bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive status disclosure to a sexual partner and its determinant factors in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Yehualashet Fikadu Ambaw , Tegegne Eleni Tesfaye , Tessema Mekbib Kassa , Endeshaw Mulualem
Published: March 2020

Background: Disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive status significantly reduced the transmission of HIV; yet, it remains a challenge for many HIV patients. Disclosure serves plays a crucial role to raise awareness and to reduce risky behaviors. Hence, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and effect sizes of determinant factors of HIV positive status disclosure through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the results of the existing primary studies in Ethiopia. Method: This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to determine prevalence of HIV positive status disclosure and associated factors by considering and searching published primary articles from different sources. A sensitivity test was conducted to evaluate the presence of influential studies. Besides, the heterogeneity test has been conducted; and publication bias was examined through observing the funnel plot as well as objectively by interpreting the Egger’s regression test. Following the Egger’s regression test, P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95% Confidence Interval. Result: A total of 18 primary studies were searched from different data sources. The overall pooled prevalence of HIV positive status disclosure among adult PLWHA in Ethiopia was indicated to be 75.95% (95% CI:69.93-81.98); the highest and lowest pooled estimated HIV status disclosure was in Amhara (82.78%) and Tigray (54.31%) regions respectively. Furthermore, Knowing the HIV positive status of sexual partner, AOR=19.66(95% CI: 10.19-37.91), having prior discussion about HIV testing with their partner, AOR=9.18(95% CI: 5.53-15.24), got Human Immunodeficiency Virus pretest counseling service AOR=4.29(95% CI: 2.56-7.21) and being a member of HIV/AIDS associations, AOR=3.34(95% CI: 2.17-5.12), were significantly associated with HIV positive status disclosure among People living With HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.Conclusion: The pooled national estimate of HIV/AIDS positive status disclosure is low as compared to the WHO disclosure rate of developing countries and the findings of other national and international studies. Ministry of health and other stakeholders shall design new approaches and strategies to encourage disclosure of HIV status, educate the public about the negative impact of nondisclosure within family members. Health care providers working at Human HIV test centers shall emphasis extensive counseling on disclosure of status to a partner. Moreover, different stakeholders, health workers and community members shall establish, organize, and support HIV/AIDS Associations and motivate HIV positive people to be engaged and participated.
Well Neonate Due For Discharge In Low Resource Setting Must Be Screened For Significant Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Carolyn Nasuna , Abdallah Yaser , Charles Karamagi , Jamiru Mugalu
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Due to inadequacy of postnatal care in low resource settings, neonates with significant hyperbilirubinemia are likely to be discharged home only to develop complications of hyperbilirubinemia. Objective: To determine the prevalence of significant hyperbilirubinemia among well neonates due for discharged, factors associated with it and performance of transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) compared to visual inspection in identifying these neonates.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study involving 235 neonates in the postnatal ward of Mulago Hospital. Relevant data were captured. Neonates with significant hyperbilirubinemia were referred for treatment. Data was entered in to Epi-data version 3.0 then exported to STAT 14.0 software and analyzed. P-value of <0.05 was considered significant with confidence interval of 95%.Results: Thirty two (13.6%) participants had significant hyperbilirubinemia and 3 (1.3%) were above exchange transfusion threshold. Eleven (34.3%) of these neonates had ABO/Rhesus discordancy and eight (25%) had high CRP. Significant hyperbilirubinemia was independently associated with CRP ≥ 10mg/dl (AOR 3.96, CI 1.23-12.73, p 0.021), ABO discordance (AOR 3.67, CI 1.28-10.49, p 0.015), jaundice in previous baby (AOR 3.565, CI 1.10-11.51, p 0.034) and Time of initiation of feeds > 1 hour (AOR 2.74, CI 1.10-6.90, p 0.007). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of TCB were 96.5%, 84.6%, 47.5% and 99.4% respectively compared to 31.2%, 98.5%, 76.9% and 90% respectively for visual assessment.Conclusions: Well neonates prior to discharge must be screened for significant hyperbilirubinemia preferably using transcutaneous bilirubinometer. Early initiation of feeding should be promoted. Screening for sepsis in neonates with significant hyperbilirubinemia should be emphasized.
Inhibition of Hypertrophy and Improving Chondrocyte Differentiation by MMP-13 Inhibitor Small Molecule-Encapsulated in Alginate-Chondroitin Sulfate-Platelet Lysate Hydrogel
Authors: Jahangir Shahrbanoo , Eglin David , Pötter Naomi , Ravari Mojtaba Khozaei , Stoddart Martin , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali , Alini Mauro , Eslaminejad Mohammadreza Baghaban , Safa Majid
Published: March 2020

Background Mesenchymal stem cells are a promising cell source for chondrogenic differentiation and have been widely used in several preclinical and clinical studies. However, they are prone to an unwanted differentiation process towards hypertrophy that limits their therapeutic efficacy. Matrix Metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13) is a well-known factor regulated during this undesirable event. MMP-13 is a collagen degrading enzyme, which is also highly expressed in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate and in OA cartilage. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of MMP-13 inhibition on MSC hypertrophy. Methods In this study, 5-bromoindole-2-carboxylic acid (BICA) was used as an inhibitory agent for MMP-13 expression. After identifying its optimal concentration, BICA was mixed into a hydrogel and the release rate was studied. To prepare the ideal hydrogel, chondroitin sulfate (CS) and platelet lysate (PL) were mixed with sodium alginate (Alg) at concentrations selected based on synergistic mechanical and rheometric properties. Then, four hydrogels were prepared by combining alginate (1.5%w/v), and/or CS (1%w/v) and/or PL (20%v/v). The chondrogenic potential and progression to hypertrophy of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hBM-MSC) loaded hydrogels were investigated under free swelling and mechanical loading conditions, in the presence and absence of BICA. Results Viability of hBM-MSCs seeded in the four hydrogels was similar. qRT-PCR revealed that BICA could successfully inhibit MMP-13 expression, which led to an inhibition of Coll X and induction of Coll-II, in both free swelling and loading conditions. The GAG deposition was higher in the group combining BICA and mechanical stimulation. Conclusions It is concluded that BICA inhibition of MMP-13 reduces MSC hypertrophy during chondrogenesis.
Time trends in adolescent mental well-being in Czechia between 2002 and 2018: Gender, age and socio-economic differences
Authors: Cosma Alina , Költő András , Badura Petr , Winkler Petr , Kalman Michal
Published: March 2020

Background: Recent literature points to a decline over time in adolescent mental well-being but results are inconsistent and rely mainly on data from Western societies. This study investigates time trends in adolescent mental well-being (psychological and somatic complaints, life satisfaction) among Czech adolescents and explores whether these time trends are moderated by gender, age and socio-economic status. Methods: Nationally representative data from 29,378 Czech adolescents (50.8% girls, M age = 13.43; SD age = 1.65) across five Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) surveys (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018) were included in the analyses. Hierarchical regression models estimated national trends in adolescent mental well-being. We also tested whether these trends vary between girls and boys, adolescents of different age and from different socio-economic backgrounds. Results: Across the quadrennial surveys from 2002 to 2018, an increase in the psychological complaints was observed. Life satisfaction decreased over time up to 2014 only, whereas somatic symptoms increased until 2010, followed by a decline in 2014 and 2018. Girls, older adolescents and those from low family affluence reported poorer mental well-being outcomes. Gender gap increased over time for psychological complaints and life satisfaction. Socio-economic inequalities gap in adolescent mental well-being remained stable over the investigated timeframe. Conclusions: Our findings do not provide evidence for substantial temporal changes in mental well-being among adolescents in Czechia. Yet, only the increase in psychological complaints has been consistent which is an indicator of a decline over time in adolescent mental well-being. Furthermore, the gender gap in reporting psychological complaints and life satisfaction increased over time, whereas the age and socio-economic differences remained relatively stable. This calls for the attention of public health professionals and policy makers from Czechia. Keywords: Adolescence; mental health; mental well-being; well-being; gender; trends; age; socio-economic status; HBSC
Considerations for the design of nutrition-sensitive production programmes in rural South Africa
Authors: Hendriks Sheryl L , Viljoen Annemarie , Marais Diana , Wenhold Friede AM , McIntyre Angela M , Ngidi Mjabuliseni S , Annandale John G , Kalaba MMatlou , Stewart Duncan
Published: March 2020

Amidst conflicting narratives in development circles regarding the drive for nutrition-sensitive agriculture and the displacement of household production by supermarket penetration into deep rural areas, little is documented about the design of nutrition-sensitive agricultural programmes in the context of changing food systems. This is the first comparative assessment of the production and consumption patterns of South Africa’s poorest rural households. The study set out to identify programme elements necessary to improve nutrition outcomes. The poorest communities in four provinces were identified and surveyed using an extensive production and consumption survey. The survey was conducted in summer and winter for each community to capture seasonal differences. A total of 278 households were interviewed in summer and 280 in winter at the four sites. Even though most foods were purchased, crop production (beyond maize production) improved dietary diversity but selling produce and the use of irrigation had led to a stronger improvement. Seasonality affected availability of fresh fruit and vegetables for home consumption in winter, compromising nutrition. This shows a more positive influence of cropping on the consumption of fruit and vegetables in winter than in summer. This result was not expected, as the number of crops that can produce edible portions in winter is rather limited. Some crops such as beans are produced in summer and preserved (dried) for consumption in winter. The cultural preference is for dried beans rather than fresh green beans. Crops such as pumpkin and butternut are also stored for consumption later. Another explanation may be that savings from consumption in summer were used to purchasing these foods in winter, post-harvest. This was certainly true for households engaged in farmland cultivation (larger scale production) where consumption patterns improved in winter, post-harvesting of the main crops. However, farmland cultivation was only carried out under irrigated conditions. The study contributes knowledge about the impact of food-based approaches on the diets of populations at risk of hunger and food insecurity. Research and extension should focus on improving year-round availability and affordability of nutrient-dense foods that can grow in specific rural communities.
18 F-FDG-PET/CT assessment of Takayasu arteritis and effect of time-of-flight reconstruction: an observational study
Authors: yanai shuichi , tsuchiya junichi , taura shinichi , tateishi ukihide
Published: March 2020

Background To assess the impact of time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction on assessment of Takayasu arteritis (TKA). We reviewed 14 patients (15 cases) who underwent TOF-PET/CT. PET images were reconstructed using ordered-subsets expectation maximisation ± TOF. Uptake in 10 vascular regions was assessed using the four-point visual grading system (3, higher than liver uptake; 0, no uptake). The grades in the TOF-PET/CT and non-TOF-PET/CT groups were compared using the sign test. Relationships between visual grade and arterial FDG uptake pattern in the 10 regions and clinical findings were assessed. Results Except for the highest visual grade, the visual grades in all regions were significantly higher in the TOF-PET/CT group (p=0.003). FDG uptake pattern and region were not significant determinants of the effect of TOF reconstruction. Assessment of disease activity was inconsistent between the groups in 6 (4%) of 150 regions when grade 2/3 was defined as active and in 5 (3.3%) of 150 when grade 3 was defined as active. Conclusions Visual grades were significantly higher in all regions when assessed by TOF-PET/CT. Use of the same reconstruction algorithm before and after treatment is recommended when evaluating the response to treatment.
Disruption of urine metabolome and its interaction with gut microbiome by low-dose exposure of glyphosate-based herbicide in a rodent model
Authors: Hu Jianzhong , Lesseur Corina , Yu Miao , Manservisi Fabiana , Panzacchi Simona , Mandrioli Daniele , Belpoggi Fiorella , Chen Jia , Petrick Lauren
Published: March 2020

BackgroundGlyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) have previously been considered safe to humans. However, emerging evidence indicates that GBHs can disrupt the host microbiota and influence human health. To build upon our previous findings of gut dysbiosis and other adverse health effects resulting from low-dose exposure of GBHs (glyphosate and Roundup) in Sprague-Dawley rats, in particular pups during early development, we explore potential effects of GBHs on urinary metabolites and their interactions with gut microbiome in the same animal model.MethodsGlyphosate and Roundup (equal molar for glyphosate) were administered in drinking water at the USA glyphosate ADI guideline (1.75mg/kg bw/day) to the dams (F0) starting from the gestational day (GD) 6 through the life-course of both dams and their pups (F1) (males and females). Urine samples were collected from F0 dams after pups’ weaning and F1 pups at PND 70 and 125. The urine metabolites of 61 urine samples (14 from F0 dams and 30 from F1 pups) were profiled using non-targeted liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). We further used supervised clustering analyses combined with random forest feature selection to evaluate differences in urine metabolome profiles between experimental groups.ResultsOverall urine metabolite profiles significantly differed between dams and pups and between female and male pups. When pups were stratified by sexes, Roundup and glyphosate exposure resulted in significant and distinctive changes in metabolite profiles. Specifically, both supervised clustering analysis and random forest feature selection methods identified a significant increase of homocysteine, a known risk factor of cardiovascular disease in both Roundup and glyphosate exposed pups, but in males only. Correlation network analysis between gut microbiome and urine metabolome pointed to Prevotella, a commensal genus with higher loading in male pups, to be negatively correlated with the level of homocysteine.ConclusionsThis study provides initial evidence that exposures to commonly used GBH, at a currently acceptable human exposure dose, is capable of modifying the urine metabolites in both rat adults and pups. The strong link between Prevotella-Homocysteine suggests the potential role of GBHs in modifying the susceptibility of homocysteine related diseases like cardiovascular disease or inflammation through commensal microbiome.
The Impact of an Audience Response System on a Summative Assessment, a Controlled Field Study
Authors: Schmidt Thorsten , Gazou Anastasia , Riess Angelika , Riess Olaf , Grundmann-Hauser Kathrin , Falb Ruth , Schadeck Malou , Heinrich Tilman , Abeditashi Mahkameh , Schmidt Jana , Mau-Holzmann Ulrike , Schnabel Kai
Published: March 2020

Background: Audience response systems allow to activate the audience and to receive a direct feedback of participants during lectures. Modern systems do not require any proprietary hardware anymore. Students can directly respond on their smartphone. Several studies reported about a high level of satisfaction of students when audience response systems are used, however their impact on learning success is still unclear.Methods: In order to evaluate the impact of an audience response system on the learning success we implemented the audience response system eduVote into a seminar series and performed a controlled crossover study on its impact on assessments. 154 students in nine groups were taught the same content. In five groups, eduVote was integrated for the first topic while four groups were taught this topic without the audience response systems. For a second topic, the groups were switched: Those groups who were taught before using eduVote were now taught without the audience response system and vice versa. We then analyzed the impact of the audience response system on the students’ performance in a summative assessment and specifically focused on questions dealing with the topic, for which the audience response system was used during teaching. We further assessed the students’ perception on the use of eduVote using questionnaires.Results: In our controlled crossover study we could not confirm an impact of the audience response system eduVote on long-term persistence i.e. the students’ performance in the summative assessment. Our evaluation revealed that students assessed the use of eduVote very positively, felt stronger engaged and better motivated to deal with the respective topics and would prefer their integration into additional courses as well. In particular we identified, that “shy students” profit from the use of an audience response system during teaching.Conclusions: Audience response systems motivate and activate students and increase their engagement during classes. However, their impact on long-term persistence and summative assessments may be limited. Audience response systems, however, specifically allow activating students which cannot be reached by the traditional way of asking questions without such an anonymous tool.
Use of profession-role exchange in an interprofessional student team-based community health service-learning experience
Authors: Wang Jun , Guo Jie , Wang Yubin , Yan Dan , Liu Juan , Zhang Yinghong , Hu Xianmin
Published: March 2020

Background: During interprofessional clinical practice, compared to understanding of one’s own professional role and function, it might be more difficult to clarify the roles and contributions of the other health-care team members because of the inter-professional barrier. In order to provide students the opportunity for real experience with other professions in team environments and enhance their perceptions of other professions’ role, this study developed a comprehensive and multi-dimension extracurricular interprofessional education (IPE) model through designing and integrating a profession-role exchange component, that was medical students as pharmacists or nurses, pharmacy students as physicians or nurses, and nursing students as physicians or pharmacists in the interprofessional health-care student team, into the service learning experience in a real community setting.Methods: In this pre/post-intervention study, the effect of integrated profession-role exchange experiences on the students’ attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration and their role clarification was evaluated among 60 student volunteers (20 medical students, 20 pharmacy students and 20 nursing students). All involved students were divided into the profession-role exchange intervention group and the control group. Subjects in the control group did not participate the profession-role exchange experiences, the other IPE procedures were the same for both groups. Three survey instruments for attitudes toward interprofessional clinical collaboration were respectively used to measure the students’ attitudes toward physician-pharmacist, physician-nurse and nurse-pharmacist collaborations. “Roles and responsibilities” subscale of Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale was used to evaluate the overall role clarification during IPEResults: Compared to the control IPE activity, the addition of profession-role exchange component resulted in the significant increase in students’ positive attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration, and the enhancement of students’ role awareness.Conclusions: The profession-role exchange might be more effective and better initiate students to the practice of interprofessional collaboration, and could be used as an effective IPE tool for improving the role awareness of health-care students.
LncRNA Testis-specific transcript, Y-linked 15 (TTTY15) promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via regulating miR-29a-3p/DVL3 axis
Authors: Cao Ming-zheng , Ba Ying , Li Yue-feng
Published: March 2020

Background: Long non-coding RNA TTTY15 is oncogenic in prostate cancer, however its expression and function in colorectal cancer remain largely unknown.Methods: Paired colorectal cancer samples/adjacent tissues were collected, and the expression levels of TTTY15, miR-29a-3p and disheveled segment polarity protein 3 (DVL3) were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). TTTY15 shRNAs were transfected into HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines using lipofectamine reagent; the proliferation and colony formation were detected by CCK-8 assay and plate colony formation assay. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to analyze the changes of miR-29a-3p and DVL3; luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the regulatory relationship between miR-29a-3p and TTTY15, miR-29a-3p and DVL3.Results: TTTY15 was significantly up-regulated in cancerous tissues of colorectal cancer samples, positively correlated with the expression of DVL3, while negatively correlated with miR-29a-3p. After TTTY15 shRNAs were transfected into colorectal cancer cells, the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells were significantly inhibited. TTTY15 shRNAs could reduce the expression of DVL3 on both mRNA and protein levels, and the luciferase activity of TTTY15 sequence was also inhibited by miR-29a-3p. DVL3 was also validated as a target gene of miR-29a-3p.Conclusion: TTTY15 is abnormally upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues, and it can modulate the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. It function as the ceRNA to regulate the expression of DVL3 by sponging miR-29a-3p.
Identification of potential biomarkers and candidate small molecule drugs in glioblastoma
Authors: Lu Wei-cheng , Xie Hui , Yuan Ce , Li Jin-jiang , Li Zhao-yang , Wu An-hua
Published: March 2020

Background and aioms: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common and aggressive primary brain tumor, and the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor. This study aimed to identify the key genes associated with GBM and to further analyze the prognostic factors and small molecular drugs. Methods: Three microarray datasets (GSE111260, GSE103227, and GSE104267) were selected to identify the differential expressed genes (DEGs) between GBM and normal tissues. Then, prognosis related DEGs were screened by survival analysis, followed by functional enrichment analysis was performed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to explore the hub genes associated with GBM. The prognostic of these hub genes in GBM patients were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the protein expression level of hub genes were validated using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. Subsequently, the small molecule drugs of GBM were predicted by Connectivity Map (CMAP) database. Results: A total of 78 DEGs related to GBM prognosis were identified, and 10 hub genes with high degree were obtained. The mRNA expression and protein expression levels of CETN2, MKI67, ARL13B, and SETDB1 were overexpressed in GBM tissues, while the expression levels of CALN1, ELAVL3, ADCY3, SYN2, SLC12A5, and SOD1 were down-regulated in GBM tissues. Additionally, these genes were significantly associated with the prognosis of GBM. A total of 98 small molecular drugs were predicted, among these, adiphenine and podophyllotoxin were considered as the potential drugs to treat GBM.Conclusions: Our study provided 10 key genes for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic target for GBM. These findings might contribute to a better comprehension of molecular mechanisms of GBM development, and provide new perspective for further GBM research. However, specific regulatory mechanism of these genes needed further elaboration.
An untargeted investigation into the skin surface lipidome in the West Highland white terrier dog, with and without atopic dermatitis
Authors: Orbell Helen Louise , Cave Nick J , Parry Katharina , Griffin Craig E
Published: March 2020

Background – The skin barrier is important in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and stratum corneum lipids have a critical role. Skin surface lipids have been largely overlooked but also contribute to barrier function. An untargeted approach was used to compare the skin surface lipids from atopic and non-atopic West Highland White terrier dogs. The primary hypothesis was that a difference in the lipidome of atopic and non-atopic dogs would be found and the secondary hypothesis was that affected and unaffected skin would differ in lipid profile.Results – Thirty-nine dogs were classified into one of four disease status groups based on strict criteria. Samples for lipid analysis were collected from affected and unaffected skin, and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry found 421 lipid soluble features. Ten lipids were positively identified. Statistical analysis could not distinguish between non-atopic and atopic dogs. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis revealed a difference in the lipid profiles from affected and non-affected skin irrespective of disease status. Conclusions – An untargeted approach found a large array of unidentified lipids from the skin surface. There was a difference in the lipidome between affected and unaffected skin that was not related to disease status. Investigation into the lipidome of the skin surface in health and disease is an emerging area of research which could have clinical and therapeutic applications.
Nurses’ Perception Of Leadership Styles, Job Satisfaction, And Contextual Performance
Authors: SEYMEN SEFANUR , YILDIRIM Aytolan
Published: March 2020

Background: This study, which is done using 606 nurses working in state hospitals under the Department Of Institutions For In-Patient Treatment Affiliated To Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus Ministry Of Health, aims to investigate the effect of manager-employee relationship on job satisfaction and contextual performance of perceived leadership style.Methods: To determine the effect of leadership and job satisfaction on the contextual performance of the research, a screening model was used from descriptive research methods and a questionnaire consisting of four parts was prepared as data collection tool.Results: Results show that age, gender, duration of work and working position were found to affect job satisfaction and contextual performance in general (p <0,05).Conclusions: This study concludes that personal profiles of nurses are essential determinants of how leadership, job satisfaction, and contextual performance is perceived.
in vitro Chemical and physical toxicity of polystyrene microplastics in human-derived cells
Authors: Choi Daheui , Bang Junah , Kim Taeho , Oh Yoogyeong , Hwang Youngdeok , Hong Jinkee
Published: March 2020

Background With the increase of plastics production, a variety of toxicological studies regarding the microplastics have been reported since the microplastics could be ingested by the human body and cause serious diseases. However, the previous studies have been mainly focused on the toxicity of sphere type microbeads, which may be different from that of the randomly-shaped microplastics in real environment. Here, we have conducted the in vitro toxicology for randomly-shaped microplastics following the hypothesis that (1) physical cytotoxicity is affected from nano-/micro-size roughness in polystyrene (PS) microplastics and (2) chemical toxicity is caused by chemical reagents from microplastics.Results To prepare random shape of PS microplastics, we produced microfragments by ball mill grinding, then analyzed them via various toxicity tests in chemical and physical aspects with various kinds of human-derived cells. Ground PS microplastics were sorted in 3 ranges: 5-25 μm, 25-75 μm and 75-200 μm, and treated up to 1 mg/mL to cells based on weekly human intake of microplastics. We have confirmed that the PS microfragments induced 20 times increased acute inflammation for immune cells, production of reactive oxygen species and cell-death for fibroblasts and cancer cells by release of chemical reagents from microplastics. In addition, when the PS microfragments were in direct contact with the fibroblast and red blood cells, they lead to the lactose dehydrogenase release caused by a cell membrane damage and hemolysis by physical stress of microfragments. This phenomenon was amplified as microfragments concentration and roughness increases, we quantitatively analyzed roughness differences between microplastics, demonstrating that there are strong relationship physical damage of cells and roughness of microplastics.Conclusion We found that the PS microfragments have chemical toxicity. Furthermore, the physical toxicity by PS resulted in cellular membrane damage and correlated with statistically quantified-shape roughness. Therefore, we newly suggested the additional physical toxicity of random shape of microplastics. This provides the evidence of environmental and biological risks on random shape of microplastics.
Diesel exhaust particulates induce neutrophilic lung inflammation by modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated CXCL1/KC expression in alveolar macrophages
Authors: Kim Dong Im , Song Mi-Kyung , Lee Kyuhong
Published: March 2020

Background Exposure to particular matter (PM)2.5, including diesel exhaust particulates (DEP), has adverse effects on the respiratory system. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) abnormalities contribute to respiratory disease pathogenesis such as lung inflammation. However, there is little published research on the relationship between DEP exposure and ER stress in the respiratory immune system and especially the alveolar macrophages (AM). Here, we examined ER stress and inflammatory responses in a DEP-induced murine lung inflammation model and in DEP-stimulated AM.Results DEP treatment increased relative lung weight and the number of total cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in mouse BALF. Histological examinations also showed that DEP exposure induced neutrophilic lung inflammation and increased the number of DEP-pigmented AM. Western blot analysis showed that BiP and CHOP were relatively upregulated in DEP-induced mouse lung tissues. DEP caused cell damage, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and upregulated the genes associated with inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, interferon-γ, and toll-like receptor 4) and with ER stress (bound immunoglobulin protein [BiP], CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-homologous protein [CHOP], sXBP-1, and activating transcription factor 4) in AM. Furthermore, DEP stimulation upregulated the gene encoding the chemokine CXCL1/KC in AM.Conclusions DEP may contribute to neutrophilic lung inflammation pathogenesis by modulating ER stress-mediated CXCL1/KC expression in alveolar macrophages.
Clinical Outcomes and influence factors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma with negative preablative stimulated thyroglobulin and iodine-positive lymph nodes: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Zenghua , Li Jiao , Wang Guoqiang , Liu Xinfeng , Xin Xiaotong , Zhang Yingying , Han Na , Wang Xufu , Lu Chenghui
Published: March 2020

Background To investigate the clinical outcome of postoperative differentiated thyroid carcinoma(DTC)patients with negative preablative-stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg) and iodine-positive lymph node after the first radioablation. Methods A total of 136 DTC patients with ps-Tg<2ng/ml and iodine-positive lymph nodeswho were initially treated by 131I at our hospital from May 2015 to February 2018 were enrolled. These patients were followed up for 6-36 months, and then were classified into 3 groups according to the clinical outcomes as follows: excellent response (ER) group, indeterminate response (IDR) group, and structural incomplete response (SIR) group.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess thedifferences of factors (e.g. age, gender, extraglandular infiltration) between 3 groups. Results The N stage (P=0.001), sizes of the displayed lymph nodes (P<0.001), ps-Tg level (P=0.002), and TgAb level (P=0.001) were significantly different among the 3 groups. The gender (P=0.615), age (P=0.332), the primary tumor size (P=0.311), extrathyroidal invasion (P=0.549), T stage (P=0.944), rate of lymph node metastasis (P=0.170), locations of the displayed lymph nodes (P=0.099), and degree of recurrence risk (P=0.783) were not significantly different among the 3 groups.The corresponding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values were 93.3%, 82.6%, 86.4%, and 91.3% respectively when the cut-off value of the lymph node size was 7.25 mm. Conclusion For the DTC patients with negative ps-Tg and iodine-positive lymph nodes, postoperative N stage, size of the displayed lymph nodes, and ps-Tg and TgAb levels could be used as sensitive indicators for predicting clinical outcomes.
The three-dimensional printed template guided technique for S2AI screw placement and a comparison with freehand technique
Authors: Zhou Zhenhai , Zeng Zhimin , Yu Honggui , Xiong Jiachao , Liu Zhiming , Zhou Rongping , Wan Wenbing , Pan Zhimin , Chen Lu , Cao Kai
Published: March 2020

Background Sacropelvic fixation continues to present challenges when involved in the adult spinal deformity correction. The S2 alar iliac (S2AI) fixation is commonly used in sacropelvic fixation. Several techniques, including intraoperative navigation and freehand technique, were used for S2AI screws placement. The aim of this study is to analyze the anatomic parameters for S2AI screw trajectory in Asian population and introduce a novel technique described as three-dimensional printed template guided technique (TGT). Meanwhile, the accuracy and safety of this technique were compared with conventional freehand technique. Methods The S2AI trajectory parameters were measured in100 Asian adult volunteers. Parameters were compared between different genders. Forty-eight adult patients who underwent S2AI screw placement were reviewed, 28 patients received freehand technique and 20 patients received TGT technique. Postoperative CT was used to assess the accuracy of screw trajectory and cortex violation related complications were recorded. Results The cephalocaudal angles (CA), maximal length of screw pathway (ML), narrowest width of pathway within the iliar teardrop (NW), distance from the center of teardrop to sciatic notch(SD) and distance of the start point distal to S1 dorsal foramen(DD) showed significant gender-related difference (p<0.05). All 48 patients were placed S2AI screws bilaterally (40 screws in TGT vs 56 screws in freehand). One screw penetrated iliac cortex in TGT group but 10 screws penetrated iliac cortex in freehand group (3% vs 17.9%) (p<0.05). Conclusion Approximately 30-35° of cephalocaudal angle and 39°mediolateral angle are appropriate for S2AI screw placement in Asian patients. Either freehand or TGT technique is safe for S2AI screw placement. TGT technique is more accurate compared with conventional freehand technique. Trial registration This is a retrospective study. Key words Sacropelvic fixation, Second sacral alar iliac (S2AI) screw, three-dimensional printed template, freehand technique
Anatomical Variation of the Psoas Valley: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kuroda Yuichi , Rai Ankit , Saito Masayoshi , Khanduja Vikas
Published: March 2020

Background: The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the literature on the anatomy of the psoas valley, an anterior depression on the acetabular rim, and propose a unified definition of the anatomical structure, describe its dimensions, anatomical variations and clinical implications. Methods: A systematic computer search of EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane for literature related to the psoas valley was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Clinical outcome studies, prospective/retrospective case series, case reports and review articles that described the psoas valley and its synonyms were included. Studies on animals as well as book chapters were excluded. Results: Of the 313 articles, the filtered literature search identified 14 papers describing the psoas valley and its synonyms such as iliopsoas notch, notch between anterior inferior iliac spine and the iliopubic eminence, Psoas-U and anterior wall depression. Most of these were cross-sectional studies that mainly analysed normal skeletal hips. In terms of anatomical variation, 4 different configurations of the anterior acetabular rim have been identified and it was found that the curved type was the most frequent while the straight type may be nonexistent. Additionally, the psoas valley tended to be deeper in males as compared with females. Several papers established the psoas valley, or Psoas-U in a consistent location at approximately the 3 o'clock on the acetabular rim which may have implications with labral pathology. Conclusion: This review highlights the importance of the anatomy of the psoas valley which is a consistent bony landmark. The anatomy and the anatomical variations of the psoas valley need to be well-appreciated by surgeons involved in the management of young adults with hip pathology and also joint replacement surgeons to ensure appropriate seating of the acetabular component.
Prognostic factors for overall survival in patients with spinal metastasis secondary to prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Zhong-yu , Zhang Tao , Zhang Hui , Pang Cheng-gang , Jiang Wen-xue
Published: March 2020

Background: To guide the selection of treatments for spinal metastases, the expected survival time is one of the most important determinants. Few scoring systems are fully applicable for spinal metastasis secondary to prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to identify the independent factors to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients with spinal metastases from PCa. Methods: The PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL were retrieved by two reviewers independently, to identify studies analyzed the prognostic effect of different factors in spinal metastasis from PCa. A systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis was conducted with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) as the effect size. Results: A total of 12 retrospective cohort studies (1566 patients) were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 10 for quantitative meta-analyses. The OS was significantly influenced by performance status, visceral metastasis, ambulatory status and time from PCa diagnosis in more than half of the available studies. The meta-analyses demonstrated that OS was significantly influenced by visceral metastasis (HR=2.24, 95%CI:1.53-3.27, p<0.001), pre-treatment ambulatory status (HR=2.64, 95%CI:1.82-3.83, p<0.001), KPS (HR=4.45, 95%CI:2.01-9.85, p<0.001), ECOG (HR=2.96, 95%CI:2.02-4.35, p<0.001), extraspinal bone metastasis (HR=2.04, 95%CI:1.13-3.68, p=0.018), time developing motor deficit (HR=1.57, 95%CI:1.30-1.88, p<0.001) and time from PCa diagnosis (HR=1.37, 95%CI:1.17-1.59, p<0.001). Conclusions: Visceral metastasis, ambulatory status, extraspinal bone metastasis, performance status, time developing motor deficit and time interval from primary tumor diagnosis were significantly associated with the OS for spinal metastasis from PCa. When selecting the treatment modality, clinicians should fully consider the patients’ systematic status based on all potential prognostic factors.
The Optimal Time for Blood Glucose Measurements in Patients Who Underwent Primary or Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Ye Yongyu , Pan Baiqi , Xian Guoyan , Chen Weishen , Zhang Ziji , Sheng Puyi
Published: March 2020

Background Perioperative hyperglycemia is a risk factor for postoperative complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, the most optimal timing to detect blood glucose and the extent of elevation of postoperative glucose remain unknown. Our study investigated differences in perioperative blood glucose fluctuations between primary and revision groups to determine optimal timing for glycemic control. Methods We retrospectively evaluated medical records of 1,788 TJA patients from October 2013 to November 2018. We examined blood glucose values collected within 6 days perioperatively. Each time point’s findings were evaluated with descriptive statistics. Glucose variability was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV). Differences in glucose levels were compared between primary and revision groups. Results The final cohort included medical records of 1,480 patients (1,417 primary, 63 revision). Mean glucose values were highest on postoperative day 1 (117±35 and 132±50 mg/dL) in primary and revision groups, respectively ( P <0.001). Postoperative day 1 included the highest number of hyperglycemic patients (glucose >100 mg/dL) with 66.4% and 75.5% in primary and revision groups, respectively. The CV of primary and revision group nondiabetic and diabetic patients was 6.85% and 9.02% and 12.83% and 15.31%, respectively. Conclusions Postoperative day 1 was the most sensitive time for glucose control. Hyperglycemia occurred on postoperative day 1 in most patients who underwent TJA in both groups. Primary group diabetics and revision group had higher postoperative glycemic fluctuations than primary group nondiabetics. Our results reveal the need for specialized protocols for clinicians to detect and monitor hyperglycemia in patients under different situations.
Number-resolved imaging of $^{88}$Sr atoms in a long working distance optical tweezer
Authors: Jackson Niamh , Hanley Ryan , Hill Matthew , Leroux Frédéric , Adams Charles , Jones Matthew
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate number-resolved detection of individual strontium
atoms in a long working distance low numerical aperture (NA = 0.26)
tweezer. Using a camera based on single-photon counting technology, we
determine the presence of an atom in the tweezer with a fidelity of
0.989(6) (and loss of 0.13(5)) within a \bm{200\ \upmu}200μs
imaging time. Adding continuous narrow-line Sisyphus cooling yields
similar fidelity, at the expense of much longer imaging times (30 ms).
Under these conditions we determine whether the tweezer contains zero,
one or two atoms, with a fidelity \bm{>0.8}>0.8
in all cases, with the high readout speed of the camera enabling
real-time monitoring of the number of trapped atoms. Lastly we show that
the fidelity can be further improved by using a pulsed cooling/imaging
scheme that reduces the effect of camera dark noise.
General government revenue in the system of fiscal regulation
Authors: Chugunov Igor , Makohon Valentyna , Vatulov Andrii , Markuts Yuliya
Published: March 2020

The dynamics of socio-economic processes requires the general government revenue to be adapted to changes in financial and economic conditions. The study aims to improve the scientific and methodological approach to general government revenue in the system of fiscal regulation. The impact of general government revenue on economic growth was estimated using a correlation-regression analysis and the multiplier effect concept. The authors found out that, in order to ensure the macroeconomic stability and accelerate the economic growth in conditions of transformational changes, it is reasonable to increase the share of direct taxes in the general government revenue structure, to implement the prudential and coherent fiscal policy with the strategic goals of the countries’ social and economic development. The authors substantiated that the increased share of direct taxes of the consolidated budget of Ukraine in GDP by one percent causes the real GDP to grow by 2.94 percent, whereas the increased share of the indirect taxes by one percent causes the real GDP to decrease by 0.45 percent; for 2014–2018, 28 percent of taxes are on average withdrawn per unit of GDP growth. The study results indicate that effective fiscal regulation is ensured only by the synergy of its fiscal, regulatory, and incentive functions, the reconciliation of fiscal sustainability and tax neutrality principles.
AcknowledgmentThe article was prepared on the subject of the GDR: “The Financial and Budgetary Strategy for Economic Growth” (No. 0119U100577).
Birinci Mertebe Kayma Deformasyon Teorisine Dayalı FD Düz Eksenli Kirişlerin Serbest Titreşim Analizi
Authors: ASLAN Timuçin Alp , NOORI Ahmad Reshad , TEMEL Beytullah
Published: March 2020

Bu çalışmada, birinci mertebe kayma deformasyon teorisine dayalı doğru eksenli fonksiyonel derecelenmiş (FD) malzemeli kirişlerin serbest titreşim özellikleri incelenmiştir. Malzeme özelliklerinin sadece kiriş kalınlığı boyunca değiştiği kabulü yapılmıştır. Malzeme değişim katsayısının, uzunluk/kalınlık oranlarının ve sınır koşullarının kirişlerin serbest titreşim davranışı üzerindeki etkileri de parametrik olarak incelenmiştir. Bu kirişlerin serbest titreşim davranışını idare eden hareket denklemleri, Timoshenko kiriş varsayımına dayalı minimum toplam enerji ilkesi kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Kanonik halde elde edilen bu adi diferansiyel denklemler Tamamlayıcı Fonksiyonlar Yöntemi (TFY) ile sayısal olarak çözülmüştür. Hesaplanan doğal titreşim frekansları, literatürdeki mevcut çalışmaların sonuçları ile karşılaştırılmış ve bunlarla uyum içerisinde olduğu gösterilmiştir.
A Brief Survey of Machine Learning Methods in Identification of Mitochondria Proteins in Malaria Parasite
Authors: Liu Ting , Tang Hua
Published: March 2020

The number of human deaths caused by malaria is increasing day-by-day. In fact, the mitochondrial proteins of the malaria parasite play vital roles in the organism. For developing effective drugs and vaccines against infection, it is necessary to accurately identify mitochondrial proteins of the malaria parasite. Although precise details for the mitochondrial proteins can be provided by biochemical experiments, they are expensive and time-consuming. In this review, we summarized the machine learning-based methods for mitochondrial proteins identification in the malaria parasite and compared the construction strategies of these computational methods. Finally, we also discussed the future development of mitochondrial proteins recognition with algorithms.