bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between aspirin use of esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer patient survival: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Juli , Lin Jian-xian , Zheng Chao-hui , Li Ping , Xie Jian-wei , Wang Jia-bin , Lu Jun , Chen Qi-yue , Cao Long-Long , Lin Mi , Huang Chang-ming
Published: January 2020

Background: Many studies have found that use of aspirin can lengthen survival of gastrointestinal cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the survival benefit of aspirin use compared with non- aspirin use for patients with esophageal, gastric or colorectal cancer. Methods: We search online databases, including PubMed、Cochrane Library、Embase and www.clinicaltrials.gov before Feb 1th, 2019 to identify all relevant studies. The overall survival and cancer specific survival of esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancer in aspirin users compared with non-aspirin users. Data extraction and evaluation of studies’ quality were conducted independently by 2 investigators. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled risk ratios (RRs) for overall survival and cancer specific survival using either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model. Results: 17 studies were finally included in this meta-analysis, comprising more than 71,534 patients. There is no significant differences between post-diagnosis aspirin use and overall survival for esophageal and gastric cancer. The overall survival and cancer specific survival for colorectal cancer benefit associated with post-diagnosis aspirin use represented ［HR= 0.82, 95%CI(0.72, 0.94)］ and［HR= 0.70, 95%CI(0.57, 0.86)］. Overall survival and cancer specific survival for colorectal cancer did not benefit associated with aspirin use pre-diagnosis. The overall survival and cancer specific survival for colorectal cancer benefit associated with both pre and post-diagnosis aspirin use represented［HR=0.75，95%CI(0.61, 0.92)］and［HR=0.78, 95%CI(0.73, 0.85)］. Besides, the survival benefit of post-diagnosis aspirin use appeared to be confined to those patients with mutated PIK3CA tumors［HR= 0.78, 95%CI(0.50, 0.99)］and with positive PTGS2 (COX-2) expression［HR= 0.75, 95%CI(0.43, 1.30)］. Conclusions: These findings provide further indication that post-diagnosis aspirin therapy improved overall survival and cancer specific survival of colorectal cancer, especially for patients with positive PTGS2 (COX-2) expression and mutated PIK3CA tumors. However, it don’t improve overall survival of esophageal and gastric cancer and the meta-analysis is limited mainly to retrospective studies.
Decomposing the educational inequalities in the factors associated with severe acute malnutrition among under-five children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Kandala Ngianga- Bakwin , Uthman Olalekan
Published: January 2020

Background: Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) have remained plagued with the burden of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). While studies have identified factors that influence SAM, efforts have not been made to decompose the educational inequalities across individual, neighbourhood and national level characteristics in LMIC. This study aims to decompose educational-related inequalities in the development of SAM among under-five children in LMIC and identify the risk factors that contribute to the inequalities.
Methods: We pooled successive secondary data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted between 2010 and 2018 in 51 LMIC. We analysed data of 532,680 under-five children nested within 55,823 neighbourhoods. Severe acute malnutrition was the outcome variable while the literacy status of mothers (literate vs illiterate) was the main exposure variable. The explanatory variables cut across the individual-, household and neighbourhood-level factors of the mothers-children pair. Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method was used to analyse the educational gap in the factors associated with SAM.
Results: Mothers with no formal education ranged from 0.1 % in Armenia and Kyrgyz to as much as 86.1 % in Niger. The overall prevalence of SAM in the group of children whose mothers had no education was 5.8 % compared with 4.2 % among those whose mothers were educated. Thirteen countries had statistically significant pro-illiterate inequality ( p<0.05) while none of the countries showed statistically significant pro-literate inequality. There were variations in the significant factors associated with the educational inequalities across the countries studied. On the average, neighbourhood socioeconomic status disadvantage, location of residence were the most important factors in most countries. Other contributors to the explanation of educational inequalities are birth weight, maternal age and toilet type.
Conclusions: We identified that SAM is prevalent in most LMIC with wide educational inequalities. The occurrence of SAM was explained by the individual, household and community-level factor. A potential strategy to reduce the burden of SAM is to reduce educational inequalities among mothers in the low- and middle- income countries through the promotion of women education as better education among all women will close the gaps and reduce the burden of SAM generally.
Dimensions of leisure-time physical activity and risk of depression in the “SEGUIMIENTO UNIVERSIDAD DE NAVARRA” (SUN) prospective cohort
Authors: Montero Alejandro Fernández , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena , Lahortiga-Ramos Francisca , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Molero Patricio
Published: January 2020

Background: An inverse association between total leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and depression has been previously documented in the scientific literature. Our objective was to prospectively assess the association of LTPA with the risk of depression, focusing on several dimensions of LTPA (intensity, duration and type).
Methods: The SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra) project is a prospective cohort study formed by Spanish university graduates. A total of 15,488 adults (40.2% men, mean age 37±12 years) initially free of depression were assessed. A report of a validated medical diagnosis of depression or the habitual use of antidepressants (any of both) were considered as incident cases of depression. LTPA was estimated through previously validated self-reported questionnaires. Participants were classified following Physical Activity recommendations from the World Health Organization, and according to the intensity, duration and type of LTPA. Cox proportional hazards regression models were run, adjusted for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors, to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) of depression and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: During 163,059 person-years of follow-up we registered 870 incident cases of depression. Participants with higher total LTPA (METs-h/wk) and higher duration of LTPA (hours/wk) exhibited a lower risk of depression HR=0.84 (95% CI: 0.72-0.99) and HR=0.83 (0.70-0.99) respectively, whereas intensity of LTPA (MET) did not show any association with depression.
Conclusion: Participants with higher LTPA had a lower risk of depression. The inverse association was stronger for total LPTA time than for its intensity. Higher duration of LTPA should be encouraged to prevent depression.
The effect of educational intervention based on precede proceed model on life quality in hypertensive patients
Authors: Azar Farbod Ebadi Fard , Solhi Mahnaz , Azadi Nemam Ali , Ziapour Arash , Lebni Javad Yoosefi , Chaboksavar Fakhreddin
Published: January 2020

Background: Hypertension is considered as one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases killing over 9 million people worldwide each year . Methods: This experimental study was performed in 90 patient’s hypertension attending health centers affiliated to karaj University of Medical Sciences. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (n=45) and control (n=45). The data were collected through questionnaires. Educational intervention was designed based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model and implemented in the intervention group. Data were collected three times prior to the intervention, 1 month after the intervention, and 3 months after the educational intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and statistical methods number, percentage, mean, standard deviation and repeated measure test. Results: The results showed that the mean score of various domains of life quality and total score of life quality in the intervention group increased significantly compared to the control group after the educational intervention. Conclusions: The results showed that design and implementation of educational program based on PRECEDE-PROCEED model is effective in improving the life quality of hypertensive patients .
Fuzzy Epidemiology: Measures for Observational Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Melo Ana Cláudia Oliveira , Sá Laisa Ribeiro de , Vianna Rodrigo Pinheiro de Toledo , Moraes Ronei Marcos de
Published: January 2020

Background Epidemiological studies bring forth classic epidemiological measures calculation that are based on resulting quantities of dichotomic categorization of individuals, such as in events: diseased, non-diseased, exposed or unexposed. Dichotomic categorizations discard inherent uncertainties and subjectivities from the illness process the exposure which generate information losses on the measures. The fuzzy set theory categorizes each individual, allowing the soft transit amongst the events and considering the uncertainties and subjectivities. For the calculation of these measures, the fuzzy possibility theory is useful. Although there is already the proposition of making use of this methodology to the calculation of association and risk measures, there are no additional studies, in the literature, that characterize or apply the measures in epidemiological studies. Neither there are proposed calculations of other epidemiological measures or studies explaining the contribution of the resulting epidemiological measure of this methodology. This paper aims to increase the epidemiological measures sets to observational studies, using fuzzy set and possibility theories in the calculation of the denominated fuzzy epidemiological measures, featuring them in an original way.Methodology The proposed fuzzy measures were based in classic epidemiological measures. An observational study was simulated on a case-control type and fuzzy theories on the categorization of the individuals and for the calculation of fuzzy measures were applied. The simulations and calculations were performed by the software R.Results It was graphically observed the incorporation of uncertainties and subjectivities in the study population categorization. Comparing the classic to the fuzzy measures, it was observed that the contribution of the embedded uncertainties and subjectivities on the fuzzy measure presented a more complete final information about the illness process and exposure of the individuals. The graphic behavior of the proposed measures and of the already existent ones were characterized.Conclusion The fuzzy set epidemiological measures changes the paradigm of measures restricted to one numerical value. The information of the new fuzzy measures is seen as more trustworthy and helpful to decision making health managers, regarding which policies must be considered in accordance to the susceptible of harm and exposure in every population of each case scenario.
Gap analysis of acoustic tracking data reveals spatial and temporal segregation in sympatric reef sharks
Authors: Williamson Michael J. , Tebbs Emma J , Dawson Terrence P , Curnick David J , Ferretti Francesco , Carlisle Aaron B , Chapple Taylor K , Schallert Robert J , Tickler David M , Block Barbara A , Jacoby David MP
Published: January 2020

Background There are now a wide array of field and laboratory techniques available for gaining insight into the movement and behaviour of sharks. Although acoustic telemetry may lack the fine-scale resolution of satellite telemetry, the low cost and longer battery life make it a powerful tool for investigating elasmobranch behaviour. Here, in the absence of satellite tracking data, we develop a novel approach to analysing acoustic telemetry data, using detection gaps to infer movement patterns to and from monitored reef habitats, to investigate spatial and temporal segregation between two sympatric shark species in a large remote MPA. Methods A total of 102 grey reef and 76 silvertip sharks were fitted with long-term acoustic transmitters and tracked inside a large acoustic array of reef-based receivers in the British Indian Ocean Territory MPA, between 2014 and 2018. From the resulting dataset (768,081 movements), movements between receivers and recursive loops to the same receiver were identified. Using the durations of inter-receiver movements (i.e. detection gaps), individual behaviours were classified into ‘restricted’ or ‘wider ranging’ movements. Drivers of these movements were identified using network analysis, generalised linear mixed models and multi-model inference starting from an a priori set of explanatory variables. Results In general, silvertip sharks were more likely to undertake ‘wider ranging’ movements than grey reef sharks. ‘Wider ranging’ movements were more common at night compared to during the day, and during the wet season compared to the dry season. In addition, the difference in ‘wider ranging’ movements between the two species increased at night. These results suggest spatial segregation and temporal segregation of movements between grey reef and silvertip sharks in the region. Conclusions We present a novel analysis of detection gaps from acoustic telemetry data to infer differential movement patterns and describe how species organise in space and time. Furthermore, this approach shows that acoustic telemetry gap analysis can be used for comparative studies, or combined, with other research techniques to better understand the functional role of sharks in reef ecosystems, moving towards more informed strategies for the conservation and management of the marine environment.
The Consequences of Methamphetamine use in Tehran: Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Lebni Javad Yoosefi , Ziapour Arash , Qorbani Mostafa , Baygi Fereshteh , Mirzaei Amin , Safari Omid , Rastegarimehr Babk , Khosravi Bahar , Mansourian Morteza
Published: January 2020

Background: In recent years, methamphetamine use has increased noticeably in Iran, and this can have harmful consequences for the health of individuals and society. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate The Consequences of methamphetamine use in Tehran.Methods: This qualitative content analysis study was carried out by using conventional approach. Date were collected through observation and in-depth interview with 20 users of methamphetamine adult in Tehran (15 males and 5 female). Participants were selected through snowball and purposeful sampling method which continued until data saturation. Guba and Lincoln criteria were used to assess the strength of the research.Results: The extraction of the codes resulted in three main categories, including: 1. The short-term consequences, consisting of the sub-categories of individual and social consequences 2. The long-term consequences, consisting of the sub-categories of psychological, physical and behavioral consequences, severely decayed memory and changes in the eating pattern. 3. Illusions including the sub-categories of visual and auditory illusions, illusion of suspicion and illusion of having supernatural power.Conclusion: Methamphetamine use has serious adverse effects on overall health of individuals. Therefore, implementing educational programs in order to raise awareness and changing attitudes about the short and long term consequences of using methamphetamine in high risk group is highly recommended.
Perinatal caprine milk oligosaccharides consumption alters maternal and offspring liver gene expression
Authors: Thum Caroline , Young Wayne , Roy Nicole C , McNabb Warren C
Published: January 2020

Consumption of caprine milk oligosaccharides (CMO) by dams during gestation and lactation, compared to a control diet or a diet supplemented with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), was associated with decreased maternal liver weight, increased offspring body weight and length at weaning, and increased offspring visceral fat and serum leptin concentration 30 days after weaning. These changes suggest that dietary CMO alters lipid metabolism, both in dams and offspring. We hypothesized that perinatal CMO intake affected expression of maternal genes in the liver involved in energy metabolism, and programmed pups’ metabolic function leading to increased post-weaning visceral adiposity. To characterise the effects of perinatal consumption of CMOs on maternal and offspring liver gene expression, C57BL/6 mice were fed either a control, CMO, or GOS diet from mating to weaning. From weaning, half of the pups from each maternal group were fed the control diet for 30 days. Microarray analysis was conducted on liver samples from dams and offspring. Differences in the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism were observed in dams and changes in expression of hepatic genes involved in energy balance and steroid metabolism were observed in pups at weaning. Increased visceral fat was observed in pups 30 days. Perinatal consumption of CMO diet affected infant lipid metabolism, which may be related to altered expression of genes in the liver involved in energy balance and lipid metabolism in dams.
Incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremity in patients undergoing surgeries for ankle fractures
Authors: Luo Zixuan , Chen Wei , Li Yansen , Wang Xiaomeng , Wang Weili , Zhu Yanbin , Zhang Fengqi
Published: January 2020

Objective To investigate the incidence of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVP) in patients undergoing surgeries for ankle fractures and identify the associated risk factors.Methods This was a retrospective study. A total of 1451 patients undergoing surgery of ankle fractures from January 2016 to June 2019 were included. Their inpatient medical records were inquired for data collection, including demographics, comorbidities, injury and surgery-related data and laboratory biomarkers. DVT of lower extremity was diagnosed by routine doppler examination. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors.Results Among the 1451 patients, DVT was confirmed in 38 cases, indicating an incidence of 2.6%. DVT involved both the operated and non-operated limbs in 8 patients (21.1%). DVT involved superficial femoral vein in 4 cases (6.6%), deep femoral vein in 2 (3.3%), popliteal vein in 5 (8.2%), posterior tibial vein in 11 (18.0%) and peroneal vein in 39 (63.9%). The median interval between operation and diagnosis of DVT was7 days. Six risk factors were identified to be independently associated with DVT, including age (10-year increase) (OR, 1.44), preoperative stay (delay of each day) (OR, 1.11), anesthesia (general vs regional) (OR, 3.51), lower hemoglobin level (OR, 2.02), total cholesterol >5.2mmol/L (OR, 3.20) and reduced lymphocyte count (OR, 3.16).Conclusion These identified factors, although not easily modifiable, do help counsel patients about the risk of DVT and help individualized assessment of the risk factors and accordingly the risk stratification.
Fasciotomy through Multiple Small Skin Incisions for the treatment of early acute osteofascial compartment syndrome in children
Authors: Yuan Xiaowei , Wu Jun , Qu Xiangyang , Li Ming , Jiang Linjun , Liu Xing
Published: January 2020

Background Surgical decompression should be applied at the earliest stage of osteofascial compartment syndrome. Traditional fasciotomy was useful to decompress the compartment pressure, but may lead to serious complications and requirement of a second operation to close the wound. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of fasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions for the treatment of early osteofascial compartment syndrome in children. Methods From January 2009 to May 2017, 56 pediatric patients with early osteofascial compartment syndrome in their limbs were admitted into our department and treated with multiple small skin incisions for decompression at the early stage. The skin incisions, function and sensation of the limbs were followed up. Results The OCS was diagnosed at 7.4±2.1 hours after injury, and then fasciotomy was performed at 1.4±0.4 hours later. The average procedure time of fasciotomy was 12.7±4.8 minutes. No postoperative incision infections or neurovascular injuries were observed in all the patients. The incisions completely healed in 7-10 days with an average healing time of 8 days without secondary suture. The patients were followed up for an average of 5.1 years. No Volkmann’s contractures in the injured climbs were found. The appearance, electromyography and nerve conduction velocity of the affected limbs were not significantly different from that of the contralateral limbs. All the patients were free of symptoms, were full recovery of sensation and function, being an “excellent” outcome at the latest follow-up. Conclusion Fasciotomy through multiple small skin incisions, which can be useful to decompress the compartment pressure with fewer complications, is a simple and effective strategy for the treatment of early osteofascial compartment syndrome in children.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Oral Hygiene among Students of Medhanealem High School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Buizayehu , Ephrem Mahlet , Gebremariam Miskir , Ayalew Yodit , Shimels Tariku
Published: January 2020

Background : poor oral health can affect a person’s day today as well as overall quality of life. Discomforts from experience of pain, problems with eating and chewing, embarrassment about the shape, missing, discolored or damaged teeth can adversely affect peoples’ daily lives and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of oral hygiene among preparatory students of Medhanealem high School in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method : A cross sectional study design was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire from June to September 2019 in Medhanealem high school, Addis Ababa. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.20 and a descriptive statistics was employed to present results on knowledge, attitude and practices of high school students towards oral hygiene. Result : A total of 320 students have participated in the study, of whom 207(64.7 % ) were female. The study revealed that 201(62.8 % ) of the respondents had poor knowledge with regard to oral hygiene, about half (52.1 % ) of the students had negative attitude toward oral hygiene, and their oral hygiene practices were still low that 193 (60.4 % ) of the students reported inadequate practice. The chewed stick (mefakiya) is the most common oral hygiene aid used for cleaning teeth which was adopted by 134(51 % ) students. Conclusions : The study showed that oral hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice among the secondary school students in Medanealem preparatory school were not satisfactory. The findings of this study suggest that awareness on the importance of oral hygiene needs to be enhanced along with regular education.
Effects of chitooligosaccharide-zinc on mice ovarian function in premature ovarian failure via regulating the sestrin2/nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Yuhang , Xu Jiayu , Liu Jiangying , Fu Jiacheng , Cao Xiuping , Huang Jian , Zheng Yuehui
Published: January 2020

BackgroundThe chitosan oligosaccharide-zinc (COS·Zn) is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging scavenger, whose anti-oxidative ability immensely exceeds that of vitamin C. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanism by which COS·Zn improves ovarian function and delays aging in POF.MethodsThe female KM adult mice and POF mice were divided into treated and prevention groups; these were prophylactically or therapeutically administered COS·Zn (150mg/kg·d, 300mg/kg·d) for 21 days, respectively. ResultsThe number of antral follicles in COS·Zn-treated groups was lower in the treated and prevention groups than that in the control group, respectively. Obviously, the ovarian index, the level of FSH and LH all increased notably during the 300 mg/kg·d treated group and the prevention group compared with cy/bus groups. The expression of MVH, OCT4 and PCNA in the 300 mg/kg·d treated groups and MVH in the prevention groups were remarkably increased compared with the CY/BUS group. Meanwhile, the protein levels of P53 and P16 were markedly down-regulated in the treated groups and prevention groups compared with CY/BUS, except for the expression of P53 in the prevention groups. Furthermore, the Sestrin2 (SESN2) and SOD2 proteins were significantly higher in the 150 mg/kg·d treated group compared with the CY/BUS group, but the 300 mg/kg·d and CY/BUS group showed no significant difference in the level of SESN2. Similarly, the NRF2 and SESN2 proteins were up-regulated in the prevention groups, and the change in SOD2 was not significant. The results revealed increased GSH levels in the 150 mg/kg·d and 300 mg/kg·d treated groups compared with CY/BUS group, and the same trend was also shown in the prevention groups.1Conclusion COS·Zn improves ovarian and follicular developmental defects caused by regulating the sestrin2-nrf2 signaling pathway, and these results suggest a novel product that is effective a POF prevention and treatment drug.
“Two-colour capsules”: Commonly used non-prescribed antibiotics in the self-management of self-diagnosed illness amongst pharmacy customers in Maputo city.
Authors: Torres Neusa Fernanda , Solomon Vernon P. , Middleton Lyn E.
Published: January 2020

Background: After analgesics, antibiotics are the most commercialized, prescribed and utilized drugs worldwide. The persistent inappropriate use of these precious drugs is developing, with non-prescription sales and the consequent practices of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) undermining the global efforts to rationalize their use and contain the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to identify the commonly used antibiotics and the main health conditions leading to the practice of self-medication with antibiotics. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with 32 pharmacy customers and 17 pharmacists working in nine private pharmacies in Maputo city. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with customers while in-depth interviews were held with pharmacists. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using latent content analysis. The COREQ (Tong, 2007) checklist for interviews and FGD was performed. Results: Frequent use of non-prescribed antibiotics (NPA) was admitted by 30 of the 32 customers while 15 of the 17 pharmacists admitted NPA dispensing. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin cotrimoxazole, azithromycin, and metronidazole, amoxicillin with acid clavulanic, tetracycline, doxycycline and erythromycin were used after participants self-diagnosed or self-perceived health conditions related to sore throat, fever, cough, vaginal discharge, eye problem, common flu, urinary infection, respiratory infection, wounds, and toothaches. Conclusion: The therapeutic itineraries customers adopt, such as practicing SMA and/or seeking healthcare at the pharmacy, together with the suboptimal dispensing practices of pharmacists, and weak regulatory and law enforcement, are enabling the growing but dangerous practice of SMA among Maputo city private pharmacies customers. Multifaceted interventions are needed to involve public health stakeholders, pharmacists and healthcare professionals to enlighten customers through public education regarding the inappropriate use of antibiotics at all levels.
Endosphere microbiome assemblage in scented black rice is affected by plant development, with possible functional roles
Authors: Singha K. Malabika , Singh Brahmanand , Maheswari Dinesh Kumar , Pandey Piyush
Published: January 2020

Background: Endophytic bacterial community of plant helps in plant growth and health. However, compositional and functional responses of bacterial endophyte communities in black rice and its correlation with antioxidant property are still not understood. Black scented rice, Chakhao ( Oryza sativa L.) is important for its unique fragrance, high antioxidant and anthocyanin content. Here, the compositional and functional role of the endophytic bacterial community, associated with black scented rice - Chakhao ( Oryza sativa L.) at young and mature stage of plant growth, in correlation with antioxidant property has been elucidated.Result: Bray–Curtis community dissimilarity analysis confirmed overlapping of community in shoot and root tissues at the young stage, but not in mature plants. Proteobacteria was found to be the most dominant phyla, and along with Cyanobacteria and Planctomycetes, it dominated the core endospheric microbiome. The genera Agrobacterium, Pleomorphomonas, Bradyrhizobium, Novasphingobium, Caulobacter, Devosia were the most abundant. The antioxidant activity of mature stage plants was found to be higher in comparison to young plants. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was found to be highest in root of Sempak variety (89.06 µg GAE/g). The relative abundance of Pleomorphomonas was positively correlated with TPC, while Gemmata , Unclassified Pirellulaceae , Unclassified Stramenopiles positively correlated with total flavonoid content (TFC). Accordingly, functional metagenome analysis of the endophytic microbiome revealed that few unique genes (naringenin-3-dioxygenase and anthocyanidin-3-O-glucosyltransferases) for flavonoid and anthocyanin synthesis were abundant in mature stage of plant development. Specific enrichment of the antioxidant producing genes in the mature plant endophytic microbiome was assigned to bacteria such as Streptomyces, Pantoea and Bradyrhizobium , which might have contributed to the common pathway of flavonoid synthesis. Conclusion: This study allows us to recognize the linkage between the endophytic bacterial community dynamics and antioxidant activity of scented black rice plant and its comparative account at young and mature stages of growth.
Predictive models for Talaromyces marneffei infection in HIV-infected patients using routinely collected data
Authors: Hu Jiaguang , Li Xu , Chen Tao , Liang Bingyu , Wei Wudi , Meng Dali , Lin Yu , Li Minji , Zhang Peng , Jing Wenjuan , Tang Gui , Lin Mingjia , Jiang Zhongsheng
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesLate diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) in patients with HIV/AIDS infection is strongly associated with greater mortality. To date, effective predictive model for T. marneffei infection in clinical practice have not been established. We aimed to identify a non-culture-based method for rapid detection of T. marneffei infection in HIV/AIDS patients.MethodsThe prediction models were initially constructed using patients in a retrospective cohort study. We obtained demographics, clinical and laboratory data for each individual. Univariate comparisons, logistic regression, Random Forest (RF) analysis and receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to identify and evaluate the predictive factors of T. marneffei infection status.ResultsHIV-infected patients with a baseline characterized by weight loss, typical skin lesions, peripheral or abdominal lymphadenopathy (POAL), hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, decrease lymphocyte count, abnormal aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level , higher AST to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio index (AARI) level (>1) and lower (<50 cells/mL) CD4+ T-cell counts had an increased risk of T. marneffei infection. Skin lesions, POAL, AARI, AST level and CD4+ T-cell count resulted in good classifiers of T. marneffei infection by RF analysis. RF model had a relative high power [area under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.859] to predict T. marneffei infection in the present study. A new indicator combine AST level and AARI could increase the classification power of the model (AUC: 0.877).ConclusionOur data suggest that accurate assessments for T. marneffei infection can be obtained using routinely collected data of patients with HIV. The prediction model could used to identify HIV patients who currently have early stage of T. marneffei infection, which would be benefit to both patients and clinicians.
Increasing system-wide implementation of opioid prescribing guidelines in primary care: findings from a non-randomized stepped-wedge quality improvement project.
Authors: Zgierska Aleksandra E , Robinson James M , Lennon Robert P , Smith Paul D , Nisbet Kate , Ales Mary W , Boss Deanne , Tuan Wen-Jan , Vidaver Regina M , Hahn David L
Published: January 2020

Background: Clinician utilization of practice guidelines can reduce inappropriate opioid prescribing and harm in chronic non-cancer pain; yet, implementation of “opioid guidelines” is subpar. We hypothesized that a multi-component quality improvement (QI) augmentation of “routine” system-level implementation efforts would increase clinician adherence to the opioid guideline-driven policy recommendations. Methods: Opioid policy was implemented system-wide in 26 primary care clinics. A convenience sample of 9 clinics received the QI augmentation (one-hour academic detailing; 2 online educational modules; 4-6 monthly one-hour practice facilitation sessions) in this non-randomized stepped-wedge QI project. The intervention subjects were volunteer clinic staff. The target patient population was adults with chronic non-cancer pain treated with long-term opioids. The outcomes included the clinic-level percentage of target patients with a current treatment agreement (primary outcome), rates of opioid-benzodiazepine co-prescribing, urine drug testing, depression and opioid misuse screening, and prescription drug monitoring database check; additional measures included daily morphine-equivalent dose (MED), and the percentages of all target patients and patients prescribed ≥90mg/day MED. T-test, mixed-regression and stepped-wedge-based analyses evaluated the QI impact, with significance and effect size assessed with two-tailed p<0.05, 95% confidence intervals and/or Cohen’s d. Results: Two-hundred-fifteen intervention subjects, a subset of clinical staff, received at least one intervention component; 1,255 patients in the intervention and 1,632 patients in the 17 comparison clinics were prescribed long-term opioids. At baseline, more intervention than comparison clinic patients were screened for depression (8.1% vs 1.1%, p=0.019) and prescribed ≥90mg/day MED (23.0% vs 15.5%, p=0.038). The stepped-wedge analysis did not show statistically significant change in outcomes in the intervention clinics, when accounting for the comparison clinics’ trends. The Cohen’s d values favored the intervention clinics in all outcomes except opioid-benzodiazepine co-prescribing. Subgroup analysis showed that patients prescribed ≥90mg/day MED in the intervention compared to comparison clinics improved urine drug screening rates (38.8% vs 19.1%, p=0.02), but not other outcomes (p³0.05). Conclusions: Augmenting routine policy implementation with targeted QI intervention, delivered to volunteer clinic staff, did not additionally improve clinic-level, opioid guideline-concordant care metrics. However, the observed effect sizes suggested this approach may be effective, especially in higher-risk patients, under more rigorous implementation conditions.
Novel circular RNA hsa_circ_0077837 suppresses colorectal cancer cell proliferation by regulating the microRNA 21/phosphatase and tensin homolog axis
Authors: Sheng Wei-Zhong , Dong Tian-Geng , Zhang Bo , Gong Yu-Da , Gao Wei-Dong
Published: January 2020

Background: Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel noncoding RNA (ncRNA) that assumes critical roles in tumor occurrence and progression. circRNA functions in many tumors as a kind of microRNA (mRNA) “sponge.” The present study sought to investigate the part played by circRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and to elucidate the relevant action mechanism(s). Methods: We detected lower hsa_circ_0077837 (circEPB41L2) expression in CRC by data analysis based on previous studies. We demonstrated the antitumor part of circEPB41L2 in CRC cells via a group of biological experiments. We subsequently took advantage of pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays to recognize circEPB41L2 downstream microRNA 21 (miR-21). Western blotting was conducted to confirm that the circEPB41L2–miR-21–phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten)/AKT axis is responsible for CRC tumor growth suppression. The antitumor part of circEPB41L2 in vivo was eventually demonstrated by HCT116 xenograft model. Results: We found that circEPB41L2 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells. Further, the miR-21 phenocopy suppressed circNRIP1 overexpression, while its overexpression also inhibited the cancer suppressive function of circEPB41L2. circEPB41L2 was confirmed to be able to inhibit tumor growth by enhancing Pten expression. Finally, the antitumor part of circEPB41L2 was confirmed. Conclusions: We demonstrated that circEPB41L2 sponges miR-21 to increase the Pten expression level and consequently serve as a cancer suppressor in CRC.
Live birth rates in different subgroups of poor ovarian responders according to Bologna criteria and POSEIDON group classification
Authors: Mashayekhy Mehri , Arabipoor Arezoo , Barabi Forouzan , Zolfaghari Zahra
Published: January 2020

Background Recently, some studies evaluated the live births rates (LBRs) in two poor ovarian responders (POR) classification methods separately, but present study was designed to compare the LBRs among different groups of patients on the basis of Bologna criteria or POSIEDON group classifications and find the important predictive factors for LBR in patients with POR.Methods In this cross-sectional study, the database containing clinical and laboratory information on infertility treatment cycles were evaluated from December 2015 to December 2017 and all the patients with at least one POR after standard controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) during IVF/ICSI cycles were evaluated. The eligible patients were enrolled and divided into five and four groups according to the Bologna criteria and POSEIDON groups’ classifications, respectively.Results 812 patients with POR diagnosis were investigated which in overall 517 of them had embryo transfer in the last treatment cycle (63.6%) and total clinical pregnancy rate 19.3% (100 cases) and live birth rates 16.1% (86 cases) were found. When the patients were grouped on the Basis of the POSEIDON classification, the highest LBR was observed in the POSEIDON group III. On the other hand, according to the Bologna criteria, 41 patients were not included in any group, and in the analysis of cycle outcome, the LBR in the Bologna group II was more than other groups. The multivariable regression analysis revealed that the significant independent variables remained in the model as important predictive factor for live births in the study population were the number and quality of the transferred embryos transmission (good and excellent quality), and the POSSIDON classification group (POSSIDON group III).ConclusionsOn the basis of present results, the POSEIDON group classification could be more comprehensive and practical than Bologna criteria for diagnosing and categorizing POR patients. In addition, it was found the number and quality of transferred embryos were the most important prognostic factor for live birth in POR patients; therefore we suggest to consider COH protocols with a freezing embryos strategy, and the collection of more good quality embryos to improve the probability of a live birth.
Elderly patients with medial meniscus tear should be aware of the occurrence of osteonecrosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Weiming , Zhao Caiqiong , Cao Xuewei
Published: January 2020

Background: Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) was defined as a distinct clinical entity with characteristical findings that subchondral lesions in the weight-bearing region of a single condyle. In the early stage of SONK, we usually think that injury of meniscus was to blame for the knee pain. Elderly patients with medial meniscus tear should be aware of the occurrence of osteonecrosis. Case presentation：A 67-year-old male complained of pain in the left knee for 3 months in 2013. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a medial meniscal root tear (level III), so that he patient underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy. However, no obvious pain relief achieved at the follow-up. The pain was associated with weight bearing, of which was initially intermittent, gradually progressed in intensity and became frequent even at rest. At 18 months after the first visit, we re-examined the knee MRI and results clearly revealed subchondral bone osteonecrosis of the condyle. Finally, we performed unicompartmental arthroplasty which significantly relieved the pain and restored the walking ability of the patient. Conclusions: Meniscus injury often coexist with SONK. In the early stages of SONK, the area of necrosis is small which is very easy to be ignored causing a misdiagnosis. The case reminds us should pay much attention to the possibility of subchondral bone necrosis in patients with knee pain and meniscal injury.
Autumn migration direction of juvenile willow warblers (Phylloscopus t. trochilus and P. t. acredula) and their hybrids by qPCR SNP genotyping
Authors: Zhao Tianhao , Ilieva Mihaela , Larson Keith , Lundberg Max , Neto Júlio M. , Sokolovskis Kristaps , Åkesson Susanne , Bensch Staffan
Published: January 2020

Background: Geographic regions, where two close-related taxa with different migration routes come into contact, are known as migratory divides. Hybrids originating from migratory divides are hypothesized to migrate intermediately relative to the parental populations. However, to date and due to technical limitations, few studies testing this hypothesis in wild birds and these have been to hybrids that have completed the migration back to the breeding grounds. Here, we make use of the well-established migration routes of willow warblers ( Phylloscopus trochilus ), for which the subspecies trochilus and acredula have migration-associated genetic markers on chromosomes 1 and 5. This enabled us to analyses the geographic distribution of pure and hybrid genotypes among juvenile birds on their first migration. Methods: Blood and feather samples were collected from wintering birds in eastern and western Africa (n = 69), and from juveniles during autumn migration in Portugal (n = 33), Italy (n = 38) and Bulgaria (n = 32). Genotyping was carried out by qPCR SNP assays, one SNP on chromosome 1 (SNP 65) and one on chromosome 5 (SNP 285). Both these SNPs have alternative alleles that are highly fixed (allele frequency>97%) in each of the subspecies. Results: The observed combined genotypes of the two SNPs were associated with the known migration routes and wintering distributions of trochilus and acredula . We found hybrids (HH) among the juveniles in Italy (5/38) and in Portugal (2/33). The proportion of hybrids in Italy was significantly higher than expected from a background rate of hybrid genotypes (1.5%) in allopatric populations of trochilus and acredula . Conclusions: Our genetic approach to assign individuals to subspecies and hybrids allowed us to investigate migration direction in juvenile birds on their first migration, which should illustrate the innate migratory direction with less of a bias than studies restricted to successful migrants. The excess of hybrid in Italy, suggests that they employ an intermediate route relative to the parental populations. Our qPCR SNP genotyping method is efficient for processing large sample sizes, and therefore powerful in migration research of species with known population genetic structure.
The association of the Arg1277Gln mutation in the MYH7 gene with myosin storage myopathy in a Chinese family
Authors: Li Li-li , Li Riu , Liu Dongyun
Published: January 2020

Background Myosin storage myopathy (MSM) is caused by missense mutations in the MYH7 gene, which encodes the β-cardiac/slow skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain rod (MyHCI). MSM is an autosomal dominant/recessive myopathy characterized by subsarcolemmal accumulations of myosin in type I muscle fibers that results in weakness of the scapula, limb and distal muscles.Methods Here, we report a MSM phenotype that was present across three generations of individuals from the same family, one of whom was a neonate.Results At birth, the neonate had an elevated creatine kinase level and decreased muscle tone in the limbs. At 2 months of age, the infant’s cervical vertebrae caused his head to be skewed to the right. At 7 months of age, the infant’s development was delayed.Whole exome sequencing showed a novel heterozygous variant NM_000257.3: c.3830G>A (p.Arg1277Gln) at exon 28 of the MYH7 gene in the DNA of the infant and his father.Conclusions Previously, which site has only been reported in 2 cases of cardiomyopathy; therefore, this study expands our knowledge of the clinical phenotypes associated with mutations within the rod region of MyHCI. Importantly, close follow-up of the neonate will provide important information on the natural history of MSM associated with MYH7 gene mutation.
Placenta previa rates in relation to prior cesarean section deliveries, A 15-year single-center analysis
Authors: Alwazzan Ahmad B. , Kafy abdullah , AlBasri Samera F. , Mousa Ahmed A. , Halawani Lujain K. , Farran Ibtisam H.
Published: January 2020

Background: To estimate the rate of placenta previa in relation to prior delivery via cesarean section (CS) during a 15-year period in an academic medical center, King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of all pregnant women who delivered at KAUH from January 2001 to December 2015. For each year, the research team recorded the total number of deliveries, as well as the number and percentage of CS deliveries and patients with placenta previa. The association between placenta previa and previous CS was assessed. Results: Out of the 62,701 deliveries at KAUH during the study period, 13,404 were CS deliveries, producing an overall CS rate of 21.4%. The total number of patients with placenta previa was 260, for a placenta previa rate of 4.14 cases/1,000 births. Of patients with placenta previa, 135 had a prior CS (60%), whereas 91 multigravida women had no previous CS (40%).There is positive correlation between number of CS and number of placenta pravia.Conclusion: In spite of, significant positive correlation between number of CS and number of placenta previa. The rate of placenta previa was not significantly different between patients with or without prior CS delivery. This suggests that factors other with previous CS could play role in the development of placenta previa especially in primgravida.