bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provision of Immediate Postpartum Contraception to Women living with HIV in the  Eastern Cape, South Africa; A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: ADENIYI OLADELE VINCENT , Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Somefun Oluwaseyi Dolapo , Lambert John Shearer
Published: November 2020

Background: Universal access to contraception is an important strategy adopted by the South African government to reduce the high rate of unintended pregnancies, especially in women living with HIV. In this article, we describe the choices of contraception and also, examine the influencing factors of the choices of contraception in the immediate postpartum period in parturient women with HIV in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 1617 parturient women with HIV completed a survey on the choice of contraception received in the immediate postpartum period (within 72 hours) across three large maternity services in the Eastern Cape between September 2015 to May 2016. Additional information was extracted from their medical records. Choices of contraception were categorised as; short-acting (injectables), long-acting reversible (intrauterine device and implants) and permanent contraception (tubal ligation). Adjusted and unadjusted logistic regression models were employed to determine the influencing factors of the choices of contraception received by the cohort.Results: Participants were predominantly single (69.1%), unemployed (75.1%), had a grade 7-12 level of education (88.4%) and were HIV positive before their index pregnancy (81.3%). The prevalence of immediate postpartum contraception was high (n=1507; 93.2%) with Injectables being the preferred choice in the majority of the participants (n= 1218; 75.3%). After controlling for all relevant covariates, single marital status was associated with a higher likelihood of immediate postpartum contraceptive initiation (AOR;1.82 95% CI;1.10-3.03). Overall, women were more likely to initiate a long-acting reversible and irreversible methods when older than 35 years and having had more than two children.Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of immediate postpartum contraception with a preference for Injectables in the study setting. Long-term monitoring of this cohort will elucidate on contraceptive discontinuation and risk of unintended pregnancies in the region.
Serum Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as an early predictive marker of the severity of acute pancreatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: xiao weiming , Liu Weili , Yin Ling , Li Yong , Lu Guotao , Liu Xinnong , Gong Weijuan , Ding Yanbing , Wang Mei , Yan Zhigang
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the value of serum hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) level, an isozyme of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).Methods: Patients diagnosed with AP from January 2013 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the normal serum HBDH levels group (n-HBDH group) and the high serum HBDH levels group (h-HBDH group) according to the criteria HBDH ≥ 182 U/L after admission. The demographic parameters, laboratory data and the severity of AP in the two groups were compared. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of serum HBDH in predicting persistent organ failure and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).Results: A total of 260 AP patients were enrolled, including 176 cases in the n-HBDH group and 84 cases in the h-HBDH group. The incidence of SIRS and organ failure in the h-HBDH group were significantly higher than those in n-HBDH group (both P < 0.001). In addition, the HBDH level was significantly decreased in 110 patients who were re-measured after AP treatment. The serum HBDH levels were positively correlated with Atlanta classification, Ranson score, and BISAP score (all P < 0.05). ROC analysis showed that a serum HBDH cut-off point of 195.0 U/L had optimal predictive value for the development of persistent organ failure (AUC = 0.778) and 166.5 U/L for the development of SIRS (AUC = 0.724).Conclusion: The elevated serum HBDH in early stage of AP is closely related to the adverse prognosis of AP patients, which can be used as a potential early biomarker for predicting the severity of AP.
Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote osteogenic differentiation of lipopolysaccharide-induced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via ANRIL/miR-125a/APC axis
Authors: Wang Yuli , Lv Fengyi , Huang Lintong , Zhang Hengwei , Li Bing , Zhou Weina , Li Xuan , Du Yifei , Pan Yongchu , Wang Ruixia
Published: November 2020

Background and aim: Periodontitis is a chronic inﬂammatory disease inducing the absorption of alveolar bone and leading to tooth loss. Human amnion–derived mesenchymal stem cells (HAMSCs) have been used for studying inﬂammatory processes. This study aimed to explore the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) in HAMSC-driven osteogenesis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs).Methods: The cells were incubated with a co-culture system. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were used to detect the oxidative stress level. Flow cytometry was performed to determine cell proliferation. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red assay, cell transfection, and rat mandibular defect model were used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the molecular mechanisms.Results: This study showed that HAMSCs promoted the osteogenesis of LPS-induced HBMSCs, while the ANRIL level in HBMSCs decreased during co-culture. ANRIL had no significant influence on the proliferation of LPS-induced HBMSCs. However, its overexpression inhibited the HAMSC-driven osteogenesis in vivo and in vitro, whereas its knockdown reversed these effects. Mechanistically, this study found that downregulating ANRIL led to the overexpression of microRNA-125a (miR-125a), and further contributed to the competitive binding of miR-125a and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), thus significantly activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Conclusion: The study indicated that HAMSCs promoted the osteogenic differentiation of LPS-induced HBMSCs via the ANRIL/miR-125a/APC axis, and offered a novel approach for periodontitis therapy.
Three-Dimensional (3D) Magnetic Resonance Volume Assessment and Loco-regional Failure in Anal Cancer: early evaluation case-control study
Authors: Sekhar Hema , Kochhar Rohit , Carrington Bernadette , Kaye Thomas , Tolan Damian , Saunders Mark , Sperrin Matthew , Sebag-Montefiore David , Herk Marcel van , Renehan Andrew
Published: November 2020

Background: The primary aim was to test the hypothesis that deriving pre-treatment 3D magnetic resonance tumour volume (mrTV) quantification improves performance characteristics for the prediction of loco-regional failure compared with standard maximal tumour diameter (1D) assessment in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus undergoing chemoradiotherapy.Methods: We performed an early evaluation case-control study at two UK centres (2007-2014) in 39 patients with loco-regional failure (cases), and 41 patients disease-free at 3 years (controls). mrTV was determined using the summation of areas method (Volsum). Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass concordance correlation (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreements. We derived receiver operating curves using logistic regression models and expressed accuracy as area under the curve (ROCAUC).Results: The median time per patient for Volsum quantification was 7.00 (inter-quartile range, IQR: 0.57-12.48) minutes. Intra and inter-observer reproducibilities were generally good (ICCs from 0.79 to 0.89) but with wide limits of agreement (intra-observer: -28% to 31%; inter-observer: -28% to 46%). Median mrTVs were greater for cases (32.6 IQR: 21.5-53.1 cm3) than controls (9.9 IQR: 5.7-18.1 cm3, p <0.0001). The ROCAUC for mrT-size predicting loco-regional failure was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.63-0.85) improving to 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72-0.92) when replaced with mrTV (test for ROC differences, p = 0.024).Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that the replacement of mrTV for mrT-size improves prediction of loco-regional failure after chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. However, mrTV calculation is time consuming and variation in its reproducibility are drawbacks with the current technology.
Patterns of breast, prostate and cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Colombia: An administrative registry data analysis
Authors: Vargas Juliana Alexandra Hernández , Barbosa Paula Ximena Ramírez , Quijano Ana Milena Gil , García Ana María Valbuena , Merchán Lizbeth Acuña , González Jaime
Published: November 2020

Background: Cancer is widely recognized as a global public health problem. Breast, prostate, and cervical cancer are among the most frequent types in developing countries. Assessing their incidence and mortality by regions and municipalities is important to guide evidence-based health policy. Our aim was to describe the incidence and mortality trends for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer across regions and municipalities in Colombia during 2018.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis with data from people with breast, prostate, or cervical cancer, reported to the National Administrative Cancer Registry during 2018. A descriptive analysis was performed. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were estimated at national, regional, and municipal levels. Finally, we identify the regions and municipalities with significantly higher or lower incidence and mortality rates compared to national estimations. Results: Breast cancer was the most frequent type among all new cases and deaths in Colombia. Breast, prostate and cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 were: 18.69 (CI 95%: 18.15-19.25) and 10.48 (CI 95%: 10.07-10.91); 11.34 (CI 95%: 10.90-11.78) and 7.58 (CI 95%: 7.22-7.96); 5.93 (CI 95%: 5.62-6.25) and 4.31 (CI 95%: 4.05-4.58), respectively. Eastern region had both, incidence and mortality rates, significantly lower than national for all types of cancer. By municipalities, there was a heterogeneous pattern. Nonetheless, Agua de Dios (Cundinamarca), had one of the highest incidence rates for all types. Conclusions: We observed clear differences in cancer incidence and mortality across regions and municipalities, depending on each type of cancer. Our findings are important to improve screening coverage, early detection, and treatment in the country.
Reciprocal hemizygosity analysis reveals that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CGI121 gene affects lag time duration under enological conditions
Authors: Li Runze , Deed Rebecca C.
Published: November 2020

It is standard practice to ferment white wines at low temperatures (10-18ºC). However, low temperatures increase fermentation duration and risk of problem ferments, leading to significant costs. The lag duration at fermentation initiation is heavily impacted by temperature; therefore, identification of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes impacting on fermentation kinetics is of interest for winemaking.We selected 28 S. cerevisiae BY4743 single deletants, from a prior list of open reading frames (ORFs) mapped to quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes VII and XIII, influencing the duration of fermentative lag time. Five BY4743 deletants, Δapt1, Δcgi121, Δclb6, Δrps17a, and Δvma21, differed significantly in their fermentative lag duration compared to BY4743 in synthetic grape medium (SGM) at 15ºC, over 72 h. Fermentation at 12.5ºC for 528 h confirmed the longer lag times of BY4743 Δcgi121, Δrps17a, and Δvma21. These three candidate ORFs were deleted in S. cerevisiae RM11-1a and S288C to perform single reciprocal hemizygosity analysis (RHA). RHA hybrids and single deletants of RM11-1a and S288C were fermented at 12.5ºC in SGM and lag time measurements confirmed that the S288C allele of CGI121 on chromosome XIII, encoding a component of the EKC/KEOPS complex, increased fermentative lag phase duration. Nucleotide sequences of RM11-1a and S288C CGI121 alleles differed by only one synonymous nucleotide, suggesting that codon bias or positional effects might be responsible for the impact on lag phase duration. This research demonstrates a new role of CGI121 and highlights the applicability of QTL analysis for investigating complex phenotypic traits in yeast.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy on patients with aspiration pneumonia accompanied by respiratory failure in the post-stroke sequelae stage
Authors: Xing Dong , Chen Yu-Hong , Wang Lan-Tao , Yu Bin , Ran Zhi-Bin , Chen Li
Published: November 2020

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy on patients with aspiration pneumonia accompanied by respiratory failure in the post-stroke sequelae stage, with the goal of providing more effective oxygen therapy and improving patient prognosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 103 elderly patients with post-stroke aspiration pneumonia and moderate respiratory failure (oxygenation index: 100–200 mmHg) that had been admitted. The patients were divided into two groups according to the mode of oxygen therapy that was used: the Venturi mask group and the HFNC treatment group. The two groups were analyzed and compared in terms of the changes in the blood gas indices measured at different points in time (4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h), the proportion of patients that required transition to invasive auxiliary ventilation, and the 28-day mortality rate. Results: A total of 103 patients were retrospectively analyzed; 16 cases were excluded, and 87 patients were included in the final patient group (42 in the HFNC group and 45 in the Venturi group). There was a statistically significant difference in the oxygenation indices of the HFNC group and the Venturi group (F = 546.811, P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant interaction between the monitored oxygenation indices and the mode of oxygen therapy (F = 70.961, P < 0.05), and there was a statistically significant difference in the oxygenation indices for the two modes of oxygen therapy (F = 256.977, P < 0.05). HFNC therapy contributed to the improvement of the oxygenation indices at a rate of 75.1%. The Venturi and HFNC groups also differed significantly in terms of the proportion of patients that required transition to invasive auxiliary ventilation within 72 h (P < 0.05). The HFNC group’s risk for invasive ventilation was 0.406 times that of the Venturi group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the 28-day mortality rate of the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: HFNC could significantly improve the oxygenation state of patients with post-stroke aspiration pneumonia and respiratory failure, and it may reduce the incidence of invasive ventilation.
The Mitigating Toxic Stress Study Design: Approaches to Developmental Evaluation of Pediatric Health Care Innovations addressing Social Determinants of Health and Toxic Stress
Authors: McCrae Julie S. , Robinson JoAnn L , Spain Angeline K , Byers Kaela , Axelrod Jennifer L
Published: November 2020

Background. Health care administrators must establish and promote effective partnerships with community agencies to address social determinants of health, including reducing exposure of infants and young children to chronic stress. Because infants’ experiences are inextricably tied to their caregivers, an important target for mitigating “toxic” stress exposure in early childhood is through reducing parents’ experiences of chronic stress in addition to protecting children from direct experiences of harm such as physical or sexual abuse. Conducting screening to identify when children are exposed to early life adversity is a first step; connecting families to needed support services is an essential component to addressing identified challenges. This paper presents the methodology of a three-year study of health care systems innovations designed to engage and support parents of infants to prevent and mitigate children’s toxic stress exposures. Methods. Key study features included: 1) multi-component study in five U.S. communities and nine pediatric health care clinics and the families they serve, 2) a developmental evaluation approach to describe how innovations are experienced over time at three levels—community systems, pediatric providers, and families, and 3) rapid cycle feedback conducted with communities, clinics and families to co-interpret data and findings. Data sources included: 1) focus groups and interviews with community stakeholders, clinic staff, and families, 2) electronic health record and Medicaid services data extracted to assess health care quality, utilization, and financial impact, and 3) clinic-recruitment of 908 parents of infants in a longitudinal survey. Results. The sample is briefly characterized based on responses to the enrollment phase of the parent survey. Conclusions. We discuss the study design elements’ contribution to generating evidence needed by innovators, communities, and clinics to modify and sustain investments in these innovations to prevent or mitigate the effects of exposure to toxic stress on young children.
A qualitative content analysis of "problem students": how can we identify and manage them?
Authors: Ahmady Soleiman , Khajeali nasrin , Kalantarion Masomeh , Amini Mitra
Published: November 2020

Objectives: problem students is one of the important issues in medical education. This study aimed to identify the problem students and the ways for managing these students from the educational experts view. Purposive sampling was used, and data collection continued until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis was performed by the content analysis method based on the Heidegger approach. We interviewed 12 educational experts who had a history of dealing with "problem students”.Results: After data analysis, five main themes and 28 categories, and 164 codes were extracted. The reasons for changing a student to a problem students was: student self-regulation skills, multilayer interactions, curriculum failure, identification policy and supportive solutions. The results indicated that despite revision in the curriculum, there were shortcomings in identification and management of problem students. According to participants, existence of a comprehensive system and a capable counseling center can identify the problem student sooner. On the other hand by improving self-regulation skills, active teaching methods and frequent formative evaluation and the use of supportive strategies, problem student can be encouraged to complete their education successfully. This study emphasized faculty development, reviewing the faculty member recruitment, strengthening counseling centers, improving the exams.
Measurement and determinants of catastrophic health expenditure among the elderly households in China using longitudinal data from the CHARLS
Authors: Liu Shiai , Coyte Peter Christopher , Fu Mingqi , Zhang Qilin
Published: November 2020

Background: Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among the Chinese elderly warrants attention. However, the incidence, intensity and determinants of CHE have not been fully investigated. This study explores the incidence, intensity and determinants of CHE among elderly Chinese citizens, i.e., those aged 60 years or older.Methods: Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS): 2011, 2013 and 2015. The cut-off points used in this study for CHE were 10% of the total expenditures and 40% of non-food expenditure. Under the guidance of Andersen’s model of health services utilization, this study used logistic regression analysis to explore the determinants of CHE.Results: The incidence of CHE defined as more than 40% of non-food expenditure rose over the study period, 2011-2015, from 20.86% (95% CI: 19.35% to 22.37%) to 31.00% (95% CI: 29.28% to 32.72%). The intensity of CHE also increased. The overshoot (O) based on non-food expenditure rose from 3.12% (95% CI: 2.71% to 3.53%) to 8.75% (95% CI: 8.14% to 9.36%), while the mean positive overshoot (MPO) rose from 14.96% (95% CI: 12.99% to 16.92%) to 28.23% (95% CI: 26.26% to 30.19%). Thus, the problem of CEH was even more serious in 2015 than in 2011. Logistic regression revealed that households were more likely to face CHE if they had a spouse as a household member, reported an inpatient event in the last year, reported an outpatient visit in the last month, were disabled, were members of a poor expenditure quartile, lived in the middle and western zones or resided in an urban area. In contrast, CEH was not significantly affected by respondents being older than 75 years or having a chronic health condition, by household size or by insurance type.Conclusions: Key policy recommendations include the gradual improvement of medical assistance and the expansion of the use of health insurance to reduce household liability for health expenditures.Trial Registration: None.
Association of Neuroimaging Markers of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease With Short-Term Outcomes in Patients With Minor Cerebrovascular Events
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Wang Lin , Jiang Junying , Gao Yuanyuan , Zhang Rui , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Shen Tingwen , Dai Qi , Li Junrong
Published: November 2020

Objective: Increasing evidences have showed that neuroimaging markers of SVD can predict the short-term outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).It is unclear that whether neuroimaging markers of SVD are also associated with short-term outcomes of minor cerebrovascular events. In the present study, we investigate neuroimaging markers of SVD in order to explore their roles in prediction of short-term outcome in patients with minor cerebrovascular events. Methods: Consecutive first-ever stroke patients (n=546) from the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled. A total of 388 patients were enrolled according to minor cerebrovascular events definition（National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score≤3）and exclusion criteria. MRI scans were performed within seven days of stroke onset, and then neuroimaging markers of SVD including WMH, lacunes, cerebral microbleeds (CMB), and perivascular spaces (PVS) , SVD burden scores were assessed. We completed baseline characteristics and evaluated the relationships of short-term outcomes to SVD neuroimaging markers and SVD scores. The 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was thought as primary outcome and was dichotomized as good functional outcome (mRS 0-1) and poor outcome (mRS 2-6). Secondary outcomes were stroke progression and stroke recurrence. Results: Higher age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) and lacunes, Fazekas score were correlated with poor functional outcome (P<0.05), But after adjusting for confounding variables, among the neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease, only Fazekas score (OR, 1.343; 95% confidence interval, 1.020-1.770; P=0.036) was found to be associated with poor outcome at 90 days. Higher Fazekas and SVD scores were not associated with stroke progression or stroke recurrence. Conclusion: WMH can predict the poor functional outcome of minor cerebrovascular events. Adding other neuroimaging markers of SVD and total SVD burden score, however, does not improve the prediction, which indicated WMH can as neuroimaging markers for guiding the treatment of minor cerebrovascular events.
The Perceived determinants and recommendations by mothers and healthcare professionals on the Loss-To-Follow-Up in Option B+ program and child mortality in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Authors: Kassaw Mesfin Wudu , Matula Samuel T. , Mamo Ayele , Kassie Ayelign , Abate Biruk
Published: November 2020

Background: The third United Nations Sustainable Development Goal includes a commitment to end AIDS-related death by 2030. In line with the Goal, Option B+ programs hold a great promise for eliminating vertical transmission of HIV. Option B+ was introduced in 2013 in Ethiopia. The Global Plan identified Ethiopia as one of 22 high priority countries requiring improvement in prevention of mother to child HIV transmission services. Despite HIV treatment being free in Ethiopia, only 59% of children are on treatment. The discrepancies in high uptake of Option B+ and low numbers of children in Ethiopia can be attributed to Loss-to-follow-up, which is estimated from 16% to 80%. While LFTU is expected in the region, no-to-minimal evidence exists on the magnitude and its determinants, which hampers the development of interventions and strategies to reduce LFTU. The purpose of this study is to explore perception of mothers and healthcare providers on determinants of and recommendations to reduce LTFU and HIV exposed infants’ mortality.Method: Explorative, descriptive qualitative study conducted in five zones of Amhara region. The sample consisted of mothers enrolled to the option B+ programs at the five referral hospitals PMTCT departments, nurses and midwives working in those departments, and HIV officers in zonal departments. Data were collected in 2019 using in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis and deduced to themes.Results: Overall, nine themes were identified from the interviews. Five themes represented the determinants of LTFU and mortality while four themes addressed the recommendations to reduce LFTU among mothers and their infant mortality. The determinants themes centered on apathy, stigma and discrimination, poor access to services, healthcare providers behavior and attitudes, and social determinants of health. While recommendations themes suggested that improving access, capitalizing on psychosocial support, education and awareness, and empowerment.Conclusions: Social and structural issues are major contributors to low retention of mothers and death of children due to HIV. A multi-stakeholder approach, including structural changes, are required to support women and their children to ensure that individuals, communities and country enjoy the full benefits of option B+ and lead to an HIV free generation.
Peer victimisation during adolescence and its impact on wellbeing in adulthood: A prospective cohort study.
Authors: Armitage Jessica M , Wang R. Adele H , Davis Oliver S. P. , Bowes Lucy , Haworth Claire M. A.
Published: November 2020

Background: Peer victimisation is a common occurrence and has well-established links with a range of psychiatric problems in adulthood. Significantly less is known however, about how victimisation influences positive aspects of mental health such as wellbeing. The purpose of this study was therefore to assess for the first time, whether peer victimisation in adolescence is associated with adult wellbeing. We aimed to understand whether individuals who avoid a diagnosis of depression after victimisation, maintain good wellbeing in later life, and therefore display resilience.Methods: Longitudinal data was taken from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a prospective cohort study based in the UK. Peer victimisation was assessed at 13 years using a modified version of the bullying and friendship interview schedule, and wellbeing at age 23 using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. The presence or absence of depression was diagnosed using the Clinical Interview Schedule–Revised at 18 years. A series of logistic and linear regression analyses were used to explore relationships between peer victimisation, depression, and wellbeing, adjusting for potentially confounding individual and family factors. Results: Just over 15% of victims of frequent bullying had a diagnosis of depression at age 18. Victimisation also had a significant impact on wellbeing, with a one-point increase in frequent victimisation associated with a 2.71-point (SE=0.46, p<0.001) decrease in wellbeing scores aged 23. This finding remained after adjustment for the mediating and moderating effects of depression, suggesting that the burden of victimisation extends beyond depression to impact wellbeing. Results therefore show that individuals who remain partially resilient by avoiding a diagnosis of depression after victimisation have significantly poorer wellbeing than their non-victimised counterparts.Conclusion: Overall, our study demonstrates for the first time that victimisation during adolescence is a significant risk factor for not only the onset of depression, but also poor wellbeing in adulthood. Such findings highlight the importance of investigating both dimensions of mental health to understand the true burden of victimisation and subsequent resilience. In addition to the need for interventions that reduce the likelihood of depression following adolescent victimisation, efforts should also be made to promote good wellbeing.
Toward the identification of a phytocannabinoid-like compound in the flowers of a South African medicinal plant (Leonotis leonurus)
Authors: Hunter Ethan , Stander Marietjie , Kossmann Jens , Chakraborty Suparna , Prince Sharon , Peters Shaun , Loedolff Bianke
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveCurrent global trends on natural therapeutics suggest an increasing market interest toward the use and discovery of new plant-derived therapeutic compounds, often referred to as traditional medicine (TM). The Cannabis industry is currently one such focal area receiving attention, owing to the occurrence of phytocannabinoids (pCBs) which have shown promise in health-promotion and disease prevention. However, the occurrence of pCBs in other plant species are often overlooked and rarely studied.Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br. is endemic to South Africa with a rich history of use in TM practices amongst indigenous people and, has been recorded to induce mild psychoactive effects akin to Cannabis. While the leaves have been well-reported to contain therapeutic phytochemicals, little information exists on the flowers. Consequently, as part of a larger research venture, we targeted the flowers of L. leonurus for the identification of potential pCB or pCB-like compounds.ResultsFlower extracts were separated and analyzed using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). A single pCB candidate was isolated from HPTLC plates and, using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we could successfully group this compound as a fatty amide and tentatively identified as 7,10,13,16-Docosatetraenoylethanolamine (adrenoyl-EA), a known bioactive compound.
High-thermally conductive AlN-based microwave attenuating composite ceramics with spherical graphite as attenuating agent
Authors: Fang Xia , Jiang Lei , Pan Limei , Yin Shuang , Qiu Tai , Yang Jian
Published: November 2020

High-thermally conductive AlN-based microwave attenuating composite ceramics with spherical graphite (SG) as the attenuating agent were fabricated through hot-pressing sintering. The SG maintains its three-dimensional morphology within the sintered bodies, which considerably impedes the sintering of the composites to some extent but slightly influences on the growth of AlN grains. The addition of SG reduces the strength of the composites, but provides a moderate toughening effect at the optimal addition amount (3.8 MPa·m1/2 at 4 wt% SG). Benefiting from the low anisotropy, high thermal conductivity, and the three-dimensional morphology of SG, the composites exhibit a relatively higher thermal conductivity (76.82 W·m-1·k-1 at 10 wt% SG) compared with composites added with non-spherical attenuating agent. The dielectric constant and loss (8.2–12.4 GHz) increase remarkably as the amount of SG added increases up to 8 wt%, revealing that the incorporation of SG improves the dielectric property of the composite. The composite with 7 wt% SG exhibits the best absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of -14 dB at 12.4 GHz and an effective absorbing bandwidth of 0.87 GHz. The excellent overall properties of the SG/AlN microwave attenuating composites render them as a promising material for various applications. Moreover, SG has a great potential as an attenuating agent for microwave attenuating composites due to its strong attenuation upon integration, high thermal conductivity, and low anisotropy.
Phase I Trial of Dose-Escalated Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Boost for Unfavorable Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Vempati Prashant , Halthore Aditya N. , Teckie Sewit , Rana Zaker , Gogineni Emile , Antone Jeffrey , Zhang Honglai , Marrero Mihaela , Beadle Kristin , Frank Douglas K. , Aziz Mohamed , Paul Doru , Ghaly Maged M.
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose: Patients with locally advanced oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma have suboptimal outcomes with standard chemoradiation. Here, we evaluated toxicity and oncological outcomes of dose escalation using radiosurgical boost for patients with unfavorable oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: Between 2010-2017, Thirty four patients with intermediate- or high-risk oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled onto this prospective phase I trial. Each patient received concurrent cisplatin and fractionated radiotherapy totaling 60 Gy or 66 Gy followed by radiosurgery boost to areas of residual gross tumor: single fraction of 8 Gy or 10 Gy, or two fractions of 5 Gy each. Primary endpoint was treatment toxicity. Secondary endpoints were local, regional, and distant disease control.Results: Eleven, sixteen and seven patients received radiosurgery boost with 8 Gy in 1 fraction, 10 Gy in 1 fraction, and 10 Gy in 2 fractions respectively. Acute toxicities include 4 patients with tumor necrosis causing grade 3 dysphagia, of which 3 developed grade 4 pharyngeal hemorrhage requiring surgical intervention. At 24 months after treatment, 7%, 9%, and 15% had grade 2 dysgeusia, xerostomia, and dysphagia, respectively, and two patients remained feeding tube dependent. No grade 5 toxicities occurred secondary to treatment. Local, regional, and distant control at a median follow up of 4.2 years were 85.3%, 85.3% and 88.2%, respectively. Five patients died resulting in overall survival of 85.3%.Conclusions: This study is the first to report the use of radiosurgery boost dose escalation in patients with unfavorable oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma. Longer follow-up, larger cohorts, and further refinement of boost methodology are needed prior to implementation in routine clinical practice.
Effectiveness of highly purified HMG plus r-FSH vs r-FSH alone vs r-FSH plus r-LH in IVF-ET/ ICSI patients：a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhong-Kai , Wu She-ling , Yu Xiao-Na , Qiao Hong-Wu , Lou Hua , Wang Xing-Ling , Zhang Wen , Guan Yichun
Published: November 2020

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropins (hp-HMG) plus recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH) vs r-FSH vs r-FSH plus recombinant luteinizing hormone （r-LH） in vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients。Design :Retrospective cohort studyMethods:This was a retrospective study. Among a total number of 3568 patients who had undergone IVF/ICSI applications, 409 eligible patients were included.Total units of follitropin alpha preparations used in ovulation induction, total number of meiois-2 phase oocytes, total number of used oocytes in ICSI cycle, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rates of both groups were analyzed. In this retrospective cohort study, women undergoing IVF/ICSI Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles downregulation. 409 patients were included in the study. Among them One group followed the current standard protocol of no LH or hp-HMG supplementation given(n=64). The other had LH supplementation in the form of r -LH (Luveris; Merck Serono, Switzerland) (n=221), Another group had hp-HMG supplementation in the form of hp-HMG (Menopur , Ferring,Germany)(n=121).In the Subgroup analysis were decided by AFC ,7 < AFC〈20 or AFC>20 of the three group.Result: Mean duration of stimulation and was longer in the group of patients treated with hp-HMG plus rFSH compared to the group of patients treated with r-FSH and the group of r-LH plus r-FSH (13.24 days and 12.72days and12.21days, respectively; P<0.05). The amount of GN does for patients treated withhp-HMG plus rFSH compared to the group of patients treated with r-FSH plus r-LH and the group of r-FSH alone respectively (P<0.05). Clinical pregnancy rates were 76.6% and 60.9% and 62.9% （P<0.05）in the groups of patients treated with hp-hMG plus rFSH, r-FSH plus r-LH,r-FSHalonerespectively. What’s morea greater live birth rate was noted in the hp-hMG plus r-FSH group, there was statistically significant difference between the three groups (P>0.05).in the subgroup analysis when AFC>20 hp-HMG plus rFSH group have more lower ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome （OHSS） than r-FSH plus r-LH and rFSH alone,respectively.Clonclusion:The higher oocyte yield with r-FSH does not result in higher quality embryos.hp-HMG or r-LH supplementation is an option for improving IVF outcome in patients ovulation induction with r-FSH during GnRH agonist down-regulation. Particularly, hp-HMG is recommended as it may have a beneficial action on implantation in selected group especially AFC more than 20patients.
Bidirectional FtsZ filament treadmilling transforms lipid membranes via torsional stress
Authors: Ramirez-Diaz Diego , Merino-Salomon Adrian , Meyer Fabian , Heymann Michael , Rivas German , Bramkamp Marc , Schwille Petra
Published: November 2020

FtsZ is a key component in bacterial cell division, being the primary protein of the presumably contractile Z ring. In vivo and in vitro, it shows two distinctive features that could so far however not be mechanistically linked: self-organization into directionally treadmilling vortices on solid supported membranes, and shape deformation of flexible liposomes. In cells, circumferential treadmilling of FtsZ was shown to recruit septum-building enzymes, but an active force production remains elusive. To gain mechanistic understanding of FtsZ dependent membrane deformations and constriction, we designed an in vitro assay based on soft lipid tubes pulled from FtsZ decorated giant lipid vesicles (GUVs) by optical tweezers. FtsZ actively transformed these tubes into spring-like structures, where GTPase activity promoted spring compression. Operating the optical tweezers in lateral vibration mode and assigning spring constants to FtsZ coated tubes, the directional forces that FtsZ-YFP-mts rings exert upon GTP hydrolysis can be estimated to be in the pN range. They are further shown to induce membrane budding with constricting necks on both, giant vesicles and E.coli cells devoid of their cell walls. We hypothesize that these forces are generated by bidirectional treadmilling through torsional stress.
Ultrahigh Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Efficiency by Single Metallic Atom Oxide on TiO2
Authors: Feng Yibo , Wang Cong , Cui Peixin , Li Chong , Gan Liyong , Zhang Shengbai , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xiaoxian , Li Hui , Wang Kaiwen , Sun Zhiming , Zhou Kai , Zhang Bin , Li Min , Huang Hongwei , Li Wei , Li Ang , Wang Lihua , JunHuang  , Zhang Ze , Han Xiaodong
Published: November 2020

Photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction is a sustainable and energy-consumption-free route to directly convert the greenhouse gas into chemicals. Given the vast amount of greenhouse gases, numerous efforts have been devoted to developing inorganic photocatalysts due to their stable, low-cost and environmental-friendly properties. However, more efficient titanium dioxide (TiO2) without noble metal or sacrifice/organic agent is highly desirable for CO2 reduction practical application, and it is also difficult and urgently in demand for TiO2 producing selectively valuable compounds, i.e. industrial chemicals and fuels. Here, we develop a novel “adatom at step” strategy via anchoring single tungsten atom oxide (STAO) site on intrinsic steps of classic TiO2 nanoparticles. The composition of single-sites can be controlled by tuning the ratio of adatom W5+ to neighboring Ti3+, resulting in significant CO2 reduction efficiency and selectively yield of carbon monoxide (CO) or methane (CH4) as main products. The W5+-dominated catalysts can achieve an ultrahigh photocatalytic CH4 production of 59.3 μmol/g/h, while the Ti3+-dominated catalysts can achieve a CO production of 181.4 μmol/g/h, which both exceed those of pristine TiO2 by more than one order of magnitude. The mechanism relies on the accurate control of atomic sites with high coverage and the subsequent excellent electron-hole separation along with favorable adsorption-desorption of intermediates on sites. This approach not only provides a novel strategy for inorganic catalytic single-sites with superior performance, but also identifies the rational design mechanisms of the efficient site with controllable production.
Shifts in P. falciparum genetic structure and gametocyte markers in the transition to elimination
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Galatas Beatriz , Chidimatembue Arlindo , Simone Wilson , Matambisso Gloria , Pujol Arnau , Ruiz-Arenas Carlos , Gonzalez Juan , Nhamussa Lidia , Cisteró Pau , Rabinovich Regina , Alonso Pedro , Saúte Francisco , Aide Pedro , Mayor Alfredo
Published: November 2020

Large-scale programs targeting Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) elimination can exert strong selection pressures on the parasite population. To better understand the impact that elimination initiatives can have on Pf genetic structure and gametocyte carriage, we applied amplicon-based sequencing of two polymorphic Pf genes and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR targeting gametocyte-specific genes to Pf isolates collected in Magude District (Southern Mozambique) before and after an elimination initiative. The 71% reduction of Pf prevalence achieved in 2 years was followed by reductions in Pf genetic diversity and increases in between-infection similarity. These genetic shifts were accompanied by increases in the relative transcript number of the female mature gametocyte marker pfs25, the pfap2g transcription factor that drives gametocytogenesis and the sexual ring marker pfgexp02, suggesting the parasite ability of adapting its sexual investment during elimination initiatives. Reactive interventions that target Pf sexual stages may be required to achieve complete interruption of transmission.
Ground-state properties of super-heavy hydrogen-7
Authors: Caamano Manuel , roger thomas , Moro Antonio , Grinyer Gwen , Pancin Julien , Bagchi Soumya , Sambi Sara , Gibelin Julien , Fernández-Domínguez Beatriz , Itagaki Naoyu , Benlliure Jose , Cortina Dolores , Farget Fanny , Jacquot Bertrand , Pérez-Loureiro David , Pietras Benjamim , Raabe Riccardo , Ramos Diego , Rodríguez-Tajes Carme , Savajols Herve , Vandebrouck Marine
Published: November 2020

The properties of nuclei with extreme neutron–to–proton ratios, far from those naturally occurring on Earth, are key to understand nuclear forces and how nucleons hold together to form nuclei. 7H, with six neutrons and a single proton, is the nuclear system with the most unbalanced neutron–to–proton ratio known so far. However, its sheer existence and properties are still a challenge for experimental efforts and theoretical models. Here we report the formation of 7H as a resonance, detected with independent observables, and the first measurement of the structure and basic characteristics of its ground state. It is found that 7H is arranged as a 3H core surrounded by an extended four-neutron halo, with a unique four-neutron decay and a relatively long half-life thanks to neutron pairing. These properties are a prime example of new phenomena occurring in the most pure-neutron nuclear matter we can access in the laboratory.
Large Flux-Mediated Coupling in Hybrid Electromechanical System With A Transmon Qubit
Authors: Bera Tanmoy , Majumder Sourav , Sahu Sudhir , Singh Vibhor
Published: November 2020

Control over the quantum states of a massive oscillator is important for several technological applications and to test the fundamental limits of quantum mechanics. Addition of an internal degree of freedom to the oscillator could be a valuable resource for such control. Recently, hybrid electromechanical systems using superconducting qubits, based on electric-charge mediated coupling, have been quite successful. Here, we realize a hybrid device, consisting of a superconducting transmon qubit and a mechanical resonator coupled using the magnetic-flux. The coupling stems from the quantum-interference of the superconducting phase across the tunnel junctions. We demonstrate a vacuum electromechanical coupling rate up to 4 kHz by making the transmon qubit resonant with the readout cavity. Consequently, thermal-motion of the mechanical resonator is detected by driving the hybridized-mode with mean-occupancy well below one photon. By tuning qubit away from the cavity, electromechanical coupling can be enhanced to 40 kHz. In this limit, a small coherent drive on the mechanical resonator results in the splitting of qubit spectrum, and we observe interference signature arising from the Landau–Zener–Stückelberg effect. With improvements in qubit coherence, this system offers a novel platform to realize rich interactions and could potentially provide full control over the quantum motional states.
Charge-Transfer Regulated Visible Light Driven Photocatalytic H2 Production and CO2 Reduction in Tetrathiafulvalene Based Coordination Polymer Gel
Authors: Verma Parul , Sarkar Pallavi , Singh Ashish , Pati Swapan , Maji Tapas
Published: November 2020

The much-needed renewable alternatives to fossil fuel can be achieved efficiently and sustainably by converting solar energy to solar fuels via hydrogen generation from water or CO2 reduction. In this regard, a soft processable metal-organic hybrid semiconducting material has been developed and studied for photocatalytic activity towards H2 production and CO2 reduction to CO and CH4 under visible light and direct sunlight irradiation. A tetrapodal low molecular weight gelator is synthesized by integrating tetrathiafulvalene and terpyridine through amide linkage (TPY-TTF). The TPY-TTF acts as a linker and by self-assembly with ZnII results in a charge-transfer (CT) coordination polymer gel (CPG); Zn-TPY-TTF. The Zn-TPY-TTF shows impressive photocatalytic activity towards H2 production (rate = 530 μmol g-1h-1) and CO2 reduction to CO (rate = 438 μmol g-1h-1, selectivity >99%) regulated by charge-transfer interaction. Furthermore, in-situ stabilization of Pt nanoparticles to CPG (Pt@Zn-TPY-TTF) exhibits remarkably enhanced H2 evolution (rate =14727 μmol g-1h-1). Importantly, Pt@Zn-TPY-TTF modulate the CO2 reduction from CO to CH4 (rate = 292 μmol g-1h-1, selectivity >97%). Real-time CO2 reduction reaction is monitored by in-situ DRIFT study and subsequent plausible mechanism is derived computationally. The photocatalytic activity of Zn-TPY-TTF and Pt@Zn-TPY-TTF composite was also examined under sunlight that display excellent H2 evolution and CO2 reduction.