bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinically useful prediction of hospital admissions in an older population
Authors: Marcusson Jan , Nord Magnus , Dong Huan-Ji , Lyth Johan
Published: January 2020

Background: The healthcare for older adults is insufficient in many countries, not designed to meet their needs and is often described as disorganized and reactive. Prediction of older persons at risk of admission to hospital may be one important way for the future healthcare system to act proactively when meeting increasing needs for care. Therefore, we wanted to develop and test a clinically useful model for predicting hospital admissions of older persons based on routine healthcare data.
Methods: We used the healthcare data on 40,728 persons, 75-109 years of age to predict hospital in-ward care in a prospective cohort. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify significant factors predictive of unplanned hospital admission. Model fitting was accomplished using forward selection. The accuracy of the prediction model was expressed as area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, AUC.
Results: The prediction model consisting of 38 variables exhibited a good discriminative accuracy for unplanned hospital admissions over the following 12 months (AUC 0·69 [95% confidence interval, CI 0·68–0·70]) and was validated on external datasets. Clinically relevant proportions of predicted cases of 40 or 45% resulted in sensitivities of 62 and 66%, respectively. The corresponding positive predicted values (PPV) was 31% and 29%, respectively.
Conclusion: A prediction model based on routine administrative healthcare data from older persons can be used to find patients at risk of admission to hospital. Identifying the risk population can enable proactive intervention for older patients with as-yet unknown needs for healthcare.
Carbon Nanoparticles Enhance Potassium Uptake via Upregulating Potassium Channel Expression and Imitating Biological Ion Channels in BY-2 Cells
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Yang Jinchu , Li Xiang , Liang Taibo , Nie Cong , Xie Fuwei , Liu Kejian , Peng Xiaojun , Xie Jianping
Published: January 2020

Background: Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been reported to boost plant growth, while the mechanism that CNPs enhanced potassium uptake for plant growth have not been reported so far.
Results: In this study, the function that CNPs promoted potassium uptake in BY-2 cells was established and the potassium accumulated in cells had a significant correlation with the fresh biomass of BY-2 cells. The K+ accumulation in cells increased with the increasing concentration of CNPs. The K+ influx reached high level after treatment with CNPs and was significantly higher than that of the control group and the negative group treated with K+ channels blocker, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA+). The K+ accumulation was not reduced in the presence of CNPs inhibitors. In the presence of potassium channel blocker TEA+ or CNPs inhibitors, the NKT1 gene expression was changed compared with the control group. The CNPs were found to preferentially transport K+ than other cations determined by rectification of ion current assay (RIC) in a conical nanocapillary.
Conclusions: These results indicated that CNPs upregulated potassium gene expression to enhance K+ accumulation in BY-2 cells. Moreover, it was speculated that the CNPs simulated protein of ion channels via bulk of carboxyl for K+ permeating. These findings will provide support for improving plant growth by carbon nanoparticles.
Identification of E2 with improved secretion and immunogenicity against CSFV in piglets
Authors: Xu Huiling , Wang Yanli , Han Guangwei , Fang Weihuan , he fang
Published: January 2020

Background: Outbreaks of Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) cause significant economic losses in the swine industry. Vaccination is the major method to prevent and control the disease. As live attenuated vaccines fail to elicit differentiable immunity between infected and vaccinated animals, subunit vaccine was considered as an alternative candidate to prevent and eradicate CSFV. Subunit vaccines present advantages in DIVA immunogenicity and safety. The technology was limited due to the low yield and the high cost with multiple and large doses. The native E2 signal peptide has not been well defined before. Here, the aim of this study is to develop a cost-effective and efficacious E2 vaccine candidate against CSFV with signal peptide and E2 sequence selection. Results: A novel CSFV E2 sequence (E2ZJ) was identified from an epidemic strain of Zhejiang for outstanding secretion in baculovirus and enhanced immunogenicity. E2 secretion induced with the selected signal peptide, SPZJ (SP23), increase at least 50% as compared to any other signal peptides tested. Besides, unique antigenic features were identified in E2ZJ. As indicated with immunized sera in IFA against CSFV infection, E2ZJ elicited CSFV antibodies at the earlier stage than other E2 types tested in mice. Moreover, higher level of neutralizing and CSFV antibodies against CSFV with E2ZJ was detected than other E2s with the same dosage at 28 dpi. Further, E2ZJ successfully elicited neutralizing immunity in piglets. A single dose of 5 μg of E2ZJ was sufficient to induce protective antibodies against CSFV in piglets and provided 100% protection against lethal virus challenge. Conclusions: Our studies provide evidence that E2ZJ guided by a novel E2 signal peptide (SPZJ) was efficiently secreted and presented significantly improved immunogenicity than conventional E2 vaccines. Moreover, a single dose of 5 μg E2ZJ is efficacious against CSFV in piglets. Keywords: Classical swine fever virus; novel signal peptide; SPZJ-E2ZJ; subunit vaccine; protective immunity
A key genomic signature associated with lymphovascular invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jian , Jiang Huali , Xie Tao , Wang Baiyao , Huang Xiaoting , Lin Jie , Xu Anan , Li Rong , Yuan Yawei
Published: January 2020

Objective: Lymphovascular invasion (LOI), a key pathological feature of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), predicts poor survival. However, the associated clinical characteristics remain uncertain, and the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Methods: Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to construct gene co-expression networks and investigate the relationship between modules and LOI clinical trait. Functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed for differentially expressed genes using DAVID database. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and module analysis was performed using MCODE. Prognosis role and expression analysis was further validated by survival analysis, GEPIA analysis and HPA database. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to establish a prognostic risk formula and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were used to evaluate prediction efficiency. And the potential targeted LOI molecular agents were identiﬁed with DrugBank. Results: 10 co-expression modules in two key modules (turquoise and pink) associated with tumor LOI were identiﬁed. Functional enrichment and KEGG analysis identified turquoise and pink modules played signiﬁcant roles in the progression of HNSCC. The seven hub genes (CNFN, KIF18B, KIF23, PRC1, CCNA2, DEPDC1 and TTK) in two modules were identiﬁed and validated by survival analysis and expression analysis. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to establish a prognostic risk formula (risk score = EXP DEPDC1 * 0.32636 + EXP CNFN * (-0.07544). The low-risk group had a better OS than the high-risk group ( P <0.001), and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 0.582, 0.634 and 0.636, respectively. Eight small molecular agents, including XL844, AT7519, AT9283, Alvocidib, Nelarabine, Benzamidine, L-Glutamine, and Zinc, may be a candidate drug for treating LOI ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our research revealed the two-mRNA signature could serve as an independent biomarker to predict LOI risk, which provide some new insights into LOI of HNSCC. Additionally, the small molecular agents may be a candidate drug for treating LOI.
Episodes of Violence Suffered by Migrants Transiting Through Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Reception and Healthcare Centre
Authors: reques laura , Aranda-Fernandez E , Rolland C , Grippon A , Reboul C , Godard N , Luhmann N
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The Central Mediterranean Route, passing through Libya, is one of the most dangerous for migrants. Episodes of violence have been documented but have not been accurately quantified. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of episodes of violence suffered in Libya by migrants consulting a Médecins du Monde reception and healthcare centre.Methodology: Monocentric cross-sectional study. All migrants over the age of 18 years who had passed through Libya and arrived in Europe from 2017 during the recruitment period (February -May 2019). The presence of emotional distress was considered as an exclusion criterion.. The proportion, frequency and factors associated to physical, deprivation and sexual violence were estimated through a bespoken questionnaire, as well as healthcare access and psychosocial support needs.Results: 98 people were recruited and 72 were interviewed (17 refused to participate and 9 were excluded). 76.4% were men, mean for the age was 31.9 years, 76.4% had low educational level, 66.7% came from Ivory Coast and 59.7% had left their country for security reasons. The median length of stay in Libya was 180 days. The overall proportion of participants having suffered from violence was 96.4% among men and 88.2% among women. The prevalence of physical, deprivation and sexual violence for men and women were 94.2%, 81.7% and 18% and 80.0%, 86.7% and 53.3%, respectively. No other statistical differences were found. Access to healthcare in Libya was non-existent. 63.9% of participants were oriented to psychosocial support after the interview. Conclusions: The vast majority of migrants report having been victims of violence during their transit through Libya. Women are at particular risk of sexual violence. Psychosocial support for this population is urgent.
Are maternal metabolic syndrome and lipid profile associated with preterm delivery and preterm premature rupture of membranes?
Authors: Niyaty Shiva , Moghaddam-Banaem Lida , Sourinejad Hadis , Mokhlesi Samira
Published: January 2020

Background We aimed to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS), its components and lipid profile in mid-pregnancy with preterm delivery and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted on 203 pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation, undergoing the gestational diabetes screening test with 50 gr glucose challenge test (GCT). Fasting serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high -density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured during the week after GCT assessment. Information on the participants' pre-pregnancy weight, demographic/ reproductive characteristics, and height and blood pressure (BP) measurements were documented at baseline entry into the study. Metabolic syndrome was defined as the co-existence of 3 or more of the following criteria: Body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy≥30 kg/m2, BP≥130/85 mmHg, GCT≥140mg/dl, TG≥150mg/dl, and HDL-C≤50mg/dl. All participants were followed through routine prenatal care, up to delivery. Any deliveries or rupture of membranes of less than or equal to weeks of pregnancy, were considered preterm delivery and PPROM respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS V.20, and p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results MetS was detected in 10 (4.9%) of participants. Logistic regression analysis showed HDL-C levels, and hypertension had significant effects on spontaneous preterm delivery occurrence [(OR: 0.952, 95%CI: 0.910_0.995), (OR: 1.629, 95% CI: 1.554_1.709) respectively], but no statistically significant results were found for PPROM. Conclusions Low HDL-C levels and hypertension in mid-pregnancy may increase the occurrence of spontaneous preterm deliveries, indicating that MetS and its components should be monitored more closely in pregnancy.
The effect of different dietary structure on gastrointestinal dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy and epilepsy based on intestinal flora
Authors: Zhang Anquan , Huang Congfu , Li Xiuyun , Peng Yuanping , Yang Zhenyu , Ge Lan , Wu Genfeng , Huang Shuyuan , Wang Peiqin , Dai Wenkui , Lyu Yansi , Wang Linlin
Published: January 2020

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) difficulties are very common among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and comorbid epilepsy. GI function is influenced by dietary structure on intestinal flora. The aim of this study was to compare intestinal flora changes in two dietary groups of this population and examine whether such differences are related to GI dysfunction. Methods: Forty children with CP and epilepsy were recruited from among patients being cared for at a social welfare center, including 23 consuming a (semi)fluid diet (liquid diet group) and 17 consuming a normal diet (general diet group). Bacterial DNA was extracted from feces, the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified from the DNA, and high-throughput sequencing of the amplified sequences was performed. Microbe prevalence levels were compared on multiple phylogenic levels. Results: Gut microbial populations differed substantially between the liquid diet and general diet groups. The only two phyla that differed significantly between the two groups were Bacteroidetes ( p = 0.034) and Actinobacteria ( p = 0.013). Regarding representation of genera, Prevotella species were selectively predominant in the general diet group (25.849% vs. 3.612% in the liquid diet group , p < 0.001), while Bifidobacterium species were selectively predominant in the liquid diet group (24.929% vs. 12.947% in the general diet group, p = 0.013). The gut flora of children in the general diet group contained more butyric acid-producing flora which was also common in healthy people (e.g. Lachnoclostridium, Dorea, Ruminococcus, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Coprococcus ). The gut flora of children in liquid diet group however, were rich in symbiotic pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Collinsella , Alistipes , and Eggerthella ). Conclusion: The intestinal flora of children with CP and epilepsy consuming a liquid diet had elevated levels of symbiotic pathogens and diminished intestinal barrier protection bacteria, relative to a general diet group. These alterations in bacterial flora were associated with GI dysfunction symptoms. Key words Obstipation; Cerebral palsy; Epilepsy; Intestinal flora; Gastrointestinal dysfunction
The impact of peri-natal stress on psychosis risk: results from the Bo-FEP incidence study
Authors: De Matteis Tiziano , D'Andrea Giuseppe , Lal Jatin , Berardi Domenico , Tarricone Ilaria
Published: January 2020

Objective: According to the gene-environment interaction model the pathogenesis of psychosis relies on an adverse neuro-socio-developmental pathway. Perinatal stress represents an important risk factor for the development of psychosis because of the increasingly evident interference with socio-neuro-development in the earlier phases of life. We aim to investigate the correlation of perinatal risk factors with the onset of psychosis with a case-control – incidence study. Results: Patients (and their mothers) were eligible if they presented with first-episode psychosis at the Bologna West Community Mental Health Centre (Bo-West CMHC) between 2002 and 2012. The Bo-West CMHC serves a catchment area of about 200,000 people. The controls were recruited in the same catchment area and study period. 42 patients, 26 controls and their mothers were included. We collected the history of peri-natal stress and calculated crude and adjusted Odds Ratios for onset of first-episode psychosis. Adjusted logistic regression showed that psychosis onset was significantly associated with stressful situations during pregnancy, lower level of maternal physical health before or during pregnancy, use of anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy, and low level of maternal education. The results of our study suggest that stress during perinatal period increases the risk of developing psychosis.
The spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2007-2016
Authors: Liang Peifeng , Zhao Yuan , Zhao Jianhua , Pan Dongfeng , Guo Zhongqin
Published: January 2020

Objective: Despite the considerable efforts made to address the issue of brucellosis worldwide, its prevalence in dairy products continues to be difficult to estimate and represents a key public health issue around the world. The aim of the study was to understand the epidemiology of this disease in mainland China. We set out to investigate the yearly spatial distribution and possible hot-spots of the disease. Methods: Human brucellosis data from mainland China between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. A geographic information system ArcGIS10.3 (ESRI, Redlands) was used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China during the study period. These distributions were evaluated using three-dimensional trend analysis and spatial autocorrelation analyse. A gravity-center was used to analyse the migration track of human brucellosis. Results: A total of 399,578 cases of human brucellosis were reported during the 10-year study period. The monthly incidence of brucellosis in China demonstrates clear seasonality. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, while May is the peak month for brucellosis. Three-dimensional trend analysis suggests that brucellosis is on the rise from south to north, and that the epidemic situation in northern China is more severe. Between 2007 and 2016, the overall migration distance of the brucellosis incidence gravity-center was 906.43 km, and the direction was southwest. However, the overall gravity center of brucellosis was still in the northern part of China. In the global autocorrelation analysis, brucellosis in China demonstrated a non-random distribution between 2013 and 2014, with spatial autocorrelation ( Z > 1.96, P < 0.05) and a clustering trend, while no clustering trend was found from 2007 to 2012 or from 2015 to 2016. In the local autocorrelation analysis, a Low-Low cluster phenomenon was found in the south of China in 2013 and 2014. Conclusion: Human brucellosis remains a widespread challenge, particularly in northern China. The hotspots highlight potential high-risk areas which may require special plans and resources for monitoring and controlling the disease. Keywords : Human brucellosis; mainland China; geographic information system; spatial autocorrelation analysis
Etiology and Clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis in Suzhou
Authors: Tan Jiahong , Wu Jinfeng , Jiang Wujun , Huang Li , Ji Wei , Yan Yongdong , Wang Meiuan , Shao Xuejun
Published: January 2020

Background Bronchiolitis is a clinical syndrome commonly encountered in practice, particularly among infants and young children. However, the etiology and clinical impact of the condition remains elusive.Methods We investigated the respiratory specimens and clinical data of 1012 children with bronchiolitis who were treated at the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University between November 2011 and December 2018. The nasopharyngeal aspirates were examined by direct immunofluorescence assay or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viruses and by PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP).Results Of the 1012 children with bronchiolitis, 842 (83.2%) were detected at least a pathogen. 614 (60.7%) had single viral infections, 91 (9.0%) had MP infections, 70 (6.9%) had multiple viral infections, and 67 (6.6%) had mixed viral and MP infection. The most common pathogens detected were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (44.4%), MP (15.6%), and human rhinovirus (HRV) (14.4%). RSV was the most common pathogen detected in children less than 6 months. Coinfection was detected in 13.5% (137/1012) of the children, but it was less common in children less than 6 months. The age of children with single virus infection was the youngest. Children with single virus infection had a higher proportion of oxygen therapy compared with single MP infection.Conclusions The most common pathogen detected in children with bronchiolitis is RSV, followed by MP and HRV. Co-infections lead to prolonged illness and worsening of the symptoms
Analysis of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in Group B Streptococcus from clinical samples
Authors: Mudzana Raymond , Mavenyengwa Rooyen T , Gudza-Mugabe Muchaneta
Published: January 2020

Background: Streptococcus agalacticae is one of the most important causative agents of serious infections among neonates. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) virulence factors are important in the development of vaccines, whilst antibiotic resistance genes are necessary in understanding the resistance mechanisms used by these pathogens. This study was carried out to identify the virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes associated with GBS isolated from pregnant women.Methods: A total of 43 GBS isolates were obtained from vaginal samples that were collected from all HIV positive and HIV negative women who were 13-35 weeks pregnant attending Antenatal Care at both Chitungwiza and Harare Central Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Identification tests of GBS isolates was done using standard bacteriological methods including molecular tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing using 3 antibiotics was done using the modified Kirby-Bauer method. The boiling method was used to extract DNA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to screen for 13 genes in the isolates. Data was fed into SPSS 24.0 and the Spearman rank correlation test used to determine any correlation among genes.Results: Nine distinct virulence gene profiles were identified. The profiles hly-scpB-bca-rib 37.2% (16/43) and hly-scpB-bca 18.6% (8/43) were common among GBS isolates. The following virulence gene frequencies were obtained namely hly 97.8% (42/43), scpB 90.1% (39/43), bca 86.0% (37/43), rib 69.8% (30/43) and bac 11.6% (5/43). Antibiotic resistance genes showed high frequencies for tetM 97.6% (41/42) and low frequencies for ermB 34.5% (10/29), ermTR 10.3% (3/29), mefA 3.4% (1/29), tetO 2.4% (1/42) and linB 0% (0/35). The atr housekeeping gene amplification yielded 100% (43/43) positive results, whilst the mobile genetic element IS1548 yielded a low 9.3% (4/43).Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of multiple virulence genes hly, scpB, bca and rib in S. agalactiae strains isolated from pregnant women. Tetracycline resistance was found to be predominantly caused by the tetM gene, whilst macrolide resistance was predominantly due to the presence of erm methylase, with the ermB gene being more prevalent. It was also observed that in vitro phenotypic resistance is not always accurately predicted by resistance genotypes.
The BEACON Study: Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial of a service to deliver smartphone-assisted problem-solving therapy compared to usual care in men who present with intentional self-harm to Emergency Departments in Ontario
Authors: Hatcher Simon , Heisel Marnin , Ayonrinde Oyedeji , Campbell Julie Kathleen , Colman Ian , Corsi Daniel J. , Edgar Nicole E. , Gillett Lindsay , Kennedy Sidney H. , Hunt Sophia Lakatoo , Links Paul , MacLean Sarah , Mehta Viraj , Mushquash Christopher , Raimundo Alicia , Rizvi Sakina J. , Saskin Refik , Schaffer Ayal , Sidahmed Alaaddin , Sinyor Mark , Soares Claudio , Taljaard Monica , Testa Valerie , Thavorn Kednapa , Thiruganasambandamoorthy Venkatesh , Vaillancourt Christian
Published: January 2020

Background Patients who present to Emergency Departments (ED) after intentional self-harm receive variable levels care in Ontario. Many are not assessed by a mental health professional following discharge from ED and do not receive psychological services available in the community as many of these services are not covered by the provincial health insurance. Patients who present with intentional self-harm to hospital are more likely to die by suicide and premature death by other means compared to the general population. This risk is elevated in men, who represent two-thirds of those who die by suicide in Ontario. One way of potentially addressing this gap is to offer problem-solving therapy (PST) designed specifically for men, facilitated by the use of a patient facing smartphone application and a clinician facing dashboard. This attempts to blend the use of face to face therapy and technology to create an effective intervention after self-harm.Methods This is a pragmatic, multicentre pre- and post-design cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) comparing the provision of a suicide prevention intervention to usual care, in men who present to the ED with self-harm. The study intervention is composed of: 1) staff education; 2) resource materials for men who present to the ED with self-harm; and, 3) the option to refer patients to a blended PST service for the treatment of self-harm. The primary outcome to be assessed is a composite of the incidence of suicides and/or re-presentations to any ED in Ontario for self-harm in the year after presentation with self-harm. Secondary outcome measures include: total number of suicides; re-presentations to any ED in Ontario for the repetition of self-harm; re-presentations to any ED in Ontario for any reason; other health system use including use of primary care and hospital outpatient appointments; mortality not related to suicide; and, health system costs over one year. All outcomes will be measured from provincial health administrative databases available at the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences (IC/ES).
Genome-wide identification of the 14-3-3 gene family and its participation in response to floral transition by interacting with TFL1/FT in Apple
Authors: Zuo Xiya , Wang Shixiang , Xiang Wen , Tahir Muhammad Mobeen , Yang Huiru , Zhen Shangong , An Na , Han Mingyu , Zhao Caiping , Zhang Dong
Published: January 2020

Background: Apple ( Malus domestica Borkh.) is one of the most popular cultivated fruit crops in China. Apple floral transition is an important process but liable to be affected by various environmental factors. The 14-3-3 proteins are involved in regulating diverse biological processes in plants, and some 14-3-3 members have been identified to play vital roles in flowering. However, little information was available about the 14-3-3 members in apple. Results: In the current study, we identified eighteen 14-3-3 gene family members from apple genome database, designated MdGF14a to MdGF14r , 17 of them are transcribed. The isoforms possess a conserved core region composed of nine antiparallel α-helices and divergent N and C termini. According to their structural and phylogenetic features, Md14-3-3s classified into two major evolutionary branches, the epsilon (ɛ) group and the non-epsilon (non-ɛ) group. Moreover, expression profiles derived from transcriptome data and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis exhibited diverse expression patterns of Md14-3-3 genes in various tissues and in response to different sugars and hormones treatments during floral transition phase. Four Md14-3-3 isoforms ( MdGF14a , MdGF14d , MdGF14i and MdGF14j ) exhibiting prominent transcriptional responses to sugars and hormones were selected for further investigation. Subcellular localization of four selected Md14-3-3 proteins demonstrated their localization in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) experiments showed that the four Md14-3-3 proteins interact with key floral integrators, MdTFL1 (TERMINAL FLOWER1) and MdFT (FLOWERING LOCUS T). Conclusion: We comprehensively identified Md14-3-3s family in apple. Some Md14-3-3 genes are predominantly expressed during apple flowering transition stage, and may participate in regulation of flowering through association with flower control genes. Our results provide a preliminary framework for further investigation into the roles of Md14-3-3s for flower transition.
Cytosine methylation in the promoter region of genes involved in cellular oxidation equilibrium pathways affects rice heat tolerance
Authors: He Chao , Zhang Hong-Yu , Zhang Yong-Xin , Fu Pei , You Li-Li , Xiao Wen-Bo , Wang Zhao-Hai , Song Hai-Yan , Huang Ying-Jin , Liao Jiang-Lin
Published: January 2020

Background High temperatures are detrimental to rice yield and quality, especially at night. Due to the predicted increases in global warming, it is imperative that crops are able to adapt to high night temperatures (HNTs) in the near future. DNA methylation is a potential mechanism for controlling gene activity and cellular phenotype under adversely environment without changing nucleotide sequence.Results Here, we reported that few CG and CHG contexts but CHH context in rice genome was strongly induced by HNT to occur cytosine methylation variation between two coisogenic rice strains with significant difference in heat tolerance. Methylation variations occurred mainly on successive cytosines in the promoter or downstream regions of transcription factors and transposon elements. In contrast to the heat-sensitive rice strain, two basal transcriptional factor TFIID subunit 11 and mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription subunit 31 were fully demethylated in the downstream 358-359 bp and 2-60 bp under HNT in the heat-tolerant strain, respectively. Various genes involved in ABA-related reactive oxygen species (ROS) equilibrium pathways, including the pentatricopeptide repeat domain gene PPR (LOC_Os07g28900) and the homeobox domain gene homeobox (LOC_Os01g19694), were induced by HNT to occur methylation variation on successive cytosines in the gene promoter regions of the heat-tolerant strain. Varidation among the typical heat-tolerant group and heat-sensitive group of rice germplasms, methylation rate of the cytosines in gene promoter region for gene PPR was higher and gene expression was suppressed in the heat-sensitive group, comparing to the heat-tolerant group.Conclusions The CHH context in rice genome was the main context type to occur cytosine methylation variation under HNT between the heat-sensitive and heat-tolerant rice strains. Methylation in the promoter regions of the genes related to abscisic acid-related oxidation and ROS scavenging contributes to rice heat tolerance. These findings provide bases to explain the molecular mechanisms behind rice heat tolerance.
Cytocompatibility of 3D printed dental materials for temporary restorations on fibroblasts
Authors: Park Jung-Hyun , Lee Hyun , Kim Jong-Woo , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: January 2020

Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing is widely used in the fabrication of dental prostheses; however, the influence of dental materials used for 3D printing on temporary restoration of fibroblasts in tissues is unclear. Thus, the influence of different dental materials on fibroblasts were investigated. Methods Digital light processing (DLP) type 3D printing was used. Specimens in the control group were fabricated by mixing liquid and powder self-curing resin restoration materials. The temporary resin materials used were Model, Castable, Clear-SG, Tray, and Temporary, and the self-curing resin materials used were Lang dental, Alike, Milky blue, TOKVSO CUREFAST, and UniFast III. Fibroblast cells were cultured on each specimen and subsequently post-treated for analysis. Morphology of the adhered cells were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results CLSM and SEM cell imaging revealed that the 3D printed material group presented better cell adhesion with well-distributed filopodia compared to that in the conventional resin material group. Cell proliferation was significantly higher in the 3D printing materials. Conclusion This indicates that using resins fabricated by 3D printing technology rather than the ones fabricated by self-curing technology is recommended for the fabrication of dental temporary restorations.
Exploring the influences on men's engagement with weight loss services: A qualitative study.
Authors: Elliott Megan , Gillison Fiona , Barnett Julie
Published: January 2020

Background: Engagement of men with commercial and UK National Health Service (NHS) weight loss services is low, and few studies report on why this may be. However, evidence shows that men who do participate in weight loss programmes tend to lose as much, or more weight than women. The present study aimed to explore men’s experiences and expectations of mainstream weight loss services in the UK, following referral from a medical professional, particular in relation to barriers and motivators. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 men with a BMI over 25kg/m 2 including those who had, and had not, attended group-based or one-to-one weight loss services. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Two themes were identified; Fear as a motivation for change (1) and Attitudes towards existing weight loss services (2). Within theme two, two subthemes were identified; ‘Female dominated services’ and ‘Incompatibility of existing services for men’. The findings suggest that fear, as a result of a medical diagnosis or referral is a mechanism for motivating men to engage with weight loss services. This was often augmented by awareness of other people’s experiences of poor health due to their weight. The gender imbalance and attitudes towards existing weight loss services deterred men from engaging with or continuously attending sessions. This imbalance resulted in feelings of self-consciousness, shame and a perceived stigma for men using weight loss services. These experiences highlighted the importance of providing services which align with men’s preferences to promote engagement. Conclusions: A medical diagnosis or referral serves as a strong motivator for men to engage with weight loss services by invoking fear of negative consequences of not losing weight. Men perceived weight loss services to be feminised spaces, in which they felt self-conscious and out of place. As a result, men were deterred from engaging and considered their options were limited. Implications for service design and commissioning are discussed. Involving men in research, service design and evaluation is key to improving their engagement and weight loss.
Cigarette Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Use among Male South Asian Migrants in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ali Raghib , Loney Tom , Al-Houqani Mohammed , Blair Iain , Aziz Faisal , Dhaheri Salma Al , Barazi Iffat El , Soteriades Elpidoforos S. , Shah Syed
Published: January 2020

Background The prevalence of tobacco use among South Asian migrants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has not been evaluated. We examined the prevalence of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use along with their associated factors among male South Asian migrants in the UAE.Methods A representative sample of South Asian adult migrant males was recruited in Al Ain, UAE in 2012. The sample included Indian (n=433), Pakistani (n=383) and Bangladeshi (n=559) nationalities. Prevalence and measures of association using bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression models were used to identify correlates of tobacco use.ResultsA total of 1.375 South Asian migrant males participated in the study (response rate 76%) with a mean age of 34 years (SD ± 10). The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 21%, 23% and 37% among participants from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively. The prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use was 6%, 12%, and 16% for Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi participants, respectively. Bangladeshi nationality, hypertension, and alcohol use were significant correlates of current cigarette smoking. Increase in age, less than college level education, alcohol use and Pakistani or Bangladeshi nationality were significant correlates of exposure to smokeless tobacco.Conclusions The high prevalence of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use in South Asian migrants, highlights the public health burden of tobacco use in migrant populations in the UAE. Public health measures are needed to address tobacco use in migrant population.
Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and long-term outcomes in the Saudi population: Results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology study (PURE-Saudi)
Authors: Alhabib Khalid , Batais Mohammed A , Almigbal Turky H , Alshamiri Mostafa Q , Altaradi Hani , Rangarajan Sumathy , Yusuf Salim
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveWe report the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and long-term outcomes within the Saudi population, stratified by age, sex, and place of residence.MethodsThe Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study is a global cohort study including adults of 35–70 years old in 20 countries. PURE-Saudi study participants were recruited from 19 urban and 6 rural communities randomly selected from the Central province (Riyadh and Alkharj) between February 2012 and January 2015. Clinical follow-up of major CVD events and mortality is ongoing.ResultsThe PURE-Saudi study enrolled 2047 participants (mean age, 46.5 ± 9.12 years; 43.1% women; 24.5% rural). Overall, 69.4% had low physical activity, 49.6% obesity, 34.4% unhealthy diet, 32.1% dyslipidemia, 30.3% hypertension, 25.1% diabetes, 12.2% were current smokers, 15.4% self-reported feeling sad, 16.9% had history of stress (several periods), 6.8% had permanent stress, 0.98% had history of stroke, 0.64% had heart failure, and 2.5% had coronary heart disease (CHD). Compared to women, men were more likely to be current smokers (21% vs. 0.45%, p<0.001), have diabetes (28.2% vs. 21.3%, p<0.001), and have history of CHD (3.2% vs. 1.6%, p=0.02); while women were more likely to be obese (58.6% vs. 42.8%, p<0.001), have central obesity (70.7% vs. 32.7%, p<0.001), self-report sadness (22.7%, vs. 9.9% p<0.001), experience stress (several periods), feel permanent stress (9.9% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001), and have low education (46.6% vs. 20.2%, p<0.001). Compared to participants in urban areas, those in rural areas had higher rates of diabetes (31.1% vs. 23.3%, p<0.001), obesity (56.6% vs. 47.3%, p<0.001), and hypertension (35.5% vs. 28.6%, p=0.004); and lower rates of unhealthy diet, self-reported sadness, stress (several periods), and permanent stress. Compared to middle- and old-age individuals, younger participants more commonly reported unhealthy diet, permanent stress, and self-reporting of being sad. ConclusionPURE-Saudi, the first population cohort study in Saudi Arabia, revealed a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in the adult Saudi population, with higher rates in rural than urban areas. National public awareness programs and multi-faceted healthcare policy changes are urgently needed to reduce the future burden of CVD risk and mortality.
ER documents categorization and explanation
Authors: Mensa Enrico , Colla Davide , Dalmasso Marco , Giustini Marco , Mamo Carlo , Pitidis Alessio , RADICIONI DANIELE PAOLO
Published: January 2020

Background Emergency room reports are a specific kind of text, posing specific challenges to natural language processing techniques. In this setting, violence episodes on women, elderly and children are often under-reported. Categorizing textual descriptions as containing violence-related injuries vs. non-violence-related injuries, is thus a relevant task, to the ends of devising alerting mechanisms to track violence episodes. Methods We present a system to detect episodes of violence from the textual descriptions contained in emergency room reports. It employs a deep neural network for categorizing textual ER reports data. Additionally, the system complements such output by making explicit which elements corroborate the interpretation of the record as reporting about violence-related injuries. To these ends we designed a novel hybrid technique for filling semantic frames that employs distributed representations of the terms herein, along with syntactic and semantic information. Results We tested our system on a set of real data of emergency room reports, coming from an Italian branch of the EU-Injury Database (EU-IDB) project, annotated by hospital staff. Our experimentation shows that the system produces accurate categorization (of violent vs. non violent records), paired with interesting results on the explanation of such output. At times, it also allowed unveiling annotation errors committed by hospital staff. Conclusions In the last few years deep architectures and word embeddings have been compared to a tsunami hitting AI and the area concerned with natural language processing. Only at a later time we have been realizing that the stunning output of deep networks needed to be explained: our proposal, combining distributed and symbolic (frame-like) representations are a possible answer to this pressing request for interpretability. Although the present application is focused on the medical domain, the proposed methodology is general and, in principle, it can be extended to further application areas and categorization tasks.
Is the allocation of medical and health resources effective? Characteristic facts from regional heterogeneity in China
Authors: Yi Ming , Peng Jiachao , Zhang Lian , Zhang Yao
Published: January 2020

Background: Over the last decade, the expenditure on public medical and health has increased greatly in China, however, problems as low efficiency and unfairness still exist. How to accurately describe the effectiveness of existing medical and health resources in combination with regional heterogeneity is of great significance to China's medical and health reform.Methods: Based on provincial panel data for the period of 2005 to 2017, this paper constructs a super-efficiency three-stage SBM-DEA model, combining expected output and unexpected output, to measure and analyze the spatial-temporal heterogeneity characteristics and influencing factors of public medical and health efficiency (PMHE). Results: After the impacts of random error and external environmental factors are removed, the mean value of overall PMHE is 0.9274, failing to reach DEA efficiency, and PMHE shows a fluctuated downward trend. In addition, apart from eastern regions, the mean values of PMHE in central, western and north-eastern are all underestimated. (2) The adjusted PMHE level shows a prominent spatial imbalance at the stage 3. The average efficiency level is ranked by the east > the western > the central > the northeast region. (3) The increases of GDP per capita and population density are beneficial to the improvement of PMHE, while income level and education level are disadvantageous to PMHE, and the urbanization level, an uncertain effect.Conclusion: This study innovatively incorporates undesired outputs of health care into the efficiency evaluation framework by constructing the main efficiency evaluation indicators. The results of the robust evaluation conclude that China's existing investment in medical and health resources is generally not effective. Therefore, although China's health care reform has achieved certain results, it is still necessary to expand the investment in health care resources.
Description of the targeted water supply and hygiene response strategy implemented during the cholera outbreak of 2017-2018 in Kinshasa, DRC
Authors: Bompangue Didier , Moore Sandra , Taty Nadège , Impouma Benido , Sudre Bertrand , Manda Richard , Balde Thierno , Mboussou Franck , Vandevelde Thierry
Published: January 2020

Background
Rapid control of cholera outbreaks is a significant challenge in overpopulated urban areas. During late-2017, Kinshasa, the capital ofthe Democratic Republic of the Congo, experienced a cholera outbreak that showed potential to spread throughout the city. A novel targeted water and hygiene response strategy was implemented to quickly stem the outbreak.
Methods
We describe the first implementation of the cluster grid response strategy carried out in the community during the cholera outbreak in Kinshasa, in which response activities targeted cholera case clusters using a grid approach. Interventions focused on emergency water supply, household water treatment and safe storage, home disinfection and hygiene promotion. We also performed a preliminary community trial study to assess the temporal pattern of the outbreak before and after response interventions were implemented. Cholera surveillance databases from the Ministry of Health were analyzed to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of the outbreak using epidemic curves and maps.
Results
From January 2017 to November 2018, a total of 1,712 suspected cholera cases were reported in Kinshasa. During this period, the most affected health zones included Binza Météo, Limeté, Kokolo, Kintambo and Kingabwa. Following implementation of the response strategy, the weekly cholera case numbers in Binza Météo, Kintambo and Limeté decreased by an average of 57% after two weeks and 86% after four weeks. The total weekly case numbers throughout Kinshasa Province dropped by 71% four weeks after the peak of the outbreak.
Conclusion
During the 2017-2018 period, Kinshasa experienced a sharp increase in cholera case numbers. To contain the outbreak, water supply and hygieneresponse interventions targeted case households, nearby neighbors and public areas in case clusters using a grid approach. Following implementation of the response, the outbreak in Kinshasa was quickly brought under control. A similar approach may be adapted to quickly interrupt cholera transmission in other urban settings.
Gene expression in peripheral blood cells for differentiation of active and latent tuberculosis infection in children and adolescents
Authors: Elov A. A. , Vladimirskiy M. A. , Smerdin S. V. , Elufimova O. I.
Published: January 2020

The objective: to analyze the expression of certain genes in the blood cells of children and adolescence to differentiate the active and latent phases of tuberculosis infection.

Subjects and methods. Peripheral blood samples collected in 36 pediatric patients with latent tuberculosis infection and 24 patients aged 1 to 16 years undergoing in-patient treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis were tested. A modified method for isolating messenger RNA and reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the transcription of six genes selected for analysis.

Results. In a comparative study of the expression values of six promising genes in blood cells in the study of two groups of children and adolescents with latent and active tuberculosis infection, it was found that the most differentiating feature for determining active tuberculosis infection was a significantly higher level of expression of PDCD1 gene encoding PD1 lymphocyte receptor. At the same time, the sensitivity to detect the active infection was found to be 95.8%, specificity – 94.4%, the accuracy of the positive prognosis of active tuberculosis infection was 93.3%.
The experience of using delamanid in the Chechen Republic
Authors: Lorsanov S. M. , Khaydarkhanova Z. B. , Khunkarsultanov S. B.
Published: January 2020

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Prevalence of tuberculosis with multiple and extensive drug resistance according to the data of Federal register of tb cases
Authors: Testov V. V. , Vasilyeva I. A. , Sterlikov S. A. , Medvinskiy I. D. , Glebov K. A. , Аntonova E. G. , Filina E. D. , Sidorova I. A.
Published: January 2020

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Results of the skin test of diaskintest in pulmonary tuberculosis patients caused by different genotypes of M. tuberculosis
Authors: Salina T. Yu. , Morozova T. I. , Kudlay D. A.
Published: January 2020

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Precision lung resections as an alternative technology for the surgical stage of tuberculoma treatment
Authors: Dyachkov I. A. , Motus I. Ya. , Bazhenov A. V. , Medvinskiy I. D. , Skornyakov S. N. , Berdnikov R. B.
Published: January 2020

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