bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors of Dengue Fever in an Urban Area in Vietnam: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Nguyen-Tien Thang , Cuong Do Duy , Luat Le Xuan , Hai Dinh Thi , Lindeborg Mats , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Lundkvist Åke , Grace Delia Randolph , Lindahl Johanna
Published: October 2020

Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne flavivirus present in many metropolitan cities of tropical countries. Methods: During and after the dengue season (September 2018 to January 2019), we conducted a case-control study in order to determine the risk factors for dengue fever in Hanoi city, Vietnam. 98 dengue patients and 99 patients with other acute infections were recruited at Department of Infectious Disease of Bach Mai national hospital in Hanoi. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering demographic, housing, environmental factors and knowledge, attitude, and practice on dengue prevention and control. Results: The mean score of knowledge items and practice items was only 7.9 out of total 19 points and 3.9 out of total 17 points, respectively. While the mean score of attitude items was 4.8 out of total 6 points. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that older patients had lesser risk of getting dengue infection as compared to younger adults aged 16-30, and patients living in peri-urban districts were less likely to suffer of dengue fever than patients living in central urban districts (OR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.13-0.75). This study could not find any association with occupation, water storage habit, knowledge, attitude, or practice on dengue prevention. Conclusions: All patients had a relatively low level of knowledge and practice on dengue prevention and control. However, the attitude of the participants was good. We found that age group and living district were the risk factors correlated with the dengue status. Communication programs on raising dengue awareness should be repeated all year round and target particular groups of adolescents, younger adults, landlords and migrants from other provinces to improve their knowledge and encourage them to implement preventive measures against dengue fever.
To Isolate or Not To Isolate: The Impact of Changing Behavior on COVID-19 Transmission
Authors: Agusto Folashade B. , Erovenko Igor V. , Fulk Alexander , Abu-Saymeh Qays , Romero-Alvarez Daniel , Ponce Joan , Sindi Suzanne , Ortega Omayra , Onge Jarron M. Saint , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 25 million cases and 800 thousand deaths worldwide to date. Neither vaccines nor therapeutic drugs are currently available for this novel coronavirus. All measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are thus based on reducing contact between infected and susceptible individuals. Most of these measures such as quarantine and self-isolation require voluntary compliance by the population. However, humans may act in their (perceived) self-interest only. We construct a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission with quarantine and hospitalization coupled with a dynamic game model of adaptive human behavior. Susceptible and infected individuals adopt various behavioral strategies based on perceived prevalence and burden of the disease and sensitivity to isolation measures, and they evolve their strategies using a social learning algorithm (imitation dynamics). This results in complex interplay between the epidemiological model, which affects success of different strategies, and the game-theoretic behavioral model, which in turn affects the spread of the disease. We found that the second wave of the pandemic, which has been observed in the US, can be attributed to rational behavior of susceptible individuals, and that multiple waves of the pandemic are possible if the rate of social learning of infected individuals is sufficiently high. To reduce the burden of the disease on the society, it is necessary to incentivize such altruistic behavior by infected individuals as voluntary self-isolation.
A Single-Cell Atlas of Liver Metastases of Colorectal Cancer Reveals the Reprogramming of the Tumor Microenvironment in Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Jian-Ming , Che Li-Heng , Liu Jing-Wen , Luo Rong , Huo Jian-Ping , Li Yu-Qing , Zhou Ai-Jun , Huang Piao , Chen Yong-Yu , Ni Wen , Zhou Yunxia , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Li Hui-Yan , Zhou Rong , Mo Hui
Published: October 2020

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. How to improve therapeutic options for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) is the core question for CRC treatment. However, the complexity and diversity of stromal context of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in liver metastases of CRC is not fully understood, and its influence on response to chemotherapy is unclear. Here we provide an in-depth analysis of transcriptional landscape of primary CRC, matched liver metastases and blood at single-cell resolution, and perform a systematic examination of transcriptional changes and phenotypic alteration of the TME in response to preoperative chemotherapy (PC). Based on 111,292 single-cell transcriptomes, our study reveal that TME of treatment-naïve tumors is characterized by higher abundance of less-activated B cells and higher heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). By contrast, in tumors treated with preoperative chemotherapy, we find reprogramming of B cell activation, lower diversity of TAMs with immature and less activated phenotype, lower abundance of both dysfunctional T cells and ECM-remodeling cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), an accumulation of myofibroblast. Our study may provide a foundation to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying liver metastasis of CRC and response to preoperative chemotherapy, and open up new possibilities for predicting and guiding therapeutic responsiveness.
Dynamic prediction of renal survival using artificial intelligence:
an international study of deeply phenotyped cohorts of kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Loupy Alexandre , Raynaud Marc , Aubert Olivier , Reese Peter P. , Kamar Nassim , Chin Chen-Shan , Bailly Élodie , Ladrière Marc , Quintrec Moglie Le , Delahousse Michel , Juric Ivana , Basic-Jukic Nikolina , Crespo Marta , Junior Helio Tedesco Silva , Linhares Kamilla , Castro Maria Cristina Ribeiro de , Gervacio Soler Pujol , Empana Jean-Philippe , Ulloa Camilo , Akalin Enver , Böhmig Georg , Huang Edmund , Glotz Denis , Stegall Mark D. , Bentall Andrew J. , Montgomery Robert A. , Jordan Stanley C. , Oberbauer Rainer , Segev Dorry L. , Friedewald John J , Legendre Christophe , Jouven Xavier , Lefaucheur Carmen
Published: October 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Potential Effect of Nav1.8 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from a Congenital Case with Compound Heterozygous SCN10A Mutations
Authors: Heinrichs Björn , Liu Baowen , Zhang Jin , Meents Jannis E , Le Kim , Hautvast Petra , Zhu Xiwen , Li Ningbo , Liu Yi , Rothermel Markus , Namer Barbara , Zhang Xianwei , Lampert Angelika , Duan Guangyou
Published: October 2020

Apart from the most prominent symptoms in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), namely deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior, patients often show abnormal sensory reactivity to environmental stimuli. Especially potentially painful stimuli are reported to be experienced in a different way compared to healthy persons. In our present study, we present an ASD patient carrying compound heterozygous mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) Nav1.8, which is preferentially expressed in sensory neurons. We expressed both identified mutations, p.I1511M and p.R512X, in a heterologous expression system and investigated their biophysical properties using patch-clamp recordings. The results of these experiments suggest that both mutations lead to different degrees of loss-of-function of Nav1.8. Behavioral experiments in a Nav1.8 loss-of-function mouse model additionally revealed Nav1.8 may play a role in autistic behavior. Our results present Nav1.8 as a protein potentially involved in ASD pathophysiology and may therefore offer new insights to the genetic basis of this disease.
Assessment of Health Management Information System (HMIS) implementation in South West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Central Ethiopia.
Authors: Bogale Addisuu , Rikitu Dufera
Published: October 2020

Background: Health management information system (HMIS) is a system that allows for the collection, storage, compilation, transmission, analysis and usage of health data that assist decision makers and stakeholders manage and plan resources at every level of health service. The objective was to assess Health Management Information System (HMIS) implementation in south west shewa, oromia, central Ethiopia 2019.Methods and Materials: The assessment was conducted in south west Shewa from August 17 to 25, 2019. Facility based cross sectional study design was employed and 22 health centers were included in the study. Collected data was entered in Epi-data and analyzed using SPSS 23 and Microsoft excel 2010.Results: Among health centers assessed 58% and 92% had HMIS unit and electric power respectively. In all woredas HMIS focal person was assigned and trained on information use. At health center level HMIS recording and reporting, indicator reference, NCoD and information use manuals availability were 25%, 33%, 17% and 58% respectively. The study shows that implementation of information display, and functionality of PMT were 74% and 58% respectively. During the assessment interviewed midwives on the service delivery unit only 75% of health center define and record new and repeat acceptor of family planning according to the national revised HMIS indicators. Also 67% of health officer assigned to outpatient department define new and repeat and filled in the register properly and some of them didn’t use NCoD to classify HMIS disease classification.Conclusions: Health management information System (HMIS) in south west shewa zone was not fully implemented and there is a challenge related to improving data accuracy, access to computerized HMIS data and competencies to analyze, interpret and use of HMIS data at health center levels. Also, presence of reporting mechanism, displaying information and feedback mechanism were poor at health center level. Therefore, it is important to function performance monitoring team meeting and supportive supervision regularly at all levels.
Sex difference in infant mortality: a study of UK Paediatric Intensive Care admissions over 11 years
Authors: Almossawi Ofran , O'Brien Scott , Parslow Roger , Nadel Simon , Palla Luigi
Published: October 2020

Rationale
Within the UK, child mortality from all causes has declined for all ages over the last three decades. However, distinct inequality remains, as child mortality rates vary by sex and are generally found to be higher in males. A significant proportion of childhood deaths in the UK occur in Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU).

Objectives
We aimed to study the association of sex with infant mortality in PICUs.

Methods
We obtained data for all infant admissions to UK-PICUs from 01/01/2005 to 31/12/2015. We assessed the causal relationship between sex and mortality and selected appropriate variables for adjustment. We fitted a cause specific hazard ratio (CSHR) model, and a logistic model to estimate the adjusted effect of sex on mortality in PICU. Pre-defined subgroups were children less than 56 days old, and those with a primary diagnosis of infection.

Measurements and Main Results
Within the 71,243 admissions, there were 1,411/29,520 (4.8%) female deaths, and 1,809/41,723 (4.3%) male deaths. The adjusted male to female CSHR was 0.87 (95%-CI 0.81 to 0.92) representing a 13% higher risk of death for females over males. Similarly, the adjusted OR for male to female mortality is 0.87 (95%-CI, 0.81 to 0.94). Subgroup analysis yielded similar findings.
Conclusions
Female sex is associated with higher mortality in infants needing PICU admission, despite similar severity of illness to males. There was no effect of age or infection status. This suggests that females and males differ in the pathophysiology of critical illness and/or their response to treatment.
NAD+ flux is maintained in aged mice
Authors: McReynolds Melanie , Chellappa Karthikeyani , Chiles Eric , Jankowski Connor , Shen Yishui , Chen Li , Descamps Helene , Mukherjee Sarmistha , Bhat Yashaswini , Chu Qingwei , Botolin Paul , Thaiss Cristoph , Lu Wenyun , Su Xiaoyang , Rabinowitz Joshua , Baur Joseph
Published: October 2020

NAD+ is an essential coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD+ concentrations decline during aging, but whether this reflects impaired production or accelerated consumption remains unclear. Here we employed isotope tracing and mass spectrometry to probe NAD+ metabolism across tissues in aged mice. In 25-month-old mice, we observe modest tissue NAD+ depletion (median decrease ~ 30%) without significant changes in circulating NAD+ precursors. Isotope tracing showed unimpaired synthesis of circulating nicotinamide from tryptophan, and maintained flux of circulating nicotinamide into tissue NAD+ pools. Although absolute NAD+ biosynthetic flux was maintained in most tissues of aged mice, fractional tissue NAD+ labeling from infused labeled nicotinamide was modestly accelerated, consistent with increased activity of NAD+ consuming enzymes. Long-term calorie restriction partially mitigated age-associated NAD+ decline despite decreasing NAD+ synthesis, suggesting that calorie restriction reduces NAD+ consumption. Thus, age-related decline in NAD+ is relatively subtle and driven by increased NAD+ consumer activity rather than impaired production.
Integrated Analysis of Immunocyte Infiltration and Differential Gene Expression in Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Qin Xianyu , Chen Shaoxian , Wu Min , Wu Yueheng , Zhuang Jian
Published: October 2020

Objective: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is one of the main reasons for sudden cardiac death (SCD) of young people. Researches have revealed that immune-related genes are closely relevant with HOCM. Therefore, it is important to explore the key immune regulatory mechanisms and biomarkers of HOCM.Methods: We used many bioinformatics methods, including linear models for microarray analysis (LIMMA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG), and CIBERSORT to assess the key pathway and hub genes involved in HOCM. Furthermore, expression levels of hub genes were validated in human tissue.Results: Our results showed that the degree of infiltration of five immune cells were linked to HOCM, including monocytes, macrophages M2, NK cell resting, B cells native, and T cells regulatory (Tregs). A total of 7 hub genes (CCL2, CXCL8, FOS, MAP2K1, NFKBIA, STAT3, and TNFRSF1A) were identified and validated by qt-PCR. The core genes including CCL2, MAP2K1, NFKBIA, STAT3, and TNFRSF1A are closely related to monocytes infiltration in HOCM.Conclusion: Taken together, our research will provide useful information to explore the immune mechanisms underlying HOCM and the potential targets for therapy. The candidate genes CCL2, MAP2K1, NFKBIA, STAT3, and TNFRSF1A were involved in the regulation of monocytes tissue infiltration, which is closely related to the HOCM.
Comparison of Methodologies Used to Determine Monolignol Ratios in Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Happs Renee M. , Addison Bennett , Doeppke Crissa , Donohoe Bryon S. , Davis Mark F. , Harman-Ware Anne Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMultiple analytical methods have been developed to determine the ratios of monolignol monomers, particularly the syringyl/guaiacyl (S/G) ratio, of lignin biopolymers in plant cell walls. Chemical degradation methods yield monomers that are either selective of certain linkages, such as thioacidolysis, or induce chemical changes rendering it impossible to distinguish and determine the source of specific monomers, such as nitrobenzene oxidation. NMR methods provide powerful tools used to analyze cell walls for lignin monomeric composition and linkage information. Pyrolysis-mass spectrometry methods are also widely used, particularly as a high-throughput method. However, the different techniques used to analyze lignin monolignol ratios frequently yield different results within particular studies, making it difficult to interpret and compare results, and to obtain meaningful insights relating these measurements to other characteristics of plant cell walls that may impact biomass sustainability and conversion metrics for the production of bio-derived fuels and chemicals.ResultsThe authors compared the S/G monolignol ratios of pine, several genotypes of poplar, and corn stover biomass obtained from thioacidolysis, pyrolysis-molecular beam mass spectrometry (py-MBMS), HSQC liquid-state NMR and solid-state (ss) NMR methodologies. An underutilized approach to deconvolute ssNMR spectra was implemented to derive S/G ratios. The S/G ratios obtained for the samples did not agree across the different methods, but trends were similar with the most agreement among the py-MBMS, HSQC NMR and deconvoluted ssNMR methods. The relationship between monolignol S/G, thioacidolysis yields, and linkage analysis determined by HSQC is also addressed.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates that different methods using chemical, thermal, and nondestructive NMR techniques to determine native monolignol S/G ratios in plant cell walls may yield different results depending on species and linkage abundances. Spectral deconvolution likely applies well to many hardwoods that are S and G dominant, but results may not be reliable for some woody and grassy species for which the lignin composition is more diverse. HSQC may be a better method for analyzing lignin in those species given the wealth of information provided on additional aromatic moieties and bond linkages. Careful consideration is required when choosing a method to measure S/G ratios and the benefits and shortcomings of each method discussed here are summarized.
Predictors of Death at Home Among Cancer Patients in Israel: A Population-based Study
Authors: Rottenberg Yakir , Goldzweig Gil , Shaulov Adir
Published: October 2020

Background: Most cancer patients want to die at home; however, many die in hospital. The aim of the current study is to elucidate the correlation between dying at home and various personal factors in the Israeli population of cancer patients.Methods: Data on cancer incidence (2008-2015) and death (2008-2017) was provided by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics and the Israel National Cancer Registry. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to assess odds ratios for death at home following cancer diagnosis while controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, years of education, residential socioeconomic score, and time from diagnosis. We also assessed the relation between place of death and specific cancer sites, as well as the time trend from 2008-2017.Results: About one quarter (26.7%) of the study population died at home. Death at home was most frequent among patients diagnosed with brain tumors (37.0%), while it was the lowest among patients with hematologic malignancies (lymphoma and leukemia, 20.3% and 20.0%, respectively). Rates of dying at home among patients with residential socioeconomic scores of 1, 2-9, and 10 were about 15%, 30%, and 42.9%, respectively. In patients from the 4th to the 7th decades of life, rates of death at home increased at a linear rate that increased exponentially from the 8th decade onwards. After controlling for potential confounders, predictive variables for death at home included age (HR=1.020 per year), male sex (HR=1.18), years of education (HR=1.029 per year), and time from diagnosis (HR=1.003 per month, all p<0.001). No trend was seen from 2008-2013, while from 2014-2017 a slight increase in the rate of death at home was seen each year.Conclusions: These results indicate that inequality exists among cancer patients in Israel regarding the opportunity to die at home. The present findings stress the importance of delivering efficient palliative care at home, mainly for patients with hematologic malignancies, younger patients, and patients of very low socioeconomic statuses. Understanding the complex mechanisms whereby patient preferences and the above variables may determine the preferred place of death remains an important research priority.
Cryptotanshinone Breaks ERα-dependent and -independent BCRP Dimerization to Reverse the Multidrug Resistance in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ni Wenting , Fan Hui , Zheng Xiuqin , Xu Fangming , Wu Yuanyuan , Li Xiaoman , Wang Aiyun , Huang Shile , Chen Wenxing , Wang Shijun , Lu Yin
Published: October 2020

Background: Not only a long-term anti-estrogen therapy, but also estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer are generally prone to induce resistance, causing poor prognosis in clinic. Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) plays an important role in multidrug resistance. Here it is to elucidate the mechanism that a natural compound cryptotanshinone inhibits BCRP.Methods: HPLC was for analyzing the special compound concentration and molecular docking assay for the affinity of compound with protein. Non-reducing gradient gel electrophoresis and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy imaging were used to detect polymer and stain the membrane protein. Immunofluorescence staining, plasmids transfection, real-time PCR and western blot were also used.Results: Cryptotanshinone, an anti-estrogen compound was firstly found to inhibit breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) membrane dimerization to attenuate its transport function. And this process is dependent on estrogen receptor α (ERα) in breast cancer. Furthermore, the resistant breast cancer cells with high BCRP expression are also sensitive to cryptotanshinone because it can bind to BCRP and significantly inhibit membrane dimer of BCRP although they are ERα-negative, suggesting that BCRP expression is essential to cryptotanshinone reversing the resistance; Meanwhile, the combination of cryptotanshinone and chemotherapy drugs could obviously enhance the chemotherapeutic effect. Conclusion: Cryptotanshinone is a novel natural BCRP inhibitor via blocking the formation of BCRP membrane dimer by an ERα-dependent and -independent way. Cryptotanshinone reverses resistance dependent on BCRP in breast cancer.
Human stool preservation impacts taxonomic profiles in 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomics studies
Authors: Plauzolles Anne , Toumi Eya , Goutorbe Benoit , Bonnet Marion , Pénaranda Guillaume , Bidaut Ghislain , Chiche Laurent , Allardet-Servent Jérôme , Retornaz Frédérique , Halfon Philippe
Published: October 2020

Background: Microbiotas play critical roles in human health, yet in most cases scientists lack standardized and reproducible methods. To date, stool sample preservation remains a source of technological bias in metagenomic sequencing, despite newly developed storage solutions. Studying those biases will help in identifying the appropriate stool preservation approach to promote the implementation of standard operating procedure and improve comparability across multiple microbiome studies. Results: Here, we conducted a comparative study of 10 storage methods for human stool over a 15-day period of storage at fluctuating temperatures. We first compared the performance of each stabilizer with observed bacterial composition variation within the same specimen. Then, we identified the nature of the observed variations to determine which bacterial populations were more impacted by the stabilizer. We found that DNA stabilizers display various stabilizing efficacies and affect the recovered bacterial profiles. Furthermore, our results showed that the bias associated with the stabilizers can be linked to the phenotypical characteristics of the bacterial populations present in the studied samples. Conclusions: Although newly developed storage solutions have improved our capacity to stabilize stool microbial content over time, they are nevertheless not devoid of biases. We therefore recommend considering the nature of these technological biases before claiming whether some microbes are beneficial or even deleterious to human health.
CCL19 has potential to be a prognostic biomarker and a modulator of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of breast cancer: a comprehensive analysis based on TCGA database
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Wang Jinqiu , Gu Quan , Yang Yan , Ma Yajun , Zhang Quan'an
Published: October 2020

The development of cancer was determined by not only the intrinsic properties of cancer cells, but also the communication between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). We applied ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms to calculate the immune/stromal component and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in TME of BC. The results showed that immune component in TME predicted patients’ survival and associated with progression of BC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily enriched in immune-related activities. Finally, CCL19 was acquired which shared the leading nodes in PPI network and was associated with patients’ survival. High expression of CCL19 predicted better prognosis and participated in progression of BC. Genes in CCL19 up-regulated group were enriched in immune-related activities and these functions might depend on the communications between CCL19 and multiple TICs in TIME. In conclusion, CCL19 functioned as a potential prognostic biomarker and a modulator of TIME in BC through communicating with various TICs.
Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Melanoma Development by Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Xu Guoyong , Liang Tuo , Yu Chaojie , Liao Shian , Zhang Zide , Lu Zhaojun , Wang Zequn , Chen Jiarui , Chen Tianyou , Li Hao , Liu Chong , Zhan Xinli
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify important genes associated with melanoma for further development of new target gene therapies and to analyze their significance in relation to prognosis.Materials and methods: Gene expression data for melanoma and normal tissue were downloaded from three databases. Differentially co-expressed genes were identified by WGCNA and DEGs analysis. These genes were subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analysis as well as construction of the PPI, visualized with Cytoscape, and screened for the top 10 Hub genes using CytoHubba. We verified the protein levels of the Hub gene using the HPA database.Results: A total of 435 differentially co-expressed genes were obtained. Survival curves showed that high expression of FOXM1, EXO1, KIF20A, TPX2 and CDC20 in melanoma patients with 5 of the top 10 hub genes was associated with reduced overall survival (OS). The HPA database results showed that FOXM1, KIF20A, TPX2 and CDC20 showed upregulated expression in melanoma compared to normal tissues.Conclusion: FOXM1, KIF20A, TPX2, and CDC20 are prognosis-associated core genes of melanoma, and their high expression correlates with low prognosis of melanoma patients, and can be used as biomarkers for melanoma diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction.
WITHDRAWN: Intimate partner violence and mental health problems among Sami and non-Sami in Norway – the SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey.
Authors: Eriksen Astrid M.A , Melhus Marita , Jacobsen Bjarne Koster , Schei Berit , Broderstad Ann-Ragnhild
Published: October 2020

Background: Mental health problems is an important contributor to the global burden of disease. Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and violence in childhood (CV) is associated with mental health problems. These issues are scarcely studied among the Sami. This study estimates the prevalence of IPV and its association to mental health problems among Sami and non-Sami, and whether the effect of IPV on mental health was altered by exposure to CV. To our knowledge, this is the first population-based study estimating IPV and its association to mental health problems among Sami and non-Sami in Norway. Methods: This study was based on the cross-sectional SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey, a part of the Population-based Study on Health and Living Conditions in Regions with Sami and Norwegian Populations – the SAMINOR Study. Pearson’s chi-square tests and two-sample t-tests were used for testing differences between groups and multiple linear regression analysis was applied to explore the association between IPV/CV and mental health problems (continuous scores of psychological distress and symptoms of post-traumatic stress). Results: A total of 12.8% of women and 2.0% of men reported to have experienced any IPV (emotional, physical, and/or sexual). A significantly higher proportion of Sami women reported exposure to emotional (12.4% vs. 9.5%, p=.003), physical (11.6% vs. 6.9%, p<.001), and any IPV (17.2% vs. 11.8%, p<.001) compared to non-Sami women. There were no ethnic differences in sexual IPV among women (2.1% vs. 1.8%, p=.5). The study demonstrated that being exposed to emotional, physical, or sexual IPV is associated with mental health problems. The most severe mental health problems were observed among those who reported both IPV and CV. There were no ethnic differences in the association between the different types of IPV and mental health problems, and we observed overall similar results among men and women. Conclusions: The most severe mental health problems were observed for those who were exposed to both IPV and CV. It is therefore important for victims of IPV to address experiences of violence in childhood. The effect that IPV and CV have on mental health problems seems to be same, regardless of ethnicity and gender.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices associated with COVID-19 among health care workers: A cross-sectional study in India.
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Shivkumar , Kandasamy Sangeetha , Almohammed Omar A. , Abraham Bobby , Senthilkumar Monika
Published: October 2020

Background In India, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused phenomenal loss of lives and overburdened the health system. Low morale, fatigue and inadequate knowledge among health personnel are perceived threats to pandemic control. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) studies among HCWs can identify crucial knowledge gaps and gauge psychological impact. We aimed to assess the COVID-19 related current level of knowledge, attitude and practices among our HCWs. Methods A cross-sectional, electronically distributed, questionnaire-based study was conducted among HCWs. The questionnaire identified participants’ demographics and the current KAP related to COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were used to present the participants’ demographics and Chi-square test to assess differences among the participants’ demographics based KAP. α < 0.05 was used for statistical significance. The association between the knowledge, attitude and practices was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results Of 1,429 total participants, 71.9% belonged to age group 21-40 years. Female workers constituted 61.5%. Only 40.2% received any infection control training and 62.7% relied upon single source of information update. However, 82.9% of participants had adequate knowledge. Being married, urban dwelling and higher qualification were associated with knowledge adequacy (p<0.001). Interestingly, senior HCWs (age 41-50 years) were least likely to have adequate knowledge (74.1%). 84.2% had positive attitude towards COVID. Notably, 83.8% feared providing care to COVID patient. 93% practised safety precautions correctly most of the times and training had no influence on practise. Positive correlation was recognized between adequate knowledge and positive attitude (r=0.26). Conclusion More than 80% of HCWs in India had adequate knowledge, positive attitude and practiced safely most of the time. However pitfalls like poor training, knowledge uncertainties and fear of disease acquisition among HCWs need to be addressed. Adverse outcomes can be averted by structured training sessions and psychological support programs for HCWs.
U-shaped association between BMI and the risk of PAD in Chinese hypertensive population
Authors: Li Junpei , Zhan Aihua , Yu Yun , Zhou Wei , Zhu Lingjuan , Wang Tao , Bao Huihui , Huang Xiao , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: October 2020

Background: High body mass index (BMI) is a well-recognized risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. But its role in peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains perplexing. Our study evaluated the association of BMI with PAD in Chinese hypertensive population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with enrollment data from the Chinese H-type Hypertension Registry.10896 hypertensive patients aged ≥18 years were included in the final analysis. Results: The prevalence of PAD diagnosed by ABI in this study was 3.2% (n=351). A U-shaped relationship between BMI and PAD was found. Per SD increment (3.6 kg/m2) on the left side of the BMI threshold (BMI < 25.7 kg/m2) was associated with a 27% decreased in the adjusted risk of PAD [OR, 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60, 0.89; P=0.002]; BMI was significantly positively associated with the risk of PAD (OR, 1.52; 95% CI 1.52, 1.93; P=0.001) in those with BMI ≥25.7 kg/m2. Conclusion: A “U-shaped” relationship between BMI and the risk of PAD in Chinese hypertensive population was found. BMI with the lowest risk of PAD was estimated to be 25.7 kg/m2.
Internalizing behavior problems among hui nationality left-behind children in rural China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yu Xue , Wang Lingling , Liu Miaomiao , Li Qiuli , Dai Xiuying , Li Lingui
Published: October 2020

Background: Internalizing behavior problems (IBPs) of left-behind children (LBC) due to parental migration, such as depression and anxiety, has aroused widespread public health concern in China. Limited research to date has focused on studying IBP in Chinese hui nationality LBC. The aims of this present study were to explore the prevalence of IBP and its influencing factors among hui nationality LBC in rural areas of China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school students from southern rural areas in Ningxia, China (2012-2013). The demographic data were investigated by a self-designed questionnaire. The caregivers or parents assessed internalizing behavior problems using Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL for parents). Children completed Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ for Children) and Piers-Harri Children's Self-concept Scale (PHCSS). Data on 383 hui nationality LBC aged 6–16 years used in this study were from a survey conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship among the independent variables with children’s internalizing behaviors. Results: The prevalence of IBP in hui nationality LBC and non-left-behind children (non-LBC) was 21.7% (83/383) and 18.2% (104/572), respectively, and there was no significant difference between them (χ2=1.774，P=0.183). However, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of IBP among hui nationality LBC (22.2%) and non-LBC (14.1) for boys (χ2=5.086，P=0.024). Controlling for gender and age, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high mother-favoring subjects (OR=2.697), medium neuroticism (OR=12.77) and high neuroticism (OR=8.436) were risk factors for IBP in hui nationality LBC.﻿Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration is a risk factor for IBP among hui nationality LBC in rural China. Positive measures should be taken to prevent the IBP of LBC in rural Hui nationality from the aspects of personality development and parental rearing patterns.
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy induced by ApoE Kyoto mutation in ApoE-deficient mice
Authors: Wu Hongyan , Yang Jing , Liu Yun-Qiang , Lei Song , Yang Mei , Yang Zhi , Yang Yuan , Hu Zhangxue
Published: October 2020

Background: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a rare autosomal dominant kidney disease that is most commonly caused by mutations in ApoE Kyoto (p.R43C) and ApoE Sendai (p.R163P). Differences in phenotype among the various ApoE mutations have been suggested, but the pathogenic role of ApoE Kyoto has not been validated in an animal model. This study intended to establish an ApoE Kyoto murine model and to further compare the pathologic differences between ApoE Kyoto and ApoE Sendai.Methods: Male ApoE-deficient mice, 3 months of age, were divided into five groups, including the Ad-ApoE Sendai, Ad-ApoE Kyoto, Ad-ApoE3, Ad-eGFP, and ApoE (−/−) groups. The first four groups received recombinant adenovirus that contained the entire coding regions of the human ApoE Sendai and ApoE Kyoto, apoE3, and eGFP genes, respectively. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected at multiple time points. Lipid profiles and urine albumin–creatinine ratio were measured. Renal and aortic histopathologic alterations were analyzed.Results: After virus injection, plasma human ApoE was detected and rapidly reached the maximum level at 4–6 days in the Ad-ApoE Kyoto and Ad-ApoE Sendai groups (17.4 ± 3.1 µg/mL vs.: 22.2 ± 4.5 µg/mL, respectively) and at 2 days in the Ad-apoE3 group (38.4 µg/mL). The serum total cholesterol decreased by 63%, 65%, and 73% in the Ad-ApoE Kyoto, Ad-ApoE Sendai, and Ad-apoE3 groups, respectively. There were no significant changes in serum triglyceride and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio among the five groups. Typical lipoprotein thrombi with positive ApoE staining were detected in the ApoE Kyoto and ApoE Sendai groups. The Oil-red O-positive glomerular area tended to be higher in the Ad-ApoE Kyoto group (9.2%) than in the Ad-ApoE Sendai (3.9%), Ad-apoE3 (4.8%), Ad-eGFP (2.9%), and ApoE (−/−) (3.6%) groups. The atherosclerotic plaque area in the aorta was lower in the group injected with various ApoE mutations than in the group without injection of ApoE mutation.Conclusions: In this animal study, we first established an ApoE Kyoto mutation murine model and confirmed its pathogenic role in LPG. Our results suggested that LPG may be more severe with the ApoE Kyoto than with the ApoE Sendai.
Balloon Occluded TACE (B-TACE) vs DEM-TACE for HCC. A Single Center Retrospective Case Control Study.
Authors: lucatelli Pierleone , De Rubeis Gianluca , Rocco Bianca , Basilico Fabrizio , Cannavale Alessandro , Abbatecola Aurelio , Nardis Pier Giorgio , Corona Mario , Brozzetti Stefania , Catalano Carlo , Bezzi Mario
Published: October 2020

Background To compare oncological results and safety profile of balloon micro-catheter trans-arterial chemoembolization (b-TACE) and drug-eluting-microsphere (DEM-TACE) in patients with hepatocellular-carcinoma (HCC).Methods This is a case-control, retrospective, single-center study. Between January-2015/March-2019, 149 patients (131 males [87.9%]) with 226 HCC were treated, 22 patients (35 HCC; 19 [86.4%] males) with b-TACE and 127 with DEM-TACE (191 HCC, 112 [88.2%] males). Embolization protocol was standardized (sequential 100±25 and 200±25 μm microspheres). Results were evaluated by modified-response-evaluation-criteria-in-solid-tumor [mRECIST] at 1, 3-6 and 9-12 months and time to recurrence after complete response [TTR] at 1 years. Cox’s regression weighted with tumor dimensions was performed. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded.Results mRECIST oncological response at all time points (1, 3-6 and 9-12 months) for both treatments were similar, with the exception of Objective response rate at 9-12months. Objective response at 1 and 3-6 months between b-TACE vs DEM-TACE [23/35 (65.7%) vs 119/191 (62.3%), 21/29 (72.4%) vs 78/136 (57.4%) (p>0.05), respectively]. On the contrary, at 9-12 months, it was significantly higher in b-TACE subgroup than DEM-TACE (15/19 [78.9%] vs 48/89 [53.9%], p=0.05). TTR for complete response at 1 year had a better trend for b-TACE vs DEM-TACE (278.0 days [196.0-342.0] vs 219.0 days [161.0-238.0], OR 0.68 [0.4-1.0], p=0.10). The use of balloon micro-catheter reduced the relative risk of the event of recurrence by 0.63 [CI95% 0.38-1.04]; p=0.07). No significant differences were found in AEs rate. Conclusion b-TACE showed a trend of better oncological response over DEM-TACE with and longer TTR with a similar adverse events rate, in patients presenting with larger tumors.
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Its Relationship with the Perceived Stress and the Breastfeeding Performance in Iranian Mothers with Late Preterm Infants, 2019
Authors: Kahforoushan Akram , Hasanpour Shirin , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundLate preterm infants suffer from many short-term and long-term problems after birth. The key factor in fighting these problems is effective breastfeeding. The present study aimedto determine the breastfeeding self-efficacy and its relationship with the perceived stress and breastfeeding performance in mothers with late preterm infants. MethodsIn this prospective study, 171 nursing mothers with late preterm infants born in Alzahra Medical Center of Tabriz, Iran, who met the conditions of this study were selected through convenience sampling. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES- SF) was employed to measure breastfeeding self-efficacy and 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14) was used to measure the perceived stress during 24 hours after giving birth and when the child was 4 months old the breastfeeding performance was measured by the standard breastfeeding performance questionnaire. The data were analyzed by Pearson and Spearman’s correlation tests, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Multiple Linear Regression.ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) of breastfeeding self-efficacy equaled 50.0 (7.8) from the scores ranging between13-65 and the mean (standard deviation) of the perceived stress equaled to 26.5 (8.8) from the scores ranging between 0-56. The median (25-75 percentiles) of breastfeeding performance score in the mothers equaled 2.0 (1.0 to 3.0) from the scores ranging between 0-6. On the basis of multiple linear regression and through adjusting the personal-social characteristic, by increasing the score of the breastfeeding self-efficacy, the perceived stress was decreased to a statistically significant amount (B=-0.1, 95%CI=-0.3 to 0.0), however, there was no statistically significant relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding performance (p=0.418). ConclusionDue to the modifiable variability of breastfeeding self-efficacy and its role in perceived maternal stress, the development of appropriate strategies to further increase breastfeeding self-efficacy and provide more support to these mothers and infants is of particular importance.
Effects of season of birth and meteorological parameters on serum bilirubin levels during the early neonatal period: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Iijima Shigeo , Baba Toru , Kondo Miyuki , Fujita Tomoka , Ohishi Akira
Published: October 2020

Background: Neonatal jaundice can be influenced by many factors. Several studies have suggested that the severity of neonatal jaundice may vary with the season, but conclusive data on this issue are currently lacking. The aim of the present study was to establish whether serum bilirubin levels vary in healthy term neonates according to seasonal variation and meteorological factors.Methods: We retrospectively studied 3,344 healthy term neonates born between 2013 and 2018. Using the capillary technique, total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were measured on the fourth day after birth. The monthly and seasonal variations in TSB levels and clinical and meteorological effects on TSB levels were assessed.Results: In the enrolled neonates, the median gestational age was 39.4 weeks, median birthweight was 3,025 g, and median TSB level was 195 µmol/L. The TSB level peaked in December and was the lowest in July, but the variation was not statistically significant. The TSB level was significantly higher in the cold season (October to March) than in the warm season (April to September; p=0.01). Comparing the seasonal differences according to sex, TSB levels were significantly higher in the cold season in male infants (p=0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed in female infants. In only the male population did a weakly negative but significant association exist between TSB levels and daily mean air temperature (r=-0.07, p=0.007); in the female population, no significant correlation was found between TSB levels and meteorological parameters.Conclusions: Season of birth appears to be an etiological factor in neonatal jaundice, with an additional influence of sex. However, the contradictions observed in various studies highlight the need for further research on this topic.
Symptomatic Aortitis at Giant Cell Arteritis Diagnosis: A Prognostic Factor of Aortic Event.
Authors: Espitia Olivier , Blonz Gautier , Urbanski Geoffrey , Landron Cédric , Connault Jerome , Lavigne Christian , Roblot Pascal , Maillot Francois , Audemard Alexandra , Artifoni Mathieu , Durant Cecile , Guyomarch Beatrice , Hamidou Mohamed , Magnant Julie , Agard Christian
Published: October 2020

Background Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is frequently associated with aortic involvement that is likely to cause life-threatening structural complications (aneurysm, dissection). Few studies have investigated the occurrence of these complications and no predictive factor has been identified so far. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the risk of aortic complications in a cohort of GCA aortitis.Methods Data of all patients managed with aortitis (CT or 18 FDG PET) at the diagnosis of GCA in five hospitals from May 1998 and April 2019 were retrospectively collected. Clinical features were compared according to the presence of aortitis symptoms. The predictive factors of occurrence or aggravation of aortic structural abnormalities were investigated. Results One hundred and seventy-one patients with GCA aortitis were included; 55 patients (32 %) had symptoms of aortitis (dorsal/lumbar/abdominal pain, aortic insufficiency) at diagnosis. The median follow-up was 38 months. Aortic complications occurred after a median time of 32 months. There were 19 new aortic aneurysms or complications of aneurysm, and 5 dissections. Survival without aortic complication was significantly different between the symptomatic and non-symptomatic groups (Log rank, p=0.0003). In multivariate analysis the presence of aortitis symptoms at diagnosis (HR 15.1 [1.4; 158.1] p=0.02) was a predictive factor associated with the occurrence of aortic complications. Conclusion In this study, the presence of aortitis symptoms at the diagnosis of GCA aortitis was an independent predictive factor of occurrence of aortic complications during follow-up.
Increased Potential of Bone Formation With Intravenous Injection of Parathyroid Hormone-minicircle DNA Vector 
Authors: Kim Jang-Woon , Park Narae , Kang Jaewoo , Kim Yena , Jung Hyerin , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: October 2020

Background: Osteoporosis is usually treated with long-term usage of anti-osteoporotic agents. However, poor drug compliance and emerging side effects sometimes are limitations for the treatment of osteoporosis. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is needed for normal bone formation and remodeling. We attempted a new method using minicircle vectors (mc) encoding PTHrP analogs. Methods: We generated mc encoding the infusion of PTHrP 1-34 with 107-139 (mc 1-34+107-139). Ovariectomized (OVX) model was induced in 12-week-old C57BL/6 female mice. mc 1-34+107-139 was administered three times weekly via intravenous injections. Results: mc 1-34+107-139 significantly increased bone formation compared with the OVX group and decreased the bone resorption. PTHrP mc DNA vector was effective in increasing the quality of trabecular bone structure. Conclusions: These results provide experimental evidence for the therapeutic potential of minicircle DNA vectors in OVX model. This study is a first attempted proof-of-concept gene therapy using minicircle vectors for the treatment of osteoporosis.