bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolvin E1 accelerates pulp repair by regulating inflammation and stimulating dentin regeneration in dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Chen Jie , Xu Huaxing , Xia Kun , Cheng Shuhua , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2020

Background: Unresolved inflammation and tissue destruction are considered to underlie failure of dental pulp repair. As key mediators of the injury response, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) play a critical role in pulp tissue repair and regeneration. Resolvin E1 (RvE1), a major dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acid metabolite, is effective in resolving inflammation and activating wound healing. However, whether RvE1 facilitates injured pulp-tissue repair and regeneration through timely resolution of inflammation and rapid mobilization of DPSCs is unknown. Therefore, we established a pulp injury model and investigated the effects of RvE1 on DPSC-mediated inflammation resolution and injured pulp repair.Methods: A pulp injury model was established using eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after pulp capping with a collagen sponge immersed in PBS with RvE1 or PBS. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunohistofluorescence were used to evaluate the prohealing properties of RvE1. hDPSCs were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory response, and the expression of inflammatory factors after RvE1 application was measured. Effects of RvE1 on hDPSC proliferation, chemotaxis, and odontogenic differentiation were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining, and quantitative PCR, and possible signaling pathways were explored using western blotting.Results: In vivo, RvE1 promoted injured pulp repair and reparative dentin formation. Further, it enhanced dentin sialoprotein expression and accelerated pulp inflammation resolution by suppressing TNF-α and IL-1β expression. RvE1 enhanced the recruitment of CD146+ and CD105+ DPSCs to the damaged molar pulp mesenchyme. Isolated primary cells exhibited the mesenchymal stem cell immunophenotype and differentiation. RvE1 promoted hDPSC proliferation and chemotaxis. RvE1 significantly attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) release and enhanced ALP activity, nodule mineralization, and especially, expression of the odontogenesis-related genes DMP-1, DSPP, and BSP in LPS-stimulated DPSCs. RvE1 regulated Akt, ERK, and rS6 phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated DPSCs.Conclusions: RvE1 promotes pulp inflammation resolution and dentin regeneration and positively influences the proliferation, chemotaxis, and differentiation of LPS-stimulated hDPSCs. This response is, at least partially, dependent on Akt, ERK, and rS6-associated signaling in the inflammatory microenvironment. RvE1 has promising application potential in regenerative endodontics.
LRIG1 expression and colorectal cancer prognosis
Authors: Bakherad Maryam , Salimi Mahdieh , Angaji Seyed Abdolhamid , Mahjoubi Frouzandeh , Majidizadeh Tayebeh
Published: October 2020

Background

Make the right treatment decisions about colorectal cancer (CRC) patients need reliable predictive and prognostic data. However, in many cases this data is not enough. Some studies suggest that LRIG1 gene (leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains1) has prognostic implications in different kinds of cancers.
Methods

One hundred and two patients with colorectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed for LRIG1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. SYBR Green Real-Time RT-PCR technique was used for mRNA expression analyses and Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH) was considered as a reference gene for data normalization. LRIG1 protein expression was analyzed using IHC. Additionally, appropriate statistical analyses were used to assess the expression of LRIG1 in test and control groups. The prognostic significance of LRIG1 expression was analyzed using the univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results

The data revealed the expression of LRIG1 in both mRNA and protein levels was dawn regulated in colorectal tumor tissues (P < 0.01) but is not clinically relevant prognostic indicator in CRC.
Conclusions

Therefore, it is suggested that LRIG1 expression analyses may not be considered as an important issue when making informed and individualized clinical decisions regarding the management of colorectal cancer patients.
Accessing the syndemic of COVID-19 and malaria intervention in Africa
Authors: Shi Benyun , Zheng Jinxin , Xia Shang , Lin Shan , Wang Xinyi , Liu Yang , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Liu Jiming
Published: October 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruptions to health services in the low and middle-income countries with a high burden of other diseases, such as malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread to Africa, there is an urgent need to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential in malaria-endemic countries in Africa. Methods: We present a data-driven method to quantify the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as various non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), could lead to the change of malaria transmission potential in 2020. First, we adopt a particle Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to estimate epidemiological parameters in each country by fitting the time series of the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases. Then, we simulate the epidemic dynamics of COVID-19 under two groups of NPIs: (i) contact restriction and social distancing, and (ii) early identification and isolation of cases. Based on the simulated epidemic curves, we quantify the impact of COVID-19 epidemic and NPIs on the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Finally, by treating the total number of ITNs available in each country in 2020, we evaluate the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential based on the notion of vectorial capacity. Results: In this paper, we conduct case studies in four malaria-endemic countries, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia, in Africa. The epidemiological parameters (i.e., the basic reproduction number R_0 and the duration of infection DI) of COVID-19 in each country are estimated as follows: Ethiopia (R0=1.57, DI=5.32), Nigeria (R0=2.18, DI=6.58), Tanzania (R0=2.47, DI=6.01), and Zambia (R0=2.12, DI=6.96). Based on the estimated epidemiological parameters, the epidemic curves simulated under various NPIs indicated that the earlier the interventions are implemented, the better the epidemic is controlled. Moreover, the effect of combined NPIs is better than contact restriction and social distancing only. By treating the total number of ITNs available in each country in 2020 as a baseline, our results show that even with stringent NPIs, malaria transmission potential will remain higher than expected in the second half of 2020. Conclusions: By quantifying the impact of various NPI response to the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria transmission potential, this study provides a way to jointly address the syndemic between COVID-19 and malaria in malaria-endemic countries in Africa. The results suggest that the early intervention of COVID-19 can effectively reduce the scale of the epidemic and mitigate its impact on malaria transmission potential.
A High Level of lncFGD5-AS1 Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Regulating the miR-196a-5p/SMAD6/BMP axis
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Cheng , Wang Jizhao , Liu Xu , Qu Hangying , Zhang Guangjian , Liang Ting , Wang Jiansheng , Zhang Jia
Published: October 2020

BackgroundLong non-coding RNA (lncRNA) was a vital factor in the progression and initiation of human cancers. This study found a new lncRNA, FGD5-AS1, which can inhibit EMT process, proliferation, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo.MethodsqRT-PCR was employed to test the expression of lncFGD5-AS1 in 30 gastric cancer patients’ cancer tissue and para-cancer tissue. Overexpressed lncFGD5-AS1 cells shown sharply decrease of proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). miR-196a-5p/SMAD6 was confirmed as downstream molecular mechanism of lncFGD5-AS1 by expression correlation analysis and mechanism experiments. In vivo study illustrated overexpression of lncFGD5-AS1 suppression tumor growth.ResultsLncFGD5-AS1 served as a ceRNA of miR-196a-5p to release its inhibition on SMAD6, a conventional inhibitor on the BMP pathway. Comparing with normal gastric cancer cells, FGD5-AS1 overexpressed group had fewer migration cells, lower cell viability, and lower EMT transformation rate. Meanwhile, xenografts nude mice injecting with overexpressed-FGD5-AS1 cells also shown smaller tumor weight and volume. ConclusionIn conclusion, this research supported the first evidence that FGD5-AS1 suppressed proliferation and metastasis in gastric cancer by regulating miR-196a-5p/SMAD6/BMP axis and suggested a potential therapeutic candidate for gastric cancer.
A Molecular Survey and Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Swine From Slovakia
Authors: Jackova Anna , Dudasova Katarina , Salamunova Slavomira , Mandelik Rene , Novotny Jaroslav , Vilcek Stefan
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is agent causing hepatitis worldwide. Originally considered to be limited to developing countries, this virus was also detected in developed countries. In recent years an increasing number of reports indicate that farmed domestic pigs are widely infected with HEV in several European countries including neighbouring countries the Czech Republic and Hungary. The HEV status in Slovakia is still missing.Results: In this study, the circulation of HEV among domestic swine in Slovakia and genetic diversity of the virus was studied. Overall HEV RNA was detected in 53/388 (13.7%) pig rectal swabs in five production stages (age categories) with statistically highly significant differences (P < 0.01, χ2=28.444). No HEV was detected in suckling piglets and sows. The highest HEV incidence (29.6%) was observed in weaners and then declined in growers and fatteners. Twenty-eight partial sequences of ORF1 (242 bp) and seventeen of ORF2 (304 bp) were genetically analysed. Phylogenetic analysis and p-distance comparisons confirmed in both ORFs that all Slovak HEV sequences belong to the genotype HEV-3, major clade 3abchij with higher identity to 3a and 3i subtypes. Three sequences created a new branch, outside of major clades 3abchij and 3efg, showing high nucleotide p-distances (0.140-0.178). They could represent a novel subtype.Conclusion: This is the first report to fill the epidemiological gap about HEV infection in pigs in Slovakia. The results indicated a lower incidence of HEV in Slovak pig farms than observed in other European countries. While most HEV isolates were typed as HEV-3 clade3abchij, three sequences were most probably a candidate for a new HEV-3 subtype.
Establishment and validation of novel clinical prognosis nomograms for luminal A breast cancer patients with bone metastasis
Authors: Tu QiHao , Hu Chuan , Zhang Hao , Peng Chen , Kong Meng , Song MengXiong , Zhao Chong , Wang YuJue , Li Jianyi , Zhou ChuanLi , Wang Chao , Ma XueXiao
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of luminal A breast cancer (BC) patients with bone metastasis remain poor and vary dramatically from person to person. Our goal was to build two universally applicable nomograms to accurately predict OS and CSS for luminal A patients with bone metastasis.
Methods

The data of lumial A BC patients with bone metastases between 2010 and 2015 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for luminal A BC patients with bone metastasis between 2010 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were to assess and identify independent risk factors of OS and CSS. Integrating all significant predictors, nomograms and risk groups stratification model were developed. The performance of the nomogram was validated with concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCA) for discriminative ability, calibration and clinical utility, respectively.
Results

3171 luminal A BC patients with bone metastasis were included. Through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, 12 variables were identified as both independent OS- and CSS-related factors, including age, race, primary site, histology grade, tumor size, surgery, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status and insurance. Our nomograms for 1-, 3- and 5-year survival were based on those significant prognostic factors to develop. The C-indexes of OS- and CSS-nomograms in the training cohort were 0.701 and 0.704, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the validation cohort. The calibration curves and DCA presented satisfactory calibration and clinical utility.
Conclusion

Two nomograms have good discrimination, calibration and clinical utility, can accurately and effectively predict the prognosis of patients, and may benefit for clinical decision-making. In high-risk patients, more aggressive therapy and closer surveillance should be considered.
Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal Key Genes potentially relative to sucrose and citrate accumulation in wampee (Clausena Lansium Skeels) Fruit During Fruit Advancement and Ripening
Authors: Peng Cheng , Chang Xiaoxiao , Chen Zhe , Qiu Jishui , Lin Zhixiong , Lu Yusheng
Published: October 2020

Background: The seedless Clausena lansium Skeels, belonged to the Rutaceae Clausena family, is the main commercial variety in China currently. The high citrate contents in mature fruit have seriously restricted the development of the industry. The dynamic changes of sucrose and citrate, as well as the involved key regulatory genes or metabolism pathways during the fruit development of seedless wampee, however, remain unclear. Results: In this study, we used the seedless wampee fruits at various advancement levels as materials and specified a total of 623 compounds by widely targeted metabolome. Metabolome analysis further revealed that sucrose was gradually accumulated throughout the fruit development, while citrate was accumulated rapidly in the transitionary period from fruit expansion to color conversion, and decreased slowly after color conversion period without significant difference. Moreover, we identified several key differentials expressed genes existed in sucrose as well as citrate metabolism, that mainly encode insoluble acid invertases (IVR), sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPSs), sucrose synthase (SuSy), NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase (NAD-MDH), trehalose 6-phosphate synthase (TPS), and ATP citrate lyase (ACL), by comparing the transcriptome data of fruit in each stage. Conclusions: We found that sucrose content was mainly regulated by SUS, IVR, SPS, and TPS, the citrate synthesis was mainly regulated by MDH, and the decomposition of citrate was mainly controlled by ACLβ in the acetyl-CoA pathway, suggesting that GABA shunt pathway did not play a decisive role.
Bioelectrochemical Sysytem: An Eco-Friendly Approach To Generate Electricity Utilizing Plants And Microorganisms
Authors: DAVE KRUTI , Darji Parth , Gandhi Fenie , Singh Saumya , Jadav Digvijaysinh
Published: October 2020

With the expanding population, there is increase in an energy demand, which leads to the depletion of non-sustainable energy sources, for example; fossils. As the current situation speaks, the oil deposits are left for mere 53 years, likely with gas i.e. 52 years and with coal 150 years. So, there is an urgent need to find a sustainable source which is cheap and environment friendly, owing to the fact of current energy consumption level is left for merely 230 years. As committed by green alternative, for the future enhancement of the planet, the fossil fuel abandonment is required, and instigation of renewable resources such as Microbial Fuel Cell [MFCs] and Plant Microbial Fuel Cell [PMFCs] should be implemented. MFC is a visionary technique, as it converts wastage into the energy, whereas, PMFC is a new-fangled technique devoid of any climatic conditions and also it requires less investment. By scrutinizing this technique, Bacillus megaterium and sewage material is used in MFCs whereas Azolla and Trigonella foenum is used in PMFCs, which converts chemical energy into electrical energy with the help of electrons flowing from anode to cathode via circuit. The individual setup of each MFCs and PMFCs are examined diurnally for voltage and current gain proceeded by connection of both [MFC and PMFC] in series with LED in between thus gaining the luminance in LED. So assurance is gained by this technique of MFC and PMFC as distinctive energy harvesting technology equipped with; consistency, maintenance and free power for distant future.
High Detection Rate and Risk Factors of Melanosis Coli in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Awaiting Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Zhang Wu-Xing , Zhou Wei , Li Yang , Wang Yang , Huang Wei
Published: October 2020

Background. Rhubarb-containing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used to manage chronic renal failure in China. Studies show that anthranoids contained in rhubarb are related to the occurrence of melanosis coli (MC). However, no study on the detection rate of MC in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in China has been reported.Methods. We conducted a retrospective study on 99 ESRD patients who received a colonoscopy as part of pre-transplant work-up between Jan 1, 2017 and July 1, 2020 in a single center in Beijing, China. 200 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal renal function and received a colonoscopy for health screening in the same period were randomly selected as control group. The detection rate of MC in ESRD patients and control subjects was calculated and compared. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed in succession to determine the association between ESRD and MC, and also probe the independent MC risk factors in ESRD patients.Results. Among the 99 ESRD patients, MC was detected in 19, with a detection rate of 19.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.3%, 27.1%). In contrast, among 200 control subjects with normal renal function, MC was only detected in 1 subject, with an detection rate of 0.5% (95%CI: 0.5%, 1.5%) (ESRD vs. control: odds ratio [OR] = 47.263, 95% CI: 6.222, 358.981; p = 0.000). After adjustment of age, body mass index(BMI), albumin, hemoglobin and Charlson comorbidity index, being ESRD was still associated with the presence of MC (Odds ratio[95%CI]: 36.251[3.435, 382.559], p = 0.003). In ESRD patients, both univariate analysis (OR = 4.358, 95% CI: 1.329, 14.286; p = 0.012) and multivariate logistic regression (OR = 4.916, 95% CI: 1.462, 16.525, p = 0.010) found that past use of Rhubarb-containing TCM was the only independent risk factor of MC.Conclusion. The prevalence of MC in this cohort of ESRD patients was 19.2%, which was significantly higher than that of control with normal renal function. Past use of Rhubarb-containing traditional Chinese herbs was the only independent risk factor for the detection of MC in these ESRD patients. Our work highlights firstly that when prescribing Rhubarb-containing TCM to ESRD patients, the risk of MC development should be alerted, and also there is a need for arranging high quality, well-designed studies to examine the prevalence, etiology, impact, management and prognosis of MC in ESRD patients, especially those awaiting kidney transplantation.
How Do People Choose to Be Informed? A Survey of The Information Searched for in The Choice of Primary Care Provider in Sweden
Authors: Hoffstedt Caroline , Fredriksson Magnus , Winblad Ulrika
Published: October 2020

Background: To stimulate quality through choice of provider, patients need to seek and base their decisions on both relevant and reliable information describing providers’ clinical quality. The purpose of this study was first to investigate what types of information and information sources patients turned to in the active choice of primary care provider. Second, it investigated whether a sub-group of patients considered more likely to actively seek information, also sought more advanced information about the clinical quality of providers. Methods: Data collection was performed through a web-based survey to the general adult (18+) Swedish population, for a net sample of 3 150 respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to study what types of information and information sources respondents used prior to their choice. Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine predictors for seeking relevant and reliable information describing providers’ clinical quality.Results: Patients in active choice situations searched mainly for basic information, for instance, how to switch providers and their geographical location, and used a median of one information source. Information sources used were mainly dependent sources, such as providers themselves, and family and acquaintances. The sub-group of individuals more likely to seek information were not found to seek more advanced forms of information. Conclusions: Not even the patients considered most likely to seek information prior to their choice of primary care provider, searched for information deemed necessary to make well-informed choices. Thus, patients did not act according to the theoretical assumptions underlying the patient choice reforms, i.e., making informed choices based on clinical quality in order to promote the best providers over inferior ones. The results call for governments and health care authorities to actively assess and develop providers’ clinical quality by means other than patient choice.
Minimize the Extent and Morbidity of Axillary Dissection for Node-positive Breast Cancer Patients: Implementation of Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Based on Breast Lymphatics Level
Authors: Yuan Qianqian , Hou Jinxuan , He Yukun , Liao Yiqian , Zheng Lewei , Wu Gaosong
Published: October 2020

BackgroundBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is associated with extensive axillary dissection. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) based on breast lymphatics level (BLL) was proposed to minimize the surgical extent for node-positive breast cancer patients.MethodsA total of 156 consecutive sentinel lymph node-positive (SLN+) or clinically node-positive (CN+) patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with indocyanine green and methylene blue (MB). The SLNs were injected with 0.1 ml MB before removal, and a standard ALND was subsequently performed. The nodes adjacent to the blue-stained breast lymph nodes (ABLNs) were sent for pathological examination separately by resecting serial tissue every 0.5 cm away from the marginal blue-stained ABLNs. Then, a pilot study comparing ALND based on BLL and standard ALND was performed.ResultsBLL were successfully identified in 20 SLN+ (100%) and 134 CN+ (98.5%) patients. The median number of BLL was four, ranging from three to six. A horizontal line 1.0 cm away from the superior blue-stained BLN and a vertical line 1.0 cm away from the medial blue-stained BLN formed BLL II, III, and IV. All of the additional positive nodes were within 1.0 cm of the blue-stained ABLNs. The minimized axillary dissection should resect upwards from the lowest breast lymphatic level that contains the first confirmed negative blue-stained ABLNs. In the pilot study, no patient developed axillary recurrence.ConclusionThe ALND surgical procedure based on BLL could minimize the surgical extent for pathological node-positive breast cancer patients and potentially reduce the BCRL rate.Trial registrationChiCTR1800014247
The Mediating Roles of Coping Styles and Resilience in the Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Posttraumatic Growth among Primary Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Chen Wu , M.D Yaping , Ma Songcui , Jing Guojian , Zhou Wei , Qu Lei , Wang Zitong , Cheng Mei , Wu Yulong
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite the substantial burden of caring schizophrenic patients, primary caregivers can also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG) which may buffer their negative experience. Influencing factors of PTG and their functional pathways among primary caregivers of schizophrenic patients remain unclear. This study is designed to test the simple and serial mediating roles of coping styles and resilience in the relationship between perceived social support and PTG among those primary caregivers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to January 2019, and 365 primary caregivers (self-reported) of schizophrenic patients were analyzed. Measures used to assess their perceived social support, coping styles, resilience, and PTG were the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, respectively. Structural equation modeling was used to run the analysis.Results: The average scores of PTG (range: 0-5), perceived social support (range: 1-7), positive coping style (range: 0-3), negative coping style (range: 0-3), resilience (range: 0-4) reported by primary caregivers was (2.91 ± 0.99), (4.80 ± 1.26), (1.79 ± 0.65), (1.49 ± 0.56), and (2.46 ± 0.66), respectively. The fitness indices of measurement and structural models were satisfactory. Three indirect pathways totally explained 55.56% variance of the PTG. The indirect effect of positive coping style between perceived social support and PTG was 0.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.37], and this simple mediation pathway explained 27.78% variance of PTG. The indirect effect of resilience between perceived social support and PTG was 0.11 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.20], and this simple mediation pathway explained 15.28% variance of PTG. The indirect effect of positive coping style and then resilience between perceived social support and PTG was 0.09 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.17], and this serial mediation pathway explained 12.50% variance of PTG. Conclusions: Both simple and serial mediation roles of positive coping style and resilience are established in the relationship between perceived social support and PTG among primary caregivers of schizophrenic patients. Positive coping style and resilience are two important targets for future interventional studies, and interventions on them may bring the synergistic effect on improving PTG.
Prevalence and predictors of ocular complications among children with nephrotic syndrome in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Nakubulwa Faith , Lusobya Rebecca Claire , Batte Anthony , Ssuna Bashir , Nakanjako Damalie , Nakiyingi Lydia , Nalukenge Caroline , Onen Francis Sebabi , Mulinde Ben , Otiti-Sengeri Juliet
Published: October 2020

Background
Nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerulopathy among children aged 2–18 years and high dose corticosteroids are the backbone of its management. Potentially blinding ocular complications often result from nephrotic syndrome and/or its treatment. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and predictors of ocular complications among children with nephrotic syndrome receiving care at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted for three (3) months at pediatric renal unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). Data from a consecutive sample of 100 children was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, entered into Epi-data 4.4.2 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. A robust Poisson regression model was used to identify predictors of ocular complications.
Results
Out of 100 patients examined, 80(80%) had ocular complications. The median age was 10 (IQR: 7–12) and 52 (52%) were girls. The most frequent complications were hypertrichosis and refractive errors in 71%(95%CI 61.1–79.6) and 56%(95%CI 45.7–65.9) of the patients respectively. Age above 10 years was the predictor for ocular complications with a RR = 1.37 (95%CI:1.14–1.64) P = 0.001.
Conclusions
We found a high prevalence of ocular complications among children with nephrotic syndrome in this tertiary hospital. The predictor of ocular complications was age greater than 10 years. We recommend that all children with nephrotic syndrome undergo a baseline ocular examination prior to commencement of treatment and be reviewed periodically by an ophthalmologist.
Beyond the brain: towards a mathematical modeling of emotions
Authors: Ambrosio Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Emotions are a central key for understanding human beings and of fundamental importance regarding their impact in human and animal behaviors. They have been for a long time a subject of study for various scholars including in particular philosophers and mystics [ 30, 6, 8, 36, 4, 23, 28, 32 ]. In modern science, the emotional phenomenon has attracted for a few decades an increasing number of studies, notably in the fields of Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Biochemistry [ 1, 2, 3, 10, 12, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 33, 35 ]. However, since our perception of emotions is not, so far, directly detectable nor recordable by our measure instruments, Physics and Mathematics have not been so far used academically to provide a precise description of the phenomenon of feeling an emotion. Relying upon the works of O. Elahi [ 11, 15 ] and on the hypothesis that the human soul and its psyche may manifest in ourselves (in both conscious and unconscious manner) in an analog way as electromagnetic waves [ 14 ], we propose here a few mathematical descriptions consistent with the human personal experience, of the feeling and cognition of emotions. As far as we know, such a mathematical description has never been provided before. It allows a quantitative (intensity) and qualitative (nature of feelings/frequency) of the emotional phenomenon which provides a novel scientific approach of the nature of the mind, complementary to the on going research of physiological manifestation of emotions. We anticipate such an approach and mathematical modeling to become an important tool to describe emotions and their subsequent behavior. In complement of the modeling of oscillations and brain dynamics[ 5, 9, 29 ], it provides a fruitful direction of research with potentially broad and deep impacts in both applied mathematics, physics, cognitive and behavioral sciences.
The Microfoundations of Physicians’ Managerial Attitude
Authors: Vincenzo Fausto Di , Angelozzi Daria , Morandi Federica
Published: October 2020

Background. Accountable care has profoundly changed the organizational models adopted by health care organizations and, consequently, the skill set required for doctor-managers who have become middle managers and must deal with the operational management of their units. The aim of this study was to identify the psychological microfoundations (i.e., traits) of physicians’ managerial attitude. Specifically, we analysed the roles played by narcissism, specialization choices and identification with the organization. Methods. We collected primary data on a population of ward unit heads in the Italian National Health Service. A logistic regression model predicting the levels of managerial attitude was employed. Results. The results indicate that high levels of narcissism and identification with the organization are related with higher managerial attitude (instead of clinical attitude). Additionally, we found that physicians with a technique-oriented specialization present a higher probability of manifesting managerial attitude (in comparison to clinical attitude). Conclusions. Hospital managers can benefit from the use of these findings by developing a strategic approach to human resource management that allows them to identify, train and select the right mix of technical knowledge and managerial skills for middle management roles.
“Validation of a Cyberbullying Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Other Forms of Intimate-Partner Violence Towards Young Women”
Authors: Hernández-García Lucía , Castañeda Myrian Pichiule , Lozano Luisa Lasheras , Alcaide Marisa Pires , Gavín María Ordobás , Grande Ana Gandarillas
Published: October 2020

Fundamentals:The use of electronic media is widespread among young people and is a potential tool for the perpetration of intimate-partner violence (IPV) towards women. The aim of this study is to validate two questions focused on harassment and control by electronic tools (HCE-2) as a screening tool for the detection of IPV in young women.Methodology:The data source was the third Community of Madrid IPV survey in 2014. The screening tool consisted of two questions with five possible answers prepared by a group of experts. The gold-standard definition of IPV was that of a questionnaire of 26 questions. The validity indices (with 95% confidence intervals) were compared between two age groups: 18-24 and 25-29 years.Results:The response rate was 68.7%, and 477 surveys were analyzed. The prevalence of IPV was 10.7% (95% CI: 8.2-13.8). HCE-2 was positive in 5.9% (95% CI: 4.1-8.4). The overall efficiency of the test was 93.5% (95% CI: 91.1-96.7), sensitivity 47.1% (95% CI: 33.7-60.8), specificity 99.1% (95% CI: 97.5-99.6), and positive predictive value 85.7% (95% CI: 67.1-94.6). The best validity indices of the questionnaire were observed in women aged 18 to 24 years: overall efficiency of the test 95.1% (95% CI: 92.6-97.7), sensitivity 62.5% (95% CI: 44.5-77.6), specificity 99.6% (95% CI: 97.0-99.9), and positive predictive value 95.2% (95% CI: 71.7-99.4).Conclusions:The existing need to improve the detection of IPV in young women and the good validity indices observed here justify the recommendation of the HCE-2 questionnaire as a screening tool in young women.
The Effects of Secondary Iron Overload and Iron Chelation on A Radiation-Induced Acute Myeloid Leukemia Mouse Model
Authors: Chan Lap Shu Alan , Gu Lilly ChunHong , Wells Richard A.
Published: October 2020

Background: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) require chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion due to anemia. Multiple RBC transfusions cause secondary iron overload and subsequent excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to mutations, cell death, organ failure, and inferior disease outcomes. We hypothesize that iron loading promotes AML development by increasing oxidative stress and disrupting important signaling pathways in the bone marrow cells (BMCs). Conversely, iron chelation therapy (ICT) using deferasirox may reduce AML risk by lowering iron burden in the iron-loaded animals.Methods: We utilized a radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (RI-AML) animal model. Iron overload was introduced via intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran, and iron chelation via oral gavage of deferasirox. A total of 86 irradiated B6D2F1 mice with various levels of iron burden were monitored for leukemia development over a period of 70 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was utilized to assess leukemia free survival. In addition, a second cohort of 30 mice was assigned for early analysis at 5 and 7 months post-irradiation. The BMCs of the early cohort were assessed for alterations of signaling pathways, DNA damage response and gene expression. Statistical significance was established using Student’s t-test or ANOVA.Results: Iron loading in irradiated B6D2F1 mice accelerated AML development. However, there was a progressive decrease in AML risk for irradiated mice with increase in iron burden from 7.5 to 15 to 30 mg. In addition, ICT decreased AML incidence in the 7.5 mg iron-loaded irradiated mice, while AML onset was earlier for the 30 mg iron-loaded irradiated mice that received ICT. Furthermore, analysis of BMCs from irradiated mice at earlier intervals revealed accelerated dysregulation of signaling pathways upon iron loading, while ICT partially mitigated the effects.Conclusions: We concluded that iron is a promoter of leukemogenesis in vivo up to a peak iron dose, but further iron loading decreases AML risk by increasing cell death. ICT can partially mitigate the adverse effects of iron overload, and to maximize its benefit this intervention should be undertaken prior to the development of extreme iron overload.
Health Care Workers’ Experiences of Workplace Incidents that Posed a Risk of Patient and Worker Injury: A Critical Incident Technique Analysis
Authors: Strid Emma Nilsing , Wåhlin Charlotte , Ros Axel , Kvarnström Susanne
Published: October 2020

Background Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of occupational injuries and approximately 10-15% of patients are affected by an adverse event during their hospital stay. There is scarce scientific literature about how HCWs manage these risks in practice and what support they need. This knowledge is needed to improve safety for patients and HCWs. This study explores HCWs’ experiences of workplace incidents that led to injury or posed a risk of patient and worker injury, with focus on HCWs’ actions and emotions.Methods This study employed a qualitative design using the critical incident technique. Semi-structured individual interviews were held with 34 HCWs from three regions in Sweden. Data were analysed using inductive category development. Results Altogether 71 workplace incidents were reported. The analysis of two dimensions – actions HCWs take and emotions they feel when a workplace incident occurs – yielded two main areas each: HCWs’ actions, actions by the team and managers, anxiety during the incident, and persistent distress after the incident. Health care workers risked their own safety and health to provide patient safety. Teamwork and trustful relationships were critical for patient and worker safety. Support and validation from colleagues and managers were important for closure; unsatisfactory manager response and insufficient opportunities to debrief the incident could lead to persistent negative emotions. Participants described insecurity and fear, sadness over being injured at work, and shame and self-regret when the patient or themselves were injured. When the workplace had not taken the expected action, they felt anger and resignation, often turning into long-term distress. Conclusions Work situations leading to injury or risk of patient and worker injury are emotionally distressing for HCWs. Team interplay may facilitate safe and dynamic practices and help HCWs overcome negative emotions. Organizational support is imperative for individual closure. For safety in health care, employers need to develop strategies for active management of risks, avoiding injuries and providing support after an injury.
Attempted Control of Paratuberculosis in Dairy Calves by Only Changing The Quality of Milk Fed to Calves
Authors: Steuer Pamela , Tejeda Carlos , Moroni Manuel , Verdugo Cristóbal , Collins Michael T. , Salgado Miguel
Published: October 2020

Background: The most important route of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) transmission is fecal-oral and milk is an important vehicle for MAP transmission to dairy calves. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of treatments for milk being fed to calves as a means of preventing MAP infection transmission. A one-year longitudinal study was carried out on a Chilean dairy farm. New-born calves were assigned to one of four experimental groups. Five calves received naturally MAP-contaminated milk. For comparison, 5 calves received the same milk after treatment with copper ions, 4 calves were fed commercial calf milk replacer and 3 were fed UHT pasteurized milk designed for human consumption purchased from retail stores. MAP concentrations were estimated for copper-treated and untreated milk. Infection progression was monitored monthly. After one year, calves were euthanized, and tissue samples were cultured and visually examined.Results: MAP was undetectable in calf milk replacer and UHT milk. Copper ions treatment significantly reduced the number of viable MAP in naturally contaminated milk. Fecal shedding of MAP was observed in all study groups, but the group of calves fed untreated, naturally contaminated milk began to shed MAP earlier than the rest.Conclusions: Strict dependence on a single intervention to block infection transmission, no matter how important, may fail to control this insidious infection on dairy farms. To be successful, paratuberculosis control programs must use multiple methods to interrupt infection transmission between the source, MAP-infected adult cows, and the most susceptible animals on the farm, young calves.
Identification of Seven Hub Genes as the Novel Biomarkers in Triple-negative Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Wu Huanxian , Lian Huining , Chen Qianqing , Yang Jinlamao , Ou Baofang , Quan Dongling , Zhou Lei , Lv Lin , Liu Minfeng , Wu Shaoyu
Published: October 2020

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality among women. Compared with the other breast cancer subtypes, Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a higher probability of recurrence and is prone to distant metastasis. To reveal the underlying disease mechanisms and identify more effective biomarkers for TNBC and breast cancer metastasis. Methods: Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were used for investigating the role of overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Hub genes among these DEGs were determined by the protein-protein interactions network analysis and CytoHubba. Oncomine databases were used for verifying the clinical relevance of hub genes. Furthermore, the differences in the expression of these genes in cancer and normal tissues were validated in the cellular, animal and human tissue.Results: Seven hub genes, including TTK, KIF11, SPAG5, RRM2, BUB1, CDCA8 and CDC25C, were identified that might be associated with TNBC and breast cancer metastasis. Meanwhile, these genes have been verified highly expressed in tumor cells and tumor tissues, and patients with higher expression of these genes have a poorer prognosis. Conclusions: Seven hub genes were potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapy of TNBC and breast cancer metastasis.
Prognostic Score and Associations With Survival Improvement Offered by Radiotherapy After Surgery for Adenocarcinomas of Parotid Gland: A Population-based Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Qiu Wenlong , Zhang Wenhao
Published: October 2020

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) after surgery is a treatment option in the management of parotid adenocarcinoma, and the role of adjuvant RT for parotid adenocarcinoma remains to be clarified. The survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) based on prognostic risk factors needs further determination.Materials and methods: In this retrospective cohort study using SEER data, patients were divided into surgery+RT (RT group) and surgery alone (non-RT group). A prognostic risk model was constructed to stratify patients based on the survival rate. We performed a Cox regression analysis with propensity score weighting to evaluate survival benefit between the two groups. Results: We identified 2223 eligible patients with parotid adenocarcinoma, 1449 (65.2%) in the RT group and 774 (34.8%) in the non-RT group. Overall, 674 cancer-specific deaths occurred over a median follow-up of 141 months, the overall survival (OS) of RT group was better than that of non-RT group in the weighted analysis (HR=0.656, 95% CI=0.487-0.882, P=0.005). Significant survival improvements in the RT group compared with the non-RT group were only observed in patients with high risk (HR=0.647, 95% CI=0.426-0.983, P=0.041). The survival benefit of RT was significantly correlated with prognostic risk stratification (P<.001).Conclusion: In this population-based study, the patient prognostic risk stratification for parotid adenocarcinoma is associated with the magnitude of survival improvement by RT after surgery, suggesting that this risk model could provide decision guidance on comprehensive treatment strategy.
Identification of Women at Risk for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in A Sample of 1000 Slovenian Women: A Comparison of Guidelines
Authors: Kotnik Urška , Peterlin Borut , Lovrecic Luca
Published: October 2020

Background: An important number of breast and ovarian cancer cases is due to a strong genetic predisposition. The main tool for identifying individuals at risk is recognizing a suggestive family history of cancer. We present a prospective study on applying three selected clinical guidelines to a cohort of 1000 Slovenian women to determine the prevalence of at-risk women according to each of the guidelines and analyze the differences amongst the guidelines.Methods: Personal and family history of cancer was collected for 1000 Slovenian women. Guidelines by three organizations: National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), American College of Medical Genetics in cooperation with National Society of Genetic Counselors (ACMG/NSGC), and Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) were applied to the cohort. The number of women identified, the characteristics of the high-risk population, and the agreement between the guidelines were explored. Results: NCCN guidelines identify 16.7 % of women, ACMG/NSGC guidelines identify 7.1 % of women, and SGO guidelines identify 7.0 % of women from the Slovenian population, while 6.2 % of women are identified by all three guidelines as having high-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.Conclusions: We identified 17.4 % of women from the Slovenian population as being at an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer based on their personal and family history of cancer using all of the guidelines. There are important differences between the guidelines. NCCN guidelines are the most inclusive, identifying more than twice the amount of women as high-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer as compared to the AGMG/NSCG and SGO guidelines in the Slovenian population.
A Valuable Plasma Membrane Protein Prognostic Model in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Haosheng , Fang Jianxiong , Liu Tianqi , Zhang Zhenhui , Zhao Chao , Peng Tianming , Li Yong , Pu Xiaoyong , Liu Jiumin
Published: October 2020

Background: Renal cell cacinoma (RCC) accounts for 3% of human cancers, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common pathological type of RCC. Cell surface proteins have been shown to play an important role in the occurrence and progression of various cancers. In this study, we focused on plasma membrane proteins (PMPs), to explore their potential value in ccRCC. Methods: The PMPs expression profiles and ccRCC patients’ clinical information were downloaded from TCGA database. Through a series of bioinformatic methods, we established a plasma membrane proteins prognostic model and verify its value in multiple ways. Results: Multivariate cox regression analysis and area under receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that this model was an effective independent predictor of ccRCC clinical outcomes. It has good prognostic value in different groups of clinical features. Combined with other two clinical characteristics, a nomogram was constructed to predict patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years. Conclusions: Our study is the first to explore the prognostic value of plasma membrane proteins in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We hope our work could provide a new viewpoint for ccRCC prognosis and drawn people’s attention to plasma membrane proteins in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.