bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning A Crisis into Opportunity, E-Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hani Amjad Bani , Hijazein Yazan , Hadadin Hiba , Jarkas Alma , Al-Tamimi Zahraa , Amarin Marzouq , Shatarat Amjad , Abeeleh Mahmoud Abu , Al-Taher Raed
Published: December 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of e-learning, which has been integrated in education worldwide at varying degrees. The University of Jordan has started introducing e-learning in its curriculum. However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the process. This study aims to assess the satisfaction and knowledge attainment of the medical students through distant learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, self-reported, questionnaire-based study that was conducted at the School of Medicine at the University of Jordan in April 2020. The targeted population was the students at the school of medicine throughout the basic and clinical years of study. Results: 506 of the 1000 student participants are basic science students (BSS) and 494 are clinical science students (CS), 65.5% of all students were either satisfied, or neutral with e-learning. The most popular devices used to connect to the internet are the mobile phone, and the laptop. Streaming (Zoom and Skype) video conference platforms are used by 60% of students. Conclusion: Transition from traditional in-class teaching to distant learning, whether full or blended, is an inevitable step. It is not a lockdown redemption plan instead a step that needs commitment from the teaching institutions, the teachers, and the students.
Formation Characteristics of Endosperm Structures in Different Rice Genotypes
Authors: Yuan Limin , Li Runqin , Fu Lidong , Wang Zhiqin , Yang Jianchang
Published: December 2020

To explore the formation characteristics of endosperm structures in different rice genotypes, indica, japonica and glutinous rice cultivars were used and grown in the paddy field. The endosperm structures in the grain during the filling period were investigated. The results showed that the compactness of amyloplast arrangement was positively correlated with grain filling percentage. The endosperm structure varied with the position within a grain. At maturity, the structure was the best in the back, the intermediate in the center, and the worst in the belly of a kernel. However, the filling was better in the center than in the back and in the belly from 5 to 10 days after flowering (DAF). The endosperm structure was different among genotypes. From 5 to 25 DAF, starch accumulation was the earliest in glutinous rice, followed by indica rice and japonica rice. Gaps and pores in endosperm were closely associated with rice transparency. The starch crystallinity in endosperm was negatively correlated with amylose content. Among the three genotypes, glutinous showed the highest crystallinity, followed by japonica and indica rice. The starch crystallinity in a grain was lower on a primary branch than that on a secondary branch. Among all grains, the second grain on a primary branch showed the lowest starch crystallinity. The results indicated that the starch structure of endosperm not only differ between rice genotypes, but also varies with the location of a grain on the panicle, and that it affects the grain-filling, transparency and amylose content of rice.
SIRT2 Promotes Murine Melanoma Progression Through Natural Killer Cell Inhibition
Authors: Zhang Manchao , Acklin Scarlett , Gillenwater John , Du Wuying , Patra Mousumi , Yu Hao , Yu Jianhua , Xia Fen
Published: December 2020

SIRT2, an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase, has been shown to play a pivotal role in various physiological processes, however, its role in cancer is currently controversial. In recent years, SIRT2 has been described as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene with divergent expression and function in various malignancies. Using murine xenograft melanoma models, our results suggest increased systemic expression of SIRT2 promotes tumor progression. In this study, SIRT2-overexpressing mice exhibited enhanced tumor growth and larger tumor volumes compared to their wild-type littermates. Mechanistically, systemic overexpression of SIRT2 reduces the number of tumor-infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells and suppresses NK cell activation and proliferation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, despite the effect of increased tumor growth rate and tumor volume in wild-type littermate mice, NK cell depletion does not affect that in SIRT2-overexpressing mice. Lastly, pharmacological inhibition of SIRT2 increases NK cell tumor infiltration and suppresses melanoma tumor growth in mice. The findings of this study identify a dynamic functional interaction between systemic SIRT2 and NK cell activity, which promotes melanoma tumor progression. Given the recent renewed interest in NK-cell-mediated immunotherapy response, SIRT2 could present a new opportunity to mediate immunotherapy response and resistance.
Students’ ”D”ILEMMA: An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Toward Vitamin D Among University Students
Authors: Mohamed Negia , Al-Qerem Walid , Gassar Ezeddin , Hailat Mohammad , Elhamdy Faiza , Ling Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Background: The message delivered to the public regarding vitamin D is unclear, and contradictory; particularly regarding sun exposure; previous studies in Jordan have revealed high prevalence of low vitamin D among university students. The aim of this study was to investigate university students’ knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding vitamin D.Method: A web-based cross-sectional survey completed by students at a Jordanian university in 2019. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict supplement use.Results: 496 students completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge score was 31.3 (± 11.3) out of 100. Women had significantly higher beliefs that vitamin D deficiency is an escalating health issue (p<0.01). Negative practices regarding sun exposure was significantly higher in women than men (p<0.01). The majority of participants recognized that insufficient sun exposure was a cause of vitamin D deficiency, but 50.7 % avoid sun exposure, and 67.6% expose only their face and hands. The consumption of fortified foods (OR 3.59-;p<0.001) was the only studied variable associated with vitamin D consumption.Conclusion: There is a gap between knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding vitamin D which can be bridged by promoting Vitamin D related awareness.
Assessment of Neonatal Thermal Cares: Practices and Beliefs Among Rural Women in West Guji Zone, South Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wako Wako Golicha , Beyene Belda Negesa
Published: December 2020

Introduction: A newborn has limited capacity to maintain temperature when exposed to cold environments. Therefore it is important to maintain newborn in optimal thermal environment. Neonatal hypothermia carries higher case fatality rate when concurrently occurs with other neonatal problems. Neonatal hypothermia is common neonatal problem.Objectives: This study assessed neonatal thermal care practices and beliefs among rural women in west Guji Zone, south Ethiopia. Methods and Materials: A community based cross sectional study combined with qualitative study was undertaken in rural areas of west Guji Zone. Randomly selected 388 rural mothers of infants less than 6 months old were participated in quantitative study. Three focus group discussions and three in-depth interviews were conducted among mothers of infants less than 6 months old; and grandmothers and traditional birth attendants respectively. Quantitative data was collected by using structured and pretested Afaan Oromo version questionnaire adapted from relevant literatures. Qualitative data was collected by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The qualitative data was cleaned, coded and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic approach. Results: Out of 423 women planned for the study, 388 women were successfully interviewed and included into the analysis. In general rural women believe in importance of newborn thermal protection. The findings show that approximately 75% and 85% of women dried and wrapped their newborns respectively after delivery. However in study area drying and wrapping newborn are usually done after first newborn bath. Just over 84% of women bathed their newborns in less than 6 hours of delivery and majority of them used warm water for the bathing. About 69.1% and 57.7% of women put head cover to their newborns immediately after birth and initiated breast feeding within one hour of delivery respectively. Skin to skin care of newborn is non-existent in study area and perceived as odd, frightening and potential dangerous practice. Conclusion: Studied women practice some of recommended neonatal thermal care and believe in their importance in keeping newborn warm. However practice and believes about delayed first bath is against standard recommendation, whereas skin to skin care is non-existent and perceivably odd practice.
Optimal Timing of Sequencing From Platinum-based Chemotherapy to Pembrolizumab for Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Based on Real-World Data: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Furubayashi Nobuki , Morokuma Futoshi , Tomoda Toshihisa , Hori Yoshifumi , Negishi Takahito , Miura Akihiro , Nakamura Nobutaka , Sato Yoshiaki , Tokuda Noriaki , Kuroiwa Kentaro , Nakamura Motonobu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTo evaluate the optimal timing of sequencing from platinum-based chemotherapy to pembrolizumab with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) in real-world clinical practice.MethodsA total of 34 patients who received pembrolizumab as second-line treatment after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced UC at 4 institutions between January 2018 and August 2020 were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsThe gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen was administered to 27 patients (79.4%), and the gemcitabine and carboplatin regimen was administered to 6 patients (20.6%). Regarding the number of chemotherapy cycles administered before pembrolizumab, ≤4 cycles were administered to 22 patients (64.7%), 5-6 cycles to 4 patients (11.8%) and ≥7 cycles to 8 patients (23.5%). When the number of cycles was divided into 4 courses, the median overall survival (OS) for ≤4 and >4 prior chemotherapy cycles was 7.0 months and 25.5 months, respectively (P=0.034). When the number of cycles was divided into 6 courses, the median OS for ≤6 and >6 prior chemotherapy cycles was 11.3 months and 6.6 months, respectively (P=0.658). Multivariate analyses for the OS of pembrolizumab revealed that the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (≥2: hazard ratio [HR] 9.994, 95% CI=1.854-53.879, P=0.007), liver metastases (positive: HR 3.751, 95% CI=0.958-13.603, P=0.047) and time from previous chemotherapy (≥3 months: HR 0.094, 95% CI=0.023-0.357, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors, but the number of chemotherapy cycles before pembrolizumab was not an independent prognostic factor. When the number of cycles was divided into 4 courses, the median OS from the first-line treatment with ≤4 and >4 prior chemotherapy cycles was 17.3 months and 37.1 months, respectively (P<0.001). When the number of cycles was divided into 6 courses, the median OS from the first-line treatment for ≤6 and >6 prior chemotherapy cycles was 18.6 months and 27.3 months, respectively (P=0.276).ConclusionsThese real-world findings suggest that the optimal timing of sequencing from platinum-base chemotherapy to pembrolizumab in advanced UC is around six cycles, even if no exacerbations are observed with first-line chemotherapy.
Causes for Late Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in Three Colombian Border Regions and Strategies to Implement a Program for Its Control
Authors: Garcés-Palacio Isabel C. , Jaraba Sara Milena Ramos , Berrio Diana Patricia Molina , Buelvas Anderson Rocha , Baena Armando , Chamorro María Clara Yépez , Porras Elia Johana Gómez , Dorado María Alicia del Castillo
Published: December 2020

Background: Although cervical cancer is preventable through early detection and appropriate treatment, it is still one of the most common cancers in the developing word. In Colombia approximately half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer die. The purpose of our study was to determine factors associated with delay in the diagnosis of cervical cancer (CC) and to establish strategies for its control in three border regions of Colombia with high number of indigenous and impoverished population.Methods: We conducted a mixed study with convergent triangulation. The study was developed in two stages, first the quantitative component comprising a case-control study, followed by the qualitative component that included interviews and focus groups to healthcare personnel, members of women’s associations, indigenous communities, and quantitative phase´participants. We used the three-delay model as our theoretical framework; this has helped understanding the delay in decision-making by women regarding seeking care (delay 1: individual), arriving at the healthcare institution (delay 2: access), and receiving the appropriate treatment at the institution (delay 3: care and quality).Results: Fifty-five women participated in the quantitative phase, and we conducted 64 interviews and 9 focus groups. Time between the first appointment or Pap smear and final diagnosis was more than two months in 76% of the participants. Delay one was most common among women in La Guajira (higher concentration of indigenous population), and delay two and three in Nariño. Pap smear after 25 years of age (p= 0.002), and more than 3 years apart, once in a lifetime, or never (p< 0.001) were associated with invasive CC. Barriers to undergo a Pap smear were negative experiences with the healthcare system, lack of symptoms, lack of an active sexual life, having only one partner or their partner not having other sexual partners, and fear of the test being painful. The main strategies proposed to prevent and control CC were education, improve actions to promote Pap smear, and human talent strengthening.Conclusion: Even though individual factors played an important role in a delay diagnosis, they are closely influenced by actions of health care services, insurers, and public health actions.
Determination of Significant Prognostic Factors for Maxillary Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 90 Cases
Authors: Ohyama Yoshio , Yamashiro Masashi , Michi Yasuyuki , Uzawa Narikazu , Myo Kunihiro , Sonoda Itaru , Sumino Jun , Miura Chika , Mizutani Miho , Yamamoto Daisuke , Kayamori Kou , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMaxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma (MGSCC) occurs rather infrequently, compared to tongue and mandibular gingival carcinomas, among the cancers of the oral cavity. Therefore, significant numbers of MGSCC cases have not been statistically analysed. The aim of this study is to clarify the prognostic factors for MGSCC. MethodsWe performed the statistical analysis of 90 MGSCC cases primarily treated in our department from 1999 to 2014. ConclusionsThe patients (male: 36, female: 54) were aged between 38 and 93 years, and the mean age was 68.7 years. The number of patients in each tumour stage according to the TNM classification was as follows: T1: 15 cases, T2: 32 cases, T3: 13 cases, and T4: 30 cases. Forty-two patients were treated only by surgery, 5 only by radiotherapy, 3 by preoperative radiotherapy and surgery, and 40 patients were treated by combination therapy with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Neck dissections were performed in 40 cases including 29 cases (11 primary and 18 secondary cases) of histopathologically diagnosed lymph node metastases. Extranodal extension was found in 74.3% cases with metastatic lymph nodes. The 5-year overall survival rate was 81.9%. In univariate analysis, the site of occurrence, stage of tumour, lymph node metastasis, and treatment contributed to the 5-year survival rate. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the site of occurrence (posterior region) was an independent prognostic factor. Seventeen deaths occurred due to the primary disease, while three deaths were caused by other diseases. ConclusionThe posterior region cancers, according to the classification based on site of occurrence, were independent predictors of poor 5-year overall survival rate.
Quantitative Assessment of HER2 Gene Amplification of Breast Cancer Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Otsuji Kazutaka , Sasaki Takeshi , Tanabe Masahiko , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: December 2020

We previously reported the usefulness of droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for the assessment of Human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene amplification in breast cancer using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections. In our previous study, we combined HER2/CEP17 ratio (HER2 gene signals to chromosome 17 signals) with ddPCR and tumor content ratio (TCR) of each sample and determined the HER2 status by adopting a two-dimensional chart. This “ddPCR-TCR method” showed a high concordance with conventional HER2 status. In this study, we updated our method to assess the HER2 status of breast cancer in a more quantitative manner. We combined obtained data of the ddPCR ratio [Rx] and TCR [x]; we calculated “(Rx − 1) / x + 1” for 41 samples with primary breast cancer and named the value led by this formula as “eHER2 (estimated HER2/CEP17 ratio of a tumor cell)”. eHER2 was equivalent to conventional ISH HER2/CEP17 ratio in most cases. eHER2 and ISH ratio showed a very strong correlation (Spearman rank correlation; ρ = 0.70, P < 0.0001). The obtained results indicated that eHER2 is a potential tool for HER2 status diagnosis in breast cancer.
Claudin-3 is Frequently Overexpressed in Ovarian Cancer and Promotes Migration and Invasion
Authors: Hao Chenyuan , Liang Xiaomei , Wang Yifeng
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveClaudins are integral membrane proteins associated with tight junctions. Previousstudies have shown that claudin-3 (CLDN3) is frequently upregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The relevance of CLDN 3 responsible for the invasion and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma is unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the suppressive effects of CLDN3 in ovarian cancer cells and normal ovarian cells.Materials and methodsOvarian cancer tissues and their adjacent nontumorous tissues were investigated in this study. The expressions of CLDN3 in these cells were detected by Western blot and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The cellular viability was determined by MTT assay. Cell Invasive capabilities in vitro were determined by a modified Boyden chamber invasion assay. Cellular Migration capabilities were determined Using Wound-healing/Scratch Assay.ResultsThe expression of CLDN3 was 90% (18/20) in the ovarian cancer which was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (50%, 6/12) (p＜0.05). The CLDN3 protein expression was significantly suppressed in SKOV3 cells with siRNA silencing Claudin-3 gene. CLDN3 expression is associated with cellular viability. The cellular migration and invasion abilities were significantly decreased in CLDN3-knockdown SKOV3 cells compared with control cells. Upregulation of CLDN3 showed an increased metastasis ability in normal ovarian cell IOSE80.ConclusionClaudin-3 expression has been shown to promote cellular viability, migration and invasion of ovarian cells. Elucidation of the roles of CLDN3 and treatment targeting on CLDN3 in ovarian cancers might provide a new opportunity for therapy.
Economic Evaluation of Water Supplying Function of a Mountain-forest Area of Turkey: Forest Rotation Impacts
Authors: UZEL Gökhan , GURLUK Serkan , KARAER Feza
Published: December 2020

Background: Mountain-Forest ecosystems provide essential services within the economic system of the region and perhaps the country. These natural resources, which have many apparent or not apparent functions, are facing economic development pressures in recent years. The benefits of water provided by mountain-forest ecosystems to the downstream basin and the benefits of eliminating the adverse conditions created by rainwater are economically valuable. However, they are benefits that decision-makers often do not consider. With quality and rational forest management, these benefits can be gained much more publicly. Forest rotation, silviculture studies, economic value determination, and rational forest management taking all these into account can provide this. Methods: The Faustmann approach made essential contributions to natural resource management and especially to the economic analysis of mountain-forest ecosystems in the middle of the 19th century. Highlighting the importance of the forest area's regeneration process, Faustman gave important opinions to decision-makers about when the timber value will be suitable for rotation. Hartman developed the Faustman approach by stating that the forest area has not only timber value but also non-timber values. In this study, the function of providing water resources from the Uludag National Park (UNP) resource values examined both approaches; and three models were created. Results: The basic model where only the timber value is taken into account is the model in which the impact of the rain flow regulation service on the UNP rotation is analyzed, and all forest water services are taken into account. Here, it was taken into account that the increased water quality value due to the forest will increase by 10%. According to the first model results, the UNP must be subjected to rotation at intervals of 44 years. UNP reaches its current net value of 956 USD/Ha in 44 years. In the second model, in which the service of eliminating problems such as floods, landslides, and landslides may occur in settlements below the basin due to the retention of rainwater in forest soil, there was no effect on the rotation period. However, the stand value increased to 976 USD/year per hectare. The third model assumed that the water quality value increased by 10%; It was concluded that the rotation increased to 107 years, and the stand value per hectare this year is 147 006 USD/Year. Conclusions: The study has made important contributions to the literature. It integrates the natural resource value determination studies with the forest rotation system. Also, essential implications are made for regional decision-makers and UNP forest management. It was concluded that the necessity of increasing the business investments made to the UNP is how important the allocation, use, and development decisions of the UNP are.
Examine Employees Creativity in the Bank: A case of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Woldia Branches
Authors: Tarko Erstu
Published: December 2020

The study aims to examine employees’ creativity in the bank a case of commercial bank of Ethiopia Woldia Branches. The researcher used a cross-sectional design and followed a mixed research approach. This study census method has been utilized to participate in respondents from four branches, that on duty 182 employees in commercial bank of Ethiopia. The collected data were analyzed by using multiple regression methods method after proving the quality of the data. The study finding revealed that autonomy, supervisors’ support and role ambiguity significantly affects the creativity of employees in the workplace. The remaining variables self-efficacy and job complexity have no statistically significant effect on employees’ creativity in the bank.
Determinants of Financial Management Practice: The Case of Micro and Small Enterprises in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Asres Gedefaw , Teka Beza Muche
Published: December 2020

PurposeFinancial management is defined as the overall arrangement for planning, directing, monitoring, organizing, and controlling of the economic resources of an organization, with a view to efficient accomplishment of the enterprise objectives. It is well recognized that financial management practice has a key reason for the success of those enterprises and it is the main issue for any business type. However, the status of effective financial management practice in developing countries especially in Ethiopia is at its infant stage. Thus, the main objective of the study is to investigate the determinants of financial management practice of micro and small enterprises in East Gojjam Zone. MethodThe type of research applied in this study is explanatory/causal/ in nature. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The combination of purposive stratified and systematic sampling techniques were applied to select respondents. A multiple linear regression model was used to test the casual relationship between the study variables.FindingsThe findings indicated that financial management knowledge, financial management attitude, size of enterprise, locus of control, and use of information technology have positive and significant effect on financial management practice. However, gender, owner’s age, and enterprise age have no statistically significant effect on financial management practice of micro and small enterprises.SuggestionThe study suggested that financial management experts should provide financial management training for micro and small enterprise owners/managers.
Association between Organochlorine Pesticides and Thyroid Tumors; an in-silico and in-vivo Case Control Study
Authors: Salimi Fouzieh , Asadikaram Gholamreza , Abolhassani Moslem , Nejad Hamid Zeynali , Bagheri Fatemeh , Kahnouei Masoumeh M.R. , Abbasi-jorjandi Mojtaba , Sanjari Mojgan
Published: December 2020

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), in the development of thyroid tumors. Method: Seven derived OCPs measured by gas chromatography (GC), and enzyme activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase3 (SOD3), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase3 (GPx3) and paraoxonase1 (PON1) and also malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl (PC), and nitric oxide (NO), as oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers were assessed in the blood of 61 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 70 patients with benign thyroid nodules (BTN), and 73 healthy individuals. Furthermore, all the studied enzymes were docked against the measured OCPs. Results: The results revealed that β-HCH, γ-HCH, 2,4 DDE, 4,4 DDE, 2,4-DDT, and 4,4-DDT levels along with MDA, NO and PC levels were elevated, while AChE, SOD3, GPx3, CAT, and PON1 activities and TAC levels were decreased in the PTC and BTN groups compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results of present study indicated that OCPs might play a major role in the development of thyroid tumors by disturbing the thyroid gland through several mechanisms including generation of OS. Importantly, in-silico analysis confirmed the in vivo findings.
Comparison between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Individuals with Symptoms of Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder
Authors: PAPAKER Meliha GÜNDAĞ , ABDALLAH Anas , SEYİTHANOĞLU Mehmet Hakan , CAN Engin , PAK Aygül TANTİK , ŞENGÜL Yıldızhan
Published: December 2020

Objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment neuropathy and is seen in 3 % of the general population. The aim to this study was examine the relationship between the symptoms of cleaning compulsion with using Moudsley obsessive compulsive inventory ( MOCI ) and patients with CTS. Methods: Sixty patients with CTS and 60 healty controls were evaluated in Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine Neurosurgery Clinic. Neurological examination, Electrophysiological findings, the presence of neuropathic pain evaluated by the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) , the symptoms of obsessive- compulsive disorder using with MOCI and anxiety levels assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were evaluated. Results: No statistically significant relationship was observed between anxiety levels and CTS (p › 0.005). No statistically significant relationship was found MOCI rumination, control and doubting subscale scores (p › 0.005). Patient group had higher MOCI cleaning subscale scores than the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.008). Patient group had higher MOCI slowness subscale scores than the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.004). Conclusion: Increased wrist movement in people that have the symptoms of compulsive cleaning is associated with the risk of CTS. Our study show that a reduction of high level of wrist flexion-extansion movements may decrease the new CTS cases.
A Case Report of a Soldier with Combined Injuries to the Trachea and Esophagus After Blunt Neck Trauma Successfully Treated Through an Emergency Operation
Authors: Wang Zheng , Shi Zhengliang , Xu Yijun , Zhang Xun
Published: December 2020

Background: Survival following blunt neck trauma that results in a combination of tracheal plus esophageal injury is unusual. Here we describe a case of young soldier who suffered combined injuries to the trachea and esophagus after a secondary injury involving a metal bar. Case Presentation: A 21 years old soldier who suffered from a daily training injury complained of neck ecchymosis with subcutaneous emphysema. The chest CT revealed that paratracheal adipose tissue had moved into the trachea and with massive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. We made a suspected diagnosis of tracheal injury because of the pneumomediastinum. Subsequently, the tracheoscopy revealed a 2-3 cm linear tear of the proximal trachea, with adipose tissue extending into the trachea. Twelve hours after the accident, an emergency surgery was performed. Combined injuries of the trachea plus esophagus were found by accident during the operation. The trachea as well as esophagus was repaired with simple interrupted silk sutures. The patient showed good postoperative recovery and was discharged with no complications.Conclusion: Combined blunt traumatic injuries to the laryngotrachea as well as esophagus are rare. Although uncommon and a diagnostic and management challenge, the illustrated case resulted in excellent outcome.
Comparison of Clinical Features Between Patients with Positive and Negative Appendectomy
Authors: Cakmak Guner , Mantoglu Baris , Gonullu Emre , Ozdemir Kayhan , Kamburoglu Burak
Published: December 2020

Background: The objective of this study was to retrospectively compare clinical features and prognostic values between the patients who were referred to the general surgery clinic of our hospital with the presumed diagnosis of acute appendicitis and underwent positive or negative appendectomy.Methods: Patients were divided into two groups as positive (PA) (n:362) and negative appendectomy (NA) (n:284) and the data obtained were compared between these two groups.Laboratory investigations were performed in all patients, and white blood cell (WBC), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophils count (NEU), neutrophils (%) (NEU%), C-reactive protein (CRP) and total bilirubin (TBIL) values were studied.Results: The mean MPV value was found as 7.88 fl in PA groups and 8.09 fl in NA group, and the mean MPV value was not statistically significantly difference in PA group, compared to NA groups (p=0.012). Laboratory parameters were also compared between genders. Accordingly, the mean MPV value was statistically significantly higher in female patients compared to male patients in PA group (p = 0.04). The mean TBIL value was 0.97 mg/dl in PA group and 0.69 mg/dl in NA group, and the mean TBIL value was statistically significantly higher in PA group (p< 0.001). Finally, TBIL value was statistically significantly lower in female patients compared to male patients in NA and PA group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: According to the results of our study, MPV and T. BIL values differ in PA and NA groups depending on gender. Therefore, these values may not be used as specific biomarkers in predicting positive acute appendicitis. We believe that these results will contribute to the literature and will be guiding for future studies.
Lifecourse Socioeconomic Changes and Late-Life Cognition in a Cohort of U.S.-born and U.S. Immigrants: Findings from the KHANDLE Study
Authors: Peterson Rachel L. , George Kristen M , Gilsanz Paola , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose , Glymour M. Maria , Meyer Oanh L , Mungas Dan M , DeCarli Charles , Whitmer Rachel A
Published: December 2020

Background: Low socioeconomic status in early and late life has been associated with lower late-life cognition. Less is known about how changes in socioeconomic status from childhood to late life are associated with late-life cognition, especially among diverse populations of older adults.Methods: In a multi-ethnic sample (n=1,353) of older adults, we used linear regression to test associations of change in a comprehensive measures socioeconomic status (financial, cultural, and social domains) from childhood to late life with semantic memory, episodic memory, and executive function. We tested whether the association between SES trajectory and late-life cognition differed by populations who resided in the U.S. during childhood or immigrated to the U.S. as adults.Results: Participants with low childhood/high late life financial capital had better semantic memory (β=0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.32) versus those with low financial capital in both childhood and late life, regardless of childhood residence. We observed a significant interaction in the association of verbal episodic memory and cultural capital by childhood residence (p=0.08). Participants with a foreign childhood residence had higher verbal episodic memory if they had low childhood/high later life cultural capital (β=0.32; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.63), but lower verbal episodic memory if they had high childhood/low late life cultural capital (β=-0.40; 95% CI: -0.94, 0.13). Having high lifecourse social capital was associated with better verbal episodic memory scores among those with a U.S. childhood (β=0.34; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.55), but lower verbal episodic memory among those with a foreign childhood (β=-0.10; 95% CI: -0.51, 0.31).Conclusions: High financial and cultural capital in late life is associated with better cognition, regardless of early childhood SES or childhood residence. Providing increased financial and educational opportunities that contribute to higher late-life SES may produce better cognitive functioning among diverse populations of older adults.
Differential Impact of Mitigation Policies and Socioeconomic Status on COVID-19 Prevalence and Social Distancing in the United States
Authors: Chang Hsien-Yen , Tang Wenze , Hatef Elham , Kitchen Christopher , Weiner Jonathan P. , Kharrazi Hadi
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe spread of COVID-19 has highlighted the long-standing health inequalities across the U.S. as neighborhoods with fewer resources were associated with higher rates of COVID-19 transmission. Although the stay-at-home order was one of the most effective methods to contain its spread, residents in lower-income neighborhoods faced barriers to practicing social distancing. We aimed to quantify the differential impact of stay-at-home policy on COVID-19 transmission and residents’ mobility across neighborhoods of different levels of socioeconomic disadvantage.MethodsThis was a comparative interrupted time-series analysis at the county level. We included 2,087 counties from 38 states which both implemented and lifted the state-wide stay-at-home order. Every county was assigned to one of four equally-sized groups based on its levels of disadvantage, represented by the Area Deprivation Index. Prevalence of COVID-19 was calculated by dividing the daily number of cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases by the number of residents from the 2010 Census. We used the Social Distancing Index, derived from the COVID-19 Impact Analysis Platform, to measure the social distancing practice. For the evaluation of implementation, the observation started from Mar 1st 2020 to one day before lifting; and, for lifting, it ranged from one day after implementation to Jul 5th 2020. We calculated a comparative change of daily trends in COVID-19 prevalence and Social Distancing Index between counties with three highest disadvantage levels and those with the least level before and after the implementation and lifting of the stay-at-home order, separately.ResultsOn both stay-at-home implementation and lifting dates, COVID-19 prevalence was much higher among counties with the highest or lowest disadvantage level, while mobility decreased as the disadvantage level increased. Mobility of the most disadvantaged counties was least impacted by stay-at-home implementation and relaxation compared to counties with the most resources; however, disadvantaged counties experienced the largest relative increase in COVID-19 infection after both stay-at-home implementation and relaxation.ConclusionsNeighborhoods with varying levels of socioeconomic disadvantage reacted differently to the implementation and relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation policies. Policymakers should consider investing more resources in disadvantaged counties as the pandemic may not stop until most neighborhoods have it under control.
Donor-dependent Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Efficacy Against Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Pigs
Authors: Hui Yan , Vestergaard Gisle Alberg , Deng Ling , Kot Witold Piotr , Thymann Thomas , Brunse Anders , Nielsen Dennis Sandris
Published: December 2020

BackgroundFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown high cure rates against recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection regardless of donor microbiota characteristics, whereas the clinical response of FMT in inflammatory bowel disease appears to be donor-dependent. We recently showed that FMT from healthy suckling piglet donors to newborn preterm piglets decreased the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal disease of preterm infants, but could not replicate this finding in a follow-up study using phenotypically similar donors. This gave us the opportunity to directly investigate the microbiota dynamics of clinically efficient FMT. In this experiment, preterm piglets (n=38) were randomly allocated to receive control saline or FMT from inferior (FMT1) or superior donors (FMT2) by rectal administration. All animals were fed infant formula for four days to induce NEC-like lesions before necropsy and gut pathological evaluation. Donor and recipient colonic microbiotas were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics.ResultsAlthough the two donor microbiotas closely resembled one another, only FMT2 recipients had improved body growth and lower intestinal permeability relative to control, and were protected against NEC. Both FMT groups had shifted colon microbiota composition relative to CON, with increased lactobacilli relative abundance, but FMT2 recipients had a higher lactobacilli abundance relative to FMT1. Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus crispatus strains of FMT recipients showed high phylogenetic similarity with their respective donors, indicating successful engraftment. Further, NEC severity was positively associated with Clostridoides difficile, Clostridium perfringens and Enterococcus faecium abundance, while Lmb. reuteri and Lb. crispatus negatively correlated with diarrhea severity. Genome-resolved analysis indicated a higher gut replication rate of lactobacilli in FMT2 recipients, and identified specific glycosaminoglycan-degrading Bacteroides in the superior donor.ConclusionsFMT efficacy against NEC is donor-dependent, and introduced lactobacilli manifest strain-level differences with respect to colonizing recipients. Using shotgun metagenomics, we traced the engrafted strains back from donors and identified donor-specific microbes of potential importance. This may accelerate our understanding of optimal donor selection for clinical FMT.
HAT1 Promotes Gemcitabine Resistance by Regulating the PVT1/EZH2 Complex in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Sun Yan , Shen Jian , Ren Dianyun , Zhou Yingke , Zhao Jingyuan , Wang Bo , Fan Ping , Gao Yang , Wu Heshui , jin xin
Published: December 2020

Background: The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer is primarily due to the development of resistance to therapies, including gemcitabine. PVT1 has been shown to interact with EZH2, promoting gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Methods: In this study, we assessed the ability of PVT1/EZH2 targeting to reverse resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. MTS assay, colony formation assay, and mouse xenotransplantation experiments were used to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of gemcitabine in HAT1 knockdown or overexpressing pancreatic cancer cells. The relationship between HAT1 and PVT1 in pancreatic cancer was determined by RNA sequencing, quantitative real-time PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Co-immunoprecipitation, pull-downs, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the relationship between HAT1 and EZH2 in pancreatic cancer. Chitosan (CS)-tripolyphosphate (TPP)-siHAT1 nanoparticles were developed to evaluate their effects on the anti-tumor potential of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. Student’s t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), or two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate statistical significance. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. All values were expressed as means ± SD. Results: Our results showed that the aberrant HAT1 expression promoted gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that HAT1 enhanced the binding of BRD4 to the PVT1 promoter, thereby promoting PVT1 transcription. Moreover, we found that HAT1 prevented EZH2 degradation by interfering with UBR4 binding to the N-terminal domain of EZH2, thus maintaining EZH2 protein stability. Finally, we showed that CS-TPP-siHAT1 nanoparticles augmented the anti-tumor effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that by increasing the levels of the PVT1/EZH2 complex, HAT1 promotes gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Therefore, HAT1 is a promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Determinants of Export Performance in Ethiopia
Authors: Kamma Ezo Emako
Published: December 2020

Ethiopia has adopted different policy measures geared at promoting exports. As a result the real value of export has increased by more than 13 folds during 1980-2018 periods; however, its share in gross domestic product and import bills is being very small. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the factors responsible for export performance over the period 1980-2018 by using the bound co-integration approach. In the long run, the regression analysis implies that real economic growth, inflation and the foreign demand are found to have a positive effect, whereas openness and the share of agriculture have a negative effect. Real economic growth, inflation and the foreign demand depressingly affect the export supply in the short run whereas openness affects positively but the share of agriculture was not found to be crucial. Thus, in order Ethiopia economy to improve its own export supply, focusing on industrial sector, ensuring and expanding vocational and technical education, trying to reduce marketing costs through the process by making transparent, and diversifying the destination are very crucial policy tools.
Crossfit Practice: An Electromyographic Analysis of Masticatory Muscles
Authors: Silva Nayara Soares da , Palinkas Marcelo , Fioco Evandro Marianetti , Verri Edson Donizetti , Fabrin Saulo César Vallin , Prandi Marcos Vinicios Ribeiro , Gomes Guilherme Gallo Costa , Regalo Isabela Hallak , Hallak Jaime Eduardo Cecilio , Regalo Simone Cecilio Hallak , Siéssere Selma
Published: December 2020

Background: CrossFit is a regular high-intensity physical conditioning exercise for skeletal striated muscles, which promotes functional changes in the human body. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of CrossFit exercise on the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Methods: Forty participants were divided into two groups: athletes who practiced CrossFit (n=20) and controls who did not practice sports (n=20). The electromyographic activities of the masseter and temporalis muscles were measured using mandibular tasks at rest, protrusion, right laterality, left laterality, and dental clenching in maximum voluntary contraction and habitual chewing of peanuts and raisins. Both the groups were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. The data were analyzed using the t-test with a 5% significance level. Results: Reduced electromyographic activities were found in all mandibular tasks in the CrossFit group than in the control group, with a significant difference for the right masseter (p=0.01), left masseter (p=0.001), and left temporal muscles (p=0.001) at mandibular rest; right (p=0.001) and left (p=0.001) masseter in chewing of peanuts. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that CrossFit promotes positive changes in electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles, especially in the mandibular rest and chewing of hard food. CrossFit exercise practiced within the appropriate technical protocols improves masticatory muscle function.
Effect of Hydrolysable Tannin on Nutrient Intake Obesity and Other Associated Metabolic Risk Factors in Polycystic Rats
Authors: Manzoor Faiza , Nisa Mahr Un , Hussain Hafiz Amjad , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Ahmad Rabia Shabir , Ahmad Nazir , Imran Muhammad , Umbreen Huma
Published: December 2020

Background: Food intake and eating behavior are two important risk factors that lead to obesity and other metabolic and reproductive disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Most of the phytonutrients like hydrolysable tannin (HT) have the ability to reduce the nutrient intake that might be a suitable remedy for weight management of females in their reproductive age. Therefore, the present research is aimed to find out the effect of HT on nutrient intake, weekly body weight, weight gain, serum lipids, minerals, immunoglobulins and satiety hormones in PCOS rats.Methods: A total of forty five adult healthy female rats of 56 days old, weighed 135±5g with two consecutive estrous cycles were selected. In order to induce PCOS in rats, the intramuscular injection of 4mg/rat/kg Estradiol- Valerate was used. After induction, a Complete Randomized Design was used to divide the rats into five equal groups (n=9) named as Pc0, Pc0.5, Pc1, Pc1.5 and Pc2. The groups of rats were offered different doses of HT i.e. 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% respectively per kg body weight in solution form through oral gavage once in a day for 60 days. Results: After the intake of different levels of HT, the statistical results had shown a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the weekly nutrient intake, body weight, water intake, weight gain, blood glucose in PCOS rats. A similar trend of decrease (p<0.05) was noticed in serum iron, IgM, IgG, leptin, ghrelin, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and triglycerides while a significant improvement (p<0.05) was also observed in high density lipoprotein in the PCOS rats. However, a non-significant effect (p>0.05) was observed on serum protein and calcium levels.Conclusions: The study concluded that HT had a therapeutical potential to decrease the nutrient intake and its anti-nutritional property could be used as remedy for the management of body weight, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk factors of PCOS rats.