bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spillover Effects of Job Skills Training on Substance Misuse Among Low-Income Youths With Employment Barriers: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Sehun , DiNitto Diana M. , Powers Daniel A.
Published: April 2020

Objectives. To examine spillover effects of job skills training (vs basic services only [e.g., adult basic education, job readiness training]) on substance misuse among low-income youths with employment barriers.

Methods. Data came from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, a longitudinal cohort study of youths born between 1980 and 1984 in the United States. Based on respondents’ reports of substance misuse (past-month binge drinking and past-year marijuana and other illicit drug use) from 2000 to 2016, we estimated substance misuse trajectories of job skills training (n = 317) and basic services (n = 264) groups. We accounted for potential selection bias by using inverse probability of treatment weighting.

Results. Compared with the basic services group, the job skills training group showed notable long-term reductions in its illicit drug misuse trajectory, translating to a 56.9% decrease in prevalence rates from 6.5% in year 0 to 2.8% in year 16.

Conclusions. Job skills training can be an important service component for reducing substance misuse and improving employment outcomes among youths with economic disadvantages and employment barriers.
The Effect of Essential Oil Formula and Para Menthane Diol on Mortality and Oviposition Deterrent of Brown Planthopper
Authors: Mardiningsih Tri Lestari , Rismayani NFN , Ma'mun NFN
Published: April 2020

Essential oils such as clove, lemongrass, and citronella are known as botanical insecticides. Mixed-essential oils and a single compound of the oil itself may increase its efficacy. The experiment aimed to examine the effect of the essential oil mixture and para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) formulas in inhibiting of the egg-laying and mortality of brown planthopper. The study conducted at the greenhouse of Indonesian Spices and Medicinal Crops Research Institute, Bogor. The formula tested were clove+citronella oils (1:1), clove+lemongrass oils (1:1), the single essential oil, solvent materials (a mixture of tween 80, Turpentine, and surfactant), PMD-solvent substances (emulsifier, alcohol 96%, and surfactant).  A contact application was applied to the insect. Observation parameters were egg numbers laid and brown planthopper adult and nymph mortalities. The result of the insect contact application method showed that adult mortality was not significantly different compare with control and synthetic insecticide. Based on the plant residue test,   nymph  mortality  due  to  clove  oil  +  citronella  oils  were  not  significantly different from control and insecticide. Meanwhile, based  on  the insect  and plant spray  test, adult mortality on clove oil + citronella was not differently significant from the synthetic insecticide. However, the effectiveness of clove+lemongrass oils was slower. The efficacy of the oil formula to the egg laid was significantly different from the synthetic insecticide treatment, i.e., fewer eggs laid.  PMD was less effective than the essential oil formula on the nymphs and adult mortalities of brown planthopper. Further field evaluations of the clove oil + citronella formulas are required.
Do we need to adjust for interim analyses in a Bayesian adaptive trial design?
Authors: Ryan Elizabeth , Brock Kristian , Gates Simon , Slade Daniel
Published: April 2020

Background:Bayesian adaptive methods are increasingly being used to design clinical trials and offer several advantages over traditional approaches. Decisions at analysis points are usually based on the posterior distribution of the treatment effect. However, there is some confusion as to whether control of type I error is required for Bayesian designs as this is a frequentist concept.Methods:We discuss the arguments for and against adjusting for multiplicities in Bayesian trials with interim analyses. With two case studies we illustrate the effect of including interim analyses on type I/II error rates in Bayesian clinical trials where no adjustments for multiplicities are made. We propose several approaches to control type I error, and also alternative methods for decision-making in Bayesian clinical trials.Results:In both case studies we demonstrated that the type I error was inflated in the Bayesian adaptive designs through incorporation of interim analyses that allowed early stopping for efficacy and without adjustments to account for multiplicity. Incorporation of early stopping for efficacy also increased the power in some instances. An increase in the number of interim analyses that only allowed early stopping for futility decreased the type I error, but also decreased power. An increase in the number of interim analyses that allowed for either early stopping for efficacy or futility generally increased type I error and decreased power.Conclusions:Currently, regulators require demonstration of control of type I error for both frequentist and Bayesian adaptive designs, particularly for late-phase trials. To demonstrate control of type I error in Bayesian adaptive designs, adjustments to the stopping boundaries are usually required for designs that allow for early stopping for efficacy as the number of analyses increase. If the designs only allow for early stopping for futility then adjustments to the stopping boundaries are not needed to control type I error. If one instead uses a strict Bayesian approach, which is currently more accepted in the design and analysis of exploratory trials, then type I errors could be ignored and the designs could instead focus on the posterior probabilities of treatment effects of clinically-relevant values.
Linking insecticide-treated mosquito nets to malaria: The roles of malaria Knowledge and household-income
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed Aliye , Hong Tao
Published: April 2020

Background: Drawing on the theory of the health belief model, this study examined the interplay between insecticide-treated mosquito nets, malaria-knowledge, household income, and malaria. The study was premised on the notion that insecticide-treated mosquito nets are positively related to malaria prevalence; and that knowledge mediates the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria. Furthermore, household-income was hypothesised to have a moderating effect on the direct and indirect relationships (through malaria knowledge) between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and the prevalence of malaria. Methods: The hypothesised relationships were examined using panel data collected from ten regions of Ethiopia during 2011 – 2015. Structural equation modelling and the random effect model were used to test the hypotheses. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 13.0. Results: The results were consistent with our proposed hypotheses, showing a significant relationship between the research variables. Accordingly, our findings suggest that malaria knowledge contributes to improving the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria prevalence. The results revealed a positively significant indirect effect (β = 0.47, p = 0.003) as well as a positively significant direct effect (β = 0.28, p = 0.001). Further, the study showed a positive impact of household-income in strengthening the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria through knowledge, with a considerable value (β = 0.13, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The findings are potentially useful for the health sector to ensure success in infectious disease prevention and control, particularly malaria, and to explain how various factors contribute to the relationship.
Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality attributable to loneliness in older Swedish men and women.
Authors: Novak Masuma , waern Margda , Johansson Lena , Zettergren Anna , Ryden Lina , Wetterberg Hanna , Gudmundsson Pia , Skoog Ingmar
Published: April 2020

Background. This study examined whether loneliness predicts cardiovascular- and all-cause mortality in older men and women. Methods. Baseline data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, collected during 2000 on 70-year-olds born 1930 and living in Gothenburg were used for analysis (n=524). Mortality data were analyzed until 2012 through Swedish national registers. Results. Perceived loneliness was reported by 17.1% of the men and 30.9% of the women in a face-to-face interview with mental health professional. A total of 142 participants died during the 12-year follow-up period, with 5 334 person-years at risk, corresponding to 26.6 deaths/1000 person-years. Cardiovascular disease accounted for 59.2% of all deaths. The cumulative rates/1000 person-years for cardiovascular mortality were 20.8 (men) and 11.5 (women), and for all-cause mortality 33.8 (men) and 20.5 (women), respectively. In Cox regression models, no significant increased risk of mortality was seen for men with loneliness compared to men without loneliness (cardiovascular mortality HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.78 - 2.96; all-cause HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.77 - 2.28). Increased risk of cardiovascular mortality was observed in women with loneliness compared to those without (HR 2.25 95% CI 1.14 - 4.45), and the risk remained significant in a multivariable-adjusted model (HR 2.42 95% CI 1.04 - 5.65). Conclusions. Loneliness was shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in women. We found no evidence to indicate that loneliness was associated with an increased risk of either cardiovascular- or all-cause mortality in men.
Clinical impact of advanced chronic kidney disease in patients with non-HIV pulmonary cryptococcosis
Authors: Tashiro Hiroki , Haraguchi Tetsuro , Takahashi Koichiro , Sadamatsu Hironori , Tajiri Ryo , Takamori Ayako , Kimura Shinya , Aragane Naoko
Published: April 2020

Background Pulmonary cryptococcosis is an uncommon infectious disease that can develop in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was reported to be one of the risk factors for pulmonary cryptococcosis, but its clinical characteristics have not been fully assessed. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of advanced CKD in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. Methods The present study retrospectively investigated 56 patients who had non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pulmonary cryptococcosis and were treated at Saga University Hospital between 2005 and 2018.The clinical characteristics were evaluated and compared between patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 42, early CKD) and those with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 14, advanced CKD. Results Compared with patients with early CKD, those with advanced CKD had significantly higher rate of disseminated cryptococcosis (21.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.03); lower percentage of patients who recovered after treatment (63.6% vs. 92.5%, p = 0.02); and more frequent clinical features of fever (57.1% vs. 19.0%, p <0.01), pleural effusion (21.4% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.03), high white blood cell count (8550/mL vs. 6150/mL, p = 0.01) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (2.1 mg/dL vs. 0.2 mg/dL, p = 0.02), and low level of serum albumin (3.0 g/dL vs. 3.8 g/dL, p <0.01). Multivariate analysis adjusted by immunosuppressive drug use indicated the significant factors of fever (odds ratio or β value [95% confidence interval] 6.4 [1.65 – 20.09], p <0.01), high white blood cell count (1293.2 [110.2 – 2476.2], p = 0.03), C-reactive protein (0.89 [0.18 – 1.59], p = 0.01) and low level of serum albumin (- 0.34 [-0.54 – -0.14], p <0.01) in patients with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m2. Conclusion Advanced CKD was associated with poor clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with non-HIV pulmonary cryptococcosis.
Microbial symbiosis and coevolution of an entire clade of ancient vertebrates: the gut microbiota of sea turtles and its relationship to their phylogenetic history
Authors: Scheelings Titus , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao , Klaassen Marcel , Reina Richard D.
Published: April 2020

Background The microbiota plays a critical role in host homeostasis and has been shown to be a major driving force in host evolution. However, our understanding of these important relationships is hampered by a lack of data for many species, and by significant gaps in sampling of the evolutionary tree. In this investigation we improve our understanding of the host-microbiome relationship by obtaining samples from all seven extant species of sea turtle, and correlate microbial compositions with host evolutionary history. Results Our analysis shows that the predominate phyla in the microbiota of nesting sea turtles was Proteobacteria. We also demonstrate a strong relationship between the bacterial phyla SR1 and sea turtle phylogeny, and that sea turtle microbiotas have changed very slowly over time in accordance with their similarly slow phenotypic changes. Conclusions This is one of the most comprehensive microbiota studies to have been performed in a single clade of animals and further improves our knowledge of how microbial populations have influenced vertebrate evolution.
Austerity policy and child health in European countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rajmil Luis , Hjern Anders , Spencer Nick , Taylor-Robinson David , Gunnlaugsson Geir , Raat Hein
Published: April 2020

Background: To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants on child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO). Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments’ responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools. Results: Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy.Conclusions: Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO, demonstrating the importance that economic policy may have for equity in child health and development. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.
High Hip Center Technique in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Type II-III Developmental Dysplasia: Results of Midterm Follow-up
Authors: Shen Junmin , Sun Jingyang , Ma Haiyang , Du Yinqiao , Li Tiejian , Zhou Yonggang
Published: April 2020

Background: High hip center technique is still controversial about the survivorship of prothesis and postoperative complications. We aimed to show the utility of high hip center technique used in patients with Crowe II-III developmental dysplasia of the hip at the midterm follow-up and evaluated the clinical and radiographic results between different heights of hip center.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 69 patients (85 hips) with Crowe II-III dysplasia who underwent a high hip center cementless total hip arthroplasty at a mean follow up of 8.9 years (range, 6.0-14.1years). The patients were divided into two groups according to the height of hip center, respectively group A (≥22mm and <28mm) and group B (≥28mm). Radiographic, functional and survivorship outcomes were evaluated.Results: The mean location of the hip center from the inter-teardrop was 25.1mm vertically and 30.0mm horizontally in the group A, and 33.1mm vertically and 31.4mm horizontally in the group B. There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in postoperative femoral offset, abductor lever arm, leg length discrepancy and cup inclination. At the final follow up, the mean WOMAC and Harris hip score were significantly improved in both groups. Of the 85 hips, 7 hips (8.2%) showed a positive Trendelenburg sign. Additionally, 6 patients (8.7%) presented with a limp. No significant differences were shown regarding the Harris hip score, WOMAC score, Trendelenburg sign and limp between two groups. The Kaplan-Meier implants survivorship rates at the final follow-up for all-causes revisions in the group A and group B were similar (96.7% [95% confidence interval, 90.5%-100%] and 96.2% [95% confidence interval, 89.0%-100%], respectively).Conclusions: The high hip center technique is a valuable alternative to achieve excellent midterm results for Crowe II-III developmental dysplasia of the hip. Further, we reported good results and could not demonstrate any significant differences in outcomes or survivorship between the groups with differing degrees of HHC in our study, however the relatively small sample size must be considered and larger comparative studies are required to confirm the value of high hip center technique.
Modified retrograde tendon flap technique for reconstructing the extensor tendon defect in zone Ⅱ of a finger
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Jingyu , Feng Linjie , Yuan Guoyong
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of the modified retrograde tendon flap technique for reconstructing the extensor tendon defect in zone Ⅱ of a finger.Methods: 12 patients with the extensor tendon defect in zone Ⅱ were investigated retrospectively. They were all treated surgically by the modified retrograde tendon flap technique, featuring the creation of a new terminal slip to bridge the extensor tendon defect using extensor tendon inner lateral bands. At the final follow-up, the range of motion at each joint of the injured finger was recorded.Results: Average follow-up was 18 months (ranging from 11 to 26 mos). Eight patients achieved full active DIPJ extension, whereas one patient had an extensor lag of 10° and three had a lag of 5°. All patients achieved normal active flexion ranges and full passive motion ranges of DIPJ compared with their uninjured side. All the involved finger joints were clinically stable, with no tenderness, pain, nail deformity, or limitation using their hands for daily life.Conclusions: The modified retrograde tendon flap technique, which is easy to operate and popularize, may be the procedure of choice in patients with a gap deficiency in Zone Ⅱ of the extensor tendon of a finger.
Combined-complex Decongestive Therapy Reduces Volume and Improves Quality of Life and Functional Status in Patients with Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Authors: Borman Pinar , Yaman Aysegul , Yasrebi Sina , Inanli Adeviye Pinar
Published: April 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), in regard to volume reduction, functional status and quality of life (QoL).Methods: Fifty patients with unilateral BCRL were included. The demographic variables focusing on lymphedema were recorded. All patients received combined phase 1 CDT including skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer bandaging and supervised exercises, five times a week for three weeks, as a total of 15 sessions. Patients were assessed by limb volumes and excess volumes according to geometric approximation derived from serial circumference-measurements of the limb, prior and at the end of third week. The functional disability was evaluated by quick disability of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH). Quality of life was assessed by the European Organization forResearch and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer module (EORTC-QLQ-BR23­).Results: Fifty females with mean age of 53.22±11.2 years were included. The median duration of lymphedema was 12 months. There were 22 patients in stage1, 26 in stage2 and 2 patients in stage3. The mean baseline limb and excess volumes were significantly decreased at the end of therapies (3262±753cm³ vs 2943±646.6cm³ and 31.36±16.5% vs 19.12±10.4%, p=0.000,respectively). The DASH and EORTC-QLQ-C30 and BR23 scores were also decreased significantly (p<0.05). The improvements in volumes were related negatively with the duration of lymphedema,and the stage of lymphedema. Conclusion: In conclusion phase 1CDT in a combined manner performed daily for 3 weeks, greatly reduces the volumes as well as improves the disability and QoL, especially when performed earlier.
Development and Characterization of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers from the Genomic sequence of Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam) cv. Taizhong6]
Authors: Amoanimaa-Dede Hanna , Zhang Jiacheng , Su Chuntao , Zhu Hongbo
Published: April 2020

The genetic complexity and the lack of genomic resources in sweet potato make genetic improvement extremely challenging. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) offer an effective molecular marker technology for molecular-based breeding and for locating important loci in crop plants, but only a few have previously been developed in sweet potato. To explore new SSR markers and accelerate its use in sweet potato, we developed a set of 2,431 primer pairs from 133,727 SSRs identified in the sweet potato genome using the Perl script MISA software. The average frequency was one SSR per 6.26 kb with dinucleotides (38.5%) being the most dominant repeat motif. The main motif types in all repeats were AT/AT, AAT/ATT, A/T, AAAT/ATTT, AAAAT/ATTTT and AAAAAT/ATTTTT accounting for 78.29% of the total SSRs. Out of the 100 randomly selected primer pairs, 50% produced clear bands and amplified 251 alleles. On average, the number of alleles was 5.02 per locus for values ranging from 1 to 13 alleles. The UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the 24 sweet potato materials into four clusters at a similarity coefficient of 0.68 showing no relationship between the genotypes and the geographic sources of germplasm. The SSR markers currently developed will provide valuable genetic resources for germplasm identification, and accelerate studies on genetic diversity in sweet potato and related species.
Audiovisual Educational Intervention for Children and Adolescent with Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yamaji Noyuri , Suzuki Daichi , Suto Maiko , Ota Erika
Published: April 2020

Background : Audiovisual materials for children have been widely used for cancer education; however, the effects of the materials remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of audiovisual educational interventions for children.Methods : We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL on 3 September 2018. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials that evaluated the audiovisual materials for children with cancer were included to identify the effects of the audiovisual interventions. The results of the analysis were evaluated using the Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to assess the certainty of evidence.Results: From the identified 5,367 studies, we included four reports based on two trials that included 388 children under 18 years old. One trial found that audiovisual educational intervention increased knowledge and self-efficacy (very low certainty of the evidence). The other trial reported that there were no clear differences in perceived stress and health locus of control (very low certainty of the evidence). The result of the meta-analysis indicated that there was no clear difference between the intervention group and the control group for the quality of life (very low certainty of the evidence).Conclusion: Audiovisual interventions might increase knowledge and self-efficacy, but there were no meaningful overall conclusions. Further trials are needed to assess educational interventions used in pediatric cancer treatment. Healthcare professionals should consider whether the materials they are currently using to communicate cancer-related information are sufficient and understandable for children with cancer.Systematic review registration: We registered the protocol to the PROSPERO (Registration: CRD42018110562)
Analysis of risk factors for perioperative mortality in adults with small bowel perforation:a case controlled study
Authors: Shu Ping , Cai Zhe-Zhen , Li He , Gao Xiao-Dong , Fang Yong , Shen Kun-Tang , Sun Yi-Hong , Qin Jing , Qin Xin-Yu
Published: April 2020

Background: Convincing evidence on the risk factors for perioperative death of small bowel perforation is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the etiologies of small bowel perforation and risk factors for perioperative mortality.Methods: Consecutive patients with small bowel perforation confirmed by emergency surgery at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2015 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.Results: Of the 85 patients included in this study, ingestion of foreign bodies (19, 22.4%), lymphoma (17, 20.0%) and metastatic cancer (13, 15.3%) were the most common causes for small bowel perforation. Of them, 23 patients underwent perforation repair, 46 underwent segmental resection with primary anastomosis, and the other 16 underwent small-bowel ostomy. The operation time was the shortest for the perforation repair procedure ( P <0.001), and the hospital stay was the longest for patients undergoing ostomy ( P =0.010). Altogether 11 patients died postoperatively with a perioperative mortality rate of 12.9%. Serum procalcitonin ( P =0.037), blood lactate ( P <0.001) and APACHE II score ( P =0.0032) were higher in the dead than those in survivors.Conclusions: Foreign body ingestion, lymphoma and metastatic neoplasm were the most common causes for small bowel perforation. Serum precalcitonin, blood lactate and APACHE II score seem to be risk factors of perioperative mortality.†These authors contributed equally to this work
GABARAP suppresses EMT and breast cancer progression via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Dandan , Lei Mengxia , Gao Jiayi , Cui Yuqing , Jin Xiaoying , Yu Qiujie , Jiang Ying , Guo Yan , Liu Yali , Cai Li , Chen Xuesong
Published: April 2020

Background
Recent studies document that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) plays an important role in cancer autophagy. However, little is known about its role in tumor invasion, migration and metastasis. Here, the authors investigated the expression and significance of GABARAP in breast cancer.
Method:
A large group of clinical samples was assessed to detect GABARAP expression and its associations with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in cell lines and mouse xenograft models were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of GABARAP-regulated tumor progression.
Results
We analyzed GABARAP levels in clinical breast cancer samples and cell lines and confirmed that GABARAP was negatively correlated with advanced clinicopathologic features, such as tumor size (P = 0.025) and TNM stage (P = 0.001). Importantly, patients with low GABARAP levels had a poor prognosis (p = 0.0047). Functionally, our data revealed that GABARAP can inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, low levels of GABARAP induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), one of the most important mechanisms for the promotion of tumor metastasis, in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, low levels of GABARAP increased the levels of p-AKT (S473) and p-mTOR (S2448), and a specific AKT pathway inhibitor reversed the downregulation of GABARAP-induced tumor progression. In clinical breast cancer specimens, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that the distribution and intensity of GABARAP expression were negatively correlated with those of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 (P = 0.0013) and MMP14 (P = 0.019).
Conclusions
Collectively, these data indicated that GABARAP suppressed the malignant behaviors of breast cancer cells, illuminating that the possible mechanism acts via the AkT/mTOR pathway. Targeting GABARAP may provide a potential diagnosis and treatment strategy for breast cancer.
Endogenous retroviruses transcriptomes in response to four avian pathogenic microorganisms infection in chicken
Authors: Zhang Xiquan , Dai Manman , Xie Tingting , Feng Min
Published: April 2020

Background Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are common in the genomes of vertebrates and have been implicated in a variety of host responses such as immunity, phenotypic character and disease occurrence. However, the impact of ERVs on chicken disease is not well understood. In particular, the expression profiles of chicken ERVs (ChERVs) in the infection of pathogenic microorganisms are not clear. Results In the present study, we systematically identified 436 full-length ChERVs from the chicken genome and analyzed their neighboring genes. Subsequently, ChERV transcriptomes were analyzed in chicken after subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J), avian influenza virus (AIV), Marek’s disease virus (MDV) and avian pathogenic escherichia coli (APEC) infection. We found that about 50%-68% of ChERVs were transcriptionally active in infected-samples and uninfected-samples, although the abundance of most ChERVs is relatively low. Moreover, compared to uninfected-samples, a few ChERVs were significantly differentially expressed in ALV-J (49 ChERVs), AIV (18 ChERVs), MDV (66 ChERVs) and APEC (17 ChERVs) infected-samples. Of these differentially expressed ChERVs, only ChERV-3 was simultaneously down-regulated in the four ERV transcriptomes analysis after ALV-J, AIV, MDV and APEC infection. Further verification experiments found that both the exogenous and endogenous expression of ChERV-3 env gene was inhibited after ALV-J infection in chicken fibroblasts. However, overexpression of ChERV-3 env could induce the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), but did not affect the replication of ALV-J. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study systematically revealed the expression profile of ChERVS for the first time after the pathogenic microorganism infection in chicken. These findings may be of significance for understanding the role and function of ChERVs to response the pathogenic microorganism infection.
Distribution Of Tsetse Flies And Significance To The Control Of African Trypanosomiasis In Busia County, Kenya
Authors: Adungo Ferdinard , Mokaya Tom , Makwaga Olipher , Mwau Matilu
Published: April 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Evaluation of right ventricle pulmonary artery coupling on right ventricular function in post operative Tetralogy of Fallot patients underwent for pulmonary valve replacement
Authors: Bhushan Sandeep , Xin Huang , Yuan Li , Xiaowei Wang , Long Mao , Yue Kan , Dan Xiong , Ke Gao , Xiao Zongwei
Published: April 2020

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate RV-PA coupling in post operative TOF patients with ventricular dilatation underwent for PVR and investigate the correlation between ventricular functions measuring Ea/Emax ratio using cardio magnetic resonance and the effect of surgical type at primary repair of TOF on coupling.Method: 135 TOF patients after TOF repair were retrospectively included. From CMRI results the patients were divided in two groups, RV-PA coupling and RV-PA uncoupling. Ea/Emax ≤1 was considered for coupling patients and Ea/Emax >1 for uncoupling patients.Results : 90 patients were uncoupled (Ea/Emax: 1.55±0.46) and 45 were coupled (Ea/Emax: 0.81±0.15). Out of 75 TAP repaired patients 60 were uncoupled RV-PV. In addition, higher pro-BNP is an important factor for uncoupled RV-PV ( P =0.001). CMR evaluation for right ventricular function between uncoupling and coupling were RVEDVi (196.65±63.57 vs. 154.28±50.07, P =0.001), RVESVi (121.19±51.47 vs. 83.94±20.43, P =0.001), RVSVi (67.19±19.87 vs. 106.31±33.44, P =0.001), and RVEF (40.90±8.73 vs. 54.63±4.76, P =0.001). The increased RVEDVi, RVESVi and RVSVi and decreased RVEF have significant correlation with Ea/Emax. Ea/Emax was also found positively correlated with RVEDVi ( P=< 0.05, r =0.35), RVESVi ( P=< 0.001, r =0.41) and negatively correlated with RVSVi ( P=< 0.05, r =0.22) and RVEF ( P=< 0.05, r =0.78).Conclusions: Unfavorable RV-PA coupling is present in post operative TOF patients and it is affected by several factors. Our results explain the emerging role of RV-PA interactions as a contributing mechanism for the observed decline in RV function.
Effect of motor imagery and actual practice on learning professional medical skills
Authors: COLLET Christian , HAJJ Mahmoud El , BUI-XUAN Bernard , LEHOT Jean-Jacques , Hoyek Nady
Published: April 2020

Background The peripheral venous catheter (PVC) is the most frequently used medical device in hospital care to administer intravenous treatment or to take blood samples by introducing a catheter into a vein. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of motor imagery (MI) associated with actual training on the learning of PVC insertion into a simulated venous system.Method: This is a prospective monocentre study in 3rd year medical students. Forty medical students were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 20) performing both real practice and MI of PVC insertion or to the control group (n = 20) trained through real practice only. We also recruited a reference group of 20 professional nurses defining the benchmark for a target performance.Results The experimental group learned the PVC insertion faster than the control group in the first learning phase (p < 0.001), reaching the expected reference level after 4 sessions (p = .87) whereas the control group needed 5 sessions to reach the same level (p = .88). Both groups were at the same level at the end of the scheduled training.Conclusions MI may thus improve professional motor skills learning, and therefore limit the time needed to reach the expected level. Therefore, MI may strengthen technical medical skill learning.
Remark on the Swarm data residual distribution
Authors: Khokhlov Andrey
Published: April 2020

In Khokhlov & Hulot (2017), we addressed non-Gaussian shapes of histograms of quantities that related to uncertainties in data. We showed that such non-Gaussian features are very likely the result of a mixture of statistical distributions; the presentation there was mainly qualitative and related to various geomagnetic data. In this short remark, we use the Swarm data and present the natural quantitative description of the data distribution and hence suggest additional data control. Such an approach is also applicable in more general situations.
An App Predicting Peritoneal Dialysis Appropriate Dwell Volume for Patients in Daily Quality-of-Care Practice
Authors: Chien Tsair-Wei , Wang Hsien-Yi , Kan Wei-Chih , Chien Chih-Chiang
Published: April 2020

Background Few studies mention how to objectively adjust peritoneal dialysis (PD) dwell volume (DV) for adult continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. It requires a great deal of physicians’ precious time to determine the appropriate DV during daily practice. An app with evidence is required to solve this problem independently and efficiently This study aims to determine a method for fluid control that can reduce fluid overload-related complications. We proposed a reference equation composed of parameters from the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) for adjusting daily dialysate DV to obtain more ultrafiltration volume.Methods Ninety PD patients being treated at one medical center were enrolled, with laboratory data collected during half-yearly PET evaluations. The instilled dialysate was composed of 2.57% glucose PD fluid, either 1500 ml or 2000 ml for two groups in DV. We measured intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) before dialysate instilled (P0) and drained in the supine position after four hours (P4), effluent volume (ml), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and other parameters, including social demographics, to predict the appropriate DV. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to extract independent domains. Statistical multivariate techniques of discrimination analysis and logistic regression (LR) to verify the most feasible and optimal formula were applied to determine inflow volumes for patients. A final equation for fine-tuning daily DV was proposed with an app to be used for physicians and patients in clinical settings.Results Two domains were observed by using EFA: (1) P0, and P4, and effluent volume and (2) BMI and waist circumference. We determined a formula for calculating daily dialysate DV, derived from Logistic analysis to obtain an accurate prediction rate of 94.44% with Z = 4.32974 + 3.85477 * F1 + 3.83008 * F2, higher than the previous study at 80.68%. An app was created to easily adjust the DV in the daily procedure.Conclusion The novel formula, combined with an app using objective, real-time parameters for predicting appropriate DVs, was proposed for PD patients to optimize maximal ultrafiltration volumes and reduce subjective abdominal discomfort. DV is easy to calculate using the app, which makes it possible for physicians or patients to make frequent adjustments.
Praeruptorin C alleviates cognitive impairment in Type 2 diabetic mice through restoring PI3K/AKT/ GSK3β pathway
Authors: Su Dan-jie , Zhao Yu-jia , Yan Tao , Chen Si-jie , Liu Ji-yang , Li Wen-hu , Sun Yao-jun , Yang Le
Published: April 2020

Diabetic encephalopathy is a common complication of diabetes, leading to cognitive impairment. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of Praeruptorin C (Pra-C), an active component of traditional Chinese herb medicine Peucedanum praeruptorum, on cognitive impairment in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Our results showed that Pra-C administration significantly reduced body weight and fasting blood glucose levels, relieved learning and memory behavioral deficits in diabetic model mice. The effects of Pra-C on learning and memory ability were further confirmed by late-phase LTP (L-LTP) facilitation, which was recorded by Med64 electrophysiology recording system. Pra-C also restored the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway in hippocampus of mice suffering from diabetes. Taken together, this study demonstrates that Pra-C alleviates cognitive impairment in diabetic mice by restoring PI3K/AKT/GSK3β activation.
Clinical Prediction Rules in acute appendicitis: Which combination of variables is more effective at predicting?
Authors: Olmo Juan Carlos Martín del , López Juan Ramón Gómez , Esteban M. Luz Martín , Cutoli Pilar Concejo , Martín M. Antonia Montenegro , Puerta Carlos Vaquero , Mestanza Cristina López
Published: April 2020

Background: Clinical prediction rules have been designed to reduce diagnostic variability and improve the effectiveness of the diagnostic process. However, there are no unanimous criteria regarding which of them is the most efficient for the diagnosis of right iliac fossa pain. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the most commonly used clinical prediction rules. The second aim was to identify the combination of the smallest number of clinical and analytical variables that would allow a cost-effective diagnostic approach to assess the right iliac fossa pain. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted of 458 patients who were evaluated for right iliac fossa pain between January 2010 and December 2016. The selected scores (Alvarado, AIR, RIPASA, and AAS) were applied to all cases to validate their effectiveness and simultaneously establish the smallest number of variables that were needed for an efficient diagnosis. Univariate and multiple regressions were used for validation. Results: Of the four scores tested, the Alvarado score was the most efficient diagnostic approach. However, the most reduced and predictive combination of the evaluated variables included anorexia, white blood cell count> 8275 leukocytes/μL, neutrophilia (>75%), abdominal pain < 48 hours, migrating pain to the right lower quadrant and axillary temperature out the range of 37-39ºC. Conclusions: A new and effective score for predicting appendicitis in patients presenting with right iliac fossa pain has been established.
Vaccine Design against Coronavirus Spike (S) Glycoprotein in Chicken: Immunoinformatic and Computational Approaches
Authors: Ali Sumaia Awad Elkariem , Awadelkareem Eman Ali
Published: April 2020

BackgroundInfectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in chickens and produces economic loss within the poultry industry. It is caused by a single stranded RNA virus belonging to Cronaviridae family.MethodsThe present study used various tools in Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) to predict conserved B and T cell epitopes against IBV spike (S) protein that may perform a significant role in provoking the resistance response to IBV infection. Structural analysis, homology modelling and molecular docking were also achieved.ResultsIn B cell prediction methods, three epitopes (1139KKSSYY1144, 1140KSSYYT1145, 1141SSYYT1145) were selected as surface, linear and antigenic epitopes based on the length and antigenicity score. Many MHCI and MHCII epitopes were predicted for IBV S protein. Among them 982YYITARDMY990 and 983YITARDMYM991 epitopes displayed high antigenicity, no allergenicity and no toxicity as well as great linkage with MHCI and MHCII alleles. Moreover, docking analysis of MHCI epitope produced strong binding affinity with BF2 alleles. Conclusion: Five conserved epitopes were expected from spike glycoprotein of IBV as the top B cell and T cell epitopes due to high antigenicity, no allergenicity and no toxicity. In addition, MHC epitopes showed great linkage with MHC alleles as well as strong interaction with BF2 alleles. These epitopes should be designed and incorporated and then tested as multi-epitope vaccine against IBV.
Cell cycle arrest and senescence in P53-wild type renal carcinoma by enhancer RNA - P53-bound enhancer regions 2(p53BER2) through p53-dependent pathway
Authors: XIE HAIBIAO , Ma Kaifang , Zhang Kenan , Zhou Jingcheng , Li Lei , Yang Wuping , Gong Yanqing , Cai Lin , Gong Kan
Published: April 2020

Background

P53 is a classic tumor suppressor, but its role in kidney cancer remains unclear. In our study, we tried to explain the role of p53 in kidney cancer through p53 enhancer RNA-related pathway.
Methods

qPCR and luciferase reporters were used to detect the expression of p53-related enhancer RNA. Nutlin3 and artificial "microRNA" were used to induce and inhibit the expression of p53 enhancer RNA, respectively. Cycle analysis and β-galactosidase assay were used to explore whether P53-bound enhancer regions 2(p53BER2) plays a role in the cell cycle and senescence response of p53-wild type (WT) renal cancer cells. The function of p53BER2 was further analyzed in vivo by nude mice. RNA sequencing was used to identify the potential target of p53BER2.
Results

The results showed that P53BER2 expression was down-regulated in renal cancer tissues and cell lines and could specifically express in p53-WT renal cancer cell lines. Knockdown p53BER2 could reverse nutlin-3-induced cytotoxic effect in p53-WT cell lines. Further, downregulation of p53BER2 could reverse nutlin-3-induced G1 arrest and senescence in p53-WT cell lines. What is more, knockdown of p53BER2 showed a resistance to nutlin-3 treatment in Vivo. Additionally, we found BRCA2 could be regulated by p53BER2 in vitro and vivo, which suggested BRCA2 might mediate the function of p53BER2 in RCC.
Conclusions

The p53-associated enhancer RNA-p53BER2 mediates the cell cycle and senescence of p53 in p53-WT renal cancer cells. This further provides a novel approach and insight for the RCC and p53 research in renal cancer.
The emergence of the national medical assistance scheme for the poorest in Mali
Authors: Touré Laurence , Ridde Valéry
Published: April 2020

Background: Universal health coverage (UHC) is now high up the international agenda. There are still major needs to be met in West Africa, particularly in Mali, where providing health care for the poorest remains a big challenge. The majority of the region’s countries are currently seeking to define the content of their compulsory, contribution-based medical insurance system. However, very few countries apart from Mali have decided to, in parallel, develop a solution for poorest that is not based on contributions.Methods: This qualitative research article examines the historical process that has permitted the emergence of this ground-breaking public policy.Results: The research shows that the process has been very long, chaotic and sometimes suspended for long periods. One of the biggest challenges has been that of intersectoriality and the social construction of the groups to be targeted by this public policy (the poorest), as institutional tensions have evolved in accordance with the political issues linked to social protection. Eventually, the medical assistance scheme for the poorest (RAMED) saw the light of day in 2011, funded entirely by the government.Conclusions: Its emergence would appear to be attributable not so much to any new concern for the poorest in society but rather to a desire to give the social protection policy engaged in a guarantee of universality. The RAMED nonetheless remains an innovation within French-speaking West Africa.
What we know and don’t know about the Immunization Program of Ethiopia: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Tilahun Binyam , Mekonnen Zeleke , Sharkey Alyssa , Shahabuddin Asm , Feletto Marta , Zelalem Meseret , Shiekh Kabir
Published: April 2020

Background: There has been significant recent prioritization and investment in the immunization program in Ethiopia. However, coverage rates have stagnated and remained low for many years, suggesting the presence of systemic barriers to implementation. Hence, there is a need to consolidate the existing knowledge, in order to address them and consequently improve program effectiveness. Methods: A thorough literature review and Delphi method were used. In the literature review, we searched Pubmed/Medline, WHO library, Science direct, Cochrane library, Google scholar and Google using different combinations of search strategies. Studies that applied any study design, data collection and analysis methods related to immunization program were included. In the Delphi method, a panel of 28 national and international experts were participated to identify current evidence gaps and set research priorities under the immunization program. Results: In this review, a total of 55 studies and national documents were included. The review showed that the vaccination coverage ranged from 20.6% in Afar to 91.7% in Amhara region with large inequities related to socio-economic, health service access and knowledge about vaccination across different settings. Only one study reported evidence on timeliness of immunization as 60%. The review revealed that 80% of health facilities provide immunization service nationally while service availability was only 2% in private health facilities. This review indicated that poor vaccine storage, vaccine shortage, service interruptions, poor defaulter tracing, low community engagement and poor documentation were the main barriers for the EPI program with variations across different regions. Through expert panel of discussion using Delphi method, 10 priority research areas were identified across different domains of the immunization program at national level. Conclusion: We found out that there is substantial knowledge on vaccination coverage, however, there is little evidence on timeliness of vaccination. The existing barriers that affect full immunization coverage also varied from context to context which indicates there is a need to design and implement evidence based locally tailored interventions. This review also indicated evidence gaps with more focus on health system related implementation barriers at lower level and identified further research priorities in the immunization program of Ethiopia.