bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core Conflictual Relationship Theme: The reliability of a simplified scoring procedure.
Authors: Tallberg Peter , Ulberg Randi , Dahl Hanne-Sofie Johnsen , Høglend Per Andreas
Published: February 2020

Background: Creating a case formulation is an important and basic skill in psychotherapy meant to guide treatment. A patient’s interpersonal pattern is an essential part of a case formulation. Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) is a well-known structured method to describe interpersonal patterns. The CCRT method is based on the assumption that humans display a central relationship theme, which is shown in most relationships as well as in the patient-therapist relation. The CCRT scoring is based on how the patient describes interactions with others, in therapy sessions or in a specific interview. These descriptions are transcribed. Raters then score the identified relational episodes by choosing elements from the clustered categories of Wishes, Response from Others and Response from Self. The method has shown high validity and reliability. Inter rater reliability is generally good: Cohen’s kappa ranging from 0.55 to 0.70.To decide CCRT pattern from transcribed material is time consuming and labour intensive This study investigates a labour- and timesaving version of the method.Methods: This study aimed to investigate rater agreement in a simplified method of scoring the CCRT, based directly on live semi-structured dynamic interviews without transcribing the material. 52 patients referred for psychotherapy in a clinical trial, were scored for CCRT pattern. Based on information that came forth during the two-hour interview, raters scored the patients choosing elements from the clustered categories of Wishes, Response from Others and Response from Self. More than one category in each component could be chosen without ranking. 5 raters compared two by two were investigated. Inter rater reliability was measured by Cohen’s kappa.Results: Mean kappa for Wishes, Response from Others and Response from Self was .33, .44 and .45 respectively. Mean kappa for CCRT in total was .44 among 5 raters.Conclusion: In this simplified method to score the CCRT based on oral dynamic interviews, fair to moderate IRR was obtained. Trial Registration: First Experimental Study of Transference-interpretations (FEST307/95) Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00423462.
Functional comparison of PBMCs isolated by Cell Preparation Tubes (CPT) vs. Lymphoprep Tubes
Authors: Chen Han , Schürch Christian M , Noble Kevin , Kim Kenneth , Krutzik Peter , O'Donnell Erika , Tuig Jason V , Nolan Garry P , McIlwain David Robert
Published: February 2020

Background: Cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a commonly used sample type for a variety of immunological assays. Many factors can affect the quality of PBMCs, and careful consideration and validation of an appropriate PBMC isolation and cryopreservation method is important for well-designed clinical studies. A major point of divergence in PBMC isolation protocols is the collection of blood, either directly into vacutainers pre-filled with density gradient medium or the use of conical tubes containing a porous barrier to separate the density gradient medium from blood. To address potential differences in sample outcome, we isolated, cryopreserved, and compared PBMCs using parallel protocols differing only in the use of one of two common tube types for isolation. Methods: Whole blood was processed in parallel using both Cell Preparation Tubesä (CPT, BD Biosciences) and Lymphoprepä Tubes (Axis-Shield) and assessed for yield and viability prior to cryopreservation. After thawing, samples were further examined by flow cytometry for cell yield, cell viability, frequency of ten cell subsets, and capacity for stimulation-dependent CD4+ and CD8+ T cell intracellular cytokine production. Results: No significant differences in cell recovery, viability, frequency of immune cell subsets, or T cell functionality between PBMC samples isolated using CPT or Lymphoprep tubes were identified.Conclusion: CPT and Lymphoprep tubes are effective and comparable methods for PBMC isolation for immunological studies.
Dihydroartemisinin exerts multiple effects in ameliorating CNS inflammation by enhancing AXL signaling in microglia from mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ran Qingsen , Li Qi , Liu Li , Sun Lidong , Yang Qing , Li Yujie , Chen Ying , Weng Xiaogang , Wang Yajie , Cai Weiyan , Zhu Xiaoxin
Published: February 2020

Background: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a bioactive sesquiterpenoids originated from Artemisia annua L. , extensively applied in traditional medicine for the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases. AXL, shown to dampen the immune response, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, clear apoptotic cells and debris in Multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting that it plays a role in disease pathogenesis. Thus, aiming to investigated whether DHA ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by modulating AXL signaling, we determined it both in vivo and vitro studies.Methods: Firstly, female C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein MOG 35-55 peptide emulsified in complete Freund’s adjuvant and injected with pertussis toxin on day 0 and 2. Mice were monitored daily with DHA for clinical signs of disease and analyzed for pathology and ethology during the acute phase of disease. Moreover, functions of Immunological responses were assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope, chemokine were determined through ELISA and Transwell assay, proteins were monitored by Western blot and genes expression were explored by PCR.Results: Results identified mice immunized with MOG35-55 had a significantly more severe acute phase of EAE than negative control mice. In contrast, DHA treated mice had slighter spinal cord lesions with less inflammatory cuffs, less demyelination, and slighter axonal damage than EAE mice. Furthermore, by using gait analysis, DHA obviously ameliorated clinical features in EAE mice. Strikingly, DHA reduced the chemotactic ability of microglia, promoted the differentiation of T cells into Treg cells and enhanced the phagocytic ability of microglia. Moreover, DHA up-regulated expression of AXL, SOCS3, and STAT1 phosphorylation. By contrast, no significant differences were noted in these responses above by using SGI7079, inhibitor of AXL. Furthermore, DHA up-regulated expression of AXL, SOCS3, and STAT1 phosphorylation and enhanced the phagocytic ability of microglia when IFNAR was activated by IFN-β，however, no significant differences were noted in these responses above by using Fludarabine, inhibitor of STAT1 phosphorylation.Conclusions: Taken together, the present study demonstrated that DHA exerts multiple effects in ameliorating neuroinflammation process by enhancing AXL signaling that depending on modulating STAT1/SOCS3 axis in EAE, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Genetic polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 genes related to cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China
Authors: Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Ma Chunhua , Wang Lin , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: February 2020

Background PGF and TNFAIP2 are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, there is no report on investigating associations between the polymorphisms in the PGF and TNFAIP2 genes and CC risk. Methods We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls matched by age and ethnicity in Chinese Uygur female population. Three selected SNPs ( PGF rs8019391, PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100) were genotyped to investigate the possible association of the polymorphisms in PGF and TNFAIP2 with the risk of CC. The logistic regression analysis adjusted by age was used to assess associations of these SNPs with CC risk. Results GF rs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04-1.86, p = 0.024) and TNFAIP2 rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07-1.95, p = 0.018) polymorphisms were significantly associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, PGF rs8019391 T allele was highly represented in patients with III–IV tumor stage (OR = 2.17, p = 4.58×10 -4 ). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs. Conclusions Our data suggested that PGF rs2268615, and TNFAIP2 rs710100 polymorphisms may be risk factors for susceptibility to CC, which contributed to the increased risk of CC, and this finding requires further validation by larger studies.
Relationship Between Medical Students’ Career Priority and Specialty Choice: A Nationwide Multicenter Survey
Authors: Ie Kenya , Murata Akiko , Tahara Masao , Komiyama Manabu , Ichikawa Shuhei , Takemura Yousuke C. , Onishi Hirotaka
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds The shortage of physicians in several specialties has been brought to public attention in several countries. However, little is known about factors affecting medical students’ specialty choice. The objectives of our study were to illustrate medical students’ career priority clusters and to assess their association with specialty preference. Methods We conducted a nationwide multicenter survey in 2015 at 17 medical schools. The study participants were asked their top three specialty preferences, demographic characteristics, and 14 career priority questions. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of each variables on student career choice. Results A total of 1,264 responses were included in the analyses. The top five specialty choice were internal medicine: 833, general practice: 408, paediatrics: 372, surgery: 344, and emergency medicine: 244. An exploratory factor analysis mapped the 14 career priorities into 3-factor solution; “primary care orientation”, “advanced and specific care”, and “personal life orientation”. Multilevel logistic regression models yielded satisfactory accuracy with the highest ROC curve (AUROC) noted in surgery (0.818), general practice (0.769), and emergency medicine (0.744). The career priorities under “primary care orientation” had positive association with choosing general practice, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and paediatrics. The “advanced and specific care” career priorities facilitated surgery and emergency medicine choice, while reducing the likelihood of choosing less procedure-oriented specialties, such as internal medicine, general practice, and paediatrics. Conclusions Our results demonstrated medical students’ career priorities and their association with specialty preference. Individualized career support may be beneficial for both medical students and each specialty fields.
Three-dimensional Construction of Micrometer Level in Rat Stomach by Synchrotron RadiationThree-dimensional Construction of Micrometer Level in Rat Stomach by Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Tao Qiang , Gao Chen-Chen , Tong Xue-Hong , Yuan Shizhen , Wang Tian-tian , Xu Jingdong
Published: February 2020

Objectives This article shows an imaging method of the stomach that does not use imaging agents. X-ray phase-contrast images of different stages of gastric development were taken using X-ray in-line phase-contrast imaging (XILPCI). The aim of the study was to demonstrate that XILPCI is a micron imaging method for gastric structures. Methods The stomachs of 4-, 6- and 12-week-old rats were removed and cleaned. XILPCI has 1000 times greater soft tissue contrast than that of X-ray traditional absorption radiography. The projection images of the rats’ stomachs were recorded by an XILPCI charge coupled device (CCD) at 9 μm image resolution. Results The X-ray in-line phase-contrast images of the different stages of rat gastric specimens clearly showed the gastric architectures and the details of the gastroduodenal region. 3-dimensional stomach anatomical structure images were reconstruction. Conclusion The reconstructed gastric 3D images can clearly display the internal structure of the stomach. XILPCI may be a useful method for medical research in the future. Keywords: Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging, 3-dimensional gastric structure images
Complementary transcriptome and proteome analyses provide insight into floral transition in Bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro)
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Yujiao , Yang Guoqian , Zhao Lei , Li Dezhu , Guo Zhenhua
Published: February 2020

Background Most woody bamboos flower only once after long vegetable growth phases and die immediately afterward. It is difficult to know the timing of the floral transition, as little information is available on the molecular mechanism of plant maturity in bamboos. Results In this study, through RNA sequencing of leaves of D. latiflorus during floral transition and de novo assembly, a final set of 155,494 unigenes were obtained with N50 of 2,069 bp. We identified a lot of flowering time-associated and flowering integration genes and the continued increase and decrease genes were screened as flowering biomarker genes, such as MADS14, bHLH13, ABA-related genes. The different genes were assigned to specific metabolic pathways by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and the photoperiod pathways depending on the circadian rhythm may play an essential role in the bamboo floral transition. In addition, a total of 721 different expressed proteins of leaves from the vegetable-to-reproductive stages in the same flowering clumps were identified using iTRAQ technique. The correlations between the expression levels of a transcript and the abundance of its corresponding protein were observed infrequently, but the very strong correlation in the specific metabolic process was observed, such as carbon metabolism, sugar metabolism, and photosynthesis, underlining the importance of these metabolic pathways during floral transition. Conclusions In this report, we combined transcriptome with large-scale quantitative proteomes to investigate the flower transition of D. latiflorus. This work will provide insights into mechanism of floral transition for bamboos, and management of forest breeding.
Environmental conditions and preventive behaviors’ effect on cutaneous leishmaniasis of earthquake hit western cities of Iran in 2018: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Irandost Mozhgan , Mahaki Behzad , Akbarzadeh Rokhsareh , Pirsaheb Meghdad , Asadi Anvar , Salimi Mojtaba , Chaboksavar Fakhradin
Published: February 2020

Background & objectives This study investigates the role of environmental conditions, knowledge, attitudes and control measures of preventive behaviors in cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL) based on the BASNEF model in patients who referred to the health care centers of cities hit by earthquakes including Sarpol- Zahab and Qasr-Shirin in Kermanshah province, western Iran, in 2018. Method In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 128 individuals who visited rural and urban health centers in the cities under study were randomly selected. They were asked to fill in a structured questionnaire with questions about their demographic information, environmental conditions, their knowledge, attitude and preventive behavior regarding CL. Results The environmental conditions of participants (i.e. wastewater collection, solid waste disposal, drinking water and…) were at appropriate levels. Approximately 89.1% of the people used urban water supply networks while about 68% of participants had access to the wastewater collection system. About 67% of participants reported that their solid wastes were collected daily and disposed of in sanitary landfill. The most influential people in preventive behaviors (control actions) were family members (72.4%). Pearson’s correlation test showed that preventive behaviors had a meaningful correlation with understudy variables in BASNEF model (p<0.001). Preventive behaviors against CL improved as the score of each variable increased. Finally, enabling factors and behavioral intention were the most accurate predictors of preventive behaviors against CL. Conclusion Distribution of causes of CL is influenced by a combination of environmental ecological conditions as well as behavioral and sanitation factors. Therefore, control programs should be focused on villages and cities with high risks of disease.
Oral Status of elderly patients in long stay centres: A systematic review
Authors: Ruiz-Roca Juan Antonio , Martin-Fuentes Dora , Martinez-Beneyto Yolanda , Oñate-Sanchez Ricardo Elias
Published: February 2020

Background: Elderly patients who spend long periods hospitalized or those who are in a situation of institutionalization represent a risk group in this regard, as many of them suffer a degree of dependence and need help to perform the basic tasks of personal care. It is therefore important to learn more of the oral health status of this group of patients in order to make a proper assessment of the situation and to develop protocols for its management.The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review to ascertain the oral health status of elderly patients admitted to institutions or hospitalized for a long period of time. Methods: a systematic review of the literature published in two different databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library) was carried out, with 12 different combinations of keywords based on the following selection criteria: studies published in the last 5 years, in English and/or Spanish and/or Portuguese, with samples of ≥30 patients, performed in patients older than 65 years, admitted to any type of institution and/or hospital center for at least 7 days and in which the state of hard and/or soft tissues of the oral cavity were evaluated in some way. The selected articles were subjected to a thorough analysis. Results: The search strategy covered1 , 014 articles: 689 from Pubmed and 325 from Cochrane Library. After applying the eligibility criteria, fivearticles were selected for our review. The level of evidence of the articles was3, a sample of 773 patients most of them were women with an average age older than 70 years old. Conclusions: the oral health of patients aged more than 65 is worse than that of the rest population. Long hospital stays or being institutionalized in a residence makes this group susceptible to a worsening of their oral health status. It is necessary to develop protocols for the oral health care of these patients, accompanied by training programs for the personnel responsible. Key words: “elderly inpatients”, “elderly hospitalized patients”, “long term hospitalization”, “long term inpatients”, “oral health”, “oral status”.
Protein kinase A-mediated septin7 phosphorylation disrupts septin filaments and ciliogenesis
Authors: Lin Chun-Hsiang , Chen Ting-Yu , Shen Yi-Ru , Wang Chia-Yih , Kuo Pao-Lin
Published: February 2020

Septins are GTP-binding proteins that form heteromeric filaments for proper cell growth and migration. Among these septins, septin7 (SEPT7) is an important component of all septin filaments. Here we showed that protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates SEPT7 at Thr197 thus disrupting septin filament dynamics and ciliogenesis. The PKA targeting site at Thr197 of SEPT7 was conserved among species. Treatment of cAMP or overexpression of PKA catalytic subunit (PKACA2) induced SEPT7 phosphorylation. SEPT7 phosphorylation at Thr197 disrupted septin filament formation by reducing SEPT7-SEPT7 interaction, but not affected SEPT7-SEPT6-SEPT2 or SEPT4 interaction. Besides, overexpression of phosphomimetic SEPT7 mutant (T197E) disrupted endogenous SEPT7 filaments suggesting T197E had dominant negative effect on septin filament polymerization. We also identified SEPT7 interacted with the PKACA2 via the GTP-binding domain. Furthermore, PKA-mediated SEPT7 phosphorylation disrupted primary cilia formation. Thus, our data uncover the novel biological function of SEPT7 phosphorylation in septin filament polymerization and primary cilia formation.
Investigation and analysis of the factors of general practice research requirements
Authors: Chao Guanqun , Zhu Yue , Fang Lizheng
Published: February 2020

Background: this study aims to further understand the scientific research ability and level of general practitioners in hospitals at all levels through investigating the general scientific research situation and scientific research intention of general practitioners on duty, so as to provide a basis for formulating scientific research training and scientific research objectives related to general practitioners.Methods: general practitioners working in general medicine departments of hospitals at all levels were selected as the subjects of the survey. Self-filled questionnaires and interviews were used. R software was used for statistical analysis.Results: with the improvement of professional title, the longer time spent in general medicine, the greater interest in scientific research, the more articles published, and the more project funding received.Hospital grade, general practice time, master and doctor degree were independent influencing factors. The higher the hospital grade, the greater the demand for articles, while the longer the general practice, the lower the demand for articles. And the hospital of different rank, promotion needs the requirement of the article to differ. General practitioners who work in tertiary hospitals, have the title of chief physician, master's degree or doctor's degree, are interested in scientific research, have the interest in scientific research training, have the requirement of articles for promotion, have joined the scientific research team and are more inclined to devote their spare time to scientific research. The number of articles published by general practitioners was positively correlated with age, hospital grade, professional title and whether they joined the research team. The number of gp grants was positively correlated with age, hospital grade, professional title and whether or not they joined the research team.Conclusion: hospital grade, general practice time, master's degree and doctor's degree are the correlative factors that affect the requirement of scientific research. Hospital grade, professional title and age are the influencing factors for the scientific research achievements of general medicine, which are positively correlated with the number of articles published and the number of project grants received.
Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Contraceptives Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Sharma Aanchal , McCabe Edward , Jani Sona , Gonzalez Anthony , Demissie Seleshi , Lee April
Published: February 2020

Background: Despite endorsements supporting the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for adolescents and young adult women (AYA), they have limited knowledge about them Male partners can influence contraceptive decisions, however their perceived knowledge about IUDs is lower than their objective knowledge. We aim to establish current AYA baseline contraceptive knowledge and attitudes so providers can better target their sexual health educational interventions.Methods: Females and males, aged 13- 23, from our suburban adolescent clinic, completed an anonymous survey that assessed their knowledge and attitudes towards methods of contraception, with an emphasis on the IUD.Results: Completed surveys totaled 130 (99 females/31 males). Demographics: Black/African-American (31.3%), Latino/Hispanic (30.5%), White (17.6%), Asian (3%), and Other (14.5%). 80% of participants were sexually active. 69.5% stated they/their partner were currently using a contraceptive method; only 2.6% used IUDs. 56.6% of females and 10.1% of males had heard of IUDs. Despite this, male and female participants lacked knowledge regarding specific IUD facts. 6.4% who had used EC knew the copper IUD could be used for EC.Conclusion: Contraceptive knowledge deficits, especially regarding the IUD, continue to exist for AYA patients. Many participants stated they required EC despite “satisfaction” with their birth control method and most were unaware that the copper IUD could be used as EC. These discrepancies highlight the importance of comprehensive contraceptive education for AYA patients. Enhanced and consistent contraceptive options counseling can help providers ensure that their AYA patients make well-informed decisions about family planning, thus improving their quality of life.
Perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and use of contraceptives in underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan: A Midline Qualitative Assessment of Sukh Initiative, Karachi Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Sarah , Rizvi Narjis , Feroz Anam , Reza Sayyeda , Jessani Saleem , Abrejo Farina
Published: February 2020

Background: Family planning (FP) is an essential component of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and contributes directly to SDG targets 3.7 and 5.6. In Pakistan, contraceptive use has remained stagnant over the past 5 years. This change has been very slow when compared to the FP2020 pledge. The Sukh initiative project was conceived and implemented to alleviate these challenges by providing access to quality contraceptive methods in some underserved areas of Karachi, Pakistan. A qualitative study was been conducted to understand the perceptions and experiences of men and women towards acceptability and contraceptive use.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at ten Sukh stations located in four towns of Karachi. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with Married Women of Reproductive Age (MWRA) and married men who received FP services through the Sukh initiative. Study participants were purposively sampled for focus group discussions (FGDs). Interview data was manually transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: A total of 20 FDGs(Men=10 FGDs; MWRA=10 FGDs) were conducted. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Appropriateness and means to promote contraceptive use; (II) Equity and Accessibility to contraceptives; and (III) Perspective on available FP services. Generally, both men and women were informed about FP methods but women were more cognizant of FP information. The Door to Door services by community health workers in Sukh initiative areas was largely appreciated both by women and men as it has made the accessibility and availability of the information and services easy. Women suggested that the Sukh initiative should bring some strategies that can help men broaden their perspective towards FP. The study informed that the men feel left out from the FP programs. Therefore, male participants expressed keen interest in initiatives for men in their communities that would cater to their FP needs.Conclusions: This qualitative study provided a unique opportunity to understand the perceptions of men and women towards the phenomena of contraceptive use. The study identified the need for trained and qualified female and male healthcare providers and well-established health facilities alongside door-to-door services.
Development of the squamate naso-palatal complex: detailed 3D analysis of the vomeronasal organ and nasal cavity in the brown anole Anolis sagrei (Squamata: Iguania)
Authors: Kaczmarek Paweł , Janiszewska Katarzyna , Metscher Brian , Rupik Weronika
Published: February 2020

Background Despite the diverse morphology of the adult squamate naso-palatal complex – consisting of the nasal cavity, vomeronasal organ (VNO), choanal groove, lacrimal duct and soft palate –little is known about the embryology of these structures. Moreover, there are no comprehensive studies concerning development of the nasal cavity and VNO in relation to the soft palate. In this investigation, we used X-ray microtomography and light microscopy to describe embryonic development of the naso-palatal complex of iguanian lizard, the brown anole ( Anolis sagrei ). The purpose of the study was to describe the mechanism of formation of adult morphology in this species, which combines the peculiar anole features with iguanian conditions. Considering the uncertain phylogenetic position of the Iguania within Squamata, embryological data and future comparative studies may shed new light on the evolution of this large squamate clade. Results Development of the naso-palatal complex was divided into three phases: early, middle and late. In the early developmental phase, the vomeronasal pit originates from medial outpocketing of the nasal pit, when the facial prominences are weakly developed. In the middle developmental phase, the following events can be noted: the formation of the frontonasal mass, separation of the vestibulum, appearance of the lacrimal duct, and formation of the choanal groove, which leads to separation of the VNO from the nasal cavity. In late development, the nasal cavity and the VNO attain their adult-like morphology. The lacrimal duct establishes an extensive connection with the choanal groove, which eventually becomes largely separated from the oral cavity. Conclusions Unlike in other tetrapods, the primordium of the lacrimal duct in the brown anole develops largely beyond the nasolacrimal groove. In contrast to previous studies on squamates, the maxillary prominence is found to participate in the initial fusion with the frontonasal mass. Moreover, formation of the choanal groove occurs due to the fusion of the vomerine cushion to the subconchal fold, rather than to the choanal fold. The loss or significant reduction of the lateral nasal concha is secondary. Some features of anole adult-like morphology, such as the closure of the choanal groove, may constitute adaptations to vomeronasal chemoreception.
Factors Affecting Clinical Outcomes in Women with Non-Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Huang Peng-Hsuan , Chen Hui-Hwa , Ting Wan-Hwa , Chen Yueh-Yi , Lin Ho-Hsiung , Chen Kuo-Hsin , Hsiao Sheng-Mou
Published: February 2020

Background: Knowledge of the clinical outcome of women with non-gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is important for preoperative and postoperative consultation, especially for gynecologic oncologist. The aim of this study is to elucidate the factors affecting the clinical outcome of women with non-gastric GISTs.Methods: Between January 2000 and October 2019, all consecutive women with non-gastric GIST who underwent surgeries in a tertiary referral center were reviewed.Results: Among 26 women with non-gastric GISTs, eight (31%) women had recurrence or metastasis. Common clinical presentations included abdominal pain/fullness (n=12, 46%) and tarry/bloody stool (n=7, 27%). The primary locations of the tumors included the intestines (n=24) and an undetermined origin (n=2). Five (19%) women were initially admitted to the gynecologic department. Twenty-four (92%) patients underwent laparotomic tumor resection, and 2 (8%) patients underwent laparoscopic tumor resection. The probabilities of recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 60 and 120 months were 65.2% and 55.9%, respectively. Death occurred in seven (26.9%) women. The probabilities of overall survival (OS) at 60 and 120 months were 71.1% and 63.9%, respectively. Cancer stage was the only independent predictor for RFS (hazard ratio=6.00, p=0.007) and OS (hazard ratio=3.88, p=0.04). However, excluding cancer stage, metastasis (hazard ratio=8.74 for RFS, 6.03 for OS) and tumor size (hazard ratio=1.20 for OS) were independent predictors. Tumor size ≥ 13.9 cm was the optimum cut-off value to predict death and had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval=0.53 to 0.98).Conclusions: Non-gastric GIST may mimic gynecologic adnexal tumors. In addition to cancer stage, metastasis and tumor size (especially ≥ 13.9 cm for OS) remain independent predictors for RFS and OS in women with non-gastric GIST. The above findings may be used for consultation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04256226
Transdermal fentanyl patch provides better pain relief and faster functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty:a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Jia-qi , Li Yong-mei , Liu Ling-feng , Wu Jian , Mao Lin-bo
Published: February 2020

Background : Pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was severe and should be effectively managed. This meta-analysis aimed to compare transdermal fentanyl patch (TFP) versus placebo for pain control after TKA. Methods : PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were electronically searched. Potential clinical studies that investigated the effect and safety of TFP versus control in TKA patients were searched. The primary outcomes were total morphine consumption. Stata 12.0 was used for meta-analysis. Results : Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 110 TKA patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with control group, TFP was associated with a reduction of total morphine consumption (WMD: -16.14; 95% CI: -25.82 to -6.46; P=0.001). Moreover, TFP could significantly reduce VAS at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h (P<0.05). There was no statistically significance between the nausea, vomiting, hypertension, sweating, respiratory depression, pruritus and urine retention (P>0.05). Conclusion : The present meta-analysis showed that use of TFP for the management of moderate or severe TKA postoperative pain had more advantages compared to placebo. Further large-scale, prospective RCTs are required to verify the effect of TFP and optimal dose of TFP in TKA patients.
Bacteriological Properties Of Udder Surface And Milk Samples From Sheep Farms In Hungary
Authors: Tonamo Andualem , Komlósi István , Peles Ferenc , Czeglédi Levente
Published: February 2020

Background Ewe milk due to its beneficial composition and properties contributes to the growth of microorganisms. The primary prerequisite for making high-quality sheep milk product is the production of high-quality raw sheep milk by dairy farms. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the bacteriological properties of the udder surface (US), individual ewe raw milk (IERM) and bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from sheep farms in Hungary. Methods Seventy-seven US, seventy-seven IERM, and ten BTM samples were examined from March 2018 to April 2019. Total plate count (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EBC), Escherichia coli count (ECC), Staphylococcus aureus count (SAC), lactic acid bacteria count (LAB) and psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC) of different ewe breeds were examined according to ISO standards in four Hungarian sheep farms. The differences in the microbiological status between the breed and farm were considered. Results High counts of TPC (3.2±1.1 lg cfu/cm 2 ) and EBC (2.4±0.7 lg cfu/cm 2 ) were found in Cigája breed of US samples in farm1. TPC of US sample of Lacaune (farm2), Lacaune (farm3) and British milk sheep was 2.7±0.8, 2.2±0.5 and 2.4±0.4 lg cfu/cm 2 , respectively. The mean value of TPC of IERM of Merino, Cigája and Dorper breeds in farm1 was 2.8±1.2, 3.5±1.2 and 3.3±0.7 lg cfu/ml, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.05) between Merino and Cigája breeds for TPC. Although there was no significant difference (p<0.05) between breeds for EBC, the mean of EBC of IERM samples from Dorper breed was highest in farm1. Comparatively low TPC of IERM of British milk sheep breed was recorded. The mean of TPC of BTM was 7.4±0.6, 6.3±0.4 and 5.2±0.1 in farm2, 3 and 4, respectively. Both LAB and PBC were high in BTM of Lacaune breed. Except for BTM, SAC and ECC were not detected in most US and IERM samples. Conclusion The presence of microorganisms in BTM above the limit indicates high microbial contamination due to poor hygienic conditions during milking and milk handling. Practicing very good hygiene principles at the farms, in handling and transportation of milk, is a must.
Pre-admission CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict long-term outcomes after first spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: HUANG Duo , ZHOU Mi , CHAN Koon-Ho , LUI Wai-Man , ZUO Ming-Liang , LUO An-Guo , YUE Wen-Sheng , YIN Li-Xue , PU Jenny Kan-Suen , LEUNG Gilberto Ka-Kit , Wah David SIU Chung
Published: February 2020

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately 50% patients die within the first 30 days of the index hemorrhage, and of those who survive, only a minority is expected to be functionally independent. The ability to predict long-term functional outcomes may facilitate decision making in early management of ICH. This study aim to evaluate for the first time whether CHADS 2 score and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc developed to stratify the risk of ischemic stroke among patients with AF is useful in predicting the functional outcomes among patients surviving their first spontaneous ICH. Methods: This single-centered observational registry was carried out between 1996 and 2010 and included 691 consecutive patients with the first spontaneous ICH. Results: Amongst these, 427 patients (60.1 ± 15.2 years, male: 62.5%) surviving the 30 days after the first ICH fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied. At 1 year and 2 years, 52.9% and 54.8% patients had unfavorable outcome as defined as modified Rankin score of ≥3. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, increasing age, a higher pre-admission CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores surgical intervention for the ICH were associated with unfavorable outcomes. The c statistic of the CHADS 2 score as a predictor of favorable outcome was 0.59 (95% CI: 0.54-0.64, p <0.0001) with the optimal cutoff to predict favorable outcome at CHADS 2 ³1 with sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 39.4%. On the other hand, the C statistic of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score to predict favorable outcome was similar to that of the CHADS 2 score (C-statistic: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.53-0.63, p =0.003) with the optimal cutoff at CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc ³3. The sensitivity and specificity were 67.7% and 46.3% respectively. Conclusion: The outcome of ICH patients surviving the first 30 days was poor. CHADS 2 and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc appeared to be a reasonable score to predict long-term ICH outcomes.
Overexpression of MATN3 predicts poor prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma: based on TCGA database
Authors: Zheng GuoLiang , Zhao Yan , Zheng Zhichao
Published: February 2020

Background Matrilin-3 (MATN3) was previously reported to in the cartilage extracellular matrix and had a role in the development and homeostasis of cartilage and bone. We evaluated the role of MATN3 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) using publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methods The relationship between clinicapathologic features and MATN3 were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic regression. Clinicopathologic variables associated with overall survival (OS) in TCGA patients using Cox regression and the Kaplan-Meier method. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed using TCGA cohort. Results MATN3 overexpressed in GAC than that in normal tissues (p﹤0.05), and MATN3 overexpression was significantly associated with TNM stage (p= 0.012), and T stage (p﹤0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that GAC with MATN3 - high had a worse prognosis than that with MATN3- low (p﹤0.01). The univariate analysis revealed that MATN3- high correlated significantly with a poor OS (HR: 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82- 2.01; p = 0.014). The multivariate analysis revealed that MATN3 remained independently associated with OS, with a HR of 2.68 (CI: 0.74- 2.13; p﹤0.01). GSEA showed that NOTCH, WNT, and MTOR signaling pathway were differentially enriched in MANT3 high expression phenotype. Conclusion Overexpression of MATN3 may be a potential prognostic biomarker of poor survival in gastric cancer, Moreover, NOTCH, WNT, and MTOR signaling pathway may be the key pathway regulated by MATN3 in GAC.
The digestive/reproductive tract microbiota dominates over host genetics in regulating chicken egg production
Authors: Li Diyan , Tian Shilin , Zhu Wei , Su Yuan , Wang Tao , Ma Tianyuan , Mishra Shailendra Kumar , Shi Lianzhe , Wei Ranlei , Xu Zhongxian , Ning Chunyou , Zhang Dejing , Lin Xuxu , Zhao Xiaoling , Wang Yan , Yin Huadong , Hu Yaodong , Fan Xiaolan , Zeng Bo , Yang Mingyao , Yang Deying , Ni Qingyong , Li Yan , Zhang Mingwang , Yao Yongfang , Xu Huailiang , Li Mingzhou , Zhu Qing
Published: February 2020

Background: The microbiota of the digestive and reproductive systems has a prominent role in animal health and performance, but the extent of its contribution is difﬁcult to determine. In chickens, the effect of host genetics on the reproductive and digestive tract microbiota is unclear, and the means by which digestive/reproductive microbiomes help improve egg production in chicken are unknown.
Results: To gain insight into this, we examined genomes from 128 chickens reared under identical conditions and described their digestive (crop, gizzard and small intestine) and reproductive tract (vagina, uterus and isthmus) microbiota. Although the diversity, composition and predicted function of the digestive and reproductive tract microbiota exhibited notable microbiota variation substantially between different parts, host genetics had limited effects on the reproductive and digestive tract microbial community. The digestive and reproductive tract microbiota had a significant effect on egg production (accounting for 52.31% - 98.86% of the variance), after correcting for host genetic effects; in particular, the uterus and isthmus microbiota accounted for an average of 93.59% and 98.86%, respectively, of variance in egg production. We further identiﬁed four reproductive tract microbial species which were related to immune system, Bacteroides fragilis , Bacteroides salanitronis , Bacteroides barnesiae and Clostridium leptum , that were signiﬁcantly positively correlated with egg production. Chickens with a lower abundance of these species had produced signiﬁcantly fewer eggs at 300 days of age (37.13 vs. 113.75) than those with a higher abundance of these microorganisms. We speculated that these microorganisms regulate chicken reproductive activity by mediating its immune system.
Conclusions: Host genetics has limited effect on digestive/reproductive microbiome composition. The distinct site-associated chicken microbiome may be determined by the differences of their physical function. These ﬁndings may help design strategies for controlling and altering the digestive/reproductive tract microbiota in chickens to improve egg production.
ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF CLAIMED AND TRADITIONAL SPLINTING ORTHOPEDIC STRUCTURES IN PATIENTS WITH GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS DURING STABILIZATION STAGE WHO HAVE DENTITION DEFECT IN TERMS OF BONE AREA DESTRUCTION FACTOR
Authors: Ishchenko P. V. , Borisenko A. V.
Published: February 2020

Introduction. Periodontal pathology accounts for many dental diseases, which encourages dentists and scientists to engage in this problem more actively. For the treatment of generalized periodontitis by the orthopedic component, we have proposed the claimed interdental splints, which were used in the orthopedic treatment of patients with this pathology in addition to the traditional ones. Defects in the lateral areas were recovered with the help of bridge structures.
Purpose. To find out which of the splints used in the study are more physiological for the provoked parodontium in their area of ​​responsibility using the bone area destruction factor.
Materials and Methods. This clinical study was conducted in a group of 60 patients with generalized periodontitis in stabilization stage. Previously, they had undergone comprehensive treatment for generalized periodontitis. 30 subjects were included into the study group with periodontal condition in stabilization stage ­– the group with the declared tested splints. And the group with known traditional splints included 30 subjects.
Results. The study found that after 18 months, the bone area destruction indicator decreased in patients with dentition defects where splints and bridges were used in the control group as compared to the value 6 months after treatment, by an average of 7.0 ± 1,1%, and it was only 2.9 ± 0.1% (p < 0.001) in the study group.
Conclusions. During the whole period of the study in the group with dentition defects, the dynamics of restraining the increase in bone destruction in the study group is more obvious as compared to the control group. This indicates the feasibility of applying the claimed structures in this group of patients. The improvement in the percentage ratio was 4.1 ± 1.1% in 18 months.
Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Small Island Economies
Authors: Kumar Nikeel , Kumar Ronald R. , Stauvermann Peter J.
Published: February 2020

Petroleum is the primary source of energy used in transportation and electricity generation for many small Pacific island economies. Noting the growing demand for transportation and infrastructure services, we investigate the long-run association between petroleum consumption and output per worker in Fiji, a small island economy in the Pacific. We use a Cobb-Douglas framework and the ARDL bounds procedure with sample periods from 1980 to 2013. The results show that a 1 % increase in petroleum consumption results in 0.08 % increase in the long run economic growth. The granger non-causality results show that energy consumption causes economic growth, thus confirming energy-led growth hypothesis. The overall results underscore the need for efficient use of energy in general with the impetus to focusing on renewable energy as an important source of economic growth. We argue that energy in whichever form (renewable or non-renewable) is an integral input for economic growth for small island countries in the Pacific. Furthermore, the country is an importer and redistributor of petroleum to other neighbouring islands. The petroleum products comprise of motor gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, distillate fuel oil, residual fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). The operations of airlines, ferries, cruise liners and other types of transportation are linked with tourism industry and heavily rely on petroleum. Also, petroleum is used for generating electricity, and the usage increases during the hot and dry season to support the hydro power plants. Considering Fiji as a reference and petroleum as a major type of energy, the study examines the relationship between energy and economic growth, whilst accounting for capital and labour stock, and structural breaks. This study aims to provide impetus to efficient use and management of energy in the Pacific with the overarching aim to promote economic growth and fostering policies to gradually phase out non-renewable energy sources.
Key words: petroleum consumption, growth, ARDL bounds approach, causality, structural break, Fiji.