bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of survival outcomes of locally advanced cervical cancer by histopathological types in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database: A propensity score matching study
Authors: Tian Tian , Gong Xing , Gao Dong Xu , Li Qing Yan , Ju Wen , Ai Qin Yi
Published: March 2020

Background: There has been limited research on the comparison of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of cervical cancer and that lack of information may have significant bearing on the treatment of patients. We compared survival outcomes between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in locally advanced cervical cancer patients and examined factors related to the prognosis of cervical cancer. Methods: We identified 4,061 patients with stage IB2-ⅣA cervical cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Variables related to the prognosis of cervical cancer were compared using both univariate and multivariate Cox models and log-rank method before and after propensity score matching. We compared the efficacy of radiotherapy alone to radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy or/and surgery in overall survival of SCC and AC.Results: Our sample included 3,385 patients with SCC (83.4%) and 676 patients with AC (16.6%). The 5-year overall survival on comparing the squamous cell carcinoma group and adenocarcinoma group was not significant (P>0.05). Using propensity score matching, 676 pairs of patients were selected. The 5-year overall survival of matched patients did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Histology was not independently associated with overall survival in multivariate Cox model (P>0.05). Factors affecting overall survival included FIGO stage IVA (P<0.05), chemotherapy (P<0.05), and external radiation combined with brachytherapy (P<0.05). Patients with SCC that were treated with radiation alone had significantly worse OS than AC patients receiving radiation only (P<0.05). Conclusions : The OS in AC of the cervix is similar to that in when treated with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and/or surgery but better when treated with radiation alone.
Clinical characteristics of a group of deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia in Wuhan, China: retrospective case series
Authors: Yao Tao , Gao Yan , Cui Qin , Peng Bo , Chen Yan , Li Jiansheng , Huang Chao , He Chunping , Pu Jie , Wei Jiajun , Zhan Yanqiang , Yan Jie , Tian Jinghua , Zhang Zhaohui , Liu Zhichao
Published: March 2020

Background: With the widespread outbreak of novel coronavirus diseases 2019(COVID-19), more and more death cases were reported, however, limited data are available for the patients who died. We aimed to explore the clinial characteristics of deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia Methods: We abstracted and analyzed epidemiological, demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 83 death cases with COVID-19 pneumonia in East hospital of Wuhan university Renmin hospital,between January 26, 2020, and February 28, 2020.Results: Of the 83 deaths, none was the medical staff. The mean age was 71.8 years (SD 13.2; range, 34-97 years) and 53(63.9%) were male. The median from onset to admission was 10 days (IQR 7-14: range, 2-43 days), to death was 17days (IQR 14-21: range, 6-54 days). Most deaths (66[80%]) had underlying comorbid diseases, the most of which was hypertension [47(57%)]. The main initial symptoms of these 83 deaths were shortness of breath(98.8%), fever(94%) and myalgia or fatigue(90.4%). Laboratory analyses showed the lymphocytopenia in 69(83%) deaths, hypoalbuminemia in 77(93%) deaths, the elevation of lactate dehydrogenase in 79(95%) deaths, procalcitonin in 69(83%) deaths and C-reactive protein in 79(95%) deaths. All 83 patients received antiviral treatment, 81(97.6%) deaths received antibiotic therapy, and 54(65.1%) deaths received glucocorticoid therapy and 20(24.1%) patients received invasive mechanical ventilation.Conclusion: Most of the deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia were elderly patients with underlying comorbid diseases, especially those over 70 years of age. The time of death was mostly 15-21 days after the onset of the disease. More care should be given to the elderly in the further prevention and control strategies of COVID-19.
A simple algorithm helps early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection patients with severe progression tendency
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Jianliang , Ling Yun , Li Weixia , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lu Hongzhou , Chen Liang
Published: March 2020

Objectives We aimed to develop a simple algorithm helps early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection patients with severe progression tendency. Methods 322 SARS-COV-2 infection patients were respectively enrolled. The univariable and multivariable analysis were computed to identify the independent predictors of severe progression, and the prediction model was established based on independent predictors. The areas under the ROC curves (AUROCs) were used to evaluate the diagnostic performances. Results Of 322 confirmed SARS-COV-2 infection patients, 11 were diagnosed as severe cases on admission, 15 developed to severe cases after admission, and 296 were non-severe cases. The multivariable analysis identified age (OR=1.061, p=0.028), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR=1.006, p=0.037), and CD4 count (OR=0.993, p=0.006) as the independent predictors of severe progression. Consequently, the age-LDH-CD4 algorithm was derived as (age×LDH)/CD4. The AUROC of the age-LDH-CD4 model was significantly higher than that of single CD4 count, LDH, or age (0.92, 0.85, 0.80, and 0.75, respectively). The age-LDH-CD4 model ≥ 82 has high sensitive (81%) and specific (93%) for the early identification of patients with severe progression tendency following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions The age-LDH-CD4 model is a simple algorithm for early identifying cases with severe progression tendency in SARS-CoV-2 infection patients, and warrants further validation.
Chest CT imaging features of critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhang Nan , Xu Xunhua , Zhou Ling-Yan , Chen Gang , Li Yu , Yin Huiming , Sun Zhonghua
Published: March 2020

Objectives To analyze the findings of computed tomography (CT) imaging in critically ill patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods This retrospective study reviewed 60 critically ill patients (43 males and 17 females, mean age 64.4±11.0 years) with COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to two different clinical centers. Their clinical and medical records were analyzed, and the chest CT images were assessed to determine the involvement of lobes and the distribution of lesions in the lungs between the patients who recovered from the illness and those who died.Results Patients were significantly older in the death group (10/60, 16.67%) than in the recovery group (50/60, 83.33%) (p=0.044). C-reactive protein (CRP) (67.9±50.5 mg/L) was significantly elevated in the death group as opposed to the recovery group (p<0.001). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was higher in the death group when compared with the recovery group (p=0.030). Involvement of five lung lobes was found in 98% of the patients, with medial or parahilar area involvement observed in all the death patients. Ground-glass opacities (97%), crazy-paving pattern (92%) and air bronchogram (93%) were the most common radiological findings. Presence of emphysema was more prevalent in the death group than in the recovery group (30% vs 2%, p=0.011).Conclusions The degree of lung involvement and lesion distribution with dominance in the medial and parahilar pulmonary areas were more severe in the death patients than in those who recovered. Patient’s age, emphysema, CRP and NLR could be combined with CT to predict the disease outcomes.
Clinical and CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 cases in Wenzhou city: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Fu Li-ping , Gao Yuan-tong , Zhou Ke , Luo Min , Ma Peng-Cheng , Song Fa-Huan , Li Yong-chou
Published: March 2020

Background: In December 2019, Wuhan witnessed the outbreak of an “unexplained pneumonia” caused by a novel coronavirus strain infection and was dubbed the COVID-19 by the WHO. The disease quickly spread to China. This study aimed to investigate the disease’s evolving epidemiological history, as well as analyze the clinical and CT imaging characteristics, treatment regimens, and patients’ prognosis.Methods: This was a retrospective study whose cases were 64 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The clinical data were obtained from patients who were admitted to the isolation ward from 21 January 2020 to 19 February 2020.Results: 60 out of 64 patients had a definitive history of exposure to people who had traveled from Wuhan City. The median time from onset of symptoms to first hospital admission was 3.9±1.9 days. The initial symptoms included fever (46/64), dry cough (38/64), fatigue or myalgia (23/64), sore throat (10/64), diarrhea (3/64) along with late-onset symptoms like chest pains (2/64) and headaches (2/64). The majority of the patients (43/64) had normal white blood cell counts while 29.7 % (19/64) had leukopenia. Only two patients (3.1 %) presented with leukocytosis. 58 of the 64patients had abnormal radiological findings on chest CTs. The first chest CTs (within 2 days) was more sensitive in detecting COVID-19 infection (85.9 %) compared to the initial RT-PCR (56.3 %; p<0.01). The CTs showed lesions in multiple lung lobes in three-quarters of the patients while 15.6 % had lesions localized to one lobe. Most of the lesions were typically dense with ground-glass opacity co-existing with consolidation or cord-like shadows. Most of these patients (50/64) have recovered and got discharged giving a mean length of hospital stay of 13.5±4.8 days. Our hospital unit has not reported any COVID-19 related death so far. Conclusions: Early intervention in COVID-19 disease improves patients’ prognosis. Our data demonstrate the superiority of early radiological tests ahead of RT-PCR. The initial and dynamic CT changes in COVID-19 patients along with other clinical data shared above can better guide clinical decision making.
Responsiveness of The Health Care System Towards The Elderly In Tanzania: Does Health Insurance Make a Difference? A cross Sectional Study
Authors: Amani Paul Joseph , Tungu Malale , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Kiwara Angwara Denis , Frumence Gasto , Sebastian Miguel San
Published: March 2020

Background

Responsiveness has become an important tool in evaluating the ability of the health care systems to meet the expectations of the patients. However, its measurement in sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce. This study aimed to assess the responsiveness of the health care services among the insured and non-insured elderly in Tanzania, in order to contribute with relevant knowledge to improve the performance of health insurance among the elderly in the country.

Methods

This is across sectional study. We used a pre-tested household survey administered to elderly (60 years +) living in Igunga and Nzega districts. Participants with and without health insurance attending outpatient and inpatient health care services in the past three and twelve months were selected. Responsiveness was based on the WHO-SAGE questionnaire that included the dimensions of quality of basic amenities, choice, confidentiality, autonomy, communication and prompt attention. Quantile regression was used to explore the specific association of the responsiveness index with health insurance and socio-demographic factors.

Results

A total of 1453 and 744 elderly, of whom 50.1% and 63% had health insurance, used the outpatient and inpatient health services respectively. All the different domains were rated relatively high but the uninsured elderly reported better responsiveness in all domains of outpatient and inpatient care. Waiting time was the dimension that performed worst. Possession of health insurance was negatively associated with responsiveness in outpatient (-1; 95% CI: -1.45, -0.45) and inpatient (-2; 95% CI: -2.69, -1.30) care.

Conclusion

The uninsured elderly reported better responsiveness than the insured elderly in both outpatient and inpatient care. Special attention should be paid to those dimensions, like waiting time, which ranked low. Further research is necessary to reveal the reasons for the lower responsiveness among insured elderly. A continuous monitoring of the health care system responsiveness is recommended.
Effects of HTR1B 3' region polymorphisms and functional regions on gene expression regulation
Authors: xia xi , Ding Mei , Xuan Jin-feng , Xing Jia-xin , Pang Hao , Yao Jun , Wu Xue , Wang Bao-jie
Published: March 2020

Background The HTR1B gene encodes the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1B) receptor, which is involved in a variety of brain activities and mental disorders. The regulatory effects of non-coding regions on genomic DNA are one of many reasons for the cause of genetic-related diseases. Post-transcriptional regulation that depends on the function of 3' regulatory regions plays a particularly important role. This study investigated the effects, on reporter gene expression, of several haplotypes of the HTR1B gene (rs6297, rs3827804, rs140792648, rs9361234, rs76194807, rs58138557, and rs13212041) and truncated fragments in order to analyze the function of the 3' region of HTR1B. Methods Seven haplotypes, consisting of rs6297, rs3827804, rs140792648, rs9361234, rs76194807, rs58138557, and rs13212041, and truncated fragments of the HTR1B gene 3' region were transfected into SK-N-SH, HEK-293, and U87 cell lines. The relative fluorescence intensities were detected by a dual luciferase reporter assay system.Results We found that the haplotype, AG_CT_A, enhanced the expression level compared to the main haplotype; AG_CG_A; GG_CG_G decreased the expression level. Two alleles, rs76194807T and rs6297G, exhibited different relative luciferase intensities compared to their counterparts at each locus. We also found that +2440 ~ +2769 bp and +1953 ~ +2311 bp regions both had negative effects on gene expression.ConclusionsThe 3' region of HTR1B has a regulatory effect on gene expression, which is likely closely associated with the interpretation of HTR1B-related disorders. In addition, the HTR1B 3' region includes several effector binding sites that induce an inhibitory effect on gene expression.
The Correlation Analysis of Baseline Serum CA199, CEA and CA125 in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Deng Guochao , Yan Huan , Guo Zhipeng , Dai Guanghai
Published: March 2020

Background:CA199, CEA and CA125 were the most widely used tumor markers in pancreatic cancer. However, the studies associated with the relationship between the three markers and pancreatic cancer were limited. This study aimed to explore the correlation between baseline serum CA199, CEA, CA125 levels and clinical characteristics in pancreatic cancer. Methods:278 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer received first-line chemotherapy treatments enrolled in this research. Correlated analysis between tumor markers and disease characteristics was performed by Pearson’s Chi-squared test or Fisher exact test. We used Pearson’s correlation test to investigate the relationship between tumor markers and peripheral blood parameters. Univariate analysis was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis and HR calculation was determined by the Cox regression model. Results: Baseline CA199, CEA, and CA125 both positively associated with the primary tumor site (p=0.007; p=0.012; p=0.003, respectively);liver metastasis (p=0.001; p=0.001; p=0.028, respectively); number of organ metastasis (p=0.001; p=0.008;p=0.042, respectively); baseline WBC levels (p<0.001; p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively), LDH levels (p<0.001; p=0.004; p<0.001, respectively). And CA199 also correlated with years of smoking(p=0.024); diabetes and year of diabetes (p=0.012; p=0.012); baseline glycemic levels (p=0.004). CA199 and CA125 levels had the relationship with baseline neutrophil counts (p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). Years of smoking, baseline neutrophil counts, LDH levels, CA199 levels and CA125 levels were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: Combinations of the four factors were also correlated with survival. It’s concluded that CA199, CEA, CA125 correlated with multi-factors of clinical factors. And combinations of baseline neutrophil counts, LDH levels, CA199 levels and CA125 levels were also prognostic factor.
Impact of an educational intervention on knowledge and attitude regarding pharmacovigilance among health professionals working on cancer hospital attached to a regional pharmacovigilance center
Authors: Shrestha Sunil , Sharma Sabina , Bhasima Ramesh , Kunwor Puskar , Adhikari Baburam , Sapkota Binaya
Published: March 2020

Aims: The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of a pharmacovigilance education intervention on the knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals (HCPs) attached to a regional pharmacovigilance center in an oncology based hospital of Nepal. Methods: Knowledge and attitude were studied before and immediately after the educational intervention among 89 HCPs working in a different department at an oncology based hospital of Nepal. A pretested questionnaire having twelve and nine statements for assessing knowledge and attitude were used. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The knowledge and attitude scores before and after educational intervention were analyzed with Wilcoxon rank-sum test, using SPSS version 21.0.Results: The knowledge score was significantly increased from [mean ± S.D (Ranges)] [6.90 ± 2.527 (1-12)] to [11.36±1.189 (6-12)] after an intervention. The attitude score was also significantly increased from [5.56±1.616 (4-10)] to a [6.97±1.793 (4-12)] after an intervention. Twenty-one (23.6%) of participants responded that they lacked the time to report adverse drug reactions (ADR), while 12 (13.5 %) of the participants replied that there was no remuneration for reporting ADR. Around 24 % of them suggested for frequent pharmacovigilance awareness programs via Continuing Medical Education or workshop for improvement of pharmacovigilance.Conclusion: The preliminary finds of this study showed that knowledge and attitude scores were increased following an educational intervention. It also suggests that training on pharmacovigilance and ADR tends to have a positive impact on knowledge and attitude among nurses and pharmacists working at an oncology based hospital of Nepal.
Visual assessment of 18F-FDG metabolic spatial distribution improves the differential diagnosis of indeterminate pulmonary nodules and masses with high FDG uptake
Authors: Lin Jie , Wang Ling , Ji Xiaowei , Zheng Xiangwu , Tang Kun
Published: March 2020

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of visual analysis of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) metabolic spatial distribution (V-FMSD) in diagnosis of indeterminate pulmonary nodules and masses with high 18 F-FDG uptake. Methods A total of 301 patients with indeterminate pulmonary nodules or masses who undergone 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/ CT) imaging were studied retrospectively. The characteristics of 18 F-FDG metabolic spatial distribution (FMSD) of proximal and distal regions of the lesion were visually analyzed using a 5-point scoring system. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared between V-FMSD and conventional PET/CT methods for diagnosis of hypermetabolic indeterminate pulmonary nodules and masses. Results The V-FMSD results showed that 180 (92.8%) malignant lesions’ scores were ≥ 3 and 78 (72.9%) benign lesions’ scores were ≤ 2. It indicated that the FMSD in the proximal region of malignant lesions was significantly higher than that of the distal region, and the FMSD in the proximal region of benign lesions was significantly lower than that of the distal region. The specificity of V-FMSD was 72.9%, which was obviously higher than the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) (0%, P < 0.001) and retention index (RI) (26.2%, P < 0.001). The AUC of V-FMSD was 0.886, which was significantly larger than SUVmax (0.626, P < 0.001), RI (0.670, P < 0.001) and PET/CT (0.788, P < 0.05). Conclusions The characteristics of FMSD between pulmonary benign and malignant lesions are different. V-FMSD can be taken as a novel auxiliary marker to improve the diagnostic performance for hypermetabolic indeterminate pulmonary nodules and masses.
Characterization of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza virus isolates from immunocompromised patients in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Heui Man , Lee Namjoo , Kim Mi-Seon , Kang Chun , Chung Yoon-Seok
Published: March 2020

Background: The emergence of influenza viruses resistant to anti-influenza drugs is a threat to public health. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS) to monitor epidemic of influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) to identify mutated influenza viruses affecting drug resistance, pathogenesis, and transmission. Methods: Oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from KINRESS and SARI during the 2018-2019 season. The specimens confirmed influenza virus using real-time RT-PCR on inoculated MDCK cells. HA and NA sequences of the influenza viruses were analyzed for phylogeny and mutations. Neuraminidase inhibition and hemagglutination inhibition assays were utilized to characterize the isolates. Results: Two A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates harboring an H275Y substitution in the neuraminidase sequence were detected in patients with acute hematologic cancer. They had prolonged respiratory symptoms, with the virus present in the respiratory tract despite oseltamivir and peramivir treatment. Through the neuraminidase inhibition assay, both the viruses were found to be resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir, but not to zanamivir. Although hemagglutinin and neuraminidase phylogenetic analyses suggested that the two A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates were not identical, their antigenicity was similar to that of the 2018-19 influenza vaccine virus. Conclusions: Our data indicate the utility of monitoring influenza-infected immunocompromised patients in general hospitals for the early detection of emerging neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant viruses and maintaining continuous laboratory surveillance of patients with influenza-like illness in sentinel clinics to monitor the spread of such new variants. Finally, characterization of the virus can inform the assessment of risk for future epidemics and pandemics caused by drug-resistant influenza viruses.
Differences between native and prosthetic knees in trochlear groove tracking based on a morphometric measurement of three-dimensional reconstruction models in Chinese people
Authors: Chen Shi Chang , Xu Hua , Gong Shaohua
Published: March 2020

Background Prosthetic trochlear design is important to ideal postoperative patellofemoral kinematics and knee function. But there has been little research on the differences of trochlear groove trackings between the native and prosthetic knees. We aimed to investigate the differences between native and prosthetic knees through the entire trochlear length by three-dimensional computerized quantification.Methods Virtual total knee arthroplasty was performed, using three-dimensional models of 42 healthy knees that were matched to the femoral components of five different prosthesis systems. Coaxial planes were created along the trochlear groove in 3° increments, and the deepest points of the trochlear groove were marked in each plane. Taking the lower extremity mechanical axis as reference line, the differences in the mediolateral location of the groove tracking were analyzed between the native and prosthetic knees.Results From the proximal to the distal end, the native tracking started from 0° cross section and extended laterally and then medially with its turning point located in 69° cross section, while the prosthetic knees showed medial orientation throughout the trochlear length. Compared with the proximal portion of the native tracking, the prosthetic trackings extended along a paradoxical orientation and started from a more proximal and lateral position, with maximal discrepancy to, 3.2 mm in the 0° cross section. Distally, the prosthetic trackings were located significantly medial, with maximal discrepancy, to 2.4 mm in the 69° cross section.Conclusion The prosthetic trochlear design varies among different types, and does not conform to that of the native knee in terms of shape, orientation, and location, which may cause soft tissue tension imbalance and abnormal patellofemoral biomechanics during knee flexion. This study may be helpful for prosthetic trochlear design that accords with native anatomy so as to optimize patellofemoral biomechanics and decrease the risk of patellofemoral complications.
Cardiorenal Syndrome in Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Makmettakul Sorasak , Tantiworawit Adisak , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Rattanathammethee Thanawat , Chai-Adisaksopha Chatree , Rattarittamrong Ekarat , Norasetthada Lalita , Fanhchaksai Kanda , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Lekawanvijit Suree
Published: March 2020

Background Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a serious condition with high morbidity and mortality. Secondary CRS (type 5 CRS) is characterized by the coexistence of cardiac abnormality and renal dysfunction occurring secondarily to a systemic condition. There is limited information about CRS in thalassemia. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of secondary CRS in thalassemia patients and also associated risk factors.Methods In this cross-sectional cohort study, thalassemia patients who attended the out-patient clinic of University hospital from October 2016 to September 2017 were enrolled onto the study. A criterion for diagnosis of secondary CRS is based on a system proposed by Ronco and McCullough. Cardiac abnormalities are assessed by clinical presentation, establishment of acute or chronic heart failure using definitions from 2016 ESC guidelines or from structural abnormalities shown in an echocardiogram. Renal dysfunction is defined by acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease according to 2012 KDIGO guidelines. Clinical and laboratory findings from 2 consecutive visits, three months apart, were assessed.Results Out of 90 thalassemia patients, 25 (27.8%) had secondary CRS. The multivariable analysis showed a significant correlation between CRS and extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) (odds ratio (OR) 20.55, p=0.016); thalassemia type [β 0 /β E vs β 0 /β 0 thalassemia (OR = 0.005, p=0.002)]; pulmonary hypertension (OR 178.1, p=0.001); elevated serum NT-proBNP (OR 1.028, p=0.022), and elevated 24-hour urine magnesium (OR 1.913, p=0.016). There was no correlation between CRS and frequency of blood transfusion, serum ferritin, liver iron concentration, cardiac T2*, type of iron chelating agents, and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level.Conclusions Secondary CRS is not rare in thalassemia patients. We also identified useful condition and markers for the detection of CRS in thalassemia cases.
Genetic diversity analysis of a Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) global collection
Authors: Hoque Ahasanul , Fiedler Jason D. , Rahman Mukhlesur
Published: March 2020

Background A sustainable breeding program requires a minimum level of germplasm diversity to provide varied options for the selection of new breeding lines. To maximize genetic gain of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) flax breeding program, we aimed to increase the genetic diversity of its parental stocks by incorporating diverse genotypes. For this purpose, we analyzed the genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium, and population sub-structure of 350 globally-distributed flax genotypes with 6,200 SNP markersResults All the genotypes tested clustered into seven sub-populations (P1 to P7) based on the admixture model and the output of neighbor-joining (NJ) tree analysis and principal coordinate analysis were in line with that of structure analysis. The largest sub-population separation arose from a cluster of NDSU/American genotypes with Turkish and Asian genotypes. All sub-populations showed moderate genetic diversity (average H = 0.22 and I = 0.34). The pairwise F st comparison revealed a great degree of divergence ( F st > 0.25) between most of the combinations. A whole collection mantel test showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.30 and p < 0.01) between genetic and geographic distances, whereas it was non-significant for all sub-populations except P4 and P5 (r= 0.251, 0.349 respectively and p < 0.05). In the entire collection, the mean linkage disequilibrium was 0.03 and it decayed to its half maximum within < 21 kb distance.Conclusions To maximize genetic gain, hybridization between NDSU stock (P5) and Asian individuals (P6) are potentially the best option as genetic differentiation between them is highest ( F st > 0.50). In contrast, low genetic differentiation between P5 and P2 may enhance the accumulation of favorable alleles for oil and fiber upon crossing to develop dual purpose varieties. As each sub-population consists of many genotypes, a Neighbor-Joining tree assists to identify distantly related genotypes. These results also inform genotyping decisions for future association mapping studies to ensure the identification of a sufficient number of molecular markers to tag all linkage blocks.
Masculinity and Mental Health Treatment Initiation for Former Political Prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar – A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Lakin Daniel Paul , Win Kyaw Soe , Aung Htin , Soe Khin Nyein Chan , Kyi Bo , Marcell Arik V. , Tol Wietse A , Bass Judith K
Published: March 2020

Background Men are less likely to seek care for mental health problems globally. This finding is more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where poor healthcare infrastructure, differences in illness conceptualization, and stigma impact treatment seeking. To improve the likelihood of successful engagement of men in psychotherapy, it is necessary to identify factors that influence treatment adherence, and to better understand men’s attitudes surrounding decisions to seek and initiate care. The purpose of this investigation was to explore themes of masculinity, treatment seeking, and differences between men who accepted and declined therapy in an urban low-income context. Methods We conducted a qualitative, interview-based investigation with 30 former political prisoners in Yangon, Myanmar who were eligible to receive mental health counseling provided by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Men were initially screened using a composite questionnaire with items related to depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptom severity. After screening, if potential clients were identified as having probable mental health problems, they were asked if they would like to participate in a multi-session cognitive behavioral therapy program. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 15 participants who accepted and 15 participants who declined therapy. Interviews were transcribed and translated by local partners and thematically coded by the authors. We used thematic analysis to identify and explore differences in treatment-seeking attitudes between men who accepted and men who declined the intervention. Results Men described that being a community leader, self-reliance, morality, and honesty were defining characteristics of masculinity. A focus on self-correction often led to men declining psychotherapy. A general lack of familiarity with psychological therapy, and how it differed from locally available treatments (e.g. astrologists) was connected to stigma regarding mental health treatment. Conclusions Masculinity was described in similar terms by both groups of participants. The interpretation of masculine qualities within the context of help-seeking (e.g. self-reliance as refusing help from others versus listening to others and applying that guidance) were driving factors behind men’s decision to enter psychotherapy.
Mental health consequences of long-term stays in refugee camps: Preliminary evidence from Moria
Authors: Wiel willemine van de , Castillo-Laborde Carla , I. Francisco Urzúa , Fish Michelle , Scholte Willem F.
Published: March 2020

Background Over the last decade, millions of refugees have arrived in Europe. Upon arrival refugees reside in designated refugee camps which, even though originally designed to home refugees on a short stay basis only, developed into long-stay facilities. Some of these camps have detention-like characteristics and dire living conditions. One such example is Moria camp on the island of Lesvos, Greece, which has been repeatedly reported for being overcrowded, unhygienic, and unsafe. This study explores the incidence of acute mental health crises and their relationship with the length of stay in the camp. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data on 857 consultations during 90 nights at an emergency night clinic in Moria camp. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore whether the length of stay in the camp was predictive of the occurrence of acute mental health crises. Results Of all consultations (n=857), 25⋅5% (n=219) were related to mental health problems; 17⋅4% (n=38) of these met the study’s case definition of acute mental health crisis. Such crises were positively associated with the length of stay in the camp (p=0⋅044); the odds ratio increases with 1·03 for every 10% increase in days of residence. This is notable when considering the average length of stay in the camp (71 days). Conclusion Acknowledging that this study does not provide causal effects on the relation between length of stay and mental health crises, the established link can hardly be related to anything else but the inhumane living conditions in the camp, its inhabitants’ lack of future expectations, and the scarce provision of mental health services. This form of neglect urgently calls for attention of the medical world and Europe’s policy makers.
Do descriptive norms messaging interventions backfire? Protocol for a systematic review of the boomerang effect
Authors: Kuang Jinyi , Delea Maryann G , Thulin Erik , Bicchieri Cristina
Published: March 2020

Background Descriptive norms messaging interventions are used to motivate people to adopt or maintain desirable behaviors. Such interventions provide people with information that describes an undesirable behavior as uncommon or a desirable behavior as prevalent within a relevant social group. Descriptive norms messaging interventions have shown promise in increasing individual and social benefit for a broad range of health and sustainability programs. However, evidence suggests that people who have adopted desirable behaviors sometimes regress to undesirable behaviors after receiving descriptive norms messages due to the type of information provided in the messages. This phenomenon is called the boomerang effect. We aim to conduct a systematic review of boomerang effects on health and environmental sustainability behaviors resulting from exposure to descriptive norms messaging interventions.Methods We will employ our search strategy to identify studies of descriptive norms messaging interventions published prior to January 1, 2020. We will search Cochrane Library, Campbell Library, EMBASE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PubMed, Social Science Research Network (SSRN), Scopus, and Web of Science to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published in English. We will restrict inclusion to studies of health and environmental sustainability interventions that assess behavior before and after exposure to descriptive norms messaging. Two reviewers will independently extract data about study populations and design, intervention components, and behavioral measures. We will use Cochrane’s Risk of Bias assessment tool to assess the risk of bias, and the Liverpool Quality Assessment Tool (LQAT) to assess the quality of evidence. We will conduct thematic analyses to codify interventions, and examine intervention effects across subgroups of individuals based on their behavior prior to intervention exposure (e.g., those practicing desirable behaviors vs. undesirable behaviors). We will also conduct moderator analyses to determine whether boomerang effects are contingent upon other factors.Discussion This systematic review will provide information about descriptive norms messaging intervention effects across subgroups of individuals, and elucidate factors that potentially moderate boomerang effects. The review will yield evidence-based recommendations for the structure and content of descriptive norms messages that can be employed to avoid unintended boomerang effects within the context of health and sustainability programming.Systematic review registration PROSPERO #: 156989
Tumor-infiltrating immune cell activated memory CD4+ T cells predicts prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Wei Jianming , Qin Yulan , Gao Xibo , Liu Tong , Kang Yani
Published: March 2020

Background: Tumor-inﬁltrating immune cells (TIICs) play an important role in gastric cancer pathogenesis and are promising prognostic biomarkers. However, the prognostic value of activated memory CD4+ T cells remains unclear. Methods: The aim of this study is to explore the value of activated memory CD4+ T cells and the risk model predicting the prognosis in GC. We analyzed the composition of 22 TIICs in GC by the CIBERSORT algorithm using RNA-seq data, we also evaluated the prognostic value of TIICs by constructing the risk model. Furthermore, we performed Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the prognosis of GC. Results: The results showed that the high expression of activated memory CD4+ T cells indicated a better overall survival. Risk score was identified as an independent prognostic factor which means activated memory CD4+ T cells can predict prognosis well in gastric cancer. Conclusions: Our study verified the expression of IL23A was associated with the overall survival of GC patients, and its low expression indicated a poor prognosis, which confirms the reliability of activated memory CD4+ T cells as a prognostic factor in gastric cancer.
RHO Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors Predict Prognosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Zeng Rui-Jie , Zheng Chun-Wen , Xu Yi-Wei , Xu Li-Yan , Li En-Min
Published: March 2020

Background: Conventionally, RHO GEFs are known as activators for RHO GTPases which promote tumorigenesis. However, the role of RHO GEFs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. Methods: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of protein structure, transcriptional expression, survival, methylation, mutation and gene-set enrichment data was performed using multiple databases. Results: Through the screening of 81 RHO GEFs for their expression profiles and correlations with survival, four of them are identified with strong significance for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC patients. The four RHO GEFs, namely ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, are downregulated in NSCLC compared to normal tissue. The downregulation of ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, which can be contributed by promoter methylation, is correlated with unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, the underexpression of the four key RHO GEFs upregulates MYC signaling and DNA repair pathways, leading to carcinogenesis and poor prognosis. Conclusions: The data unveil the unprecedented role of ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4 as tumor suppressor in NSCLC. The previously unnoticed functions of RHO GEFs in NSCLC will inspire researchers to investigate the distinct roles of RHO GEFs in cancers, in order to provide critical strategies in clinical practice.
miR-96 Regulates Liver Tumor-Initiating Cells Expansion and Sorafenib Resistance
Authors: Huang Yonggang , Zhang Jin , Dong Wei , Peng Huiping , Gu Maolin , Wang Hengjie
Published: March 2020

Background Liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) contribute to tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism for the propagation of liver T-ICs remains unclear. Methods Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-96 in liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs). The impact of miR-96 on liver T-ICs expansion was investigated both in vivo and in vitro . The correlation between miR-96 expression and sorafenib benefits in HCC was further evaluated in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Results Our finding shows that miR-96 is upregulated in liver T-ICs. Functional studies revealed that forced miR-96 promotes liver T-ICs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Conversely, knockdown miR-96 inhibits liver T-ICs self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, miR-96 downregulates SOX6 via its mRNA 3’UTR in liver T-ICs. Furthermore, the miR-96 expression determines the responses of hepatoma cells to sorafenib treatment. Analysis of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) further demonstrated that the miR-96 may predict sorafenib benefits in HCC patients. Conclusion Our findings revealed the crucial role of the miR-96 in liver T-ICs expansion and sorafenib response, rendering miR-96 as an optimal target for the prevention and intervention of HCC.
Development of a new gene expression vector for Thermus thermophilus using a silica-inducible promoter
Authors: Fujino Yasuhiro , Goda Shuichiro , Suematsu Yuri , Doi Katsumi
Published: March 2020

Background Thermostable enzymes are commonly produced in mesophilic hosts for research and bioengineering purposes. However, these hosts do not overexpress the active forms of some biologically functional thermoenzymes. Therefore, an efficient thermophilic expression system is needed. Thermus thermophilus contains an easily manipulable genome and is therefore among the best candidate microbes for a “hot” expression system. We previously identified a strong and inducible promoter that was active in T. thermophilus under supersaturated silica conditions. Here, we report a new heterologous gene expression system based on a silica-inducible promoter in T. thermophilus.Results A Thermus sp. A4 gene encoding thermostable β-galactosidase was cloned as a reporter gene into the expression vector pSix1, which contains a selection marker that confers thermostable resistance to hygromycin and a 600-bps DNA region containing a putative silica-inducible promoter. β-Galactosidase activity was 11-fold higher in the presence than in the absence of 10 mM silicic acid. SDS-PAGE revealed a prominent band corresponding to β-galactosidase, and this enzyme was expressed as an active and soluble protein (yield: 27 mg/L) in Thermus but as an inclusion body in Escherichia coli. Deletion of the promoter region improved the yield of the target protein, possibly by avoiding plasmid instability due to homologous recombination. Finally, we developed an expression vector containing the pSix1 backbone and a 100-bps DNA region corresponding to the silica-inducible promoter. We used this vector to successfully express the active form of glutamate dehydrogenase from Pyrobaculum islandicum (PisGDH) without additional treatment (yield: 9.5 mg/L), whereas the expression of active PisGDH in E. coli required heat treatment.Conclusion We successfully expressed the thermoenzymes β-galactosidase and PisGDH in T. thermophilus and achieved the highest known protein expression levels in this species. These thermoenzymes were expressed in active and soluble forms. Our results validate the use of our silica-inducible expression system as a novel strategy for the intracellular overexpression of thermostable proteins.
Vestibular stimulation and primitive reflex integration may drive multisensory processing: putative principles for a Targeted sensorimotor therapy (TSMT)
Authors: Harsanyi Szilvia , Dobos Karoly , Tele-Heri Brigitta , Palinkas Judit , Fenyosi Fanni , More Csaba E , Zsuga Judit
Published: March 2020

Background: At birth the vestibular system is fully mature, and primitive reflexes are functional whilst higher order sensory processing is yet to develop in the full-term neonate. Sequential motor development driven by primitive survival reflexes sets the appropriate framework for development of sensory processing including multisensory processing and sensorimotor integration.Results and conclusions: The current paper lays out a putative theoretical framework to account for the role vestibular stimulation may have driving multisensory and sensorimotor integration. Accordingly, vestibular stimulation, by activating the parieto-insular vestibular cortex, and/or the posterior parietal cortex may provide the cortical input for multisensory neurons in the superior colliculus that is needed for multisensory processing. Furthermore, we propose that primitive survival reflex-driven motor development, by inducing change of reference frames, may shape the receptive field of multisensory neurons. This, by leading to lack of spatial contingency between formally contingent stimuli, may cause degradation of prior motor responses, hence lead to integration of reflexes. Integration of primitive survival reflexes is mandatory prerequisite for cortically controlled motor responses to emerge. Additionally, we offer a testable hypothesis explaining the beneficial effect of sensory integration therapies regarding attentional processes. Key concepts of a sensorimotor integration therapy (e.g. targeted sensorimotor therapy (TSMT)) are also put into a neurological context. TSMT utilizes specific tools and instruments. It is administered in 8-weeks long successive treatment regimes, each gradually increasing vestibular and postural stimulation, so sensory-motor integration is facilitated, primitive reflexes are inhibited, and muscle strength is increased. Empirically TSMT is indicated for various diseases. Theoretical foundations of this sensorimotor therapy are discussed.
Loss of highwire protects against the deleterious effects of traumatic brain injury in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Hill Ciaran Scott , Loreto Andrea , Sreedha Jemeen , Menon David , Coleman Michael
Published: March 2020

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global cause of death and disability. Axonal injury is a major underlying mechanism of TBI and could represent a major therapeutic target. We provide evidence that targeting the axonal death pathway known as Wallerian degeneration (WD) improves outcome in a Drosophila Melanogaster model of high impact trauma. This cell-autonomous neurodegenerative pathway is initiated following axon injury, and in Drosophila, involves activity of the E3 ubiquitin ligase highwire. In this study we explore the effects of that a loss-of-function mutation in the highwire gene has on a range of outcomes following high impact trauma.ResultsResults demonstrate that a loss-of-function mutation in the highwire gene rescues deleterious effects of a traumatic injury, including - improved functional outcomes including climbing ability and flight maintenance, lifespan, survival of a subset of dopaminergic neurons, and retention of synaptic proteins.ConclusionWe demonstrate that a loss-of-function mutation in the highwire gene rescues deleterious effects of a traumatic injury. This data suggests that highwire represents a potential therapeutic target in traumatic injury.
Proposal of Forceps Force Limiter Design Using Leaf Spring Buckling
Authors: Noda Satsuya
Published: March 2020

To prevent accidents in minimally invasive surgeries, force limiters have been developed for forceps grippers.
When a force limiter is in use, if the absolute value of its spring constant is reduced, the risk of damage to the organs decreases.This paper proposes the use of a leaf spring buckling mechanism as a force limiter for forceps.The results obtained indicate that the spring constant of a buckled leaf spring is lower than that of a normal coil spring.Furthermore, the use of a leaf spring allows the independent adjustment of its thickness and width, based on the stress and force values.This enables an easy calibration of the threshold value.In the experiments, the spring constant of the buckled leaf spring was 0.15 N/mm, which is half of that of a normal coil spring.After calibrating the gripping force, it was confirmed that the force limiter reduced the extent of damage to the dummy organs in the ex vivo experiments.