecurity, and directed attacks against health care workers may have interfered with disease response activities. Our study characterizes and quantifies the broader conflict dynamics over the course of the outbreak by pairing epidemiological and all available spatial conflict data.

Methods

We build a set of conflict variables by mapping the spatial locations of all conflict events and their associated deaths in each of the affected health zones in North Kivu and Ituri, eastern DRC, before and during the outbreak. Using these data, we compare patterns of conflict before and during the outbreak in affected health zones and those not affected. We then test whether conflict is correlated with increased EVD transmission at the health zone level.

Findings

The incidence of conflict events per capita is ~ 600 times more likely in Ituri and North Kivu than for the rest of the DRC. We identified 15 time periods of substantial uninterrupted transmission across 11 health zones and a total of 120 bi-weeks. We do not find significant short-term associations between the bi-week reproduction numbers and the number of conflicts. However, we do find that the incidence of conflict per capita was correlated with the incidence of EVD per capita at the health zone level for the entire outbreak (Pearson’s r = 0.33, 95% CI 0.05–0.57). In the two provinces, the monthly number of conflict events also increased by a factor of 2.7 in Ebola-affected health zones (p value < 0.05) compared to 2.0 where no transmission was reported and 1.3 in the rest of the DRC, in the period between February 2019 and July 2019.

Conclusion

We characterized the association between variables documenting broad conflict levels and EVD transmission. Such assessment is important to understand if and how such conflict variables could be used to inform the outbreak response. We found that while these variables can help characterize long-term challenges and susceptibilities of the different regions they provide little insight on the short-term dynamics of EVD transmission.
Expression of MuRF1 or MuRF2 is essential for the induction of skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction in a murine pulmonary hypertension model
Authors: Nguyen Thanh , Bowen T. Scott , Augstein Antje , Schauer Antje , Gasch Alexander , Linke Axel , Labeit Siegfried , Adams Volker
Published: April 2020

Background

Pulmonary hypertension leads to right ventricular heart failure and ultimately to cardiac cachexia. Cardiac cachexia induces skeletal muscles atrophy and contractile dysfunction. MAFbx and MuRF1 are two key proteins that have been implicated in chronic muscle atrophy of several wasting states.

Methods

Monocrotaline (MCT) was injected over eight weeks into mice to establish pulmonary hypertension as a murine model for cardiac cachexia. The effects on skeletal muscle atrophy, myofiber force, and selected muscle proteins were evaluated in wild-type (WT), MuRF1, and MuRF2-KO mice by determining muscle weights, in vitro muscle force and enzyme activities in soleus and tibialis anterior (TA) muscle.

Results

In WT, MCT treatment induced wasting of soleus and TA mass, loss of myofiber force, and depletion of citrate synthase (CS), creatine kinase (CK), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) (all key metabolic enzymes). This suggests that the murine MCT model is useful to mimic peripheral myopathies as found in human cardiac cachexia. In MuRF1 and MuRF2-KO mice, soleus and TA muscles were protected from atrophy, contractile dysfunction, while metabolic enzymes were not lowered in MuRF1 or MuRF2-KO mice. Furthermore, MuRF2 expression was lower in MuRF1KO mice when compared to C57BL/6 mice.

Conclusions

In addition to MuRF1, inactivation of MuRF2 also provides a potent protection from peripheral myopathy in cardiac cachexia. The protection of metabolic enzymes in both MuRF1KO and MuRF2KO mice as well as the dependence of MuRF2 expression on MuRF1 suggests intimate relationships between MuRF1 and MuRF2 during muscle atrophy signaling.
The role of exposure in the treatment of anxiety in children and adolescents: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schopf Kathrin , Mohr Cornelia , Lippert Michael W. , Sommer Katharina , Meyer Andrea Hans , Schneider Silvia
Published: April 2020

Background

In children and adolescents, anxiety disorders (ADs) are among the most prevalent mental disorders. While there is a solid empirical foundation to support CBT as an evidence-based treatment for childhood ADs, the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of CBT are not well explored. Exposure is assumed to be vital to the efficacy of CBT in ADs, but empirical evidence (e.g., dismantling studies) showing that exposure is indeed a vital element of effective treatments is relatively scarce. The proposed meta-analysis aims to investigate the role of exposure in reducing symptoms of anxiety among children and adolescents.

Methods

A systematic search of several electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Psyndex plus, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE will be conducted (from inception onwards). We will include randomized and non-randomized clinical trials examining exposure and anxiety among children and adolescents. If feasible, we will also include experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies. The primary outcome will be improvement in anxiety levels (recovery or change in anxiety rating scale) after exposure. Three reviewers will independently screen all citations, abstract data, and full-text articles. The methodological quality (or risk of bias) of individual studies will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct mixed effects meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., dose of exposure, age group, methodological quality).

Discussion

This systematic review and meta-analysis will examine the role of exposure in reducing symptoms of anxiety among youth. The review will provide information on the working mechanisms underlying the efficacy of CBT. Our findings will be of interest to mental health professionals, researchers, and policy makers who wish to support children and adolescents with anxiety disorders by guiding well-informed treatment decisions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO (CRD42019128667).
Preparedness for Chagas disease spreading worldwide
Authors: Liu Qin , Chen Jin , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: April 2020

Chagas disease remains a serious problem for public health due to the high disease burden together with its global spreading patterns. However, current treatment and vector control are highly challenged by drug and insecticide resistance. Chemotherapy and vector control have been proved to be effective attempts to minimize the disease burden. Continued efforts are necessary to keep adapting the surveillance-response systems to the dynamic health systems. More attention and investments are needed to improve appropriate strategy and technology in different settings. This may be accomplished by creating effective risk early warning, addressing vulnerability and building resilience systems, implementing a vector surveillance system, as well as innovating research and technology.
Treating implicit trauma: a quasi-experimental study comparing the EMDR Therapy Standard Protocol with a ‘Blind 2 Therapist’ version within a trauma capacity building project in Northern Iraq
Authors: Farrell Derek , Kiernan Matthew D. , de Jongh Ad , Miller Paul William , Bumke Peter , Ahmad Salah , Knibbs Lorraine , Mattheß Cordula , Keenan Paul , Mattheß Helga
Published: April 2020

Psychological trauma is a silent epidemic which presents as a global public health issue, often in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an empirically supported treatment intervention for PTSD and has been used as part of trauma-capacity building, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). For some survivor’s, their trauma experiences cannot be spoken of: they may be alluded to, suggested and though not directly expressed. There are several factors as to why these implicit trauma experiences are ‘unspoken’, for example, when the trauma involves a deep-rooted sense of shame or guilt, a distorted sense of over-responsibility or when to speak of the trauma engenders fear of retribution, reprisal and consequence. This paper will explore the effectiveness of using two protocol variations of EMDR Therapy—standard versus a ‘Blind 2 Therapist’ protocol version as part of a quasi-experimental study which took place in Northern Iraq. The study contains two projects and subsequently tested several hypotheses regarding safety, effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the ‘Blind 2 Therapist’ protocol within EMDR Therapy. Results indicated support for the B2T protocol intervention with various trauma populations including Yezidi survivors of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)—also known as Daesh.
Association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene rs1801131 A/C polymorphism and urinary tumors’ susceptibility
Authors: Xu Shuaili , Zuo Li
Published: April 2020

Background

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) rs1801131 A/C variant results in a decrease in MTHFR enzymatic activity, which may play an important role in folate metabolism and is also an important source of DNA methylation and DNA synthesis. Several case-control studies have been conducted to assess the association of MTHFR rs1801131 polymorphism with the risk of urinary cancers, yet with conflicting conclusions. To derive a more precise estimation of above relationship, the association between the MTHFR rs1801131 A/C polymorphism and the risk of urinary cancer was performed.

Methods

A total of 28 case-control studies was identified. The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated to assess.

Results

On one hand, we found that the MTHFR rs1801131 A/C polymorphism was associated with increased whole urinary cancers’ risk (for example CA vs. AA: OR = 1.12. 95%CI = 1.01–1.24). On the other hand, we found that the MTHFR rs1801131 A/C polymorphism might increase bladder cancer risk both in Asian (C-allele vs. A-allele: OR = 1.35. 95%CI = 1.15–1.60) and African populations (CA vs. AA: OR = 1.63. 95%CI = 1.17–2.25).

Conclusions

Our current analysis suggested that MTHFR rs1801131 A/C is associated with urinary cancers, especially bladder cancer.
Mental disorders on admission to jail: A study of prevalence and a comparison with a community sample in the north of France
Authors: Fovet Thomas , Plancke Laurent , Amariei Alina , Benradia Imane , Carton Fanny , Sy Aminata , Kyheng Maeva , Tasniere Grégory , Amad Ali , Danel Thierry , Thomas Pierre , Roelandt Jean-Luc
Published: April 2020

Background.

The aim of the present study was to estimate prevalence rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders in male and female prisoners on admission to prison in the north of France and compare the frequency of these disorders to the general population.

Methods.

This cross-sectional survey on Mental Health in the Prison Population (MHPP), conducted between March 2014 and April 2017, interviewed 653 randomly selected men and women who had recently been committed to the French general population prison system in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments. For each subject, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), a standardized psychiatric interview, was used to screen for psychiatric and substance use disorders. The prevalence rates were then compared with data from the Mental Health in the General Population (MHGP) survey, a general population survey that used the same assessment methodology as MHPP in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments. A control sample was taken from the MHGP survey with a ratio of one case (MHPP) to three controls (MHGP) matching on age and sex.

Results.

The sample was primarily composed of French men, most of them single with low educational levels at the time of imprisonment. The mean age was 31.7 (standard deviation = 9.9; min = 18; max = 67). Most of the subjects included were first-time prisoners. The prevalence of affective disorders among newly incarcerated individuals was 31.2% with higher rates for major depressive disorder (27.2%). The prevalence of anxiety disorders was 44.4% with higher rates for generalized anxiety disorder (25.2%). The prevalence of psychotic syndromes was 6.9%. The prevalence of substance use disorders was 53.5% and a suicide risk was identified in 31.4% of the prisoners interviewed. Higher prevalence rates were found in the MHPP when compared with the MHGP for all psychiatric and substance use disorders assessed except for dysthymia and current isolated psychotic syndrome.

Conclusions.

Our study shows very high levels of prevalence for psychiatric and substance use disorders in recently committed French prisoners.
Prevalence and incidence of clinical outcomes in patients presenting to secondary mental health care with mood instability and sleep disturbance
Authors: McDonald Keltie , Smith Tanya , Broadbent Matthew , Patel Rashmi , Geddes John R. , Saunders Kate E. A.
Published: April 2020

Background.

Mood instability and sleep disturbance are common symptoms in people with mental illness. Both features are clinically important and associated with poorer illness trajectories. We compared clinical outcomes in people presenting to secondary mental health care with mood instability and/or sleep disturbance with outcomes in people without either mood instability or sleep disturbance.

Methods.

Data were from electronic health records of 31,391 patients ages 16–65 years presenting to secondary mental health services between 2008 and 2016. Mood instability and sleep disturbance were identified using natural language processing. Prevalence of mood instability and sleep disturbance were estimated at baseline. Incidence rate ratios were estimates for clinical outcomes including psychiatric diagnoses, prescribed medication, and hospitalization within 2-years of presentation in persons with mood instability and/or sleep disturbance compared to individuals without either symptom.

Results.

Mood instability was present in 9.58%, and sleep disturbance in 26.26% of patients within 1-month of presenting to secondary mental health services. Compared with individuals without either symptom, those with mood instability and sleep disturbance showed significantly increased incidence of prescription of any psychotropic medication (incidence rate ratios [IRR] = 7.04, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 6.53–7.59), and hospitalization (IRR = 5.32, 95% CI 5.32, 4.67–6.07) within 2-years of presentation. Incidence rates of most clinical outcomes were considerably increased among persons with both mood instability and sleep disturbance, relative to persons with only one symptom.

Conclusions.

Mood instability and sleep disturbance are present in a wide range of mental disorders, beyond those in which they are conventionally considered to be symptoms. They are associated with poor outcomes, particularly when they occur together. The poor prognosis associated with mood instability and sleep disorder may be, in part, because they are often treated as secondary symptoms. Mood instability and sleep disturbance need better recognition as clinical targets for treatment in their own right.
Oncology Fellow–Led Quality Improvement Project to Improve Rates of Palliative Care Utilization in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Sedhom Ramy , Gupta Arjun , Shah Mirat , Hsu Melinda , Messmer Marcus , Murray Joseph , Browner Ilene , Smith Thomas J. , Marrone Kristen
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE:

ASCO guidelines recommend palliative care (PC) referral for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. Despite this, implementation has considerable hurdles. First-year oncology fellows at our institution identified low rates of PC utilization in their longitudinal clinic as a metric needing improvement.

METHODS:

A fellow-led multidisciplinary team aimed to increase PC utilization for patients with advanced cancer followed in he first-year fellows’ clinic from a baseline of 11.5% (5 of 43 patients, July to December of 2018) to 30% over a 6-month period. Utilization was defined as evaluation in the outpatient PC clinic hosted in the cancer center. The team identified the following barriers to referral: orders difficult to find in the electronic medical record (EMR), multiple consulting mechanisms (EMR, by phone, or in person), EMR request not activating formal consult, no centralized scheduler to contact or confirm appointment, and poor awareness of team structure. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were implemented based on identified opportunities. Data were obtained from the EMR.

RESULTS:

The first PDSA cycle included focus groups with stakeholders, standardizing referral process via single order set, identifying a single scheduler with bidirectional communication, and disseminating process changes. PDSA cycles were implemented from January to June of 2019. Rates of PC use increased from 11.5% before the intervention to 48.4% (48 of 99 patients) after the intervention.

CONCLUSION:

A multidisciplinary approach and classic quality improvement methodology improved PC use in patients with advanced cancer. The pilot succeeded given the small number of fellows, buy-in from stakeholders, and institutional and leadership support. Straightforward EMR interventions and ancillary staff use are effective in addressing underreferrals.
Standardization of Mark Tables and USCI-CF (Unit Subduced Cycle Indices with Chirality Fittingness) Tables Derived from Different D3h-Skeletons
Authors: Fujita Shinsaku
Published: April 2020

Combined-permutation representations (CPRs) for characterizing D3h-skeletons (i.e., a cyclopropane skeleton, a trigonal bipyramidal skeleton, an iceane skeleton, and so on) are constructed by starting from respective sets of generators, where the permutation of each generator is combined with a mirror-permutation of 2-cycles to give the CPR of degree 8 (= 6 + 2) for the cyclopropane skeleton, the CPR of degree 7 (= 5 + 2) for the trigonal bipyramidal skeleton, the CPR of degree 14 (= 12 + 2) for the iceane skeleton, and so on. Mark tables (tables of marks) of these CPRs are different in the alignment of subgroups from each other when they are produced as primary mark tables by the GAP system. On the other hand, the GAP functions MarkTableforUSCI and constructUSCITable, which have been previously developed to systematize the concordant construction of a standard mark table and a standard USCI-CF (unit-subduced-cycle-index-with-chirality-fittingness) table, are capable of constructing the standard mark table and the standard USCI-CF table even if we start from any of these CPRs. After a set of PCI-CFs (partial cycle indices with chirality fittingness) is calculated for each skeleton by means of the newly-developed GAP functions, symmetry-itemized combinatorial enumeration is conducted by means of the PCI method of Fujita’s USCI approach (S. Fujita, Symmetry and Combinatorial Enumeration in Chemistry, Springer-Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg, 1991).
Haemorrhagic versus non haemorrhagic ascites in cirrhosis: Their relationship and impact on prognosis of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Naqvi Iftikhar , Mahmood Khalid , Talib Abu
Published: April 2020

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of haemorrhagic ascites on prognosis of patients with advance cirrhosis, this study was further aimed to assess the relationship between haemorrhagic ascites and advance cirrhosis and its effect on prognosis.

Methods: Eight hundred and thirty-eight patients having liver cirrhosis with ascites were analyzed retrospectively (over three years) while segregated into two groups haemorrhagic and non haemorrhagic ascites. Patient outcome variables were identified among both groups and independent predictors for survival were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates determined survival rate comparison between groups.

Results: Haemorrhagic ascites was detected in (26.6%) patients. Spontaneous haemorrhagic ascites (79%) was the main cause of haemorrhagic ascites followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (14%) and iatrogenic (7.6%). Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and acute kidney injury were statistically significant (p= 0.0001, 0.0001) among groups. Overall mortality at year three was higher (83%) in haemorrhagic ascites group. Survival among both groups (haemorrhagic versus non haemorrhagic) at one month, one year and three year was found to be significant (p= 0.000, 0.000 and 0.000).

Conclusion: Haemorrhagic ascites impact overall survival with more mortality in comparison to non haemorrhagic ascites. Haemorrhagic ascites was an independent predictor of survival. Haemorrhagic ascites is possibly considered another predictor of survival among advance cirrhosis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2075

How to cite this:Naqvi IH, Mahmood K, Talib A. Haemorrhagic versus non haemorrhagic ascites in cirrhosis: Their relationship and impact on prognosis of liver cirrhosis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(4):603-608. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.4.2075

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
“Shadowing a nurse” technique
Authors: Kadda Olga
Published: April 2020

No abstract available
Machine learning meets pKa
Authors: Baltruschat Marcel , Czodrowski Paul
Published: April 2020

We present a small molecule pKa prediction tool entirely written in Python. It predicts the macroscopic pKa value and is trained on a literature compilation of monoprotic compounds. Different machine learning models were tested and random forest performed best given a five-fold cross-validation (mean absolute error=0.682, root mean squared error=1.032, correlation coefficient r2 =0.82). We test our model on two external validation sets, where our model performs comparable to Marvin and is better than a recently published open source model. Our Python tool and all data is freely available at https://github.com/czodrowskilab/Machine-learning-meets-pKa.
Psychopathic traits, psychological resilience and coping with stress in socially maladjusted youth
Authors: Nowakowski Krzysztof , Wróbel Katarzyna
Published: April 2020

Cel pracy

Podstawowym celem badań była analiza zależności pomiędzy cechami psychopatii w ujęciu modelu triarchicznego (zuchwałością, bezdusznością, rozhamowaniem) a poziomem prężności psychicznej oraz preferowanym stylem radzenia sobie ze stresem w grupie adolescentów naruszających normy prawne. Przyjęto założenie, że kluczową rolę w tej relacji będą odgrywać symptomy psychopatii zawarte na wymiarze zuchwałości.

Metoda

Grupa badana składała się łącznie ze 111 dziewcząt i chłopców wieku 16-18 lat przebywających w młodzieżowych ośrodkach wychowawczych. Do pomiaru nasilenia cech psychopatycznych wykorzystano polską adaptację kwestionariusza TriPM. Struktura prężności psychicznej oraz style radzenia sobie ze stresem w badanej grupie zostały zmierzone przy użyciu metod typu self-report, odpowiednio: Skali Prężności Psychicznej/SPP-18 oraz kwestionariusza CISS.

Wyniki

Ogólny poziom prężności psychicznej okazał się mediatorem pomiędzy zuchwałością a zadaniowym stylem radzenia sobie ze stresem. Zuchwałość jako składowa psychopatii powiązana była również ze wszystkimi skalami prężności psychicznej. Wymiar rozhamowania psychopatii łączył się z niskimi wskaźnikami prężności psychicznej oraz z częstszym wybieraniem stylu radzenia sobie skoncentrowanego na emocjach. Różnice międzypłciowe zaobserwowano w zakresie nasilenia bezduszności oraz radzeniu sobie w sytuacji stresowej w oparciu o emocje.

Wnioski

Podjęte badania przemawiają za traktowaniem psychopatii u młodzieży jako złożonego i wielowymiarowego konstruktu. Otrzymane dane potwierdzają także, że pewne cechy psychopatii mogą wiązać się ze wskaźnikami dobrego przystosowania.
Deadlines, Offer Timing, and the Search for Alternatives
Authors: Zorc Saša , Tsetlin Ilia
Published: April 2020

In “Deadlines, Timing, and the Search for Alternatives,” S. Zorc and I. Tsetlin consider decentralized matching markets like the job market for MBAs. They show that exploding offers (ones with a very short deadline) are often optimal. The benefit of those offers is to prevent the other party’s search for alternatives. However, the main argument in favor of longer deadlines is that people who already hold an offer become more selective when deciding whether to accept other alternatives (the acceptance deterrence effect). Thus, the goal of curtailing search can also be accomplished through increasing the other party’s selectivity instead of preventing them from searching altogether. A practical prescription for offer makers is to use exploding offers when acceptance deterrence is weak (e.g., when the other party’s alternatives will not change) and longer deadlines when it is strong (e.g., when you are able to react to the other party’s other offers).
CONFLITOS E DISPUTAS NA ALIANÇA PT E PMDB NA ELEIÇÃO DE 2010.
Authors: Guilherme Cássio Augusto
Published: April 2020

A história da aliança política entre PT e PMDB ainda está por ser totalmente escrita e compreendida e este artigo objetiva contribuir com o debate historiográfico. Discute-se aqui a hipótese de que esta aliança política já nasceu conflituosa: Michel Temer não era o nome mais quisto por Dilma e pelo PT; sempre houve desconfiança mútua entre as partes; já durante a campanha, o PMDB e aliados flertaram com um bloco para pressionar a presidenta; peemedebistas já estavam ressentidos antes mesmo da votação; a disputa por ministérios, pela presidência das Casas Legislativas e por cargos de segundo escalão escancaram os ressentimentos. Para tanto, usa-se o jornal O Estado de S. Paulo tanto como fonte como objetivo de análise, em debate com parte da bibliografia já existente.
MEMORY, HISTORICAL CULTURE, AND HISTORY TEACHING IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
Authors: Abreu Marcelo , Rangel Marcelo
Published: April 2020

We try to think the relationship between memory, historical cultures, and history teaching in the contemporary world. First, we discuss the analysis of the contemporary world developed by Jörn Rüsen, Christian Laville, François Hartog, and Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht. Therefore, we describe the historical horizon within which the history teaching - as a part of historical culture - is challenged to answer several historical demands, such as the tension democratization/ethnocentrism and the relationship sense/presence in production and orientation of historical statements.
Shared decision making in perioperative medicine
Authors: Timbrell David , Santhirapala Ramai
Published: April 2020

Shared decision making is a collaborative process between clinicians and patients, which aims to select the most suitable management option based on both best available evidence and patient preferences. This article looks at the role of shared decision making in perioperative medicine.
An introduction to mechanical circulatory support in cardiac intensive care
Authors: Coppel Jonny , Rosenberg Alex , Gilbert-Kawai Edward
Published: April 2020

While use of mechanical circulatory support is increasing, knowledge of its fundamental role and limitations remains poorly understood by many medical professionals. This article summarises the main types of mechanical circulatory support and how they work, particularly focusing on the key information medical professionals should know should they encounter them in hospital. Mechanical circulatory support can be an effective treatment modality in selected pathologies, including myocardial ischaemia, pulmonary congestion, massive pulmonary embolic disease, postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock with failure to wean off bypass, right ventricular failure, bridge to heart and lung transplant and, increasingly, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Intra-aortic balloon pumps increase coronary perfusion and reduce myocardial oxygen demand in a variety of cardiac conditions. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can provide both respiratory and circulatory support to patients. Ventricular assist devices can provide support for not only patients with acute cardiogenic shock, but also for ambulant patients in the community setting.
Influence of human activity on diversity and abundance of insect in the wetland environment
Authors: MENSAH BEATRICE AYORKOR , KYEREMATEN ROSINA , ANNANG TED , ADU-ACHEAMPONG SAMUEL
Published: April 2020

Mensah BA, Kyerematen R, Annang T. 2018. Influence of human activity on diversity and abundance of insects in three wetland environments in Ghana. Bonorowo Wetlands 2: 33-41. The Wetland environment is unique with unique biota that includes insects. Insects serve as indicators of environmental health, nevertheless, the recent spate of human encroachment on wetlands is likely to affect its unique biotic composition, and this phenomenon poses a threat to the wetland environment. The physical and chemical quality of studied habitats in this research provided background information for comparison against the established quality standard of the wetland environment. The study involved reconnaissance surveys, insect trapping and social surveys on the impact of anthropogenic activities on insect diversity and abundance in and around the wetland environment. Twenty-two insect orders belonging to 112 families were sampled from different sites along the Sakumono, Kpeshie, and Muni-Pomadze wetlands. Species diversity and abundance were significantly different among the various locations with the most diverse being Kpeshie. Water within wetlands in Kpeshie was the most polluted although it had a positive correlation with insect diversity and abundance. Results of a survey of selected communities showed that majority of the residents had a low level of education with less appreciation of issues involving the environment including pollution. Majority of people within the surveyed communities were unable to access decent toilet facilities and publicly demarcated waste disposal sites. There was no coordinated and concerted effort to manage these three wetlands two of which are designated Ramsar sites. Activities such as farming, discharge of domestic garbage, improper fishing practices, improper disposal of industrial and human waste are increasing the pollution risk of these wetland environments.